PRISONER OF ZENDA
Q: 01. The
Prisoner of Zenda is a novel of adventure. Discuss (2006)
Ans: Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins
has created a combination of adventure, melodrama
and romance in “The Prisoner of Zenda”.
Plot: The plot is based upon the
political challenges in an imaginary state of Ruritania, situated in Central Europe, for the throne and the
Princess which are caused by the death of King Rudolf IV.
Theme: The only and legal heir to the throne is Princess Flavia. Rudolf
Elphberg, the real son of king, is her fiancé. However, Black Michael, a son
from second and morganatic marriage of the late king, also wishes to get the
throne as he is far more popular than his brother Rudolf who had spent a big
time of his life abroad.
Story: Black Michael made a devilish and dangerous plan to drug Rudolf Elphberg and seize the throne for himself but Colonel Sapt, with the help of a
stranger and distant cousin of Elphbergs, Rudolf Rassendyll, an Englishman,
snatches away this chance from him. Black Michael’s men kidnap and imprison
King in the castle of Zenda. Both parties, though knowing the realities of each
other neither, do not dare to speak of the truth to defend their schemes i.e.
Black Michael’s scheme to kill
insensible king and take over the throne and King’s party to free the real King and place him at his rightful
place.
Q: 02. Anthony Hope has drawn a free vivid picture of
late 17th Century European people with Palace intrigues and unaware
subjects in his novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”. Discuss.
Ans: It is true that Anthony Hope has drawn a free
vivid picture of late 17th Century European people with vivid picture of palace intrigues and unaware
subjects in his novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”. Rudolf Rassendyll, a young
aristocratic goes on a tour to Ruritania, an imaginary state, and meets the future king in the forest of Zenda. The king invites him to supper, drinks too much
and gets unconscious thus both the loyal servants
of throne, persuade
him to impersonate due to
is resemblance with the king. This gives birth to all the incidents, adventures and flares with romantic touch to the novel.
Q: 03. How do we learn Rassendyll’s connection with the Elphbergs?
Ans: The Novel begins with the
description of a very rich family “The Rassendylls” in England. They are
artisans, the elder son of the family “Robert Rassendyll” is Lord of Burlesdon
and younger son, “Rudolf Rassendyll”, is highly educated, perfect speaker of
different languages, good shot and a competent swordsman. Rassendyll likes to
travel and adventure. More than two centuries ago, there had been a scandal in
the family, as during his stay in England, a young prince from the Elphbergs,
had developed illicit relationship with the Countess Amelia who belonged to “The Rassendylls”. It is due to the legacy of sin of the young prince that since
then, “The Rassendylls” always have sharp noses, blue eyes and red hairs like
the Elphbergs.
Q: 04. “You are nine and twenty and you have done nothing.” To whom does Lady Rose state and
what does she mean by the above remark? (2013-Com-Pvt)
Ans: Lady
Rose is addressing Rudolf Rassendyll in this statement. She is trying to
express the necessity of taking up
some permanent employment as he has turned twenty-nine and yet he is only interested in adventure, wandering and hunting.
Q: 05. Why does Rassendyll not want to do
any job?
Ans: Rudolf Rassendyll believes that a
person like him who belongs to a noble and rich family does not need to do any
job as he can lead a good life just depending upon the wealth that the
ancestors have left. So, if he is not in a need of a job then it will be like
an illogical burden on him.
Q: 06. Who persuades Rassendyll to impersonate the King of
Ruritania and why? (Sc-G-2024, Comm-2024) OR
Who persuades Rudolf Rassendyll to do a job and why does
he accept it?
Ans: Miss Rose, the sister-in-law to
Rudolf Rassendyll, insists him to do a job. He tries to convince her that he
doesn’t need a job due to his comfortable and luxurious life but she doesn’t
stop persuading him. When she doesn’t stop and discusses of the job that has to
start after six months, he thinks that by accepting it that might stop her from
this every now and then labour.
Q: 07. Who were Rassendyll’s friends
in Paris?
Ans: Rassendyll had mainly two friends
in Paris, George Featherly, who was rendering his services as a Diplomat in the
British Embassy in Paris and Bertrand Bertram, a poet and journalist who worked
with a London newspaper named Critic.
Q: 08. Where did Rassendyll stay when he reached Ruritania?
Ans: When Rudolf entered Ruritania to
attend new King’s Coronation Ceremony at Strelsau, he was informed that the
Coronation has been postponed. It seemed impossible to find any accommodation
in Strelsau so Rassendyll decided to stay at Zenda, a small town ten (10) miles
from the border and fifty (50) miles from the capital. He stayed in an Inn-Kept
owned by a woman who was future mother-in-law of Johann, the gamekeeper of
Black Michael at the state of
Strelsau.
Q: 09. What information did Rudolf receive
about the king at Inn-Kept and by whom?
Ans: The Inn-Kept where Rudolf
Rassendyll stayed at Zenda, was owned by a kind old woman. She lived in the Inn
with her two daughters and through their conversation Rassendyll came to know that King was in the forest of Zenda
on a hunting expedition. He also came to know about Black Michael who was the half-brother
of the King Rudolf and about the opinion of people to make Black Michael or Rudolf Elphberg next king.
Q: 10. Describe a few qualities of the character of Colonel Sapt OR Rudolf
Elphberg (Sc-2018) OR State three qualities of Rudolf Rassendyll. (2017-Com) OR
Q: Highlight some sterling qualities
of Rudolf Rassendyll as a Victorian
hero. (2015-Com) OR
Q: Rassendyll is the real King. Comment. (2014-Sc)
Q: Who deserves to be the king of
Ruritania more and why?
Q: Who deserved to be the King of Ruritania?
Elphberg or Rassendyll? State how. (Comm-2022) OR
Q: Who deserves to be the rightful King of Ruritania Elphberg or
Rassendyll? State with reasons
(2013-Com-Reg)
Ans: The quote “Before God, you are the
finest Elphberg of them all”, affirms that Rudolf Rassendyll is the real King.
He appears to be a typical hero of romance and adventure besides being brave,
gallant and man of upright character. He is such a person who possesses
multifarious qualities of heroism that put in him a spirit to experience
adventures. Sapt makes a quite worth admiring
decision by choosing
him to save the throne
of Ruritania because
Rassendyll fits
his decisions and never lets him down. He not only helps Sapt fully in the
restoration of the king but also remains anxious for his liberation. On the
other hand, he plays the role of king till his level best. He even sacrifices
his own desires and wishes to stand the dignity of his words. Since the
acceptance to impersonate the king to save throne till the end when he faces
the painful departure from his love “Princess Flavia” knowing that she will
marry Rudolf Elphberg for the sake of her country
and people, Rudolf
showed that every inch of him was made
of noble blood and he was brought up like a King.
Q: 11. What were the main differences between both Rudolf
Rassendyll and Rudolf Elphberg? OR
Q: Compare two Rudolf’s briefly. OR
Q: Give a comparison between Elphberg and Rassendyll. (2014-Sc)
Ans: Both the cousins resemble
physically but yet have differences like different mental approach, habits and traits.
1.
Rudolf Rassendyll is an English
Aristocrat whereas Elphberg
is a European Crown Prince.
2.
Rudolf Rassendyll is shrewd, straight
forward and proves discreet whereas
Rudolf Elphberg is indiscreet.
3.
Rudolf Rassendyll is silent and reserved
natured whereas Rudolf Elphberg
is careless and pleasure-seeking person.
4.
Rudolf Rassendyll is a brave, courageous, challenging and full of spirit of adventure
whereas Rudolf Elphberg is weak, unchallenging and a shallow person.
5.
Rudolf Rassendyll possesses the quality of
adaptability whereas Rudolf Elphberg lacks it.
6.
Rudolf Rassendyll possesses genius, active
mind and free heart whereas
Rudolf Elphberg has no
genius.
OR (PARAGRAPH FORMAT)
Ans: Legally Rudolf Rassendyll doesn’t
deserve to be the king as he is an Englishman, a foreigner in Ruritania and
doesn’t classify to be a King. However, he possesses inborn qualities of leadership which weigh heavily in his
favour. He is enterprising, accepts the responsibility to step into king’s
shoes and become the imposter. Rudolf Rassendyll is bold and courageous at the
same time.
Rudolf Elphberg
is easy going, careless and lacks in leadership qualities as he loves wine, women and music. He takes kingship rather
lightly. His conduct is most unbecoming for a king which makes him undeserving
to be a king.
Q: 12. Do you consider Rudolf
Elphberg the best king of Ruritania? Justify your answer with reason. (2011- Com-Reg)
Ans: No, He wasn’t a better choice to
be a King as the Throne was totally endangered by his careless attitude. It was
sheer chance for Black Michael to capture the throne. Rudolf Elphberg being the
heir to the throne of Ruritania has the right to be King, though he lacks the
qualities of a King. He is easy going, careless and lacks in leadership
qualities as he loves wine, women and music. He also drank wine gifted by his
wicked brother though it is well known that Black Michael intends
to get the access to the throne and wants to marry Princess Flavia but Elphberg
doesn’t
care about all these facts. He takes kingship rather lightly and his conduct is
most unbecoming for a king which makes him undeserving to be a king.
Q: 13. What was the importance
of the first meeting of the hero with the King Rudolf and his most loyal
attendants? OR
Q: How and where do the two Rudolfs meet first time? (2017-Com)
Q: Narrate the first meeting
that took place between Rudolf
Rassendyll and Rudolf Elphberg. (2011- Supplementary)
Ans: The first chance meeting of the
hero with the king (both Rudolfs) and his most loyal attendants was of vital
and significant importance in the novel. They met in a forest near Zenda just a day before
the coronation. This was a meeting
which shocked King Rudolf because he saw a person who resembled him very
much. The king was amused to know distant relation with Rassendyll and took him
to an informal supper where they ate and drank together with some delightful
conversation. There King Rudolf drank a rare old wine gifted by Michael which
was actually drugged. Hadn’t Rudolf
Rassendyll met them all, Black Michael would surely have had captured the
throne in absence of the King Elphberg.
Q: 14. Discuss the points of resemblances between
both Rudolfs.
Ans: The writer has created
artistically amazing resemblances between the Rudolfs. Both have similar
physical features i.e. red hair and long straight noses. Moreover, both have
same stature and built i.e. Rassendyll 6 feet and 2 inches and Elphberg being
half inch shorter. They are distant relatives so it’s like hide one and bring
forth the other in order to convince the people that he was the real one.
Q: 15. What part does the Castle
of Zenda play in
the novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”?
Ans: The Castle of Zenda plays a very
significant and important role in the novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”. In fact, the title
says it all because the real adventure, thrill and action begins
when the king, Rudolf Elphberg, is imprisoned in the castle of
Zenda and Rudolf Rassendyll, Colonel Sapt and
their faithful companions struggle to free the king by attempting and attacking
Castel again and again till they succeed.
Q: 16. What do you understand by morganatic marriage with
particular reference to “The Prisoner of Zenda”? (Sc-PM-2024) OR
What
is “Morganatic Marriage”? Why could Black Michael not qualify to be the King of
Ruritania? (Sc-G-2024) OR
Describe morganatic marriage
with particular reference to the Prisoner of Zenda. (2013-Com-Reg)
Ans: In European royalty, a marriage in
which the spouse, belonging to lower rank, nor any children, have any claim to
the possessions or tile of the spouse of higher rank is termed as morganatic
marriage. Black Michael is the elder / half-brother of King Rudolf Elphberg. He
is a child from a morganatic marriage of the late king.
Q: 17. Why was Michael not entitled to become the King
of Ruritania?(2025-Science) OR
Why is Black Michael not regarded as a
suitable person to be the king of Ruritania? OR
Why was
Michael not selected as the king of Ruritania? (Sc-2019)
Ans: To be King, one should be morally upright
and noble in character which Black Michael lacks. Black Michael is elder brother
of Rudolf Elphberg. He is the late king’s
son through a morganatic marriage. Since he is not from the royal family,
he could not become King of
Ruritania. Apart this reason, he isn’t regarded as a suitable person to become
King because he is a villain, mean,
coward, crafty and has devilish nature. Hence, such a person is most unsuitable to be King. His friendship and contacts
with criminals and ruffians also make him unsuitable for the kingship.
Q: 18. Describe the careless
attitude of King Elphberg. (Comm-2024) OR
How does King’s weakness put him
in danger? OR
How much was the throne endangered by the careless attitude of the real
king- Rudolf Elphberg?
Ans: Rudolf Elphberg was addicted to
drink so his brother Black Michael sent him a drugged wine bottle which he
drank and became unconscious. The Throne was totally endangered by the careless
attitude of the real king. His brother “Black
Michael” had a plan to exploit his drinking habit, kidnap and kill the king to
take over the throne and get married to Princess Flavia and King’s weakness had
made it possible for Black Michael to take advantage and carry on with his plan. One of the most
significant signs of Elphberg’s careless attitude is that he doesn’t hesitate
in getting drunk just a day before his coronation.
In shortly, it
is all because of his carelessness that Black Michael got a chance to carry
with his conspiracy.
Q: 19. What plan did Duke Michael make to prevent King Rudolf Elphberg
from attending the coronation?
Ans: Black Michael is determined to
ascend to the throne of Ruritania by hook or by crook. He hatches a plan to
prevent Rudolf Elphberg from attending his coronation. He knows that Rudolf
Elphberg is a careless, happy go lucky sort of fellow who loves alcohol and
hunting expedites etc. So, he invites him to his state “Zenda” for hunting
expedition. After dinner at the shooting lodge, king consumes drugged wine sent
by Black Michael and becomes unconscious.
Q: 20. Why did Michael get his stepbrother
kidnapped? (Comm-2022) OR
Why did Black Michael kidnap the king?
Ans: Black
Michael wanted to be in King’s shoes. He wanted to get rid of Rudolf Elphberg.
He kidnapped the king so that he could disgrace him in front of his subjects
and people of Ruritania for being a drunkard. He wanted to destroy the
reputation of Rudolf Elphberg and to prove that he was ineligible to become
king and proving himself more capable of being a king.
Q: 21. Duke
Michael in spite of all-out efforts could not become the king of Ruritania. Why? OR
Q: Why could Duke Michael not succeed in his conspiracy to become the
King of Ruritania?
Ans: Duke Michael couldn’t succeed in
his evil intentions and conspiracy to become the king of Ruritania in spite of
all out efforts because luck favoured Rudolf Elphberg and sent Rudolf
Rassendyll to impersonate him. He resembled the real king and as the loyal
servants of King were aware of Black Michael’s evil nature and intrigues, they
compelled and convinced Rassendyll to impersonate the king. It was bad luck on
Michael’s part and the coronation along with all rituals took place smoothly.
Q: 22. Why did
Black Michael not kill the King?
Ans: Rassendyll’s impersonation plays a
major part in saving the life of real king. If Black Michael had killed Rudolf
Elphberg, then it was impossible for him to prove Rudolf Rassendyll as an imposter. Therefore, to keep his own
guilt and crime secret, he is forced to keep Rudolf Elphberg alive
and not to kill him. It is also
due to this reason that he puts his all efforts
in killing Rudolf Rassendyll
first and then to get rid of the real King.
Q: 23. How does Rassendyll respond when he is asked to impersonate
the king? (Sc-PM-2024) OR
What were circumstances which
compelled Rassendyll to impersonate the king in coronation ceremony?
(Comm-2023) OR
Why was Rudolf Rassendyll reluctant to impersonate the King Elphberg?
Ans: When Colonel Sapt and Fritz offered Rudolf
Rassendyll to impersonate the king, he became reluctant and confused. He was not
ready to take the risk in a foreign country whose people, culture and routines
are unfamiliar to him. He suggested calling a doctor who can bring the king to
consciousness. Col Sapt told him that hundred doctors will not be able to take
the King to Strelsau. At first, he resisted but the devotion and sincerity of
Colonel Sapt compelled him to accept the challenge and impersonate the king.
Q: 24. Who persuades Rassendyll
to impersonate the King of Ruritania and why? (Sc-G-2024, Comm-2024) OR
How does Colonel Sapt convince
Rudolf Rassendyll to play the role of the king for the coronation ceremony? (2012-Com-Pvt)
Ans: Colonel Sapt persuades Rassendyll
to impersonate the king because he knows quite well that Black Michael will
seize the throne. On the morning of Coronation, when King’s loyal attendants,
Colonel Sapt and Fritz, found him insensible and utterly unable to attend his
own coronation, Sapt initiates a plan of impersonation in the coronation
ceremony. Colonel Sapt decided to frustrate Michael’s plot by putting
Rassendyll on the throne until the real King was rescued. Colonel Sapt says
“Fate sent you here fate sends you now to Strelsau”. He breaks upon Rassendyll
that if the King did not keep his appointment today, he will either sleep in
jail or in his grave. He added that half of the Strelsau
is already in favour
of Michael and if the King failed to attend his coronation, then it
will be a piece of cake for Michael to capture the throne.
Q: 25. How and
why Rudolf Rassendyll was made the King of Ruritania? OR Q: What were the circumstances that led Rassendyll to impersonate the king? (2016-Com) Q: Why was Rassendyll forced
to impersonate the King of Ruritania? (2015-Sc) OR Q: What events led Rudolf Rassendyll to
act as the King of Ruritania? (2014-Com-Reg), (2012- Com-Pvt) OR
Q: Why does Rudolf Rassendyll disguise himself as
Rudolf Elphberg? (2010-Sc)
Ans: Rudolf Rassendyll resembled the king of Ruritania because of the common ancestry.
During his visit
to Ruritania to attend the coronation ceremony of Rudolf Elphberg, by chance, he met the king in the forest of Zenda.
King invited his cousin on an informal supper and consumed drugged wine sent by
Michael. As the wine was drugged, the King became insensible and Colonel Sapt
persuaded Rudolf Rassendyll to impersonate the king at the coronation and save
the throne from Michael’s devilish intentions.
Q: 26. Write important characteristics of Colonel Supt. (2025-Science) OR
What role does Colonel
Sapt play in the novel?
Q: Describe the efforts taken
by Col Sapt to save Ruritanian
Throne. (2015-Com) OR
Q: Give a brief description of the loyalty and wisdom of Colonel Sapt.
(2011-Com-Pvt) OR Q: Colonel Sapt is the real protector of the House of Elphberg. Justify
the statement. (2014, 2013-Sc)
Ans: Colonel Sapt has played a very
significant role in the novel. He is one of the most devoted followers and
personal attendant of the real king. He is a major character of novel “The
Prisoner of Zenda”, who prevents Ruritanian throne from the devilish plans of
conspirator. He is the most experienced, senior and intelligent character of
the novel that persuades Rassendyll to impersonate the king because he knows
quite well that Black Michael will seize the throne. On the morning of
Coronation, when King’s loyal attendants, Colonel Sapt and Fritz, found him
insensible and utterly unable to attend his own coronation, Colonel Sapt
decided to frustrate Michael’s plot by keeping Rassendyll on the throne until
the real King was rescued. He is the strongest man and a trusting advisor to
the king in the politics of Ruritania. He shows great valour on all events and
occasions. He supports Rassendyll as a mentor and guides him at every event and occasion. He not only serves the throne but also keeps Princess Flavia safe from the reach of Black Michael and reveals the
real story at the end of the novel to justify his actions to King and Princess.
Sapt is very loyal to the king and serves the throne with dedication and faith.
He is the real protector of the House of Elphberg.
Q: 27. How did Colonel Sapt prove his loyalty to the
King? (2025 – Science) OR
Give your
opinion on loyalty and wisdom of Colonel Sapt. (Comm-2023)
How did wise Sapt face the critical situation to save the throne when King Rudolf Elphberg had fainted by drinking
the drugged wine? OR
Q: How Colonel
Sapt frustrated Michael’s
plan to seize the throne
for himself? How Colonel Sapt
frustrated Michael’s plan to seize the throne for himself?
Ans: Col. Sapt was a very intelligent and experienced Army Officer and the personal body guard
of King Rudolf who had the duty to protect King and his throne. He proved his
loyalty and sharpness of mind in that critical situation when king got fainted
by drinking drugged wine sent by Black
Michael. He showed remarkable wisdom, presence of mind and quickly decided
to take advantage of Rassendyll’s resemblance with the King. He
convinced Rassendyll to impersonate the king at the coronation. They left the
king in shooting lodge and went for the coronation but later that night when
Colonel Sapt and Rudolf Rassendyll arrived back at the shooting lodge to fetch
back the King, they found him missing. King was kidnapped by Michael’s
followers known as “The Six”.
Rassendyll with help and guidance of Colonel Sapt, displayed great heroism and courage at the coronation and
consequently, the villain and traitor, Duke Michael failed to capture the
throne of Ruritania. Colonel Sapt decided to frustrate Michael’s plot by
keeping Rassendyll on the throne until the real King was rescued.
Q: 28. Who was Joseph and what had happened
to him?
Ans: Joseph was a faithful and loyal
servant of the king. He shaved off Rassendyll and helped Colonel Sapt and Fritz
to impersonate the King. Joseph was befooled as Michael sent drugged wine and
later to keep his crime secret, murdered him through men of “The Six” when they
attacked shooting lodge. His body was put in the cellar to confuse King’s party
of the dead body of King.
Q: 29. What was the first gallant and brave step of Rassendyll when he
was made an imposter of the king? OR
Q: How did Rassendyll get the first moral victory over Michael in the
dangerous game? OR
Q: When did Rassendyll strike first blow to Michael in the dangerous
game played on the surface of Ruritanian politics?
Ans: When Rassendyll was made an
imposter of the king and reached old Town, which was in the favour of Black
Michael, on his way to Cathedral on the Coronation Day, he went through without
any particular escort or security.
He took a very wise and bold step for king’s popularity and to build the trust
by showing his bravery that the King of Ruritania trusts his people. The people of the old city area got
surprised and were highly impressed by the courage and heroism of Rassendyll
who felt no hesitation at all in riding through the danger zone without any
sign of fear or panic. This bold step won him first moral victory over Michael
as well.
Q: 30. Give an account of the Coronation Ceremony with reference to Rudolf Rassendyll’s behaviour. (2015-Sc) OR
Q: How does Rudolf Rassendyll behave as the king
when he takes part in the procession before the coronation? (2013-Com-Pvt)
Ans: Rudolf Rassendyll after reaching
Strelsau and being welcomed by the
dignitaries including Marshal Strakencz, Commander-In-Chief of Ruritanian Army; Chancellor of the Kingdom Ruritania, a group of officers of the
Royal Court, reached “Old Town” which was in the favour of Black Michael, on his way to Cathedral on the coronation day.
Here he takes a very wise and bold step for king’s popularity and to build
trust by showing that the King of Ruritania trusts his people. Rassendyll felt no hesitation at all in
riding through the danger zone without any sign
of fear or panic rather responded to the cheers and calls of the people. Having
passed through the streets of the old and new city surrounded by gaily dressed
men and women, Rudolf and his procession reached Cathedral. He meets Princes
Flavia and Black Michael on reaching at cathedral. Black Michael shows outward
love in the presence of others yet confused and surprised on the unexpected
situation. He faced Black Michael very bravely and enjoyed his frustration of
seeing King keeping his commitment. He also embarrassed Princess Flavia, whom he
had fallen in love on her very first sight, and dealt with Cardinal and formal
processions quite well. He managed everything quite well and did more than he
was expected by Sapt and Fritz.
In Short,
Rassendyll’s behaviour was remarkable and praiseworthy in the Coronation
Ceremony and he never gave a hint to anyone including Princess Flavia that he
is an imposter to the real king. Rudolf Rassendyll went through Coronation
quite successfully.
Q: 31. Briefly
describe the processions of Coronation Ceremony of Rassendyll as the King of
Ruritania. OR
Q: Describe the Coronation Ceremony. (2016-Sc) OR
Q: Highlight the main features and events of Coronation Ceremony. (2013-Com-Reg)
Q: Describe any important incident of the novel Prisoner of Zenda. (2014-Sc)
Ans: For the Coronation ceremony of
King Rudolf Elphberg as the fifth (5th) King of Ruritania Rudolf
Rassendyll, accompanying Sapt and Fritz, arrives at the station on Coronation
Day morning (Wednesday). A large procession, consisting upon dignitaries,
brings the new king to the “Cathedral”, place of Coronation. In the procession a lot of people
gaily dressed lead the king and others shower the flowers over
him. The procession arrives at the Church, decorated with statues and pictures
where Rudolf meets with gorgeous Princess Flavia and falls in love. He also
meets well-dressed priests and Black Michael and many others who awaited there.
When Michael comes to meet him, he
showed outward love in the presence of others yet confused and surprised on the
unexpected situation. He is turned pale. The Cardinal rises to welcome him,
Rassendyll knells before the altar and the Cardinal anointed his head. Cardinal
sets the crown on his head; Rassendyll swears the oath and receives Holy
Sacrament. It is announced that Rudolf the fifth has been crowned as the King.
Princess Flavia was the first to come forward, courtesies low, takes his hand
and kisses it. He draws her near and kisses her cheeks. Cardinal follows
Princess Flavia and presents letter from Pope to the King followed by Black
Michael who pays his respect to the King, though is pale, and then the
ambassadors pay their respect. Ceremony lasts for an hour and then the
procession moves to the palace from the same streets through which they had come to the Cathedral.
Q: 32. What was the attitude of Black Michael towards
Rassendyll in the coronation ceremony? (2025 – Science) OR
What was the attitude
of Michael to Rassendyll during
the coronation?
Ans: When Rassendyll unexpectedly reached at Cathedral on the coronation day,
Black Michael, the villain, got
stunned to see him there. His full-blooded red cheeks went pale all in a moment
and his helmet fell with a clatter on the floor. When the king was crowned and
Black Michael went to meet him, Duke’s lips became dry and parched, his face
became patched with red and white, his steps trembled and he looked to the
right and left, as a man who was thinking of flight while his hands shook the
hand of King.
Q: 33. Compare
and contrast the characters of Rudolf Rassendyll and Rudolf Elphberg.
(Sc-PM-2024) OR
Compare and contrast the
characters Rudolf Elphberg and Black Michael. (2010- Com)
Ans: Rudolf Elphberg
being the heir to the throne of Ruritania has the right to
be King though he lacks the qualities necessary for a King. He is easy
going, careless and lacks in leadership qualities. He loves wine, women and music and takes kingship rather
lightly. His conduct is most unbecoming for a king and makes him undeserving to
be a king whereas Black Michael, also known as Duke of Strelsau is the half-brother
of Rudolf Elphberg but he isn’t a legal heir to the throne. He appears to be a
traditional villain of the novel who is the owner of the Castle of Zenda and the surrounding state, still his thrust for power and throne doesn’t
quench. He drugged the king
in order to seize throne in his absence. There is no love in Black Michael’s
heart for anyone and this is the reason why even his most trusted followers
have no regard or respect for him.
Q: 34. What is the character of
Black Michael in the novel? OR
Q: Black Michael is a detestable
character. Discuss. (2017-Sc,
2013-Sc) OR
Q: What were the characteristics
that made black Michael an outright villain? (2015- Com)
Q: Write down the chief negative qualities of Black Michael. OR
Q: “Black Michael was a clever conspirator
but a coward.” Discuss. (2015, 2011-Com) OR
Q: Who is the villain in the novel
“Prisoner of Zenda” and why? (2014-Com-Pvt)
Ans: Black Michael,
also known as Duke of Strelsau, is the half-brother of the King Rudolf
Elphberg but he isn’t a legal heir to the throne. He appears to be a
traditional villain of the novel who is the owner of the Castle of Zenda and
the surrounding state, still his thrust for power and throne doesn’t
quench. He drugged
the king in order to seize the throne in his absence
but unfortunately Colonel
Sapt snatches away this chance from
him by presenting an imposter. He is
an intriguer and schemer and makes
every possible effort
to remove the imposter, marry Princess Flavia and become king himself. He even uses his beloved
Madam De Mauban
for his own purposes by promising to marry her. Though love can turn
even a cheater but it has no authority on him. No one cares for him either due
to his evil nature.
In short, Black
Michael is all evil, selfish and unreliable character and being the villain of
the novel, he has no good quality. Consequently, he has no true friend. He
never cares for blood relations not even for his love. Therefore, nature repays
him in the same coin and at the end of Novel, is betrayed by his own love and
followers like Johann and Rupert of Hentzau. At the least, he is killed by one of his own men “Rupert of Hentzau”.
Q: 35. Who are 'The Six'? What role do they play? (Science
– PM -2025) OR
What
was the purpose of the gang of “The Six”? (Comm-2022, Sc-2019) OR
Why did Black Michael hire “The Six” (Sc-G-2024, Sc-2018)
Ans: “The Six” are resolute and
unscrupulous gentlemen in the service of the Duke of Strelsau. Three are
Ruritanians and other three are foreigners. De Gautet is French, Bersonin is
Belgian and Detchard is English. The three who are Ruritanians include
Lauengram, Krafstein and Rupert of
Hentzau. Rupert of Hentzau is by far the most daring and dangerous of all. “The
Six” play devilish part in well knitted plot of Black Michael. Three of them
are always on guard with the strict instruction of Black Michael to murder the
king and throw his body in moat if any attempt to rescue him is made by the
King’s men and other three are always looking to grab a chance to kill Rudolf
Rassendyll. Rupert of Hentzau is the one who remains alive at the end of the novel as rest are killed by Rudolf Rassendyll and Fritz party during the final resort to retrieve the king
from castle of Zenda.
Q: 36. Who was the Prisoner
of Zenda? Why was he imprisoned? (2014-Sc/Com, 2013-Sc) OR
Q: Who played the role of prisoner in the
novel and how was
he rescued? (2010- Com)
Ans: Rudolf Elphberg has played the
role of the prisoner of Zenda. He liked to spend a care-free life, used to
drink a lot and busy in partying.
His brother Black Michael sent him a drugged wine bottle which he drank and got
unconscious. Colonel Sapt who knew the intentions of Michael had warned and tried to forbade him from
drinking yet he didn’t stop and thus fallen in the trap of Michael. Black Michael, who was a black hearted person like
his title, through his gang “The Six” kidnapped and imprisoned him to prevent
him from attending his coronation.
The King was
imprisoned in the older part of the castle of Zenda. All the members of “The
Six” had strict orders from Michael to them to hold on against all attacks and
if the attack gets pressing then Rupert or Detchard or anyone would pass into
the inner room and kill the king. Johann leaked out the King’s exact position
in the castle when he was captured and forced to reveal what he knew and at
last King was rescued with the help of Madam De Mauban.
Q: 37. Who is more devilish Black Michael or Rupert of Hentzau?
Ans: “A villain is an engineer of his
own catastrophe”, both of the characters, Black Michael as well as Rupert of
Hentzau are hateful, scoundrels and detestable by character and nature. Black
Michael is more devilish because of his mean, heartless, evil, crafty and
vindictive but coward and clever. He is fully aware of the love and
relationship of his brother, Rudolf Elphberg, with Princess Flavia, yet he
desires to take his chances on her. He, due to his evil nature, hatched a plan
to murder King Rudolf and for that purpose he kidnapped and imprisoned him in
the castle of Zenda.
Rupert of
Hentzau has the touch of the devil. He is bold and courageous but is all about
money and fame that is why he assists
Michael in his plans. He is fond of
Madam De Mauban. Rupert is a
reckless character who is sincere to none. Black Michael uses Rupert for his
purposes and doesn’t care for his intentions towards Madam De Mauban which
leads in an argument between them and Rupert of Hentzau kills Black Michael.
Q: 38. Rupert
is a dashing daredevil. Comment. (2017-Sc)
Ans: Rupert of Hentzau has the touch of
the devil. He is posed as the most dangerous of all of Michael’s men in the
novel. He is bold and courageous and a real threat to Rudolf Rassendyll and his party. Even his master Black
Michael fears his skills and attitude. In the novel his daring attempts and
attacks on Rassendyll’s life show that he is brave and dangerous. He attacked
Rassendyll in presence of many men, got successful in injuring him and escaped.
He is fond of Madam De Mauban and desires for her. Rupert is a reckless
character who is sincere to none but to himself. He even has the courage to
suggest to Rassendyll to let the real king, Sapt and Fritz die, to marry Flavia
and rule Ruritania whereas he himself will kill Black Michael and win Madam De
Mauban. His intentions toward Madam De Mauban lead in an argument and later the
death of Black Michael. At the end he gives a strong fight to Rudolf
Rassendyll. All these facts from the novel “Prisoner of Zenda” prove that
Rupert is a dashing dare-devil.
Q: 39. What part does
Madam de Mauban play in the novel? (2025-Science) OR
What role did Madam De Mauban play in the novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”?
(2014-Com-Reg) OR
Q: Madam de Mauban played a magnificent role in the novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”.
Comment. (2011-Com-Reg) OR
Q: Why does Madam de Mauban not cooperate with Black Michael
against Rudolf Rassendyll? (2011-Com-Pvt)
Ans: Antoinette De Mauban is one of the major and significant characters of the novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”. She is a widow of above thirty (30) years with very charming and attractive personality. She appears to be
rich, handsome, according to repute and ambitious French lady. She is
fashionable and is much talked in the fashionable society of Paris but is
reserved and doesn’t let anybody come to interaction easily with her. She deeply
loves Black Michael.
Rudolf
Rassendyll meets her on the railway platform
of Paris from where they travel in
the same train till Ruritanian border. Despite being a part of Michael’s plans,
she remains a noble lady who wishes
nothing but the love of her lover. She proves to be a very helpful character in
the restoration and rescue of the king. She gives valuable information about
the king for the first time, leaks out the real intentions of Black Michael and
warns both Rudolf Rassendyll to not to trust him ever and later on warns Flavia
through a letter signed as ‘A’ in the last attempt of rescuing the king, she
acts as a part of Rassendyll’s party.
Q: 40. Why did Madam De Mauban not want Black Michael to ascend to the throne? (2017-Sc) OR
Q: Why did Madam De Mauban help Rassendyll? (2016-Sc) OR
Q: Why does Madame de Mauban help Rudolf Rassendyll? (2012-Com-Pvt)
Q: Why and how did Antoinette De Mauban
help Rudolf Rassendyll? (2014-Com-Reg)
Ans: Antoinette De Mauban loved Black Michael
but Michael was a cunning
person. He was using her for his purposes i.e.
trapping the imposter of the king, getting access to the throne and getting
married with Princess Flavia. When she learned about Black Michael’s devilish
thinking to desert her and marry Princess Flavia,
in order to stop him, she betrays
Black Michael and helps Rudolf Rassendyll instead. She
gave away very important information about King’s exact place in the Castle of
Zenda and went till her limits to help Rudolf Rassendyll to rescue the real king.
Q: 41. What
does the tea table incident reveal about Antoniette De Mauban’s character? (Sc-2018)
OR
Why did Lady
Mauban want to shatter the plan of Duke Michael to get the throne of Ruritania?
(Comm-2024) OR
Why did Madam De Mauban turn against Black
Michael? (2017-Supp, 2015-Com) OR
Q: Did Madam De Mauban betray
Michael rightly? Comment
with reasons. (2014-Sc)
OR
Q: Why and how
did Madam Mauban betray Black Michael? (2012-Com-Pvt)
Ans: Madam De Mauban was madly in love
with Black Michael and
wanted to marry him but he
had no such
interest in her. When Madam comes to know that Michael isn’t sincere to her
rather using only and wants to marry Princess Flavia, she betrays him to keep
him to herself. She couldn’t tolerate Michael’s cheating and changes her attitude as she clearly understands now that Kingship of Black Michael will be the
death of her dreams to marry him and to become queen.
Q: 42. Who wrote the letter
received by Rassendyll signed “A”? What was the importance of the letter
written by De Mauban to Rassendyll?
Q: Why does lady Mauban write letter to Rassendyll? (2017-Com) OR
Q: Who invited Rudolf Rassendyll to the Summer House and How? (Supp-2011)
Ans: One day a letter signed “A”
arrives for the king. It was an invitation to apprise the king to meet a lady
at the Summer House all alone at midnight. Rassendyll presumed that the letter
was from Madam Antoinette De Mauban with the instructions to reach Summerhouse
situated at the end of the avenue. Madam De Mauban invited Rassendyll to her
Summerhouse under Black Michael’s direction. She knows reality of the imposter and whereabouts of real king at the Castle of Zenda. She discloses the real
plans of Michael and confesses that she
has understood the plans of
Michael and now wants to do what is right.
The letter had
much importance in the novel because Mauban shifted her sympathies from Michael
to the King as she didn’t want Michael to marry Princess Flavia in anyway and
on the other hand, she wanted to take revenge from Michael for his ignorance
and using her for his own purposes.
Q: 43. “Say I am Christian or
say I am jealous. My God! Shall I see him marry her?” Discuss the above
sentence with reference to novel ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’. (2011-Com- Reg)
Ans: The statement is a part of the event of Summerhouse. Madam De
Mauban has uttered these words when she met Rassendyll and disclosed the secret
of Castle of Zenda as well as Michael’s plan to kill Rudolf Rassendyll. She had
written a letter to Rudolf on Black Michael’s command to invite to summerhouse and to get him killed by Michael’s men.
The statement means that being a Christian her conscience doesn’t allow her to
do wrong or to side with those who are wrong. Moreover, as she loved Black
Michael and longs to marry, a jealousy grown for Princess Flavia as Michael had
intentions to desert her and marry Flavia. This had hurt Madam De Mauban and as
a result of the jealousy, she turns against Michael and disclosed his whole plan to Rudolf
Rassendyll.
Q: 44. “Madam De Mauban’s love made Rupert and Black Michael apart”,
discuss. OR
Q: Madam De Mauban
is responsible for the tragic
death of Black Michael. Do you agree? OR
Q: Why do Rupert and Michael
have a fight?
Ans: Rupert and Black Michael are
portrayed as rivals because both are attracted by Madam De Mauban. Rupert of Hentzau loved Madam De Mauban and
wanted to marry her whereas Madam De
Mauban loved Black Michael. Rupert entered in her room and tried to convince her to escape with him but she
screamed for help to Michael. Black Michael had an argument with Rupert of
Hentzau. Rupert, armed with a sword, stabbed Michael and killed him. In this
way Madam De Mauban is responsible for the tragic death of Black Michael.
Q: 45. Compare and contrast the characters of Princess Flavia
and Madam De Mauban.
(2014-Sc)
OR
Q: Compare and contrast two women characters in the novel “The Prisoner
of Zenda”. (2013-Com-Pvt)
Ans: Princess Flavia is the heroine of
the novel. She is the cousin and fiancée of Rudolf Elphberg. She is not only
beautiful but also intelligent to deal all her personal and state matters
wisely. She is a sensible lady who is also straight forward and sincere in her
love till her cores. She is fully conscious to her duties to the country,
though she loves Rassendyll but yet marries Rudolf Elphberg only to bring
joy and peace to her state
and people. Her beauty and sincerity have attracted Rudolf Rassendyll to love
her. Her dignity is reflected in her behaviour throughout the novel.
Madam De Mauban
is a widow, rich and gorgeous who is visiting Ruritania on the invitation of
Black Michael. She is very ambitious and is not interested in the politics. She
has come to Ruritania to win Black Michael’s love. She is jealous by nature and
feels jealousy towards Princess Flavia when she comes to know that Black
Michael intends to marry her. She is very sympathetic by nature and the
servants of Castle of Zenda give her high regards due to her sympathy towards
them. She is a noble woman who is open-hearted and generous. She is an
attractive woman and her attraction has got attention of many men including
Rupert of Hentzau who turns against his master because of her love.
Q: 46. Why could
Black Michael not expose the true identity
of the imposter?
Ans: Black Michael could not expose
Rudolf Rassendyll, the imposter, as it would have got himself into trouble.
Col. Sapt and Fritz would have exposed his foul-play. Although Black Michael knew who the imposter is, yet he couldn’t expose him for his cowardly
nature.
Throughout the
novel, though, both the sides showed much enmity for each other, still Black
Michael and his followers can’t expose the imposter king. If they did so, they
would have to reveal their own grave crime and this may cause the failure of
their treacherous schemes.
Q: 47. Pinpoint
the virtues of Princess Flavia (Sc-2018) OR
Describe few
characteristics of Princess Flavia which make her an ideal heroine of the
novel. (Comm-2023) OR
Who is the Heroine of the novel “The
Prisoner of Zenda”? Describe three qualities
of her character. (2017-Supply)
Q: Throw light on three dominant characteristics of Princess Flavia. (2017-Com) OR
Princess Flavia’s character is a reflection of virtue and goodness.
Discuss. (2016-Sc), (2011- Com-Pvt) OR
Q: Princess Flavia is an intelligent and romantic character. Do you
agree with the statement? OR
Q: Whom do you consider
the most lovable and sympathetic character in the novel “The
Prisoner of Zenda?” Give reasons. (2010-Com) OR
Q: Describe some of the appealing qualities of Princess Flavia (2014-Sc)
Q: Princess Flavia
is an ideal heroine and the symbol
of love, beauty
and nobility. Comment. (2010-Com)
Ans: Princess Flavia is not at all
portrayed by the author as a mere showpiece in the novel but an extra
dedicated, sincere and sensible type of young lady. She is a perfect epitome of
love, loyalty, beauty, elegance,
sincerity, patriotism, honour and sacrifice. The colour of romance, infatuation
and love begins to broaden its spectrum when a ball is arranged for the
imposter of the king and
Princess Flavia. Rassendyll tries to
appear to be wowing her and this causes him fall
in love with her. She is loyal to her country, knows her duties well and
performs them with all her sincerity
and honesty. She regards the feelings and expectations of the people of her
state more important than her own love. She is the cousin of the King of
Ruritania who is an ideal Princess coming out of the book of romance
as we read any literature of the world.
She confesses to Rassendyll that she
loved him more than her life but was determined to uphold her family honour and
the prestige of her homeland. In the end, her heart sustained a shock when she
came to know the shocking reality that the center of her love and devotion was not
the king but an English young man in the disguise of King Rudolf. This noble
and daring decision glorifies the character of Princess Flavia and earned her
great respect and love.
Q: 48. What is
a “Ball”? State its importance in the novel. (2025
– Science) OR
Give an account
of the Ball given for Princess Flavia
at the conclusion of which Rassendyll decided to rescue the
king. OR
Q: Describe the importance of Ball. (2017-Sc) OR
Q: What was the plan behind arranging the ball? By whom was it proposed? (2015-Com) OR Q: What is a “Ball”? State its
importance in novel. (2015-Sc)
Ans: Ball is a formal dance party.
Social dance forms a
large part of the evening;
actual ballroom dancing may or
may not occur. It refers to an occasion for gathering and celebrating. It also
includes gossip and romance that often occur at other celebrations, such as a
feast.
People of
Ruritania loved Princess Flavia and wanted the king to marry her as soon as
possible but, in the circumstances, it was not possible. The situation was
getting worse and the people had started to feel that the King doesn’t want to
marry Princess Flavia rather wanted to be on throne only. One day Sapt brought
the news of dissatisfaction and unease regarding king’s behaviour with Flavia
and advised Rassendyll to give a ball for the princess as the requirement of
the situation. The ball was very splendid and Rassendyll opened it by dancing
with Flavia. Rudolf played his part very cleverly and made his position even
stronger in the eyes of people. People looked at them with curiosity and
whispered. Then they went to supper and Rassendyll put a garland around
Flavia’s neck. Rassendyll then confessed his love to Flavia and Flavia replied
in the same. Before Rassendyll could reveal his true identity,
Sapt arrived to prevent him. The ball
came to an end and Rassendyll decided
to rescue the king without any further delay. The purpose of the ball was successfully achieved and people
regained their faith in king.
Q: 49. What had prevented
Rudolf Rassendyll from going on
the wrong track?
Ans: Rassendyll was a gentleman and a
man of honour. He had fallen in love with Princess Flavia on their very first
meeting but his integrity, honour and strong values had prevented him from
doing what his emotions and heart desired. He had no desire for the position he
held nor had any intentions to keep
it for him. He loved Princess Flavia and was going through an agony to keep
himself detached from Princess. He planned to rescue the King as soon as
possible before his emotions might overcome him and control is lost forcing him
to decide something that might ruin the efforts.
Q: 50. How did Rassendyll manage to escape from the Summer
House? (Sc-2019) OR
Describe the Summer House incident in brief. (2025-Sc) OR
Describe
the incident of Summer House. (Comm-2022) OR
How does the tea-table incident turn the table of Michael’s plans? OR
How did Rudolf Rassendyll defend himself in the summer
house? (Comm-2024, 2017-Sc) OR
Q: Describe the tea table incident. (2017-Com) OR Q: Describe the incident of the attack
on Summer House. (2016-Com) OR
Q: How did Rassendyll manage to escape from the summerhouse safe and
sound where he had been trapped by the three villains? OR
Q: Which incident did you
enjoy most in the novel “Prisoner of Zenda”? (2016-Sc) OR
Q: Comment on Summer House incident in the novel
“Prisoner of Zenda”.
(2014-Com-Pvt) OR
Q: Comment briefly on the tea-table incident in the novel, “The
Prisoner of Zenda”. (2012- Com-Pvt)
Ans: Duke of Strelsau, Black Michael
wanted to get rid of Rassendyll as the real king had already been kidnapped and
kept in his castle and for that purpose, he deputed three professional killers
to kill him at the summerhouse. Madam De Mauban invited Rassendyll to her
summerhouse through a letter under Black Michael’s direction and when
Rassendyll reached the summerhouse, she asked him to run for his life as the
three foreigners of Michael’s Six were about to arrive at the scene. She told
him about Black Michael’s plan to get rid of him by all means, seize the throne
and marry princess Flavia. She told him that to fail Michael’s men she has made
arrangements to help him flee. Rassendyll got trapped in Michael’s plan as his
men approached and blocked his way out. Michael’s men offer a large
bribe as well as safe conduct
to the frontier but she forbids him as they had clear orders to kill
him.
Rudolf
Rassendyll uses his head, pretends that he agrees and made a quick plan to use
iron- topped table as a shield to protect
himself. As soon as the gate opened,
he hurled himself
on them with the tea-table
that caused all three of them to tumble down the stairs. One of them, Detchard, managed to come out
from under the table and tried to fire on Rassendyll but Rassendyll was safe behind the table. He rushed and
reached to the ladder, went up in a flash and fled from summerhouse to meet
Sapt who was waiting outside. This all turned the table of Michael’s plan.
Q: 51. What is the new use of
tea-table mentioned in the novel?
Ans: When Madam De Mauban invited
Rassendyll to her Summer House and disclosed Michael’s plan of killing him at
any cost, Rassendyll decided to use iron topped tea-table as a shield to remain
safe from gunshots of Michael’s men. When he opened the door, Michael’s three men fired at him but bullets merely
hit the table. He threw the table on them and they got caught up in it.
Rassendyll used the table as a shield and cover to protect himself from the
gunshots of Michael’s men and returned safely to the palace.
Q: 52. Write the selfishness and
self-sacrifice of Rudolf Rassendyll. (2010-Com)
Ans: Rudolf Rassendyll is an
Englishman, a foreigner in Ruritania and doesn’t classify to be a King though he shares same ancestry with
Elphbergs and possess inborn qualities of leadership which weigh heavily in his favour.
He accepts the responsibility to step into the king’s shoes
becomes the imposter of King and plays that role admirably. Though he falls
deeply in love with Princess Flavia
yet he stands to his duties and makes his mind to do what is right.
At the end when he has to choose
between his love and love of his lover (Princess Flavia) he chooses
to sacrifice his own desire and lets his lover win.
Q: 53. What were the steps taken
by Rudolf Rassendyll for the liberation of Rudolf Elphberg? (2015-Sc)
Ans: Rassendyll has inborn qualities of
a king. He puts his own life at risk when he accepts to impersonate the king.
Every day being the imposter, he is at risk and to add he makes many attempts
to rescue the king. From the first gallant step in the old city before
coronation, facing Michael gangsters with courage and fighting till last fight
with Rupert in forest shows his bravery. He takes all possible chances to find
out the whereabouts of King in Zenda; puts his
own life at risk when he accepts Madam De Mauban’s invitation to visit
Summer House alone; scouting the Castle
of Zenda; meeting with Rupert in Tarlenheim where he got injured, capturing Johan to extract King’s location and
acting on the rescue plan clearly speaks about his steps for the liberation of
Rudolf Elphberg.
Q: 54. Describe the meeting
between Rassendyll and Rupert of Hentzau in the street of Zenda.
Ans: After the encounter of Black
Michael and Rassendyll’s men, in which two of Michael’s party men and four of
Rassendyll’s party men died, Rassendyll was wandering in the streets of Zenda
with Sapt and Flavia. When they reached near the castle of Zenda, they saw a
funeral procession of those who were killed last night and Rupert of Hentzau
rode behind in black clothes. A dialogue between Rassendyll and Rupert took
place in which Rassendyll admired the bravery of Rupert and Rupert suggested a
plan to attack on Castle boldly to rescue the king. Rupert assured that he will
kill Black Michael and, in that way, Rassendyll
will get the throne and he will get Madam De Mauban. Rassendyll didn’t like the
idea but Rupert proposed him to think about it and went back to his friends.
Rassendyll discussed the plan with Sapt and told them that he had seen many
wicked men but Rupert of Hentzau was unique.
Q: 55. How Rupert did seriously
injure Rassendyll in the presence of his friends at the Chateau De Tarlenheim?
Ans: When Rupert met Rassendyll on the
terrace of the Chateau De Tarlenheim, he gave an offer for Rassendyll from Black Michael of a million
crown and a safe conduct
to the frontier but
Rassendyll refused. When Rassendyll was mounting his horse after Rupert’s
visit, Rupert of Hentzau hurled a dagger towards him. Fortunately, Rassendyll
saw the flash of dagger blade in sunlight and quickly
moved his body away. As a result,
the dagger missed Rassendyll’s heart and pierced into his shoulder. Rupert escaped unharmed as
his horse darted into the forest with the rider followed by ineffective pistol
shots from Rassendyll’s men. Rassendyll was badly injured and it was a huge
shock for the king’s camp.
Q: 56. “I
have been bitten by a Mongrel dog”, discuss with reference of the novel “The
Prisoner of Zenda”.
Ans: The phrase
“Mongrel dog” means a
dog of mixed breed. This remark is a reference to Duke Michael’s
family back ground whose mother was a commoner though his father was king. He
doesn’t have blue blood and doesn’t belong to a royal family either. One of his
lawless murderers, Rupert of Hentzau, had wounded Rudolf Rassendyll from the
back. Michael paid a courtesy visit to inquire and get information about his
injury. Rassendyll makes this remark and in reply Black Michael looks angrily
at him and says, “The dog is very
dangerous Sir, it doesn’t spare anyone in the second bite.”
Q: 57. Who leaked the King’s
exact position of detention in the castle of Zenda? OR
Q: How was Johann
persuaded to work as an informer against
his master, Black Michael?
Ans: Johann was personal and
trustworthy servant of the Duke of Strelsau, Black Michael. He was the
gamekeeper at the state of Strelsau and lived with his master in the Castle of Zenda.
He was in love with one of the daughters of the Inn-Keeper at Zenda where
Rassendyll had stayed before his meeting with the real king and his attendants
and Coronation ceremony. Rassendyll took the advantage of love affair to
persuade Johann to work as an informer against his master Black Michael. Johann
was captured successfully when he came to meet his beloved out of Zenda. He was
persuaded and convinced to deliver information about the prisoner King by
threats and assurance that none of his family including he will be harmed if
Michael and his rotten followers were arrested in consequently. Johann agreed
to cooperate with king’s men for his own, his love and the safety of his family
in future.
Q: 58. What was Michael’s security
plan / arrangement regarding his conspiracy? OR
Q: What was Black Michael’s plan in case any attempt
was made to rescue the king?
(2014- Com-Reg)
Ans: Black Michael was a black hearted
person like his title. He was a great schemer so had appointed members of “The
Six” as vigilance team in the room where king was imprisoned. They had strict orders to hold on against
all attacks and if the attack gets pressing with feelings that they will not be
able to hold against the attackers then Rupert or Detchard or any one of them had to pass into the inner room and
kill the king. A large earthenware pipe specially made for this purpose
connected the room window with the moat. The killer will unlock the barred
window and the dead body should be pushed through pipe into the water of the
moat. Moreover, if necessary, they along with the duke would pass out through
the pipe and come back to attack the enemy from behind, who would thus fall
into a trap and will have no way to go.
Q: 59. What does the King’s party plan to
save King Elphberg and kill Duke Michael?
Ans: Colonel Sapt and his party wanted to use all efforts
to save the king by acting very carefully to restore the King to Ruritanian throne.
Rassendyll made an excellent plan with the help of information extracted from Johann.
They planned to enter the Castle with the help of De Mauban and Johann in the Castle.
According to the plan, next night at 2 AM Johann will open
the door of new
castle and Sapt will overpower servants with strong party of men. The same moment,
Madam De Mauban, acting upon Rassendyll’s letter, will scream for help as if
Rupert had forced her. Michael and
his men will run to help her and Sapt will capture him alive. The drawbridge will then be lowered making Rupert and De Gautet to rush across to see and to find out
about the fuss. Rassendyll, who is hiding in the moat with a small ladder, will
get onto the bridge and kill Rupert
and De Gautet. In this way he will
get the keys to the rooms
where King is kept to save and rescue him alive.
Q: 60. What was the exact position of the king in the
Castle of Zenda?
Ans: Johann told the exact position of
the King and told that the King was imprisoned in the older part of the Castle
of Zenda. The only way to approach that part
was the drawbridge and that indirect
mode of access formed only passage between the old building and the outer
world. The king was kept in a small room just by the drawbridge, a room with
one window close to the surface of the moat with entrance only from an inner
room. Members of “The Six” were always on guard in the outer room and had the
keys of King’s cellar.
Q: 61. Where was King
Rudolf imprisoned? By who was
he looked after? OR
Q: Where was the king imprisoned in castle of Zenda after being
kidnapped by Black Michael’s followers?
Ans: The King was imprisoned in the
older part of the castle of Zenda after being kidnapped by Michael’s followers.
Johann was Black Michael’s servant who leaked out the King’s exact position in
the castle when he was captured and forced to reveal what he knew. According to
his information, the king was imprisoned in a small room in the old castle just
by the drawbridge, a room with one window closer to the surface of the moat.
Four of Michael’s faithful followers from The Six” were ordered to keep an eye
on him and kill him in case of any attempt to rescue and throw his body through
pipe called “Jacob’s Ladder” into the moat.
Q: 62. What invention was given the name “Jacob’s
Ladder” by Rupert? What was its use?
Ans: Black Michael had affixed a great
earthenware pipe at the square window of the room where King was kept in the
Castle of Zenda. The pipe was wide enough for a body to pass through. It ended
immediately above the surface of the water in the moat, so that there was no
interval between pipe and water. If a body tied with weight was thrown through
the pipe, it would directly go to the
bottom of the moat without a splash, which was about twenty feet deep. Rupert
named this invention of Black Michael as Jacob’s ladder or Ladder of Jacob.
However, this ladder had taken the King not to heaven like the real Ladder of
Jacob but to the bottom on moat. He mentioned it to the King when the pipe was being fixed that being a king he
should not go by the common route.
Q:
63. How and by whom Duke Michael murdered? (2017-Supply) OR
Q:
Who did kill black Michael and why? (2016-Com) OR
Q:
Why did Rupert kill his own master? (2014-Com-Pvt) OR
Q: How did Black
Michael die in the novel?
Ans: Rupert is a reckless character who
is sincere to none but to himself. He is fond of Madam De Mauban and desires to
marry her whereas Madam De Mauban loved Black Michael. When Rupert showed his
intentions and asked her to come with him Madam De Mauban refused. His
intentions toward Madam De Mauban lead in an argument with Black Michael. In
the final course Rupert entered lady Mauban’s room and tried to molest her but
Madam De Mauban shouted and called Michael for help. Michael and his loyal
servants rush into the room and have a fight with Rupert of Hentzau.
Rupert armed with a sword,
fought, stabbed Michael
to death jumped in the moat and escaped. “Madam De Mauban’s love made Rupert and Black Michael apart”.
Q: 64. Describe Rupert’s escape
from Zenda and his last encounter with Rassendyll in the forest of Zenda.
Ans: Rupert Killed Michael and jumped
into the moat. Rassendyll followed him but could not gain as he was wounded.
Rupert got out of the moat and ran towards forest. In this chase Rassendyll got
into forest and though he was injured and tired, kept following Rupert. Soon he
caught sight of Rupert and challenged him in loud voice. Rupert laughed and
made fun of Rassendyll but didn’t stop. Rupert saw a farm girl with a horse
standing nearby and as Rassendyll was
reaching close, he snatched the horse from girl, got onto it and was about to
run, when Rassendyll challenged him again and forced him into an attack. In
return Rupert also attacked and made Rassendyll fall down, before Rupert could
crush Rassendyll, Fritz and Rupert exchanged fires. Rupert ran away and
vanished in the forest. If Fritz had not reached in time, Rassendyll would have
been killed by Rupert.
Q: 65. How was
the secret of Rudolf Rassendyll dawned upon Princess Flavia and what was her reaction?
Ans: Princess Flavia was informed that
the King got seriously injured in
the turmoil at Zenda on her way to
Castle of Zenda a farm girl disclosed that the King is lying unconscious in the
bushes in forest. It was the moment when Colonel Sapt had to reveal the real
identity of Rudolf Rassendyll. First there was wonder, then confusion in her
mind and at the end she realized that Rudolf Rassendyll was not the real king
and her fiancée.
Q: 66. How does Flavia sacrifice her love for the sake of her
duty towards the state of Ruritania? (Sc-G-2024) OR
How
did Prince Flavia prove herself loyal to her country and family? (Sc-2019) OR
“If Love were All, I could follow you in rags.” Discuss with reference
of the novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”. OR
How did Princess Flavia prove in the end of the novel that she wanted
to uphold honour and prestige of her homeland and family? OR
Q: Why does Princess
Flavia sacrifice her love to Rudolf Rassendyll?
Ans: Princess
Flavia made it clear to him that she would prefer to sacrifice her love for the
sake of honour and duty and said, “If Love
were All, I could follow you in rags.” These words were uttered by
Princess Flavia in the last meeting with Rudolf Rassendyll in the most tragic
episode of the novel. She comes to know the true identity of her lover, Rudolf
Rassendyll and the war of crown shatters her dreams. She has great love for her
country and people and by getting married to Rudolf Rassendyll; she would have
disappointed her countrymen and at the same time, had gone against the wishes
of the royal house of Elphbergs. This she doesn’t want to do. So, she gives up
her love for Rassendyll and says, “Honour
binds a woman too Rudolf. My honour lies in being true to my country and my
house (the royal house of Elphberg.”
Q: 67. How did Flavia react when she learned the real identity of Rassendyll?
(Comm-2023) OR
How does Princess Flavia react when she
comes to know the truth of the fake king?
Ans: In the end, Princess Flavia’s
heart sustained a shock when she came to know the shocking reality that the
center of her love and devotion was not the king but an English young man in
the disguise of King Rudolf. She reacts most naturally when she learns about
the identity of the fake king. She is in a state of shock as the bitter
truth is unbearable for her. Her nerves go out of control resulting in unconsciousness. She couldn’t bear the torture
of the reality and faints. At their
last meeting, she confessed to Rassendyll that she loved
him more than her life but was determined to uphold her family honour and the prestige of her homeland.
Moreover, she made it clear
to him that she would prefer to sacrifice her love for the sake of honour and
duty. This noble and daring decision glorifies the character of Princess Flavia
and earned her great respect and love of the readers.
Q: 68. Describe the last painful meeting between Flavia
and Rudolf Rassendyll.
Ans: The most tragic episode of the
novel “The Prisoner of Zenda” is the last meeting between Princess Flavia and Rudolf
Rassendyll. The war for crown and throne has shattered her dreams and she is at
a cross of love and responsibility. She confessed her love and told Rassendyll
that she will keep his ring on her finger but she has to sacrifice her love for
the sake of country and for the love of people.
Q: 69. What is meant
by Cloak and Dagger story?
Ans: The term Cloak and Dagger story
refers to a melodramatic intrigues and espionage. The novel “Prisoner of Zenda”
is an excellent example of it. From the beginning, Rassendyll’s idea of adventure to witness the Coronation
ceremony, becoming the victim of Ruritanian conspiracies, getting attacked by
Michael’s men at summerhouse and Zenda, bloodshed and struggle to recover the
real King and till the end when the efforts are successful, Prisoner of Zenda
displays all remarkable characteristics of Cloak and Dagger Story.
Q: 70. How did Sapt and Fritz serve Rudolf Rassendyll?
Ans: Sapt
and Fritz served Rassendyll not only as a person who assisted them in their
mission but they also regarded him very important and valued his advices. They
never misbehaved with Rassendyll and never let down his proposals. When a
letter arrived for Rassendyll asking him to come at midnight to summerhouse
alone, at first Sapt suspected a trap, tried to turn down the instruction but
when Rassendyll insisted, he agreed to accompany him. When Fritz and Sapt
escorted Rassendyll’s departure from Ruritania, Fritz still bowed in front of
him as he used to do and kissed his hand in esteem previously. This all shows
that their behaviour with Rassendyll had
been like a friend and like a man who was a superior to them.
Q: 71. “The Devil has his share in most things”.
Comment.
Ans: Colonel Sapt spoke these words to
Rudolf Rassendyll when he bade farewell to Rudolf Rassendyll on station.
Rassendyll was returning from Ruritania after successful recovery of the king
of Ruritania and saving the throne from his wicked brother. Colonel Sapt
uttered these words to tribute the self-sacrifice and efforts of Rudolf
Rassendyll. Sapt acknowledges that Rassendyll is a responsible, sensible as he
is a combination of outstanding qualities. He also refers Rudolf Elphberg by
saying this line as Rudolf Elphberg is no match to Rudolf Rassendyll and yet
has the crown and the Princess both.
Q: 72. “Heaven doesn’t
always make the right men Kings!” Who is referred here and why? (Sc-2018) OR
“Heaven doesn’t choose right men king.”
Comment. OR
Q: What does Fritz Von Tarlenheim mean by saying “Heaven doesn’t always
make the right men kings.”? (2015-Com)
Ans: Fritz is a very sincere and loyal servant to the king. He gives this remark due to the careless, irresponsible and carefree attitude of the King that had put everyone in trouble. Rudolf Elphberg doesn’t care for his serious responsibilities but drank too much. His behavior in the prison again throws a shadow on his personality that he needs reformation and rebuilding of his character. It gives a clear picture to the readers that he would make a very poor type of king but Heaven gives a chance to such men to mend their ways and learn a lot from their sufferings.