Literature -- Notes on -Christopher Columbus

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

Q1) Why were the boys making fun of Columbus?

The boys were making fun of Columbus because they thought that he
was crazy to suggest that the earth is round.

Q2) Why was the school master angry with him?

The school master was angry with Columbus for going against what
was taught in the books and for propagating the idea that the earth is
round.

Q3) Describe in your own words Columbus ‘ exchange with the school
master.
Columbus was a progressive explorer whose thoughts were far ahead
of his time where as the school master stuck to the information given in
books . Columbus was badly humiliated by the school master and
children ,but he remained patient and calm and moved forward to
prove that the earth is round.

Q4)How did King John and his men trick Columbus?

King John was greedy for more power and riches .He was jealous and
he didn’t want Columbus to discover new lands so he made a plan and
asked his Jester to steal Columbus ’maps and charts which could have
been a great support for his voyage.
Scene-2
Q5)Did King Ferdinand agree immediately to Columbus’ request ?
What were the reasons?
No, King Ferdinand did not agree immediately to Columbus’ ’request
because he had the information about King John ‘s sailors who had
returned without finding any lands .Later when he heard about the
Spanish ships being captured by the Turks, he refused to support the
voyage as he didn’t want to tax the people.
Q6) What role did Queen Isabella play in sending Columbus on his
journey?
Queen Isabella supported Columbus from the very beginning. She
believed the idea of the earth being round was possible .She pledged
her own jewels to raise the funds and for the safety of her merchants
and glory of Spain she most willingly helped Columbus to carry on his
voyage.
Scene-3
Q7) Why did the sailors on the ship not want to continue with the sea
voyage?
The sailors on the ship didn’t want to continue with the sea voyage
because they were afraid of the sea monsters.
Q8) What plan did the sailors hatch?
The sailors hatched a plan to kill Columbus that very night when he was
watching the stars. They planned to push him into the sea.
Q9) Did they carry out their plan? Why or why not?
No, the sailors did not carry out their plan because the moment before
they were about to push Columbus, he had already discovered land.
ANSWER WITH REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT
‘’I PRAY YOUR MAJESTIES TO SEE ONE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS’’
Q1) Who speaks these words and to whom ?
These words were said by the monk to King Ferdinand
Q2) Why does the speaker want them to meet Columbus?
The speaker wanted them to meet Columbus so that Columbus could
help them to find out a short route to the Indies which would help
them to stay away from the clutches of the Turks.

‘’WHAT NEWS DO YOU BRING ? SPEAK ?

Q1) Who speaks this line?
King Ferdinand speaks this line.
Q2) What is being referred to as ‘’news’’?
The news is that the Turks have captured the Spanish merchant’s
ships.
Q3) How does this incident change the Queen’s mind regarding
Columbus?
A3) This incident changed the Queen’s mind and she pledged her own
jewels and supported Columbus to carry on the voyage.
‘’FEARFUL THINGS MAY HAPPEN TO US IN THESE THREE DAYS’’
Q1) Who is referred to as ‘us’’ in the given line?
The word ‘’us’’ is referred to the sailors who boarded the ‘’Santa
Maria’’.
Q2) What ‘’fearful things’’are being referred to?
The fearful things are referred to the sea monsters.
Q3) What plan does his companion hatch in order to avoid such
‘’fearful things’’?
The sailors hatched a plan to push Columbus into the sea.

Do the word bank, do the activity