When Stephens comes back to the cell he jumps to a conclusion and the whole machinery blindly goes by his assumption without even checking the identity of the injured ‘McLeery’. Does this show how hasty conjectures can prevent one from seeing the obvious? How is the criminal able to predict such negligence?

The story is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story?

What makes Jack feel caught in an uglymiddle position?

Why is an adult’s perspective on life different from that of a child’s?

Apparent illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection? Discuss.

Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?

Do you see an intersection of time and space in the story?

How would you describe the behaviour of the Maharaja’s minions towards him? Do you find them truly sincere towards him or are they driven by fear when they obey him? Do we find a similarity in today’s political order?

What is the moral issue that the story raises?

There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss with reference to the story you have just read.

What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of human beings?

The story is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story?

What makes Jack feel caught in an uglymiddle position?

‘The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress.’ What are the ways in which we attempt to overcome them?

Did the Governor and his staff finally heave a sigh of relief?

Will the clues left behind on the question paper put Evans back in prison again?

Can you relate instances of game-hunting among the rich and the powerful in the present times that illustrate the callousness of human beings towards wildlife?

What could the Governor have done to securely bring back Evans to prison when he caught him at the Golden Lion? Does that final act of foolishness really prove that “he was just another good-for-a-giggle, gullible governor, that was all”?

What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?

What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the willfulness of human beings?

Apparent illogicality sometimes turns out to be a futuristic projection? Discuss.