Does the story remind you of ‘Birth’ by A. J. Cronin that you read in Snapshots last year? What are the similarities?

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?

Will Dr Sadao be arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy?

How will the Maharaja prepare himself for the hundredth tiger which was supposed to decide his fate?

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

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

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?

Bama’s experience is that of a victim of the caste system. What kind of discrimination does Zitkala-Sa’s experience depict? What are their responses to their respective situations?

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?

Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him herself?

Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s present, past and future?

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