The Best Christmas Present In The World Flashcards
What did the author find in a junk shop?
The author found a very old 19th-century roll-top desk in a junk shop. It was made of oak. It was in a bad condition, so it was being sold at a cheap price.
What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it there?
In a secret drawer of the roll-top desk, the author found a small tin box. There was a letter in that box. On it, the words were written: “Jim’s last letter, received on January 25, 1915. To be buried with me when the time comes.” This clearly indicated that it was placed there by the addressee. The address on the envelope revealed that it was for Mrs. Jim Macpherson of 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport, Dorset. So, Connie, the wife of Jim Macpherson, must have put it there.
Who had written the letter, to whom, and when?
Jim Macpherson was a captain of the British Army. He wrote this letter while fighting the German forces. This letter was dated December 26, 1914. It was addressed to his wife, Connie.
Why was the letter written? What was the wonderful thing that had happened?
The letter was written to describe a wonderful incident. It occurred on the Christmas day of 1914. The wonderful thing was that the two armies, fighting against each other, had celebrated Christmas together. The initiative was taken by the Germans. First, they shouted “Happy Christmas” from the no man’s land. Then the English responded with “same to you.” This encouraged the Germans. They waved a white flag and crossed the no man’s land to reach the English camp.
What jobs did Hans Wolf and Jim Macpherson have when they were not soldiers?
Hans Wolf played the cello in an orchestra when he was not a soldier. Jim Macpherson was a teacher in Dorset when he was not a soldier.
Had Hans Wolf ever been to Dorset? Why did he say he knew it?
No, Hans Wolf had never been to Dorset. He had been reading English books. Hardy was his favorite author. Hardy’s novel “Far from the Madding Crowd” was his favorite book. This book describes Dorset, so Hans Wolf said that he knew Dorset well.
Do you think Jim Macpherson came back from the war? How do you know this?
Jim Macpherson never came back from the war. His wife, Connie, knew about his death. That’s why she kept the letter in a tin box. She wrote on top of the box that it was Jim’s last letter.
Why did the author go to Bridport?
The author went to Bridport in search of Mrs. Jim Macpherson. He wanted to give her back her important letter.
How old was Mrs. Macpherson now? Where was she?
Mrs. Macpherson was now 101 years old. She was in the conservatory of a nursing home.
Who did Connie Macpherson think her visitor was?
Connie Macpherson thought her visitor was her husband Jim Macpherson.
Which sentence in the text shows that the visitor did not hide his identity?
The sentence in the text is- “ I explained about the desk, about how I found it.”
For how long do you think Connie had kept Jim’s letter? Give reasons for your answer.
Connie had kept Jim’s letter for a long time. She had received it on January 25, 1915. Jim had written it on December 26, 1914. At that time, Jim was an officer, a captain, in the English army. A captain is always a young man. It means that Jim’s wife Connie must have also been young.
Why do you think that the desk had been sold and when?
The desk must have been sold when Connie’s house had been burnt. The table had been damaged by fire as well as water. The fireman must have used water to douse flames of the burning table.
Why do you think that Jim and Hans think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts? Do you agree?
Jim and Hans are people whose heart is full of kindness. Serving the army they have been a witness to all the sufferings. So it is natural for them to hate wars. So they think that games or sports are good ways of resolving conflicts.
Do you think the soldiers of the two armies are like each other, or different from each other? Find evidence in the story to support your answer.
The soldiers of the two armies like each other. The story is all about it. They like to greet each other. They play football. They eat and drink together. The two captains talk affectionately about their lives. The soldiers of both the armies are eager to know how it was at home. They want to go back to their families. Thus, there is much which is common between them.
