Short Questions
1. What kind of jobs did Nicola and Jacopo do?
Answer: They worked as shoe shiners, newspaper sellers, and tour guides.
2. Where did the narrator first meet Nicola and Jacopo?
Answer: The narrator first met them while they were selling strawberries.
3. Why did the narrator develop a liking for the boys?
Answer: He admired their sincerity, dedication, and hard work.
4. Why did the boys request a ride to Poleta?
Answer: They wanted to visit their sick sister, Lucia, in the hospital.
5. What illness did Lucia suffer from?
Answer: Lucia had tuberculosis of the spine.
6. What did the narrator find at the hospital?
Answer: He discovered that the boys were supporting their sister’s treatment.
7. How did the boys earn money for their sister’s treatment?
Answer: By doing multiple jobs like selling newspapers and polishing shoes.
8. What was the boys’ tragic past?
Answer: Their father was killed in the war, and their home was destroyed.
9. What moral lesson does the story teach?
Answer: It teaches selflessness, perseverance, and devotion to family.
10. Why are the boys called ‘Gentlemen of Verona’?
Answer: Because of their noble actions, kindness, and responsibility.
Long Questions
1. What did the nurse reveal to the narrator about the boys?
Answer: The nurse told the narrator that Nicola and Jacopo were orphans whose father had died in the war. Their home was destroyed, and they now lived in extreme hardship. Despite this, they worked tirelessly to fund their sister’s medical treatment.
2. How did the narrator’s perspective on the boys change?
Answer: Initially, the narrator saw them as ordinary street boys trying to make a living. However, after learning about their struggles and sacrifices, he deeply respected their determination and selflessness. He realized that true nobility comes from actions, not wealth.
3. What role does Lucia play in the story?
Answer: Lucia is the sick sister of Nicola and Jacopo, suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. She represents the boys’ motivation for hard work and sacrifice. Her condition highlights the siblings’ unbreakable bond and their deep love for each other.
4. What is the significance of the setting in Verona?
Answer: Verona, known for its historical and cultural richness, provides a striking contrast to the boys’ poverty. Despite the hardships, their resilience and integrity shine through. This setting enhances the impact of their noble actions.
5. How does the story highlight human values?
Answer: The story emphasizes kindness, dedication, and sacrifice through the characters of Nicola and Jacopo. Their willingness to struggle for their sister’s well-being reflects true human values. It teaches the importance of selfless love and perseverance.
6. How did the boys’ behavior impress the narrator?
Answer: The boys never complained about their hardships and carried out their duties with dedication. Their sincerity, perseverance, and maturity beyond their years impressed the narrator. He saw them as true gentlemen, despite their young age and poverty.
7. Why did the boys keep their struggle a secret?
Answer: Nicola and Jacopo never shared their struggles because of their self-respect and independence. They did not seek sympathy or charity, preferring to work hard to earn money. Their quiet determination made their story even more inspiring.
8. What does the title ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ symbolize?
Answer: The title refers to the boys’ noble qualities despite their poor conditions. Their honesty, hard work, and devotion to their sister make them true gentlemen. It highlights the idea that nobility is about character, not wealth.
9. How does the story relate to the proverb ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’?
Answer: Nicola and Jacopo prove that determination and hard work can overcome obstacles. Despite their struggles, they find ways to support their sister. Their perseverance teaches that strong willpower leads to success.
10. What lesson does the story teach about sacrifice and love?
Answer: The story highlights that true love involves sacrifice and selflessness. Nicola and Jacopo put their sister’s needs before their own. Their story is a testament to the power of love and dedication.
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