KSEEB Solutions for Class 10 English Prose Chapter 6 The Discovery

Students can Download English Lesson 6 The Discovery Questions and Answers, Summary, Notes Pdf, Activity, KSEEB Solutions for Class 10 English helps you to revise the complete Karnataka State Board Syllabus and to clear all their doubts, score well in final exams.

Karnataka State Syllabus Class 10 English Prose Chapter 6 The Discovery

The Discovery Questions and Answers, Summary, Notes

Check your understanding:

Question 1.
Some physical features of Columbus are described / given in the text. Based on your reading, complete the table.

Answer:

Question 2.
Usually we sing songs to express our joys and sorrows. Here the play begins with a song. What mood does this convey?
Answer:
The seamen say that they sing to keep their spirits. This shows that they feel low.

Question 3.
There are limits to patience, says Diego. What does this suggest about Diego’s state of mind?
Answer:
It shows that he has reached his limits of patience which means he is in a highly irritable state.

Question 4.
Who do you think has the lives of fifty in his hands? How?
Answer:
Columbus. He is the captain of the ship. Diego feels that Columbus must give up as their voyage seemed to be pointless. Since Columbus was not prepared to do it, he jeopardised the well-being of fifty seamen under him.

Check your understanding:

Question 1.
“A good sailor knows his place” says Columbus to Diego.
The statement is ___________________
(Choose the right answer from the options and complete the sentence)
a) a piece of advice
b) an indirect command
c) a statement.
Answer:
(b) Ail indirect command.

Question 2.
Which reaction of Diego to the sentence above justifies your choice? Quote the phrase indicating his reaction.
Answer:
Diego: (with repressed fury): Yes, sir.

Question 3.
How does Pedro try to defend the drunken seamen? Was he right in defending them?
Answer:
When Columbus said that the Seamen were drunk too much. Don Pedro defending the drunken Seamen because they were simple, they did hard work and they had the right to relax. Being an officer, Pedro’s duty was to take care of the Seamen. Yes, He was right in defending them.

Question 4.
What is termed as his worst enemy by Columbus?
Answer:
His tongue.

Question 5.
The dialogue between Columbus and Pedro in section 2 reveals this trait of Columbus – (Choose the most appropriate response.)
a) dictatorial attitude
b) quick temper
c) hatred towards the seamen
d) selfishness.
Answer:
(b) quick temper.

Question 6.
“Columbus is always furious when he hears the song ‘here’s a keg o’rum.What makes him react so?
Answer:
The song is a cynical song which talks about God being dumb and the Devil having his say. Moreover, the song is sung over a glass of rum. Columbus is irritated because the song voices the pessimism of the seamen. Columbus is also annoyed that the seamen drink too much. So he is furious whenever he hears the song.

Check your understanding:

Question 1.
This section reveals the behaviour of _____________ (Fill in the blank)
Answer:
The seamen.

Question 2.
Why do you think Pepe prefers to be in the company of Columbus?
Answer:
He shares the vision of Columbus and hence is not happy in the company of the seamen who think that their voyage is pointless.

Question 4.
Pepe warns Columbus about some people. Who are they?
Answer:
The seamen.

Check your understanding:

Question 1.
How are the seamen expressing their discontent even as Columbus can hear them?
Answer:
They sing louder and louder disobeying the orders of Columbus to stop singing.

Question 2.
Pepe is heard saying, ‘They shan ‘t’?
a) Who are meant by ‘they’?
b) What does the boy mean by saying ‘They shan’t’?
Answer:
a) The seamen.
b) They shall not carry out what is suggested by a line in the song which went, “The Santa Maria will be the lighter for his carcass.”

Question 3.
‘Santa Maria will be lighter for his carcass.’ Whose words is Pepe quoting here? (Choose the right answer and complete the sentence.)
a) Diego b) Francisco c) Pedro d) Guillermo Ires.
Answer:
(d) Guillermo Ires.

Question 4.
Which statement of Francisco suggests that he too has lost his temper?
Answer:
Quote his words.
Francisco (angrily): Discipline is a thing of the past, sir. It’s you or us.

Check your understanding:

Question 1.
‘Who’s to put him in irons?’ challenges Guillermo.
The person meant by ‘him’ in this context is:
a) Guillermo
b) the first man to move towards Columbus
c) Columbus
d) the first man who challenged Columbus.
Answer:
(b) The first man to move towards Columbus.

Question 2.
‘I will perform it myself,’ says Columbus. What does ‘it’ mean here?
Answer:
Putting the first man who moved towards Columbus in irons.

Question 3.
‘Devil’s track to nowhere,’says Guillermo.
What does this suggest about the thinking of the seamen?
Answer:
They think that they are doomed, and that their voyage is not likely to produce results.

Question 4.
After ‘a perceptible pause,’ who grows more mutinous than others?
a) Name that character
b) Quote his words.
Answer:
a) Diego.
b) ‘Words for children! Froth and scum! We are men: reason with us!’

Check your understanding:

Question 1.
In his somewhat a long speech, what does Columbus say he has discovered?
Answer:
The essence of the speech of Columbus is his revelation that men of vision should pursue their vision alone without expecting others to either share or support their vision.

Question 2.
Pepe excitedly declares that he is still loyal to the leader. .What effect does it have on others like Juan and Guillermo?
Answer:
When Pepe excitedly declared that he was loyal to the leader. Juan and Guillermo reacted. Juan said that they were simply ashamed of his loyalty towards the leader. He became angry but didn’t have the courage to show in front of Columbus. So he goes out like a sheep.

Question 3.
Compare Francisco’s words of confession with what he had said earlier in anger. How does Columbus react to his confession?
Answer:
Francisco says that desperate men do not always act up to the best that is in them. With this statement he accepts the fact that the seamen have behaved badly. Earlier he had almost justified the indisciplined behaviour of the seamen by saying that discipline was a thing of the past. Columbus reacts ironically to the statement of Francisco by saying that his best cannot be bettered. Ordinarily when we use the phrase ‘the best cannot be bettered’, it’s a complimentary statement which highlights the point that one has given his best which cannot be further improved upon. But when Columbus makes this statement with reference to Francisco, he is sarcastic and he means to point out that the behaviour of Francisco was far from being the best.

Question 4.
How does Pedro react to the words of Columbus that he thought he saw some flickering light?
Answer:
Pedro is excited and he thanks God with the words, “Glory be to God.”

Question 5.
Do you consider the ending to be happy? Justify your answer.
Answer:
Yes, it’s a happy ending. The seamen too have seen the.light and there is a wild shout. A sailor who comes running is delirious with joy. We see that all are happy and grateful.

Think about the Text:

Question 1.
‘Mutiny is an ugly word,’ says Diego. Is mutiny an ugly word? If so, why?
Answer:
Yes, mutiny is an ugly word because mutiny means to revolt. Revolt, is, going against your own leaders, exhibiting disloyalty. Even if there is a valid reason for mutiny, it would still be an ugly word because it involves bloodshed.

Question 2.
‘Columbus feels that whatever he does, it is God’s will.’ What ‘will’ of God does he like to fulfil through this venture?
Answer:
Discovery of new lands would be the will of God that Columbus-would fulfil through this venture.

Question 3.
Columbus says, “Would God implant the desire to solve mysteries and not provide the solution?” Identify the mood of Columbus in saying this.
Answer:
Columbus has felt the desire to discover new lands, and he thinks this desire has been implanted by God. That is why he thinks that he is carrying out God’s will. However, the constant opposition from other seamen makes him wonder why God would implant a desire to solve mysteries without providing the solution. In this part we see that Columbus, who has always been authoritative, has mellowed down and is subdued and melancholic.

Question 4.
Pepe says, “Everybody doubts… except me. ” Why do you think he is an exception?
Answer:
Pepe thought that all were against his leader. They were all discontented and opposed him. But Pepe had respect for him. She said that everybody doubts his leader except him.

Question 5.
Usually, people feel desperate when they fail to get something they want. In the play ‘The Discovery,’ why do the crew-mates of Columbus feel desperate?
Answer:
The crew members feel desperate because they have been sailing for many days without any sign of land. They have their moments of doubt whether there would be land at all. They miss their family and want to go back. We also see that Columbus is a strict captain. He does not try to ease their tension with reassuring words. The only thing he knows is the language of the discipline. All these reasons make them feel desperate and frustrated.

Question 6.
“Discipline knows no huts.” Why is the discipline needed in one’s life?
Answer:
Discipline helps us attain our goals. It keeps us on the right track and prevents wastage of time and dissipation of energy.

Question 7.
Comparing with his co-mates, Columbus makes some statements that he is different from others. One statement is given. Add some more statements to the list.

Answer:
i) I am not ungrateful.
ii) I have discovered that when a man is given a vision, he must follow it alone.
iii) Shall simple men judge their betters?

Question 8.
Columbus says, “Shall simple men judge their betters?” Don’t you think simple men also possess the ability of judgment?

Answer:

For	Against
i) Simple men definitely have the ability of judgement. It’s a simple farmer who uses his judgement to give us our daily food.	i) From the time of Galileo to the present time, common’ people cannot understand the vision of the great and even execute them.
ii) Great leaders have relied on the collective wisdom of the common masses for taking significant decisions.	ii) All the benefits that we enjoy are the fruits of labour of the great and it is inappropriate on our part to judge them.
iii) The system of Democracy is a proof of the power of judgement of common people.	iii) If we judge our betters, we may make the mistake of dismissing things of importance as trivial, simply because we lack the vision.

Question 9.
How is the excitement of finding a new land expressed by different characters at the end of the play? e.g.

Answer:

Question 10.
‘Your best cannot be bettered,’ says Columbus. This statement implies that.
a) none is perfect at any time
b) there is always scope for improvement
c) once we reach the level of being the best, we can never improve
d) Columbus is not totally happy with Francisco. (Choose the best option)
Answer:
(d) Columbus is not totally happy with Francisco.

Question 11.
Swami Vivekananda says, “Purity, Patience and Perseverance are the essentials to success- And, above all, Love.” Does Columbus possess all these qualities? Justify.
Answer:
Yes, Columbus had possessed all these qualities. He was very pure in his heart and most dedicated to his sovereign that they had sent for him to discover the new land. He had so much of patience, even months, years together he traveled. He had determined mind i. e. perseverance to his goal. Above all, he had love on his superiors, officials, and sailors. He loved them, so he didn’t give any punishment even if they revolted against him.

Question 12.
Find the words that refer to Columbus and words that refer to the mutinous sailors. Classify them in Columns A and B accordingly. Refer to a dictionary, if necessary.
(revolting, sheepish, short-tempered, authoritative, bold, ungrateful, farsighted, submissive, silently angry, visionary, disloyal)

Answer:

A – Columbus	B – Sailors
Short-tempered, authoritative, bold, farsighted, visionary	Revolting, sheepish, ungrateful, submissive, silently angry, disloyal

Question 13.
An incomplete paragraph is given below. Fill in the blanks choosing appropriate words and phrases given in brackets.
(vision, faith, God, bursts, voyage, the end, seaweeds, new land, man)

The discovery, says Columbus, is a _______ of discovery. Apart from discovering the __________ he has come to know of many things. First, he says, one has to depend on one’s ________, not on the support of others. For, loyalty is as temporary as the ________ on a tide. In the beginning, there may be some discipline, but soon it ________ like a balloon. Ultimately what remains is ________ in oneself. The daring nature of Columbus survives till ________ and he attributes his success to the blessings of ________
Answer:

• voyage
• New land
• vision
• seaweeds
• bursts
• faith
• the end
• god.

Enrich your vocabulary:

Task 1: Look at the words given in the diagram. They are close in their meanings. Choose the most appropriate word from the diagram and fill in the blank.

Bhuvana: Hello! Students, I came to know that you are going to visit Mercara, aren’t you? ‘
Students: Yes madam. It’s rather hot here. So we would like to visit Mercara for the weather is pleasantly there.
Answer:
cool.

Task 2: In each of the following diagrams one word is given. Find out words that belong to the same set of meanings given in the rectangular box and complete the respective diagrams. Consult a good dictionary to know more words and their meanings.

Answer:

• Startle – amazed, astonish, shock, surprise, stun
• Barely – hardly, scarcely, inadequately, meagrely, rarely
• Big – mammoth, large, enormous, huge, abundant
• Fringe – border, edge, verge, margin, limit.

Task 3: Now use the appropriate words in their appropriate forms to fill in the blanks in the following sentences:

1. The children were so excited they could _______speak.
2. The chemical pollution poses a threat to the population on a _________ scale.
3. The mutinous sailors were _______ by the boldness of Pepe.
4. The noise _________ Ramesh, and he dropped his glasses on the floor.
5. Javeed, the policeman, was __________ armed to face the robbers in the __________ home alone.
6. They won a victory in the elections.

Answer:

1. hardly
2. large
3. stunned
4. shocked
5. inadequately, huge
6. mammoth

Task 4: We use many words to describe persons. Parts of the human body or appearance are given in column ‘A’. Describing words are given in column ‘B’. Match them and write the answers in column ‘C’.

Answer:

Task 5: Using the words given in the table above, describe the one who is dear and near to your heart. One is done for you.

Prerana has shown to the world that it’s not appearance, but attitude and intelligence that make a person click. Prerana is plump and short. She is not fair and her round face looks even bigger with the curly hair. She cannot be considered attractive and doesn’t even bother to be well-dressed. Yet, in all get-togethers, it’s Prerana’s company that everyone seeks because she is the most social, sensible and sensitive person that you can hope to hobnob with, in a party. There is nothing that is silly about her and she can regale any group with her spirited singing as she is a gifted singer.

Speak well:

Seeking Permission

(Imagine Columbus meeting King Ferdinand II of Argon and Isabella I of Castile to seek their permission for his voyage to find a sea-route to India. Complete the dialogues choosing sentences given in the box.)

• Columbus: Good morning, your Majesty.
• Ferdinand: Very good morning.
• Isabella: ___________ a __________
• Columbus: Yes, your Majesty. Could I present my plans?
• Isabella: First tell us about your destination.
• Columbus: ________ b ___________
• Isabella: Oh! That’s a good idea, but we’d like to refer your plan to a committee.
• Columbus: ________ c ___________ (After a long pause.)
• Isabella: Dear Columbus, our committee members feel that you have grossly underestimated the distance to India.
• Columbus: I beg your pardon, they are wrong.
• Isabella: _______ d __________
• Columbus: Oh, no, please don’t do that. I’ve full confidence in what I’m going to do.
• Isabella: In that case, will an allowance of 12,000 maravedis be enough?
• Columbus: ______ e __________
• Isabella: Of course, we’ll give an order to provide you with food and lodging till you get ready to sail.
• Columbus: I’m extremely thankful to your Majesty.
• Isabella: _________ f _________

a. As your Majesty desires.
b. Thank you so much. May I ask for something else, too?
c. They also feel your idea is impractical. In fact, they insisted that we reject it.
d. Columbus, are you ready with your plan?
e. I have a great desire to find a sea route to India.
f. May God bless you! Bon voyage!
Answer:
a) Isabella: Columbus, are you ready with your plan?
b) Columbus: I have a great plan to find a sea route to India.
c) Columbus: As your majesty desires.
d) Isabella: They also feel your idea is impractical. In fact, they insisted that we reject it.
e) Columbus: Thank you so much. May I ask for something else, too?
f) Isabella: May God bless you! Bon voyage.

Read and Respond:

Task 1: Look at Graph ‘A’. It gives information about the number of students who are late to class on working days. Based on your observation, answer the questions given below.

Questions:

1. The same number of students are late on two days. Which days are they?
2. How many students are late on Friday?
3. On which day are most of the students late?

Answers:

1. On Tuesday and Thursday.
2. Fifteen students are late on Friday.
3. Most of the students are late on Monday.

Task 2: Look at the graph. Based on your observation answer the questions given below.

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The graph shows the ________ read by ________ and _______
2. On day 2, _______ read more books than __________

Answer:

1. The graph shows the number of books read by Basava and Emily.
2. On day 2 Emily read more books than Basava.

B. Answer the following questions:

1. Until the fourth day, which student read books in increasing order?
2. Name the day on which both the students read the same number of books.
3. Name the days on which Emily read more number of books than Basava.
4. Over a period of 5 days, who between the two had improved his/her reading habits better?

Answer:

1. Basava.
2. Day 4.
3. Day 2 and Day 5.
4. Emily.

Practise writing:

e-communication

Task 1: Imagine you were one of the crew-mates of Columbus. You wanted to convey a message to your friend about the discovery of the New World. How would you send it in a message format?

• The date you set sail
• Talks you listened to
• Weather you had felt.
• Places of visit
• People you met

Dear Isabella,
I want to share with you the moment of joy we had when we were on our voyage which started on the 6th of September 1492 from San Sebastian de La Gomera. But even after five weeks of sail, there was no sign of the land. We were away from home, had to face difficult weather conditions and had our moments of doubt and anxiety. Many of my fellow sailors were totally demoralised. Just then, on 11th of October, we spotted light and realised that we had spotted a new world.

Our joy knew no bounds. We had reached an island called San Salvador. The indigenous people we encountered were the Lucayan, Taino, or Arawak. They were peaceful and friendly. But strangely most of them had scars on their body. When questioned they said that they were often attacked by the people of the nearby islands. Noting their gold ear ornaments, I could imagine why they would be attacked. Our only problem was the weather condition. It was stormy and we were worried about setting sail again.

Eventually we did set sail again to explore more new places and meet more new people. Believe me, there is nothing more exciting than travelling.
I’m eager to know what you think of our voyage and hence eagerly await your reply.
Pepe

Learn Grammar Through Communication:

Task 1: Some sentences are given in Columns A and C. Some co-ordinating

Answer:

• Pepe stood at the stairs and so the men could not go up.
• They were singing and they were dancing.
• Pepe was still a boy but he was bold.
• Columbus was an able leader or else his crew would have turned violent.

Task 2: Analyse the sentences given below.

1. Althoush Pene was a boy, he was very useful to Columbus.
2. Columbus was furious when he heard the song.
3. They sailed until they reached the island.
4. We sail because it is God’s will.
5. I hope that we are not entertaining mutinous thoughts.
6. This is the vision which God has given me.
7. Friendship breaks as a mast is hollowed by worms.

1. Pepe was a boy – He (Pepe) was very useful to Columbus.
The word ‘Although’ is added to the first clause, reading “Although Pepe was a boy.” Now this does not make complete meaning. So, it is a dependent clause. The clause, ‘He (Pepe) was very useful to Columbus’ can stand on its own, and so, it is an independent clause.
So, the given sentence has two parts.
Although Pepe was a boy – dependent clause
He (Pepe) was very useful to Columbus – independent clause. The entire sentence is a complex sentence. ‘Although’ is a subordinate conjunction.

2. Columbus was furious – independent clause; when he heard the song – dependent
clause; when – subordinate conjunction.

3. They sailed – independent clause; until they reached the island – dependent clause; until – subordinate conjunction.

4. We sail – independent clause; because it’s God’s will – dependent clause; because – subordinate conjunction.

5. I hope – independent clause; that we are not entertaining mutinous thoughts – dependent clause; that – subordinate conjunction.

6. This is the vision – independent clause; that God has given me – dependent clause; that – subordinate conjunction.

7. Friendship breaks – independent clause; as a mast is hollowed by worms – dependent clause; as – subordinate conjunction.

Task 3: Frame complex sentences using the subordinate conjunctions given in the box.

1. Though poor, he is generous.
2. While she was ironing clothes, she thought of a storyline.
3. As long as there are innovative people in the world, there will be progress.
4. Since he is ill, he will not attend the meeting.
5. Where the mind is without fear, there exists peace.
6. Unless you work hard, you will not earn enough money.
7. Ramu saved money in order that he could educate his daughter.
8. It looks as if it would rain.
9. That she is intelligent is known to all.
10. Whenever I go to Bengaluru, I stay with my aunt.

The Discovery Additional Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions in a word or a sentence each:

Question 1.
Who is the captain of the ship? Of which ship is he the captain?
Answer:
Christopher Columbus is the captain of the ship Santa Maria.

Question 2.
Why is the ship Santa Maria out at sea?
Answer:
To discover the new world.

Question 3.
What infuriates the captain of the ship?
Answer:
The song of the seamen.

Question 4.
Why does the song of the seamen infuriate the captain?
Answer:
It is a cynical song expressing doubts about the success of the voyage.

Question 5.
Why were the sailors impatient?
Answer:
The sailors were getting impatient after being at sea for a very long time and also at not sighting the new world.

Question 6.
Why would some of the sailors welcome the coast of Spain still more?
Answer:
The sailors have been away for five weeks and have not sighted the New World and hence they would be happy to go back to Spain.

Question 7.
What was an ‘uglier deed, according to Diego?
Answer:
Mutiny was an uglier deed.

Question 8.
Do the sailors eventually indulge in mutiny?
Answer:
Even as they are ready to rise in mutiny, Pepe’s gallant show of loyalty subdues them and stops them from the act.

Question 9.
How did Pepe stand between Columbus and death?
Answer:
Pepe told the revolting sailors that they would have to kill him first, before getting to Columbus.

Question 10.
Who does ‘their betters refer to?
Answer:
‘Their betters’ refers to their seniors.

Question 11.
What relaxation did the sailors want?
Answer:
The sailors wanted to drink and sing songs.

Question 12.
Who considers his tongue his worst enemy?
Answer:
Columbus.

Question 13.
Why did Columbus consider his tongue his worst enemy?
Answer:
His habit of speaking his mind had got Columbus into much trouble which is why he calls his tongue his worst enemy.

Question 14.
What did everyone doubt?
Answer:
Everyone doubted the decisions and vision of Columbus.

Question 15.
What was the cause of the discontent among the sailors?
Answer:
There was discontent among the sailors because they had been at sea far too long and Columbus just wanted to keep forging ahead and didn’t even consider turning back.

Question 16.
“The Santa Maria will be lighter for his carcass”. Whose carcass is being referred to here?
Answer:
Columbus’s carcass.

Question 17.
Why do the sailors talk of Columbus’s carcass?
Answer:
The sailors have grown mutinous and think of destroying Columbus as he hasn’t yielded to their demand of going back.

Question 18.
Who had been duped, according to Guillermo?
Answer:
The sailors.

Question 19.
Why did Guillermo think that they were being duped by Columbus?
Answer:
Columbus had made them sail for a very long time without sight of land and therefore, they now believed that they were being duped by Columbus.

Question 20.
What had Columbus been ordered to do by the Royal Sovereigns of Spain?
Answer:
Columbus had been ordered to find the New World.

Question 21.
What did Diego refer to as ‘words for children’?
Answer:
Diego referred to Columbus’ explanation as to why the sailors were following his orders as ‘words for children’.

Question 22.
Who was the most trustworthy among the crew of Columbus?
Answer:
Pepe was the most trustworthy among the crew of Columbus.

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each:

Question 1.
Why does the crew say that the Devil and not God is in the easterly wind?
Answer:
Columbus and his crew have followed the easterly wind for days together without being able to sight land. So the crew says that the Devil and not God is in the easterly wind.

Question 2.
Why is the crew of Santa Maria unhappy with Columbus?
Answer:
The crew has been following the orders of Columbus. But, as days pass by, they lose faith in the words of Columbus and think that their voyage is purposeless. They want to go back, but Columbus is adamant. So the crew is unhappy with Columbus.

Question 3.
What is the significance of the song that the crew sings?
Answer:
The song is sung by the sailors who want to keep their spirits up. The song is sung in a drunken state and shows the despair of the sailors.

Question 4.
Why do the crewmates of Columbus feel desperate?
OR
Why did the seamen want to go back to Spain?
Answer:
After sailing for many days, Columbus and his men could not sight land. The crew members were tired and wanted to return to their homes and families. But Columbus would not give up. So they were desperate.

Question 5.
How did Pepe show his loyalty to Columbus?
OR
Pepe was more loyal to Columbus than the other crew members. Justify the statement.
OR
“Pepe was the only person who was loyal to Columbus till the end of his voyage.” Justify your answer.
Answer:
Pepe was the only person who had faith in Columbus and tried to warn him about how desperate the others had become. When the seamen rushed to kill Columbus, Pepe stood before them with his arms spread out and told them that they would have to kill him first. His loyalty put the others to shame. He liked Columbus because he had a vision, was a man of principles, who gave much importance to duty, discipline and loyalty and was also an eminent leader. So he always wanted to be in the company of Columbus.

Question 6.
According to Columbus, what was the one thing that he had discovered?
Answer:
Columbus said that he had discovered one thing – that if a man had a vision, he must follow it alone. He should not expect loyalty, friendship, discipline or obedience from others.

Question 7.
‘Devil’s track to nowhere says Guillermo. What does this suggest about the thinking of the seamen?
Answer:
Guillermo and other sailors feel that Columbus is rigid in not changing his decision. They opine that he is stupid in following his vision and dream. They think that if they continue their voyage, it will be a pointless voyage of self-destruction. Their path, according to them, is devil’s path to nowhere. It shows that the sailors have reached the tether’s end and have no more tolerance.

Answer the following questions in 5-6 / 8-10 sentences each:

Question 1.
How does Columbus deal with the mutiny on the ship?
Answer:
In his tackling of the mutiny Columbus shows what mettle leaders are made of. He doesn’t lose his composure even when he realises that there is danger to his life. When Guillermo and other sailors charge towards Columbus murderously, it is the authoritative voice of Columbus that checks them. Columbus tries to reason with them also. He tells Guillermo that just as he (Columbus) follows the order of the Royal of Spain, Guillermo should follow the order of Columbus. When even that fails, Columbus is an embittered man. He tells Pepe that a man of vision has to be necessarily a loner with no one to go with him.

Question 2.
Columbus made two discoveries – one during the voyage and the other at the end of it. What were these discoveries?
OR
Columbus discovered many things from the voyage. Justify the statement.
Answer:
Columbus makes two discoveries – one is what he set out to do, i.e., the discovery of the new land. But the second discovery that he makes is of more significance. This discovery is that when men are given the vision, they should pursue the vision alone because others won’t share their vision. Loyalty, friendship, discipline, duty and obedience vanish like bubbles that have burst in the face of adversity.

Question 3.
What did the crew want to do to Columbus? Why did they not succeed in their plan?
Answer:
The frustrated crew wants to put Columbus in irons as he doesn’t yield to their demand to end the voyage. However, the fearless confrontation of Pepe does not allow them to succeed. As Diego and other seamen bound towards the stairs to have Columbus down or pitch him overboard, Pepe runs to the foot of the stairs and stands with arms spread out. Pepe’s open avowal of support makes Pedro also pledge his loyalty, followed by Juan and Francisco. Guillermo and others mellow down and thus a bloody scene is averted by Pepe.

Question 4.
Who do you sympathize with more – the crew of Santa Maria or Columbus? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Both Columbus and the crew are right in their own way. Columbus has the vision and the order of the Royal Sovereign of Spain to go on a voyage of discovery. He believes that it is ordained by the Gods that he solve the mysteries of the earth. Because of his strong conviction he can withstand all difficulties without losing hope. But the other seamen are ordinary men.

They merely follow the orders of Columbus without conviction in their hearts. Naturally they feel frustrated and long to go back to their place. Thus neither Columbus nor the seamen can be blamed and both are to be sympathised with. However, the fact that the sailors turn violent and don’t hesitate to physically assault Columbus makes us take the side of Columbus.

Question 5.
Describe the qualities that made Columbus a great sailor and explorer.
Answer:
Columbus is a great sailor because when the other sailors lose their patience because of the endless voyage, Columbus retains his cool. He believes in his mission and despite the initial delay and problem, finally succeeds in achieving his goal. He knows how to tackle the people under him. From the seamen to Pedro, Columbus understands the mind of each of his sailors. Columbus is indeed a great sailor and explorer.

Question 6.
How many sympathizers does Columbus have among his crew? To what extent do they sympathise with and understand him?
Answer:
Pepe, Pedro, Juan and Francisco are the sympathisers of Columbus. However, the degree of support extended by them varies. It is only Pepe who has not even an iota of doubt about the righteousness of Columbus. He is ready to sacrifice his life to save the life of Columbus. Pedro is also loyal to Columbus and tries to influence the sailors not to rebel. However, being a sensitive man, he can understand the problems of the sailors and he himself has now and then a few moments of doubt. Juan and Francisco fall in the lower rungs of the ladder of loyalty. However, they realise their rnistake and support Columbus after Pepe’s heroic display of loyalty.

Question 7.
“Discipline knows no buts”. What made Columbus says this?
Answer:
Columbus comes to know that the sailors have been speaking ill of him and have even been talking about his carcass. So Columbus wants to control the rebellion and asks Francisco to send Guillermo to him. Francisco, fearing further altercation between Columbus and the sailors, tries to stop Columbus from taking any harsh step. It is then that Columbus says, “Discipline knows no buts.” He means to say that whatever might the reason be, indiscipline of the sailors cannot be tolerated.

Question 8.
“Columbus had the will power and the strength to face obstacles”. Justify your answer.
Answer:
We see that all the sailors lose their faith, are tired and want to return to Spain. What should be remembered is the fact that if the conditions are bad for the sailors, they are equally bad for Columbus. Moreover, the pressure is more on Columbus as he has to take the responsibility for all decisions that he makes. Yet, he remains resolute and fearless. He shows how a leader is different from and superior to his followers. His sense of loyalty is also stronger than that of his followers. If tough times make his followers detractors, he remains faithful to the command of the Royal Sovereign of Spain. Thus the will power and strength exhibited by Columbus are incomparable.

Question 9.
Illustrate how Columbus and his seamen differed in their views in the voyage of ‘The Discovery’.
Answer:
Columbus was an ambitious man. He had a great vision of discovering a new world. He was optimistic, hopeful, courageous in his voyage. He never wanted to turn back despite his crew’s opposition. He was faithful to the Royal Sovereigns of Spain. He was a disciplined sailor and an authoritative captain. On the contrary, many of the seamen did not share the vision and passion of Columbus.

They were pessimistic in their opinions. They feared losing their lives in the sea. They thought that Columbus was risking their lives at the cost of his vision. They were angry, frustrated and simple-minded men; they even planned to kill Columbus and throw him into the sea and sail back to Spain. They even warned him to turn back the ship. They lacked discipline, loyalty and obedience to their captain, Columbus.

Question 10.
How did the crew members express their discontent with Columbus?
Answer:
The crew members express their discontent with Columbus by complaining verbally. They complain that Columbus has disregarded the wish of fifty of his crew members, and has behaved in an autocratic manner. They openly indulge in a mutiny against Columbus. They pressurize Columbus to abort his voyage of discovery, and steer the ship towards Spain.

Question 11.
“Patience has its limits.” Substantiate the statement in view of the seamen’s desperation.
Answer:
Herman Ould’s play ‘The Discovery’ dramatizes the events on the last night of Christopher Columbus’ sailing expedition to search for a sea-route to India. The crew is restless at the outset and becomes eager for a fight as the play unfolds. The high-handed attitude of Columbus and absence of sympathy for the justified complaints of the crew, lead to a situation close to mutiny. Columbus is authoritative and stern. He is a strict disciplinarian. He does not seem to understand the sentiments of the crew members who have been away from home, are tired and have no hope of sighting the land. They grow angry and mutinous. One such rebellious sailor is Diego. He openly tells Pedro that patience has its limits and all sailors had lost their patience and wanted to return to Spain.

Read the following extracts and answer the questions given below them:

Question 1.
“What! Does that child stand between me and death?” said Columbus.
a) When did Columbus say this?
b) Who is the child?
c) What had the child done?
Answer:
a) Columbus said this when Pepe stopped the revolting sailors from attacking him.
b) Pepe.
c) Pepe had stood between Columbus and the revolting sailors telling them that they would have to kill him first before getting to Columbus.

Question 2.
The captain is always furious when he hears it.
a) Who is the captain?
b) What infuriates the captain?
c) Why does it infuriate him?
Answer:
a) Christopher Columbus is the captain.
b) The song of the seamen infuriates the captain.
c) It is a cynical song expressing doubts about the success of the voyage.

Question 3.
“I hope we are not entertaining mutinous thoughts.”
a) Who’s mutinous thoughts are being referred to? At whom are these thoughts directed?
b) Who said this and to whom?
c) Do the sailors eventually indulge in mutiny?
Answer:
a) The sailor’s mutinous thoughts directed at Columbus are being referred to. bj Pedro said this to Diego.
c) Even as they are ready to rise in mutiny, Pepe tells them that they would have to kill him first, before getting to Columbus. This gallant show of loyalty subdues them and stops them from the act of mutiny.’

Question 4.
“A good sailor knows his place”.
a) To whom was this said?
b) Was Columbus giving a piece of advice or was it an indirect command?
c) What was Diego’s reaction?
Answer:
a) Diego.
b) Columbus wanted to point out to Diego that he had no right to be on the quarter-deck. It is an indirect command.
c) Diego tries to suppress his anger. He goes off from there with a scowl.

Question 5.
“The Santa Maria will be lighter for his carcass”.
a) Whose words was Pepe quoting here?
b) What do the words reveal about the person who said them?
c) What is the Santa Maria?
Answer:
a) Pepe was quoting the words of Guillermo Ires.
b) These words show that the speaker was so upset with Columbus that he wished he was dead.
c) Santa Maria is the ship Columbus is travelling on to discover the new world.

Question 6.
“Once clear of the Devil’s track to nowhere, we’ll blow our way back home.”
a) Who made this statement?
b) What does ‘Devil’s track to nowhere’ suggest about the thinking of the seamen?
c) How did they prove to be wrong?
Answer:
a) Guillermo.
b) The seamen felt that Columbus was perhaps possessed by the Devil. He was risking their lives and taking them on a voyage which would take them nowhere.
c) Very soon, land was sighted and a New World was discovered. So they proved to be wrong.

Question 7.
“Why should one man have lives of fifty in his hands?”
a) Who is the speaker?
b) What does the speaker mean?
c) Who had the lives of fifty in his hands?
Answer:
a) Diego.
b) Diego and other seamen were becoming impatient and they wanted to return home, but Columbus was not prepared to do so. Diego said these words meaning that Columbus had no right to spoil their lives.
c) Columbus.

Question 8.
“Mutiny is an ugly word, Sir”.
a) Why did the speaker say these words? ‘
b) In what way is the word ugly?
c) Who is referred to as ‘sir’?
Answer:
a) Diego said these words in reply when Pedro asked him whether he was thinking of rebelling against Columbus.
b) ‘Mutiny’ is an ugly word because mutiny means revolt. Revolt is, going against your own leader, exhibiting disloyalty.
c) Pedro.

Question 9.
“Discipline knows no buts”.
a) Who said these words?
b) When does he say this?
c) What did he mean to say by these words?
Answer:
a) Columbus.
b) Columbus asks Francisco to bring Guillermo Ires to him for speaking against him. Francisco hesitates to obey his order. It is then Columbus says these words to Francisco.
c) Columbus meant that one should not hesitate to enforce discipline.

Question 10.
“I have discovered that when a man is given a vision he must follow it alone”.
a) Who is the speaker?
b) What do these words show about the speaker?
c) Why did the speaker say so?
Answer:
a) Columbus.
b) These words show the disappointment of Columbus that no one was ready to help him reach his goal.
c) Columbus had the dream to discover a New World, but his sailors, having sailed for many days without sighting land, were desperate to go back. Hence he says that men of vision should pursue their mission alone without expecting others to either share or support their vision.

Question 11.
Pepe said, “Captain, be careful. Sometimes they are desperate”.
a) Who is the captain mentioned?
b) Why did Pepe say these words?
c) Why were they desperate?
Answer:
a) Columbus.
b) Pepe tried to warn Columbus that there could be danger from the sailors any time.
c) The crew members feel desperate because they have been sailing for many days without any sign of land. They have their moments of doubt whether there would be a land at all.

Question 12.
Here’s a keg o’ rum To Kingdom Come!
The Devil laughs
But God is dumb!
a) Who sang this song?
b) What emotion is expressed in the song?
c) Why was this song repeated throughout the journey?
Answer:
a) The seamen.
b) The sailors are dejected as they have not sighted land even after many days of voyage.
c) They sing the song throughout the journey to keep their spirits from sagging.

Question 13.
‘I have discovered that when a man is given a vision he must follow it alone. Loyalty passes like seaweed on an outgoing tide. Friendship breaks as a mast hollowed by worms breaks’.
a) Who is the T mentioned here?
b) Who is ‘alone’ in the context?
c) Why did the speaker think so?
Answer:
a) Columbus.
b) Columbus.
c) He feels that no one else is able to understand him. They also do not share his vision and passion.

Question 14.
‘Your duty is to obey me as mine is to obey the Royal Sovereigns of Spain who sent me’.
a) When did Columbus say these words to Guillermo?
b) Why is it his duty to obey the Royal Sovereigns?
c) What do these words prove?
Answer:
a) When Guillermo defies Columbus and insists on going back to Spain, Columbus reacts with these words.
b) Because it is they who have sent him on the voyage of discovery.
c) The episode brings out the determination of Columbus. It also highlights his sense of loyalty towards his masters.

Question 15.
“What! Does that child stand between me and death?”
a) Who said this?
b) Who is referred to as ‘child’ here?
c) When did the speaker ask this question?
Answer:
a) Columbus.
b) Pepe.
c) When Pepe comes between Columbus and the angry sailors, Columbus says this. The sailors, led by Diego, are all set to attack Columbus as he doesn’t agree to end the voyage and go back to Spain.

Question 16.
“It is, Sir! Glory be to God!”
a) Who said this?
b) Who is the ‘sir’ mentioned here?
c) Why did he thank God?
Answer:
a) Pedro.
b) Columbus.
c) Pedro was a witness to the mutiny of the sailors against Columbus. Though the situation was brought under control, he knew that trouble would shoot up again if people had to continue their dreary journey. So, when land was sighted, he was greatly relieved and thanked God.

Question 17.
“Cowards, Cowards! You will have to kill me first”.
a) Why did the speaker call them cowards?
b) What does ‘coward’ mean in the context?
c) What character of the speaker does it reveal?
Answer:
a) When Diego and other seamen charge towards Columbus, Pepe confronts them and calls them cowards because they rebel against their own leader and try to outnumber him. They don’t have the perseverance of Columbus and want to go back.

b) ‘Cowards’ in this context means people who don’t have perseverance. They lack the vision, endurance and patience of Columbus.

c) It shows that the speaker is a courageous boy who risks his life to save Columbus’ life. It also shows that the speaker, though just a young boy, has greater patience and perseverance than the other sailors who have lost hope. It also shows that the boy can understand the vision of Columbus, and shares his dream.

Question 18.
Why should one man have the lives of fifty in his hands?
a) Who is the speaker here?
b) Who does ‘one man’ refer to?
c) What does he mean by this statement?
Answer:
a) Diego.
b) Columbus.
c) Diego and other seamen were becoming impatient and they wanted to return home, but Columbus was not prepared to do so. Diego said these words meaning that Columbus had no right to spoil their lives.

Question 19.
“I am your captain. Your duty is to obey me as mine is to obey the Royal Sovereigns of Spain who sent me.”
a) Who does T refer to?
b) Who had to obey him?
c) Why were they disobedient to him?
Answer:
a) Columbus.
b) The sailors.
c) The crew members feel desperate and want to return home because they have been sailing for many days without any sign of land. But Columbus is not prepared to do so. Hence they become disobedient and rebellious.

Question 20.
“Discipline is a thing of the past, sir. It’s you or us.
a) Who made this statement?
b) Who is the ‘you* referred to here?
c) What made the speaker say these words?
Answer:
a) Francisco.
b) The sailors.
c) When Columbus asks Francisco to bring Guillermo to him for speaking against him, Francisco hesitates to obey his order. Columbus remarks that discipline knows no buts. It is then that Francisco makes this remark.

Question 21.
“The first man to move shall spend the rest of the night in irons!”
a) Who gave this warning?
b) What made the speaker give this warning?
c) What was the reaction to this warning?
Answer:
a) Columbus.
b) To control the drunken, angry seamen rushing towards him wildly.
c) They stopped moving but Guillermo moved forward.

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
The captain was furious when he heard
A) the waves
B) utter silence
C) the song of the sailors
D) the sailors making noise
Answer:
C) the song of the sailors

Question 2.
The sailors were impatient because
A) they wanted to go home
B) they had been sailing far too long without sighting land
C) they did not like Columbus
D) they did not like the ship
Answer:
B) they had been sailing far too long without sighting land

Question 3.
Columbus felt that his worst enemy was
A) his uncontrolled tongue
B) the angry sea
C) the sailors
D) his patience
Answer:
A) his uncontrolled tongue

Question 4.
Columbus’ men did not share his
A) spirit
B) anger
C) vision
D) sight
Answer:
C) vision

Question 5.
“Why should one man have the lives of fifty in his hands?” Here ‘one man’ refers to
A) Pepe
B) Columbus
C) Pedro
D) Guillermo.
Answer:
B) Columbus

Question 6.
The mutineers said that the Santa Maria would be lighter for whose carcass?
A) Guillermo
B) Diego
C) Pedro
D) Columbus
Answer:
D) Columbus

Question 7.
Who said that the Santa Maria would be lighter for Columbus’ carcass?
A) Guillermo
B) Diego
C) Pedro
D) Columbus
Answer:
A) Guillermo

Question 8.
Which child stood between Columbus and death?
A) Guillermo
B) Diego
C) Pedro
D) Pepe
Answer:
D) Pepe

Question 9.
Loyalty passes like seaweeds on
A) an incoming tide
B) an outgoing tide
C) a high tide
D) a low tide
Answer:
B) an outgoing tide

Question 10.
Friendship breaks as a mast hollowed by
A) cockroaches
B) scorpions
C) ants
D) worms
Answer:
D) worms

Question 11.
Columbus said that dark deeds are better done
A) at night
B) in the bright
C) in the dark
D) in the day
Answer:
C) in the dark

Question 12.
When Diego says, “We are like bats trying to fly by day,” the significance of the comparison is that
A) They are fast like bats.
B) They are slow like bats.
C) like bats which have no vision in the day time, they stupidly continue on the voyage.
D) like bats which can fly better in the day time, they try to discover the new world.
Answer:
C) like bats which have no vision in the day time, they stupidly continue on the voyage.

Question 13.
When Columbus tells Diego, “This is the quarter-deck”, he means to convey to Diego the idea that
A) the quarter-deck is meant for officers and not sailors.
B) the quarter-deck is meant for sailors and not officers.
C) the quarter-deck is a peaceful place.
D) the quarter-deck is an important place and hence it has to be kept clean.
Answer:
A) the quarter-deck is meant for officers and not sailors.

Question 14.
When Guillermo challenges Columbus and says, “We are thirty to one,” he means .
A) the sailors can be outnumbered by Columbus.
B) thirty sailors, except one, will outnumber Columbus.
C) the sailors can outnumber Columbus.
D) None of the above.
Answer:
C) the sailors can outnumber Columbus.

Question 15.
‘Discipline is a thing of the past, sir, it’s you or us’ – Who said this?
A) Francisco
B) Guillermo Ires
C) Juan Patino
D) Pedro Gutierrez
Answer:
A) Francisco

Question 16.
Columbus said that he had discovered one thing. It was.
A) there were no buts to discipline
B) a good sailor knows his place
C) God’s will was his will
D) a man with a vision has to follow it alone.
Answer:
D) a man with a vision has to follow it alone.

Question 17.
“Your best cannot be bettered”, says Columbus. This implies that
A) no one is perfect at any time
B) there is always scope for improvement
C) once we reach the best, we cannot improve
D) Columbus is not totally happy with Francisco.
Answer:
D) Columbus is not totally happy with Francisco.

Question 18.
“I will perform it myself’, says Columbus. What does Ht’mean here?
A) To navigate the ship forward
B) To put Guillermo Ires in irons
C) To turn back the ship towards Spain
D) To stop the seamen from singing.
Answer:
B) To put Guillermo Ires in irons

Question 19.
Columbus says, “Would God implant the desire to solve mysteries and not provide the solution? The mood of Columbus in saying this is
A) desperation
B) faith in god
C) anger
D) helplessness
Answer:
B) faith in god

Question 20.
The seamen were desperate because
A) they were tired and wanted to return to their homes and families
B) there was a storm in the sea
C) they were tortured by the Captain v
D) there was no food in the ship.
Answer:
A) they were tired and wanted to return to their homes and families

Question 21.
“Your duty is to obey me as mine is to obey the Royal Sovereigns of Spain who sent me”. These words prove that
A) Columbus was very loyal to the king and queen
B) Columbus was mutinous
C) Columbus was reluctant
D) Columbus was cruel.
Answer:
A) Columbus was very loyal to the king and queen

The Discovery Summary in English

‘The Discovery’, as suggested by the title, is a one-act play on the voyage of discovery taken up by Christopher Columbus. Columbus sets on a voyage with his crew in search of the new world under the orders of the Royal Sovereigns of Spain. The passage gets drawn out as even after days of voyage there is no sign of the land.

The seamen grow indisciplined and even officers like Pedro find the behaviour of Columbus autocratic. Francisco warns Columbus that disciplining the crew is no longer possible. The crew get more and more drunk and sailors like Diego and Guillermo openly show their defiance of Columbus. They think they should take charge of the situation and take the ship back to Spain.

They do not share the vision and the passion of Columbus and think that Columbus is completely wrong in setting sail on the easterly wind. When they realise that they cannot persuade Columbus to return to the shore of Spain, they decide to revolt against Columbus. They think that Columbus would stand no chance against the collective mutiny of the sailors. But they are proved wrong.

Columbus continues to be authoritative and their advance has the first stumbling block in this unexpected tone of authority of Columbus. Secondly, as they charge towards Columbus, Pepe blocks the way and gallantly pledges his loyalty for Columbus. Even as Columbus is deeply touched by the brave act of the boy, there is a perceptible change in the behaviour of the sailors around him.

While Pedro; Juan and Francisco are expressive in their support, Guillermo is cowed down and remarks that the problem should be resolved the next morning. There is a magical turn of events at this crucial point as a flicker of a light is seen and Columbus and others realise that they have sighted the new world. There are shouts of joy and excitement as Columbus makes preparations to stop.

The Discovery Summary in Kannada

Glossary:

• assumed assiduity: pretended interest
• rigging: work of sailing
• mutinous: rebellious
• surlily: rudely
• pumping: encouraging
• ruddy: pink and healthy
• melancholy: very sad
• trifle: a little
• guttering: unsteady
• scarcely concealing: not hiding
• scowl: expression of anger
• relaxation: a break from work
• vision: forethought
• descend: (formal) to move from a higher level to a lower one
• unbridled: uncontrolled
• appeased: satisfied
• a blight: a curse
• mysteries: events not easily understood
• poop: high deck at the end of a ship
• startle: to frighten or surprise suddenly
• reluctantly: unwillingly
• whimsically: amusingly, in an intimate way
• humouring: liking
• impetuously: without any fear
• surge: to rise and fall forcefully
• ominous: bad
• sneaking mischief-maker: suspicious trouble maker
• carcass: dead body
• blink: to shine dimly or intermittently
• not without diffidence: with some hesitation
• infuriated: with great anger
• transfixed: stopped
• helm: a lever or wheel controlling the rudder of a ship for steering
• won’t: to have the habit of doing something
• discretion: ability to do right thinking
• in irons: jailed
• abundant: a lot of
• froth and scum: silly
• huddled crowd: close/thick crowd
• tumultuously: in a sudden loud chorus
• renegade: enemy, traitor
• stampede: a situation in which people suddenly start running in the same direction because they are frightened
• or excited
• whelp: dog
• lickspittle: a derogatory word like ‘a boot-licker’
• radiant: bright
• dominion: land to be owned
• saviour: God
• redeem: get something back
• sheepish: resembling a sheep in meekness, stupidity, or timidity
• mast: ship’s pole
• deliberation: discussing issues and making decisions carefully
• gleaming: shining
• peers: looks
• loyal: obedient
• scrapping: clearing
• overwrought emotion: deeply sentimental
• reminding: remembering
• slink off: go out like a sheep
• faintly flickering: dimly shining
• heave to: to stop
• delirious: almost mad