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Revision... Packing and A House is not a Home

PACKING

Summary

Packing is a story about three friends who are getting ready to go for a journey. It follows the packing session of three friends, Jerome, Harris, and George. Thus, it begins with them starting the most important thing of a journey, packing! This story is an extract taken from Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome. In here, Jerome is the narrator himself and writes about the experience he has while his friends decide to start packing. Further, it takes us on a hilarious ride about three adults who struggle to do a basic thing as packing and the contribution of their dog, Montmorency. Similarly, it also shows how his other two friends are not that great when it comes to packing.

Characters

• Jerome

• Harris

• George

• Montmorency

Multiple Select

While packing the hamper, George and Harris do a number of foolish and funny things. Tick the statements that are true.

• They started with breaking a cup

• They also broke a plate.

• They squashed a tomato.

• They trod on the butter.

  
  

  They stepped on a banana.

• They put things behind them, and couldn’t find them.

Where did Jerome finally find the toothbrush?

Jerome tried his best to find the toothbrush. He unpacked the bag but could not find it. He put the things back one by one, and held everything up and shook it. At last, he found it inside a boot.

A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME

Summary

The story highlights the thin difference between a house and a home. While a house is a building where people live, a home is a place where a family lives together sharing the unique bond of love and oneness. The narrator’s house gets destroyed by fire and he gets a new house. Then he realizes that his home is the one built by the love and affection of his family and loved ones. Love and affection of one’s family is precious.

Why did the writer feel awkward during her first year of high school?

He felt awkward because it was a new school, much bigger than his previous junior high school. It was strange starting as a freshman after enjoying the benefits of being the senior-most class in junior high. He also felt isolated as all his close friends had gone to different high schools and he did not know anyone there.

How do we know that her cat was very playful?

We know this from the fact that he would swat at the writer’s pen from time to time in a playful manner while he tried to complete his homework.

Why did the writer’s mother run back into the burning house?

The writer’s father had died when he had been very young. His mother ran back into the burning house to try to save her husband’s pictures and letters, which were all she had to remember him by.

Why does he break down in tears after the fire?

The author’s house was completely burned down. Five hours later when the fire was finally put out, he realised at once that his cat was nowhere. He had to face the loss of old school, his house and cat. In such a state, he cried and broke down in tears.