CBSE Class 9 English: NCERT Solutions for Chapter F.4 Keeping It From Harold

The correct options are:

(a) (iv) she was the mother of a child prodigy. Mrs. Bramble felt proud because her son, Harold, was exceptionally intelligent and academically gifted, a 'child prodigy,' which set him apart from ordinary children.

(b) (iii) satirical. The writer uses a satirical tone to subtly comment on the situation. The 'sacrifice' mentioned refers to Mr. Bramble having to give up his preferred boxing-related names for his son, highlighting the compromises made within the family, especially concerning Harold.

(c) (ii) being good at academics. Harold defied the typical expectations associated with his father's profession (likely sports) by excelling in his studies, winning prizes for spelling and dictation, rather than pursuing athletics.

(d) (i) they did not know his father was the famous boxer, 'Young Porky'. Harold believed that if his classmates knew his father was the renowned boxer 'Young Porky,' they would be intimidated and would not dare to tease or disrespect him, thus he felt deprived of this potential protection and respect.

Mrs. Bramble had a peculiar habit of addressing her son, Harold, as if he were a much younger child. Instead of using 'I,' she would refer to herself as 'mother,' saying things like, "Yes, mother will hear you, precious." Harold, who was ten years old and had already won academic prizes, found this manner of address strange and embarrassing. He felt bad about it because it did not align with his age and his intellectual achievements.

It was considered necessary by Harold's parents to keep his father's profession as a boxer a secret from him because they feared he would be 'disgraced' or deeply ashamed if he knew his father was a professional fighter, referred to as a 'man of wrath' and known as 'Young Porky.' They believed this knowledge might negatively impact Harold's social standing or his perception of his family.

When Mr. Bramble learned he was going to be a father, he had several names in mind for his child, all related to the world of boxing. For a boy, he considered naming him John after the famous boxer Mr. John L. Sullivan. For a girl, he thought of Marie, after Miss Marie Lloyd. He chose these names because he was deeply involved in the boxing world and likely wished for his child to have a connection to its prominent figures.

Mr. Bramble is described as an 'excellent man' whom 'nobody could help liking.' He was a professional boxer, widely known by his ring name, 'Young Porky.' He was exceptionally skilled, capable of overcoming any boxer in London in a twenty-round contest, particularly noted for his powerful left hook. Despite his prowess in the ring, he was also a considerate and self-sacrificing individual, willing to put aside his name, fame, and money as a boxer to avoid 'disgracing' his son, Harold.

Mrs. Bramble was upset when Bill (Mr. Bramble) decided not to fight primarily because of the significant financial implications involved. The fight promised substantial earnings: £500 for the winner and £120 even for the loser. This money was crucial for providing Harold with a good education and a better start in life than his parents had experienced. The potential loss of this income made her distressed about Bill's decision.

Jerry Fisher was a boxing coach or trainer associated with the White Hart, known for his rigorous training methods. He was proud of Bill and confident in his victory against Jimmy Murphy. When Bill decided not to fight, Jerry was shocked and tried to convince him to reconsider. He reminded Bill of the considerable amount of money he stood to gain by participating in the fight, emphasizing the financial benefits.

Harold learned about his father's true identity as a boxer from Jerry Fisher. Jerry Fisher, seeking revenge against Bill Bramble for his decision not to fight, deliberately revealed that Bill was not a commercial traveler but the professional boxer 'Young Porky' to his son, Harold.

Harold was upset that his father had not told him about his true identity for two main reasons:

1. He felt he had been deprived of the honour and respect that would have come from being known as the son of 'Young Porky.' He believed his classmates would not have dared to tease him if they knew his father's reputation.
2. He had already made a bet of two shillings that Jimmy Murphy would not last ten rounds against 'Young Porky,' indicating his existing interest and perhaps even admiration for the boxer, making the secrecy feel like a betrayal of his own knowledge and engagement with the sport.

The decision of Harold's parents to hide the fact that his father was a boxer was arguably not correct, despite their intentions. They believed Harold would feel 'disgrace' upon learning his father was a 'man of wrath' and 'Young Porky.' However, the story reveals the opposite: Harold was already interested in boxing and had even bet on a fight involving 'Young Porky.' Hiding the truth deprived Harold of the honour and respect associated with his father's identity and created a situation of dramatic irony, as the secret was kept from the very person who might have embraced it.