CBSE Class 9 English Literature Reader Chapter 14: The Bishop's Candlesticks NCERT Solutions
This resource provides NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 English (Literature Reader) Chapter 14, 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'. It delves into the core themes of the play, focusing on the Bishop's profound kindness, forgiveness, and unwavering benevolence towards a convict. The solutions help students understand the narrative, analyze character motivations, and explore the moral dilemmas presented. Key aspects covered include the Bishop's charitable actions, the convict's transformation, and the significance of the silver candlesticks. These solutions are designed to aid students in grasping the literary elements and thematic depth of the chapter, making it an excellent tool for exam preparation and revision.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | English Literature Reader |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 |
Chapter summary
NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 English Literature Reader, Chapter 14, 'The Bishop's Candlesticks', focuses on understanding the play's central themes of compassion, forgiveness, and redemption. The solutions cover character analysis, particularly the Bishop's benevolent nature and the convict's journey. They also address vocabulary building through antonym exercises and comprehension questions related to the plot and moral choices presented in the play, aiding students in their literary analysis and exam preparation.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the central theme of kindness and forgiveness in 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'.
- Analyze the character of the Bishop and his benevolent actions.
- Identify and understand the meaning of antonyms for various vocabulary words used in the play.
- Explain the convict's transformation and the impact of the Bishop's actions.
- Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
- Improve comprehension skills related to dramatic literature.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Theme of Kindness
- Theme of Forgiveness
- Character Analysis: The Bishop
- Character Analysis: The Convict
- Vocabulary: Antonyms
- Moral Dilemmas
- Redemption and Transformation
- Literary Devices in Drama
Important topics
- The Bishop's Benevolence
- The Convict's Transformation
- Vocabulary Building (Antonyms)
- Thematic Exploration (Kindness & Forgiveness)
- Moral Choices and Consequences
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Questions and Solutions
Q1: Complete the paragraph about the theme of the play.
The play deals with a _____and ____Bishop who is always ready to lend a _____hand to anyone in distress. A _____breaks into the Bishop's house and is ______and warmed. The benevolence of the Bishop somewhat _____the convict, but, when he sees the silver candlesticks, he ______ them, and runs away. However, he is ____and brought back. He expects to go back to jail, but the Bishop informs the police they are a ______by this kindness of the Bishop and before he leaves he seeks the priest's blessing.
The play centers around a profoundly kind and charitable Bishop who consistently offers assistance to those in need. The narrative unfolds when a convict intrudes upon the Bishop's home, seeking refuge and sustenance. Initially, the Bishop's compassionate actions somewhat perplex the convict. However, upon discovering the silver candlesticks, the convict succumbs to temptation and steals them before fleeing. Subsequently, the convict is apprehended and returned. Expecting severe punishment, the convict is surprised when the Bishop declares the candlesticks were a gift. Deeply moved by this act of extraordinary kindness, the convict seeks the Bishop's blessing before departing, signifying a profound personal transformation.
Q2: Provide antonyms for the given words.
kind- hearted unscrupulous forgiving benevolent stern credulous
generous pious suspicious sympathetic understanding wild
innocent penitent clever cunning brutal caring
sentimental trusting protective honourable concerned embittered
Here are the antonyms for the given words:
- (1) Kind-hearted: nasty, unkind
- (2) Unscrupulous: ethical, moral, good
- (3) Forgiving: censure, charge, punish
- (4) Stern: cheerful, funny, lenient
- (5) Benevolent: greedy, malevolent, mean, selfish
- (6) Credulous: skeptical, suspecting, suspicious
- (7) Generous: greedy, mean, miserly
- (8) Pious: atheist, impious, irreligious
- (9) Suspicious: innocent, trustworthy, trusty
- (10) Sympathetic: callous, merciless, uncaring, unconcerned
- (11) Understanding: misunderstanding, intolerant
- (12) Wild: civilized, controlled, delicate, gentle
- (13) Innocent: bad, blamable, corrupt
- (14) Penitent: happy, unashamed
- (15) Clever: awkward, foolish, idiotic, ignorant
- (16) Brutal: generous, humane, kind, nice
- (17) Cunning: gullible, kind, naive
- (18) Caring: disregarding, ignoring, neglecting
- (19) Sentimental: hard-hearted, indifferent, pragmatic, unemotional
- (20) Trusting: disagree, dispute, reject, renounce
- (21) Protective: attacking, harmful, hurtful, injurious
- (22) Concerned: happy, undisturbed, unperturbed
- (23) Honourable: not respectful, unhonourable
- (24) Embittered: pleasant, content, genial
Q3: Provide antonyms for the given words.
kind- hearted unscrupulous forgiving stern benevolent credulous
generous pious suspicious sympathetic understanding wild
innocent penitent clever brutal cunning caring
sentimental trusting protective concerned honourable embittered
Here are the antonyms for the listed words:
- (1) Kind-hearted: nasty, unkind
- (2) Unscrupulous: ethical, moral, good
- (3) Forgiving: censure, charge, punish
- (4) Stern: cheerful, funny, lenient
- (5) Benevolent: greedy, malevolent, mean, selfish
- (6) Credulous: skeptical, suspecting, suspicious
- (7) Generous: greedy, mean, miserly
- (8) Pious: atheist, impious, irreligious
- (9) Suspicious: innocent, trustworthy, trusty
- (10) Sympathetic: callous, merciless, uncaring, unconcerned
- (11) Understanding: misunderstanding, intolerant
- (12) Wild: civilized, controlled, delicate, gentle
- (13) Innocent: bad, blamable, corrupt
- (14) Penitent: happy, unashamed
- (15) Clever: awkward, foolish, idiotic, ignorant
- (16) Brutal: generous, humane, kind, nice
- (17) Cunning: gullible, kind, naive
- (18) Caring: disregarding, ignoring, neglecting
- (19) Sentimental: hard-hearted, indifferent, pragmatic, unemotional
- (20) Trusting: disagree, dispute, reject, renounce
- (21) Protective: attacking, harmful, hurtful, injurious
- (22) Concerned: happy, undisturbed, unperturbed
- (23) Honourable: not respectful, unhonourable
- (24) Embittered: pleasant, content, genial
Q4: Was the Bishop right in selling the salt-cellars? Explain your reasoning.
There are differing perspectives on whether the Bishop was right to sell the salt-cellars. One viewpoint suggests that the Bishop was not entirely right because his own financial situation was precarious, and the salt-cellars also belonged to Persome. He should have consulted her before making such a decision. However, from another perspective, the Bishop's action can be seen as justified. He intended to use the money obtained from selling the salt-cellars to help Mere Gringoire, who was facing eviction due to unpaid rent. The Bishop demonstrated great empathy and broad-mindedness by prioritizing Gringoire's immediate crisis over his own material possessions, believing that salt could be served in simpler china dishes.
Q5: Why does Persome believe people feign illness?
Persome believes that people pretend to be sick primarily to ensure that the Bishop visits them. She observes that individuals often take advantage of the Bishop's inherent simplicity and compassionate nature. Because the Bishop is always ready to extend a helping hand to anyone experiencing distress, Persome feels that some people exploit his kindness for their own benefit.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the meaning of benevolent and malevolent.
- Incorrectly identifying antonyms for words like 'credulous' or 'pious'.
- Misinterpreting the Bishop's motivations for selling the salt-cellars.
- Failing to grasp the theme of redemption and transformation.
Revision tips
- Focus on the Bishop's character arc and his philosophy of kindness.
- Practice the antonym exercises to build vocabulary relevant to the play's themes.
- Discuss the moral questions raised by the Bishop's actions with peers.
- Summarize the convict's journey from crime to repentance.
- Re-read key dialogues that highlight the Bishop's compassion.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary theme explored in 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'?
Explanation: The play prominently features the Bishop's acts of kindness and forgiveness towards a convict, leading to the convict's eventual repentance and transformation.
Q2. Which of the following is an antonym for 'benevolent'?
Explanation: 'Benevolent' means well-meaning and kindly. 'Malevolent' means having or showing a wish to do evil to others, making it the opposite.
Q3. Why does Persome feel people pretend to be sick?
Explanation: Persome believes people exploit the Bishop's kind and charitable nature by feigning illness to receive his help and attention.
Q4. What did the convict steal from the Bishop's house?
Explanation: After being fed and warmed, the convict stole the silver candlesticks from the Bishop's house before being apprehended.
Q5. Which word is an antonym for 'credulous'?
Explanation: 'Credulous' means having or showing too great a readiness to believe things. 'Skeptical' means not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main message of 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'?
The main message is about the power of unconditional kindness, forgiveness, and how these virtues can lead to the redemption and transformation of even the most hardened individuals.
Who are the main characters in Chapter 14?
The main characters are the Bishop, a kind and charitable clergyman, and a convict who breaks into his house seeking shelter and food.
How do these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?
These solutions provide clear explanations of the play's themes, character analyses, and vocabulary exercises, helping students understand the text thoroughly for exams.
What kind of vocabulary exercises are included?
The solutions include exercises focused on finding antonyms for words used in the play, helping students expand their vocabulary and understand word meanings in context.
Was the Bishop right to sell the salt-cellars?
The solutions present two viewpoints: one suggesting he was not right due to economic conditions and shared ownership, and another arguing he was right to help someone in dire need, prioritizing human welfare over material possessions.
What does Persome's reaction reveal about the Bishop?
Persome's feeling that people pretend to be sick shows that the Bishop's kindness and generosity are well-known, but also that some people might take advantage of his good nature.
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