CBSE Class 9 English Literature Reader Chapter 4: Keeping it from Harold NCERT Solutions

(a) Mrs. Bramble's pride stemmed from her son Harold's exceptional intelligence and academic achievements. He had won spelling and dictation prizes, indicating he was a 'child prodigy', which was a source of her pride.

(b) The writer's tone is satirical. The phrase suggests an ironic or subtly mocking observation about the unusual circumstances and sacrifices involved in naming Harold, implying that the very act of naming him was a significant undertaking for Mr. Bramble.

(c) Harold defied the 'laws of heredity' by excelling in academics. This implies a contrast with the expected path of following his father's athletic (boxing) career, suggesting that his intellectual abilities were a surprising inheritance.

(d) Harold felt he was deprived of respect because his classmates were unaware of his father's true identity as the famous boxer 'Young Porky'. He believed this knowledge would have commanded more respect from them.

The strange aspect of Mrs. Bramble's address was her habit of referring to herself in the third person and speaking to Harold as if he were a much younger child. For instance, she would say, "Yes, mother will hear you, precious," instead of using "I." Harold, who was ten years old and had already won academic prizes, felt uncomfortable and bad about this condescending manner of address.

It was considered necessary by Harold's parents to keep his father's profession as a boxer a secret because they feared that Harold would be deeply ashamed or 'die of disgrace' if he knew his father was a professional fighter, known as 'Young Porky'. They wanted to shield him from what they perceived as the negative connotations of a boxer's life and maintain a different image for him.

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. He considered naming a son 'John' after the famous boxer John L. Sullivan, and a daughter 'Marie' after the singer Marie Lloyd. His choices reflected his passion and connection to the boxing and entertainment world.

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'. In his boxing career, he was formidable, capable of defeating any boxer in London in a twenty-round contest, particularly known for his powerful left hook. Despite his prowess in the ring, he is portrayed as a considerate, self-sacrificing, and diffident individual who was willing to give up 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 because significant financial gain was involved in the match. The fight promised substantial earnings, with the winner receiving 500 pounds and even the loser getting 120 pounds. This money was crucial for providing Harold with a better education and a better start in life than his parents had experienced, and cancelling the fight meant losing this vital financial opportunity.

Jerry Fisher was Bill Bramble's boxing coach or trainer at the White Hart. He was known for being a hard trainer. When Bill decided not to fight Jimmy Murphy, Jerry was shocked and tried to convince him to reconsider. He reminded Bill of the substantial 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, holding a grudge against Bill Bramble, deliberately disclosed that Bill was not a commercial traveler but the professional boxer 'Young Porky'. This revelation was Jerry's way of seeking revenge.

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 honor and prestige associated with being the son of 'Young Porky'.
2. He realized that if his classmates had known his father's identity, they might have treated him with more respect and perhaps not called him names like 'goggles'. He had also bet money on a fight involving 'Young Porky', indicating his prior interest and involvement.

The decision of Harold's parents to hide his father's profession as a boxer was arguably not the correct approach. They believed Harold would be ashamed, but the story reveals Harold was already interested in boxing and had even bet on a fight involving 'Young Porky'. Hiding the truth prevented Harold from knowing his father's true identity and potentially enjoying the respect that came with it. It created a dramatic irony where the parents' attempt to protect Harold from shame inadvertently deprived him of honor and connection to his father's celebrated career.