The Comet I and The Comet II

The Comet  1

Questions:

1. Why does Indrani Debi dislike Duttada’s “hobnobbing’ with Dibya?
2. She is complaining and smiling. Why is she smiling? ‘
3. (i) What was Duttada’s secret ambition?
   (ii) What did he do to achieve it?
4. What is the difference between a planet and a comet, as given in the story?
5. Why was Duttada hopeful that he would discover a new comet soon?
6. Why does Duttada say____ “I almost wish I had not discovered this comet”.
7. Why is his wife unhappy about the discovery?

Answers:

1. “Dibya’ was the name given by Indrani Debi. It was a telescope. Dattada was always busy during night with Dibya. He never cared for his wife or about himself. So his wife disliked it as her rival.
2. She complains that Dibya has cast a spell on her husband. But she could not help smiling at his childlike behaviour. He did not bother to close the door and he forgot to put on his sweater.
3. (i) Duttada’s secret ambition was to buy a good telescope and to have enough of spare time to watch the stars.
   (ii) He waited for his retirement. After retirement he got sufficient funds. Then he bought a telescope and he started gazing at the stars without caring for his wife and life.
4. A planet has a fixed orbit. A comet comes from the distant comers of the solar system. It keeps on changing.
5. Duttada was hopeful of discovering a new comet because he knew that professional astronomers did not consider them significant and ignored them.
6. The discovery of the new comet brought Duttada publicity which he did not like. He had to attend many receptions and functions. So he wished he hadn’t discov­ered that new comet.
7. The discovery of the new comet made Duttada’s wife unhappy. She was supersti­tious. She thought that the discovery would bring calamities on the family as well as on the earth.

Questions:

1. How did Sir John get hold of James’ original manuscript?
2. What is the important point the paper makes?
3. Why does Sir John say that James’paper should not be published?
4. What do the two men finally decide to do?

Answers:

1. Sir John got hold of James’ original manuscript from Mr. Taylor who wanted to get his opinion before sending it to a professional referee.
2. The paper makes the important point that Duttada’s comet would collide with the earth.
3. Sir John opposes the publication of James’ paper because his prediction would cause widespread panic in the world.
4. The two men finally agree to organise a secret conference of international experts to plan how to avert the calamity.

The Comet 2

Question 1:

“For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right.” Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?
Answer:
James reached his hotel at 1 pm. He looked up from his window and saw the star- studded sky. He couldn’t believe that any untoward event could happen on such a peaceful night. He became doubtful about his calculations.

Question 2:
What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums?
Answer:
The scientists attending the conference came to the conclusion that James Forsyth’s calculations were correct. The new comet would collide with the earth.

Question 3:
Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.
Answer:
The approaching comet needed immediate action. The scientists had two options. The defensive measure was that the people should live in bunkers. The offensive action was to do something to deflect the comet from its path. This could be done by exploding a nuclear payload near the comet.

Question 4:
“I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15”. What did Sir John mean by that?
Answer:
Sir John was not quite sure about the safety of the earth. So he deferred the buying of Christmas presents till December 15. By that time the situation was sure to become clear.

Question 1:
What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London?
Answer:
Duttada on the return was expected to take part in a Shanti yajna to pacify evil spirit behind the comet.

Question 2:
What is his reaction to the proposal?
Answer:
Duttada was very angry. He called it just a silly superstition to think that comets have ill-effects.

Question 3:
(i) What does “Project Light Brigade’ refer to?
(ii) What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?
Answer:
(i) “Project Light Brigade’ refers to the plan to divert the comet from its path. The plan was to launch a spacecraft and explode the nuclear device near the comet.
(ii) The charge of the light Brigade has begun. Let us hope for the best.

Question 4:
Did Sir John Buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?
Answer:
Duttada got to know from the letter that Sir John had bought Christmas presents on Dec 15. It indicated that the Project Light Brigade was successful.

Question 5:
Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?
Answer:
Indrani Debi thought that Comet Dutta could not harm the earth because of the Yajna performed at their house. I don’t agree with this.

Question 6:
Is Duttada’s general outlook
(i) rational?
(ii) moral?
(iii) traditional?
Choose the right word. Say why you think it right.
Answer:
Duttada’s general outlook is rational because he had a scientific temper. He went by reason, not by custom or morality.