The Bishop's Candlesticks | BOSEM Class 10 English

The Bishop's Candlesticks

Candlesticks

Summary of the Play

The play opens in the kitchen of the Bishop's cottage. It is 11 PM and the Bishop has not yet come home. Persome and Marie are having a conversation regarding the bishop. Persome shows deep concern for her brother. She feels he is overstraining himself. Marie tells her that the Bishop has sold his silver salt cellars to help a poor woman. Persome is shocked.

The Bishop arrives. He had gone to attend Marie's ailing mother. As soon as he arrives, he sends Marie away and gives her his comforter to protect herself from the biting cold outside. Marie goes away. Persome scolds her brother for giving away his comforter to Marie. She also remarks that he will give away his proud possession, a massive silver candlestick, a gift from his dying mother. This gives him an idea that he can use them to help a needy person someday.

Persome retires to her room for the night. The Bishop sits down to read. Soon the convict enters stealthily with a long knife in his hands and he demands something to eat as he has not eaten for the last three days. He also threatened to kill him if the Bishop raises an alarm. The Bishop is not frightened at all. He feels true sympathy and pity for the man. The Bishop gives the convict some bread, meat and wine to drink. The convict feels convinced that the Bishop will not hand him over to the police.

The Bishop engages him in a conversation. The convict tells him that he has been a victim of circumstances, a callous society and cruel law. Once he had to steal to buy food for her ailing wife. he was caught and imprisoned. His wife died the night he was put into prison. There he lived a life of hell and turned into a hardened criminal.

The Bishop consoled the convict and asks him to sleep for the night. The Bishop goes to his room. The convict is left alone. His eyes fall on the Bishop's candlesticks. He steals them and walks out cautiously hiding the candlesticks under his coat. As he goes out the door slams. Persome hears the noise and comes running. She finds that the convict has run away with the candlesticks. She raises an alarm. The Bishop comes and is shocked to know that the convict has stolen the candlesticks but soon console himself, saying that he has more need of them than him. Just then a sergeant come with the convict in chains, carrying the candlesticks. But the Bishop saves the convict and transforms him to be a good person.

I. Answer the following questions in a sentence each.

1. Where were the Bishop's two candlesticks placed?

Ans.: - The Bishop's two candle sticks were placed on the mantlepiece.

2. To whom were the silver salt cellars sold?

Ans.: - The silver salt cellars were sold to Monsieur Gervais.

3. Why did the Bishop give his comforter to Marie?

Ans.: - Marie was given the Bishop's comforter to shield her from the harsh, chilly weather outdoors.

4. According to Persome, what did people do to have the Bishop call on them?

Ans.: - Persome thought that the individuals feigned illness to have the Bishop come and offer them prayers.

5. What did the Bishop's mother tell him on her death bed?

Ans.: - On her deathbed, the Bishop's mother instructed him to retain the candlesticks as a memento of her.

6. For how many days did the convict say he had not eaten?

Ans.: - The prisoner stated that he had not consumed any food over the past three days.

7. The night I was sentenced, the gaoler told me... What did the gaoler tell the convict?

Ans.: - The jailer informed the prisoner that his wife Jeanette had passed away due to hunger and illness.

8. The Convict said that he hated the church. What did the Bishop reply?

Ans.: - The Bishop responded that the church did not harbour any hatred towards him.

9. Where would the convict head for from the Bishop's house?

Ans.: - The convict is set to depart for Paris from the Bishop's residence.

10. "Stay my son, you have forgotten your property." What is the property mentioned here?

Ans.: - The property mentioned here is the candlesticks.

II. Answer each of the following questions briefly.

1. Why was the Bishop with Marie's mother?

Ans.: - One evening, the Bishop didn't come back early because he had gone to visit Marie's mother and offer prayers for her well-being, as she was unwell.

2. Why were the silver salt cellars sold?

Ans.: - An elderly woman named Mere Gringoire was unwell and confined to her bed. She was unable to afford her rent, and the bailiff had instructed her to either pay or leave the property. She appealed to the Bishop for assistance, but he had no funds. Consequently, he sold the silver salt cellars in order to aid her.

3. Why did the Bishop insist on Marie taking his comforter?

Ans.: - The Bishop offered Marie his comforter as she was heading out in the severe cold. Additionally, it would shield her from the chilly conditions. Therefore, the Bishop urged Marie to accept the comforter.

4. "I'm sure Marie's mother is not so ill that..." Write why Persome says so?

Ans.: - Persome expresses this sentiment because she believes that her brother wouldn't have had to remain outside on such a frigid night. She is of the opinion that these individuals feigned illness in order to prompt the Bishop to visit them.

5. "My dear, there is so much suffering in the world, and I can do so little, so very little." Based on the above statement, make a comment of the Bishop's character.

Ans.: - The Bishop is an incredibly compassionate and generous individual. He is deeply moved by the sight of suffering and is always willing to assist those in need, without concern for his own comforts or requirements.

6. "But it is ridiculous: you will soon have nothing left..." Why does Persome says so to the Bishop?

Ans.: - Persome is the sister of the Bishop, and she possesses qualities that are completely different from her brother. She shows more concern for her brother and seems indifferent to spiritual values such as mercy and charity. In contrast, the Bishop is always willing to assist those who are in need, particularly the impoverished. He readily gives away his possessions to aid others, even depleting his savings and selling his silver salt cellars to support an elderly woman in need. The Bishop's selflessness is evident in his disregard for his own comfort and requirements, which is the reason why Persome makes such a statement.

7. "Oh, why not? They would pay somebody's rent, I suppose." Why had Persome to say so?

Ans.: - Persome made a sarcastic remark when her brother refused to part with the candlesticks, saying, "The Bishop had sold the silver salt cellars to pay the rent of Mere Gringoire." This statement reflects Persome's concern for her possessions and highlights her brother's reluctance to part with the candlesticks in comparison to the Bishop's action of selling the silver salt cellars to meet his obligations.

8. "Brother, I'm frightened." Why was Persome frightened?

Ans.: - When the Bishop summoned his sister Persome to retrieve the keys to the cupboard, she entered and discovered a man standing with a knife in his hand. His eyes displayed a wild look, which frightened Persome.

9. Why did the Bishop leave his window unshuttered and the door unbarred?

Ans.: - The Bishop's house always kept its door and windows unlocked, as he wished to welcome anyone seeking shelter or food at any time.

10. "I was free, free to starve." What does the convict mean by it?

Ans.: - The criminal received a ten-year prison sentence. He was subjected to cruel treatment and restrained like a savage animal. On one occasion, the guards were negligent and failed to secure the prisoner with chains. Seizing the opportunity, the convict fled from the prison. Consequently, he found himself liberated, yet facing the prospect of starvation. While he had been provided meals while incarcerated, upon his escape, he struggled to find sustenance.

11. Why was the Bishop sentimental about the candlesticks?

Ans.: - The candlesticks had been given to him by his mother prior to her passing, serving as a symbol of her love and memory. When the candlesticks were stolen, he felt as though his mother's presence had vanished from the cottage. This emotional connection led the Bishop to experience a heartfelt breakdown.

12. Comment on the Bishop's reaction when he found that the convict had taken the candlesticks.

Ans.: - The Bishop blamed himself when the convict stole the candlesticks, stating that it was his own fault for leading the convict into temptation.

13. "But, but I don't understand, this gentleman is my very good friend." Why did the Bishop say so to the sergeant speaking about the convict?

Ans.: - The Bishop opposed the idea of sending the convict back to prison. Additionally, he believed that the convict's needs outweighed his own. He informed the sergeant that the man was his friend and that he had personally gifted him the candlesticks.

III. Answer the following questions in about 80 words each.

1. Comment on the importance of the scene between Persome and Marie at the beginning of the play.

Ans.: - The play begins with a discussion between Marie and Persome about the Bishop. Persome believes her brother is under too much strain. Marie reveals that the Bishop has sold his silver salt cellars to assist a poor woman. This upsets Persome, as she feels people are exploiting her brother's kindness. This highlights Persome's lack of sensitivity. It is evident that Persome lacks empathy and understanding of her brother's charitable actions. The portrayal of Persome as insensitive is evident early in the play.

2. Bring out the importance of the silver salt cellars.

Ans.: - An elderly lady named Mere Gringoire was unwell and confined to her bed. She found herself unable to afford her rent, and the bailiff had instructed her to either pay up or leave her home. In desperation, she appealed to the Bishop for assistance. Despite his own financial constraints, the Bishop decided to sell his cherished silver salt cellars in order to aid her. When Persome learned of the sale of the silver salt cellars, she was deeply distressed, revealing the significant sentimental value attached to them. This demonstrated the immense importance of the silver salt cellars to both the Bishop and his sister.

3. Comment of the life of prisoners in French jails.

Ans.: - The convict's testimony paints a harrowing picture of the French prison system, likening it to hell. In this environment, prisoners were subjected to inhumane treatment, being chained and whipped like animals, given meagre sustenance, and forced to sleep on hard boards. Additionally, they suffered from infestations and were silenced, facing further punishment if they dared to voice their suffering.

4. "The Temple of the living God, I'll remember." How does this realisation come to the convict?

Ans.: - The convict's heart had been hardened by the cruel and inhuman treatment he endured in prison. Following his escape, he found himself in the presence of the kind-hearted and benevolent Bishop, who provided him with food and shelter. Despite this compassionate gesture, he chose to steal the Bishop's candlesticks. Upon being apprehended and brought before the Bishop, he anticipated harsh judgment and a return to prison. However, to his surprise, the Bishop not only pardoned him but also entrusted him with the candlesticks, offering him a chance to make a fresh start. This act of generosity deeply impacted him, renewing his belief in the existence of goodness in the world. It sparked a transformation within the convict, leading him to vow that he would no longer succumb to his baser instincts.

5. Make a comparison between the characters of Persome and the Bishop.

Ans.: - The Bishop is known for his kindness, while Persome comes across as ruthless. She's quick-tempered, impolite, arrogant, and possessive. In contrast, the Bishop is brimming with compassion and cares deeply about the widespread suffering, poverty, hunger, and illness in the world. He selflessly serves those in need, whereas Persome displays disdain towards the less fortunate, showing insensitivity to their hardships. Thus, her character sharply juxtaposes that of her brother, the Bishop.

6. Write a character sketch of the Bishop.

Ans.: - The Bishop exemplifies extraordinary kindness, generosity, and compassion as a religious figure. His heart is deeply moved by the suffering of humanity, and he is always prepared to assist those in need, prioritizing their well-being over his own comfort and needs. For instance, he ventures out into the cold night to tend to the ailing mother of his maid, demonstrating his selfless dedication to helping others. Upon his return, he ensures that Marie is protected from the harsh weather by giving her his comforter.

Additionally, the Bishop's generosity knows no bounds. He selflessly sells his silver salt cellars to aid a destitute elderly woman in paying her rent, displaying his unwavering commitment to assisting those facing hardship. Furthermore, his capacity for forgiveness is truly remarkable. In the face of a convict brandishing a long knife and demanding food, the Bishop not only provides nourishment but also offers the individual a comfortable place to rest. Even when the convict absconds with the Bishop's candlesticks, the Bishop chooses compassion over retribution, ultimately sparing the convict from imprisonment and granting him the candlesticks as a means to make a fresh start in Paris.

Through these actions, the Bishop embodies the virtues of compassion, selflessness, and forgiveness, truly reflecting the qualities of a devout and exemplary individual.

7. Comment on the theme of the play.

Ans.: - The play, 'The Bishop's Candlesticks' revolves around the themes of love, kindness, charity, and redemption. It conveys the message that punishment alone does not lead to reformation in a convict's life. Instead, it emphasizes that it is only through love, sympathy, and kindness that a transformation can occur. The play also portrays how circumstances can push a person into a life of crime.

The main character, a convict, is portrayed as someone who was caught stealing and subsequently imprisoned for a decade. During his time in prison, he endured inhumane treatment, being chained and lashed, which led him to become a hardened criminal.

When the convict breaks into the Bishop's house, wielding a long knife and demanding food, the Bishop responds with compassion. He provides the intruder with food, shelter, and care, treating him as a friend. Additionally, when the convict attempts to escape with the candlesticks, the Bishop chooses to show him mercy instead of sending him back to prison. Not only does he forgive the convict, but he also gifts him the candlesticks, symbolizing a fresh start and the potential for him to become a better person.