A Shady Plot
John Hallock reflects upon his experience with Helen's ghost and in retrospect he finds it quite amusing. All the same he is relieved that he is no longer plagued by it. Ironically, the self-same ghost inspires his creativity and he writes a diary entry reflecting upon the comical aspect of his experience. Write his diary entry.
21st Sep
Dear Diary,
Few days ago, I had a very tragic experience. I was home, on my desk starting to write a ghost story. I spoke loudly to myself 'This writing business is delightful, isn't it?'. I heard a voice in my reply saying 'Yes it is'. Then I saw a figure taking shape, appeared to be a ghost. I was terrified. It was a woman, tall, fish-eyed and was wearing glasses. At first, I couldn't believe my eyes but gradually I started listening to her. She told me that she along with the other ghosts had organised The Writer's Inspiration Bureau for the writers to help them in writing ghost stories. I didn't believe her. She then told me that she had given me the plots by sitting on my shoulders. Then she told that she was going on a strike as she was fed up being called by the writers very often. She then told me that if I will stop my acquaintances from using Ouija Board then only she would help me any further. I agreed.
But the same day my wifr bought an Ouija Board and organised a party where she asked me to be a partner of Miss Laura. I didn't know how to react other than to simply go and sit beside her. She took my fingers and moved them on the Ouija Board. The Ouija Board spelt TRAITOR. Everyone's eyes were on me. Then it spelt Helen. Everyone started questioning who is Helen. I didn't reply.
Next morning when my wife came to me to inform me that she is leaving me, she suspected I was hiding someone behind me. Then she encountered with her. And got surprised. I told my wife about her and saved my love and marriage.
Sponsor Area
How did nature foretell Caesar's death?
How does the lesson, 'A Shady Plot' remind us that man has no right to invoke supernatural powers through Ouija boards, Tarot cards etc. to solve his problems and that one should face life boldly and overcome difficulties using wit and intelligence? Write in 80 - 100 words.
Read the extract given below and answer briefly the questions that follow:
'I hadn't the shade of an idea, but at the time that didn't worry me in the least. You see, I had often been like that before....'
(i) Who is 'I'? What did he not have an idea about?
(ii) Why was he not worried?
(iii) What had actually happened earlier to make things right for him?
Why does Lavinia feel that the Ouija Board would help her husband?
What problems did Helen, the ghost, cause in John Hallock’s life?
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
It’s those Ouija board fanatics. There was a time when we had nothing much to occupy us and used to haunt a little on the side, purely for amusement, but not anymore.
(a) Who is the speaker? Who is being addressed?
(b) What is the speaker's complaint?
(c) What is Ouija board?
Why did John want his wife to get rid of the Ouija board she had bought?
Why does Lavinia feel that the Ouija board would help her husband?
What sort of person was Michael's dad ?
Why is John's wife angry 4nd what does she decide to do?
Sponsor Area
Sponsor Area