Think About It:
1. Bill Bryson Says, '' I am, in short, easily confused . '' What examples has he given to justify this ?
Answer: Bill Bryson humorously admits, "I am, in short, easily confused," and gives several examples to justify this:
- In hotels – He often forgets his room number and has to return to the reception to check.
- At a shop – He mistakenly pulls someone else’s luggage instead of his own.
- While using a lavatory – He once pulled the wrong chain and accidentally sprayed water over himself.
- During air travel – He gets confused with seat belts, food trays, and overhead compartments, often causing trouble for himself and others.
These incidents highlight his clumsy and absent-minded nature in a humorous way.
2. What happens when the zip on his carry -on bag gives way?
Answer: When the zip on Bill Bryson’s carry-on bag gives way, its contents spill out in the middle of the airport. Items like a tin of tobacco, magazines, passport, money, and other belongings scatter everywhere.
In his attempt to stop the mess, he lunges for his flying documents but accidentally knocks over a soft drink, drenching his belongings and embarrassing himself further. The situation highlights his clumsy and chaotic nature, making it a typical Bill Bryson moment.
3. Why is his finger bleeding? What is his wife's reaction?
Answer: Bill Bryson’s finger starts bleeding when he tries to pull the zip of his carry-on bag forcefully after it bursts open. In his clumsy attempt to fix it, he injures himself.
His wife reacts with annoyance and frustration, as she is used to his absent-minded and clumsy behavior. Instead of showing sympathy, she looks at him with an expression of wonder and exasperation, as if questioning how he manages to get into such messy situations so often.
4. How does Bill Bryson end up in a '' crash position '' in the aircraft?
Unable to move or straighten up, he finds himself awkwardly stuck face-down on his lap, struggling to free himself. This comical situation perfectly illustrates his clumsy and accident-prone nature.
5. Why are his teeth and gums navy blue?
This incident is another example of his clumsy and absent-minded nature, adding to the humor of his travel misadventures.
6. Bill Bryson '' ached to be suave.'' Is he successful in his mis - sion? List his 'unsuave' ways.
His ‘unsuave’ ways include:
- Forgetting his hotel room number and returning to the reception multiple times.
- Pulling the wrong luggage at a shop.
- Spilling the contents of his carry-on bag at the airport.
- Injuring his finger while trying to fix his bag.
- Getting stuck in a crash position while tying his shoelaces.
- Turning his teeth and gums navy blue by absentmindedly sucking on a leaking pen.
These incidents highlight that, despite his desire to be smooth and elegant, he remains comically clumsy in every situation.
7. Why do you think Bill Bryson 's wife says to the children .'' Take the lids off the food for Daddy''?
It suggests that:
- Bryson might struggle with simple tasks – He often portrays himself as a bit hapless, so this could be an inside joke within the family.
- A playful teasing tone – His wife and children might be gently mocking him, knowing he finds certain tasks frustrating.
- A recurring family habit – If Bryson regularly has trouble opening lids (perhaps due to tight seals, arthritis, or just a running joke), his wife might preemptively assign the kids to help him.
Did you come across this line in a specific book? If so, the context might give an even funnier reason!
8.What is the significance of the title?
60/ Moments
