Chapter- 10        Kathmandu


1. What is Gerrard doing when the curtain rises?

Answer: When the curtain rises, Gerrard is standing near a table and talking on the telephone. He is giving instructions to someone on the phone and asks the person to call him again directly after about ten minutes. This scene shows that Gerrard is busy and expecting an important call.

2. How is Gerrard described physically?

Answer: Gerrard is described as a man of medium height. He wears horn-rimmed glasses, which give him an intelligent and thoughtful appearance. His personality appears calm and confident from the beginning of the play.

3. What clothes is Gerrard wearing?

Answer: Gerrard is wearing a lounge suit along with a greatcoat. His neat and proper clothing suggests that he is a well-educated and respectable person.

4. How is Gerrard’s voice described?

Answer: Gerrard’s voice is described as cultured. This means he speaks politely and intelligently, showing that he is well-mannered and educated.

5. What instruction does Gerrard give on the phone?

Answer: While talking on the phone, Gerrard asks the person to tell someone else to call him directly. He also says that he might still be there in about ten minutes but that the person should not depend completely on that.

6. Where does Gerrard go after finishing the phone call?

Answer: After completing the phone call, Gerrard walks towards the divan placed on the left side of the room. There he finds a travelling bag and begins to pack his belongings.

7. What is kept on the divan?

Answer: A travelling bag is kept on the divan. Gerrard is preparing to travel somewhere, so he begins putting his things into this bag.

8. What does Gerrard start doing with the bag?

Answer: Gerrard starts packing his travelling bag carefully. This shows that he is preparing to leave the place soon.

9. Who enters the room while Gerrard is packing?

Answer: While Gerrard is busy packing his bag, an intruder quietly enters the room. This stranger becomes the main source of danger and conflict in the play.

10. From which direction does the intruder enter?

Answer: The intruder enters from the right side of the stage. He does so silently in order to surprise Gerrard.

11. How does the intruder enter the room?

Answer: The intruder enters very quietly with a revolver in his hand. His silent entry and weapon show that he has come with a dangerous intention.

12. What accident happens when the intruder enters?

Answer: As the intruder moves inside the room, he accidentally bumps against the table. The sound alerts Gerrard to his presence.

13. What does Gerrard do when he hears the sound?

Answer: When Gerrard hears the noise made by the table, he immediately turns around quickly. This helps him notice the intruder standing there with a revolver.

14. How does Gerrard greet the intruder?

Answer: Instead of becoming frightened, Gerrard calmly and politely greets the stranger. He pleasantly says that the visit is a surprise.

15. What does the intruder say about Gerrard’s reaction?

Answer: The intruder replies that he is glad Gerrard is pleased to see him but warns that he will not remain pleased for long. This statement shows the intruder’s threatening intention.

16. What order does the intruder give Gerrard?

Answer: The intruder orders Gerrard to raise his hands immediately. He uses the command “Put those paws up!” to show his authority and control over the situation.

17. How does Gerrard describe the situation?

Answer: Gerrard calmly remarks that the situation is melodramatic and not very original. He means that the intruder’s actions resemble a dramatic scene from a play or movie.

18. What does the intruder think Gerrard is trying to do?

Answer: The intruder thinks Gerrard is trying to remain calm and act normally even though he is facing a dangerous situation.

19. What word does Gerrard suggest for his behaviour?

Answer: Gerrard suggests the word “nonchalant” to describe his behaviour. By saying this, he shows that he is relaxed and not easily frightened.

20. What does “nonchalant” mean?

Answer: The word “nonchalant” means calm, relaxed and not worried even in a difficult situation. Gerrard uses this word to describe his cool attitude.

21. How does the intruder react to Gerrard’s calmness?

Answer: The intruder becomes annoyed by Gerrard’s calm and confident behaviour. He warns Gerrard that he will soon stop acting smart.

22. What threat does the intruder give Gerrard?

Answer: The intruder threatens Gerrard by saying that he will make him crawl. This shows that he wants to frighten and dominate Gerrard.

23. Why has the intruder come to Gerrard’s house?

Answer: The intruder says that he has come to ask Gerrard a few questions. However, his threatening attitude shows that he has more serious intentions.

24. What weapon is the intruder carrying?

Answer: The intruder is carrying a revolver. The weapon shows that he is dangerous and ready to use force if necessary.

25. How is the intruder dressed?

Answer: The intruder is dressed flashily in an overcoat and a soft hat. His appearance gives the impression of a criminal trying to look stylish.

26. What similarity exists between Gerrard and the intruder?

Answer: Gerrard and the intruder are similar in build and physical appearance. This similarity becomes important later in the play.

27. What kind of situation is created in this scene?

Answer: The scene creates a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. The presence of an armed intruder and Gerrard’s calm behaviour make the situation dramatic and interesting.

28. What does Gerrard’s calm reaction show about him?

Answer: Gerrard’s calm reaction shows that he is confident, intelligent and self-controlled. Even when facing danger, he does not panic.

29. What does the word “melodramatic” mean here?

Answer: In this context, “melodramatic” means overly dramatic or exaggerated behaviour like that seen in plays or movies.

30. What is the main conflict introduced in this scene?

Answer: The main conflict introduced in this scene is between Gerrard and the armed intruder. The intruder threatens Gerrard’s life, while Gerrard tries to remain calm and handle the dangerous situation.

Answer by Dimpee Bora