Welcome to “A Living God Workbook Solution: ISC Rhapsody & Prism,” where we delve into the profound narrative of Lafcadio Hearn’s poignant story from ISC English Literature’s Rhapsody & Prism. Within these pages, we unravel the essence of “A Living God” through meticulous workbook solutions. This post provides comprehensive answers to multiple-choice and contextual questions, enhancing your understanding of this timeless narrative. Meet the compassionate character who embodies the spirit of selflessness, and explore the intricacies of character development and thematic depth. Each question serves as a gateway to dissecting the text, encouraging readers to analyze subtle nuances and extract deeper meanings. Contextual inquiries expand our scope for exploration, promoting critical engagement with socio-cultural backdrops and universal themes. Through this examination, readers refine their analytical skills and develop a profound appreciation for literary craftsmanship. Whether you are a student navigating ISC English Literature or an avid reader uncovering the layers of this touching story, “ISC Rhapsody & Prism: A Living God Workbook Solutions” offers invaluable insights. Join us on this literary journey as we illuminate the path to understanding, one workbook solution at a time.
Table of Contents
Story Summary :
Plot in Detail
The story illustrates a crucial event in the life of Hamaguchi, the protagonist the story, who saved the lives of four hundred villagers from a massive tidal that wrecked havoc in his coastal village.
The story begins with an episode in Hamaguchi’s life. He was an elderly who lived in his house on a hill-top at the time of the incident. He used to out the duties of the town’s headman, advising and guiding the people. He highly respected. The village was located on the water’s edge. From his that was uphill at the edge of a plateau, Hamaguchi could see the village. All family members except his grandson had gone down to the village for the festival. Hamaguchi was in poor health and chose to stay at home with ten-year-old grandson.
It was a sultry day and a comforting breeze blew from the sea, but he observed that the intense heat of the sun was causing the still air to pile layer upon layer over the sea. He felt the shock of a seismic action very far away which was not like that of a regular earthquake. In the village below, the people did not notice the earthquake nor the subtle changes in the air, but Hamaguchi saw the disturbance of the sea with its waves rising, darkening and seemingly moving in a opposite to the wind. The sea ebbed far beyond the beach. Then, rememberin a story told by his grandfather long time ago, he knew that a terrible tidal wa was about to destroy the village.
At once, he asked his grandson to light a torch and taking the torch rushed to his harvested rice field. There, he set fire to the big bundles of rice on the ground The flames of the burning rice sheaves leapt skyward and blazed brightly in the wind. On seeing the flames, the priest at the hill-top temple struck the large bell hung there. The villagers, seeing the blazing fire and hearing the ringing bell rushed up the hillside thinking that Hamaguchi’s house was on fire. On seeing Hamaguchi standing there, at first they thought he was crazy, but when they looked back down at the sea, they loudly shouted, “Tsunami”.
The tidal wave struck the village and destroyed the villagers’ houses. The people stood perfectly still and were unable to speak because of the sudden catastrophe that had befallen them.
Hamaguchi, lost all of his property, but he saved the lives of four hundred villagers. When the villagers had revived, they named their saviour, Hamaguchi Daimyojin or Hamaguchi, Gracious God. They built a small shrine where they worshipped the spirit of Hamaguchi. The villagers would pray there every day, even though he still lived. Thus, the soul of Hamaguchi was worshipped by the villagers as a ‘living God’.
Workbook MCQs :
1. How many times did the sea strike against its shore with reducing surges?
(a) Twice
(b) Thrice
(c) Four times
(d) Five times
Answer :- (d) Five times
2. The only buildings that withstood the tsunami were
(a) Hamaguchi’s house
(c) The temple on the hill
(b) Two houses
(d) Only (a) and (c)
Answer :- (d) Only (a) and (c)
3. What did the Choja see after he felt the earthquake?
(a) The sea darkened
(b) The sea apparently moved against the wind
(c) The water ebbed till the horizon
(d) All of the above.
Answer :- (d) All of the above.
4. What did the monstrous ebb signify?
(a) A tsunami
(b) A freak event
(c) Uplift of land
(d) All of the above.
Answer :- (a) A tsunami
5. Taimatsu are kept in coastal houses for use
(a) on stormy nights
(b) at certain Shinto festivals
(c) to set crops afire
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer :- (d) Both (a) and (b)
6. Which of the following was NOT struck by the Tsunami of June 17, 1896?
(a) Miyagi
(b) Muraosa
(c) Iwate
(d) Aomori
Answer :- (b) Muraosa
7. Which of the following was NOT used as an epithet for Hamaguchi Gohei?
(a) Muraosa
(b) Ojiisan
(c) Meiji
(d) Choja
Answer :- (c) Meiji
8. Which of the following is incorrectly matched?
(a) Choja: grandfather
(b) Muraosa: headman
(c) Nobori: banners
(d) Ujigami: guardian spirit
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
9. How does a Japanese peasant know of an impending earthquake?
(a) Despite the absence of breeze the air is cool
(b) Despite breeze the air seems uncomfortable
(c) The mild tremors that precede the earthquake are felt on hilltops
(d) All of the above.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
10. How did Hamaguchi provide financial help to his villagers?
(a) He advised them about their interests
(b) He lent them money
(c) He helped them get maximum profit on sale of their crops
(d) All of the above.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
11. How far was Hamaguchi’s house from the sea?
(a) Three miles uphill
(b) Four miles uphill
(c) Three-quarters of a mile uphill
(d) None of the above
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
12. The village comprised a Shinto temple and
(a) houses along the bay
(b) ninety thatched houses
(c) houses along the mountain road
(d) nine houses along the white zig-zag road.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
13. Why did Hamaguchi decide to stay at home?
(a) Because he was in poor health.
(b) Because he felt like staying at home.
(c) Because he was tired.
(d) Because his grandson was in poor health.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
14. During the calamity what purpose did Hamaguchi’s large farmhouse serve?
(a) To shelter the villagers
(b) To store wheat
(c) To assemble people
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
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Complete The Sentences :
1. The author mentions the tsunami of June 17, 1896 because he was in Japan at that time and the legend of Hamaguchi Gohei must have resurfaced at the time of the calamity.
2. Hamaguchi was liked and respected in his village because he advised small farmers and guided them to resolve their disputes as well as make profit when they sold their crops.
3. Hamaguchi first realised that the earthquake was an unusual one because the earth shook in a long slow spongy motion as a result of immense seismic activity very far away.
4. Hamaguchi called out to his grandson instead of sending message to the villagers or priest because he had no time, the monstrous ebb would return as a devastating tsunami wave.
5. Rice was the staple crop of Hamaguchi’s village because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
6. Tada was astonished because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
7. Tada was terrified because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
8. The growing multitude of villagers were in sorrowful wonder because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
9. The Choja became almost as poor as the poorest of the villagers because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
10. After the tsunami the old man wept because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
11. The villagers did not give gifts to their Choja as a token of thanks for saving their lives because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
Short Question Answers :
1. Hamaguchi Gohei was an important man in the village. List the roles he played in the lives of the villagers before the event that made him A Living God.
Answer :- Before the event that made Hamaguchi Gohei a revered figure, he played several crucial roles in the lives of the villagers. Firstly, he was a prosperous rice farmer, indicating that he had significant economic influence and wealth in the community. His farm was one of the most productive in the village, contributing greatly to the local economy. Secondly, Gohei was a patriarchal figure, respected for his wisdom and experience. The villagers looked up to him for guidance and advice, especially in matters related to agriculture and community welfare. He was also a benefactor who provided assistance to those in need, such as lending rice during tough times or offering financial help. Additionally, Gohei’s home was a hub of social activity and gatherings, reinforcing his role as a central figure in village life. His prominence in the community was not just due to his wealth, but also his generosity and leadership.
2. Describe how the village was prepared for the festival.
Answer :- The village was meticulously prepared for the festival, reflecting a sense of communal joy and celebration. The preparations included decorating homes and public spaces with vibrant banners and lanterns, creating an atmosphere of festivity. The villagers cleaned and adorned their homes, and the streets were swept to ensure they were neat and welcoming. Special arrangements were made for entertainment, such as setting up stages for performances and organizing traditional dances and music. Food stalls were erected, offering a variety of local delicacies, and children dressed in colorful clothes, eagerly anticipating the festivities. The air was filled with the aroma of festive foods being prepared in every household. Temples were also prepared for the occasion, with offerings made to the gods and prayers for prosperity and peace. Overall, the village was abuzz with activity, showcasing the community’s excitement and unity in celebrating the festival.
3. Describe in your own words how the fire started and its progress.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
4. Describe how help arrived at Hamaguchi’s house?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
5. What happened as soon as the old man shouted, “Say now if I be mad!”?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
Long Question Answers :
1. Lafcadio Hearn was the first person to introduce ‘tsunami’ to the West. Describe the enormous tidal wave and the damage it does, with reference to the story.
Answer :- In “Living God,” Lafcadio Hearn vividly describes the arrival and devastating impact of a tsunami, a term he introduced to the Western world. The tsunami is depicted as a colossal, monstrous wave that emerges suddenly from the sea, driven by an earthquake. The wave is described as having an immense, awe-inspiring height, towering above the village like a dark, looming threat. Its approach is marked by a dramatic withdrawal of the sea, leaving the shoreline eerily exposed and bare. This unusual retreat of the waters signals the impending disaster to Hamaguchi Gohei, who understands the danger from his knowledge of coastal traditions.
When the wave finally strikes, it unleashes unimaginable destruction. The sheer force of the tsunami obliterates the village, sweeping away homes, structures, and anything in its path with relentless power. The village, once bustling with preparations for a festival, is transformed into a scene of chaos and ruin. The impact is swift and total, leaving behind a landscape of devastation where there had once been life and activity. The tsunami not only destroys the physical village but also causes immense emotional and psychological trauma to the survivors. Hearn’s depiction emphasizes the overwhelming and unstoppable nature of such natural disasters, illustrating their capacity to reshape lives and landscapes in an instant.
2. Draw a pen picture of Hamaguchi’s home and the village as described by Lafcadio Hearn.
Answer :- Hamaguchi’s home is portrayed as a symbol of prosperity and stability in the village. It is a large, traditional Japanese farmhouse, sturdily built to withstand the elements. The house is situated on a hill, providing a vantage point over the surrounding rice fields and the village below. This elevated position not only signifies Gohei’s social standing but also offers a strategic location that becomes crucial during the tsunami. The farmhouse is characterized by its spaciousness, with broad verandas and large, airy rooms. The architecture reflects Gohei’s wealth and his family’s long-standing presence in the community.
The village itself is a picturesque coastal settlement, typical of rural Japan. It consists of small, thatched houses clustered near the shoreline, surrounded by lush rice paddies that represent the villagers’ primary livelihood. Narrow, winding paths crisscross the village, leading to a central area where communal activities and festivals take place. The proximity to the sea is a defining feature, with the villagers’ lives closely tied to the rhythms of the tides and the bounty of the ocean. The setting is idyllic, with a sense of harmony between the natural environment and the human community. This serene and ordered world is thrown into disarray by the tsunami, highlighting the fragility of human life in the face of nature’s unpredictable forces.
3. Hamaguchi Gohei knew all the traditions of the coast.’ How did he know them? What is being referred to? How did he react? Why?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
4. Describe in your own words how the pine-torch was used by Hamaguchi Gohei, which made him lose his invested capital but gain the status of a Living God.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
5. Do you think the title “A Living God” is appropriate for the story? Give reasons to justify your answer.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
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