Welcome to “The Pedestrian Workbook Solution: ICSE Treasure Chest,” where we delve into the captivating narrative of ICSE English Literature Treasure Chest Part 2. Within these pages, we meticulously unravel the essence of “The Pedestrian” through comprehensive workbook solutions. This post offers comprehensive answers to multiple-choice and contextual questions, deepening your understanding of the timeless tale. Meet the characters and delve into the nuances of character development and thematic exploration. Each question serves as a gateway to dissecting the text, urging readers to analyze subtle nuances and extract deeper meanings. Contextual inquiries broaden our canvas for exploration, encouraging critical engagement with socio-cultural backdrops and universal themes. Through this examination, readers sharpen analytical skills and develop a profound appreciation for literary craftsmanship. Whether a student navigating ICSE English Literature or an avid reader unraveling beloved stories, “The Pedestrian Workbook Solutions” promises valuable companionship. Join us on this literary journey as we illuminate the path to understanding, one workbook solution at a time.
Table of Contents
Story Summary :
The story begins with Leonard Mead, a resident of an unnamed city taking a night walk in the year 2053. In fact, Mead has been walking the city streets alone every night for the last ten years. While walking through the empty streets, he passes the homes of citizens, who are inside watching different types of programmes on television. During his walk in the last ten years he has never met another person on the road since all the people are inside their homes, engrossed in the light entertainment programs on their television screens. The other citizens have been described as if they were dead: “gray phantoms” who live in “tombs.” Mead enjoys his walk taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the natural world. While taking the walk he speaks to himself, and also addresses the people in the homes, asking them what they are watching on television.
On a particular night, however, Mead encounters robotic police car—the only one left in the city, as crime has virtually ended. The car interrogates him, trying to know why he is out by himself at night. This enquiry reveals that Mead is a nonconformist in many ways: he is unmarried and lives alone, he is a writer in a society that doesn’t value the written word and does not have a television set. Upon getting the relevant information about Mead’s nonconformity, the cars tells Mead to get in and reveals that he is being taken to a psychiatric institution to be studied for regressive tendencies. As the car drives through the night, Mead recognises his house from the distinctive glow of the bright lights inside.
Workbook MCQs :
1. What does Leonard Mead love to do?
(a) Remaining outdoors on a misty evening
(b) Walking by night or day
(c) Writing an article everyday
(d) Enjoying watching Television programmes
Answer :- (b) Walking by night or day
2. Which of the following is reflected by the statement that Leonard Mead was good as alone”?
(a) He was a nonconformist
(b) He was a lonely person
(c) He longed for the company of others
(d) He wished to be like his neighbours.
Answer :-(a) He was a nonconformist
3. Identify the figure of speech in the line given below:
‘….he would stride off, sending patterns of frosty air before him like the smoke of a cigar.’
(a) Metaphor
(b) Personification
(c) Simile
(d) Anaphora
Answer :-(c) Simile
4. What does the author want to convey by referring to the people in their homes as ‘gray phantoms?
(a) They are old and haggard
(b) They have grey hairs
(c) They are lifeless
(d) They have no colours in their live
Answer :-(c) They are lifeless
5. Why did Mead start wearing sneakers instead of hard heels on his walks?
(a) To keep his night walks a secret
(b) To protect himself from the dogs
(c) To prevent other citizens from getting startled by his lonesome walks
(d) All of the above
Answer :-(d) All of the above
6. Which figure of speech is used in the line given below?
’ There was a good crystal frost in the air; it cut the nose and made the lungs blaze like a Christmas tree inside.”
(a) Personification
(b) Metaphor
(c) Simile
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (c) Simile
7. Identify the type of imagery used in the phrase— ‘smelling its rusty smell.”
(a) Tactile imagery
(b) Olfactory imagery
(c) Visual imagery
(d) Auditory imagery
Answer :-(b) Olfactory imagery
8. What is suggested about Mead by comparing him to a hawk?
(a) Adaptable
(b) Free and independent
(c) Powerful feet
(d) Swiftness
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
9. Which of the following is the main theme of the story, The Pedestrian
(a) The advantages of walking
(b) The difficulties faced by a Pedestrian
(c) Dehumanising Effect of Technology on Man
(d) None of the above
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
10. Why was there only one Police car?
(a) There was a shortage of cars for the police
(b) The crime rate was low and there was no need for the police
(c) There were no men available to operate these cars
(d) None of the above
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
11. Why was Leonard taken away to the Psychiatric centre?
(a) To cure him of his regressive tendencies
(b) To punish him for being a bachelor
(c) To punish him for behaving like a drunkard
(d) None of the above
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
12. What was Meads reply on being asked why was he out on the road at night?
(a) Walking for air
(b) Walking to see
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
13. How wag Mead’s house different from the other citizens?
(a) It was brightly lit
(b) It was like an outdated cottage
(c) It was totally cut-off from the outside world
(d) None of the above
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
14. Choose the option that lists the sequence of events in the correct order,
1. He stood entranced, not unlike a night moth, stunned by the illumination, and then drawn toward it.
2. He could not see the men in it for the bright light in his eyes
3. He began his journey in a westerly direction, toward the hidden sea.
4. He stumbled over a particularly uneven section of sidewalk
(a) 3,4,1,2
(b) 1,3,2,4
(c) 3,1,4,2
(d) 2,4,1,2
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
15. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between statements (1) and (2).
1. But this one particular house had all of its electric lights brightly lit, every window a loud yellow illumination, square and warm in the cool darkness.
2. And on his way he would see the cottages and homes with their dark windows, and it was not unequal to walking through a graveyard.
(a) 1is the cause for 2
(b) 1is an example of 2
(c) 1is independent of 2
(d) 1is a contradiction of 2
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Workbook Questions :
Extract 1
To enter out into that silence that was the city at eight o’clock of a misty evening in November, to put your feet upon that buckling concrete walk, to step over grassy seams and make your way, hands in pockets, through the silences, that was what Mr. Leonard Mead most dearly loved to do. He would stand upon the corner of an intersection and peer down long moonlit avenues of sidewalks in four directions, deciding which way to go, but it really made no difference; he was alone in this world of A.D. 2053, or as good as alone, and with a final decision made, a path selected, he would stride off, sending patterns of frosty air before him like the smoke of a cigar.
(i) Why was there complete silence on the city streets at 8 o’clock in the evening? Who was the lone traveller, who entered into ‘that silence’ Why was he there at that time?
Answer :- The complete silence on the city streets at 8 o’clock in the evening is attributed to the futuristic setting of A.D. 2053, where technology has advanced to such an extent that people are secluded indoors, engrossed in their television screens. The lone traveler who enters into “that silence” is Mr. Leonard Mead, who enjoys walking through the city streets at night, experiencing the solitude and tranquility of the deserted city. He is there at that time because it is when he most dearly loves to indulge in his solitary walks.
(iI) Who was Leonard Mead? What did he love dearly? For how long he had been pursing what he loved dearly?
Answer :- Leonard Mead is a character in the story who loves dearly to enter the silence of the city streets at night and walk alone, experiencing the atmosphere and serenity of the deserted city. He has been pursuing this activity for an unspecified amount of time, suggesting that it has been a long-standing habit or passion of his.
(iII) What is meant by ‘it really made no difference”? What is suggested about Leonard Mead by this sentence?
Answer :- The phrase “it really made no difference” suggests that Leonard Mead’s choice of direction or path to take during his walks ultimately did not matter to him. This indicates his indifference to the specific route he chooses to walk, as the experience of solitude and freedom is what he values most. It suggests that Mead is content with his own company and finds fulfillment in his solitary walks regardless of the route he takes.
(iV) Why is he described as ‘alone in this world of A.D. 2053 ?
Answer :- Leonard Mead is described as “alone in this world of A.D. 2053” because he is one of the few, if not the only, individuals who still venture out into the streets on foot. In this futuristic society, where everyone else is indoors and absorbed in their technology, Mead stands out as a solitary figure who rejects the conformist behavior of staying indoors and instead seeks solace in the quiet streets.
(v) What is suggested by the phrases ‘final decision made’ and ‘path selected? What do these phrases tell about Leonard Mead?
Answer :- The phrases “final decision made” and “path selected” suggest that Leonard Mead is deliberate and decisive in his actions during his walks. Despite the apparent indifference to the direction he chooses, these phrases indicate that he takes his walks seriously and approaches them with a sense of purpose. They suggest that Mead is intentional in his choice to walk and is committed to his solitary pursuits.
Extract 2
Mr. Leonard Mead would pause, cock his head, listen, look, and march on his feet making no noise on the lumpy walk. For long ago he had wisely changed to sneakers when strolling at night, because the dogs in intermittent squads would parallel his journey with barkings if he wore hard heels, and lights might click on and faces appear and an entire street be startled by the passing of a lone figure, himself, in the early November evening.
(i) Why does Mead make a deliberate attempt not to produce any sound while walking?
Answer :- Mead makes a deliberate attempt not to produce any sound while walking to avoid attracting attention to himself. In the futuristic society depicted in the story, where people are secluded indoors and the streets are deserted, any noise could potentially startle the residents and draw unwanted attention to Mead’s solitary nighttime walks.
(iI) Why does Leonard Mead start wearing sneakers instead of hard heels while strolling at night?
Answer :- Leonard Mead starts wearing sneakers instead of hard heels while strolling at night to minimize noise and avoid attracting the attention of dogs and residents. Sneakers allow him to walk quietly and stealthily, reducing the likelihood of barking dogs or lights clicking on in nearby houses.
(iII) What is suggested by Mead’s act of wearing sneakers?
Answer :- Mead’s act of wearing sneakers suggests his resourcefulness and adaptability to his environment. By recognizing the need to modify his footwear to suit his nighttime walks, Mead demonstrates his practicality and ability to navigate the challenges of his solitary pursuits.
(iV) Why is he described as a ‘lone figure? Who would get startled by his walk at night? Why?
Answer :- He is described as a “lone figure” because he is the only person walking the deserted streets at night in the story’s futuristic society. Residents would get startled by his walk at night because it is unusual and unexpected in a society where people are accustomed to staying indoors and avoiding the streets after dark. Mead’s presence disrupts the norm and draws attention to the deserted streets, potentially unsettling the residents.
(v) Explain briefly the characteristic traits of Leonard Mead as reflected in this extract.
Answer :- The characteristic traits of Leonard Mead reflected in this extract include his cautiousness, resourcefulness, and determination. Despite the potential risks of walking at night, Mead takes precautions to minimize noise and avoid detection, demonstrating his cautious and calculated approach to his nighttime activities. Additionally, his decision to wear sneakers shows his resourcefulness and ability to adapt to his environment, while his persistence in continuing his solitary walks reflects his determination and independence.
Extract 3
Was that a murmur of laughter from within a moon-white house? He hesitated, but went on when nothing more happened. He stumbled over a particularly uneven section of sidewalk. The cement was vanishing under flowers and grass. In ten years of walking by night or day, for thousands of miles, he had never met another person walking, not once in all that time.
(i) What does Mead think about the ‘murmur of laughter? What does it suggest about his connection with other people?
Answer :- Mead hesitates when he hears a murmur of laughter from within a moon-white house, but he ultimately continues walking when nothing more happens. His reaction suggests that he is curious about the source of the laughter but does not let it deter him from his solitary pursuits. It also implies that Mead has become accustomed to the solitude of his walks and does not expect or seek interaction with others.
(iI) Why does he stumble while walking? What does ‘cement was vanishing’ suggest?
Answer :- Mead stumbles while walking because the cement sidewalk is becoming overgrown with flowers and grass, causing an uneven surface. The phrase “cement was vanishing” suggests that nature is reclaiming the urban environment, gradually overtaking the man-made structures with vegetation. This reflects the theme of nature reclaiming its space and the gradual decay of human civilization.
(iII) Why has he has he not encountered another person on the road in ten years of his solitary walks? What does it suggest?
Answer :- Mead has not encountered another person on the road in ten years of his solitary walks because the society depicted in the story is characterized by isolation and conformity. People are sequestered indoors, absorbed in their television screens, and avoid venturing out into the streets. This lack of human interaction suggests the isolating effects of technology and the conformity of society.
(iV) How does this extract reveal the dormant potential of nature?
Answer :- This extract reveals the dormant potential of nature by showing how it gradually encroaches upon the urban environment. The cement sidewalk being overtaken by flowers and grass symbolizes the resilience and persistence of nature, which continues to thrive and grow despite human attempts to control and dominate it. It suggests that nature has the power to reclaim and transform urban spaces, highlighting the transient nature of human civilization.
(v) Explain briefly the theme of ‘Nonconformity’ as presented in the story,
Answer :- The theme of nonconformity is presented in the story through the character of Leonard Mead, who defies societal norms by walking alone at night. In a society where people are expected to conform and stay indoors, Mead’s solitary walks symbolize his resistance to societal expectations and his desire for individual freedom. His refusal to conform to the societal norm of staying indoors and his insistence on pursuing his own interests and passions demonstrate the theme of nonconformity.
Extract 4
He turned back on a side street, circling around toward his home. He was within a block of his destination when the lone car turned a corner quite suddenly and flashed a fierce white cone of light upon him. He stood entranced, not unlike a night moth, stunned by the illumination, and then drawn toward it.
A metallic voice called to him:
“Stand still. Stay where you are! Don’t move!”
(i) Where was Mead when he saw a lone car? What was the ‘lone car’ in actuality?
Answer :- Mead was within a block of his destination when he saw a lone car. The “lone car” in actuality is a police vehicle patrolling the streets, equipped with surveillance technology to detect and apprehend any individuals found outdoors during the night.
(iI) State two figures of speech is used in the line given below:
He was within a block of his destination when the lone car turned a comer quite suddenly and flashed a fierce white cone of light upon him.
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) How did Mead react to the light flashed on him by the car?
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) What is suggested by Mead’s comparison with a moth?
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) How does this extract convey the feeling of fear and foreboding?
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Extract 5
Ever since a year ago, 2052, the election year, the force had been cut down from three cars to one. Crime was ebbing; there was no need now for the police, save for this one lone car wandering and wandering the empty street.
“Your name?” said the police car in a metallic whisper. He couldn’t see the men in it for the bright light in his eyes.
“Leonard Mead,” he said.
“Speak up!”
“Leonard Mead!”
“Business or profession?”
” I guess you’d call me a writer.”
“No Profession. “said the police car, as if talking to itself. The light held him fixed, like a museum specimen, needle thrust through chest.
“You might, say that,” said Mr. Mead. He hadn’t written in years.
(i) Why did the voice from the police car speak in a metallic Whispers ? Why could not Mead see the men in the car?
Answer :- The voice from the police car speaks in a metallic whisper due to its artificial nature, as it is not a human voice but rather a synthesized sound produced by the car’s speakers. Mead could not see the men in the car because of the bright light in his eyes, which obscured his vision and prevented him from seeing inside the vehicle.
(iI) Why was there only one car? What did it suggest about the people of the city?
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) What was Mead’s profession? Why did the police car describe it as No profession?
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) Explain briefly the simile in this extract.
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) Why had not Mead written anything for years? Which characteristic trait of Mead is revealed in this extract.
Answer :- ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
