Question 1.
What kind of a teacher do you think was Crocker-Harris? Do you think Taplow hated him? Justify your answer on the basis of your reading of the play.
Question 2.
What impression do you form of Millie, the wife of Mr. Crocker-Harris?
Question 3.
Mr Crocker-Harris commands respect from his students, but respect for one’s teachers is fast disappearing. In fact, the student-teacher relationship does not exist nowadays. Teachers do not love their students any more and the students do not wish to listen to their teachers. Write an essay in about 100 words on what has caused deterioration in such a vital relationship.
Answers
Answer 1:
As a teacher, Crocker-Harris is a strict-disciplinarian. He called Taplow even on the last day of school to make up for the missed class. He is fair with all his students, give marks according to what they deserve. He shows marks only on the day of result. He is strict but not a sadist. He is a teacher who abides by all the school rules. Taplow has some resentment and anger for Mr. Crocker-Harris as he has been called for an extra class. He is also afraid of him. He thinks that Crocker-Harris is devoid of feelings. But, Taplow still respects him and likes him for being a man of his words and his discipline.
Answer 2:
Millie, the wife of Mr. Crocker-Harris is very cool and easy-going. She is pretty surprised to see Taplow waiting for so long. She even remarks that she would have fled off by now. She suggests Taplow to run around and relax for sometime as Crocker-Harris will return after sometime. She is not that strict as compared to Mr. Crocker. At last, when Taplow is not ready to go, she hands over a prescription and asks Taplow to go to the chemist.
Answer 3:
Except for the very young, students don’t have much regard for their teachers. It is sad, because this is a very precious relationship which enriches both the parties. The causes of the decline are that teachers fall short of the students’ expectations and do not care for knowledge as much as for money.
Teachers — in schools do not teach — abuse students when they can — have become corrupt and money minded.
Students — prefer to cheat rather than learn — have become arrogant because of father’s money
or position — have become keen on joining politics while still in college — Alternative sources for gaining knowledge are available.
Conclusion — Urgent need for both parties to work to improve the relationship.
Answer:
(1) I though that mr. crocker-harris was good teacher