Question

why was private quelch called a professor?

Answer 1

Answer:

Private Quelch, a trainee soldier, was a bespectacled, serious-type of person. He had a great knowledge in his field. He was in the habit of sermonizing and finding fault with others. Se he was labelled as the Professor by his fellow trainees.

Answer 2

Private Quelch was called ‘The Professor’ because of his appearance and his habits related to knowledge.  

 

What did Private Quelch look like?

• The question refers to the story ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ by Alexander Baron.  

• Use these phrases from the text to formulate your answer- ‘horn-rimmed spectacles’, ‘stooping’, ‘frowning’.
• Consider how these descriptions match the general image of a professor.

 What were Private Quelch’s habits like?

• He spent a lot of time studying, especially at night.  

• He tried to gain as much knowledge from training manuals as possible.
• He ‘badgered the instructors’ to understand things better.
• He ‘lectured’ his fellow soldiers in a terribly boring tone. In fact, he gave his colleagues a real lecture when Corporal Turnbull got annoyed with him and asked him to give the lecture on the grenade.
• He always felt ‘superior’ to the others.
• He praised and criticised his fellow soldiers quite like a professor would.

Conclusion:

Considering Private Quelch’s appearance and habits, it is not odd that he earned the nickname ‘The Professor’.