81. Who says the line: “What about him? He took the purse! It’s his money that got him off—justice!”?
a) Jack Barthwick
b) James Jones
c) Mrs. Jones
d) Mr. Barthwick
(Answer: b) James Jones
Explanation: In The Silver Box, James Jones, a working-class man, expresses his frustration with the double standards of justice. He points out the irony that Jack Barthwick, a wealthy young man, is not held accountable for taking a woman’s purse because his financial status allowed him to avoid any real consequences. This quote reflects Jones’s bitterness towards the class system that protects the rich while punishing the poor. His anger is directed at the injustice he sees in how the legal system treats individuals differently based on their class.
82. Which character says, “Take whatever you like” while offering something to someone?
a) Jack Barthwick
b) James Jones
c) Mrs. Jones
d) Marlow
(Answer: a) Jack Barthwick
Explanation: Jack Barthwick, in his drunken state, offers everything at his disposal to James Jones, the impoverished man. This moment highlights Jack’s arrogance and carelessness, as he sees no harm in giving away things that do not belong to him. His reckless attitude is a reflection of his privileged position, where he believes he can give away what others might find valuable, not understanding the deeper social implications of his actions. This moment also foreshadows Jack’s later theft of the woman’s reticule.
83. Who says, “I took the box myself” during the play?
a) Jack Barthwick
b) James Jones
c) Mrs. Jones
d) Detective Snow
(Answer: b) James Jones
Explanation: James Jones admits to stealing the silver cigarette box when he is confronted with the evidence of the crime. He takes ownership of the theft and reveals his frustration with the social divide. Having been treated with disdain by the rich, Jones steals the box out of spite. His statement shows the play’s commentary on class resentment, where a poor person feels justified in taking from the wealthy due to the unequal treatment they endure. The confession brings to light the hypocrisy and unfairness in society.
84. Which character says, “He wasn’t himself” while defending her abusive husband?
a) Mrs. Barthwick
b) Mrs. Jones
c) Miss Wheeler
d) Marlow
(Answer: b) Mrs. Jones
Explanation: Mrs. Jones uses this phrase to explain her husband’s abusive behavior. She rationalizes his actions, attributing his mistreatment of her to his struggles with unemployment and alcohol. This line reveals the internal conflict she faces, as she both defends her husband’s actions and subtly condemns them. Mrs. Jones’s justification exposes the cycle of domestic abuse and how people in difficult situations often forgive or excuse harmful behavior, especially when they are emotionally and economically dependent on the abuser.
85. Who states, “I’ll score you off too, that’s what I’ll do!” when plotting revenge?
a) Jack Barthwick
b) James Jones
c) Mrs. Jones
d) Marlow
(Answer: b) James Jones
Explanation: James Jones says this in a moment of anger and frustration. After Jack Barthwick steals the woman’s purse and mocks Jones, James plots revenge. This line symbolizes Jones’s attempt to assert some power in a system where he feels powerless. His act of taking the silver cigarette box is his way of “scoring off” the rich, specifically Jack, who has treated him with disdain. This line reflects Jones’s resentment of the upper class and his desire for retribution for their injustices.
86. Who is referred to as “a respectable woman” during an arrest scene?
a) Mrs. Barthwick
b) Mrs. Jones
c) Miss Wheeler
d) Mrs. Livens
(Answer: b) Mrs. Jones
Explanation: In The Silver Box, Mrs. Jones, the charwoman, is described as “a respectable woman” despite being accused of stealing. The irony of this statement lies in the fact that the character is treated as a suspect based on her class status rather than any concrete evidence. The term “respectable” is used to highlight how society views people differently based on their social standing. Mrs. Jones, despite being wrongfully accused, maintains her dignity and composure, contrasting with the lack of respect afforded to the poor.
87. Who says, “I am not a thief” during a crucial moment of defense?
a) Jack Barthwick
b) Mrs. Jones
c) James Jones
d) Marlow
(Answer: C) James Jones
Explanation: James Jones defends himself with this line when he is accused of stealing the silver cigarette box. Despite the evidence against him, he denies being a thief, illustrating the moral complexity of his character. Jones’s defense is an expression of his frustration with being judged by society based on his class. His claim also reveals the internal struggle of someone who feels driven to steal by circumstances but does not necessarily see himself as inherently dishonest. This line speaks to the larger theme of class-based moral judgments in the play.
88. Who states, “I’ll take a cheque from the bank, but that’s all” in a conversation about payment?
a) Jack Barthwick
b) Mrs. Barthwick
c) James Jones
d) Marlow
(Answer: a) Jack Barthwick
Explanation: This quote is spoken by Jack Barthwick, who shows his irresponsible attitude toward money. Jack is dismissive of the consequences of financial mismanagement, casually accepting payment through a cheque, which hints at his sense of entitlement. His statement reflects his reckless behavior and privilege, where he is shielded from financial repercussions by his wealthy family. It highlights his lack of concern for personal responsibility, showing how those in power often feel exempt from consequences, further emphasizing the class divide in the play.
89. Who sarcastically claims, “He’s a Liberal! A fair, good-hearted man!” about Jack Barthwick?
a) Mrs. Jones
b) James Jones
c) Marlow
d) Mr. Barthwick
(Answer: b) James Jones
Explanation: James Jones sarcastically calls Jack Barthwick a “Liberal! A fair, good-hearted man!” as a critique of Jack’s hypocrisy. Jack boasts about his political beliefs, claiming to support fairness and equality, but his actions contradict these values. This line highlights the irony of Jack’s character, who claims to uphold liberal values yet lives a life of excess and privilege, showing no real concern for the social issues he claims to care about. Jones’s sarcasm serves to expose Jack’s insincerity and the hypocrisy of the upper class.
90. Who says, “It’s not just about what happened; it’s about what comes next”?
a) Marlow
b) Mr. Barthwick
c) James Jones
d) Mrs. Jones
(Answer: a) Marlow
Explanation: Marlow says, “It’s not just about what happened; it’s about what comes next” to emphasize the importance of understanding the consequences of actions. His perspective reveals his pragmatic, forward-thinking nature. This quote highlights a key theme of The Silver Box, where characters are not only judged by their past actions but also by the consequences that follow. Marlow’s comment is a subtle reminder that the moral and social ramifications of actions often define a person’s true character, especially in the context of social class and justice.
