11. How does the essay relate to everyday life?

a) It shows that everyone, even respectable people, bend moral rules

b) It discusses how to take care of an umbrella

c) It talks about how the weather affects human thinking

d) It gives strict rules on morality

Answer: a) It shows that everyone, even respectable people, bend moral rules

Explanation: Gardiner does not depict dishonesty as something exclusive to criminals; rather, he suggests that even respectable individuals engage in minor ethical compromises. By using everyday scenarios like borrowing books or swapping umbrellas, he demonstrates that small dishonest acts are common across all levels of society.

12. What literary device does Gardiner use to make his point about moral failings?

a) Metaphor

b) Irony and humor

c) Simile

d) Alliteration

Answer: b) Irony and humor

Explanation: Gardiner’s essays often use irony and humor to make serious observations more engaging. In “On Umbrella Morals,” he sarcastically describes how people take someone else’s umbrella and then justify it as an innocent mistake. This ironic approach helps him highlight human hypocrisy without directly condemning individuals.

13. The idea of an “umbrella conscience” represents:

a) People who feel guilty about borrowing umbrellas

b) Justifying small dishonest acts while maintaining a moral self-image

c) A psychological disorder related to stealing umbrellas

d) An ancient English custom

Answer: b) Justifying small dishonest acts while maintaining a moral self-image

Explanation: The phrase “umbrella conscience” is Gardiner’s metaphor for people who engage in minor unethical actions but convince themselves that they are still morally good. It suggests that people adjust their ethical principles based on convenience, allowing them to rationalize their behavior.

14. The essay indirectly comments on:

a) The hypocrisy in human nature

b) The economy of umbrella production

c) The dangers of lending books

d) The importance of railway tickets

Answer: a) The hypocrisy in human nature

Explanation: “On Umbrella Morals” is ultimately a critique of human hypocrisy—how people hold themselves to one moral standard but bend the rules when it benefits them. Gardiner illustrates how individuals justify their minor dishonesties while still believing they are honest, highlighting the complexity of human conscience.

15. How does Gardiner compare umbrella stealing with book borrowing?

a) Both are done intentionally

b) Both are justified by the borrower as innocent acts

c) Stealing umbrellas is worse than keeping borrowed books

d) Book borrowers are always honest

Answer: b) Both are justified by the borrower as innocent acts

Explanation: Gardiner humorously equates taking someone’s umbrella with borrowing books and never returning them. In both cases, the individual convinces themselves that they are not truly stealing, but simply holding onto something they need. This comparison reinforces the theme of moral rationalization.

16. What is the significance of the title “On Umbrella Morals”?

a) It discusses the ethics of owning umbrellas

b) It metaphorically examines small acts of dishonesty

c) It is about the importance of carrying umbrellas in London

d) It is a guide to umbrella etiquette

Answer: b) It metaphorically examines small acts of dishonesty

Explanation: The title is metaphorical—while the essay discusses umbrellas, it is actually about minor acts of dishonesty and self-justification. Gardiner uses umbrellas as a symbol to illustrate how people rationalize small unethical behaviors like taking someone else’s umbrella, keeping borrowed books, or using services without proper payment. The essay explores how individuals convince themselves they are still honest despite these minor transgressions, making it a broader reflection on morality and self-deception.

17. What was the first major collection of Gardiner’s essays called?

a) “Essays of Elia”

b) “Pebbles on the Shore”

c) “The Spectator”

d) “The Prince”

Answer: b) “Pebbles on the Shore”

Explanation: Pebbles on the Shore, published in 1916, was one of A.G. Gardiner’s most well-known collections of essays. It featured engaging and witty reflections on human nature, morality, and daily life. The collection gained widespread popularity due to its relatable and humorous take on everyday experiences. His essays in this collection, much like On Umbrella Morals, use simple, anecdotal storytelling to discuss complex moral issues, making them accessible and thought-provoking.

18. What literary movement was Gardiner associated with?

a) Romanticism

b) Modernism

c) Realism and humanism

d) Gothic literature

Answer: c) Realism and humanism

Explanation: Gardiner’s writing aligns with the realist and humanist traditions in literature. He focused on keen observations of society, human behavior, and everyday morality rather than abstract philosophical debates or experimental styles. His essays reflect a deep understanding of human nature, often exposing social hypocrisy and moral contradictions with wit and humor. His approach to essay writing was similar to that of earlier essayists like Charles Lamb, emphasizing real-life experiences and common human dilemmas.

19. Which of the following is NOT a theme commonly found in Gardiner’s essays?

a) Everyday morality

b) Political revolutions

c) Social hypocrisy

d) Humor in daily life

Answer: b) Political revolutions

Explanation: While Gardiner commented on societal behaviors and moral dilemmas, he did not focus on large-scale political revolutions. His essays primarily revolved around themes of everyday morality, social hypocrisy, and humor in daily life. He was more concerned with how ordinary individuals navigate ethical dilemmas rather than addressing political upheavals. His writing style was light-hearted yet insightful, making profound observations about human nature through relatable and often humorous anecdotes.

20. What prevents the narrator from using the umbrella he is carrying?

a) He forgot how to open it

b) It is broken and won’t open

c) He prefers getting wet in the rain

d) He gave it to someone else

Answer: b) It is broken and won’t open

Explanation: The narrator describes his umbrella as an “abomination” that does not function properly. He tries to open it, but the frame is broken, making it useless in the rain. This situation is made worse by the fact that this umbrella is not even his—it was swapped with someone else’s, reinforcing the theme of minor dishonest exchanges. The narrator humorously expresses his frustration at being stuck with a defective umbrella while someone else enjoys his better-quality silk umbrella.