“But I have had my revenge at last. I do not believe that I am a vindictive man.” Where is it taken from? The quote “But I have had my revenge at last. I do not believe that I am a vindictive man” is from the classic novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas. This iconic line is spoken by the protagonist, Edmond Dantès, who undergoes a profound transformation throughout the course of the novel.
The Luncheon Short Story.
[The narrator and his guest are finishing their meal.]
| “You see, you’ve filled your stomach with a lot of meat” – my one miserable little chop – “and you can’t eat any more. But I’ve just had a snack and I shall enjoy a peach.” The bill came and when I paid it I found that I had only enough for a quite inadequate tip. Her eyes rested for an instant on the three francs I left for the waiter and I knew that she thought me mean. But when I walked out of the restaurant I had the whole month before me and not a penny in my pocket. “Follow my example,” she said as we shook hands, “and never eat more than one thing for luncheon.” “I’ll do better than that,” I retorted. “I’ll eat nothing for dinner tonight.” “Humorist!” she cried gaily, jumping into a cab. “You’re quite a humorist!” But I have had my revenge at last. I do not believe that I am a vindictive man, but when the immortal gods take a hand in the matter it is pardonable to observe the result with complacency. Today she weighs twenty-one stone. |
- Refer to paragraph 1
Quote ONE word to show that the narrator has not enjoyed his meal. (1) - Consider the story as a whole.
Is the guest telling the truth when she says, “But I’ve just had a snack…”? Explain your answer. (2) - Refer to paragraph
Why does the narrator become even more anxious when his guest takes a peach, in particular? State TWO points. (2) - Why does the narrator feel the tip he leaves for the waiter is “inadequate”? (1)
- Refer to line 9 (“Follow my example …”).
Explain why it would not be good to follow the guest’s example.
State TWO points. (2) - Refer to line 11 (“I’ll eat nothing for dinner tonight ”).
Using your own words, explain the following:- How the guest understands these words (1)
- What the narrator means (1)
- Refer to the last paragraph (lines 15-18).
- Write down ONE word to describe how the narrator feels (1)
- Explain why the narrator’s desire for revenge is “pardonable”. (2)
- From your knowledge of the story as a whole, do you think the narrator is a “mean” person? Explain your answer (2)
- The narrator is to blame for what happens at the restaurant
Do you agree? Discuss your view. (2) - Explain why the title The Luncheon is suitable (1) [18]
Answers
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