Question 1

How many characters are there in the narrative? Name them. (Don’t forget the dog!).

Accepted Answer

There are four characters in the narrative including the dog. They are the narrator, George, Harris and the fourth is the dog named Montmorency.

Source: This question is from Packing, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Packing: Characters, There, Narrative, Don, Forget, Dog. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from PackingQ10: While packing the hamper, George and Harris do a number of foolish and funny things. Tick the...
Q11: What does Jerome say was Montmorency’s ambition in life? What do you think of Montmorency and why?
Q12: Of the three, Jerome, George and Harris, who do you think is the best or worst packer? Support your...
Q13: How did Montmorency ‘contribute’ to the packing?
Q14: Do you find this story funny? What are the humorous elements in it? (Pick out at least three, think...
Practice more questions from Packing &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 2

Why did the narrator (Jerome) volunteer to do the packing?

Accepted Answer

The narrator felt that he knew more about packing than any other person living. Moreover, he would get an opportunity to boss the job and George and Harris would do the job under his directions.More Resources for CBSE Class 9NCERT SolutionsNCERT Solutions Class 9 MathsNCERT Solutions Class 9 ScienceNCERT Solutions Class 9 Social ScienceNCERT Solutions Class 9 EnglishNCERT Solutions Class 9 HindiNCERT Solutions Class 9 SanskritNCERT Solutions Class 9 ITRD Sharma Class 9 Solutions

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 3

How did George and Harris react to this? Did Jerome like their reaction?

Accepted Answer

George and Harris accepted the narrator’s suggestion readily. But Jerome did not like it.

Source: This question is from Packing, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Packing: George, Harris, React, Jerome, Like, Reaction. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from PackingQ10: While packing the hamper, George and Harris do a number of foolish and funny things. Tick the...
Q11: What does Jerome say was Montmorency’s ambition in life? What do you think of Montmorency and why?
Q12: Of the three, Jerome, George and Harris, who do you think is the best or worst packer? Support your...
Q13: How did Montmorency ‘contribute’ to the packing?
Q14: Do you find this story funny? What are the humorous elements in it? (Pick out at least three, think...
Practice more questions from Packing &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 4

What was Jerome’s real intention when he offered to pack?

Accepted Answer

Jerome’s real intention was to boss the job. He wanted that Harris and George should work under his guidance and instructions. But they accepted the proposal and sat idle on the chairs comfortably.

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 5

What did Harris say after the bag was shut and strapped? Why do you think he waited till then to ask?

Accepted Answer

Harris asked the narrator to put the boots in the bag after strapping the bag. He did it with an intention to irritate the narrator.

Source: This question is from Packing, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Packing: Harris, Say, Bag, Shut, Strapped, Think. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from PackingQ10: While packing the hamper, George and Harris do a number of foolish and funny things. Tick the...
Q11: What does Jerome say was Montmorency’s ambition in life? What do you think of Montmorency and why?
Q12: Of the three, Jerome, George and Harris, who do you think is the best or worst packer? Support your...
Q13: How did Montmorency ‘contribute’ to the packing?
Q14: Do you find this story funny? What are the humorous elements in it? (Pick out at least three, think...
Practice more questions from Packing &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 6

What ‘horrible idea’ occurred to Jerome a little later?

Accepted Answer

Jerome was going to close the bag after putting the boots in it. He suddenly thought of his toothbrush. While travelling, he must needed the toothbrush which he packed in the bag. Now he had to search for it in the bag.

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 7

Where did Jerome finally find the toothbrush?

Accepted Answer

Jerome tried his best to find the toothbrush. He unpacked the bag but could not find it. He put the things back one by one, and held everything up and shook it. At last, he found it inside a boot.

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 8

Why did Jerome have to reopen the packed bag?

Accepted Answer

Jerome packed his spectacles in the bag. So he had to reopen the packed bag.

Source: This question is from Packing, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Packing: Jerome, Reopen, Packed, Bag, Packing, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from PackingQ10: While packing the hamper, George and Harris do a number of foolish and funny things. Tick the...
Q11: What does Jerome say was Montmorency’s ambition in life? What do you think of Montmorency and why?
Q12: Of the three, Jerome, George and Harris, who do you think is the best or worst packer? Support your...
Q13: How did Montmorency ‘contribute’ to the packing?
Q14: Do you find this story funny? What are the humorous elements in it? (Pick out at least three, think...
Practice more questions from Packing &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 9

What did George and Harris offer to pack and why?

Accepted Answer

George and Harris offered to pack hamper because they wanted Jerome to take some rest. They decided to pack the rest of things themselves.

Source: This question is from Packing, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Packing: George, Harris, Offer, Pack, Packing, English. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from PackingQ10: While packing the hamper, George and Harris do a number of foolish and funny things. Tick the...
Q11: What does Jerome say was Montmorency’s ambition in life? What do you think of Montmorency and why?
Q12: Of the three, Jerome, George and Harris, who do you think is the best or worst packer? Support your...
Q13: How did Montmorency ‘contribute’ to the packing?
Q14: Do you find this story funny? What are the humorous elements in it? (Pick out at least three, think...
Practice more questions from Packing &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 10

While packing the hamper, George and Harris do a number of foolish and funny things. Tick the statements that are true.
(i) They started with breaking a cup.
(ii) They also broke a plate.
(iii) They squashed a tomato.
(iv) They trod on the butter.
(v) They stepped on a banana.
(vi) They put things behind them, and couldn’t find them.
(vii) They stepped on things.
(viii)They packed the pictures at the bottom and put heavy things on top.
(ix) They upset almost everything.
(x) They were very good a

Accepted Answer

The true statements are as follows:(i),(iii),(iv),(vi),(vii),(ix)

Source: This question is from Packing, English &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Packing: While, Packing, Hamper, George, Harris, Number. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberUse quotations from the text to support your points.
Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Related Questions from PackingQ11: What does Jerome say was Montmorency’s ambition in life? What do you think of Montmorency and why?
Q12: Of the three, Jerome, George and Harris, who do you think is the best or worst packer? Support your...
Q13: How did Montmorency ‘contribute’ to the packing?
Q14: Do you find this story funny? What are the humorous elements in it? (Pick out at least three, think...
Q2: Why did the narrator (Jerome) volunteer to do the packing?
Practice more questions from Packing &mdash; English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 11

What does Jerome say was Montmorency’s ambition in life? What do you think of Montmorency and why?

Accepted Answer

Montmorency’s ambition in life is to interfere with others and be abused. He wants to be a perfect nuisance and make people mad. If things are thrown at his head, he feels his day has not been wasted. To get somebody to stumble over him, and curse him steadily for an hour is his highest aim and object. He came and sat on things, just when they were going to be packed. He put his leg into the jam and worried the teaspoons and pretended that lemons were rats and got into the hamper and killed three of them.It is the natural, original sin that is bom in him that makes him do things like that.III. Discuss in groups and answer the following questions in two or three paragraphs.

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 12

Of the three, Jerome, George and Harris, who do you think is the best or worst packer? Support your answer with details from the text.

Accepted Answer

Of the three, Harris is the worst packer in this world. But none of them is the perfect packer. All of them are confused and do not know what is to be placed and where. So far as Jerome is concerned he unpacked the bag to find his toothbrush in a boot. He also packs his spectacles in the bag. Harris and George start their work in a light hearted spirit. There are piles of plates, cups, kettles, bottles, jars, pies, stoves, cakes and tomatoes. They break a cup. Harris packs the strawberry jam on top of a tomato and squashes it. They have to pick out the tomato with a teaspoon. George treads on the butter. He gets it off from his slipper and puts it in the kettle. He puts it down on a chair and Harris sits on it. It sticks to him and then they look for it all over the room. In this way they created chaos in the room.

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 13

How did Montmorency ‘contribute’ to the packing?

Accepted Answer

Montmorency’s contribution to the packing cannot be forgotten. His ambition in life was to disturb others and be abused by them. He came and sat on things, just when they were going to be packed and he put his leg into the jam. He disturbed everything. He pretended the lemons to be rats and got into the hamper and killed three of them.Montmorency wanted to be a perfect nuisance and make people mad. If things are thrown at his head, he feels his day has not been wasted. To get somebody to stumble over him, and curse him steadily for an hour was his highest aim and objective. When he got succeeded in accomplishing it, his conceit became quite unbearable.

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.

Question 14

Do you find this story funny? What are the humorous elements in it? (Pick out at least three, think about what happens, as well as how it is described.)

Accepted Answer

The story is really humorous and funny. Jerome’s episode of packing, Harris’s and George’s way of packing and Montmorency’s contribution have made the story funny and interesting. Jerome was confused about his toothbrush and found it in a boot. He also packed his spectacles in the bag. The incident of butter makes the reader laugh. George treads on the butter and it sticks to his slipper. Later he puts it on the chair. Harris sits on the chair and it sticks to his bottom. They squash the tomatoes by putting the strawberry jam on them.Montmorency’s pretention for the lemons to be rats is also fascinating and funny.These incidents are described in an orderly and perfect way.Thinking about language(Page 90)

Overview: Packing
The narrator, Harris, and George need to pack for a trip. The narrator volunteers, priding himself on his packing skill, but ends up forgetting boots, sitting on butter, and repeatedly unpacking and repacking. When Harris and George take over the food hampers, they create even worse chaos: squashing tomatoes, breaking cups, stepping on butter. The dog Montmorency adds to the mess by sitting on things and putting his leg in the jam. The story is a masterclass in comic writing through irony, exaggeration, and characterisation.

Key Points

Narrator proudly claims to be an expert packer
He forgets boots, has to reopen the bag multiple times
Sits on the bag to close it; forgets his toothbrush
Harris and George are even worse — break cups, squash tomatoes
George steps on butter; Harris packs jam on top of tomatoes
Montmorency (the dog) sits on things, puts paw in jam
The narrator mocks his friends but is equally incompetent
Key devices: irony, hyperbole, understatement, comic timing
Theme: human incompetence, laziness, blame-shifting
From "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jerome create humour in "Packing"?Jerome uses multiple comic techniques: irony (the narrator thinks he's good at packing but isn't), hyperbole (the scale of the mess escalates absurdly), characterisation (each person fails differently), and comic timing (disasters pile up in quick succession). Even the dog contributes to the chaos.
What is the role of Montmorency?Montmorency is the dog who adds to the chaos by sitting on things, getting in the way, and putting his paw in the jam. He represents the final layer of comic disaster — even the pet is incompetent.

Common Mistakes

Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.