rev_H5 - Mr. Know-all short story - Intro period 3

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vmbo lwoo, havo
• Leerjaar 5

Mr. Know-All

 A ship on its way from San Fransisco (USA) to Yokohama (Japan) after the end of WWI (economic recession)

Narrator is British shares a cabin with the Asian Mr Max Kelada. 

Narrator is at first unimpressed by Kelada and his eastern mannerisms + is biased, slightly hateful even

Mr Kelada is unaffected by the contempt, is outspoken and quick to chat with anyone on any topic. 

Mr Kelada is very knowledgeable, to the point of arrogant -> Mr Know All

The Ramsays form an American Couple

Mrs Ramsay wears a pearl necklace and claims it is a cheap necklace.

Mr Kelada claims it is an expensive necklace, he knows everything about pearls

Mr Kelada and Mr Ramsay bet 100 dollars to decide who is correct.

Q. 1 - The narrator in Mr. Know-all is a racist. Give 3 examples

Q. 2 - Why does the narrator dislike Max Kelada (aside from the fact that he's a foreigner)?

Say why + give examples from the text

Q. 3 - What is the setting of the story (place/time)?

Indicate the importance of where and when

Q. 4 Mention 3 things in Mrs Ramsey's demeanor that shows you sth. is off

Q. 5 Who are the main characters?

1. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey
2. Mr. Kelada
3. Mr. Kelada and the I-person (narrator)
4. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey, Mr Kelada and the narrator

Q. 6a - Who is the antagonist? Why?

1. Mr. Ramsey. He is annoying to his wife
2. Mrs. Ramsey. She creates a problem by having an affair
3. Mr. Kelada He is annoying
4. The narrator. He's a racist

Q. 6b - Who is the protagonist? Why?

1. Mr. Ramsey. He is still with his wife
2. Mrs. Ramsey. Women always solve problems
3. Mr. Kelada He solves Mrs Ramsey's problem by not exposing her
4. The narrator. He is surprised by Mr.Kelada

Q. 7 What is the climax?

1. The moment Mr. Kelada does not expose Mrs Ramsey (the real value of her necklace)
2. The moment they are all together on the ship and everyone hates busybody Mr. Kelada
3. The moment the 100-dollar bill is slipped under the door (and the narrator sees how he has misjudged Mr Kelada)

Q. 8 What happened to Mrs Ramsey in San Francisco while her husband was away for a year?

1. She had an affair.
2. She spent too much money.
3. She met Mr. Kelada.
4. She was never home.

Q. 9a - How does the narrator's attitude towards Mr. Kelada change?

1. Becomes more negative
2. Becomes more positive

Q. 9b - To whom might his attitude have changed as well?

1. Mr Ramsey
2. Mrs Ramsey

What is the theme of the short story?

1. Love
2. Don't trust strangers
3. Prejudice
4. Travelling on a boat is no fun