Critical Exercise based questions with answers
1. In what ways does the play critique traditional gender roles, especially concerning domestic work?
The play challenges conventional gender roles by flipping them. When Lizzie leaves the housework to Darry, he initially scoffs at the idea, believing such tasks are easy and beneath him. However, his repeated failures expose his lack of understanding and highlight how domestic responsibilities require skill, attention, and effort. Through humour and role reversal, O’Casey critiques the assumption that household duties are insignificant and naturally suited to women.
2. Do you think the play suggests that certain tasks are gender-specific, or does it emphasize the importance of experience over gender? Explain your answer.
Rather than reinforcing gender-based roles, the play underscores the value of experience and competence. Darry assumes he can effortlessly manage housework simply because he’s a man, but his inability to do so reveals how misguided that belief is. O’Casey suggests that tasks aren’t inherently tied to gender; instead, success comes from familiarity, practice, and respect for the work itself.
3. How does Darry's overconfidence serve as a lesson for the audience? What might the playwright be trying to teach about pride and humility?
Darry’s excessive self-assurance becomes the source of both comedy and moral instruction. His arrogant dismissal of Lizzie’s work leads to a series of blunders that ultimately humble him. Through this, the playwright conveys that pride, when not balanced with understanding, results in failure and embarrassment. The lesson is clear: humility and a willingness to learn are more valuable than inflated self-esteem.
4. Do you think the farcical elements of the play are effective in conveying a deeper message? Why or why not?
Yes, the use of farce effectively conveys deeper social commentary. The exaggerated situations—like Darry damaging the clock or struggling with the exercise routine—entertain the audience while also revealing his ignorance and flawed assumptions. These humorous moments create a light-hearted tone that makes the play’s critique of gender norms more accessible and impactful.
5. The play uses humour to explore serious themes. Do you believe that comedy is an effective medium for addressing social issues? Why or why not?
Comedy is an excellent vehicle for discussing social issues because it softens difficult conversations and engages the audience emotionally. In this play, humour draws attention to serious topics—like gender expectations and the undervaluation of domestic work—without being confrontational. Laughter becomes a tool that opens the door to critical thinking and reflection.
6. How might the play's themes be relevant to contemporary audiences? Are the issues raised still present in today's society?
The play remains relevant because many of the issues it raises still exist today. Domestic responsibilities are often unequally shared, and the assumption that such tasks are simple or suited only for women persists in some cultures. Additionally, the theme of misplaced confidence resonates universally, making the play’s message about respect, equality, and partnership meaningful to modern viewers.
7. What role does the humour play in the play? How does it contribute to the plot and character development?
Humour is central to the play’s structure and character growth. It moves the plot forward through Darry’s escalating misadventures and deepens our understanding of his personality. His comic failures expose his arrogance and highlight his gradual shift toward humility. The light-hearted tone also helps audiences connect with the characters while absorbing the play’s more serious themes.
8. What is the significance of Darry's mistakes and failures in the play?
Darry’s repeated errors serve as the play’s moral foundation. Each blunder not only adds to the humour but also exposes his ignorance and lack of respect for Lizzie’s role. These moments emphasize the importance of appreciating others’ contributions and recognizing that confidence without competence leads to downfall. In essence, his failures reflect the need for mutual respect and shared responsibility in relationships.
More Short Questions with answers from the text
1. Why is Darry upset at the start of the scene?
He’s annoyed that his shaving water is cold. Darry expects Lizzie to warm it for him. This shows he sees housework as her job. It introduces the conflict between them.
2. What suggestion does Lizzie make to Darry?
Lizzie tells Darry to try doing her chores. She challenges him to swap roles for a while. Darry agrees, thinking it will be easy.This sets the stage for the comic events.
3. How does Darry view Lizzie’s household work?
Darry thinks it’s simple and not tiring at all. He claims he could finish it without effort. He mocks the idea that it’s difficult. His arrogance becomes part of the humour.
4. What does Lizzie accuse Darry of with Alice Lanigan?
She says he’s being influenced by Alice. Lizzie believes he admires and listens to her. She sees Alice as encouraging Darry’s pride. This brings jealousy and adds drama to the scene.
5. What happens when Darry tries to fix the clock?
He notices the clock has stopped ticking. When he winds it too hard, the spring breaks. He quickly tries to hide the damage. It shows his lack of skill in housework.
6. What does Darry do with the gramophone?
He plays a record with exercise instructions. Then he prepares to follow the directions. Darry struggles with the movements clumsily. His effort adds to the play’s comic tone.
7. How does Darry’s behaviour create humour?
His confidence is not matched by ability. He messes up simple household tasks. His attempts at exercise are exaggerated. These moments bring out the farcical comedy.
8. What message does the play give about gender roles?
It questions the idea that chores are gender-based.Darry’s failures show that skill matters more than gender.T he play challenges traditional expectations.Through humoul point.
9. What is Darry trying to do with the gramophone?
He’s following a recorded physical exercise routine.Darry lies down and tries to match the movements.At first, the pace is too fast for him to keep up.His struggle adds to the play’s physical comedy.
10. Why does Darry adjust the gramophone speed?
He can’t keep up with the fast instructions.
Breathless and behind the beat, he slows it down.But then the music becomes too slow to follow.This shows his growing frustration and confusion.
11. Why is Barry unsure about joining the exercises?
Barry says he’s never exercised with music before.He worries he won’t keep in time with the beat.Darry encourages him to follow his lead.Eventually, Barry hesitantly agrees to join in.
12. What mistake does Barry make with the gramophone?
He sets the speed too fast instead of medium.The music begins playing at a frantic pace.Both men struggle to keep up with the rhythm.This speeds up the comedy and chaos of the scene.
13. What does Darry suggest about doing the exercises properly?
He jokes that wearing shorts would help.T his shows he’s taking the workout seriously.
He wants the timing and posture to be perfect.The comment adds a playful tone to the routine.
14. How does the exercise scene reflect Darry’s character?
It highlights his pride and desire to prove himself.He insists on doing things properly, even in failure.Darry’s struggle shows his lack of real skill.The comedy exposes his misplaced confidence.
15. Why does Darry stop during the fast-paced exercise?
He becomes exhausted and senses something is off.Barry, however, continues without noticing.Darry questions the situation, spotting a mistake.This pause brings attention back to the absurdity
MCQs
1. Why does Darry change the gramophone speed to "Slow"?
A. He prefers relaxing music
B. He thinks it will help Barry
✅ C. He cannot keep up with the fast instructions
D. The record is broken
2. What happens when the gramophone is set to "Slow"?
A. Darry falls asleep
B. The gramophone stops working
✅ C. The music is too slow for Darry to match
D. Lizzie returns to the house
3. What is Barry Derrill carrying when he enters the room?
A. A newspaper and a hat
✅ B. A mandolin and wearing thick glasses
C. A bag of tools
D. A chair and a walking stick
4. Why is Barry hesitant to join the exercise?
A. He is too tired
B. He is wearing formal clothes
✅ C. He has never done it to music before
D. He wants to eat first
5. What mistake does Barry make with the gramophone?
A. He scratches the record
B. He plays the wrong song
✅ C. He sets the speed to "Fast"
D. He forgets to turn it on
6. What does Darry say would help in doing the exercises properly?
A. Doing them outdoors
✅ B. Wearing shorts
C. Removing the music
D. Having a bigger room
7. What do Darry and Barry do when the fast-paced music starts?
A. They stop immediately
✅ B. They exercise frantically to keep up
C. They laugh and leave the room
D. They turn off the gramophone
8. Why does Darry stop during the fast-paced routine?
✅ A. He realizes something is wrong
B. Barry tells him to stop
C. Lizzie walks in
D. The gramophone breaks
9. How does Darry try to keep up with the fast music at first?
A. He skips the exercise completely
B. He asks Barry to slow it down
✅ C. He does only part of the movements faster
D. He pauses the gramophone every few seconds
10. What instruction does the gramophone give at the start?
A. Sit upright and fold arms
B. Roll over and stretch
✅ C. Lie on back; hands behind the head; feet together
D. Stand straight and jump
11. What does Barry use to adjust the speed of the gramophone?
✅ A. The indicator switch
B. A remote control
C. A hand crank
D. A knob on the mandolin
12. What is the result when Barry sets the gramophone to "Fast"?
A. The record breaks
✅ B. The exercises become frantic and exhausting
C. The gramophone stops working
D. Lizzie returns and stops them
13. How do Darry and Barry position themselves for the exercises?
A. Side by side
B. Back to back
✅ C. Lying down with their feet nearly touching
D. One sitting and one standing
14. What does Darry tell Barry to do before starting the exercises?
A. Play the mandolin
✅ B. Follow his movements and rhythm
C. Count out loud
D. Close the window
15. What does the exercise scene mainly show about Darry?
A. He prefers music to work
✅ B. He overestimates his ability and quickly tires
C. He is highly athletic
D. He dislikes Barry
16. What is Barry’s concern about doing exercises with Darry?
A. The floor is too hard
✅ B. He can't match the music’s rhythm
C. He forgot his gym clothes
D. The room is too cold
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