In The Attic, Questions and Answers I Complete Notes I SSLC English I Class 10
Questions And Answers
a. What was the officer’s attitude to Szpilman?
The officer was kind, sympathetic, and compassionate towards Szpilman. Instead of harming him, he helped and protected him.
b. Why do you think the officer asked Szpilman to play the piano?
The officer wanted to confirm that Szpilman was really a pianist and also wished to hear him play music.
c. Why was Szpilman hesitant to play the piano?
Szpilman had not played the piano for two and a half years. His fingers were stiff, dirty, and trembling with fear.
d. How does the officer help Szpilman?
The officer provides him with food, finds him a safer hiding place, brings him a warm blanket and eiderdown, and encourages him to survive until the war ends.
e. What was the officer ashamed of?
He was ashamed of being German because of the cruel and inhuman acts committed by Nazi Germany during the war.
f. “Just hang on a few more weeks—the war will be over by spring at the latest.” What is surprising about this statement?
It is surprising because the statement comes from a German officer, who admits that Germany is losing the war and expresses hope for its end.
g. What does the conversation between the officer and Szpilman reveal about the bond between them?
It reveals mutual respect, trust, and humanity. Despite being enemies by nationality, they develop a genuine human connection.
h. Why was there less artillery fire after a few weeks?
There was less artillery fire because the war was nearing its end and military operations around Warsaw were gradually decreasing.
i. Why does Szpilman say that his hiding place was well chosen?
His hiding place was well chosen because it was hidden above the attic entrance, and no one thought of searching there.
j. What do you think of Szpilman’s advice to the German officer?
Szpilman's words show gratitude, kindness, and a willingness to help the officer in the future if needed. They reflect his noble character.
k. What sounds did Szpilman hear from the attic?
He heard soldiers moving up and down the stairs, artillery fire, the squeaking of rats and mice, guards' footsteps, voices, gunshots, and radio announcements.
l. Why does Szpilman say that he had to be alone if he wanted to live?
He had to remain hidden and avoid contact with others. Any human contact could expose him and lead to his capture or death.
m. What were the radio announcements about?
The announcements were about the defeat of Germany and the liberation of Warsaw.
n. How does Szpilman survive the freezing cold?
He survives the cold with the help of the German military overcoat and the warm eiderdown given to him by the officer.
o. What information did Szpilman hope to gather?
He wanted to know whether Warsaw had been liberated and whether it was safe for him to come out of hiding.
p. Why does the woman cry out when she sees Szpilman?
The woman mistakes him for a German soldier because he is wearing a German military overcoat and appears suddenly from a ruined building.
q. What is the absurd situation Szpilman found himself in?
After surviving years of persecution by the Germans, Szpilman is almost shot by Polish soldiers who mistake him for a German because of the coat he is wearing. This ironic situation occurs just as freedom is within reach.
Lets Rewind
1. Why does the German officer help Szpilman and save his life?
The German officer helps Szpilman because he is moved by his situation and recognizes his humanity. He is also impressed by Szpilman's piano playing and feels ashamed of the atrocities committed during the war. His kindness and compassion motivate him to save Szpilman's life.
2. How does Szpilman maintain hope in extreme hardship and danger?
Szpilman maintains hope through his determination to survive, his faith in a better future, and the encouragement given by the German officer. He believes that the war will eventually end and that freedom will return.
3. Why was Szpilman afraid of being killed by Polish soldiers, his own countrymen?
Szpilman was wearing a German military overcoat given to him by the officer. When Polish soldiers saw him, they mistook him for a German soldier hiding in the building and opened fire.
4. How do luck, chance and human kindness help Szpilman to survive?
Luck and chance help Szpilman find safe hiding places and avoid discovery. Human kindness, especially the German officer's help, provides him with food, shelter, warmth, and emotional support. Together, these factors enable him to survive the war.
5. Was it risky for the German officer to help Szpilman? Why?
Yes. It was extremely risky because helping a Jewish man was considered a serious offence under Nazi rule. If discovered, the officer could have been punished or even executed.
6. Why is Szpilman's memoir classified as 'survivor testimony'? How does 'survivor testimony' enrich history and literature?
Szpilman's memoir is classified as survivor testimony because it is a first-hand account of his experiences during the Holocaust and World War II. Such testimonies enrich history by providing authentic evidence of past events. They enrich literature by presenting powerful human experiences and help readers understand the consequences of war, hatred, and discrimination.
7. What do you think 'en masse' means in this context?
In this context, 'en masse' means all together, in large numbers, or as a group.
8. Does the expression 'en masse' remind you of a similar phrase you came across in Class 9?
Yes. It is similar to the Latin expression 'in toto', which means completely or entirely. (Students may also mention other foreign expressions learned in class.)
9. How are these expressions different from other commonly used phrases in English?
Expressions such as 'en masse' and 'in toto' are borrowed from foreign languages (French and Latin). Unlike ordinary English phrases, they retain their original form and are used as fixed expressions with specific meanings.
After surviving the war, Szpilman is back at Polish Radio again. Imagine you are a podcaster and Szpilman agrees to do a podcast episode with you. Taking cues from the excerpt, prepare the script of a radio podcast.
Title: Voices of Survival – An Interview with Władysław Szpilman
Host: Good evening, listeners. Welcome to another episode of "Voices of Survival." Today, we are honoured to have with us Mr. Władysław Szpilman, renowned pianist and Holocaust survivor. Welcome to the programme, Mr. Szpilman.
Szpilman: Thank you. It is a pleasure to be here.
Host: Mr. Szpilman, after years of suffering and hiding during the war, how did it feel to return to Polish Radio?
Szpilman: It was an emotional moment. Before the war, music was my life. Returning to Polish Radio felt like returning to life itself after years of darkness and fear.
Host: One of the most remarkable parts of your story is the kindness shown by a German officer. Could you tell us about him?
Szpilman: Certainly. At a time when I had lost hope, he treated me with humanity. He brought me food, provided warm clothing, and encouraged me to survive. Without his help, I might not be alive today.
Host: Were you surprised by his actions?
Szpilman: Very much. He belonged to the enemy side, yet he showed compassion. His kindness reminded me that humanity can survive even in the midst of war.
Host: We read that before he left, you asked him to remember your name. Why was that important?
Szpilman: I wanted him to know that I was grateful. I hoped that if he ever needed help, I could repay his kindness. It was my way of expressing thanks.
Host: What lesson should future generations learn from your experiences?
Szpilman: We must never allow hatred and prejudice to divide people. Compassion, courage, and respect for human life are essential. Even one act of kindness can save a life.
Host: Thank you, Mr. Szpilman, for sharing your inspiring story with us.
Szpilman: Thank you for inviting me.
Host: Dear listeners, that was Władysław Szpilman, a survivor whose courage and resilience continue to inspire the world. Until next time, goodbye and stay safe.
Prepare a write-up on the problems faced by refugees of war in the present time
Problems Faced by Refugees of War in the Present Time
Refugees are people who are forced to leave their homes and countries due to war, violence, persecution, or natural disasters. Today, millions of people around the world live as refugees, facing numerous hardships and uncertainties.
One of the major problems faced by refugees is the loss of shelter and security. Many are forced to live in overcrowded refugee camps with inadequate facilities. Access to food, clean drinking water, healthcare, and education is often limited. Children, in particular, suffer from interrupted schooling and lack of opportunities for a better future.
Refugees also experience emotional and psychological trauma. Having witnessed violence, destruction, and the loss of loved ones, many struggle with fear, anxiety, and depression. The uncertainty about their future makes their situation even more difficult.
Another challenge is discrimination and social exclusion in host countries. Refugees may face language barriers, unemployment, and difficulties in adapting to a new culture. Some countries impose strict immigration policies, making it harder for refugees to find safety and stability.
The global refugee crisis calls for greater international cooperation and humanitarian support. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to provide refugees with protection, dignity, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. By showing compassion and solidarity, we can help create a more just and humane world for those displaced by war.
4. Pick out words/phrases from the extract that reveal the character of the pianist and the German officer.
Words/Phrases that Reveal the Characters
| The Pianist (Szpilman) | Feelings / Emotions |
|---|---|
| • I sat groaning and gazing dully... | • pain, sadness, fear |
| • I can't leave this place. | • fear of death |
| • "I'm a pianist." | • dignity and self-respect |
| • "Don't shoot! I'm Polish!" | • desperation and hope for survival |
| • "If anything happens to you, I can help you." | • gratitude and loyalty |
| • "I had to be alone if I wanted to live." | • loneliness and determination |
| German Officer | Feelings / Emotions |
|---|---|
| • "I've no intention of doing anything to you!" | • reassuring, compassionate, pacifying |
| • He asked if I had anything to eat. | • kind, helpful |
| • "Play something!" | • curiosity and appreciation of music |
| • "I'll bring you some food." | • generosity and concern |
| • "You shouldn't stay here." | • protective |
| • "I'll take you out of the city." | • caring |
| • "Just hang on a few more weeks." | • encouraging and hopeful |
| • "You must hang on, do you hear?" | • supportive and determined |
| • "And ashamed of it, after everything that's been happening." | • guilt and moral courage |
Character Sketch of Szpilman
Character Sketch of the German Officer
Bond of Trust and Loyalty
The relationship between Szpilman and the German officer is built on trust, respect, and humanity. Although they belong to opposing sides of the war, they look beyond nationality and religion. The officer risks his own safety to help Szpilman survive, while Szpilman expresses sincere gratitude and offers help in return. Their bond shows that compassion and human kindness can overcome hatred and divisions created by war.
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