Comprehension (B)
Navasard brought some kindling wood and stacked it by the outdoor fireplace. Then he took his knife from his belt and went over to the lamb. At the last moment he changed his mind. "I'll wait till Arshak comes." He decided and looked in the direction of the chairman's two- storey house. "What's keeping him? It'll be dark soon. The figs will spoil, the cornel will lose its taste."
He took the fruit from the basket and laid it on the windowsill. Then he borrowed a new tablecloth from the neighbours, covered the table, shook out the rug, covered the couch and put a pillow on it. Everything was now ready Still Arshak had not come. "What's the matter? Why did he go to the chairman's house?" Navasard wondered irritably and a tremor passed through his hands. He hurried to console himself, however, saying, "Arshak is an important man. He had to drop by and ask the chairman about how things are in the village. And what's the rush, anyway? I'll have him all to myself for a couple of days. I won't let him out of my sight. We'll make up for the lost time."
The sun was setting. But still Arshak had not come home. The old. man's anxiety mounted. There was a moment when he was about to set out for the chairman's house but then he changed his mind.
Questions:
i. What titles could be given to each paragraph in the passage to summarize its content?
ii. Explain the meaning of the expressions "kindling wood" and "a tremor passed through his hands" in the context of the passage.
iii. Analyze Navasard's emotions and actions as he prepares for Arshak's visit, emphasizing the themes of anticipation and concern.
iv. How does the passage explore the theme of the passage of time and the significance of reunions in Navasard's life?
v. What insights can be gathered from Navasard's thoughts on Arshak's delay and his attempt to console himself?
vi. How might Navasard's experience of preparing for Arshak's visit be applied to real-life situations where individuals eagerly await the arrival of loved ones?
