A Bad Dream, English Literature, Class VIII, DAVCMC Board, The Best Solutions. 

Pre-Reading Task

1. We all dream while sleeping but there are people who ‘day-dream’ also. Is there any difference between dreaming and day-dreaming? Discuss in the class.

Answer – Yes, there is a clear difference between dreaming and day-dreaming.

Dreaming usually happens during sleep and is a series of thoughts, images, or sensations occurring in a person’s mind. These dreams are mostly involuntary and sometimes reflect our fears, desires, or recent events.

Day-dreaming, on the other hand, happens while we are awake. It is a conscious or semi-conscious activity where we imagine things we desire or hope for—like becoming a film star, winning a prize, or going on an exciting adventure. While dreaming is natural and beyond our control, day-dreaming is often a way to escape reality or think creatively.

2. Do your dreams connect to real life situations or are they just full of wild and weird happenings? Share a couple of your interesting dreams with your partner.

Our dreams can be both connected to real life and sometimes filled with wild, strange events.

For example:

Once I dreamt that I could fly like a bird and I visited different countries in one night—it was fun but unrealistic.

Another time, I dreamt that I forgot to study for my exams, and when I entered the hall, the paper was in a different language! This was clearly connected to my stress during exam time.

Dreams can be both meaningful and purely imaginative. Talking about them often reveals what’s on our minds.

Word Meaning

Summary in English: A Bad Dream

In the play “A Bad Dream That Changed Mr. Hill,” Mr. George Hill, the manager of a bank, is a strict and arrogant man. He is unhappy with his cook, Annie, and wants to fire her despite her long service of almost twenty years. He believes that because of his position in the bank, he deserves to have a better cook and is concerned about how people view him. Mrs. Hill tries to convince him to be kinder, but George insists on replacing Annie.

Later, two bank employees, Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter, come to Mr. Hill’s house on a Sunday and inform him that the head office wants him to resign because of his poor management skills and his harsh attitude toward his staff. George is stunned, as he has spent thirty years at the bank. Despite his anger, he agrees to resign, as the decision has already been made. Mrs. Hill leaves for a holiday to visit her sister, and Mr. Hill is left alone with Annie, who assures him that she will stay with him despite his job loss.

As Mr. Hill falls asleep, he has a dream where he sees the consequences of his actions. When he wakes up, he realizes that his attitude has changed. He decides to retain Annie, acknowledging her hard work and loyalty, and he no longer cares about social status or impressing others. The play ends with Mr. Hill having a newfound understanding of kindness and humility.

Summary in Hindi:

“एक सपना जो मिस्टर हिल को बदल देता है” नाटक में जॉर्ज हिल, जो एक बैंक के मैनेजर हैं, एक सख्त और घमंडी व्यक्ति होते हैं। उन्हें अपनी कुक, एनी से शिकायत है और वे उसे निकालना चाहते हैं, हालाँकि उसने लगभग बीस साल तक उनकी सेवा की है। उन्हें लगता है कि उनके बैंक में उच्च पद के कारण उन्हें एक बेहतर रसोइया मिलना चाहिए और वे यह चिंता करते हैं कि लोग उन्हें किस दृष्टि से देखते हैं। मिसेस हिल उन्हें यह समझाने की कोशिश करती हैं, लेकिन जॉर्ज अपनी बात पर अडिग रहते हैं और एनी को निकालने की योजना बनाते हैं।

बाद में, बैंक के दो कर्मचारी, मिस्टर ब्रिग्स और मिस्टर विंटर, रविवार के दिन मिस्टर हिल के घर आते हैं और बताते हैं कि मुख्य कार्यालय ने उन्हें उनके खराब प्रबंधन और कठोर व्यवहार के कारण इस्तीफा देने के लिए कहा है। जॉर्ज चौंक जाते हैं, क्योंकि उन्होंने बैंक में तीस साल बिताए हैं। हालाँकि वे गुस्से में होते हैं, वे इस्तीफा देने पर सहमत हो जाते हैं क्योंकि यह निर्णय पहले ही लिया जा चुका होता है। मिसेस हिल अपनी बहन के पास छुट्टी पर चली जाती हैं और मिस्टर हिल अकेले होते हैं, जहाँ एनी उन्हें आश्वस्त करती है कि वह उनके साथ रहेंगी, चाहे कुछ भी हो।

जब मिस्टर हिल सोते हैं, तो उन्हें एक सपना आता है जिसमें वह अपनी कार्रवाइयों के परिणामों को देखते हैं। जब वे जागते हैं, तो उन्हें महसूस होता है कि उनका दृष्टिकोण बदल चुका है। वे अब एनी को रखने का फैसला करते हैं, उसकी मेहनत और निष्ठा को पहचानते हैं, और अब उन्हें सामाजिक स्थिति या दूसरों को प्रभावित करने की कोई चिंता नहीं रहती। नाटक का समापन मिस्टर हिल के नए दृष्टिकोण और विनम्रता के साथ होता है।

Understanding the Play

A. Answer the following questions in about 30 words each

1. Why was Mr Hill upset with Annie?

Answer – Mr. Hill was upset with Annie because he felt her cooking was not up to his standards. He thought she was old and needed to be replaced by a better cook, despite her long service.

2. What did Mr Hill expect his wife to do in the parties?

Answer – Mr. Hill expected his wife to be an impeccable hostess at parties, impressing guests with her social grace and making them feel that they were attending an elite gathering.

3. How can we say that Mrs Hill was a kind-hearted, considerate lady?

Answer – Mrs. Hill was kind-hearted and considerate because she tried to reason with Mr. Hill, showing concern for Annie’s long service. She also cared about her husband’s well-being and was patient with his harshness.

4. What was Annie’s reaction when she came to know that Mr. Hill had lost his job.

Answer – When Annie learned that Mr. Hill had lost his job, she was sympathetic and supportive. She reassured him that she would stay with him, showing loyalty and kindness despite his earlier treatment of her.

B. Read these extracts from the play and answer the questions that follow.

‘How will she find a new job?’

(a) Who is she and why should she look for a new job?

Answer – She is Annie, the Hill family’s maid, and she needs to look for a new job because Mr. Hill has decided to dismiss her after many years of service, believing she is no longer good enough.

(b) Why will it be difficult for her to find a new job?

Answer – It will be difficult for Annie to find a new job because she is elderly and may not be able to meet the expectations of other employers. She has also served the Hill family for a long time, making it harder to adjust to new environments.

(c) Why does the speaker react in such a manner?

Answer – The speaker reacts with concern and frustration because they understand how difficult it will be for Annie to find another job, especially at her age. There’s also a sense of guilt for having treated her so poorly.

We had to do it, sir. We were only thinking of the bank.’

(a) Who does ‘sir’ refer to? Who are ‘we’ here?

Answer – ‘Sir’ refers to Mr. Hill, and ‘we’ refers to Mr. Hill and his wife, Mrs. Hill, who are justifying their actions to him.

(b) What did they have to do?

Answer – They had to dismiss Annie, the maid, because of their financial situation and the need to save money. This was a difficult decision for them to make.

(c) What was their reason for doing so?

Answer – Their reason for dismissing Annie was their financial constraints, as they were thinking of their bank balance and trying to cut costs.

But, George, why have you changed suddenly?’

(a) What kind of a man was George earlier?

Answer – George was earlier a harsh and demanding man, particularly towards his wife and maid, and he didn’t show much concern for their feelings or well-being.

(b) What changes have come over George?

Answer – George has become more understanding, considerate, and empathetic, especially towards his wife and Annie, showing a transformation in his attitude after he lost his job.

(c) What is the reason for these changes?

Answer – The reason for George’s change is the realization of his own vulnerabilities and the emotional impact of losing his job, which made him reflect on the unfair treatment of Annie and his wife.

C. The words given below describe either Mr Hill or Mrs Hill. Read them carefully. Now group them appropriately in the table given below. Also find the lines from the text to support each description.

Answer – Character: Mr. Hill

Character: Mrs. Hill

On the basis of  these characteristics, compare and contrast the character of Mr Hill with that of Mrs Hill.

Answer- Comparison and Contrast of Mr. Hill and Mrs. Hill:

1. Sensitivity and Compassion:

Mr. Hill: He is largely insensitive and indifferent towards others, including Annie, who has worked for them for many years. His primary concern is his own discomfort and his position in society.

Mrs. Hill: In contrast, Mrs. Hill is compassionate and sensitive to the feelings of others, particularly towards Annie. She recognizes Annie’s dedication and struggles with the difficult decision of letting her go.

2. Attitude Towards Work and People:

Mr. Hill: Mr. Hill is self-centered and dismissive, particularly evident when he shows no understanding of Annie’s feelings about losing her job. He views things from a very selfish perspective, focused only on his own challenges.

Mrs. Hill: Mrs. Hill, on the other hand, is accommodating and considerate, as shown by her empathy toward Annie’s situation. She cares for others and values relationships, highlighting her nurturing nature.

3. Emotional Intelligence:

Mr. Hill: His behaviour can be described as rude and arrogant, with little emotional awareness or consideration for others’ feelings. He reacts sharply when under pressure and doesn’t express his emotions in a way that shows concern for anyone except himself.

Mrs. Hill: Mrs. Hill shows emotional intelligence. She is aware of the emotional consequences of their decisions and tries to accommodate both George and Annie with understanding. Her concern for George’s change of attitude reflects her ability to recognize shifts in behaviour.

4. Impact on Others:

Mr. Hill: Mr. Hill’s arrogance and indifference to others make him less likable and less empathetic. He has a negative impact on those around him, as his decisions are based on self-interest without considering the larger emotional picture.

Mrs. Hill: Mrs. Hill’s accommodating and considerate nature helps maintain harmony in difficult situations. She is more likely to have a positive impact on others due to her thoughtful and caring approach.

Conclusion:

In summary, Mr. Hill and Mrs. Hill are contrasting characters. Mr. Hill represents selfishness, insensitivity, and emotional detachment, while Mrs. Hill embodies empathy, compassion, and emotional understanding. This contrast highlights the differences in their values and approaches toward relationships and challenges.

HOTS

‘Mr Hill had a bad dream’—was the dream really bad?

Answer – The dream may not have been bad in the literal sense, but it served as a wake-up call for Mr. Hill. It symbolized his fears and insecurities about his job and personal life. The dream forced him to confront the harsh realities of his actions, making it a pivotal moment in his self-reflection. So, in a way, the dream was bad for his emotional growth but necessary for his awareness.

Life Skills

1. Assuming the dream to be a reality, do you support Mrs Hills decision to leave Mr Hill at the time when he needed her the most?

Answer – While Mrs. Hill’s decision to leave Mr. Hill might seem harsh, it reflects her realization that he was not valuing her or their relationship. Sometimes, people need to face the consequences of their own actions in order to change. Mrs. Hill’s choice to step back might have been her way of making Mr. Hill realize the importance of empathy, mutual respect, and the need for emotional support in a relationship.

1. What, according to you, should be the code of conduct of a bank manager with their employees and their customers?

Answer – A bank manager should uphold professionalism, fairness, and empathy in their dealings with both employees and customers. For employees, the code of conduct should include respect, recognition of hard work, and a supportive environment. With customers, the bank manager should prioritize customer satisfaction, transparency, fairness in transactions, and patience. Communication should always be clear and respectful, ensuring both employees and customers feel valued and heard.

Values

‘Compassion for our fellow beings should be an integral part of our existence.’ Discuss.

Answer – Compassion is essential for building a harmonious and empathetic society. It promotes understanding and respect for others, leading to meaningful relationships and support systems. Compassion allows us to see beyond our own experiences and connect with the struggles and needs of others. It encourages us to act selflessly, providing help and emotional support to those in need. In our daily lives, practicing compassion can alleviate suffering and create an atmosphere of trust and kindness, leading to better emotional and social well-being.

Writing Skills

Imagine you are Mr Hill. Your unpleasant conversation with Mr Briggs and Mr Winter awakens your conscience and changes your attitude towards Annie. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings for her before and after your meeting with the visitors.

Answer – Diary Entry – Mr. Hill

Date: 00.00.0000

Time : 09:30 PM

Before the meeting with Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter, I never really understood what I had at home. Annie, who had been with us for years, was just another part of the house to me – someone I expected to do her job, without ever giving it much thought. I always took her loyalty and dedication for granted, even though she was a constant presence in our lives.

But today, after the harsh words from Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter, I realized how wrong I was. They made me see how callously I had treated Annie. I never stopped to appreciate her hard work or the sacrifices she made for us. It was a rude awakening, but one that I needed.

Now, I feel guilty for not recognizing Annie’s value sooner. I’ve been blind to her loyalty and kindness. How could I have been so thoughtless? I need to change my attitude – towards Annie, towards my wife, and towards life in general.

I wish I could turn back time, but all I can do now is make amends. I owe Annie an apology, and I need to show her the respect she deserves. Tomorrow, I’ll do better.

Additional Questions and Answer

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers

1. What is Mr. Hill’s position at the bank?
2. a) Cashier
3. b) Manager
4. c) Assistant Manager
5. d) Clerk

Answer: b) Manager

2. What does Mr. Hill complain about at the beginning of Scene I?
3. a) The weather
4. b) The coffee and lunch
5. c) The bank’s performance
6. d) His wife’s behavior

Answer: b) The coffee and lunch

3. How long has Annie been working for the Hills?
4. a) Ten years
5. b) Fifteen years
6. c) Nearly twenty years
7. d) Twenty-five years

Answer: c) Nearly twenty years

4. Why does Mr. Hill want to replace Annie?
5. a) She is too old
6. b) She is a bad cook
7. c) She is dishonest
8. d) She is lazy

Answer: b) She is a bad cook

5. What reason does Mrs. Hill give for not firing Annie immediately?
6. a) Annie is a good cook
7. b) Annie might not find a new job
8. c) Annie is family
9. d) Annie is young

Answer: b) Annie might not find a new job

6. What day of the week is it in the play?
7. a) Monday
8. b) Saturday
9. c) Sunday
10. d) Friday

Answer: c) Sunday

7. Who visits Mr. Hill in Scene II?
8. a) Annie and Mrs. Hill
9. b) Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter
10. c) Bank customers
11. d) His sister-in-law

Answer: b) Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter

8. What do Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter ask Mr. Hill to do?
9. a) Promote them
10. b) Resign from the bank
11. c) Take a holiday
12. d) Fire Annie

Answer: b) Resign from the bank

9. What is Mr. Briggs’s position at the bank?
10. a) Manager
11. b) Cashier
12. c) Assistant Manager
13. d) Security Officer

Answer: c) Assistant Manager

10. What is Mr. Winter’s position at the bank?
11. a) Manager
12. b) Cashier
13. c) Assistant Manager
14. d) Clerk

 Answer: b) Cashier

11. What reason does Mr. Winter give for Mr. Hill’s unpopularity at the bank?
12. a) He is dishonest
13. b) He is not nice to the staff
14. c) He is too strict
15. d) He is lazy

 Answer: b) He is not nice to the staff

12. How long has Mr. Hill worked at the bank?
13. a) Twenty years
14. b) Twenty-five years
15. c) Thirty years
16. d) Thirty-five years

 Answer: c) Thirty years

13. What does Mrs. Hill plan to do in Mr. Hill’s dream?
14. a) Stay and support him
15. b) Go on a holiday to her sister’s
16. c) Cook dinner
17. d) Help Annie

 Answer: b) Go on a holiday to her sister’s

14. What does Annie offer to do after Mr. Hill loses his job in the dream?
15. a) Leave the house
16. b) Stay and look after him
17. c) Find a new job
18. d) Ask for more money

 Answer: b) Stay and look after him

15. How does Annie react to Mr. Hill’s financial situation in the dream?
16. a) She demands payment
17. b) She says she doesn’t need money
18. c) She leaves immediately
19. d) She asks for a raise

 Answer: b) She says she doesn’t need money

16. What time does Mrs. Hill say it is when she wakes Mr. Hill in Scene III?
17. a) Three o’clock
18. b) Half past four
19. c) Five o’clock
20. d) Six o’clock

 Answer: b) Half past four

17. What does Mr. Hill realize after waking up in Scene III?
18. a) He has lost his job
19. b) He was dreaming
20. c) Annie has left
21. d) The bank is on fire

 Answer: b) He was dreaming

18. How does Mr. Hill’s attitude towards Annie change after his dream?
19. a) He decides to fire her
20. b) He decides to keep her
21. c) He ignores her
22. d) He gives her a raise

 Answer: b) He decides to keep her

19. What does Mr. Hill suggest to help Annie after his dream?
20. a) Fire her immediately
21. b) Get someone to assist her
22. c) Reduce her workload
23. d) Send her on a holiday

 Answer: b) Get someone to assist her

20. Why does Mr. Hill decide to reduce the frequency of dinner parties?
21. a) He dislikes his friends
22. b) He wants to save money
23. c) The dinners aren’t important
24. d) Annie refuses to cook

 Answer: c) The dinners aren’t important

Short Questions and Answers

1. Question: What is Mr. Hill’s position at the bank?

Answer: Manager.

2. Question: What does Mr. Hill complain about at the beginning?

Answer: The coffee and lunch.

3. Question: How long has Annie worked for the Hills?

Answer: Nearly twenty years.

4. Question: Why does Mr. Hill want to replace Annie?

Answer: She is a bad cook.

5. Question: Why does Mrs. Hill hesitate to fire Annie?

Answer: Annie might not find a new job.

6. Question: What day of the week is it in the play?

Answer: Sunday.

7. Question: Who visits Mr. Hill in Scene II?

Answer: Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter.

8. Question: What do Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter ask Mr. Hill to do?

Answer: Resign from the bank.

9. Question: What is Mr. Briggs’s position at the bank?

Answer: Assistant Manager.

10. Question: What is Mr. Winter’s position at the bank?

 Answer: Cashier.

11. Question: Why is Mr. Hill unpopular at the bank?

 Answer: He is not nice to the staff.

12. Question: How long has Mr. Hill worked at the bank?

 Answer: Thirty years.

13. Question: What does Mrs. Hill plan to do in Mr. Hill’s dream?

 Answer: Go on a holiday to her sister’s.

14. Question: What does Annie offer to do in the dream after Mr. Hill loses his job?

 Answer: Stay and look after him.

15. Question: How does Annie react to Mr. Hill’s financial situation in the dream?

 Answer: She says she doesn’t need money.

16. Question: What time is it when Mrs. Hill wakes Mr. Hill in Scene III?

 Answer: Half past four.

17. Question: What does Mr. Hill realize after waking up?

 Answer: He was dreaming.

18. Question: How does Mr. Hill’s attitude towards Annie change after his dream?

 Answer: He decides to keep her.

19. Question: What does Mr. Hill suggest to help Annie after his dream?

 Answer: Get someone to assist her.

20. Question: Why does Mr. Hill reduce the frequency of dinner parties?

 Answer: The dinners aren’t important.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion) and Answers

1. Question:

   Assertion (A): Mr. Hill initially wants to fire Annie because of her poor cooking skills. 

   Reason (R): He believes her bad cooking reflects poorly on his status as a bank manager. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as Mr. Hill wants to fire Annie—“she’s a bad cook”—as the play states. The reason explains this by linking it to his status—“what do these people think of me? I’m their bank manager”—as the play notes, directly showing his concern for his reputation, supporting the assertion.

2. Question:

   Assertion (A): Mr. Hill’s dream makes him realize the consequences of his actions. 

   Reason (R): In the dream, he loses his job and faces abandonment by his wife, mirroring Annie’s potential fate. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as the dream changes Mr. Hill—“perhaps we ought to keep her”—as the play states. The reason explains this by detailing the dream—“I have to resign… my wife has gone”—as the play notes, directly mirroring Annie’s potential struggle, as “she may not get a new job” suggests, supporting the assertion.

3. Question:

   Assertion (A): Annie remains loyal to Mr. Hill despite his initial decision to fire her. 

   Reason (R): In the dream, she offers to stay and look after him even without payment. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as Annie shows loyalty—“I want to stay here”—as the play states. The reason explains this by detailing her dream actions—“I’ll look after you… I don’t need any now”—as the play notes, directly demonstrating her commitment despite Mr. Hill’s financial situation, supporting the assertion.

4. Question:

   Assertion (A): Mr. Hill’s staff are unhappy with his management style. 

   Reason (R): He does not work hard and is not nice to the bank employees. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as the staff are unhappy—“no one likes you”—as the play states. The reason explains this by detailing his behavior—“you don’t work hard… you’re not nice to the people”—as the play notes, directly linking their discontent to his lack of effort and poor treatment, supporting the assertion.

5. Question:

   Assertion (A): Mr. Hill’s dream leads to a change in his priorities. 

   Reason (R): He decides to keep Annie and reduce dinner parties after waking up. 

1. a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. c) A is true, but R is false.
4. d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

   Explanation: The assertion is true as the dream shifts Mr. Hill’s priorities—“perhaps we ought to keep her”—as the play states. The reason explains this by detailing his decisions—“we won’t ask people very often”—as the play notes, directly showing his new focus on compassion over social status, supporting the assertion.

Long Questions and Answers (60-70 words)

1. Question: How does Mr. Hill’s initial attitude towards Annie reflect his priorities as a bank manager?

Answer: Mr. Hill’s initial attitude towards Annie—“she must go… we must have a good cook”—reflects his priority on appearances, as the play states. He focuses on impressing customers—“what do these people think of me?”—as the play notes, prioritizing his bank manager status over loyalty to a long-term employee, as “I care about the bank” suggests, revealing his emphasis on professional image, as the narrative depicts.

2. Question: Discuss the role of the dream in transforming Mr. Hill’s perspective on his staff and Annie.

Answer: The dream transforms Mr. Hill’s perspective by showing him his own vulnerability—“I have to resign… how can I find a new job?”—mirroring Annie’s plight, as the play states. This empathy leads him to retain Annie—“perhaps we ought to keep her”—and value his staff’s hard work, as “the dinners aren’t important” suggests, shifting his focus from status to compassion, as the play illustrates.

3. Question: How does the play use the contrast between Mr. Hill’s dream and reality to highlight his character flaws?

Answer: The play contrasts Mr. Hill’s dream—where he loses his job and wife—“I’ve lost my job… my wife has gone”—with reality, where he retains both, as the play states. This highlights his flaws, like arrogance—“I’m the manager”—and neglect—“you don’t work hard”—as the play notes, showing his lack of empathy and poor leadership, as the dream’s consequences reveal, prompting his eventual change, as the narrative underscores.

4. Question: Analyse the significance of Annie’s loyalty in the dream and its impact on Mr. Hill’s final decision.

Answer: Annie’s loyalty in the dream—“I’ll look after you… I don’t need any now”—as the play states, contrasts with Mr. Hill’s initial plan to fire her, as “she must go” shows. This loyalty impacts his final decision to keep her—“perhaps we ought to keep her”—as the play notes, making him value her dedication over her cooking skills, as the dream’s lesson influences, reflecting his newfound empathy.

5. Question: How does Mrs. Hill’s reaction to Annie’s situation differ from Mr. Hill’s initial stance, and what does this reveal about their characters?

Answer: Mrs. Hill’s reaction to Annie—“we can’t do this to her”—shows empathy, as the play states, contrasting with Mr. Hill’s initial stance—“she must go”—focused on status, as the play notes. This reveals Mrs. Hill’s compassion and understanding, as “she isn’t a young woman” suggests, while Mr. Hill’s focus on image—“I care about the bank”—exposes his detachment, highlighting their differing values, as the narrative portrays.

6. Question: Discuss the theme of empathy in the play and how Mr. Hill’s dream fosters this quality in him.

Answer: The theme of empathy emerges through Mr. Hill’s dream, where he experiences loss—“I’ve lost my job… my wife has gone”—mirroring Annie’s potential fate, as the play states. This fosters empathy, leading him to keep Annie—“perhaps we ought to keep her”—and prioritize her well-being, as “she may not get a new job” suggests, showing his growth from detachment to understanding, as the narrative illustrates.

7. Question: How does the play critique Mr. Hill’s management style through the dialogue of Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter?

Answer: The play critiques Mr. Hill’s management style through Mr. Briggs and Mr. Winter’s dialogue—“you don’t work hard… you’re not nice to the people”—as the play states. They highlight his absence—“you are never there”—and favoritism—“nice to the customers, but not to us”—as the play notes, exposing his ineffective leadership and lack of fairness, as their demand for resignation underscores, reflecting staff discontent, as the narrative reveals.

8. Question: Explore the significance of the Sunday afternoon setting in the play and its impact on the narrative.

Answer: The Sunday afternoon setting, as “it’s about two o’clock on Sunday” states, creates a relaxed yet ironic backdrop for Mr. Hill’s disruption—“you come to my house and disturb me”—as the play notes. This contrast heightens the tension of his dream and resignation demand, as the play depicts, emphasizing the unexpected nature of his personal reckoning, as the leisurely setting amplifies his transformation, as the narrative unfolds.