Here's a summary and analysis of the play "Old Man River":

Summary: The play "Old Man River" is set during a heavy rainstorm and flood. The main characters, Amy and Betty Marshall, along with their neighbour Rose Field and her sister Sara, find themselves stranded in the Marshall home due to the flooding. As the water rises, the girls, along with Jim Hall, another neighbour, work together to prepare for the emergency. They collect water, food, and other essentials in case of a shortage. Meanwhile, Amy's mother is unable to return home due to the flooded bridges.

When Jim arrives with the news of the cloudburst and the river rising, the characters become increasingly worried about their safety. As the situation escalates, they realize the seriousness of their predicament. When Sara, Rose's sister, finds herself on a playhouse porch with rising water surrounding her, the play takes a dramatic turn. Jim heroically rescues Sara, but the flooding continues.

Eventually, Mr. Peters and Miss Marsh, a Red Cross nurse, lead a rescue team that arrives in a boat. They help Sara, who has suffered a broken leg, and decide to take her, along with Rose and Betty, to the emergency Red Cross hospital. Amy and Jim are left behind, assured that they will be rescued later.

Analysis: The play explores themes of emergency preparedness, teamwork, and courage in the face of adversity. The characters demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness as they cope with the flooding and work together to ensure their safety. The introduction of a Red Cross nurse highlights the importance of professional assistance in times of crisis.

Jim's calm and collected demeanour during the emergency showcases the importance of staying composed in challenging situations. The play also emphasizes the role of community support, as neighbours come together to help each other in times of need.

The narrative structure builds tension, starting with the ominous weather conditions and escalating to the immediate threat of flooding. The play highlights the vulnerability of individuals in the face of natural disasters and the crucial role of organized emergency response teams.

Overall, "Old Man River" is a compelling play that combines elements of drama and suspense to underscore the significance of preparation, cooperation, and community support during emergencies.

I. A. Tick the correct answer.

Betty was worried because the radio warned of

(a) the river rising fast.

(b) the cloudburst causing heavy rain.

(c) the Thompson Bridge getting washed away.

(d) heavy snowfall in the northern states.

2.The flood was caused by

(i) the river rising above the danger mark.

(ii) the heavy rain

(iii) the melting snow in the northern part.

(iv) the sea flooding the Marshall's back yard.

(v) the meadows getting flooded.

(vi) the Burnett Dam giving way.

(vii) the river bank breaking at Thompson Bridge.

(viii) the cyclone over the area.

(a) (ii), (iii) and (vi)   (b) (i), (ii) and (iv)     (c) (iii), (iv) and (vi)  (d) (iv), (vii) and (viii)

3. Mrs Marshall was not at home as she

(a) had gone to cook for Mrs Bryant.

(b) had taken Dick to the dentist.

(c) had broken her leg while at Mrs Bryant's.

(d) had gone to Chicago on business.

4. Sara's leg had to be splinted up with pillows as

(a) she had fallen and was very afraid.

(b) she had broken her leg below the knee.

(c) she was too young to walk on her own.

(d) she was making a fuss as she always did.

5.Amy and Jim were left behind to be rescued later as

(a) they were the oldest.

(b) they did not like boats.

(c) the house could not be left unattended.

(d) they had faced emergency situations earlier.

……………………………………………………………………….

Answers:

1. Betty was worried because the radio warned of (b) the cloudburst causing heavy rain.

2. The flood was caused by (ii) the heavy rain (iii) the melting snow in the northern part. (vi) the Burnett Dam giving way. (c) (iii), (iv) and (vi)

3. Mrs Marshall was not at home as she (b) had taken Dick to the dentist.

4. Sara's leg had to be splinted up with pillows as (b) she had broken her leg below the knee.

5. Amy and Jim were left behind to be rescued later as (c) the house could not be left unattended.

Think and discuss

How would you react in an emergency situation? What are the lessons you have learnt from Old Man River?

Answer

In an emergency situation, individual reactions can vary based on personality, experience, and the nature of the emergency. However, there are general principles and lessons that can be learned from the play "Old Man River":

1. Calmness and Leadership:

   • Jim's calm and collected demeanour in the face of an emergency stand out. Keeping a level head is crucial in crisis situations. Jim's leadership abilities aid in planning and putting effective responses into action.

2. Preparedness:

   • The characters in the play took proactive steps to prepare for the emergency. They gathered essentials such as water, food, and lights. This highlights the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances, having a plan in place, and being equipped with necessary supplies.

3. Community Support:

   • The play emphasizes the value of community support during emergencies. Neighbors come together, share resources, and assist each other. This sense of community is vital for collective well-being and safety.

4. Resourcefulness:

   • The characters in "Old Man River" show resourcefulness in dealing with the challenges they face. From making makeshift splints for Sara's broken leg to planning to spend the night on the roof, their ability to adapt and find solutions is a valuable lesson.

5. Teamwork:

   • Teamwork is crucial during emergencies. The characters work together to address the immediate threats and plan for their safety. This collaborative effort ensures that everyone's strengths contribute to a more effective response.

6. Communication:

   • Effective communication is key in emergency situations. The characters in the play communicate their plans, share information, and coordinate actions. Clear communication helps in avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

7. Adaptability:

   • The characters demonstrate adaptability by adjusting to the evolving situation. They make decisions based on the changing conditions, showing flexibility and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

8. Seeking Professional Help:

   • The arrival of Mr. Peters and Miss Marsh, representing the Red Cross, highlights the importance of seeking professional assistance during emergencies. Trained professionals can provide medical aid and coordinate organized rescue efforts.

In a real-life emergency, individuals can reflect on these lessons to enhance their preparedness and response. Being proactive, staying calm, working collaboratively, and seeking professional help when needed are valuable principles derived from the experiences portrayed in "Old Man River."

Work with words

A. Complete the sentences using the correct form of the words given in brackets.

1. The ……… (plant) of trees along the roadsides made the surroundings look greener.

2. The windowpanes were shattered due to the ……… (explode) of the bomb.

3. We cannot launch our project till we get the ……… (approve) of the committee.

4. The police are very concerned about the ……… (rise) crime rate in the last two years.

5. The ……… (participate) of a large number of people in the charity walk helped Cancer Aid Society   raise funds for treatment of cancer patients.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Answers

1. The planting of trees along the roadsides made the surroundings look greener.

2. The windowpanes were shattered due to the explosion of the bomb.

3. We cannot launch our project till we get the approval of the committee.

4. The police are very concerned about the rising crime rate in the last two years.

5. The participation of a large number of people in the charity walk helped Cancer Aid Society raise funds for the treatment of cancer patients.

Here are twenty questions based on the play "Old Man River":

1. Who are the main characters in the play "Old Man River"?

2. What activity are Amy, Betty, and Rose engaged in at the beginning of the play?

3. What is the reason behind the flooding in the area?

4. Where is Mrs. Marshall when the flooding occurs, and why can't she return home?

5. Why does Jim run to Amy's house during the emergency?

6. What news does Amy receive over the telephone from her mother?

7. What plan does Jim suggest to deal with the potential flood situation?

8. Why does Rose have difficulty making a phone call during the emergency?

9. How does Jim assess the seriousness of the situation, and what does he propose to do?

10. Why do Amy and Betty need to fill bowls, tubs, pails, and pitchers with fresh water?

11. What is the significance of the river rising above the danger mark?

12. Why does Jim go out to rescue Sara from the playhouse porch?

13. What challenges do the characters face after the lights go out?

14. Who arrives in a boat to rescue the children, and why are they there?

15. What is the condition of Sara when the rescuers arrive?

16. How does Miss Marsh assist Sara with her broken leg?

17. Why are Amy and Jim left behind when the rescuers take the others?

18. How do Jim and Amy plan to signal for help from the roof?

19. What organization does Miss Marsh represent, and how does it contribute to the rescue efforts?

20. Why are Amy and Jim confident about being rescued later, even after being left behind?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Here are the answers to the questions:

1. Who are the main characters in the play "Old Man River"?

   • Amy Marshall (17 years old)

   • Betty Marshall (Her younger sister)

   • Rose Field (16 years old, the Marshall's neighbour)

   • Sara Field (9 years old, Rose's sister)

   • Jim Hall (17 years old, another neighbor)

   • Mr. Peters (Member of the Red Cross Disaster Committee)

   • Penny Marsh (Red Cross Nurse)

2. What activity are Amy, Betty, and Rose engaged in at the beginning of the play?

   • Amy and Rose are knitting, while Betty is looking at pictures in a magazine.

3. What is the reason behind the flooding in the area?

   • The flooding is caused by heavy rain and the melting snow in the northern part of the state. The Burnett Dam also gave way.

4. Where is Mrs. Marshall when the flooding occurs, and why can't she return home?

   • Mrs. Marshall is at Mrs. Bryant's and can't return home because the bridges between her location and town are under water.

5. Why does Jim run to Amy's house during the emergency?

   • Jim runs to Amy's house to inform them about the cloudburst, the rising river, and the potential danger.

6. What news does Amy receive over the telephone from her mother?

   • Amy's mother informs her that she can't get home due to the flooded bridges, and she advises Amy to stay prepared for the emergency.

7. What plan does Jim suggest to deal with the potential flood situation?

   • Jim suggests getting organized, filling containers with fresh water, checking on food and supplies, and preparing for a potential rescue.

8. Why does Rose have difficulty making a phone call during the emergency?

   • Rose has difficulty making a phone call because the telephone lines are dead, indicating that the communication lines are down.

9. How does Jim assess the seriousness of the situation, and what does he propose to do?

   • Jim mentions that the river is rising fast, and he proposes to check on essential supplies, organize the group, and prepare for a potential rescue.

10. Why do Amy and Betty need to fill bowls, tubs, pails, and pitchers with fresh water?

    • They need to fill containers with fresh water in case the town's water supply is cut off or becomes unsafe to drink.

11. What is the significance of the river rising above the danger mark?

    • It indicates that the water level has surpassed a critical point, posing a potential threat of flooding to the surrounding areas.

12. Why does Jim go out to rescue Sara from the playhouse porch?

    • Sara is stranded on the playhouse porch, and Jim goes out to rescue her as the water level is rising, and the playhouse is at risk of floating away.

13. What challenges do the characters face after the lights go out?

    • The characters face challenges in terms of visibility and communication as the lights go out. They need to adapt to the darkness during the emergency.

14. Who arrives in a boat to rescue the children, and why are they there?

    • Mr. Peters and Miss Marsh from the Red Cross Disaster Committee arrive in a boat to rescue the children. They are there as part of the emergency response team.

15. What is the condition of Sara when the rescuers arrive?

    • Sara has a broken leg, but she is being attended to by Miss Marsh, and the pain has subsided due to medication.

16. How does Miss Marsh assist Sara with her broken leg?

    • Miss Marsh uses pillows and an umbrella to splint Sara's broken leg, providing support and stabilization.

17. Why are Amy and Jim left behind when the rescuers take the others?

    • Amy and Jim are left behind because the boat doesn't have enough space for everyone. Mr. Peters assures them they will be rescued later.

18. How do Jim and Amy plan to signal for help from the roof?

    • Jim plans to climb onto the roof and wave a flashlight as a signal for help.

19. What organization does Miss Marsh represent, and how does it contribute to the rescue efforts?

    • Miss Marsh represents the Red Cross, and the organization plays a crucial role in providing emergency assistance, medical aid, and coordinating rescue efforts.

20. Why are Amy and Jim confident about being rescued later, even after being left behind?

    • They are confident because the water level is dropping, and they believe that rescue teams will return for them or send another boat.

Here are ten fill-in-the-blank questions based on the play "Old Man River." Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words:

1. When the emergency situation arises, Jim suggests __________ organized and preparing for potential rescue efforts.

2. Mrs. Marshall couldn't return home because the __________ between her location and town were under water.

3. Jim plans to attract attention during the emergency by climbing onto the roof and waving a __________.

4. Amy's mother advises her to stay __________ and prepare for the emergency situation.

5. To deal with the potential flood, Jim suggests checking on essential __________ and supplies.

6. Rose has difficulty making a phone call because the __________ lines are dead.

7. The flooding in the area is caused by heavy rain, melting snow, and the __________ Dam giving way.

8. Sara has a broken leg, and Miss Marsh uses pillows and an __________ to splint her leg.

9. Amy and Jim are confident about being rescued later because they believe the water __________ is dropping.

10. Mr. Peters and Miss Marsh, members of the Red Cross Disaster Committee, arrive in a __________ to rescue the children.

…………………………………………………………………………………….........

Here are the filled blanks:

1. When the emergency situation arises, Jim suggests getting organized and preparing for potential rescue efforts.

2. Mrs. Marshall couldn't return home because the bridges between her location and town were underwater.

3. Jim plans to attract attention during the emergency by climbing onto the roof and waving a flashlight.

4. Amy's mother advises her to stay calm and prepare for the emergency situation.

5. To deal with the potential flood, Jim suggests checking on essential supplies and supplies.

6. Rose has difficulty making a phone call because the telephone lines are dead.

7. The flooding in the area is caused by heavy rain, melting snow, and the Burnett Dam giving way.

8. Sara has a broken leg, and Miss Marsh uses pillows and an umbrella to splint her leg.

9. Amy and Jim are confident about being rescued later because they believe the water level is dropping.

10. Mr. Peters and Miss Marsh, members of the Red Cross Disaster Committee, arrive in a boat to rescue the children.