gashed – cut deeply hysterics – a fit of uncontrollable laughing or crying exasperation – irritation catastrophe – a terrible disaster bons mots – (French) witty remarks suave – polite and sophisticated venerable – valued *Bill – William (the letter W is changed to B and William is called Bill) A. Based on your understanding of the lesson, answer the following questions in one or two sentences each: . Give a few instances of Bryson’s confused acts. .
What were the contents of Bryson’s bag? . Describe the fluttery cascade of things tumbling from the bag. .
Why did the author’s concern over tobacco shift to his finger? . What happened to Bryson when he leaned to tie his shoelace? .
How did Bryson free himself from the crash position? . What was Bryson’s worst accident on a plane? .
What did Bryson wish to avoid in his life? . How would staying away from liquid mischief benefit Bryson? .
Why did the clerk say that Bryson was not entitled to flyer miles? B. Answer the following questions in about three to four sentences each: . Why doesn’t Bryson seem to be able to do easily what others seem to?
Give a few reasons. . What was the reaction of Bryson’s wife to his antics? .
Briefly describe the ‘accidents’ encountered on the flight by Bryson. C. Based on your understanding of the text, answer the following questions in a paragraph of about – words: . ‘To this day, I don’t know how I did it’ - What does ‘it’ refer to?
. ‘… But, when it’s my own - well, I think hysterics are fully justified’ – How? . Bring out the pun in the title ‘The Accidental Tourist’ (one who happens to travel by accident or one who meets with accidents often on his or her trips!).
. Can a clumsy person train himself/ herself to overcome shortcomings? How could this be done? .
As a fellow passenger of Bill Bryson on the flight, make a diary entry describing his clumsy behaviour during the trip and the inconveniences caused to others as a result of his nervousness. -A-Prose-The Accidental - - :