Educational Notes

a. Why does Wasserkopf demand a refund of his tuition fees from the school?

Ans: Wasserkopf demands a refund because he feels that the education he received was useless and didn’t help him succeed in life. He believes that since he gained nothing of value, the school owes him his tuition fees back.

b. Why does Wasserkopf consider himself good for nothing?

Ans: Wasserkopf thinks he is good for nothing because he hasn’t achieved success in his professional life, and feels that his education didn’t equip him with any practical skills or knowledge. He sees himself as a failure and blames his schooling for it.

c. What did the teachers decide to do when Wasserkopf asked for a refund?

Ans: The teachers decided to give Wasserkopf a re-examination on the spot. They planned to answer his challenges cleverly and ensure he passed every subject, thereby denying his demand for a refund.

d. Why did Wasserkopf give ridiculous answers? Why did the teachers accept these answers?

Ans: Wasserkopf gave absurd answers hoping to fail the re-examination and strengthen his claim for a refund. However, the teachers cleverly interpreted his answers in a way that showed he was correct, allowing them to declare that he passed all subjects.

e. How does the Mathematics Master describe Wasserkopf’s character?

Ans: The Mathematics Master describes Wasserkopf as mentally alert and intelligent. He praises his quick thinking and the ability to handle arguments, using this as justification for passing him in the subject.

f. How did the teachers outwit Wasserkopf?

Ans: The teachers used reverse psychology and clever logic to interpret Wasserkopf’s foolish answers as intelligent responses. They turned every answer to his favor to pass him in the exam, thus avoiding having to refund the fees.

g. What is the final judgment on Wasserkopf’s demand of refund?

Ans: The final judgment is that Wasserkopf has passed the re-examination with distinction. As a result, his demand for a refund is rejected, and he is told to leave the school immediately.

a. Extract: “It’s possible I’ve changed. What the hell…!”

i. Who is the speaker? Who is he speaking to? Wasserkopf is speaking to the Principal.

ii. Why does the speaker say these words? He says these words to assert that his identity is verifiable through school records, even if he looks different now.

iii. Where is the speaker at this moment? He is in the Principal's office at his former school.

b. Extract: “THE STAFF: (bowing, heartily) How do you do?”

i. What is to be the response to ‘How do you do?’ The usual response is, “I’m fine” or “How do you do?”

ii. Is Wasserkopf’s response polite enough to the staff? No, he responds rudely and insults them.

iii. How does Wasserkopf rebuke the staff? He calls them “loafers” and mocks them while grinning.

iv. What does the principal mean by ‘How dare you -’? The principal is shocked and angry at Wasserkopf’s disrespectful behavior toward the teachers.

c. Explain the following line: “Because I didn’t get my money’s worth, that’s why!”

Ans: Wasserkopf uses this line to justify his demand for a refund. He believes the education he received was worthless, as it didn’t help him achieve success, so he wants his tuition fee back.

d. What is the theme of the play?

Ans: The play’s central theme is a satirical critique of the education system. It explores the gap between academic learning and practical life, mocking the idea that formal education guarantees success. It also highlights the cleverness of educators when faced with difficult situations.

e. Sketch the character of Wasserkopf.

Ans: Wasserkopf is bitter, aggressive, and dissatisfied with life. He is sarcastic, rude, and confrontational, seeking a refund by pretending to be a failure. However, he is also clever and quick-witted, capable of handling arguments. He underestimates the teachers, who eventually outsmart him.

a. The play is a satire on the present-day education system. Do you think our education system does not prepare students for life?

Ans: Yes, in many cases, education systems focus more on memorization and academic performance than life skills and critical thinking. While students gain theoretical knowledge, they often lack problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence. Education must be reformed to prepare learners for real-life challenges, not just exams.

b. Our education system focuses on memorisation rather than creative thinking. Do you think the knowledge imparted by education may not have practical relevance in one’s day-to-day life? Who do you blame for this?

Ans: Yes, much of what is taught in schools is disconnected from practical life. Students are trained to pass exams rather than think critically or apply knowledge. This is due to outdated curricula, exam-centric systems, and a lack of focus on practical skills. Educational boards, policymakers, and institutions share the blame.

c. Most students want to learn just for examinations rather than knowledge. Do you think that certificates will help them in their future career?

Ans: Certificates alone cannot guarantee success. While they may open doors initially, real success depends on skills, creativity, communication, and adaptability. Students who study only for exams may struggle in the real world. Lifelong learning and practical experience are far more valuable than certificates alone.