Unit 2 : Mrs. Packletide's Tiger ENGLISH [Communicative] - Unit 2 : Mrs. Packletide's Tiger

It was Mrs. Packletide’s pleasure and intention that she should shoot a tiger … The compelling motive … was the fact that Loona Bimberton had recently … personally procured tiger-skin and a heavy harvest of Press photographs could successfully counter that sort of thing.

(i) Why did Mrs. Packletide want to kill a tiger?
(ii) What does it tell you about her?
(iii) What is the tone of the storywriter? 
(iv) What do you think the story is all about?

The luncheon-party she declined. There are limits beyond which repressed emotions become dangerous.
“How amused every one would be if they knew what really happened,” said Louisa Mebbin a few days after the ball.
“What do you mean?” asked Mrs. Packletide quickly. (Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger)

(i) Who declined the luncheon party?
(ii) Why did she decline the invitation?
(iii) Which word in the extract means ‘not accepted’? 
(iv) Who has arranged the lunch party and why?

How did Miss Mebbin manage to get her week-end cottage 1 Why did she plant so many tiger lilies in her garden?

What comment did Miss Mebbin make after Mrs. Packletide had fired the shot ? Why did Miss Mebbin make this comment ? How did Mrs. Packletide react to this comment?

Mrs. Packletide was a good shot. Discuss.

Who was Miss Mebbin ? Was she really devoted to Mrs. Packletide ? How did she behave during the tiger shooting?

In what way did the villagers help Mrs. Packletide shoot the tiger?

How does the writer create humour in this story ?

Sometimes writers highlight certain negative aspects in society or human beings by making fun of it. This is called satire. In your groups discuss whether you would classify this story as a satire. Give reasons to support your answer.

A person who is vain is full of self importance and can only think of himself / herself and can go to great lengths to prove his / her superiority. Do you think Mrs. Packletide is vain ? Give a reasons in support of your answer.

Do you think the writer is trying to make fun of the main characters in the story i.e. Mrs. Packletide, Miss Mebbin and Loona Bimberton ? Pick out instances from the story that point to this fact.

“The incidental expenses are so heavy”, she confides to enquiring friends.
Later on, Mrs. Packletide understands that trying to display a false brave image is certainly not right and can cause more harm than inviting attention and praise. Write about the values you imbibe from what is given above. (Mrs. Packletide’s tiger)