Textual Question & Answers – The Price of Flowers
I. Read and Respond
- “It is neither the same everywhere nor the same all the year round in India.” Why?
Because India is a vast country with different climates and environments. Some areas have more diseases like fevers at certain times, while others are healthy. So, conditions differ by location and season. - Why did the narrator decide to take the shilling given by Maggie?
Mr Gupta felt the shilling was a symbol of Maggie’s deep love for her brother. Although it was a small coin, she had earned it through hard work and was ready to sacrifice it. He accepted it so she could experience the emotional relief of her gesture. - What is the role of faith in the story?
Faith gives strength to both Maggie and her mother. Even without proof, they believe Frank is safe. Mr Gupta supports this faith by pretending to see a vision in the crystal. This shows that faith can bring hope and healing, even in sorrow.
- Why was the narrator’s attention drawn to the English girl?
Because she was looking at him with surprise and curiosity. Her expression and her poor appearance made her stand out. - What is your impression of the girl?
She is poor but dignified, innocent but emotionally strong, and very polite. Her sad eyes and gentle manners make her admirable. - Why did the narrator go to the restaurant again?
He wanted to see the girl again. He was curious about her and concerned for her and her family. - What impression did the girl have about India?
She believed the common myths that India is full of tigers, snakes, and fevers. She was worried because her brother was stationed there. - Was Maggie satisfied with her job? If not, why?
No, she was not. Her job as a typist was mechanical. She wanted a better job that involved “brain work” like that of a secretary. - What do you understand by “brain work”?
It means work that requires thinking, intelligence, and skill — like planning, managing, or writing, not just routine tasks. - Why did Maggie ask the narrator whether he was a vegetarian?
Because she had heard that most Indians are vegetarians and she was trying to confirm if he was really Indian. - Why did Mr Gupta go to Maggie’s house?
Maggie invited him. She and her mother were eager to meet an Indian who might know about Frank’s location in India. - What do you understand about the living conditions of Maggie and her mother?
They lived in a poor area called Lambeth. Their home was clean but simply furnished. Maggie worked to support her sick mother. - Why is Saturday special to Maggie and her mother?
Saturday is the day Maggie returns early from work. It’s also when her mother sells homemade cakes in the market, earning some income. - What made Mrs Clifford recover?
Mr Gupta told her that her son Frank was alive and well (though this was not true). This hopeful lie brought her peace and joy, helping her recover. - Why was Mr Gupta ashamed to face Mrs Clifford?
Because he had told her that Frank was alive, but later learned Frank had already died. He felt guilty for giving her false hope, even if it brought her comfort. - Explain the reason why Mr Gupta accepted the shilling.
He accepted the shilling because he understood that Maggie found emotional relief in offering it. He didn’t want to deny her the joy of making a sacrifice for her brother. - What was the promise given to Maggie?
Mr Gupta promised to place flowers on Frank’s grave using the shilling Maggie gave him. - Why did Maggie give a shilling to Mr Gupta?
It was her hard-earned money, and she wanted him to use it to buy flowers and lay them on her brother’s grave — a final act of love.
1. Why did Mr Gupta take some money with him when he went to see Mrs Clifford?
Mr Gupta had heard from his hostess that Maggie hadn’t gone to work for a week and might not have received her salary. So he took money to help them financially during the crisis.
2. Why did Mr Gupta and Maggie tiptoe into the sitting room?
Because Mrs Clifford was seriously ill and asleep. They didn’t want to disturb her by making noise with their footsteps.
3. Why was Maggie unable to go to work?
Maggie had to stay home and take care of her seriously ill mother, so she couldn’t attend work that week.
4. Why was the crystal ring so special to Mrs Clifford?
Mrs Clifford believed the crystal ring had mystical powers and could show visions. She hoped that by using it, they might find out whether her son Frank was safe.
5. Who is Francis? What do you know about him?
Francis, also called Frank, is Maggie’s elder brother. He is a soldier in the British army posted in India. Maggie and her mother haven’t heard from him in a long time and are worried he might be dead.
6. What is your opinion about superstitions? Do you believe in any?
Superstitions are beliefs without scientific proof. Some people follow them for emotional comfort. In the story, the crystal ring brings hope to Mrs Clifford. Personally, I try to believe in facts, but I understand why some people follow traditions or superstitions.
7. Describe the incident which touched the narrator deeply.
The moment when Maggie gave Mr Gupta a shilling, requesting him to buy flowers for her brother’s grave, deeply touched him. He realised how much emotional value the coin held and admired Maggie’s loving, selfless nature.
17. Why did Mr Gupta take some money with him when he went to see Mrs Clifford?
Mr Gupta’s hostess told him that Maggie hadn’t gone to work for a week, so she likely hadn’t received any salary. Knowing they might be in financial trouble, Mr Gupta took money with him to help them.
18. Why did Mr Gupta and Maggie tiptoe into the sitting room?
They tiptoed to avoid waking Mrs Clifford, who was seriously ill and resting.
19. Why was Maggie unable to go to work?
Maggie stayed home to care for her very sick mother, who was mentally disturbed and physically weak due to worry over her son Frank.
20. Why was the crystal ring so special to Mrs Clifford?
Mrs Clifford believed that the crystal ring had mystical powers and could help her know the fate of her son. It gave her hope and emotional comfort.
21. Who is Francis? What do you know about him?
Francis (Frank) Clifford is Maggie’s elder brother. He is a soldier serving in India. Maggie and her mother are very worried about him because they have not heard from him for a long time. Later, it is revealed that he died in action.
22. What is your opinion about superstitions? Do you believe in any?
Superstitions are beliefs without scientific evidence. While I do not strongly believe in them, I understand that they can provide emotional support to people during hard times, just like Mrs Clifford found comfort in the crystal ring.
23. Describe the incident which touched the narrator deeply.
Maggie gave Mr Gupta a shilling she had earned through hard work, asking him to buy flowers for her brother’s grave. Her selflessness and emotional strength moved Mr Gupta, making him realize the real “price” of the flowers was not money, but love and sacrifice.
24. What was the request Maggie made to Mr Gupta?
Maggie requested Mr Gupta to look into the crystal ring and tell her mother that Frank was safe, even if it wasn’t true, just to comfort her dying mother.
25. What made Mrs Clifford recover?
Mr Gupta told Mrs Clifford that he had seen a vision in the crystal ring that Frank was alive and safe. This hopeful lie gave her emotional relief, and she began to recover.
26. Why was Mr Gupta ashamed to face Mrs Clifford?
Later, Mr Gupta found out that Frank had already died by the time he told Mrs Clifford that her son was alive. He felt guilty for lying, even though it was to comfort her.
27. Explain the reason why Mr Gupta accepted the shilling.
Mr Gupta accepted the shilling not for its monetary value, but to honour Maggie’s emotions. He realized that giving the coin brought her peace and helped her cope with her grief.
Textbook Activity Answers
Activity I – Read and Respond
- Why is it “neither the same everywhere nor the same all the year round in India”?
India has many regions and different climates. Some parts have more diseases at certain times. So it’s not uniform throughout the country or year. - Why did the narrator accept the shilling given by Maggie?
Mr Gupta felt emotional about Maggie’s sacrifice. Refusing the coin would hurt her feelings. He accepted it so she could find peace in giving. - What is the role of faith in the story?
Faith gives hope to Maggie and her mother. They believe Frank is alive. Mr Gupta’s act of kindness reinforces their faith in humanity.
Activity II – Discussion
Significance of the Title “The Price of Flowers”:
The “price” refers not just to money, but to the emotional value of Maggie’s one shilling. Though it was a small coin, it meant love, sacrifice, and hope — making it priceless.
Alternate Titles:
- A Shilling of Love
- The Flower of Sacrifice
Activity III – Character Sketch Table
| Appearance | Qualities/Traits | Attitude Towards Others | Opinion About the Girl |
| 13 years old | Hard-working, disciplined | Respectful to elders | Brave and selfless |
| Anxious, sad eyes | Polite, thoughtful, sincere | Loving towards her mother | Emotionally mature for her age |
| Poorly dressed | Intelligent, observant | Friendly to Mr Gupta | Inspirational figure despite poverty |
Activity IV – Types of Stories (Match and Identify)
| A | B |
| Story | d. An invented tale to entertain |
| Anecdote | g. A real and interesting personal story |
| Tale | c. Imaginative, action-filled story |
| Folk Tale | a. Traditional story passed orally |
| Fable | f. Moral tale with animals |
| Fairy Tale | e. Magical tale for children |
| Fiction | h. Literature with imaginary people/events |
| Myth | b. Ancient story explaining nature or history |
Category of this story: Anecdote
Activity V – Write-up
I completely understand what Maggie means when she says, “I want work that will make me use my head — brain work.” It is not just a simple sentence, but a reflection of her desire to do meaningful and intelligent work that challenges the mind and allows her to grow.
I too want to engage in work that uses my thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. In today’s world, doing brain work means more than just earning a living — it means using our knowledge, learning new skills, and contributing something useful to society. Like Maggie, I do not want to do repetitive or mechanical tasks. I want to explore, create, plan, and make decisions that can make a difference.
For example, I dream of becoming a software developer. It is a field that requires continuous learning, logical thinking, and innovation. Every task is different and often challenging. It keeps the mind active. When I solve a problem or design something new, I feel a sense of satisfaction that physical work alone may not always give.
Maggie’s wish also tells us about her intelligence and her will to improve her life and support her mother. She doesn’t complain about her present job but expresses a desire to move forward. I feel the same. I want a career where I can grow mentally, help others, and feel proud of what I do. Brain work also builds confidence and makes us more independent.
In short, I can deeply relate to Maggie’s words. I believe that real happiness comes when we use our mind and heart in what we do. That is what I want from my future too.
Activity VI – Letter from Mr Gupta to Maggie
Lambeth, London
(From earlier meeting)
To:
Miss Maggie Clifford
13, Bell’s Building
Lambeth, London
Date: 15 August, 19XX
My Dear Maggie,
I hope this letter finds you and your mother in good health. I have safely reached India and I am writing to you as promised, with a heart full of respect and admiration for your love and courage.
I travelled to the Punjab, and with your shilling, I bought a bunch of fresh, white flowers — the kind that carry simplicity and purity, just like your soul. I visited the cemetery where British soldiers are laid to rest, and though I could not find your brother’s grave by name, I placed the flowers at the foot of the memorial that honours all brave men who died in duty. As I stood in silence, I thought deeply of your love for your brother and your selfless sacrifice. That shilling meant far more than money — it was a symbol of pure love and strength.
Maggie, I will never forget you or your dear mother. You reminded me that the strongest hearts often beat in the humblest homes. Please remember that your brother, wherever he may be, is surely proud of the brave and kind sister he has.
Take care of your mother. Keep working towards your dreams. You are meant to do great things, and I believe you will.
With warmest regards,
Yours sincerely,
Mr Gupta
(Lahore, Punjab, India)
Activity VII – Role-play (Phone Call)
Maggie: Hello, Mr Gupta?
Mr Gupta: Hello! Is that Maggie?
Maggie: Yes, sir. I just got your letter. Thank you for visiting Frank’s grave.
Mr Gupta: You’re welcome. It was my honour.
Maggie: My mother and I are very grateful. You made us feel less alone.
Mr Gupta: I’ll always remember your brave heart, Maggie.
Maggie: You’re very kind, sir. Please keep in touch.
Mr Gupta: Of course. Take care of your mother.
Maggie: I will. Goodbye, Mr Gupta.
Mr Gupta: Goodbye, dear.
Activity VIII – Critical Review
Title: The Price of Flowers
Author: Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay
Theme: Love, sacrifice, humanity
Narration Style: First person
Language: Simple, emotional
Setting: London and India
Characters: Maggie, Mrs Clifford, Mr Gupta
Opening & Ending: Strong emotional hook, touching closure
Impact: Teaches kindness, cross-cultural friendship, and emotional strength
Review:
The Price of Flowers by Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay is a heart-touching story that explores universal human emotions like love, sacrifice, and compassion. It tells the story of Maggie, a 13-year-old English girl who lives in poverty with her ailing mother in London. She meets Mr Gupta, an Indian working in England, and the story unfolds around her deep concern for her brother Frank, a soldier posted in India. Though from different countries and cultures, the characters form a strong emotional bond.
The story’s strength lies in its realistic characters and simple narration. Maggie is portrayed as mature, loving, and strong despite her age and financial condition. Her willingness to sacrifice her hard-earned shilling to honour her possibly dead brother shows the depth of her feelings. Mr Gupta, the narrator, is equally sensitive. He respects Maggie’s emotions and shows empathy, becoming more than just a visitor — he becomes a part of their lives.
The author also subtly highlights social themes like poverty with dignity, the power of hope, and the emotional value of small acts. Even the symbolism of the shilling and the flowers adds emotional weight. The story proves that kindness and humanity do not depend on wealth, race, or religion. Through the relationship between Mr Gupta and Maggie, we see how compassion can connect people from different worlds.
Overall, The Price of Flowers is a gentle and powerful reminder of the human spirit. It teaches that emotional strength and kindness are more valuable than material wealth. The story lingers in the reader’s heart and reminds us of the importance of empathy, promises, and the sacrifices we make for love.
Activity IX – Reporting (Change to Reported Speech)
Direct Speech Conversation → Reported Speech Version
- He asked Maggie whether he should call her Miss Clifford or Alice.
- She replied that she was not grown-up yet and he could call her what he liked.
- Maggie added that she was usually called Maggie.
- The narrator asked her if she was very anxious to grow up. She said she was.
- When asked why, she said she would be paid more for her work and her mother was old.
- He asked whether she liked her job. Maggie replied that it was mechanical and she wanted brain work, like the job of a secretary.