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A String of Beads — Flashcards

ICSE · Class 10 · English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories)

30 flashcards for A String of Beads (ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest) to test yourself on key terms and facts.

56 questions30 flashcards5 concepts

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A flowchart illustrating the key events and ironic twists in W. Somerset Maugham's 'A String of Beads', showing the cause-and-effect relationships.
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30 Flashcards·
CharactersNarrationGenre and themePlot detailsKey quote and character
Card 1Characters

Who is the central character of the story, and what is her social position?

Answer

Miss Robinson is the central character. She is a governess in Miss Granger’s household. She is presented as pretty, well-dressed, cheerful, and honest.

Card 2Narration

Who is the narrator in the story?

Answer

The narrator is a first-person observer and dinner guest. He is educated, worldly, and records the events with light irony. He is not Miss Robinson.

Card 3Genre and theme

What kind of story is A String of Beads?

Answer

It is a short story based on irony and social comedy. The story uses a chain of unexpected events to show class prejudice and the strange ways of fortune.

Card 4Plot details

Where did Miss Robinson buy the beads, and how much did she pay?

Answer

She bought the beads at a shop on Regent Street and paid fifteen shillings for them.

Card 5Plot details

What did Miss Robinson think the beads were at first?

Answer

She thought they were imitation pearls. She bought them as a cheap and attractive ornament, not knowing that they were real pearls.

Card 6Characters

Who first discovered that the beads were real pearls?

Answer

Count Borselli first identified them as genuine pearls. His trained eye changed the dinner conversation and revealed the true value of the beads.

Card 7Plot details

What was Count Borselli’s estimate of the pearls’ worth?

Answer

He said they were worth at least fifty thousand pounds. This made the beads seem like a fortune and raised the moral question of whether they should be returned.

Card 8Key quote and character

What does Miss Granger say about the pearls?

Answer

Miss Granger strongly says, “She ought to keep them. I don’t see why she should return them.” She is the most forceful voice in favour of keeping what is not hers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in A String of Beads for ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories)?
Key topics in A String of Beads include Plot Overview, Characters, Themes and Message, Important Quotes and Their Meaning. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 10 board exam.
How many flashcards are available for A String of Beads?
There are 30 flashcards for A String of Beads covering key definitions, facts and ideas. A few sample cards are shown on this page.
How should I revise A String of Beads for the ICSE Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 56 practice questions on A String of Beads. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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