LITERATURE COMPONENT

FORM 3

THE PRISONER OF ZENDA OF

Anthony Hope

COMPILED BY : YUSNITA BINTI YUSOFSMK TAMAN NUSA DAMAI, PASIR GUDANG

CONTENTS

Introduction 1

A. What is a novel? 2

B. Plot Summary 3

C. Setting 8

D. Characters 9

E. Character Analysis 11

F. Themes 16

G. Moral Values 17

H. Sample Questions and Answers 18

Appendix 1 23

Appendix 2 24

References 25

A. WHAT IS A NOVEL?

Simple definition of a novel:

A novel is a long story, which is usually based on fiction.

Main aspects of a novel:

i. PLOT – the storyline or the sequence of events in the story. A summary of the plot is called a synopsis.

ii. SETTING – when and where the story takes place.

iii. CHARACTERS – The people in the novel. Major characters – main people in the story Minor characters – less important people in the

story

iv. THEME – The main idea or message in the story.

This module analyses “The Prisoner of Zenda” by Anthony Hope according to the 4 aspects above.

In addition, the MORAL VALUES in the novel are also discussed.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS are included at the end of the module.

Note on author : Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins was born in 1863. He was better known as Anthony Hope. After the success of “The Prisoner of Zenda”, he stopped practising law and concentrated on writing only. He passed away in 1933.

B. PLOT SUMMARY

Chapter 1• Introduction to hero – Rudolf Rassendyll. • Living with brother and sister-in-law, Lord Burlesdon and Rose. • Rassendyll, studied in German university, travelled far. Spoke German

and English, swordsman & horseman. • Rose asks him to go to Ruritania with Sir Jacob Borrodaile. • Decides to go to Ruritania on his own. • Tells Rose he is going to the Alps to write a book.

Chapter 2 • Rudolf Rassendyll takes train to Ruritania. • Meets Antoinette de Mauban (widow). • Everyone stares at him. • Strelsau is crowded; decides to stay in Zenda. • Stays at an inn with view of castle. • Learns about Black Michael, Princess Flavia. • Johann, Duke’s forest guard is surprised to see Rassendyll.

Chapter 3 • Rassendyll takes a walk in the forest. • Meets Colonel Sapt, Fritz. • Finds out he looks like the king; only difference is the beard. • Meets King Rudolf V. • Rassendyll is invited to a hunting lodge. • King Rudolf V drinks drugged wine presented by Duke Michael. • All fall asleep.

Chapter 4 • All wake up except King Rudolf V. • Late for coronation. • King is ‘ill’ and weak. • Sapt suggests Rassendyll takes the place of the king. • Rassendyll agrees to do it.

Chapter 5 • Rassendyll shaves and puts on uniform. • King Rudolf V is left in cellar. Josef is ordered to guard him. • Sapt instructs Rassendyll on how to behave. • They take train to Strelsau. • Welcomed grandly by army; bands & bells.

Chapter 6 • Streslau has ‘ Old Town’ and ‘New Town’. • Old Town supports Duke Michael; New Town, King Rudolf V. • Coronation procession. • Rassendyll meets Princess Flavia in Cathedral. • They leave for palace; Princess Flavia says he is different. • Rassendyll dines with Flavia & Michael by his side.

Chapter 7 • Dinner successful; Rassendyll not recognized. • That night Rassendyll rides to lodge with Sapt. • Fritz left to guard the King’s bedroom. • 2 horsemen ride pass (Duke Michael & Max Holf). • They reach the lodge; find Josef murdered, King missing.

Chapter 8 • Sapt advises Rassendyll to return to Strelsau as King. • On the way they see 8 horsemen going to bury Josef. • They kill 3 of the horsemen.

Chapter 9 • Rassendyll returns to the palace. • Meets ambassadors. • Introduction to Famous Six. • Only 3 come back so the other 3 must be guarding the King.

Chapter 10 • Rassendyll visits Princess with Fritz. • Fritz in love with Countess Helga • Rassendyll meets Black Michael & three of the Famous Six. • Flavia warns him of danger.

Chapter 11• Rassendyll learns that the King is in Zenda Castle. • Rassendyll receives a letter asking him to come to a house in New

Avenue. • Meets Antoinette de Mauban. • She tells him that the Duke made her write the letter and soon 3 men will

come to kill him. • Tells him that the King is in the Old Castle. • They offer him 50,000 pounds if he leaves Ruritania. • Rassendyll pretends to accept the offer. • He shields himself with a heavy iron tea table when they enter and start

shooting. • He hits them with the table and escapes.

Chapter 12 • Duke and the three leave for Zenda. • People of Ruritania angry; wedding not fixed. • Goes to dance; says ‘ I love you’ to Flavia in garden. • Flavia says she started loving him after the Coronation. • Rassendyll wants to tell her the truth but is stopped by Sapt. • Everyone cheers to see them together.

Chapter 13 • Flavia gives Rassendyll a red rose. • In Rassendyll’s heart, Love & Honour are already at war. • The rescue team comprises thirteen people. • Sapt spreads the news that the King is going to hunt boars in the forest

near Zenda. • Flavia receives the news of Rassendyll’s hunting trip with sadness. • She learns that the ‘boar’ is actually Duke Michael and confesses her

love to Rassendyll. • Going to the Castle of Tarlenheim (belongs to Fritz’s uncle)

Five miles from Zenda Plenty of boars in surrounding forest

Chapter 14 • Black Michael sends three of his Famous Six to meet Rassendyll. • Michael will be visiting Rassendyll when he is better. • Rassendyll plans to save the King by a trick. • He asks innkeeper’s daughter to arrange for Johann to meet him. • Sapt waiting near the Castle of Tarlenheim. • Bad news; Bernenstein has been shot, mistaken for Rassendyll.

Chapter 15 • Rupert of Hentzau offers a hundred thousand pounds from the Duke if

Rassendyll agrees to leave Ruritania. • Rupert stabs Rassendyll with a dagger. • Johann agrees to help Rassendyll. • He tells that the King is imprisoned in the Castle, in the room at the end

of the drawbridge. • If anyone attacks, King will be killed.

Chapter 16 • News that the King is seriously wounded in a boar hunt is spread. • Princess Flavia visits Rassendyll. • Rassendyll sets out for Zenda Castle late at night. • Tries to find the pipe that leads to the King’s room. • Kills Max Holf, Johann’s brother. Feels bad about it. • Rassendyll hears the King’s voice through a crack in the pipe. • He fights with Rupert Of Hentzau but the latter manages to escape. • Lauengram and Kaufstein killed.

Chapter 17 • Rassendyll’s family are looking for him. • Rassendyll requests help from Rupert to save the King. • Instead, Rupert offers Rassendyll a plan; asks Rassendyll to kill Sapt,

Fritz and Duke. • Rassendyll receives a note from Antoinette de Mauban to rescue her.

Chapter 18 • Date of the royal wedding fixed; in a fortnight’s time. • Duke, Antoinette and Rupert quarrel. • King is very ill. • Rassendyll gives Johann fifty thousand crowns to open the front door of

the New Castle at two o’clock in the morning. • Rassendyll plans to save the King before the wedding. • Bids farewell to Princess Flavia and gives her a ring.

Chapter 19 • Rassendyll swims to the drawbridge from the moat. • Antoinette is being harassed by Rupert. • She threatens to jump into the moat.

• Duke is furious with Rupert. • Rupert throws an empty bottle into the moat and starts to fire at the bottle. • Rupert jumps into the moat and swims to New Castle.

Chapter 20 • Loud crash in Antoinette’s room. • Antoinette is crying frantically. • Duke and Rupert are fighting. • Rupert strikes down Duke and Johann and escapes into the moat. • Rassendyll kills De Gautet, Bersonin and Detchard. • Rupert appears.

Chapter 21• The duke is dead. • Antoinette fires at Rupert but misses. • Rupert disappears into the forest. • Snatches a peasant girl’s horse. • Rupert tries to kill Rassendyll who is injured. • Fritz saves Rassendyll.

Chapter 22 • Antoinette grieves for the Duke. • King badly wounded. • News is sent to Strelsau that the King has gone to rescue a friend. • Princess rides to Zenda and finds out who the real King is.

Chapter 23 • Rassendyll rests in Old Castle. • He meets the King who is grateful to him for saving his life and throne. • Rassendyll meets Princess Flavia. • Princess loves Rassendyll, not the King. • Honour requires her to serve her country and marry the King. • Rassendyll gets into train and leaves Ruritania.

Chapter 24 • Rassendyll goes to Italy. • Travels to the Alps for a ‘ quiet holiday’. • Stays a few days in Paris. • Hears that Antoinette is living alone in Paris with memories of the Duke.

• Rassendyll is scolded by Rose for not writing the book. • He rejects the job of being an ‘attache’ to Sir Jacob. • Rassendyll lives alone in a small house with sweet memories of Princess

Flavia until his dying day. • Once a year they exchange roses and profess their love with the help of

Fritz.

C. SETTING (Illustrations in Appendix 1 & 2 )

London -Paris - frontier of Ruritania - Zenda - Zenda Castle - inn - hunting lodge- Railway station of Zenda - Strelsau - Castle of Tarlenheim - Old Castle, New Castle, drawbridge, moat, forest - railway station of Ruritania - Italy -Alps - Paris –London - village outside Ruritania.

The story takes place in Ruritania, a fictional country situated somewhere in central Europe, east of Germany and Austria, sometime in the 19th century. Background of ancient castles, country lodges, mountains and forest provide romantic allure and charm.

Important places in R uritania:

Zenda (50 miles from Strelsau) Strelsau (place of coronation) Railway station Old Castle New Castle Castle of Tarlenheim

Important places in Zenda : Inn Old Castle ( surrounded by a moat) with a drawbridge across it Forest Modern country house of Duke Michael Hunting lodge

Strelsau Old Town (churches and shops, poor support Duke Michael) New Town (rich support King Rudolf)

Chapter 1 1 Summer house (Antoinette de Mauban)

Chapter 1 3 Castle of Tarlenheim ( 5 miles from Zenda) surrounded by forest

– (belongs to Fritz’s uncle)

Chapter 19 – 23

New Castle – Old Castle – drawbridge – moat -forest

Chapter 24

Village railway station – Italy – Alps –Paris - London Once a year Rudolf visits the village outside Ruritania.

King of Ruritania

A rich English gentleman who looks like King Rudolf, without his beard.

The future queen of Ruritania as she is engaged to King Rudolf the Fifth.

The younger brother of King Rudolf the Fifth; wants to be the King of Ruritania; also known as Black Michael

D. CHARACTERS

Major Characters

King Rudolf the Fifth

Rudolf Rassendyll

Princess Flavia

Duke Michael of Strelsau

Loyal friends and advisers of King Rudolf V

The chief of the “Famous Six’ who are followers of Duke Michael

A beautiful French woman who is in love with Duke Michael

An English noble and brother of Rudolf Rassendyll

Wife of Lord Burlesdon

A companion of Princesss Flavia ; in love with Fritz

Head of the Ruritanian Army. Loyal to King Rudolf

Friend of King Rudolf

Servant of King Rudolf

Members of Famous Six together with Rupert Hentzau (Ruritanian)

Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlenheim

Rupert Hentzau

Antoinette de Mauban

Minor characters

Robert, Lord Burlesdon

Rose

Countess Helga

Marshal Strakencz

Bernenstein

Josef

Lauengram(Rurtanian) Kaufstein(Rurtanian)

Detchard (English) Bersonin(Belgian) De Gautet (French)

Max Holf One of Duke Michael’s men

Duke Michael’s forest guard Johann Holf

Other characters that appear briefly: The Chancellor The Cardinal The Chief of Police A woman inn-keeper and her daughter The woman at the lodge

E. CHARACTER ANALYSIS

i. Rudolf Rassendyll

Characteristics Textual Evidence/Quotations Chapter & Page

Rich and has status Tells sister-in-law that he has plenty C. 1, Pg. 1 of money and a good social position

Widely travelled “I had travelled far” C. 1, Pg. 1 and knowledgeable “I knew a lot about other places and

peoples”

Skillful swordsman “I was a very good swordsman and C. 1, Pg. 1 and horseman horseman”

Well –educated Had finished German university and C. 1, Pg. 1 was able to speak German, English and French

Carefree, lazy, self- “Why should I work?” (Rassendyll to C 1, Pg. 1 centred (at the his sister-in-law Rose) beginning of story) Rose replies, “You’re 29 and so far

you’ve done nothing. You’ve only wasted your life.”

Seeks adventure, Decides to see coronation because it C 1, Pg. 2 excitement and is an exciting event. enjoyment

Brave, courageous, -Willing to take the King’s place even C. 4, Pg. 16 confident, quick- though it is dangerous. minded - Brave to ride alone in Old Town C. 6. Pg. 22

even though they did not support him. - Confident that he looks brave and C. 6, Pg. 23 handsome in white uniform. - At Antoinette’s house he uses a C. 11, Pg 47 heavy iron table to protect himself as the Three members of the Famous Six point revolvers at him. - Swims in the moat, kills guard to C. 16, Pg 64 rescue King Rudolf - Rassendyll fights bravely and kills C. 20, Pg 80,81 Bersonin and Detchard. - When the king is finally saved, Fritz C. 21, Pg. 88 says, “Yes. The bravest man on earth has saved him.”

Romantic -Buys roses for Flavia C. 10, Pg. 38 - Takes Red Rose of Ruritania from C. 12, Pg. 49 his neck and puts it on hers - Declares his love on bended knees C.12, Pg. 50

ii. Princess Flavia

Characteristics Textual Evidence / Quotations Chapter & Page

Beautiful & “A very beautiful woman with hair as C.6, Pg. 23 charming red as my own”

Loved by people “Long live Princess Flavia.” C.6, Pg. 26

Observant She notices that there is a change in C. 10. Pg. 38 Rassendyll since the Coronation. “You are a different man.”

Concerned for - Concerned over his wound. “It isn’t C 10, Pg. 39 Rassendyll’s safety serious, is it?”

- Concerned that Black Michael and C 10, Pg. 41 Famous Six might hurt him. “Oh, Rudolf, I’m so afraid. You’re in such danger.”

Honourable, dutiful She makes the decision to stay on and C 23, Pg. 95 and willing to serve as Queen even though she’s in sacrifice her love love with Rassendyll for “Honour

must come first.”

iii. Rupert of Hentzau

Characteristics Textual Evidence / Quotations Chapter & Page

Wicked -“The most wicked of the wicked C 15, Pg. 59 Six.” C 15, Pg. 62 - “Killing is a game to him” C 17, Pg. 70 -I am the devil’s own master.”

Uses every situation When Rassendyll refuses to shake C 15, Pg. 61 to his evil advantage hands with him and placed both

hands at the back, Rupert flashes a dagger at him striking him on his left shoulder.

Traitor Supposed to be one of the Duke’s C 17, Pg. 70 men but willing to kill him in order to win Antoinette’s love.

Brave, self- - Able to escape even though chased C 16, Pg 66 confident, agile, by 6 horsemen with Sapt, Fritz & uncanny ability to Rassendyll in front of him. Cuts stick escape in half, gallops to the moat, and

sprang in, swam with his horse and escaped. C 21, Pg 88 - Escapes after killing Duke Michael by swimming in the moat, running

“like a deer’ into the forest and galloping off on a horse.Rides away laughing even though face is covered with blood. Rassendyll admires him. “What a man!” “How brave! How handsome! How wicked!”

iv. Colonel Sapt

Characteristics Textual Evidence / Quotations Chapter & Page

Loyal to King Comes up with plan to replace King C.4, Pg. 16 Rudolf the Fifth

Adviser to -Briefs him on how to behave and C.5, Pg. 18 Rassendyll what to do.

- “Always at his side.” C 11 Pg 42

Decision -maker When King is missing, decides that C. 8 Pg. 32 Rassendyll must remain as King while they try to rescue the real King. “Michael won’t kill the King as long as Rudolf is alive.”

Sharp-minded Able to sense there’s a trap after C 11, Pg. 42 reading note from Antoinette

Level-headed and Stops Rassendyll from telling Flavia C 12, Pg. 50 not overcome by about the truth emotion

Knows his priorities Though he felt sad for Rassendyll’s C 12 Pg 51predicament he says, “The King comes first.”

v. Fritz von Tarlenheim

Characteristics Textual Evidence / Quotations Chapter & Page

Loyal adviser to Like Sapt, his main priority is the C.4, Pg. 16 King King’s safety

Good follower of Guards King’s bedroom when Sapt C.7, Pg. 27 instructions and Rassendyll go to Zenda to check

on King.

Lacks confidence, Worried about the plan of Rassendyll C. 5 Pg. 17 rather anxious and disguising as the King. “Fell ill” and timid “Looked pale.”

In love. Chatting with Countess Helga C 10, Pg. 41 Understands Leads Rassendyll to see Flavia before C 23 Pg 93 Rudolf’s he leaves predicament as he too is in love

Able to make good -“The bravest man on earth has saved C 21, Pg 88 observations him.”

- “The best men are not often kings.” C 22, Pg 95

Faithful friend Plays host to Rassendyll with wife, C 24, Pg 97 Helga once a year. Brings Rassendyll news of Strelsau and rose from Princess Flavia and vice-versa.

vi. Antoinette de Mauban

Characteristics Textual Evidence / Quotations Chapter & Page

Beautiful and rich “Tall, dark and beautiful.” Rassendyll C.2, Pg. 5 widow notices her at railway station.

Helpful and truthful Tells Rassendyll she was forced to C.11, Pg. 44 write letter and that three men will be coming to kill him.

Deeply in love -Loves Duke Michael even though he

is wicked - Tries to kill Rupert with revolver C 21, Pg 85 for killing Michael

Faithful to her love Wanted to live alone in Paris with C 24, Pg. 96 memories of the Duke.

F. THEMES

• LOVE VS HONOUR Rassendyll and Flavia have to sacrifice their love for honour.

• SACRIFICE AND DUTY Flavia sacrifices her love as it is her duty to rule in Ruritania.

• BRAVERY/COURAGE Rassendyll is brave enough to take the risk of disguising as the King. Sapt and Fritz exhibit courage throughout the story and so do The Famous Six especially Rupert of Hentzau.

• BETRAYAL Rupert of Hentzau betrays Duke Michael by killing him.

• LOYALTY Sapt and Fritz are loyal to the King.

• TRUE LOVE True love means making sacrifices as Rassendyll and Flavia have done. They are faithful to their love as symbolized by the sending of roses every year. Antoinette de Mauban is faithful to her memories of Duke Michael.

• TRIANGULAR LOVE Antoinette loves Duke Michael but Rupert loves her. Flavia loves Rassendyll but is engaged to the King.

• SIBLING RIVALRY The two brothers, Duke Michael and King Rudolf are fighting for the throne.

• GOOD VS EVIL Rassendyll, Sapt and Fritz represent ‘Good’ while Duke Michael and The Famous Six represent ‘Evil’. Finally, ‘Good’ triumphs over ‘Evil’.

G. MORAL VALUES

• HONOUR COMES BEFORE LOVE Rassendyll and Flavia place honour above love when they decide not to marry.

• SACRIFICE AND DUTY Rassendyll and Flavia sacrifice their love for Flavia has a duty towards her country.

• PATRIOTISM Sapt and Fritz have great love for the King and country and will protect their King at all costs.

• LOYALTY Sapt and Fritz are loyal to the King. Antoinette is loyal to the memory of her love for Duke Michael. Rassendyll and Flavia are loyal to their love as they exchange roses every year.

• FRIENDSHIP Fritz and Rassendyll remain friends. Rassendyll visits Fritz once a year. Fritz brings him news of Strelsau and helps them (Rassendyll and Flavia) exchange roses.

• BEING BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS Rassendyll is brave enough to risk his life for a good cause. Rupert of Hentzau’s courage is admirable.

• JUSTICE MUST BE UPHELD King Rudolf is the rightful king so he should be the one ruling Ruritania ,not Duke Michael.

H. SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: Write a short synopsis of ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ and discuss whether you have found the story interesting.

Answer: A short synopsis is a summary of the story. This story is about a rich English gentleman by the name of Rudolf Rassendyll who goes for a holiday in Ruritania and meets King Rudolf the Fifth accidentally on the eve of his Coronation. Physically, King Rudolf looks exactly like Rudolf Rassendyll except that he is clean shaven. The king invites Rudolf to dinner and they have a drinking session. Unfortunately, the King is drugged by the wine given by Duke Michael of Strelsau, his younger brother, who also aspires to be King. As he is too ‘ill’ to attend the Coronation, Rudolf Rassendyll who has a very close resemblance to the King especially the ‘flaming red hair’ is asked to impersonate him and to exchange places as soon as the King is able to travel back to Strelsau. However the King is captured by Black Michael and is held a prisoner at Zenda. Poor Rudolf has to assume his false identity for a longer time and carry out all the duties of the King without arousing the suspicions of anyone. It is a very challenging task but he is carefully guided by Colonel Sapt, a very loyal friend and adviser to the King. Matters become complicated when he falls in love with Princess Flavia, a beautiful cousin of Rudolf the Fifth. She is engaged to him and will soon be Queen of Ruritania. Rudolf Rassendyll has to choose between honour and love as time passes and he also risks his life to save the King

I find this story very interesting because it is full of adventure and I am happy to see that good triumphs over evil in the end. There is a lot of suspense as Black Michael schemes to dethrone King Rudolf and I find his ‘Famous Six’ bodyguards quite intimidating. They represent everything that is cruel, wicked and evil and made remarkable villains in the story. I admire Princess Flavia for choosing duty and honour over love. It must be a very painful experience to give up the person one loves but she has done what is right and honourable. The real king needs her to help him rule Ruritania. I find the exchange of the gift a single red rose once every year a symbol of real love. It is a very touching and poignant moment in the story and it reminds us that true love needs sacrifices.

Question 2:

Write a brief description of ‘The Famous Six’.

Answer:

The ‘ Famous Six’ are the personal bodyguards of Black Michael. These are the ‘six gentlemen whom Black Michael maintains in his house.’ The chief or leader is a young, handsome and brave man by the name of Rupert of Hentzau. He is a skilled swordsman and a real daredevil. He is also in love with Antoinette de Mauban, a beautiful French woman who is helplessly in love with the Duke. Rupert is willing to fight and defy the Duke to win her love.

The other five are Lauengram and Kaufstein, both Ruritanians, Detchard who is English, Bersonin who is Belgian and De Gautet who is French. They are all good and fierce fighters who will ‘cut anybody’s throat without a second thought’. Rudolf Rassendyll is badly wounded in the left arm by Detchard and would have been killed if the King has not pushed a chair at Detchard’s legs to distract him. However, Rudolf manages to drive his sword straight through his neck when Detchard slips in the doctor’s blood and half falls. The duties of the six are to thwart any rescue on the King who is being kept a prisoner at Zenda and to kill him before anyone gets close enough to rescue him. The ultimate aim is to make Black Michael king. I feel the six of them have been brave and fearless in carrying out their duties and the scene of the funeral procession for Lauengram who has been killed is particularly reflective. This scene shows that no matter how good a fighter one is, ‘all men must die’ and as Rupert himself puts it very aptly, ‘even Kings’ too.

Question 3:

What is setting? Describe the setting of ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ and write in detail a particular place that has interested you.

Answer:

Setting tells us about the time and place of a story. It can help to give us a better understanding of the background of the story. Setting also helps to create links between characters and events. In most cases, it helps to create a particular mood or atmosphere.

The story of ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ is set in an imaginary country called

Ruritania, situated somewhere in central Europe, east of Germany and Austria. The background of ancient castles, country lodges, mountains and forests provide a certain romantic allure and charm. The atmosphere of political intrigue pervades as the reader is transported into a world of power struggle and deceit. A particular place that is fascinating to me is the Old Castle in Zenda. The magical quality of the castle is captured through Rudolf’s eyes. On Rudolf’s first visit to Zenda, he feels that he cannot leave Zenda ‘without a visit to its famous Old Castle’. He describes the Castle as one in a ‘fairy story’. It is very old and fierce battles have been fought there long ago. Surprisingly, this ancient castle is not a ruin but still in very good condition. It is surrounded by a moat. Across the moat is a drawbridge. No one can enter the Castle once the drawbridge is drawn except by swimming across the moat. I am drawn to this Castle because it is here that most of the adventures in the story take place. The King is imprisoned in the Old Castle in the room at the end of the drawbridge. In the next room three of the Six are always on guard. A door leads from the King’s room to theirs. Thus, in a second, they can rush out and kill the King,. I can picture in my mind how dangerous it is to try to rescue the King for any sudden attack on the Castle can mean his untimely death.

Question 4:

Which character in the story do you like the most? Why?

Answer:

The character I like the most is Princess Flavia, the cousin to King Rudolf the Fifth. She is very beautiful and charming. She is loved greatly by the people who want Rudolf to set a date for the wedding quickly so that she can be Queen of Ruritania. The Princess is also an observant woman. She can recognise some differences between Rudolf Rassendyll and King Rudolf almost immediately even though she is not aware that Rudolf has impersonated the King. She says to Rudolf, ‘You seem different. You look different. You’re thinner. You’ve changed somehow’. She is also very concerned for the safety of Rudolf as she knows there is conflict between Duke Michael and him. She warns him to be more careful. I admire her courage to make the stand to remain as Queen and help the King to rule the country even though the person she truly loves is Rudolf Rassendyll. Her greatness lies in these words spoken with such conviction, ‘Love is not all. You have shown me that honour must come first. My honour compels me to stay here. I cannot run away from my duty. I must serve my country and my House.’ She has placed duty before love. Yet her sorrow is deep,’Oh Rudolf! Rudolf! Why did we ever meet?’ The only comfort she has is the promise

given by Rudolf, ‘My beautiful Queen, your ring will always be on my finger, My heart will always be yours.’ The silent exchange of the single stalk of red rose once a year is a constant reminder of their true love for each other, a love that demands great sacrifice.

Question 5:

Write about a character that you think is brave. Give reasons for your choice.

Answer:

I choose Rudolf Rassendyll in ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’. He is a rich English gentleman who looks like King Rudolf V, the King of Ruritania, without his beard. The reasons for my choice are as follows:

Firstly, Rudolf Rassendyll is willing to take the place of the King when Colonel Sapt asks him to, even though this is a dangerous and risky task. During the coronation, he bravely rides alone in the Old Town in Strelsau though it is Duke Michael’s territory and the Marshall and guards expect trouble. Later in the story at Antoinette de Mauban’s place, he fights bravely with 3 of the Famous Six who have come to kill him armed with revolvers by just using a tea table as a shield. He bravely designs a plan to rescue the King at the risk of his own life. He swims in the moat to find out if he could enter the Castle through the pipe. He bravely fights and kills De Gautet and Bersonin in his attempt to save the King. He fights fiercely with Detchard who was a better swordsman in his final attempt to save the King. In the process he is wounded in his left arm. Despite his wound, he goes after Rupert of Hentzau and cuts his face with his sword. Though weak, he exposes himself to danger as Rupert could have easily killed him if not for the arrival of Fritz von Tarlenheim. At the end of the story, the fact that Rudolf Rassendyll is brave, is reinforced when Fritz informs Rudolf that the King is alive and says, ‘The bravest man on earth has saved him.’

Question 6:

Give a short outline of Rudolf Rassendyll’s plan to save the King.

Answer:

When Johann comes with the news that the King is getting weaker. “He is very thin and can hardly move” Rudolf knows that he has to act quickly before the King dies. Moreover the wedding is to be held in a fortnight’s time

and before this, the king must be rescued alive.Rudolf informs Sapt of his plan to rescue the King. Sapt will lead his men to the front door of the New Castle. Johann will be there to open the door at exactly two o’clock. Sapt will rush in and seize the servants. If he has to kill, he must do it very quickly with his sword. There mustn’t be any noise. The servants must be tied up. At the same time, Antoinette de Mauban will shout, ‘Help!Help! Michael, help! It’s Rupert of Hentzau!” This is to lure Michael out of his room and straight into Sapt’s hands. Sapt must get the key of the drawbridge from him and let the bridge down.Rupert will most probably come to investigate the commotion. Then Rudolf will be waiting for him at the bridge. Rudolf will kill Rupert, get the keys of the Old Castle, go straight to the king’s room and save the King. He will have to kill Detchard and Bersonin who are guarding the King as well. It is a ‘desperate plan’ but Rudolf himself says, “I was a desperate man.” In order to mislead the enemy, Rudolf orders Tarlenheim Castle, the place they are all staying in to be ‘gay with lights and music that night’. This is to give Black Michael the impression that they are all enjoying themselves at a feast. Then Black Michael will not be expecting an attack on the Old Castle.

Question 7:

What have you learnt from the story?

Answer:

From ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ I have learnt about patriotism. Colonel Sapt and Fritz love their country, Ruritania, and are willing to sacrifice their lives for the safety of King Rudolf V. This is evident when Sapt says “The King comes first” though he feels sorry about Rassendyll’s predicament. I have also learnt about the importance of sacrificing your own interests for the sake of duty and honour. Flavia and Rassendyll sacrifice their love as Flavia’s first duty is to rule over her people. ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ has also taught me about being brave, courageous, bold and willing to face challenges. For example, Rassendyll is brave enough to fight with the Famous Six in many instances in order to protect the King. He defends himself with a tea-table and fights with Detchard and Rupert of Hentzau even though they are better swordsmen than him. King Rudolf is finally saved because of Rassendyll’s bravery. I have also learnt about friendship and loyalty. Fritz and Rassendyll keep in touch and Rassendyll visits Fritz once a year. Fritz helps Rassendyll and Flavia to exchange roses as he is aware of their true love and loyalty to each other.

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REFERENCES

1. Cheah, Helena The Prisoner of Zenda – Baby Steps in Understanding Literature Component Form 3 : Setia Emas

2. Hope, Anthony Th e Prisone r o f Zend a - Literature in English for Lower Secondary School s . Student’s Edition Form 3 : Vinpress

3. Kay, Grace Light on Lit . – The Literature Component Made Easy – Form 3 : Longman