KEY EVENTS
oA sunny morning in a park in Madrid. Dona Laura arrives with her maid Petra and sits on a bench, scattering breadcrumbs for the pigeons.
- Don Gonzalo’s Entrance:
oDon Gonzalo arrives with his servant Juanito. He is irritated because the bench he wants is occupied by priests. He reluctantly sits on the bench with Dona Laura.
- Initial Conflict:
oDona Laura and Don Gonzalo have an argument about the birds and benches. They exchange witty, sarcastic remarks, both annoyed by each other.
- Unexpected Connection:
oThrough conversation, they realize they are discussing a romantic story from their past, involving a woman named Laura Llorente and a man who was her admirer.
- Sharing the Past:
oThey recount their versions of a love story
oLaura Llorente, also known as “The Silver Maiden,” used to exchange flowers with a lover every day.
oThis led to a duel where the lover fought and had to flee after wounding another man.
oEach character exaggerates the aftermath, making the story more dramatic.
- Realization of Identity:
oAs they talk, both Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo realize they were the Laura and Gonzalo from the past, but they do not reveal this to each other directly.
- Parting Agreement:
oDespite recognizing each other, both decide not to acknowledge their true identities. They agree to meet again the next day on the same bench, keeping the romance of the past alive in their memories.
- Symbolic Gesture:
oAs they part, Don Gonzalo picks up the violets that Dona Laura had dropped. Both characters, aware of each other’s true identity, smile nostalgically, hinting at their shared past.
DRAMATIC DEVICES
- Irony:
- Situational Irony: The main irony is that Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura, former lovers, unknowingly meet again as elderly strangers and discuss their shared past without initially recognizing each other.
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows that Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo are the long-lost lovers before the characters themselves realize it.
- Foreshadowing:
- The conversation about Maricela and Laura Llorente foreshadows the eventual revelation that Dona Laura is the very woman from Don Gonzalo’s romantic past.
- Symbolism:
- Pigeons: The pigeons represent innocence, peace, and the passage of time. Dona Laura feeding the pigeons symbolizes her nurturing nature and the connection to the past.
- Violets: The violets symbolize the enduring nature of their love and nostalgia for their youth. Don Gonzalo picking up the violets represents his recognition of their shared history.
- Memory and Flashback:
- Much of the plot revolves around the characters recounting their memories, particularly the story of their youthful love affair. These memories serve as a form of dramatic flashback, revealing their past connection in pieces.
- Contrast and Juxtaposition:
- Youth vs. Old Age: The characters constantly compare their youthful selves to their present older selves, creating a contrast between how they were and how they are now.
- Past vs. Present: The romanticized version of their youthful love contrasts with their current, more cynical and humourous perspectives on life and love.
- Aside:
- Both characters engage in asides, where they reveal their true thoughts to the audience, adding a layer of humour and helping the audience understand their inner conflicts.
- Answer the following questions in one or two sentences (2 Marks Questions)
- Who are the main characters in the play, and how do they know each other from the past?
Answer: The main characters are Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura. They were once young lovers but haven’t seen each other for many years.
- Why do Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura argue when they first meet?
Answer: They argue because Don Gonzalo scares away Dona Laura’s pigeons and takes her bench in the park.
- What do the pigeons symbolize in the play?
Answer: The pigeons symbolize peace and the passage of time, connecting to Dona Laura’s gentle nature and memories of the past.
- How do Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura realize they are the long-lost lovers from their youth?
Answer: They realize it when they talk about their past love stories and recognize details from each other’s memories.
- Why don’t Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura tell each other that they remember being in love?
Answer: They don’t admit it because they are both a little embarrassed and prefer to keep their memories romantic and perfect.
- What is ironic about Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura’s conversation?
Answer: It’s ironic because they talk about their past love without realizing that they are talking to the very person they once loved.
- Why does Dona Laura visit the park every morning?
Answer: Dona Laura visits the park to enjoy the sunny morning and to feed the pigeons with breadcrumbs.
- What does Don Gonzalo first complain about when he arrives at the park?
Answer: Don Gonzalo complains that his favourite bench is occupied by priests and that there aren’t enough benches in the park.
- How do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo behave toward each other at the beginning of the play?
Answer: At the beginning, they are rude and argue with each other over the birds and the bench.
- What event causes Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo to start talking nicely to each other?
Answer: They begin to talk nicely to each other after sharing snuff and sneezing together, which breaks the tension.
- How does Don Gonzalo describe his cousin’s love story, and why is this important? Answer: Don Gonzalo describes his cousin’s love story, but it is actually his own story with Dona Laura. This is important because it helps them realize they were once in love.
- Why do Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura hide their true identities from each other at the end?
Answer: They hide their identities because they want to keep the memory of their youthful love perfect, without revealing how much they have changed.
- How does Dona Laura’s behaviour towards the birds show her kindness?
Answer: Dona Laura feeds the birds daily and even talks to them, showing that she cares about them and enjoys their company.
- What can you learn about Don Gonzalo’s personality from the way he treats Juanito?
Answer: Don Gonzalo is grumpy and impatient, as shown by how he orders Juanito around and complains about small things like the benches.
- How do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo manage to resolve their initial argument? Answer: They resolve their argument by sharing a pinch of snuff, which makes them sneeze and laugh, helping them to relax and start a friendly conversation.
- What does the ending of the play tell us about how people sometimes deal with aging and memories?
Answer: The ending shows that people sometimes prefer to hold on to their youthful memories and avoid facing the reality of how much time has changed them.
- Why do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo both pretend that the romantic story is about someone else?
Answer: They pretend because they want to preserve their memories and avoid the awkwardness of revealing their true identities after so many years.
- Answer the following questions in about 60 words (3 Marks)
- Why do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo initially argue when they meet in the park? Answer: Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo argue because Don Gonzalo accidentally scares away the birds that Dona Laura was feeding. Their disagreement continues as they both have strong personalities and are a bit grumpy. However, this argument is just the beginning of their deeper connection.
- How does the relationship between Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo change throughout the play?
Answer: At first, Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo argue over small things, but as they talk, they realize they were once in love many years ago. Instead of revealing their true identities, they both choose to remember their past romance fondly, and their relationship turns from bickering to a gentle and kind friendship.
- Why do you think Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo decide not to reveal their true identities to each other?
Answer: Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo likely choose not to reveal their true identities because they want to preserve the romantic memories of their youth. They realize that time has changed them, and instead of confronting that reality, they prefer to keep the memory of their past love alive without ruining it by facing the present.
- What role does humour play in the interaction between Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo?
Answer: Humour plays a big role in softening the tension between Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo. Their sarcastic remarks and playful banter help ease their initial argument, and moments like sneezing together after taking snuff make them laugh. This shared humour helps build a friendly connection despite their grumpy first encounter.
- How does the theme of memory shape the events in the play?
Answer: Memory is a central theme in the play, as both Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo reflect on their past romance. Their memories of each other, though they choose not to reveal them, influence how they interact. The play shows how powerful memories can be, shaping feelings and choices even after many years have passed.
- How do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo use their wit to avoid revealing their true identities?
Answer: Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo use cleverness by pretending to talk about “friends” from their past when, in fact, they are talking about themselves. They skilfully avoid direct admission by crafting a story about two young lovers they once knew, showing how they use their wit to navigate the situation.
- What strategies do Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura use to maintain politeness while bickering?
Answer: Despite their arguments, both characters use indirect language and sarcasm to maintain a polite tone. For example, instead of directly insulting each other, they express their frustrations through exaggerated compliments or witty remarks. This allows them to argue without being openly rude, showing their social skills in handling conflict.
- How do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo’s actions demonstrate the theme of pride in the play?
Answer: Both characters demonstrate pride by not openly admitting their past love or their real identities. Their pride prevents them from being vulnerable; so instead, they protect their dignity by pretending to be indifferent to their shared past. This highlights how pride influences their behaviour and choices in the play.
- What communication skills do Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo use to turn their initial argument into a friendly conversation?
Answer: They use humour, active listening, and empathy to turn the argument into a more pleasant exchange. After the initial tension, they slowly soften their tone and start engaging in a more personal and reflective conversation. Their ability to read each other’s emotions and adapt helps them shift from conflict to friendship.
- How does Don Gonzalo’s willingness to admit he can no longer walk far reflect problem-solving skills?
Answer: Don Gonzalo accepts his physical limitations and chooses to sit on the same bench as Dona Laura, even though it initially causes tension. His ability to recognize his needs and find a solution (sitting close to the shady spot) shows practical problem- solving skills despite the difficult circumstances of aging.
- Answer the following questions in about 100 words each (4 Marks)
- Why do Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura annoy each other in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura annoy each other due to their contrasting personalities and behaviours. Don Gonzalo is irritable, demanding, and impatient, particularly about public spaces and the arrangement of benches. Dona Laura, on the other hand, is refined and enjoys her peaceful moments feeding pigeons. Gonzalo’s rude intrusion and disregard for Laura’s enjoyment of the birds provoke her, while her critical remarks and perceived interference aggravate him. Their interactions quickly escalate into a battle of wits and complaints, highlighting their mutual irritation.
- What makes Laura feel in the beginning that Don Gonzalo is an ill-natured man in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Dona Laura perceives Don Gonzalo as ill-natured when he rudely demands a bench for himself, scaring away the pigeons she is feeding. His impatience with the priests occupying a bench and his grumbling about the park conditions contribute to her view of him as unpleasant. Additionally, his dismissive attitude towards her concerns about the pigeons and his brusque manner further solidify her impression of him as a disagreeable person.
- What fictitious story did Gonzalo spin about himself in the name of his cousin in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Gonzalo spins a fictitious story about his cousin, claiming that his cousin, deeply in love with Laura, fought a duel with a merchant who had insulted him. Gonzalo elaborates that his cousin was forced to flee Valencia, went to Seville, and eventually joined the army, where he died heroically in Africa, still in love with Laura. This fabricated story is intended to elicit sympathy and demonstrate his cousin’s noble sacrifice.
- How does Dona Laura describe her best friend’s death to Don Gonzalo in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Dona Laura describes her best friend’s death as tragic and romantic. She recounts that her friend, known as “The Silver Maiden,” was heartbroken after her lover’s duel and subsequent disappearance. One evening, she went to the beach where her lover had fought, wrote his name in the sand, and sat on a rock waiting for him. The rising tide eventually swept her out to sea, and her name remained in the sand for a long time, symbolizing her undying love.
- How do Laura and Gonzalo claim to have pined for each other after their separation in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Laura and Gonzalo both express a sense of enduring affection and sorrow over their past. Laura describes how her friend, Laura Llorente, pined away in mourning and eventually met a tragic end, while Gonzalo claims his cousin was heartbroken, wrote letters that went unanswered, and eventually died bravely in battle. Each story reveals their own emotional suffering and loss, though both are ultimately fictionalized accounts.
- What circumstances according to Gonzalo made his cousin flee Valencia in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: According to Gonzalo, his cousin fled Valencia after a duel with a merchant who had insulted him. The duel had serious consequences, and to avoid further repercussions, his cousin went into hiding, eventually travelling to Seville and then Madrid. The story is meant to convey his cousin’s unfortunate and desperate situation, which forced him into a life of wandering and ultimately led to his death.
IV. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each (4 Marks)
FROM QUESTION BANK
- Why do Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura annoy each other in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura irritate each other initially due to their stubborn personalities. They are both old, set in their ways, and expect others to accommodate them. Don Gonzalo intrudes on Dona Laura’s favourite bench, and his arrogant attitude further annoys her. They exchange sharp, sarcastic remarks, using humour to express their frustration. Their verbal jabs create a sense of tension, but also show that they enjoy the back-and-forth banter. Despite the initial annoyance, their playful argument slowly reveals a shared past and mutual respect.
- What makes Laura feel in the beginning that Don Gonzalo is an ill-natured man in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Laura thinks Don Gonzalo is ill-natured because of his rude behaviour when they first meet. He intrudes on her peaceful morning, forcibly takes her bench, and then scolds the birds that were amusing her. His grumpy, impatient attitude and lack of manners make her form a negative impression. His coughing and demanding behaviour only confirms her belief that he is a disagreeable person.
- What fictitious story did Gonzalo spin about himself in the name of his cousin in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Don Gonzalo, to avoid revealing his true identity, invents a story about his “cousin” who was in love with a beautiful woman from Valencia. In this fabricated tale, his cousin passionately loved the woman but had to flee due to family conflicts. Gonzalo portrays his cousin as a romantic hero, trying to impress Dona Laura without admitting that he himself is the “cousin” in the story. The fiction allows both Gonzalo and Laura to revisit their past while maintaining a layer of mystery.
- How does Dona Laura describe her best friend’s death to Don Gonzalo in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Dona Laura invents a story about her “best friend” who died of grief after being separated from her lover. In this tale, the young woman, heartbroken after her lover fled, threw herself into the sea and was never seen again. This fictional narrative allows Laura to speak about her past without revealing that she is, in fact, the woman who loved Gonzalo. The story mirrors Gonzalo’s own fictional tale, as both are reluctant to admit their true identities.
- How do Laura and Gonzalo claim to have pined for each other after their separation in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Laura and Gonzalo both describe their deep sorrow and longing after their separation through fictional stories about their “best friends” and “cousins.” Gonzalo claims his cousin was devastated and spent years grieving for his lost love. Laura, in turn, claims her friend pined away until her tragic death. These stories are ways for both characters to express how they felt after their separation, without directly admitting their own feelings to each other.
- What circumstances according to Gonzalo made his cousin flee Valencia in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: Gonzalo, speaking in the guise of his cousin, says that family opposition and social pressures forced his cousin to flee Valencia. The cousin, deeply in love with a young woman, had to leave to escape a duel or dangerous conflict. This explanation reflects the real reasons behind Gonzalo’s own departure many years ago, but he hides behind the fabricated story to avoid confessing his true identity to Laura. This adds to the layer of romantic mystery in the play.
- Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo spin fictitious stories about themselves to cover their tracks. Discuss with reference to ‘A Sunny Morning’.
Answer: In A Sunny Morning, both Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo realize that they are old lovers who had once separated under emotional circumstances. Instead of immediately revealing their identities, they cleverly concoct stories about “cousins” to mask their own lives. Gonzalo narrates a tale about his “cousin” who was madly in love with a beautiful woman, while Laura also speaks of her “friend” who had a romantic relationship with this man. This allows them to reminisce about their past without the vulnerability of revealing their true selves. The fictitious stories they spin are a way to protect themselves from embarrassment and the awkwardness of confronting their lost youth.
- ‘A Sunny Morning’ is a comic presentation of a serious human relationship. Explain. Answer: ‘A Sunny Morning’ blends humour with the complexities of human emotions. Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura were once passionate lovers who had a painful separation. Now in their old age, they encounter each other unexpectedly in a park but fail to recognize each other at first. The way they annoy and bicker with each other, as well as their playful banter, adds a comic tone to the play. Despite the
humorous dialogues, the play reveals deeper emotions of regret, longing, and reconciliation as they recall their youthful romance. The light-hearted presentation softens the serious theme of lost love, making the story touching yet humorous.
- Laura and Gonzalo recognize each other but conceal their identity. How does ‘A Sunny Morning’ present this?
Answer: In ‘A Sunny Morning’, both Laura and Gonzalo gradually realize that they were once lovers from their youth, but neither openly admits it. Instead, they speak indirectly, narrating stories about “other people” who experienced similar love affairs. This concealment of identity is done through light banter and feigned ignorance, allowing them to express their feelings without revealing their true emotions. Their reluctance to disclose their identity reflects their fear of confronting the reality of time and aging. The play subtly presents this moment of recognition as a bittersweet realization, blending humour and sentiment.
- ‘The ways of Providence are strange.’ How is this true in the case of Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: In ‘A Sunny Morning’, Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura, who had once been lovers, meet by chance in a park after many years, unaware of each other’s presence initially. The randomness of their reunion after decades highlights the unpredictability of life’s events. The two had once separated, believing they would never meet again. Yet, through a twist of fate, they encounter each other in old age. This unexpected reunion and their subsequent conversation about their past underscore the strange ways in which life can reconnect people, even when they least expect it.
- ‘A Sunny Morning’ presents a situation that is not so sunny for Laura and Gonzalo. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Answer: While the title ‘A Sunny Morning’ suggests a bright, cheerful setting, the situation for Laura and Gonzalo is far from carefree. Though they banter humorously, their meeting brings up painful memories of a love they lost due to misunderstandings and circumstances beyond their control. The play deals with themes of aging, lost opportunities, and the passage of time. For both characters, the sunny morning represents a fleeting chance to relive their past, but it also reminds them of their missed connection. Hence, while the morning may be sunny, their situation is tinged with sadness and nostalgia.
FROM QUESTION BANK
- Where do Don Gonzalo and Dona Laura meet after a long time? Answer: They meet in a park after many years.
- What did Dona Laura use as a cane in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: She used her parasol as a cane.
- Who accompanied Dona Laura when she came to the park in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: Her maid, Petra, accompanied her.
- Who according to Petra belongs to the park in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: Dona Laura, according to Petra, belongs to the park.
- What does Dona Laura feed the birds with in the park in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: She feeds them breadcrumbs.
- Who accompanied Don Gonzalo when he came to the park in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: His servant, Juanito, accompanied him.
- How many priests were sitting on Gonzalo’s usual bench in the park in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: There were three priests.
- According to Gonzalo, where ought to Laura be knitting and counting her beads? Answer: Gonzalo suggests she should be knitting and counting her beads at home.
- What right does Laura claim to have to criticize Gonzalo’s actions in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: She claims the right of being in the park first.
- What does Don Gonzalo use to brush the dust from his shoes in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: He uses a handkerchief.
- Where according to Don Gonzalo is one of his estates located in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: One of his estates is located in Valencia.
- What could Gonzalo show as evidence to prove his skill at hunting in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: He could show a pair of wild boar tusks.
- What could Laura show as evidence to prove her skill at hunting in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: She could show a tiger skin.
- What makes peace between Laura and Gonzalo in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: The birds make peace between them.
- When according to Gonzalo did he compose some verses in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: He composed them at the age of twenty.
- How old does Gonzalo say he was when he went to America the first time in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: He was twenty when he first went to America.
- Name the poet whom Gonzalo says he first met in America in ‘A Sunny Morning’. Answer: He met the poet Campoamor.
- Where according to Gonzalo did he meet Campoamor in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: He met him in Valencia.
- Which city according to Don Gonzalo is he a native of in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: He is a native of Valencia.
- Where according to Laura did she spend several seasons in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: She spent several seasons in Maricela.
- According to Gonzalo where did the young man go after the duel? Answer: He fled to Paris.
- By what name was Laura Llorente known in her locality in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: She was known as “The Silver Maiden.”
- Who was called ‘The Silver Maiden’ in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: Laura Llorente was called “The Silver Maiden.”
- Who according to Gonzalo was badly wounded in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: Gonzalo claims his cousin was badly wounded.
- Where did the gallant young man take refuge according to Gonzalo in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: He took refuge in Seville.
- Where according to Gonzalo did his cousin meet a glorious death in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: He met a glorious death in Africa.
- Where did the silver maiden write her lover’s name according to Laura in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: She wrote his name on the sands of the beach.
- Who according to Gonzalo did he run off to Paris with in ‘A Sunny Morning’? Answer: He ran off with a ballet dancer.
- What does Gonzalo pick up with a great effort before leaving with Juanito in ‘A Sunny Morning’?
Answer: He picks up his glasses.