In the story, the word ‘repellant’ is used to describe Valli’s feeling towards the elderly woman. What does ‘repellant’ mean in this context?
Answer
Disgustingly unpleasant; causing strong aversion.
The correct answer is Disgustingly unpleasant; causing strong aversion. — State the meaning as ‘disgustingly unpleasant; causing aversion’.
Step-by-step solution
- Find the sentence containing the word ‘repellant’.
- Use the surrounding context – Valli feels uncomfortable and wants to move away.
- Infer that ‘repellant’ conveys a feeling of strong dislike or disgust.
- State the meaning as ‘disgustingly unpleasant; causing aversion’.
Common mistake: Thinking it refers to a chemical insect repellent rather than an emotional reaction.
Concept tested: Vocabulary in context
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
Related questions
- 1 Why did Valli find the elderly woman sitting next to her on the bus repellant?
- 2 Contrast Valli's feelings during her onward journey to the town with her feelings on the return journey home. What tragic incident caused this shift?
- 3 Write a detailed paragraph analysing how the bus journey functions as a metaphor for Valli’s growth from childhood innocence to mature awareness.
- 4 According to the story 'Madam Rides the Bus', what was Valli's favorite pastime?
- 5 Explain how the author uses dialogue to develop the character of the madam.
- 6 What is the narrative perspective used in the story 'Madam Rides the Bus'?