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Class 11 Alternative English Chapter 5 On Saying Please
–A G Gardiner
About the Author
A. G. Gardiner was born in 1865 in Chelmsford, Essex, England. He was a well-known British essayist and journalist who wrote under the pen name “Alpha of the Plough.” Gardiner worked as the editor of several newspapers, including the Daily News, and became famous for his thoughtful and elegant essays.
His writings mainly focus on moral values, good manners, social behaviour, and everyday human experiences. Through simple language and clear examples, he tried to teach readers the importance of kindness, honesty, and politeness in society. His essays are known for their reflective and humanistic tone.
Some of his well-known essay collections include Pebbles on the Shore, Leaves in the Wind, and Many Furrows. Gardiner believed that small acts of courtesy could improve society and reduce conflict among people.
He died in 1946, leaving behind a rich legacy of moral and social essays that are still widely read and appreciated today.
Word Notes
Courtesy: polite behaviour and good manners
Discourtesy: rude or impolite behaviour
Civil: polite and well-mannered in social behaviour
Civilised: advanced society with good manners and order
Assault: physical attack on someone
Battery: unlawful physical violence against a person
Lift-man: person who operates a lift in a building
Passenger: a person travelling in a vehicle
Conductor: person who collects fare in a bus or train
Fare: money paid for travel
Demeanour: outward behaviour or conduct
Rebuff: a sharp or rude rejection
Retort: a quick, sharp reply
Humiliation: feeling of shame or embarrassment
Politeness: behaviour showing respect and consideration for others
Friction: conflict or disagreement between people
Courtesy: respectful and considerate behaviour
Civil law: system of laws dealing with disputes between individuals
Moral: relating to right and wrong behavior.
Summary
“On Saying Please” is a reflective and moral essay that examines the importance of politeness in human society. The central idea of the essay is that good manners are not trivial habits but essential social values that ensure harmony and reduce conflict among people.
Gardiner begins by presenting an incident involving a lift-man who throws a passenger out of a lift because he refuses to say “please.” The author uses this example to show how lack of
courtesy can provoke anger and lead to unnecessary conflict. He further argues that discourtesy, though not a legal offence, can disturb social peace and damage human relationships.
The essay also contrasts two kinds of responses to rudeness: one based on anger and punishment, and the other based on patience and self-control. Gardiner suggests that true strength lies in maintaining dignity through politeness rather than reacting violently. He reinforces his argument with the example of a polite bus conductor, whose kindness and consideration leave a lasting impression.
Critically, the essay promotes a humanistic view of society where moral behaviour is more important than legal rules. Gardiner’s style is simple, persuasive, and filled with practical
examples from daily life. The essay effectively teaches that small acts of courtesy such as saying “please” and “thank you” are powerful tools for maintaining social harmony and mutual respect.
Comprehension: Textual Questions & Answers
Ⅰ. Answer the following questions in one or two words.
1. Where was Alfred G. Gardiner born?
Ans: Alfred G. Gardiner was born in Chelmsford, Essex, England.
2. Is discourtesy a legal offence?
Ans: No, discourtesy is not a legal offence.
3. Which literary period did John Keats belong to?
Ans: John Keats belonged to the second generation of Romantic poets.
4. What effect has the war had on the niceties and civilities of life?
Ans: The war had a harmful and weakening effect on the niceties and civilities of life.
5. Whom does Gardiner ‘feature’ in his essay as a perfect example of polite social behaviour?
Ans: Gardiner presents the bus conductor as a model of polite social behaviour.
II. Answer the following questions in a few words.
1. Why did the young lift-man in the city office throw the passenger out of his lift?
Ans: The lift-man threw the passenger out because he refused to say “please”.
2. What does the law say with regard to ‘discourtesy’?
Ans: The law does not treat discourtesy as a punishable offence.
3. What would happen if we were at liberty to physically assault someone just because any aspect of his demeanour is unacceptable to us?
Ans: It would lead to disorder, conflict, and a violent society without peace or stability.
4. What is the penalty for a person for being uncivil?
Ans: The penalty is social disapproval and being regarded as ill-mannered.
5. What happened to Gardiner one day when he sat reading on the top of a bus?
Ans: His toe was severely stepped on while he was reading on the upper deck of a bus.
III. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. How does a ‘pain of a wound to our self-respect’ linger on?
Ans: The pain caused by injury to self-respect lasts much longer than physical pain. While bodily pain fades after recovery, emotional hurt remains in the mind. A person repeatedly recalls the incident, which keeps the feeling of humiliation or hurt alive for a long time.
2. What kind of victory is preferable? How would the lift-man have scored a more effective victory?
Ans: A moral or spiritual victory is better than a physical or aggressive one. The lift-man could have achieved a higher form of victory by responding with politeness instead of anger, thereby maintaining dignity and showing self-control over his emotions.
3. What prompts Gardiner to heap praises on the bus-conductor?
Ans: Gardiner praises the bus conductor because of his kindness and courtesy when he was unable to pay his fare. The conductor’s understanding and polite behaviour deeply impressed him and left a lasting positive memory.
IV. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. “Please and thank you are the small change with which we pay our way as social beings.” Explain.
Ans: The statement means that words like “please” and “thank you,” though small and simple, have great importance in maintaining smooth and respectful social relations. Just as small coins are used for everyday transactions, these polite expressions are the basic “currency” of social interaction through which people show respect, gratitude, and consideration for one another.
In everyday life, human beings constantly depend on others for help, service, and cooperation. When we say “please,” we show humility and request help in a respectful manner. When we say “thank you,” we acknowledge the kindness or service we have received. These expressions create a sense of mutual respect and goodwill, reducing friction in social relationships.
The essay highlights that politeness is not merely a matter of manners but an essential quality of civilized society. It helps maintain harmony, prevents conflict, and makes human interaction pleasant and cooperative. Thus, these small words carry great moral and social value in building a peaceful community.
2. Write in your own words the incident in the bus involving the bus conductor and the author.
Ans: In the essay, Gardiner narrates a personal incident that left a deep impression on him regarding the value of politeness. On one occasion, he boarded a bus and realized only later that he did not have any money to pay the fare. He felt embarrassed and anxious, fearing that the conductor might treat him harshly or suspect him of dishonest intentions.
However, the bus conductor behaved in a kind and understanding manner. Instead of creating a scene or insulting him, the conductor politely allowed him to travel and assured him that he could pay later. This unexpected courtesy greatly relieved Gardiner and left him deeply impressed.
On another occasion, the same conductor accidentally stepped on Gardiner’s foot. Although it caused pain, the conductor immediately apologized with genuine concern. Gardiner was moved by his consistent politeness and good nature. This experience made him realize how courtesy and kindness can influence human behaviour and create a more pleasant social environment.
Additional Questions & Answers
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who wrote the essay “On Saying Please”?
(a) Charles Lamb
(b) A. G. Gardiner
(c) George Orwell
(d) H. G. Wells
Ans: (b)
2. The essay mainly deals with the importance of:
(a) Education
(b) Science
(c) Politeness
(d) Money
Ans: (c)
3. According to Gardiner, discourtesy is a:
(a) Legal offence
(b) Moral issue only
(c) Criminal offence
(d) Religious issue
Ans: (b)
4. The lift-man threw the passenger out because he did not say:
(a) sorry
(b) excuse me
(c) please
(d) thank you
Ans: (c)
5. What does Gardiner call “small change”?
(a) Money
(b) Words like please and thank you
(c) Kind actions
(d) Rules
Ans: (b)
6. The essay suggests that politeness helps in maintaining:
(a) Wealth
(b) Power
(c) Social harmony
(d) Competition
Ans: (c)
7. Who is presented as an example of politeness in the essay?
(a) Lift-man
(b) Bus conductor
(c) Policeman
(d) Teacher
Ans: (b)
8. Gardiner’s toe was injured in a:
(a) Train
(b) Bus
(c) Lift
(d) Market
Ans: (b)
9. The main theme of the essay is:
(a) War
(b) Education system
(c) Courtesy in human life
(d) Law and order
Ans: (c)
10. According to Gardiner, discourtesy leads to:
(a) Peace
(b) Happiness
(c) Conflict
(d) Success
Ans: (c)
11. The lift-man represents:
(a) Physical strength
(b) Anger against rudeness
(c) Wealth
(d) Education
Ans: (b)
12. The bus conductor behaved with:
(a) Rudeness
(b) Kindness
(c) Indifference
(d) Anger
Ans: (b)
13. Gardiner’s experience with the conductor made him feel:
(a) Angry
(b) Impressed
(c) Confused
(d) Afraid
Ans: (b)
14. Courtesy in the essay is described as:
(a) Optional habit
(b) Social necessity
(c) Legal rule
(d) Weakness
Ans: (b)
15. The essay belongs to the category of:
(a) Story
(b) Drama
(c) Reflective essay
(d) Poem
Ans: (c)
16. What does discourtesy usually lead to?
(a) Respect
(b) Violence
(c) Cooperation
(d) Friendship
Ans: (b)
17. The bus conductor’s behaviour shows:
(a) Carelessness
(b) Discipline and politeness
(c) Strictness
(d) Indifference
Ans: (b)
18. Gardiner suggests that politeness is essential for:
(a) War
(b) Social life
(c) Politics
(d) Business only
Ans: (b)
19. The essay emphasizes the importance of:
(a) Wealth
(b) Physical strength
(c) Manners
(d) Fame
Ans: (c)
20. According to Gardiner, good manners cost:
(a) Money
(b) Effort only
(c) Nothing
(d) Time
Ans: (c) 0 0 0
