2.3. Wit and Humour - Say the Right Thing - Class 7 - Poorvi

Author: G.C. Thornley

Textbook: Poorvi

Genre: Drama / Play

Summary:

“Say the Right Thing” is a humorous one-act play that highlights the importance of social etiquette and speaking politely in company. The story revolves around Mary, a talkative young girl, and her mother, Mrs. Shaw. Mrs. Shaw has invited two guests, Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee, to their home in Lanfield. Before their arrival, she warns Mary to be polite and avoid saying anything that may offend the guests. Mary promises to follow her mother's advice and is eager to show that she can engage in a proper conversation.

However, despite her good intentions, Mary ends up making one blunder after another. She mistakenly assumes things about the guests’ children, clothes, habits, and even pets—unintentionally embarrassing both her mother and the visitors. Her remarks are honest but tactless, resulting in awkward silences and visible discomfort. The play ends with Mary making yet another mistake by confusing the farewell expression, hilariously asking the guests to leave instead of requesting them to stay.

The play uses humour to emphasize how important it is to speak thoughtfully and consider others’ feelings. It also reflects on the gap between intention and social maturity.

👤 Character Sketches:

Mary:

A lively and talkative girl, Mary is eager to take part in adult conversations. She is honest and curious but lacks tact and social awareness. Despite her confidence, her blunt remarks reveal her inexperience and innocence.

Mrs. Shaw:

Mary’s mother, a polite and socially conscious woman. She wants to make a good impression on her new neighbours. Her patient but firm tone shows her concern for social norms and her daughter's behaviour.

Mrs. Harding:

A polite guest, she tries to maintain a calm demeanour despite being unintentionally insulted by Mary. Her composed reactions display maturity.

Mrs. Lee:

Mrs. Harding’s sister, equally graceful and patient. She is a banker’s wife and becomes mildly offended but handles the situation without anger.

📚 Themes:

✨ Literary Devices:

📖 Title Justification:

The title “Say the Right Thing” aptly reflects the central theme of the play, where Mary struggles to follow her mother's guidance on polite conversation. The play revolves around her attempts to say the appropriate things but ironically ends up doing the opposite. The title is both instructive and ironic, as it emphasizes the gap between what is right to say and what is actually said. It reminds readers of the importance of social awareness, tact, and speaking with care—skills Mary is yet to master.

One-Mark Questions:

1. Who are the guests invited by Mrs. Shaw?

   → Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee.

   
   

2. What did Mrs. Shaw ask Mary not to do during the visit?

   → Not to say anything inappropriate.

   
   

3. What was Mary’s mistake about Mrs. Harding?

   → She assumed Mrs. Harding had children.

   
   

4. Why did Mary talk about Mr. Best reading newspapers?

   → To mock his routine and profession as a banker.

   
   

5. What did Mary say when the guests were leaving?

   → “Oh, must you stay? Can’t you go?”

   
   

✅ Three-Mark Questions:

1. Why does Mrs. Shaw warn Mary before the guests arrive?

   → Mrs. Shaw is concerned that Mary may speak without thinking and embarrass her in front of important guests. She wants to build friendships in the new town and does not want anything to go wrong.

   
   

2. How does humour arise in the play?

   → The humour is situational and verbal. Mary’s innocent but inappropriate comments create awkward moments, like confusing people’s pets, children, and habits, which leads to silent embarrassment and comic tension.

   
   

3. What do we learn about Mary’s personality from her dialogues?

   → Mary is eager, talkative, and confident, but lacks the emotional maturity to understand how her words affect others. She is a well-meaning child whose honesty becomes unintentionally rude.

   
   

🧠 Value-Based Question:

Question: What can we learn from Mary’s behaviour about the importance of empathy in communication?

Answer: Mary’s behaviour teaches us that good intentions are not enough; empathy and awareness are essential for effective communication. Being polite involves thinking about how others feel and choosing words that are kind and respectful. It reminds us to listen before we speak and to be considerate in social settings. This helps build trust, respect, and stronger relationships.

End

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