Dear Class 12 Samacheer Kalvi students, here are the Unit 3 – The Hour of Truth Text Book Solutions for your reference and study.
The Hour of Truth Summary
“The Hour of Truth” by Percival Wilde is a one-act play that explores the themes of honesty, integrity, and the corrupting power of money. The story revolves around Robert Baldwin, an honest, loyal employee of a bank owned by a wealthy and influential owner John Gresham.
Robert was a principled and dedicated bank employee, who served as secretary to Mr. Gresham for over two decades. He was known for his unwavering honesty and steadfastness, both in his professional and personal life.
The story begins in a dramatic fashion with news that Mr. Gresham had been implicated in a major financial bank fraud. Robert was at Mr. Gresham’s house to discuss important details related to the fraud. Baldwin’s wife Martha and kids John Jr. and Evie were distressed and anxious about the scandal and their father’s role in it. Martha was convinced that Robert was not involved in the fraud and had done nothing wrong.
When Baldwin returned from the meeting with John, he informed his wife that Gresham wanted him to say that he did not remember the facts when he was questioned. But, Robert had declined to lie to the authorities. John then promised to give Robert a hundred thousand dollars in cash if he testified in his favor and they didn’t convict him.
This bribe was a life-changing sum for the Baldwins, who lived modestly and never experienced financial comfort. Martha and the children were initially shocked but quickly became seduced by the possibility of wealth. They tried to convince Baldwin to accept the bribe. Martha told Robert that John was a very dear friend to him since they were schoolboys. It would be a betrayal of that friendship if he testified against him. She also reminded him of the proud moment when John sponsored his son’s baptism. But Robert remained unconvinced. Martha then told him to take the bribe as compensation for the low salary he was paid as John’s secretary.
His son John also joined Martha in persuading his father to take the bribe. He told his father that if Mr. Gresham was convicted, he would be put to shame for bearing the name of a criminal.
His daughter Evie told him that everyone would call him a traitor to his best friend. Both John and Evie try to downplay Gresham’s wrongdoing as a mere technicality with no real victims.
The family persuaded Robert that if Mr. Gresham was found guilty, Robert would also be considered a guilty man. At his age, no one would give him another job. On the other hand, if he accepted the money, he could go into partnership with John or some other person and settle down well in life.
The arguments challenged Robert’s sense of integrity and loyalty. The pressure from his family to accept the bribe for their personal benefit deeply unsettled him. He was pained by their willingness to compromise ethics for comfort. He was also completely disheartened by their lack of support for his moral stance. He felt betrayed by his own family and called them shams, liars, hypocrites and thieves. In a sudden turn of events, Mr. Marshall, President of the Third National, visited Baldwin to inform him that Mr. Gresham had admitted his guilt. He knew that Baldwin, being an honest and upright man, would never give false testimony.
Mr. Marshall learned from Mr. Gresham about the bribe and that no amount of money would convince Robert do something that was wrong. Mr. Marshall congratulated Robert and offered him a position in his bank as a reward for his honesty and integrity. In the end, Baldwin earned the respect and admiration of his family, who learned the importance of honesty and integrity over material wealth.
Moral: True integrity and moral strength are priceless, even in the face of financial temptation.
1. Rearrange the following sentences in a meaningful sequence and write the summary of the play.
a) Baldwin who returned home after meeting Gresham, informed his family that Gresham had offered a hundred thousand, if he would utter the words ‘I don’t remember’ in court, during the trial.
b) The family members tried to justify Gresham’s act and enticed Baldwin into accepting the money.
c) Thus ‘The Hour of Truth’ had dawned relieving Baldwin of the heavy burden and guilt.
d) Baldwin was an honest and upright man, working under John Gresham, in a bank.
e) To save Baldwin, Mr. Marshall, President of the Third National, visited him and informed him that Gresham had confessed his crime, in order to free him from betraying his trusted friend and testifying painfully against him.
f) Gresham and Baldwin had been thick friends for over 30 years and Baldwin had even named his son after Gresham.
g) Baldwin felt disgusted with himself and the attitude of his family members.
h) Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank and Baldwin was to testify against him.
i) Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin a job in his Bank, to reward him for his honesty and integrity.
j) The family members who were initially against Gresham, changed their mind on hearing the huge sum offered by him.
Answer:
Baldwin was an honest and upright man, working under John Gresham, in a bank. Gresham and Baldwin had been thick friends for over 30 years and Baldwin had even named his son after Gresham. Gresham had been arrested for misappropriation of money at the bank and Baldwin was to testify against him.
Baldwin who returned home after meeting Gresham, informed his family that Gresham had offered a hundred thousand, if he would utter the words ‘I don’t remember’ in court, during the trial.
The family members who were initially against Gresham, changed their mind on hearing the huge sum offered by him. The family members tried to justify Gresham’s act and enticed Baldwin into accepting the money. Baldwin felt disgusted with himself and the attitude of his family members.
To save Baldwin, Mr. Marshall, president of the Third National, visited him and informed him that Gresham had confessed his crime, in order to free him from betraying his trusted friend and testifying painfully against him. Mr. Marshall also offered Baldwin job in his bank, to reward him for his honesty and integrity. Thus ‘The Hour of Truth’ had dawned relieving Baldwin of the heavy burden and guilt.
2. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.
a) Why did Baldwin meet Gresham?
Answer: Balwin met Gresham to discuss matters relating to the case against Gresham. Gresham was arrested on suspicion of committing a fraud in his bank.
b) What made Martha withdraw her money from the bank?
Answer: Martha withdrew her money from the bank because read about the bank fraud in the newspapers. She feared that the bank might fail or that her funds might be misappropriated, reflecting her mistrust over the security of her savings.
c) How is Martha’s strong conviction in Baldwin’s integrity revealed?
Answer: Martha’s strong conviction in Baldwin’s integrity is revealed through her unwavering belief in his honesty and character. She told her children in clear terms that their father never did a wrong thing in his life, especially if he knew it was wrong.
d) What had Donovan told John?
Answer: Donovan told John that nobody had any idea that there was anything wrong with the bank. He had been a cashier there eight years and thought he was taken care of for the rest of his life. He even got married on the strength of it. When the bank collapsed, he was shocked to discover a sign on the door that indicated that the bank was shut down and consequently he had lost his job.
e) John feels Gresham deserves punishment. Why?
Answer: John feels Gresham deserves punishment because he grew rich in twenty years by underpaying his employees particularly his father who was only paid sixty dollars a week. And he was also robbing his depositors.
f) What was Baldwin’s advice to Gresham?
Answer: Baldwin’s advice to Gresham was to make it up to his depositors. He told him to do the best he could and the first step would be to close the bank.
g) What did Gresham want Baldwin to do?
Answer: Gresham wanted Baldwin to tell the court that he did not remember anything when he was questioned about Gresham’s role in the bank fraud.
h) Explain the significance of the words ‘I don’t remember’.
Answer: By claiming he doesn’t remember, Baldwin avoids directly implicating Gresham while also not committing perjury, maintaining his integrity.
i) Why does John turn wild on hearing that Gresham had offered his father money?
Answer: John turns wild on hearing that Gresham had offered his father money because he perceives it as an attempt to corrupt his father’s integrity and honesty.
j) When would Baldwin part company with Gresham?
Answer: Baldwin would part company with Gresham when he ceases to be an honest man.
k) What does John consider ‘a technicality’?
Answer: John believed that Mr. Gresham had not really done anything wrong. The fraud was a mere technicality or a minor mistake that did not require him to go to jail.
l) Why was John filled with shame?
Answer: John was filled with shame because he is named after Baldwin’s friend Gresham. So he will be put to shame for bearing the name of a criminal.
m) How much did Gresham offer to pay Baldwin for saving his skin and how did he justify that?
Answer: Gresham offered to pay Baldwin a hundred thousand dollars. It represented the difference between what he had paid him and what he was actually worth to him.
n) What was Mr. Marshall’s offer to Baldwin?
Answer: Mr. Marshall offered Baldwin a job at his bank, The Third National for his honesty and uprightness.
o) How was Baldwin’s honesty rewarded?
Answer: Baldwin’s honesty was rewarded when Mr. Marshall, impressed by Baldwin’s unwavering integrity, offered him a substantial position in his bank with a significant salary increase.
3. Based on your understanding of the play, complete the Graphic Organiser given below.
Title | Author |
The Hour of Truth | Percival Wilde |
Setting | Characters |
The play takes place on a hot and sultry Sunday afternoon. There is a chance of rain later in the evening. And at the parlour window of a trim little cottage, the Baldwin family is anxiously awaiting the return of its head. | Robert Baldwin, Evie, Martha, Mr. Marshall, John |
Theme | Plot |
The conflict between integrity and corruption, and the moral dilemmas individuals face when confronted with ethical challenges. | The play revolves around Robert Baldwin, a loyal and honest bank employee, who is offered a bribe by his former employer, Mr. Gresham, to commit perjury and save Gresham from financial ruin and imprisonment. Despite the temptation of financial security for his family, Baldwin refuses the bribe, demonstrating his unwavering integrity. His family, initially upset and fearful of losing their financial stability, eventually comes to respect and support his decision. Baldwin’s honesty is ultimately rewarded when Mr. Marshall, impressed by his principles, offers him a well-paying job at his bank, reaffirming the play’s message that true integrity is recognized and rewarded. |
Climax | Values highlighted in the play: |
The climax of “The Hour of Truth” occurs when Robert Baldwin, faced with immense pressure from both his family and Mr. Gresham, steadfastly refuses to accept the bribe to lie in court. Despite his family’s initial disappointment and the allure of financial gain, Baldwin’s moral fortitude prevails. This pivotal moment underscores his unwavering commitment to integrity and truth. The tension reaches its peak as Baldwin’s decision stands firm, leading to Mr. Marshall witnessing Baldwin’s incorruptible character. This act of honesty ultimately results in Mr. Marshall offering Baldwin a prestigious and well-paying position, showcasing the triumph of integrity over corruption. | Honesty Integrity Loyalty Uprightness Ethical courage Justice Accountability |
4. Answer in a paragraph in about 150 words each.
a) Trace the bond of friendship between Baldwin and Gresham. Explain why Baldwin wished to attribute some credit to his friend.
In the The Hour of Truth by Percival Wilde, the bond of friendship between Baldwin and Gresham is rooted in their long history together and mutual respect. Baldwin, a man of integrity and honesty, has been working for Robert Baldwin for many years. Gresham, the president of the bank where Baldwin is employed, has built a successful career and life, largely due to his friendship with Baldwin.
Bond of Friendship
Long-Term Association: Baldwin and Gresham have known each other since childhood. They worked side by side during their youth, solidifying their bond. Baldwin continued to work for Gresham for over 30 years. This indicates a strong bond, one that goes beyond mere employment.
Mutual Respect: Throughout the play, it’s evident that both men have a deep respect for each other’s abilities and character. Gresham relies on Baldwin’s honesty and integrity, while Baldwin respects Gresham’s business acumen.
Loyalty: There are many instances where we see Baldwin’s loyalty to his friend. When Martha learned about the bank fraud from the papers, Baldwin did not tell her to withdraw her money from the bank, because he was loyal to Mr. Gresham. He also told his family that he would be loyal to his friend until the day the day he ceases to be an honest man.
Trust and Affection: The bond of friendship between Baldwin and Gresham is further highlighted by the fact that Baldwin named his son after Gresham. Such a gesture is a mark of trust and affection. It indicates that Baldwin holds Gresham in high regard, valuing their friendship to the extent that he wants his family to carry Gresham’s name.
Baldwin wishes to attribute some credit to Gresham because:
Recognition of Effort: Baldwin acknowledges that Gresham’s success is not solely due to luck but also hard work and determination. He feels that Gresham deserves recognition for his efforts and the progress he has made.
Loyalty and Gratitude: Baldwin’s loyalty to Gresham makes him want to defend his friend’s reputation, despite the latter’s wrongdoing. He feels indebted to Gresham for the opportunities and stability provided over the years.
Moral Conflict: Despite knowing the moral implications, Baldwin struggles with the idea of seeing his friend punished.
The bond between Baldwin and Gresham is built on years of mutual respect and professional loyalty. Baldwin’s inclination to attribute credit to his friend is driven by gratitude, loyalty, and the complexity of their longstanding relationship.
b) How did Martha and John react when they came to know that Baldwin had rejected the generous offer made by Gresham?
Martha’s reaction is one of disapproval and concern. She is initially shocked and distressed by Baldwin’s refusal to accept the bribe, viewing his decision as impractical and damaging to their financial situation. Martha is deeply concerned about the practical implications of Baldwin’s refusal, as it jeopardizes their immediate financial needs. She struggles to understand why Baldwin would reject the offer that could benefit their family, viewing it as an unnecessary sacrifice.
When John first learns about Baldwin’s predicament, he is angry and distressed. He is upset that Baldwin is being forced into a difficult position, which he perceives as unfair and burdensome. This reaction reflects his concern for his father’s well-being and the pressure being placed on him.
When he learns about the hundred-thousand-dollar bribe offer from Gresham, John’s reaction changes. He downplays the seriousness of Gresham’s offense by framing it as a mere technicality. This shift in perspective helps him rationalize the bribe and reduce the ethical burden associated with it. He then plays the emotional card by reminding Baldwin that Gresham has been honored in their family through his son’s name. This appeal is designed to sway Baldwin by invoking a sense of personal connection and loyalty. John then entices Baldwin by presenting the bribe as a means to secure a future partnership. This practical incentive aims to make the bribe seem more acceptable by highlighting potential future benefits and financial stability.
c) Is Baldwin really honest or does he maintain his honesty fearing criticism? Why do you say so?
In The Hour of Truth, Baldwin’s honesty appears to be deeply rooted in his personal principles rather than merely a fear of criticism. His steadfastness in rejecting the bribe offered by Gresham reflects a strong moral compass and a commitment to integrity that transcends external pressures.
Despite, his long-standing loyalty to Gresham and the recognition of their shared history, he is unwilling to lie in court in favour of his friend. Baldwin’s resistance to compromising his principles, even in the face of financial gain, suggests that his honesty is intrinsic to his character. He is willing to sacrifice his own well-being and potential benefits rather than betray his core values.
When Baldwin faces substantial family pressure from both his wife Martha and his children John and Evie to accept the bribe for the sake of their financial security and future, Balwin only feels a great sense of shame at their greed. He is not swayed by their attempts at persuasion and steadfastly refuses to become dishonest. He passionately tells his family that accepting the bribe would be a dishonourable thing to do.
This reflects a sincere commitment to doing what he believes is right. It demonstrates that his adherence to honesty is a matter of principle rather than mere fear of public judgment.
d) Sketch the character of: i) Robert Baldwin ii) John Gresham.
i) Robert Baldwin is the protagonist in The Hour of Truth and embodies unwavering integrity and moral fortitude. As a long-time employee and friend of John Gresham, Baldwin is portrayed as a man deeply committed to honesty and ethical principles. His character is defined by a strong sense of duty and a readiness to face personal and financial hardship rather than compromise his values. Despite substantial pressure from his wife and the prospect of significant financial relief through a bribe, Baldwin chooses to reject the offer, highlighting his dedication to his principles and his moral courage.
ii) In stark contrast, John Gresham is depicted as a character driven by ambition and ruthlessness. His relentless pursuit of success leads him to engage in deceitful and manipulative behaviors. Gresham is adept at concealing his true intentions behind a veneer of trustworthiness and charm, using these qualities to manipulate others for his own gain. His primary concern is self-preservation, and he is willing to exploit personal relationships and ethical boundaries to protect his interests. Beneath his outward success lies a tragic figure whose flaws and ethical compromises ultimately contribute to his downfall. Gresham’s complex character highlights the tension between ambition and integrity, revealing the consequences of prioritizing self-interest over genuine moral principles.
e) Who do you think exhibits true friendship–Baldwin or Gresham? Justify your answer.
In the play “The Hour of Truth,” Robert Baldwin exhibits true friendship. His actions and decisions throughout the story demonstrate a commitment to honesty and loyalty, even in the face of significant personal and financial incentives.
Baldwin refuses to accept a bribe of $100,000 offered by Gresham to testify falsely in court. This shows that he is willing to sacrifice personal gain for the sake of his integrity and the truth.
Baldwin advises Gresham to close the bank and return the deposits to the customers, indicating that he is willing to stand by his principles and not support Gresham’s dishonest actions.
Despite pressure from his family to accept the bribe, Baldwin remains steadfast in his decision, showing that his loyalty is not swayed by personal relationships.
Baldwin’s honesty and integrity lead to a new job offer at the Third National Bank, further highlighting his commitment to upholding moral standards.
In contrast, Gresham’s actions are motivated by self-interest and a desire to avoid punishment. He offers the bribe to Baldwin but does not demonstrate the same level of commitment to honesty and loyalty. Gresham’s dishonesty and corruption are central to the plot, and his actions are driven by a desire to maintain his own power and wealth rather than any genuine sense of friendship or loyalty.
Thus, Baldwin’s unwavering commitment to his principles and his willingness to sacrifice personal gain for the sake of honesty and loyalty make him the one who truly exhibits true friendship in the play.
Match the idioms under column A with their meanings in column B:
A. IDIOMS | B. MEANINGS |
save one’s skin | to protect oneself from difficulty |
make both ends meet | manage one’s expenses within one’s income |
a bolt out of a clear sky | a sudden unexpected event or news |
go to grave | to exit the world |
have the whip hand | to be the most powerful |
under a cloud | viewed with suspicion and distrust |
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