Comprehension
The persons who worked in the mines were mainly criminals or prisoners of war, but with those, there were many Romans of good family, who were the innocent victims of the Emperor’s wrath. All alike were forced to labour, without distinction of sex or birth. The labourers were under the eye of a merciless overseer, who showered blows upon them at the slightest provocation. In order to keep down the expenses, no clothes were provided for the prisoners, and often they possessed not a rag to hide their nakedness. In good or bad health they were forced to work, and neither the weakness of age nor the fever or sickness was regarded as proper cause for idleness even of an hour. Nor was there any chance to escape, for sentries were posted on every hilltop, and the soldiers were ready to give chase, should a man elude the watchman. So great were the sufferings of life, that death was hailed with joy and it was the dying man who possessed a single thought of happiness.
Question: 1
Who were the victims of the Emperor’s wrath?
Who were the victims of the Emperor’s wrath?
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In historical contexts, such statements often highlight the lack of fairness and humanity in oppressive systems.
Updated On: Nov 7, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The victims of the Emperor’s wrath were criminals, prisoners of war, and many innocent Romans from good families who were unjustly forced to labour in the mines.
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Question: 2
“All alive were forced to labour, without distinction of sex or birth.” What do you mean by this statement?
“All alive were forced to labour, without distinction of sex or birth.” What do you mean by this statement?
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In historical contexts, such statements often highlight the lack of fairness and humanity in oppressive systems.
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Solution and Explanation
This statement means that all individuals, regardless of their gender or social status, were subjected to the same harsh and inhumane treatment. Everyone, including innocent people, criminals, and prisoners of war, was forced to work under the oppressive system without any regard for their personal circumstances.
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Question: 3
Why were clothes not provided for the prisoners?
Why were clothes not provided for the prisoners?
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The absence of basic needs for prisoners often reflects the extent of inhumanity in oppressive regimes.
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Solution and Explanation
Clothes were not provided to the prisoners to reduce expenses and humiliate them. This lack of basic necessities symbolized their dehumanization and the extreme cruelty they faced under the oppressive rule.
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Question: 4
Why was death hailed with joy?
Why was death hailed with joy?
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In contexts of extreme suffering, death can sometimes be perceived as a form of liberation.
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Solution and Explanation
Death was hailed with joy because it was seen as a release from the unbearable suffering and indignities faced by the prisoners. Their lives were filled with hardship, humiliation, and pain, making death a welcome escape from their misery.
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Question: 5
Find the word from the passage that means ‘anger’.
Find the word from the passage that means ‘anger’.
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Understanding the context of words helps in deriving precise meanings and opposites.
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Solution and Explanation
The word from the passage that means ‘anger’ is wrath.
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Question: 6
Explain ‘showered blows’ as used in the passage.
Explain ‘showered blows’ as used in the passage.
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Understanding the context of words helps in deriving precise meanings and opposites.
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Solution and Explanation
‘Showered blows’ refers to the frequent and severe physical punishment inflicted on the prisoners by the overseers for even minor provocations. It symbolizes the brutal treatment they endured.
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Question: 7
Which word in the passage is the opposite of ‘sadness’?
Which word in the passage is the opposite of ‘sadness’?
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Understanding the context of words helps in deriving precise meanings and opposites.
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Solution and Explanation
The word in the passage that is the opposite of ‘sadness’ is joy.
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