Why is Mr Purcell compared to an owl?

Describe the stranger who came to the pet shop. What did he want?

Why, in your opinion, did the man set the doves free?

"...Mr Purcell heard it no more than he would have heard the monotonous ticking of a familiar clock."(Read para beginning with "It was a rough day...")

(i) What does 'it' refer to?

(ii) Why does Mr Purcell not hear 'it' clearly?

Was the customer interested in the care and feeding of the doves he had bought? If not, why not?

From the third paragraph pick out

(i) words associated with cries of birds,

(ii) words associated with noise,

(iii) words suggestive of confusion and fear.

Why did it make Mr. Purcell feel “vaguely insulted”?

The man insisted on buying the doves because he was fond of birds. Do you agree?

Write 'True 'or' False 'against each of following statements.

(i) Mr Purcell sold birds, cats, dogs and monkeys.

(ii) He was very concerned about the well-being of the birds and animals in his shop.

(iii) He was impressed by the customer who bought the two doves.

(iv) He was a successful shop owner, though insensitive and cold as a person.

Do you think the atmosphere of Mr Purcell's shop was cheerful or depressing? Give reasons for your answer.

Why is Mr Purcell compared to an owl?