Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad: An Ultimate Guide to Scoring High

Explore Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad with this ultimate guide. It covers everything from a summary and central idea to character sketches and thematic analysis. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts, it includes NCERT-based questions, “Stop and Think” exercises, and extra practice questions.

For Hindi and Urdu readers, summaries and MCQs are included to aid comprehension. Delve into this tale of hope and unfulfilled dreams, an essential read for fans of Kaleidoscope.

Summary of Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad

In the seaport town of Colebrook, Captain Hagberd lives in hopeful anticipation of his son Harry’s return. He is an eccentric retired sailor. Having been estranged for years, Hagberd has convinced himself that Harry will come back “tomorrow.” This delusion consumes his life, dictating his every action and interaction.

The Setting and Characters

Captain Hagberd, clad in a self-made canvas suit, inhabits one of two adjacent cottages he owns. The other is rented to Josiah Carvil, a blind, tyrannical boat-builder, and his daughter Bessie. Bessie, burdened by her father’s relentless demands, finds solace in the odd companionship of Hagberd, despite his peculiar obsession.

Hagberd spends his days preparing for Harry’s return, filling the empty cottage with furniture and planning an idyllic future. His madness manifests in repetitive declarations and an inability to engage rationally with the sceptical townsfolk. For Bessie, his delusion signifies both a tragic fixation and an occasional escape from her dreary reality.

The Intrusion of Reality

The calm of Hagberd’s fantasy is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of a man claiming to be Harry. This younger Hagberd is a drifter, hardened by years of wandering and indifferent to his father’s dreams. His arrival reveals the chasm between Hagberd’s idealised vision and reality. He rejects the notion of settling down, expressing disdain for the life his father envisioned for him.

Bessie, drawn into Hagberd’s fantasy, faces disillusionment. She recognises the futility of the captain’s hopes and the emptiness of her own life. Harry’s dismissal of both his father’s aspirations and her tentative connection underscores the despair underlying their circumstances.

Themes and Conclusion

Joseph Conrad’s Tomorrow explores themes of delusion, hope, and the human need for connection. Conrad uses Hagberd’s unyielding optimism and Harry’s stark pragmatism to explore dreams. He examines their fragility when they are confronted with reality. The story concludes ambiguously, leaving Hagberd clinging to his “tomorrow,” a symbol of enduring, albeit futile, hope.

Central Idea of Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad

The central idea of Tomorrow focuses on the power of hope. It also explores the pain of delusion and the struggle to face reality. The story shows how people cling to dreams to avoid the harsh truths of life.

Hope as a Lifeline

Captain Hagberd’s life revolves around his hope that his son, Harry, will return “tomorrow.” This belief keeps him going and gives him purpose. He prepares for Harry’s homecoming, setting up a home and planning a future for him. Yet, this hope blinds him to the reality that Harry may never return. Conrad uses this to show how hope can be both a source of strength and a trap.

The Isolation of Delusion

Hagberd’s obsession separates him from the people around him. The townsfolk see him as strange, and his tenant, Bessie Carvil, pities him but feels trapped by his fantasies. She goes along with his dreams to avoid upsetting him. This shows how clinging to false beliefs can isolate people and affect those around them.

The Pain of Disillusionment

When Harry finally arrives, he does not match his father’s idealised vision. He has no interest in the home or the future his father planned for him. This moment highlights the pain of shattered dreams. It also shows the gap between expectations and reality.

A Universal Message

The story explores themes of family, longing, and the dangers of living in a fantasy. Hagberd’s belief in “tomorrow” represents how people often rely on future hopes to give their lives meaning. Conrad suggests that while hope can help us endure, it can also prevent us from facing the truth.

Tomorrow is a touching tale of hope and heartbreak, urging readers to find a balance between dreams and reality.

Themes of Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad

Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad explores deep themes that resonate with human emotions and the challenges of reality. These themes include hope, delusion, isolation, familial relationships, and the conflict between dreams and reality. Captain Hagberd is obsessed with his own ideas. His interactions with others illustrate this obsession. Conrad shows how humanity constantly struggles with hope and truth through these dynamics.

The Power and Fragility of Hope

Hope drives Captain Hagberd’s entire existence. His belief that his son Harry will return “tomorrow” keeps him alive and motivated. This unwavering hope highlights the human tendency to cling to optimism even in the face of uncertainty. However, this hope also blinds him to reality, showing how fragile it can be when built on illusions. The theme of hope demonstrates both its life-giving force and its potential to lead to heartbreak.

The Burden of Delusion

Delusion plays a central role in the story. Captain Hagberd’s refusal to accept the truth about his son creates a distorted world for himself and those around him. His fantasies about Harry’s return affect his tenant, Bessie Carvil, who sympathises but feels burdened by his unrealistic dreams. The theme explores how delusions can protect individuals from pain but also isolate them from reality and society.

Isolation and Loneliness

Hagberd’s obsession isolates him from the townsfolk, who see him as eccentric and avoid him. Even his relationship with Bessie remains limited by his focus on his imagined future with Harry. This theme reflects the loneliness that comes from clinging to unreachable dreams, emphasising how isolation is often self-imposed.

Familial Relationships and Expectations

The strained father-son relationship between Hagberd and Harry underscores the theme of family. Hagberd’s idealised image of Harry clashes with the reality of Harry’s indifference. This theme explores the complexities of parental expectations and the pain when they go unmet. It also shows how family ties can both sustain and suffocate.

Dreams vs. Reality

The story’s most prominent theme is the tension between dreams and reality. Hagberd’s dream of Harry’s return becomes his identity, while Harry’s arrival exposes the truth. This clash highlights the risks of living in a fantasy and the inevitable pain when dreams are shattered.

Conclusion

Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad masterfully weaves these themes to explore human emotions and the fragile nature of hope. The story prompts readers to think about dreaming of a better future. It also encourages them to accept the reality of the present.

Character Sketches of Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad

Joseph Conrad’s Tomorrow features characters who are deeply human and symbolic of the story’s themes. Each character reflects different aspects of hope, delusion, and the struggle between dreams and reality. Below are detailed sketches of the central characters.

Character Sketch of Captain Hagberd

Captain Hagberd is a retired sailor who has built his entire life around the hope of his son Harry’s return. He is eccentric and obsessed, always claiming that Harry will come back “tomorrow.” His actions are driven by this belief. He prepares a home for Harry. He also plans an ideal future that includes a wife for his son.

Hagberd’s delusion isolates him from the townsfolk, who consider him odd. Despite his madness, he has a certain charm and innocence, especially in his interactions with Bessie Carvil. His unwavering optimism hides a deep vulnerability, making him both tragic and endearing. His character symbolises humanity’s tendency to cling to hope, even when it blinds us to reality.

Character Sketch of Harry Hagberd

Harry, the captain’s estranged son, is the complete opposite of his father’s idealised image. A drifter and adventurer, Harry has no interest in settling down or fulfilling his father’s expectations. He is blunt, independent, and dismissive of the life his father envisions for him.

Harry’s arrival disrupts the captain’s fantasy, revealing the gap between hope and reality. His character represents freedom and a rejection of societal norms. However, he also carries an air of indifference. This contrasts sharply with his father’s obsessive love.

Character Sketch of Bessie Carvil

Bessie is the tenant of Captain Hagberd, living with her blind and tyrannical father. She is a weary but kind-hearted woman, burdened by the care of her demanding parent. Bessie sympathises with Hagberd’s plight. She often indulges his fantasies about Harry. Still, she knows these are unlikely to come true.

Her interactions with Hagberd reveal her own struggles with hope and despair. She is drawn to the idea of Harry’s return, seeing it as a potential escape from her difficult life. Nonetheless, Harry’s indifference and her own feelings of helplessness deepen her sense of disillusionment.

Character Sketch of Josiah Carvil

Bessie’s father, Josiah Carvil, is a former boat-builder who is now blind and dependent. He is harsh, demanding, and selfish, treating Bessie as little more than a servant. His character contrasts with Captain Hagberd, who, despite his delusion, shows genuine affection for others.

Carvil’s presence adds to Bessie’s sense of entrapment, making her interactions with Hagberd and Harry even more poignant. He symbolizes another form of isolation, one rooted in bitterness and dependency.

Conclusion

The characters in Tomorrow are deeply flawed yet relatable, reflecting the story’s themes of hope, delusion, and disillusionment. Through their interactions, Conrad examines the complexities of human relationships. He delves into the emotional weight of dreams that may never come true.

Plot of Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad

Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad tells a moving story of hope, delusion, and shattered dreams. The story is set in the small town of Colebrook. It follows the life of Captain Hagberd, an old sailor. He is consumed by his obsession with the return of his estranged son, Harry.

Beginning: Captain Hagberd’s Belief

Captain Hagberd lives alone in a cottage. He has bought another house next door, which he has filled with furniture for his son. He believes Harry will come back “tomorrow” and spends his days preparing for him. This hope gives his life meaning, but it also isolates him. The townspeople find him odd and avoid him.

Bessie Carvil’s Role

Hagberd’s neighbour, Bessie Carvil, lives with her blind and demanding father. She feels trapped in her life of servitude. She listens to Hagberd’s stories about Harry, indulging his fantasies. Secretly, she wonders if Harry’s return might change her own life.

Harry’s Arrival

One day, a stranger arrives. It is Harry, the son Hagberd has been waiting for. Yet, Harry is not what his father imagined. He is a drifter, hardened by years of wandering. He has no interest in the life his father has planned for him.

Confrontation and Disillusionment

Harry mocks his father’s dreams. He rejects the idea of settling down and scoffs at the prepared home. Hagberd, unable to accept the truth, retreats further into his belief that Harry will return “tomorrow.” Bessie is also disappointed. She realises that Harry will not be her escape from her difficult life.

Ending: The Endless “Tomorrow”

The story ends with Hagberd still clinging to his hope. He remains blind to reality and continues to live in his fantasy. Bessie, too, remains stuck in her dreary existence. The cycle of hope and despair continues.

Conclusion

The plot of Tomorrow is simple but deeply emotional. It shows how hope can sustain people but also trap them. Conrad leaves readers reflecting on the power and pain of dreams that may never come true.

Questions and Answers of Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad

Stop and Think – I (Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad)

1. What brought Captain Hagberd to Colebrook?

Very Short Answer
Captain Hagberd came to Colebrook searching for his son, Harry. He believed a hoax letter suggesting Harry might be in the area. Despite finding no trace, he decided to settle there and wait.

2. Why did the people of Colebrook not have a favourable opinion of Captain Hagberd?

Very Short Answer
The people of Colebrook found Captain Hagberd odd and obsessed with his son’s return. His eccentric behaviour, such as wearing a canvas suit and avoiding others, made him an outsider.

Stop and Think – II (Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad)

1. What sort of a seaman had Captain Hagberd been?

Short Answer
Captain Hagberd was a coastal sailor who disliked the sea. He never ventured far from land and avoided long voyages. His hatred for the sea stemmed from a deep emotional connection to the stability of life onshore.

2. Captain Hagberd constantly hinted at something that made Bessie blush. What was it?

Very Short Answer
Captain Hagberd often hinted at the possibility of Bessie marrying his son, Harry. His suggestions, though indirect, embarrassed her and created awkwardness.

Stop and Think – III (Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad)

1. What were Bessie’s reactions to old Hagberd’s ravings?

Short Answer
Bessie listened to Captain Hagberd’s ravings with patience. She indulged his fantasies to avoid upsetting him, but she secretly felt pity for his delusion. Occasionally, she found his obsession amusing yet sad.

2. What sort of a person was Mr Carvil?

Short Answer
Mr Carvil was a blind, demanding, and selfish man. He treated his daughter, Bessie, harshly and relied on her for everything. His domineering and unkind nature added to Bessie’s struggles.

Stop and Think – IV (Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad)

1. What was the point of similarity between Captain Hagberd and old Mr Carvil?

Very Short Answer
Both Captain Hagberd and Mr Carvil were isolated and depended on others. Hagberd relied on his fantasies, while Carvil relied on Bessie’s care.

2. Why did Bessie sometimes show signs of irritation and disgust?

Short Answer
Bessie felt trapped by her father’s demands and Hagberd’s delusions. Her difficult life, lack of freedom, and dashed hopes made her irritated and disillusioned.

Stop and Think – V

1. Who was the stranger who met Captain Hagberd? What was the Captain’s reaction to the meeting?

Short Answer
The stranger was Harry, Captain Hagberd’s son. The captain, however, did not recognise him. He dismissed Harry as an imposter, clinging to his belief that Harry would return “tomorrow.”

2. What did young Hagberd think it meant when old Hagberd said that his son would be coming home ‘tomorrow’?

Short Answer
Young Hagberd thought his father’s claim was delusional. He dismissed it as a sign of madness and expressed frustration at being misunderstood.

3. What reasons did Bessie give for encouraging old Hagberd in his insane hopes?

Short Answer
Bessie felt pity for Captain Hagberd and feared that contradicting him would cause him emotional harm. She found it easier to go along with his delusions than confront him with the truth.

Stop and Think – VI

1. What makes Bessie convinced that the young man is indeed Harry?

Very Short Answer
Bessie believes the young man is Harry. He shares personal details about his past. He also resembles the image Hagberd painted of his son.

2. What kind of life had Harry lived after he left home?

Short Answer
Harry lived as a drifter, taking up various jobs, such as prospecting and working on ships. He valued freedom and avoided ties, which clashed with his father’s dreams for him.

Stop and Think – VII

1. What does Bessie tell Harry about his father’s plans for him?

Short Answer
Bessie tells Harry that his father has been waiting for him and preparing a home for his return. She reveals Hagberd’s dream of seeing him settled and married.

2. What did Captain Hagberd call out to Bessie from the window?

Very Short Answer
Captain Hagberd called out to Bessie, warning her to avoid the stranger. He insisted the man was not his son and that Harry would return “tomorrow.”

Understanding the Text

1. What is the consistency one finds in the old man’s madness?

Short Answer
Captain Hagberd’s madness revolves around his belief that Harry will return “tomorrow.” This belief remains unshaken despite evidence, giving his life a strange sense of purpose.

2. How does Captain Hagberd prepare for Harry’s homecoming?

Short Answer
Captain Hagberd buys and furnishes a house for Harry. He also makes detailed plans for Harry’s life, including marriage, reflecting his deep delusion.

3. How did Bessie begin to share Hagberd’s insanity regarding his son?

Short Answer
Bessie indulged Hagberd’s delusions out of pity. Over time, she began to find comfort in the idea of Harry’s return, even though she doubted its reality.

4. What were Harry’s reasons for coming to meet old Hagberd?

Short Answer
Harry returned out of curiosity and financial need. A friend had seen Hagberd’s advertisements, and Harry hoped to get some money from his father.

5. Why does Harry’s return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?

Short Answer
Bessie hoped Harry’s return might change her life. Instead, Harry mocked his father’s dreams and showed no interest in staying, shattering her hopes.

Talking about the Text

1. ‘Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness.’

Long Answer
Captain Hagberd’s madness is rooted in his hope and self-esteem. His belief that Harry will return “tomorrow” gives him a sense of purpose. This equilibrium allows him to cope with his loneliness. When his beliefs are questioned or dismissed, it disrupts this balance, causing distress. His madness shows how even delusions can protect the human mind from despair.

2. Joyce’s ‘Eveline’ and Conrad’s ‘Tomorrow’ are thematically similar.

Long Answer
Both Eveline and Tomorrow explore themes of hope, escape, and emotional struggle. Eveline dreams of escaping her life but is held back by fear. Similarly, Hagberd dreams of his son’s return but is trapped in his delusion. Both stories highlight the tension between dreams and reality, showing how personal hopes can both sustain and imprison individuals.

Appreciation

1. Comment on the technique used by the author to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past.

Long Answer
Conrad uses a gradual unfolding technique to reveal Captain Hagberd’s past. Through the townsfolk’s conversations and Hagberd’s own ramblings, the reader learns about his obsession with Harry. This indirect narration creates suspense and builds the character’s complexity. Conrad’s use of dialogue and symbolism, like the repeated “tomorrow,” highlights Hagberd’s delusion and its emotional weight.

2. Identify instances in the story in which you find streaks of insanity in people other than Hagberd. What implications do they suggest?

Long Answer
Insanity is not limited to Hagberd. Mr Carvil’s harsh dependence on Bessie shows emotional cruelty, reflecting a different kind of irrationality. Harry’s rejection of his father’s love and refusal to connect also suggest a restless, ungrounded mind. These instances show how various forms of madness—be it delusion, bitterness, or detachment—can define human behaviour and relationships.

Extra Practice Questions and Answers from Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad

1. How does Captain Hagberd’s costume reflect his personality and mental state?

Short Answer
Captain Hagberd’s canvas suit symbolises his eccentricity and detachment from society. It reflects his rejection of normalcy and focus on his delusions. The suit also emphasises his preparedness for his imagined future with Harry.

2. Why does Captain Hagberd avoid talking about his son’s return with the townsfolk?

Short Answer
Captain Hagberd avoids discussing Harry’s return because he fears being mocked. He knows the townsfolk view him as odd, and their disbelief threatens his fragile hope.

3. How does Bessie’s relationship with her father affect her views on Captain Hagberd?

Short Answer
Bessie’s difficult relationship with her controlling father makes her sympathetic to Captain Hagberd. She tolerates his delusions as an escape from her harsh reality, though she finds his hope unrealistic.

4. What does the repeated mention of “tomorrow” symbolise in the story?

Long Answer
The phrase “tomorrow” symbolises unending hope and the human tendency to delay facing reality. For Captain Hagberd, it represents his refusal to accept that Harry may never return. It also reflects the universal desire to believe in a better future, even when evidence suggests otherwise. This repetition emphasises the story’s central theme of clinging to dreams despite their improbability.

5. How does Conrad portray the setting of Colebrook, and how does it contribute to the mood of the story?

Long Answer
Conrad describes Colebrook as a quiet, isolated seaport, mirroring the loneliness of its characters. The cottages, separated by fences, reflect the emotional barriers between people. The dreary and monotonous atmosphere intensifies the themes of stagnation and unfulfilled hopes. This setting heightens the contrast between Hagberd’s dreams and the harsh realities of life in the town.

6. What do Captain Hagberd’s preparations for Harry’s return say about his character?

Short Answer
His meticulous preparations show his deep need for purpose and control. They highlight his optimistic yet delusional belief in Harry’s return, emphasising his inability to move on from the past.

7. How does Harry’s view of family differ from that of his father?

Short Answer
Harry values freedom and independence, rejecting his father’s traditional views of family and home. Captain Hagberd, in contrast, sees family as a foundation and idealises the concept of stability.

8. How does Bessie’s reaction to Harry’s arrival reveal her internal conflict?

Short Answer
Bessie feels both hope and disappointment when Harry arrives. She wants to believe he might change her life. However, his indifference increases her despair. His disdain for his father’s plans makes it worse.

9. What role does societal judgement play in shaping the lives of Captain Hagberd and Bessie?

Long Answer
Societal judgement isolates Captain Hagberd, labelling him as eccentric. This pushes him deeper into his delusions. For Bessie, societal expectations confine her to a life of servitude, limiting her chances for escape. Both characters’ lives are shaped by the perception of others, reinforcing their loneliness and struggles. Conrad critiques how society alienates those who deviate from norms.

10. How does the ending of the story reflect the theme of unfulfilled expectations?

Long Answer
The ending reinforces the theme of unfulfilled expectations. Captain Hagberd clings to the hope of Harry’s return. He does this despite the reality. Harry leaves, indifferent to his father and Bessie, shattering their dreams. The story concludes without a resolution. It symbolizes the pain of unfulfilled hopes. It also highlights the emotional toll of refusing to face reality.

Tomorrow by जोसेफ कॉनराड की कहानी का सारांश (Hindi Summary)

जोसेफ कॉनराड की कहानी Tomorrow एक छोटे से बंदरगाह शहर कोलब्रुक में रहने वाले कैप्टन हैगबर्ड के जीवन पर आधारित है। यह कहानी उम्मीद, भ्रम, और दिल टूटने की भावनाओं को दर्शाती है।

कहानी की शुरुआत

कैप्टन हैगबर्ड, एक सेवानिवृत्त नाविक, अकेले रहते हैं और अपने बेटे हैरी के “कल” लौटने की उम्मीद में जीते हैं। उन्होंने बेटे के लिए एक घर तैयार किया है, जिसमें हर सुविधा का ध्यान रखा गया है। उनका मानना है कि हैरी वापस आएगा और एक स्थिर जीवन जीएगा। लेकिन उनकी यह उम्मीद उन्हें वास्तविकता से दूर कर देती है।

बेस्सी कारविल और उनके संघर्ष

कैप्टन हैगबर्ड की पड़ोसी बेस्सी कारविल एक दयालु लेकिन थकी हुई महिला है। वह अपने अंधे और सख्त पिता की देखभाल करती है। बेस्सी कैप्टन हैगबर्ड की बातों को सहती है क्योंकि उसे उनकी हालत पर दया आती है। वह भी कभी-कभी सोचती है कि हैरी की वापसी उसके जीवन को बदल सकती है।

हैरी की वापसी

कहानी का चरम बिंदु तब आता है जब हैरी, जिसका इंतजार कैप्टन हैगबर्ड कर रहे थे, अचानक लौटता है। लेकिन वह अपने पिता की उम्मीदों पर खरा नहीं उतरता। हैरी एक भटकता हुआ व्यक्ति है जो किसी भी स्थिरता को नकारता है।

निराशा और टूटे हुए सपने

हैरी अपने पिता के सपनों का मजाक उड़ाता है और उनके द्वारा बनाए गए जीवन को अस्वीकार कर देता है। यह कैप्टन हैगबर्ड और बेस्सी दोनों के लिए निराशाजनक है। बेस्सी, जिसने सोचा था कि हैरी उसकी मुसीबतों का हल हो सकता है, और अधिक हताश हो जाती है।

कहानी का अंत

कहानी इस दुखद नोट पर समाप्त होती है कि कैप्टन हैगबर्ड अभी भी अपने बेटे की वापसी की उम्मीद में “कल” की उम्मीद करते रहते हैं। बेस्सी अपने थके हुए जीवन में फंसी रहती है। यह कहानी दिखाती है कि कैसे भ्रम और असत्य उम्मीदें हमें वास्तविकता से दूर कर सकती हैं।

Tomorrow उम्मीद और निराशा की एक मार्मिक कहानी है, जो पाठकों को वास्तविकता और सपनों के बीच संतुलन खोजने की प्रेरणा देती है।

Tomorrow از جوزف کانرڈ کا خلاصہ (Urdu Summary)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad

1. According to the passage, what was Captain Hagberd’s reason for moving to Colebrook?
   • A. To seek better employment
   • B. To find his lost son
   • C. To live near the sea
   • D. To retire peacefully
     Correct Answer: B
2. What was unique about Captain Hagberd’s clothing?
   • A. He wore a sailor’s uniform
   • B. He dressed entirely in canvas
   • C. He wore formal black attire
   • D. He often wore a cloak
     Correct Answer: B
3. What was the relationship between Captain Hagberd and Miss Bessie?
   • A. She was his tenant
   • B. She was his niece
   • C. She was his friend
   • D. She was his daughter
     Correct Answer: A
4. What did Captain Hagberd buy for his son’s return?
   • A. A new boat
   • B. Furniture for a house
   • C. A piece of land
   • D. A horse-drawn cart
     Correct Answer: B
5. What recurring phrase did Captain Hagberd use about his son’s return?
   • A. “Next week”
   • B. “Tomorrow”
   • C. “Soon”
   • D. “One day”
     Correct Answer: B

Inference Questions

6. It can be inferred that Captain Hagberd’s obsession with his son’s return was caused by:
   • A. His son’s failure to write letters
   • B. His loneliness and isolation
   • C. His desire for wealth
   • D. His failing health
     Correct Answer: B
7. What does the author imply about the townsfolk’s attitude toward Captain Hagberd?
   • A. They admired him
   • B. They feared him
   • C. They mocked him
   • D. They supported him
     Correct Answer: C
8. It can be inferred that Bessie’s attitude towards Captain Hagberd was:
   • A. Contemptuous
   • B. Compassionate
   • C. Indifferent
   • D. Fearful
     Correct Answer: B

Main Idea or Purpose Questions

9. What is the main theme of the story?
   • A. The destructive power of hope
   • B. The joy of familial reunions
   • C. The beauty of the sea
   • D. The conflict between generations
     Correct Answer: A
10. What is the author’s purpose in depicting Captain Hagberd’s eccentricity?
    • A. To show the dangers of obsession
    • B. To criticize small-town life
    • C. To explore the lives of sailors
    • D. To emphasize the importance of family
      Correct Answer: A

Vocabulary in Context Questions

11. What does the word “eccentric” mean as used to describe Captain Hagberd?
    • A. Wealthy
    • B. Unusual
    • C. Dangerous
    • D. Foolish
      Correct Answer: B
12. What does “delusion” mean in the context of Captain Hagberd’s belief about his son’s return?
    • A. A dream
    • B. A lie
    • C. A false belief
    • D. A memory
      Correct Answer: C
13. What does the term “self-esteem” mean as it applies to the line: “Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem”?
    • A. Self-confidence
    • B. Humility
    • C. Pride
    • D. Awareness
      Correct Answer: A

Author’s Tone or Attitude Questions

14. What is the author’s tone toward Captain Hagberd?
    • A. Mocking
    • B. Sympathetic
    • C. Indifferent
    • D. Critical
      Correct Answer: B
15. How does the author feel about Bessie?
    • A. Respectful
    • B. Pitying
    • C. Dismissive
    • D. Amused
      Correct Answer: B

Sequence of Events Questions

16. What happened first in Captain Hagberd’s life?
    • A. He moved to Colebrook
    • B. He lost his wife
    • C. He retired as a sailor
    • D. He advertised for his son
      Correct Answer: C
17. What is the sequence of Captain Hagberd’s actions after moving to Colebrook?
    • A. Bought land → Advertised for his son → Built cottages
    • B. Advertised for his son → Built cottages → Bought land
    • C. Built cottages → Advertised for his son → Bought land
    • D. Bought land → Built cottages → Advertised for his son
      Correct Answer: D

Cause and Effect Questions

18. What caused Captain Hagberd to believe his son would return to Colebrook?
    • A. A letter from his son
    • B. His wife’s insistence
    • C. A hoax letter
    • D. A sailor’s testimony
      Correct Answer: C
19. What is the effect of Captain Hagberd’s obsession on Bessie?
    • A. She becomes angry
    • B. She pities him
    • C. She grows distant
    • D. She moves away
      Correct Answer: B

Comparison Questions

20. How does Captain Hagberd compare to Mr. Carvil?
    • A. Both are wealthy
    • B. Both are controlling
    • C. Both are blind
    • D. Both are hopeful
      Correct Answer: B
21. How does Harry differ from Captain Hagberd in his attitude toward home?
    • A. Harry values it more
    • B. Harry dislikes the idea of a home
    • C. Harry is indifferent
    • D. Harry sees it as a responsibility
      Correct Answer: B

Challenging/Advanced Questions

22. What does the story suggest about the nature of hope?
    • A. Hope is essential for survival
    • B. Hope can become an unhealthy obsession
    • C. Hope is always justified
    • D. Hope is irrational
      Correct Answer: B
23. What literary device does Conrad use when describing Captain Hagberd as a “sea-god”?
    • A. Allusion
    • B. Metaphor
    • C. Simile
    • D. Hyperbole
      Correct Answer: A
24. Why is Captain Hagberd’s belief about his son tragic?
    • A. It isolates him from reality
    • B. It makes him cruel to others
    • C. It prevents him from saving money
    • D. It alienates him from his son
      Correct Answer: A
25. What lesson does the story “Tomorrow” teach about relationships?
    • A. Family ties are unbreakable
    • B. Obsession can destroy connections
    • C. Communication is unnecessary
    • D. Forgiveness is essential
      Correct Answer: B