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CLASS - XII COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH An Effort Of: SIR KHALID KHAN

Com pre hens ive

XII – ENGLISH

(ACCORDING TO NEW PATTERN)

THE PRISONER
OF ZENDA

AN EFFORT OF:

KHALID KHAN
AN EFFORT OF: SIR KHALID KHAN
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CLASS - XII COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH An Effort Of: SIR KHALID KHAN

AN EFFORT OF: SIR KHALID KHAN

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CLASS - XII COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH An Effort Of: SIR KHALID KHAN

Princess Flavia
INTRODUCTION:
Princess Flavia is a character from the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda, written by Anthony
Hope. She is the only female character who is not directly involved in the conspiracies, which
pervade the entire atmosphere of the novel. She is the cousin and fiancée of King Rudolf Elphberg
and is the immediate inheritor to the throne. She bears a bewitching personality and fascinates the
readers by the elegant attitude.
Her appearance can be perceived by Rudolf Rassendyll saying:
“The face of a girl pale and lovely, surmounted by a crown of glorious Elphberg hair.”

BEAUTIFUL ASPECTS OF HER ROLE:

Princess Flavia is a young, captivating and decent lady. She possesses a character full of virtues and
commands great respect and admiration among the people of Ruritania. They wish to see her as
the future queen of the country. She is a noble and kind-hearted woman.
“Trust men, and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves
great.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
SOBERNESS AND INTELLIGENCE:
Princess Flavia is a wise woman. Her wisdom keeps her aware of the evil desires of Black Michael,
who is not a good man. She very intelligently keeps herself away from all sorts of intrigues. She is a
sensible person who has the courage to face the realities of life.
Her intelligence is enlightened when she said to Rassendyll:
“Do be careful,” she went on, “you don‟t – indeed you don‟t – keep enough watch on him.

ROMANCE:
Princess Flavia is a lady with elements of love in her heart. These elements increase the fascination
and temptation in her character. She sincerely and quite confidently admits her inclination towards
Rassendyll, being impressed by his personality. She was bold enough to propose Rassendyll but her
sensibility restricted her to perform any action below dignity. She gave heart and soul to Rudolf
Rassendyll considering him to be the real king. She never mourns her decision even after coming to
know that he is a pretender. She confessed that Rudolf Rassendyll was acceptable to him even if he
was a beggar.
“The fate of love is that it always seems too little or too much.”
DEVOTION:
The princess was a sincere and devoted lady, always worried about the security of Rassendyll. She
advised him time and again to be cautious of the wicked plans of Duke Michael. When Black
Michael was successful in injuring Rassendyll, she at once reached Zenda to look after him. This
action reflects her sense of responsibility and devotion towards the man whom she loved from the
depths of her heart.
She said to Rassendyll:
“Oh, if you were not the king, then I could show you how I love you.”

DUTY AND PATRIOTISM:

Princess Flavia is a responsible lady. She very loyal to her country and knows the difference
between love and duty. She sets an example of the greatest sacrifice by giving up her love at the
altar of duty. This aspect of her character shows that she is not the slave of her passions.

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CLASS - XII COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH An Effort Of: SIR KHALID KHAN

Here sense of duty is enlightened when she says to Rassendyll:
“Your ring will always be on my finger, your heart in my heart. But you must go and I
must stay.”
PARAGON OF BEAUTY:
Princes Flavia is a perfect model of feminine charm and a paragon of beauty. As far as her physical feature
is concerned, her crowning glory is her ancestral red hair. Rassendyll says:
„I can thank God that I loved the noblest lady in the world. The most gracious and beautiful.‟

THE GREAT SACRIFICE:

The grace of her character shines superbly when she says:
“Rudolf my Honour lies in being true to my country and my house. I do not know why God has let
me love you; but i know i must stay.
In order to maintain peace in Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Princess Flavia took a
sensible and daring step. She sacrificed her love for the sake of her homeland and parted with
Rassendyll forever. It was a noble and graceful decision in the interest of Ruritania and the Royal
family.
“There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.”

EVERY INCH NOBEL:

Flavia is Nobel to the core and gentle to the backbone. There was a milk of human kindness in her
and she was miles away from deception and fraud. She has a soft corner for lady Mauban who falls
a prey to the treachery of Michael. She extends helpful hand to Rassendyll. She weeps when she
knows that Rassendyll is going on hunting expedition; there are tears in her eyes and she sharps;
“I regret that we can amuse your Majesty here in Strelsau. I would have offered you more
entertainment, but i was foolish enough to think.

CONCLUSION:
Princess Flavia proves to be not only the leading female character of the novel but also the most
lively and integral personality. She holds the attentions of the readers because of her charm, duty
and incredible virtues. She respected the wishes of the people and the country and gave up her
love for the sake of her country. She is a complete symbol of love, beauty and sacrifice, which
makes her an admirable character.
“To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable, to love all is glorious.”

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CLASS - XII COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH An Effort Of: SIR KHALID KHAN

Rudolf Rassendyll
INTRODUCTION:
Rudolf Rassendyll is the hero and central character of the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda,
written by Anthony Hope. The integral character of Rassendyll holds the attention of the readers
throughout the exciting events of the novel. Rassendyll possesses a prime personality and is linked
with the main incidents of the novel in one way or the other.

VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HIS ROLE:

Rudolf Rassendyll is a tall, young and handsome man, who belongs to a noble family in England. He
is an educated man of twenty-nine, who has perfect command over German and French. He is bold,
cultural and knows the art of becoming popular. He has red hair, straight nose, blue eyes and a
beard. His physical appearance bears striking resemblance to that of the real king, though there
were some points of differences. Rassendyll himself pointed out:
“The king‟s face was slightly fleshier than mine, the oval of its contour the least trifle more
pronounced and his mouth lacking something of the firmness which was to be gathered from my
close-shutting lips.”
However, in spite of these differences, Colonel Sapt could not help mentioning to Rassendyll:
“You‟re an Elphberg, every inch of you.”

ADVENTURE:
Rudolf Rassendyll is very fond of adventures and loves to roam about instead of sticking to a job. He
is also a good mastermind who handles difficult situations seeming effortless. The desire to
participate in sensational events is always there in his heart. This desire was fulfilled by his play-
acting of King Rudolf Elphberg, who was very identical to him. His likeness with the king of Ruritania
helped him to make his mission a success. He pledges in strong and unequivocal terms:
“I have been an imposter for the profit of another, but I will not be one for my own; and if the
king is not alive and on his throne before the day of betrothal comes I will tell the truth, come
what may.”

WISDOM AND PRUDENCE:

Rudolf Rassendyll proves himself to be a man of outstanding attributes and full of wisdom. He plays
the role of the king very intelligently. Once he gets entangled in Ruritanian politics, he becomes
conscious not only of the significance of his royal position but also of the responsibility, which lies
on his shoulders. He is a wise, cool minded and responsible man.
‘Intellect----- the straight of the brain’

FAITHFULNESS AND SINCERITY:

Rudolf Rassendyll is a sincere man. He does not want to keep the throne to himself. He carries out
all his responsibilities with firmness and confidence. He realizes that it is his duty to restore the real
king to the throne and he never tries to take undue advantage as a pretender.
„Honesty is really only the art of appearing hones.‟
His veracity and sincerity is outstanding as he declares:
“If I‟m found out, I‟ll make a clean breast of it, and fight it out with the Duke.”

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BOLDNESS AND COURAGE:
Rudolf Rassendyll is supposed to be gifted with extraordinary courage and chivalry, and does not
fall short of our expectations in this matter. He is an expert rider and an excellent sword man.
When time and fate offered Rassendyll a challenge, he accepted him as a brave man. His stay in
Ruritania unfolds his marvelous sense of responsibility, boldness and wisdom. The role played by
him in Ruritania to save the throne from Black Michael was really an act of gallantry and wisdom.
„The best hearts are ever the bravest‟.

ROMANCE:
The romantic aspect of Rassendyll’s personality shows that his heart throbs for Princess Flavia but
the sense of duty and devotion to the throne is far stronger in him. The circumstances urge him to
express love to Princess Flavia but boot to feel it. Being deeply conscious of his responsibility and
dedication, he declares:
“I had to keep the princess devoted to me and yet indifferent to me; I had to show affection for her
and not feel it.”

SELFLESS PERSON:
Rassendyll is a sincere and selfless person. He deals Ruritanian in a decent manner. He selflessly
performs his role. Ruritanian love him and consider him their good king. The real, at the end of the
story, cannot help mentioning his services.
“Yes it is done as no man but you could have done it. I wanted to take you Strelsau and keep with
me and tell everyone of what you had done and you would have been my best friend, cousin
Rudolf.”

THE GREAT SACRIFICE:

In order to maintain peace in Ruritania and not to disgrace the royal family, Rudolf Rassendyll took
a sensible and daring step. He sacrificed his love at the altar of duty and left Ruritania with tears of
regret in the eyes of Princess Flavia, words of gratitude on the lips of king, applause and
appreciation from all the countrymen and feeling of satisfaction on his own part.
“There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.”

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CLASS - XII COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH An Effort Of: SIR KHALID KHAN

Colonel sapt
INTRODUCTION:
Colonel Sapt is one of the most significant and momentous characters of the novel entitled Prisoner
of Zenda, written by Anthony Hope. Being the most loyal servant of the kind, Colonel Sapt was the
man behind the impersonating of King Elphberg by Rudolf Rassendyll. It was due to his guidance
that Rassendyll could successfully play the role of king Elphberg.
Colonel Sapt has played the character of an honest person who has sincere wishes to save the
throne for the real king of Ruritania. A single glance over the mentioned qualities will bring to light
the noble character of Colonel Sapt.

COURAGE AND BRAVERY:

Colonel Sapt is a brave man whose gallantry keeps him motivated for taking personal risks. He
shows great valour on all events. He is also very loyal to the king and serves the throne with
dedication and faith. Being a sovereign authority, he has enough experience in the art of governing
people. His only objective in life is to reinstate King Elphberg.
„The best hearts are ever the bravest‟.
For this achievement, he uses all the persons including Countess Flavia as pieces of chess board.
Sapt’s courage and determination is enlightened when he said to Rassendyll:
“If we‟re detected, I‟ll send Black Michael down below before I go myself.”

WISDOM AND SENSIBILITY:

Colonel Sapt is a wise man. His superb prudence made him sensible enough not take reckless steps.
He uses his mind and intelligence on the battlefield of life. It was merely due to his witticism that
Rassendyll’s identification was not revealed. Although the Colonel does not accept advises from
others, his gorgeous mentality enables him to crush all the obstacles that come in the path of his
aim. Due to these qualities, he exalted himself in the eyes of the king and Rassendyll.
His wisdom is enlightened when he said:
“… If you do not go I swear to you Black Michael will sit tonight on the throne, and the king lies
in prison or his grave.”

FRIENDLY ATTITUDE:
Colonel Sapt is not only a good advisor, but also a sincere friend of Rassendyll. He became
Rassendyll’s friend as soon as they both met. Colonel Sapt served his friend on every difficult stage.
A good example of sincere friendship is seen at the Summer House, when Rassendyll was in a
dangerous situation among the enemies.
‘Love and respect yield devotion in thee’.

BACHELORSHIP:
Colonel Sapt appears to be a confirmed bachelor having low opinion about women. He never trusts
in ladies, but believes that women spoil everything. Even the princess does not come in exception
to his hatred for the opposite gender.
When Mme de Mauban invites Rassendyll to the Summer House, he said:
“I do not believe any woman and you shall not go.”

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DISCIPLINE:
Colonel Sapt is a well-disciplined man. He has some firm rules, which are strictly followed by him.
This discipline and devotion leads the Colonel to serve the king and his country.
When Rassendyll went to Marshall for some help without consulting him, Sapt angrily said:
“Sapt likes to be consulted before hand, not informed afterwards.”

LOYALTY:
Colonel Sapt is a Colonel in the Ruritanian Army. He is the oldest of all the hot-blooded army men.
The Colonel is a devoted servant of the king. His loyalty is for the cause of monarchy and not for any
particular person. He has a highly productive mind, which enables him to act daringly to restore the
throne. He succeeded in liberating who was the actual inheritor to the throne.
Colonel Sapt says:
“I have eaten the King‟s bread and I am the King‟s servant.”

CONCLUSION:
Colonel Sapt is never drifted away by the ferocious design of temptation. In this respect, Colonel
Sapt emerges as a figure of great importance and his character shines in the radians of all praise.
The character performed by Colonel Sapt is worth-reading. Readers get fascinated by his wisdom,
loyalty, courage and good principles.

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CLASS - XII COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH An Effort Of: SIR KHALID KHAN

Black Michael
INTRODUCTION:
Black Michael is the villain of the novel entitled The Prisoner of Zenda created by Anthony Hope. He
is stepbrother of King Elphberg. He is not the legal heir to the throne because he is the son of the
king’s second and morganatic marriage. Black Michael is the owner of castle of Zenda and the
surrounding estate. Being the favourite of the late king of Ruritania, he was appointed as the Duke
of Strelsau. He is schemer and evil by nature.
SELFISH AND HYPOCRITE:
Black Michael is a selfish man. He loves Princess Flavia just to get the throne. He is a hypocrite and
makes a false show of love towards Madam Mauban. He has become popular among a small
number of people of the country by his hypocrisy. He is over ambitious and greedy.
„Hypocrisy is the homage which vice pays to virtue.‟
A WICKED PERSON:
Black Michael is a sinful man. He makes plot to get the throne with the help of his companions, but
always tries to delude them. That is why his followers betray him, when he is expecting complete
victory. He invites Rassendyll to the Summer House through a conspiracy, but fortunately
Rassendyll survives. This sharp and evil act shows his wickedness.
„Damned hound Black Michael.‟
A CRUEL MAN:
Black Michael is indeed a cruel person. When the king has been in his noose, he treats him in a very
harsh and inhuman manner. He does not feel pity for his brother even. Black Michael is a coward
man. He wants to save his life at any cost. He does not come out to handle the situation at any
time.
„All cruelty springs from hard-heartedness add weakness.‟
A COOL-MINDED CRIMINAL:
Black Michael is a wicked but a cool minded and genius criminal. When he sees that Rassendyll has
impersonated the king of Ruritania he does not make it known to the people to keep his villainy
secret. We see that even Rupert’s interest and love for Mauban do not irritate him. It shows that he
is a controlled emotion criminal.
A SLAVE OF LUST FOR POWER:
Black Michael becomes utterly blind for power. At any rate he wants to usurp the sovereignty form
his brother. His lust for power corrupts him and brings his decline.

DAMN JEALOUS:
Black Michael is far more famous than Elphberg because he has passed almost all his life abroad.
Therefore, Black Michael enjoys the favour of almost every Ruritanian. He thinks that he is the only
one who deserves to be the king. Since he is not a legal heir to the throne, he feels jealous of his
brother. Therefore, he keeps on planning to get the throne by hook or by crook.
‘He does not hesitate to kidnap his brother for the sake of money and crown.’

THE TRAGIC END:

According to poetic justice, it is rightly said:
‘A villain is the engineer of his own catastrophe.’
Black Michael always deceives his close companions. That is why he is killed by one of his own
followers. Thus, the villain of the novel receives a tragic end.

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Antoinette – de - Mauban
INTRODUCTION:
Antoinette-de- Mauban is the character of the novel entitled Prisoner of Zenda written by Anthony
Hope. Mme-de- Mauban was a widow, rich, beautiful and clever lady. She deeply loved Black
Michael, the Duke of Strelsau.
PERSONAL MOTIVES:
She was sincerely devoted to the Duke and by this genuine attachment. She followed him at his
request from Paris to Ruritania but she was not aware that the Duke whom she thought to be a
man of strong passions was actually a cruel, cunning and selfish man who was content to take all
but gives nothing.
„The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express.‟
PEACE ACCEPTANCE:
She was a quite person who had decided to spend a quiet and peaceful time in Ruritania with the
Duke. With this intention she accepted the Duke’s request. Only to discover at her arrival that
things were contradictory to what she had though. It did not take her long to find out that the Duke
wanted to kill the King and seize the th5one for himself but Mme-de- Mauban did not desire his
triumph for she detested his crime and mainly because she knew that if Michael was made the king
he would marry Princess Flavia.
POSSESSIVE WOMAN:
She was a possessive woman and found her rival and would not bear to see the Duke abandoning
her by marrying the Princess so she betrayed Black Michael to Rassendyll by warning him of his plan
to kill him in the Summer House.
„What frenzy dictates, jealousy believes.‟
For she knew that in case of Rassendyll’s death, the Duke would become the king and would
eventually marry Flavia.
„Ambition destroy its professor.‟
CONSCIENTIOUS:
She wrote a letter to Flavia as king and warned her not to accept the Duke’s invitation in case, she
would come in the power of the Duke. She was a pretty lady and at the Zenda, Rupert, one of the
king’s six men was caught by her beauty. But Mauban hated him for she was sincerely devoted to
the Duke. Being aware of Rupert’s intentions she had warned Michael of him. Mauban was a
compassionate woman and when she learnt of the full measure of his cruelty, she was touched
with compassion for the King and from that day she became a well-wisher of Rassendyll and his
party.
„Love is blind; a love is a friend, a fire, heaven, a hell, where pleasure, pain and repentance
dwell.‟
DUKE’S INTRIGUER:
Gradually she found herself entangled into the Duke’s plan, but she was not a weak woman, tired
of quarrels and ills between the Duke and Michael and disappointed by Black Michael’s cruel plans
and selfish motives. She begs Rassendyll to rescue her from the Duke and Rupert but she still loved
Black Michael and hoped to gain his life if not his pardon from the king.
END TO THE DRAMA:
This conduct proved that no knowledge of the man’s real character was enough to root her regard,
for him out of her heart. After these tragic events she withdraws herself entirely from society. She
recognized the king’s generosity and kindness and so she did not betray the king’s trust by letting
out the secret.

AN EFFORT OF: SIR KHALID KHAN