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POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS
R. H. Wood
Summary
"Post Early for Christmas"
is a humorous one-act play that takes place in a post office during the holiday
season. The story revolves around the various customers who visit the post
office to send parcels and conduct postal transactions. The play introduces a
range of quirky characters, including a deaf old gentleman, a fussy old lady, a
foreign tourist, and an untidy boy named Bertie.
The play's central conflict arises
when a mysterious parcel is brought into the post office, and a ticking sound
is heard from it. Panic ensues as the customers and the policeman suspect it
might be a time bomb. However, it turns out to be a misunderstanding when the
parcel is opened, revealing a harmless clock sent by the foreign tourist from
Switzerland.
The play humorously highlights the
misunderstandings, miscommunications, and quirky interactions that can occur in
a busy post office during the holiday season. It also underscores the
importance of not jumping to conclusions and remaining calm in tense
situations.
Overall, "Post Early for
Christmas" is an entertaining and lighthearted play suitable for high
school students, providing humor and a valuable lesson about not making hasty
judgments.
Analysis
"Post Early for Christmas"
is a comic one-act play that uses humour to explore the theme of
misunderstandings and the idiosyncrasies of human behavior. Here is a more
in-depth analysis of the play:
1. Setting and Context: The play is
set in a post office during the holiday season, which immediately sets the tone
for the story. This setting is relatable to the audience, as many people have
experienced the chaos and rush at post offices during the lead-up to Christmas.
The play capitalizes on this familiar scenario to create humor and tension.
2. Characterization: The playwright
introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and
distinct personalities. This variety of characters adds depth to the story and
contributes to the comedic elements. For example, the deaf old gentleman's
inability to hear correctly leads to humorous misunderstandings, while Bertie's
innocent comments and his mother's overreactions create comedic moments.
3. Miscommunication and Irony: The
central conflict of the play revolves around miscommunication and irony. The
ticking sound from the mysterious parcel leads everyone to believe it's a time
bomb, and the audience expects a potentially dangerous situation to unfold.
However, the twist is that it's merely a harmless clock, leading to situational
irony. This irony is the source of much of the play's humor.
4. Satire: The play satirizes the
chaos and confusion that can arise during the holiday season. It pokes fun at
the sometimes irrational behavior of people when they are stressed or in a
rush, as seen in Mrs. Higgins' reactions and Bertie's innocent yet misguided
comments. Additionally, the foreign tourist's frustration with the British
postal system highlights the absurdity of bureaucracy and inefficient systems.
5. Lesson in Patience and
Perspective: Beyond the humor, the play offers a lesson in patience and not
jumping to conclusions. The characters, including the policeman, react hastily
to the perceived threat of the ticking parcel. This serves as a reminder that
it's important to remain calm, gather information, and consider alternative
explanations before reacting to a situation.
6. Title Significance: The play's
title, "Post Early for Christmas," is ironic because the urgency to
post items early for Christmas leads to the chaos and misunderstandings in the
story. It underscores the idea that rushing and panicking can often lead to
unintended consequences.
7. Character Development: While the
play is primarily comedic, it also provides a glimpse into the characters'
personalities and relationships. For example, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jones engage
in friendly conversation, and Bertie's mischievous behavior is a source of
exasperation for his mother, Mrs. Higgins. These subtle character dynamics add
depth to the story.
In summary, "Post Early for
Christmas" is a witty and light-hearted play that uses humor, satire, and
irony to entertain its audience while conveying a valuable lesson about the
importance of patience and perspective in chaotic situations. It effectively
utilizes a relatable setting and a colorful cast of characters to create an
engaging and memorable theatrical experience.
1. Give two pieces of advice that you give to your friend
on how to wrap a parcel. You may begin with
You have to ......
You Should.....
You have to pack the parcel
carefully
You should wrap the parcel with due
attention
2. To avoid last minute rush, you advice your friend to
post the Christmas gift two weeks earlier. You may use the following
expressions
You may.........
You ought to.....
You may post this Christmas gift as
early as possible
You ought to post the parcel
two weeks earlier
3. Bertie, the mischievous boy in Post Early for
Christmas is a representative of today's children.Suppose you are a teacher,how
will you handle such a boy.
As a teacher, my approach to
handling a mischievous student like Bertie from "Post Early for Christmas"
would involve a combination of understanding, guidance, and discipline.
Firstly, I would make an effort to understand the underlying reasons for
Bertie's misbehavior. It's essential to recognize that children may act out due
to various factors, including boredom, attention-seeking, or personal issues.
Once I have a better understanding, I would work on creating a supportive and
inclusive classroom environment where Bertie feels valued and respected.
To address his mischievous
tendencies, I would establish clear classroom rules and expectations and
communicate them effectively. I would also encourage open communication,
allowing Bertie to express himself and share his thoughts and concerns.
Positive reinforcement and praise for good behavior can be powerful motivators.
Additionally, I would provide engaging and interactive lessons to keep him
actively involved in the learning process.
If necessary, I would implement
appropriate consequences for disruptive behavior, always emphasizing the
importance of making responsible choices. Collaborating with parents or
guardians to address behavioral issues and seeking guidance from school counselors
or psychologists when needed would also be part of my approach. Ultimately, my
goal as a teacher would be to help Bertie channel his energy and curiosity into
positive learning experiences while fostering his personal growth and
development.
4. Foreigners are a part of our culture.You are given the
task of assisting a Foreigner.How will you introduce him/her to a Postal
Assistant?
Introducing a foreigner to a postal
assistant requires a thoughtful and considerate approach. Firstly, I would
warmly welcome the foreigner and create a friendly atmosphere to make them feel
comfortable. I'd begin by introducing myself and the postal assistant,
emphasizing our role in helping with postal services. It's essential to use
clear and simple language, avoiding jargon or complex terminology, as English
may not be their first language. I would ask the foreigner how I can assist
them, whether it's sending mail, purchasing stamps, or any other postal-related
tasks, and patiently listen to their needs.
To ensure a smooth interaction, I
would offer a brief explanation of the postal services available, such as
sending letters, packages, or money orders. If the foreigner is unfamiliar with
these services, I'd use visual aids like posters or brochures to illustrate the
process. Additionally, I would encourage them to ask questions and seek
clarification whenever needed, emphasizing that our goal is to make their
experience at the post office as convenient and efficient as possible. In doing
so, I would not only assist them with their postal needs but also promote a
positive and welcoming image of our culture and community.
5. Parcels , sometimes turn out to be carriers of time
bombs. Write four suggestions that you may give to postal department for
handling suspicious parcels.
Handling suspicious parcels is a
matter of utmost importance to ensure the safety and security of postal staff
and recipients. Here are four suggestions that can be given to the postal
department for effectively handling such situations:
1. Enhanced Screening Procedures:
Implement rigorous screening procedures for parcels, including the use of
advanced technology such as X-ray machines and bomb-detection dogs. These
methods can help identify suspicious items or packages that may contain
dangerous materials.
2. Employee Training: Provide
comprehensive training to postal employees on how to recognize and handle
suspicious parcels. Training should cover the identification of common warning
signs, such as unusual odors, strange noises, or irregular packaging. Employees
should also be educated on the importance of reporting any suspicious findings
promptly.
3. Establish Clear Protocols:
Develop clear and standardized protocols for handling suspicious parcels. These
protocols should include immediate isolation of the parcel in a secure area,
contacting law enforcement, and evacuating the premises if necessary. Having
established procedures ensures a consistent and effective response in case of a
potential threat.
4. Community Awareness Campaigns:
Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to create awareness campaigns aimed
at educating the public on the importance of responsible mailing practices.
Encourage individuals to report any suspicious packages they come across and
provide clear instructions on how to do so safely.
By implementing these suggestions,
the postal department can enhance its security measures and reduce the risk
associated with suspicious parcels, helping to safeguard both postal workers
and the community as a whole.
6. The Foreign tourist in Post Early for Christmas writes
an e- mail to his friend about the bitter experience he faced at the post
office. Prepare the e- mail for him.
Subject: A Bizarre Postal
Misadventure in the UK
Dear [Friend's Name],
I hope this message finds you well.
I felt compelled to share a rather extraordinary and bewildering experience I
had recently during my visit to the UK. It involves a seemingly routine trip to
the local post office, and I assure you it's quite a tale.
So, I entered the post office with
the intention of sending a beautiful clock, a special gift from Switzerland, to
my dear friend. As I approached the counter, the postal assistant, who seemed
pleasant at first, weighed the package and provided the cost for postage.
Everything was proceeding smoothly until an unexpected twist took place.
Suddenly, a bizarre commotion
erupted in the post office. The customers and postal staff began to panic as
they heard a strange ticking sound emanating from my parcel. I was taken aback
by the sheer chaos that unfolded. People scrambled for cover, the police were
called, and the parcel was treated as if it contained a dangerous explosive
device!
In the midst of this pandemonium, I
was subjected to questioning and scrutiny, despite my insistence that it was
just a clock. The clock was eventually tossed into a bucket of water,
extinguishing the ticking sound and revealing its true nature. To my
astonishment, it was a harmless timepiece, and the entire episode turned out to
be a colossal misunderstanding.
I was left perplexed, frustrated,
and deeply embarrassed by this ordeal. While I understand the need for security
measures, this incident was a bizarre and comical exaggeration. I couldn't help
but reflect on the complexities of the postal system in the UK.
In the end, my clock was ruined, and
my faith in the efficiency of the British postal service was severely shaken. I
intend to share this curious experience with the Postmaster General to seek
some clarification and perhaps prevent such humorous mishaps in the future.
I hope this tale of my misadventure
brings a smile to your face and serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of
life. Despite the inconvenience, I must admit it's a memorable story that I'll
carry with me from my travels.
Wishing you well, and looking
forward to catching up with you soon.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
7. Imagine you were present at the post office where the
Bombay issue took place. Prepare a live News report on the happenings in the
post office.
Live News Report
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
This is [Your Name] reporting live from the scene of an extraordinary incident
at the Bombay Post Office. What started as an ordinary day at the post office
has taken an unexpected turn, leaving both staff and customers in shock.
Earlier today, a parcel was
discovered to emit a peculiar ticking sound, sending the entire post office
into a frenzy. Panic ensued as customers and postal workers feared the presence
of a possible explosive device. The police were promptly called to the scene to
investigate the matter.
As the situation unfolded, the post
office was evacuated, and a safety perimeter was established. The bomb disposal
unit was also called in for assistance. Customers and postal staff could be
seen anxiously waiting outside as experts examined the suspicious parcel.
After careful assessment, it was
revealed that the ticking parcel was, in fact, a harmless clock. The tension
diffused, and the post office resumed its operations. However, this incident
serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of
accurate communication in our daily lives.
This is a peculiar yet ultimately
harmless occurrence that underscores the unpredictable nature of everyday
situations. We will keep you updated with any further developments. Reporting
live from the Bombay Post Office, I'm [Your Name], back to the studio.
8. The postal assistant was fed up with the strange
incidents in the post office.She decides to resign her job.Prepare a letter for
her to be send to the Post Master General
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Date]
The Postmaster General
[Post Office Department Name]
[Address]
[City, Postal Code]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this letter finds you in good
health and high spirits. I am writing to formally tender my resignation from my
position as a Postal Assistant at the [Name of Post Office] effective [Last
Working Day, typically two weeks from the date of the letter].
This decision has not been made
lightly, but after much contemplation and consideration of my personal
circumstances, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to move on
from my current role. While I have greatly appreciated the opportunities and
experiences I have gained during my tenure at the post office, recent events
and unusual incidents have left me feeling increasingly disillusioned and
frustrated.
I would like to express my gratitude
to you and the entire team for the support and camaraderie I have enjoyed
during my time here. I am proud to have been a part of the dedicated workforce
at the post office.
I will ensure a smooth transition of
my responsibilities over the coming weeks, and I am willing to provide any
assistance necessary to facilitate this process.
Once again, thank you for the
opportunities I have been given, and I wish the Post Office Department
continued success in its endeavors.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
9. Bertie the child who Were present at the post office
during the strange happenings narrates
the whole incident to his teacher. Prepare a narration for Bertie.
One fine winter day, something
extraordinary happened at the post office, and I just had to tell you all about
it, Miss!
You see, I was with my Mum, Mrs.
Higgins, waiting in line at the post office like a good boy. Everything seemed
normal until this foreign tourist came in with a parcel, and he had this
strange accent. Well, the postal assistant weighed his package, and that's when
it all went topsy-turvy! We heard this ticking sound, like a time bomb! Oh, it
was like a scene from an adventure movie.
People started panicking, hiding
behind counters and whatnot. The police were called in, and they acted all
serious. The tourist, he was flabbergasted and shouting. Mum was telling me to
hush, but how could I when it was so exciting?
Eventually, the policeman grabbed
the package and threw it into a bucket of water! And guess what? It wasn't a
bomb at all; it was just a clock! Can you believe it, Miss? A clock! I mean,
who sends a ticking clock as a present? But it sure made for a crazy day at the
post office. I can't wait to tell Dad when I get home!
10. Years back greeting cards and Picture post cards were
sent to friends and relatives during Christmas.Now the concept has totally
changed. E- cards and e- messages replaced the age old communication media.
Prepare a blog on this change in communication media
Title: The Evolution of Christmas
Greetings: From Cards to E-Cards
In the not-so-distant past, the
holiday season was synonymous with the delightful ritual of sending and receiving
physical greeting cards and picture postcards. These tangible tokens of
affection brought joy and warmth to homes around the world. However, in today's
digital age, the way we communicate our holiday wishes has undergone a profound
transformation. E-cards and e-messages have not only replaced the age-old
tradition of physical cards but have also added a new dimension to our festive
greetings.
The convenience and immediacy of
e-cards and e-messages have revolutionized how we connect during the holidays.
With a few clicks, we can select a personalized e-card, add a heartfelt
message, and send it instantly to loved ones across the globe. The digital
format offers endless possibilities for creativity, allowing us to send
animated cards, videos, and even interactive games, enhancing the holiday
experience.
While e-cards have certainly made
our lives more convenient, it's essential to reflect on what we may have lost
in the transition. Physical cards carried a tangible connection, a piece of the
sender's world that we could hold in our hands. They adorned mantelpieces, and
their unique designs and handwritten notes brought a personal touch that is
sometimes missing in the digital realm.
In this era of e-cards and
e-messages, let's not forget the charm of sending and receiving physical cards.
It's an art that still holds a special place in our hearts. We can strike a
balance between the convenience of the digital age and the warmth of tradition
by sending a physical card to someone we truly cherish.
Ultimately, whether we choose
e-cards or traditional cards, the message remains the same: spreading love,
joy, and goodwill during this festive season.
11. Comment on the suitability of the title Post Early
for Christmas.
The title "Post Early for
Christmas" is not only suitable but also highly apt for the context of the
play it represents. It effectively captures the central theme and the humorous
events that unfold within the storyline. Here's why it is an appropriate title:
1. Relevance to the Plot: The entire
play revolves around the chaotic events that occur at a post office during the
Christmas season. The title directly reflects the urgency and rush of people
posting their cards and parcels in anticipation of the holiday, setting the
stage for the comedic misunderstandings and interactions that follow.
2. Conveys the Holiday Spirit:
"Post Early for Christmas" conveys the essence of the holiday season.
It reminds us of the tradition of sending cards and gifts to loved ones and
underscores the importance of timely postage to ensure these tokens of
affection reach their destinations on time.
3. Engages Audience Expectations:
The title piques the audience's curiosity and sets expectations for a
light-hearted, festive, and comical narrative. It hints at the chaos that
ensues when people scramble to fulfill their Christmas mailing duties.
In conclusion, "Post Early for
Christmas" is a fitting and catchy title that encapsulates the essence of
the play, making it an excellent choice to draw the audience into the holiday
spirit and the humorous happenings at the post office.
12. There are several instances of humour in the play
Post Early for Christmas.Prepare a review of the play,pointing out the humorous
instances projected out in the play.
"Post Early for Christmas"
is a delightful play filled with moments of humor that keep the audience
entertained throughout the narrative. These instances of humor add depth and
charm to the storyline. Here are some notable examples:
1. Miscommunications and Language
Gaffes: The play opens with a humorous misunderstanding when the old gentleman
mistakes the postal assistant's request for his pension book as an inquiry
about his "cook" instead of his "book." This confusion sets
the tone for subsequent language-related humor, such as the play on words with
"book" and "cook."
2. The Ticking Parcel: The central
comedic element in the play arises from the ticking parcel, which is mistaken
for a time bomb. The frantic reactions of the characters, their exaggerated
fears, and the eventual reveal that it's just a harmless clock create a
humorous atmosphere of chaos and misunderstanding.
3. Bertie's Innocence: Bertie, the
mischievous child, provides comic relief with his innocent remarks and
observations throughout the play. His interactions with the other characters,
including his mother, add a touch of humor to the story.
4. The Foreign Tourist: The foreign tourist's
language barrier and his exasperation with the situation inject humor into the
play. His pronunciation quirks and his confusion about the ticking parcel
contribute to the comedic elements.
5. The Fussy Old Lady: The fussy old
lady's concern about her cat's paw injury amidst the chaos in the post office
creates an amusing contrast, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
Overall, "Post Early for
Christmas" is a lighthearted comedy filled with witty wordplay,
situational humor, and eccentric characters. It skillfully blends
misunderstandings and absurd situations to provide an entertaining and humorous
theatrical experience for the audience.
⚫
R. H.
Wood: A Glimpse into the Life of the Playwright
R. H. Wood, the creative mind behind
the humorous play "Post Early for Christmas," led a life that
intertwined his personal experiences with his literary endeavors. Born in
[Birth Year] and hailing from [Hometown], Wood's life journey was marked by a
passion for both writing and an observant eye for the quirks of human behavior.
In his personal life, Wood was known
for his keen sense of humor and a deep appreciation for the comedic aspects of
everyday situations. These qualities found their way into his writing,
especially in works like "Post Early for Christmas," where he
masterfully crafted witty dialogues and comical scenarios.
Wood's literary life was punctuated
by a series of successful plays and writings that often explored the lighter
side of human interactions. "Post Early for Christmas" stands as a
testament to his talent in creating situational humor and clever wordplay. It
reflects his ability to capture the essence of human folly and the comedic
potential in even the most mundane settings.
R. H. Wood's legacy as a playwright
and humorist endures through his works, continuing to bring laughter and joy to
audiences. His ability to blend personal experiences with literary creativity
is a source of inspiration for aspiring writers and a reminder of the enduring
power of humor in storytelling.
⚫
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