Question

What had happened to Mrs Macpherson? Describe her condition.

Answer 1

Hint: The context of the above question is given in the chapter ‘The Best Christmas Present in the world’ written by Michael Morpurgo. It is a very heartening story which depicts-
A couple’s emotions of longingness to unite again. Emotions of army men (who are at war) to make peace with each other.

Complete answer:
The narrator of the story had purchased a roll-top desk from a junk shop in Bridport. On the desk, he found some letter which was written by an English soldier Jim to his wife, Mrs Macpherson. So, the narrator drove to Mrs Macpherson’s place to return her possession. After reaching the place he found out that her house had been burnt down.

The narrator then enquired the person next door about Mrs Macpherson’s whereabouts and about her house. The neighbour told him that she preferred to light candles than use electricity because she found electricity to be very costly, so, one day the house caught fire. She was luckily pulled out by the firemen just at the right time. And now, Mrs Macpherson was in a nursing home in Burlington House, on Dorchester road. The narrator left for the nursing home.

Her condition can be described as -
Lonely: In the nursing home she sat alone in a room on Christmas day while other people in the nursing home sat in the dining area, singing and celebrating.

Weak and old: She was sitting in a wheelchair with folded hands on her lap. When the narrator wished her a merry Christmas and described to her how he came across the letter, she kept staring at his face.
Enduring the past - When he handed her the possessions, her eyes lit up. She didn't say anything for some time and then gently stroked the letter with her fingertips. She held the narrator’s hand and said “And here you are, the best Christmas present in the world. Come closer, Jim dear, sit down. Now you’re back you can read it to me yourself. Would you do that for me, Jim dear? I just want to hear your voice again. I’d love that so much. And then perhaps we’ll have some tea. I’ve made you a nice Christmas cake, marzipan all around. I know how much you love marzipan.”

She had probably lost her recognition skills and developed a weak memory due to her old age. She had been missing her husband for years, her eyes were filled with tears, as she had assumed the narrator to be her husband and considered him to be the best Christmas present.

Note: The letter written by Jim was around the time when the British and Germans were at war with each other. The story has also reflected the spirit of Christmas which promotes brotherhood, love and peace.