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Organise the answer around clear points and textual evidence.
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Answer: The audience hears the four men describe the camel accurately but does not yet hear their full explanations. The Merchant believes this knowledge proves theft, while the men calmly insist they have never seen the animal. Scene I ends before the truth is tested. This creates suspense because Scene II must reveal whether observation can explain the mystery and save the men.
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Answer: The men enter the court as accused thieves and could be punished if the King accepts the Merchant’s assumption. Instead, the King asks them to explain each observation. Their logical answers prove innocence and reveal rare ability. The danger therefore becomes an opportunity: the King not only frees them but appoints them as advisers, fulfilling their original hope of serving him.
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Answer: The King of Ujjain is just, patient, intelligent and able to recognise merit. He does not accept the Merchant’s accusation immediately. Instead, he asks for clarity and gives each young man a chance to explain. He follows their reasoning and judges the evidence fairly. After clearing them, he goes beyond punishment or praise and appoints them as advisers. This shows that he values wisdom and wants capable people to guide his kingdom.
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Answer: The Merchant is distressed because his valuable camel is missing. His surprise is understandable when strangers describe the animal exactly. However, he is also impatient, suspicious and quick to accuse. He turns a doubt into a charge of theft without asking how the men reached their conclusions. In court, he learns that his judgement was unfair and leaves ashamed. His character shows how fear and haste can weaken judgement.
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Answer: The four men are literally travelling on a road to Ujjain, hoping to find work. Their wisdom creates another path. Careful observation helps them understand the camel, and clear reasoning proves their innocence before the King. The same ability earns them places as royal advisers. Thus, wisdom “paves the way” by removing danger and opening the road to recognition, responsibility and success.
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Answer: The four men observe details and connect each clue with a reason. The Merchant sees their knowledge but assumes theft without proof. The King listens to both sides and tests the explanations before judging. The play therefore shows that wisdom is patient and evidence-based, while assumption is quick and unsupported.
