The Great Stone Face Part Two
Focused last-minute literature revision with story summary, characters, themes, vocabulary, exam traps and compact practice.
Chapter Snapshot
- Ernest grows older and becomes respected for wisdom and goodness.
- People come to hear him speak because his life gives weight to his words.
- A famous poet visits the valley and meets Ernest.
- The poet realises that Ernest himself resembles the Great Stone Face in both appearance and spirit.
- Ernest does not become proud when the prophecy seems fulfilled.
- He continues to hope that an even greater person may still appear.
What You Will Learn
- Continue the story from Part One
- Explain Ernest's growth and reputation
- Describe the poet's role
- Explain why the poet recognises Ernest's resemblance
- Discuss humility and true greatness
- Interpret the ending of the story
Last-Minute Chapter Map
For literature revision, remember four things first: what happens, who changes, what the central idea is, and why the ending matters. Then revise vocabulary and attempt the questions.
1. Ernest as an Adult
2. The Poet
A celebrated poet whose work Ernest admires comes to visit. Ernest wonders whether the poet might be the person foretold in the prophecy.
3. Words and Life
The poet understands that beautiful words alone are not enough. He sees that Ernest's simple speeches are powerful because they come from a life of sincerity and goodness.
4. Recognition
While listening to Ernest speak with the Great Stone Face behind him, the poet suddenly recognises the resemblance between Ernest and the mountain face. The prophecy has effectively been fulfilled.
5. Ernest's Humility
Ernest does not celebrate himself or claim greatness. He quietly continues his life and still hopes that someone greater may appear. This reaction proves the very humility that makes him worthy.
6. Final Message
True greatness is not based on wealth, military success, public reputation or artistic fame alone. It is created by the harmony between noble thoughts, words and actions.
Exam Lens
How to Answer Literature Questions
| Question Type | Best Approach |
|---|---|
| Plot | Write events in correct sequence and avoid unnecessary detail |
| Character | Give a trait, evidence from the story, and its effect |
| Theme | State the idea, connect it to an event, then explain the message |
| Inference | Use clues from the text rather than guessing beyond the story |
| Title | Connect the title to the central event or message |
Key Terms
Exam Traps
Quick Revision
Quick Revision
- Ernest grows older and becomes respected for wisdom and goodness.
- People come to hear him speak because his life gives weight to his words.
- A famous poet visits the valley and meets Ernest.
- The poet realises that Ernest himself resembles the Great Stone Face in both appearance and spirit.
- Ernest does not become proud when the prophecy seems fulfilled.
- He continues to hope that an even greater person may still appear.
- In long answers, use point + story evidence + explanation rather than retelling the entire chapter.
Compact Practice
Who finally recognises Ernest as resembling the Great Stone Face?
View Solution
The poet.
Why do people respect Ernest?
View Solution
His wisdom, goodness and sincere life give authority to his words.
What does the poet realise about Ernest?
View Solution
Ernest resembles the Great Stone Face not only physically but in noble character.
Why is Ernest's humility important at the end?
View Solution
Even when others see him as the fulfilment of the prophecy, he does not become proud, proving that his greatness is genuine.
What does the story suggest about the relationship between character and appearance?
View Solution
Deep character can shape how a person is perceived; true resemblance is moral as much as physical.
Final Chapter Summary
Chapter Summary
- Ernest grows older and becomes respected for wisdom and goodness.
- People come to hear him speak because his life gives weight to his words.
- A famous poet visits the valley and meets Ernest.
- The poet realises that Ernest himself resembles the Great Stone Face in both appearance and spirit.
- Ernest does not become proud when the prophecy seems fulfilled.
- Revise the chapter as plot → character → theme → message → likely inference question.