English Question Bank

Class: X AB 184 - English Language and Ref.

Book: First Flight

Literature
Question Bank - 2 Topic: Long Walk to Freedom Type: (MCQ, SAQ, LAQ)
I MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
“We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare
privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of
our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with
the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for
peace, for human dignity.”
(i) The guests at the spectacular ceremony are being called distinguished
because
(a) they have been invited as guests to attend it.
(b) they are eminent world leaders witnessing it.
(c) they are visiting the country for this purpose.
(d) they have resumed diplomatic relations with the country.
(ii) It is a victory for ‘human dignity’. Pick the option that lists the correct answer
for what ‘human dignity’ would include.
(a) (i) equality, (ii) liberty, (iii) indecency
(b) (i) liberty, (ii) indecency, (iii) self-respect
(c) (i) immorality, (ii) self-respect, (iii) equality
(d) (i) equality, (ii) liberty, (iii) self-respect
(iii) Why does the speaker say that it is a ‘rare privilege’?

He says this as they have:
(a) been deprived of this honour.
(b) seldom been given this honour.
(c) experienced it for the first time.
(d) been chosen over other countries, for this honour.
(iv) How do you think the speaker feels? Choose the option that best fits his
state of mind.
(a) (i) emotional, ( ii) elated, (iii) unmindful
Prepared by: Mr. Remin Paulson & Ms. Rajasry Viswanathan H.O.D.: Mr. Deepak D. Hariharan
(b) (i) elated, ( ii) unmindful, (iii) overwhelmed
(c) (i) overwhelmed, (ii) elated, (iii) honoured
(d) (i) elated, ( ii) honoured, (iii) unmindful
(v) Pick the option that showcases the correct usage of ‘host’ as in the extract.
(a) He was praised for his hospitality as the host of the party.
(b) She was able to host the event without any hindrance.
(c) She met the host and apologised for her friend’s misbehaviour.
(d) He is the best host that one can ever come across.
Ans. (i) (b) they are eminent world leaders witnessing it.
(ii) (d) (i) equality, (ii) liberty, (iii) self-respect
(iii) (b) seldom been given this honour.
(iv) (c) (i) overwhelmed, (ii) elated, (iii) honoured
(v) (b) She was able to host the event without any hindrance.
2 I was not unmindful of the fact that not so many years before they would not
have saluted but arrested me. Finally, a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke trail
of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South African flag.
(i) ‘I’ in the given line refers to:
(a) Nelson Mandela
(b) Oliver Tambo
(c) Walter Sisulu
(d) Chief Luthuli
(ii) Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are
TRUE according to the given extract.
1. The narrator was mindful of what he was saying.
2. The narrator spoke about unrelated things.
3. The narrator believed that he could have been arrested.
4. The narrator got a salute from the people.
5. A jet never left a smoke trail behind.
6. The colours were of the Nigerian flag.
7. The colours were of the South African flag.
(a) 2, 7, 4
(b) 5, 6, 7
(c) 3, 4, 5
(d) 1, 3, 7
(iv) The fact that ‘I’ was not unmindful to ‘their’ arresting him
instead of saluting him shows that:
(a) the behaviour of Whites was bad.
(b) the behaviour of Whites was good.
(c) the Whites respected the Blacks.
(d) the Whites were nice.
(v) Where are the above lines taken from?

(a) Freedom Struggle
(b) Nelson Mandela
(c) Democracy
(d) A Letter to God
Ans. (i) (a) Nelson Mandela

(ii) (d) 1, 3, 7
(iii) (a) the behaviour of Whites was bad.
(iv) (b) Nelson Mandela
3 The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my
people. All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that
profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another,
unintended effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter
Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, etc., —men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom
and generosity that their like may never be known again.
(i) What is the policy of Apartheid?

(a) The racial discrimination by Whites against Blacks in South Africa.
(b) The gender discrimination in South Africa.
(c) Religious discrimination in South Africa.
(d) None of the above
(ii) The blacks were _______________.

(a) given full rights
(b) deprived of their rights
(c) content
(d) racists
(iii) Nelson Mandela defined the meaning of ‘courage’ as____________.

(a) the absence of fear
(b) the triumph of it over fear
(c) the absence of doubts
(iv) Synonym of the word ‘profound’ is:
(a) mild
(b) weak
(c) loose
(d) strong
(v) Antonym of the word ‘wisdom’ is:

(a) knowledge
(b) learning
(c) understanding
(d) stupidity
Ans. (i) (a) The racial discrimination by whites against blacks in South Africa
(ii) (b) deprived of their rights
(iii) (b) the triumph over it
(iv) (d) strong
(v) (d) stupidity
4 “It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion
when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken
from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, I wanted freedom
only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read
what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in Johannesburg, I
yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms...”
(i) The title that best suits this extract is:

(a) Freedom for everything
(b) Knowledge about Freedom
(c) Significance of Freedom
(d) Realisation of Freedom
(ii) Why do you think the speaker mentions some freedoms as ‘transitory’?
(a) The freedoms are momentary and keep changing with time.
(b) The definition of freedom is constant but perspectives differ.
(c) Freedom means different things to different people.
(d) Freedom is not that important after a certain age.
(iii) Choose the option that best fits the usage of the word ‘illusion’ as used in
the extract.
(a) He was never able to get past the illusion.
(b) The illusion I experienced was quite intriguing.
(c) A large mirror in the room creates an illusion.
(d) I was living under the illusion that this is possible.
(iv) The speaker says, ‘at first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself.’
Why do you think he only thought about himself?
(a) He didn’t want to think about the freedom denied to others.
(b) He was being selfish and was only bothered about himself.
(c) He didn’t think that freedom denied to him was important for
others.
(d) He was too young to realise that freedom was denied to others
as well.
(v) A part of the extract has been paraphrased. Choose the option that includes
the most appropriate solution to the blanks in the given paraphrase of the
extract.
The speaker’s belief about freedom, since childhood, proved false. It was not
until the speaker grew up to be a young man when it (i) ________ on him that
he was (ii) _________ of freedom. Then he began (iii) __________ it.
(a) (i) desired, (ii) dawned, (iii) depriving
(b) (i) dawned, (ii) deprived, (iii) desiring
(c) (i) dawned, (ii) arrived, (iii) desiring
(d) (i) arrived, (ii) deprived, (iii) dawned
Ans. (i) (c) Significance of Freedom

(ii) (a) The freedoms are momentary and keep changing with time.
(iii) (d) I was living under the illusion that this is possible.
(iv) (d) He was too young to realise that freedom was denied to others as well.
(v) (b) (i) dawned, (ii) deprived, (iii) desiring
5 But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters
were not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the
freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African
National Congress, and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became
the greater hunger for the freedom of my people. It was this desire for the
freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that
animated my life, that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one,
that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family
loving husband into a man without a home, that forced a life loving man to live
like a monk.
(i) ‘I’ here refers to:
(a) Mbeki
(b) Zenani
(c) Kierk
(d) Nelson Mandela
(ii) The freedom of the author, who was black was:

(a) curtailed
(b) sanctioned
(c) opposed
(d) supported
(iii) The author felt a greater hunger for:

(a) the freedom of his parents
(b) the freedom of his people
(c) the freedom of his friends
(d) the freedom of neighbours
(iv) The word ‘curtailed’ means:

(a) increased
(b) opposed
(c) reduced
(d) enlarged
(v) The desire for freedom of the people transformed:

(a) an animal into a man
(b) a frightened leader into a minister
(c) a frightened young man into a bold one
(d) a man into a woman
Ans. (i) (d) Nelson Mandela

(ii) (a) curtailed
(iii) (b) the freedom of his people
(iv) (c) reduced
(v) (c) a frightened young man into a bold one
II SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 MARKS)
1 Why was the site called "a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations"?
Ans: The site was full of leaders and dignitaries from all around the world. These
leaders, irrespective of their colour, race and religion had gathered to celebrate
the victory over the apartheid regime and to support the cause of peace, justice
and human dignity. Hence, the site was called a rainbow gathering of different
colours and nations.
2 What promise does Mandela make at the beginning of his oath-taking speech?
Ans. At the beginning of his oath-taking speech, Mandela promised to obey and
uphold the constitution and devote himself to the well-being of the nation and
its people. He also promised to make the nation free from poverty, deprivation,
oppression and discrimination of all kinds.
3 What do you understand by 'apartheid'? Describe the effect of the policy of
apartheid on the people of South Africa.
Ans. 'Apartheid' is a political system that divides people according to their race.
The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and
its people. This policy was full of terror, oppression and torture of the blacks of
Southern Africa. The wound created by this policy of racial discrimination
would take many years to recover.
4 What intended effect was produced by decades of oppression?
Ans. The decades of torture and oppression created an unintended effect on
the blacks. The black people who fought again the unjust policies of apartheid
were produced out of the oppression. These people had extraordinary courage,
wisdom and generosity. These people include many South African patriots such
as Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, Bram, etc.
5 Does Mandela think that an African can fulfill the twin obligation? Give reasons
for your answer.
Ans. No, according to Mandela an African cannot fulfill the twin-personal and
social obligations. From his experience, Mandela believed that only white
people in South Africa could do so. The black South African were not free to live
like a human. If they tried to fulfill their obligations, they were punished and
isolated for being involved in the rebellions.
6 What did freedom mean to Mandela in childhood?
Ans. In childhood, freedom for Mandela meant being free to run in the fields,
swim in the clear stream, free to roast mealies and ride the broad backs of slow-
moving bulls.
7 What did Mandela realise about his brothers and sisters?
Ans. As Nelson Mandela grew up, he realised that his brothers and sisters in his
community including him and the nation were not free. As a result, his hunger
for freedom which he earlier wanted for himself became great. Now, he desired
for freedom of his entire community.
8 What according to Mandela is 'true freedom'?
Ans. According to Mandela, 'true freedom' is not being able to do what one
wants without any interference. True freedom means the freedom to realise
one's true potential while leading a life of respect, equality and dignity.
9 What did Mandela think about the oppressor and oppressed?
Ans. Mandela always thought that both the oppressor and the oppressed are
deprived of their humanity. According to him, the oppressor is a prisoner of
hatred and he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness.
So, both of them need to be liberated. He always desired people to live with
dignity and respect.
10 What did the display of jets and military salute symbolise?
Ans. There was a spectacular show of South African jets and troop carriers over
the Union Buildings. The highest generals of the military and police saluted
President Mandela. It was a clear demonstration of the military's loyalty to
democracy as well as to a free and fairly elected government.
11 What does Mandela refer to as 'extraordinary human disaster'?
Ans. By mentioning an extraordinary human disaster', Mandela is referring to
the practice of apartheid followed in South Africa. This meant that there was
racial segregation based on colour, due to which the blacks suffered a lot. They
were not allowed to demand freedom and did not have any rights.
12 What was the significance of the inauguration ceremony taking place in the
Amphitheatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria?
Ans. The inauguration ceremony took place in the Amphitheatre formed by the
Union Building in Pretoria as it was the largest gathering of international
leaders on South African soil for the installation of South Africa's first
democratic, non-racial government.
13 Briefly state the effects of the policy of 'apartheid' on the people of South
Africa.
Ans. The policy of apartheid left a deep and lasting wound in the people and
the country of South Africa. The brutality and oppression mod against the
blacks produced some great freedom fighters who will never be known again.
14 Mandela feels that courage is triumph over fear. How would you define
courage in this context?
Ans. According to Mandela, courage did not mean the absence of fear but
victory over it. I would define courage as the ability to get rid of your
insecurities and fight for our rights.
15 All the citizens of South Africa were not able to perform their twin obligations,
according to Mandela. Justify.
Ans. According to Mandela, the black people of his country were not allowed
to fulfil their twin obligations because of the colour of their skin. The obligations
were only fulfilled by the whites. If black people tried to fulfil their obligations,
they were punished and isolated for being a rebellion.
16 Mandela believed that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the
oppressed. Justify.
Ans. Mandela believed that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed
of their humanity. The oppressed have no freedom. He has to suffer the
atrocities carried out on him. But the oppressor is also a 'prisoner of hatred'
and to who is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. So,
he must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed.
17 Briefly state the meaning of "glorious human achievement" that Mandela
speaks of at the end of his inaugural speech. ...
Ans. At the end, when Mandela speaks of the "glorious ...human achievement",
he refers to the victory that he made by abolishing 'apartheid' and becoming
the first ever black president of South Africa. He unshackled black people from
poverty, oppression, discrimination, slavery, deprivation, etc., and made South
Africa, a non-racial democracy that now has equal rights for all of its citizens.
18 How did Mandela transform from a frightened young man into a bold one?
Ans. It was this desire for the freedom of black people to live their lives with
dignity and self-respect that animated Mandela's life, transformed a frightened
young man into a bold one, drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal,
turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home, and forced a life-
loving man to live like a monk.
19 Who all took the oath of office along with Nelson Mandela?
Ans. Along with Nelson Mandela taking oath as the first Black President of
South Africa, Mr. de Klerk was sworn in as second deputy president and Thabo
Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president.
20 What did the display of air power at the ceremony demonstrate?
Ans. The spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers
not only displayed pinpoint precision and military force but also demonstrated
the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely
and fairly elected.
21 Which event symbolised the day for Nelson Mandela?
Ans. The day was symbolised for Mandela by playing the two
national anthems where the vision of whites was singing ‘Nkosi Sikelel–iAfrika’
and blacks were singing ‘Die Stem’, the old anthem of the Republic.
22 Where did the inauguration ceremony of the first African President, Nelson
Mandela take place?
Ans. The inauguration ceremony of the first African President,
Nelson Mandela took place in the Union Buildings Amphitheatre in Pretoria.
For decades this had been the seat of White supremacy, and now it was the
gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s
first democratic, non-racial government.
23 What two symbols did the sandstone Amphitheatre stand for?
Ans: The sandstone amphitheatre stood as a symbol of white supremacy over
the people of the black race till the new democratic government came to power
on May 10, 1994. After the installation of the first non-racial democratic
government, it stood as a symbol of freedom, peace and harmony for the
human race.
24 'We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation.' Explain the significance
of this statement.
Ans: This statement means that the black people of South Africa had eventually
won their freedom from oppressive laws like apartheid. Now, their political
rights and opportunities were the same as that of the whites.
25 What did Mandela say about the spectacular array of South African jets?
Ans: Presenting his observations about the performance of the military at the
inauguration ceremony, Mandela records that it was not only a display of
pinpoint precision and military force but was also a demonstration of the
military's loyalty to democracy and to a new government that had been elected
freely and fairly.
26 Why does Mandela observe that the generals of the South African defence
force and police would have arrested him not so many years ago?
Ans: Mandela makes this observation because these generals abided by the
rules of the apartheid regime before the non-racial democratic government
came to power. As per the laws of apartheid Mandela was an outlaw who
protested their racist and discriminatory rules. So he would have been arrested
by the generals.
27 Why does Mandela observe that the generals of the South African defence
force and police would have arrested him not so many years ago?
Ans: Mandela makes this observation because these generals abided by the
rules of the apartheid regime before the non-racial democratic government
came to power. As per the laws of apartheid Mandela was an outlaw who
protested their racist and discriminatory rules. So he would have been arrested
by the generals.
28 How does Mandela associate oppression with character?
Ans: Mandela believes that the deeper the oppression, the greater the height
of the character. To him, the character is strengthened by the challenges and
sufferings encountered by a person. Tougher the challenges, the stronger the
character.
29 Freedom is indivisible'. What did Mandela mean by these words?
Ans: Mandela used this expression to convey that the chains and bondage, that
enslaved anyone of his people, were the chains on all of them including him.
Freedom had to be brought to every citizen as all had an equal right for an
honourable existence.
30 Why was Mandela labelled a 'criminal'?
Ans: The desire for freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self-
respect emboldened Mandela. Earlier he was a law-abiding attorney but later
he defied the oppressive laws of the white rulers and was labelled a 'criminal'
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (6 MARKS)
1 Nelson Mandela was accompanied by his daughter Zenani to the Amphitheatre
of the Union Building for his oath-taking ceremony as the new President of
South Africa. Based on your understanding of the importance of the ceremony,
develop a conversation based on an imaginary event, showcasing a
conversation between Mandela and his daughter.
Ans.
Nelson Mandela: Zenani, it's such a big day for me and our nation. I am both
nervous and nostalgic at the same time.
Zenani: I can certainly understand dad. Today is the day we all have been
waiting for decades. We are proud to call you the 'first ever black President' of
the country who fought against cruel racial discrimination.
Nelson Mandela: Oh, dear Zenani! I can never forget the days that we all spent
in such harsh racial dominance.
Zenani: Dad! Today is the start of a new South Africa which is free of all
discrimination. Every citizen from now onwards will be getting equal rights. So,
don't let the dirty past ruin your beautiful present.
Nelson Mandela: You are right my child. But at the same time, we shall never
forget the sacrifices that our freedom fighters have done in the past. I am so
happy and proud to make their rebellion a victory.
Zenani: True dad. Cheers to the new South Africa!
2 Read the extracts given below and critically examine the difference in the
nature of the WOMEN governments of South Africa.
(A) In the first decade of the twentieth century, a few years after the bitter
Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned peoples of South
Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination
against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land.
(B) Now, in the last decade of the twentieth century, and my own eighth decade
as a man, that system had been overturned forever and replaced by one that
recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of
their skin.
Ans: In the first extract, the author talks about the racial government that
prevailed in the first decade of the twentieth century in South Africa while in
the other, he talks about the non-racial government that replaced the old
system of discriminating against people in the basis of the colour of their skin.
(A) In the first decade of the twentieth century, even before Mandela was born,
the racial government of the country used to discriminate against people based
on their skin tones. They harassed people with dark skin. Black citizens were
not equally treated as whites.
(B) In the last decade of the twentieth century, Mandela successfully changed
the racial to a non-racial democratic government that didn't discriminate
against people based on any ground. Every citizen was to be given an equal
right as the other, irrespective of his race or the colour of his skin.
Mandela compared the two governments of his nation where the former one
was based on racial discrimination and domination while the latter one was
totally democratic and just.
3 After having read the lesson on the oppression that communities faced in South
Africa, you were deeply hurt. You could also relate to the struggles and
hardships of millions of Indians who fought against the oppressive British rule.
Write a diary entry expressing your feelings about the oppression faced by
people in their homeland.
You may begin like this:
24 August 20XX, Monday 9:00 pm
My heart is filled with sadness as I think of the oppressed and how they tolerate
the inhuman attitude of the oppressors in their own land. ………………………
Ans. 24 August 20XX, Monday 9:00 pm
My heart is filled with sadness as I think of the oppressed and how they had to
tolerate the inhuman attitude of the oppressors in their own land. The
sufferings of people in South Africa reminded me of the same oppression that
the people of India faced when they were oppressed under British rule. Indians
were brutally deprived of all their riches, rights and freedom. They weren't
even allowed to raise a voice against that oppression. People were treated like
slaves in their own country. Due to that ill-treatment, people had to suffer from
drastic losses of physical and mental health. I wonder how people fought
against the oppressions and led to the freedom of their respective countries.
We should be grateful to them. It's because of those freedom fighters that we
live with utmost liberty in our homelands today.
Nelson Mandela
4 Mandela says "I learned that courage says was not the absence of fear, but the
triumph over it." Elaborate on the basis of your reading of 'Nelson Mandela:
Long walk to Freedom.' –
Ans. The decades of oppression and brutality by the white-skinned people of
South Africa against the blacks had an unintended effect on the lives of the
black people. It produced freedom fighters like Oliver Tambos, Walter Sisulus,
Chief Luthulis, Yusuf Dadoos, Bram Fischers and Robert Sobukwes. They were
men of great character but the cruelty turned them into ferocious freedom
fighters. They were extremely courageous people who took the lead to
eradicate racial discrimination from the country. Such 'extraordinary courage,
wisdom and generosity may never be known to the nation again. From those
men, Mandela learned that courage did not mean the absence of fear but the
victory over it. He believed that to be a brave man, one does not have to be
fearless but should have the capability of conquering fear by fighting against
injustice.
5 'It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force but a
demonstration of the military's loyalty to democracy, to a new government that
had been freely and fairly elected.' Evaluate how the military attitude changed
and why.
Ans. On the day of Mandela's inauguration ceremony, an impressive display of
South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers was seen after he took oath
as the first-ever black President of the nation. The highest of the military
generals saluted Mandela. This shows the change in the attitude of the military
generals as earlier in the reign of the 'apartheid' system, these military officials
arrested several 'outlaws' who fought against the oppressive policies and
domination of the whites in the country. However, when the African National
Congress came into power, the military officials showed military loyalty to the
new democratic government. The display of integrity reflects the knowledge of
the military about the power holders of the nation had changed. They had to
fulfil their constitutional responsibilities toward the new government.
6 What do you think about the obligations which the author is talking about?
Also, describe his feelings for them.
Ans. In the chapter, the author has talked about two obligations for every man.
The first obligation is towards his family, parents, wife and children. The second
is towards his community and his country. Being a social person, one has to
fulfill these obligations. But being black in South Africa, a man was not free to
perform his obligations. He got punished if he tried to live as a human being.
When Mandela was a child, the author never thought of such an obligation. But
as he grew older and started thinking about them in his oppressive society, he
realised that he cannot fulfill them. In his attempt to fulfill his duty to his
people, community and nation, he was taken away from his family and home.
He had to live in secrecy. He could never fulfill his duty towards his family as a
son, a brother, a husband and a father. Mandela couldn't enjoy the fulfillment
of his twin obligations. However, he fought for his people so that they could
enjoy their freedom of performing their personal as well as social duties.
7 Describe the value of freedom for human beings and how it is important for the
growth of civilisation and humanism as described in the lesson 'Nelson
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'.
Ans. The value of freedom is better known to that human being who has not
enjoyed it till he gets it. A person, who is bounded within limits and not allowed
to perform his duties freely, values freedom more than anyone else. For
instance, the value of freedom is known better to Mandela who remained
behind bars for most of his life. Think about a bird or animal which is caged, as
it has the habit of living with full freedom, but in the cage, it is not free and its
condition is very pitiable. Similarly, life becomes hell if we are deprived of
freedom. There is no growth of civilisation as it grows only when one has
freedom. Similarly, humanism grows in the atmosphere of freedom. If a man is
free to do his duties, he can produce better results. An oppressed person
always commits mistakes and is unable to perform well, so freedom is
important for the growth of civilisation.
8 Why was Nelson Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history? How did he
succeed in ending the apartheid regime in South Africa?
Ans. On the day of the inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense
of history. After looking at the loyalty displayed by the armed force to the new
non-racial government, Mandela remembered how the same officers used to
imprison him. He remembered that in the first decade of the 20th century and
before his birth, the white-skinned people of South Africa came together and
created a system of racial discrimination against the dark-skinned people of
their own land. This system was one of the most inhumane and violent systems
that the world had ever seen. When Nelson realised that the black people of
his nation were not free, he joined African National Congress to work for their
freedom. Freedom for him became the freedom of the people of his community
to live with respect and dignity. To get it, he became a bold criminal who had
to spend 30 years in prison. To work for his country, he could not do anything
for his family. In the fight for freedom, he fights along with many other
courageous freedom fighters who even sacrificed their lives for the cause. As a
result, after long years of struggles, the black African people became free and
a non-racial government was set up in South Africa.
9 Why was Nelson Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history? How did he
succeed in ending the apartheid regime in South Africa?
Ans. Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history because, in the first
decade of the twentieth century which was even before his own birth, the
white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected
a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own
land. But now, in the last decade of the twentieth century, and his own eighth
decade as a man, that system had been overturned forever and replaced by the
one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of the
colour of their skin. Nelson Mandela set the ideals of liberating people from the
bondage of poverty, deprivation and suffering. He had also set the ideal for a
society where there would be no discrimination based on the gender or racial
origin of the person.
10 Do you think there is discrimination based on caste and colour of skin in our
country? If yes, suggest ways to eradicate it.
Ans. Yes, there is discrimination in our country based not only on caste and
colour of the skin but also on gender. The caste system is an age-old practice
put in place in ancient society demarcating the people based on the work they
did. For ages, people of lower caste have been treated without dignity and
compassion. Often, the treatment meted out to low caste humans was worse
than the treatment of animals. Though in modern times, this has decreased
considerably, people still harbour feelings of caste supremacy. Gender
discrimination is also prevalent and so is the difference in treatment based on
our skin colour. All these can be eradicated by education. Higher rates of
literacy will ensure no discrimination in our society. There will be the dignity of
labours and all people will be treated equally as our constitution has
prescribed.
11 ‘The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.’ Discuss
in the context of the essay ‘Long Walk to Freedom’.
Ans. Nelson Mandela in his essay, writes that according to him, like the
oppressed, the oppressor too is not free. He says that the oppressed don’t have
basic rights; there is no dignity of life, only subjugation, cruelty and slavery.
However, even the oppressor is not free. He says that the oppressor is also a
slave of his hatred. When a person does something, he himself does not want
to do but is pressurised due to his beliefs, he is a slave to those beliefs. He is
not free as well. A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of
hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrowmindedness. He
says that one is not truly free if one takes away someone else’s freedom, just
as surely as one is not free when one’s freedom is taken away.
12 "Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished"? Why
does Mandela say this? During his time in prison, what reassured Mandela that
man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished?
Ans: Nelson Mandela had unflinching faith in the goodness of man. He believed
that it was like a glowing flame that could perhaps be kept hidden but could
never be extinguished. He understood and acknowledged this value of man
when he was kept confined as a political prisoner along with his comrades. He
observed that even in the grimmest times in prison when he and his fellow
freedom fighters were pushed to their limits, a glimmer of humanity would
flicker momentarily in one of the guards. This was enough to assure Mandela
that the goodness of man could not be extinguished and he continued to fight
for his rights. He admired this 'flame' and kept going on to face adversities,
overcome suppression and eventually win liberation for his brothers. He knew
that love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate. Therefore, man's
goodness could never be wiped off. Sooner or later, it would glow like a flame
and spread its brightness in human lives.
How to tell Wild Animals
Extract Based Questions
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.
1. If ever you should go by chance To jungles in the east;

And if there should to you advance A large and tawny beast,
If he roars at you as you’re dyin’
You’ll know it is the Asian Lion ….
(a) State features of an Asian Lion.
(b) What happens when the lion roars?
(c) What do you mean by ‘tawny’ ?
(d) What is the physical appearance of the lion is the stanza?
Answer:
(a) An Asian Lion is large and brownish-yellow in colour.
(b) When the lion roars, it is very scary and it feels like we are going to die.
(c) ‘Tawny’ means brownish-yellow in colour.
(d) The lion in the stanza is large and tawny.
2. Or if some time when roaming round, A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground, Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn The Bengal Tiger to discern.
(a) How can you recognise a Tiger?
(b) Why does the poet call him a noble animal?
(c) How is Bengal Tiger different from the other animals?
(d) What does the word ‘ground’ means here?
Answer:
(a) A tiger can be recognised with the black stripes on his yellow hide.
(b) The poet calls a him a noble animal as he is very impressive in size and does not roar loudly.
(c) Bengal Tiger is different from the other animals as he is quiet and roams silently.
(d) It means the hide or the background that is the skin of the Tiger.
3. If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots in peppered,
As soon as he has lept on you,
You’ll know it is the Leopard.
Twill do no good to roar with pain,
He’ll only lep and lep again.
(a) While walking, how does a leopard’s hide appear to be?

(b) When does one come to know that it is a leopard?
(c) Give a synonym of ‘strolling’.
(d) Why it won’t do any good to roar with pain?
Answer:
(a) A leopard’s hide appears to be peppered while walking.
(b) According to the poet, one comes to know that it is a leopard when it leaps or jumps on him.
(c) Walking
(d) A leopard’s grip is the toughest one, so one can’t do anything under the grip of that beast.
4. If when you’re walking round your yard You meet a creature there,
Who hugs you very, very hard,
Be sure it is a Bear,
If you have any doubts, I guess He’ll give you just one more caress.
(a) Who is going to hug and why?
(b) This hug is also called?
(c) What is the antonym of ‘Caress’?
(d) Where can a bear be found?
Answer:
(a) The bear is going to hug you hard to embrace you.
(b) A Bearhug
(c) The antonym of ‘caress’ is ‘boo’.
(d) A bear can be found in the yard where it may get nectar from the beehives.
5. Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus,
The crocodile you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus:
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.
(a) Between which animals would it be difficult to differentiate?
(b) How does a Hyena differ from a Crocodile?
(c) Quote a saying famous for Crocodile.
(d) Where does a novice may get confused?
Answer:
(a) It would be difficult to differentiate between a Crocodile and a Hyena.
(b) A Hyena laughs as it swallows its victim, while a Crocodile weeps as it swallows its prey.
(c) “Crocodile tears” is a famous saying for Crocodile.
(d) A novice may get confused in differentiating between a hyena and a crocodile.
6. The true Chameleon is small,

A lizard sort of things;
He hasn’t any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
‘Tis the Chameleon you see.
(a) What does a Chameleon look like?
(b) Describe any two characteristics of a Chameleon.
(c) Give an antonym of ‘small’.
(d) Where can a chameleon be found?
Answer:
(a) A Chameleon looks like a lizard.
(b) A Chameleon does not have ears and wings.
(c) Big
(d) A chameleon can be found on the tree.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. How can you identify the Asian lion and the Bengal Tiger?
The Asian Lion has a large body and a brownish-yellow coat. It roars loudly when it attacks it’s
prey. On the other hand, the Bengal Tiger has black stripes on its yellow coat. It silendy attacks
it’s prey.
2. Write the sum and substance of the poem, “How to Tell Wild Animals”.
The poet, Carolyn Wells, in the poem suggests some of the dangerous ways to identify the wild
animals. The poem is full of humorous examples when the poet tries to distinguish one animal from
the other. Moreover, the poem educates us by describing the various features of wild animals.
3. How can you distinguish between a tiger and a leopard?

A tiger has black stripes on its yellow coat. A leopard on the other hand, does not have any stripes. It
has spots peppered on its body. Moreover, a tiger kills only when it is hungry, while a leopard can kill
for the pleasure of killing by pouncing continuously on its prey.
4. How can you distinguish between a hyena and a crocodile?

A hyena laughs as it swallows its victim, whereas a crocodile weeps as it swallows its victim.
5. What are the distinctive features of the Asian lion as given in the poem?
The Asian Lion is large in stature. It is brownish-yellow in colour. It roars very loudly. The sound of its
roar is so terrible to hear that it can make one almost die due to fear. The Asian Lion is found in the
forests of East Asian countries.
6. What does the Bengal Tiger look like? What is so distinct about him?
The Bengal Tiger roams freely in the forest. It is noble and majestic in stature. It wears black stripes
on a yellow hide. When it notices someone it tries to eat him. The Bengal tiger attacks its prey very
silently and grasps it with his terrifying teeth.
7. How does a leopard behave when he sees someone?

As leopard has black spots all over its body. As soon as it sees someone, it leaps over him at once. It
keeps on pouncing continuously on its victim, attacks him and starts eating him
8. How does the poet describe the bear?

The poet describes the bear in a humorous way. He says that as soon as a bear sees a human being,
it hugs him tightly. It clasps its prey tightly with both its hands and squeezes him to death. If he is still
alive, he gives him another tight hug to kill him.
9. What is so weird about the Hyena and the crocodile?

Some animals such as the hyena and the crocodile are famous for their weird behaviour. For
example, a laughing hyena’s voice resembles human’s laughing sound. Moreover, a hyena laughs
while swallowing its prey, while a crocodile shed tears.
10. Describe a few characteristics of a chameleon.
A chameleon is a garden lizard and is an expert at camouflage. It changes its colour as per its
surroundings. This ability of camouflage helps it in saving it from the hunters. A chameleon does not
have – any ears or wings.
11. What is the theme of the poem — ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’?
Answer: The theme of the poem is to create humour. The poet creates humour by suggesting
dangerous ways of identifying wild animals. You can identify most of the beasts while they are
attacking you. Instead of shouting for help or trying to protect yourself, you are busy identifying the
attacker—the idea creates humour.
12. Why does the poet say that a bear’s ‘hug’ may confuse a novice?
Answer: It is the tendency of a bear to kill his victim by embracing him. He hugs the victim so tight
that he usually dies. But a novice who does not know the ways of bears may misunderstand his hug.
He may think that it is a loving embrace.
13. What humorous descriptions do you find in the poem?
Answer: We find some humorous descriptions about the animals in the poem. The poet has created
it by the selection of words and his pattern of explaining. As the Bengal tiger is described noble, the
bear hugs and the hyena smiles.
Long Answer Questions
1. The poet has successfully used humour to be able to ‘tell’ or identify ‘Wild Animals’. How
do you think we need lots of it in our daily life?
Answer: Humour is the fuel of life. Without it, it would become difficult to continue living. Today,
the life of the common man is typically mired in stress, tension, problems and sadness. It is amazing
how the smallest problems may take on epic proportions for a common person. In such a situation,
it becomes necessary to have a little humour in life. It gives us the much-needed respite from our
monotonous routine and helps us face life more positively. Thus, the poetess’ successful use of
humour helps liven up our minds and brings a smile on our faces.
2. Every animal is unique and has some special characteristics. What tricks does the poet
adopt in distinguishing various wild animals?
Answer: No doubt, every animal is unique. Every wild animal has his own special trait, colour, size
and characteristics. The Asian Lion is found in the jungles of the eastern regions. It is a huge and
mighty creature with brownish hide. His roar is enough to terrorise a person to death. The Bengal
Tiger is a ‘noble’ and impressive wild animal. He has yellowish hide and black stripes all over it. The
Leopard has dark spots all over his body. He is very agile. The moment he sees its prey, he pounces
upon it without showing any mercy. The bear is known by his strong and tight hug. It becomes rather
difficult for a novice to distinguish among wild animals. However, hyenas and crocodiles can be
easily recognised. Hyenas come smiling merrily while crocodiles appear to be weeping. The
chameleon is a small creature like a lizard. He has no ears and doesn’t have even a single wing. You
can find him sitting on a tree.
3. Carolyn Wells takes liberties with language and employs humour to describe the wild
animals. Give some examples of humorous descriptions in the poem.
Answer: It depends on the subject matter what style a poet chooses to adopt while writing a poem.
The poem describes wild animals and how to distinguish them. To avoid oversimplification and
monotony, the poet uses ‘humour’ as an effective weapon. The ‘humour’ used in the poem is
suggestive and mild. It is not biting or scratching in effect. If the Asian Lion “roars at you as you’re
dying”. The Bengal Tiger is a ‘noble’ wild beast that “greets you” when you are roaming around in
the jungle. The unsparing Leopard will show no mercy and it will “do no good to roar with pain.” If
you have any doubts, the bear will “give you just one more caress.” The poet uses subtle humour
when he says: “Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they weep, they’re Crocodiles”.
Chapter4: From the Diary of Anne Frank
I. Extract based questions
1. All I think about when I’m alone with my friends is having a good time. I can’t
bring myself to talk about anything but ordinary everyday things. We don’t seem
to be able to get any closer and that’s the problem. Maybe it’s my fault that we
don’t confide in each other. In any case, that’s just how things are and
unfortunately, they’re not liable to change. This is why I’ve started the diary.
i. Who does ‘I’ refer to?
A. Anne Frank B. Otto Frank C. Margot Frank D. Ms. G.N
ii. What problem does the writer talk of?
A. That she can’t get closer with her friends.
B. That she can’t agree with her friends.
C. That she can’t trust her friends.
D. That she can’t help her friends.
iii. ‘Maybe it’s my fault that we don’t confide in each other.’ Who does ‘we’ refer to in
this line?
A. The writer and her parents B. The writer and her sister
C.The writer and her friends D. The writer and her teacher
iv. What does the writer talk about in the company of friends?
A. Personal matters B. Family problems
C. Social issues D. ordinary everyday things
v. What is not liable to change?
A. Her attitude towards her friends
B. Her friendship with her friends
C. Her teacher’s behaviour with her.
D. Her friend’s behaviour with her.
2. Our entire class is quaking in its boots. The reason, of course, is the forthcoming
meeting in which the teachers decide who’ll move up to the next form and who’ll
be kept back. Half the class is making bets. G.N. and I laugh ourselves silly at the
two boys behind us, C.N. and Jacques, who have staked their entire holiday
savings on their bet. From morning to night, it’s “You’re going to pass”, “No, I’m
not”, “Yes, you are”, “No, I’m not”. Even G.’s pleading glances and my angry
outbursts can’t calm them down.
i. Why is the entire class quaking?
A) The teachers were very strict.
B) The students were being taken for a picnic
C) The class had to submit their assignments
D) The annual results were going to be declared.
ii. What were the teachers going to decide?
A) Which students will move to the next grade.
B) Whether the students are disciplined
C) Which student should be declared the class champion.
D) Which class should be declared winners of the school competitions
iii. C.N. and Jacques had -------------------
A) Performed bad in the test
B) Been punished for talking
C) staked their entire holiday savings on bets
D) Been detained
iv. The word ‘forthcoming has been used as a ------------- in the passage.
A) Noun B) adjective C) adverb D) verb
3. Writing in a diary is a really strange experience for someone like me. Not only
because I’ve never written anything before, but also because it seems to me that
later on neither I nor anyone else will be interested in the musings of a thirteen-
year-old schoolgirl. Oh well, it doesn’t matter. I feel like writing, and I have an
even greater need to get all kinds of things off my chest.
i. Who is ‘I’ in the above lines?
A. Anne Frank B. Margot Frank C. Ms.G.N. D. Otto Frank
ii. Why does the narrator say that writing in a diary is a strange experience for her?
A. Because she is a little girl
B. As she has been writing only her school stuff
C. She has never written anything before.
D. Because she didn’t have a good writing skill.
iii. The writer feels a greater need of writing. Pick the option that lists the set of reasons
for this.
i. Because she knows everyone wants to know her thoughts and feelings.
ii. Because she wants to write about her thoughts.
iii. Because she thinks it is the best way to keep herself engaged.
iv. Because she wanted to take things off her chest.
A) i and ii B) iii and iv C) ii and iv D) i and iii
iv.what is meant by the word ‘musings?
A. misgivings B) achievements C) deep thoughts D) sorrows
4. Mr Keesing had a good laugh at my arguments, but when I proceeded to talk
my way through the next lesson, he assigned me a second essay. This time it was
supposed to be on ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’. I handed it in, and Mr Keesing
had nothing to complain about for two whole lessons. However, during the third
lesson he’d finally had enough. “Anne Frank, as punishment for talking in class,
write an essay entitled — ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox’.”
(i) Pick the option which is synonymous to the word ‘incorrigible’.
A. reformable B. saveable C. curable D. irreformable
ii. Pick out the sentence that brings out the meaning of ‘entitled in’ as used in the
extract.
A. All children are entitled to education.
B. The poem is entitled Ode to Skylark.
C. You may be entitled to reclaim some tax.
D. Officers are entitled to travel first class.
iii. Which emoticon would justify the reaction of Mr Keesing in the third lesson when
the writer did not stop talking?
i. ii. iii. iv.

A. (i) B. (ii) C. (iii) D. (iv)
iv. Instead of scolding in front of the whole class Mr Keesing is punishing the writer
again and again for excessive talking by assigning her extra homework. What does this
suggest about his behaviour as a teacher?
A. He is tolerant enough and at the same time tries to improve his students’ behaviour
also.
B. He is quick tempered and always punishes the student who defies the discipline.
C. He is very strict and punishes the naughty student to teach him a lesson.
D. He has a lot of patience and does not want to be harsh with his students.
5. I started right away at the Montessori nursery school. I stayed there until I was
six, at which time I started in the first form. In the sixth form my teacher was
Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. At the end of the year, we were both in tears as
we said a heart-breaking farewell. In the summer of 1941 Grandma fell ill and
had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little celebration. Grandma
died in January 1942. No one knows how often I think of her and still love her.
This birthday celebration in 1942 was intended to make up for the other, and
Grandma’s candle was lit along with the rest.
i. Based on this extract, pick the option with the list of words that best describe the
writer.
1. Sensitive
2. Emotional
3. Heartless
4. Jovial
5. Shy
A. 1 & 2
B. 2 & 3
C. 3 & 4
D. 4 & 5
ii. Pick the option which is synonymous to the word ‘intended’.
A. nondeliberate B. nonpurposive C. deliberate D.unintentional
iii. According to the above passage arrange the following statements in
correct sequence.
1. The writer bids farewell to Mrs Kuperus.
2. The writer started going to Montessori nursery school.
3. Writer’s birthday celebration in 1942.
4. Death of the writer’s grandmother.
iv. Pick the option that lists these correctly.
A. 1, 2, 3, 4
B. 2,1, 4,3
C. 4, 3, 2,1
D. 2,3,1,4
v. Pick out the sentence that brings out the meaning of ‘make up’ as used in
the extract.
A. Make up your mind after thinking it over carefully.
B. The way Charles tried to make up to the boss was distasteful to the workers.
C. I have a lot of faults to make up for.
D. The teacher asked the students to make up short dialogues by themselves.
6. I began thinking about the subject while chewing the tip of my fountain pen.
Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces between the words, but the trick
was to come up with convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking. I
thought and thought, and suddenly I had an idea. I wrote the three pages Mr
Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a students trait
and that I would do my best to keep it under control, but that I would never be
able to cure myself of the habit since my mother talked as much as I did if not
more, and that there‘s not much you can do about inherited traits.
i. Pick out the sentence that brings out the meaning of ‘ramble’ as used in
the extract?
A. I ramble through the little town daily.
B. In a ten-page ramble, Barre explains why he wrote the book.
C. The hotel also offers a free guided ramble every week.
D. Together they make a wonderful backdrop as they ramble up the trellis on the far
wall.
ii. What convincing arguments were given by the writer to prove the
necessity of talking? Pick out the option that lists these correctly.
1. Talking is necessary for a person.
2. Talking is a student’s trait
3.Talking excessively is an incurable disease.
4. The writer has inherited the trait of talking from her mother.
5. One cannot control the habit of excessive talking.
A. 1 & 5 B. 3 & 5 C. 2 & 4 D. 1 & 3
iii. According to the above passage, arrange the following images in the
correct sequence.
1. 2. 3. 4.
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 4, 3, 2, 1 (c) 3, 1, 4,2 (d) 2, 3, 4, 1
iv. Pick the option which is not synonymous with the word ‘inherited’.
A. acquired B. genetic C. inborn D. innate
v. Based on this extract, pick the option with the list of words that best describe the
writer.
1.Negligent
2. Creative
3. Skilled writer
4. Sadist.
5. Calm
A. 1 & 2 B. 2 & 3 C. 3 & 4 D. 4& 5
2. Very Short Answer Questions:
1. When and where was Anne Frank born?
Anne Frank was born on 12th June, 1929 in Frankfurt.
2. Who was Margot?
Margot was Anne Frank’s elder sister.
3. Where did Anne stay when her parents emigrated to Holland?
When Anne’s parents emigrated to Holland, Anne stayed with her grandmother.
4. When did Anne come to the conclusion that ‘Paper has more patience than
people?
One day Anne had a sudden idea that ‘Paper has more patience than people’ as was sitting
alone at home bored and listless wondering whether to go out or not.
5. What prompted Anne to write a diary?
The fact that Anne did not have a real friend prompted Anne to write a diary.
6. Inspite of having a loving family and some friends, what did Anne lack?
Inspite of having a loving family and some good friends, Anne lacked a true friend.
7. Why according to Anne did she not have a true friend?
Anne attributes her lack of friends to her inability to get closer to others.
8. What did Anne call her diary?
Anne called diary ‘Kitty’.
9. What was Anne going to record in her diary?
Anne did not want to write her diary the ordinary way. Instead, she wanted it to take the
role of her friend.
10. Why did Anne provide a brief sketch of her life initially?
Anne provides a brief sketch of her life initially so as to enable the readers to understand
her better.
11. What does Anne say about her being in Holland?
Anne says she was taken to Holland as a present for her sister’s birthday.
12. What happened in the year 1941?
Anne’s grandmother had fallen ill and had to undergo an operation in 1941.
13. When did the grandmother die?
Anne’s grandmother passed away in 1942.
14. Why wasn’t Anne’s birthday celebrated in the year 1941? When was it
celebrated instead?
Anne’s birthday was not celebrated in 1941 as her grandmother had fallen ill. It was
celebrated in 1942 instead.
15. How do we know that Anne loved her grandmother very much?
Even after the grandmother’s death, Anne kept thinking of her often. She added her
grandmother’s candle to her birthday celebrations in 1942.
16. Which day’s recordings from Anne’s diary is discussed in the excerpt ‘From
Anne Frank’s Diary’?
Saturday, 20th June 1942 is being discussed in the excerpt ‘From Anne Frank’s Diary’.
17. Who Anne worried about while waiting for the results?
Anne was worried about her girlfriends.
18. What does Anne say about the boys in her class?
Anne says the boys were dumb and some of them had wasted their vacation earnings
betting over their results.
19. Which subject Anne was unsure about?
Anne was unsure of Mathematics.
20. How does Anne describe her relationship with her teachers?
Anne says she got along well with all her teachers.
21. Who was Mr. Keesing?
Mr. Keesing was Anne’s math teacher.
22. Why was Mr. Keesing annoyed with Anne?
Mr. Keesing was annoyed with Anne because she kept talking in his class.
23. How did Mr. Keesing punish Anne for talking in class?
Mr. Keesing punished Anne by giving her extra work to do. He asked her to write essays.
24. What were the topics of the punishment essays?
Anne was punished thrice with essays. The topics were- ‘A Chatterbox’, ‘An Incorrigible
Chatterbox’ and ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox’.
25. Why did Anne seek help for the third essay?
Anne sought help for the third essay as she had run out of ideas.
26. Who helped Anne with her third essay?
Anne’s friend Sanne who was good at poetry helped her with the third essay.
27. How did Anne present her third essay?
Anne presented her third essay in the form of a poem about a duck mother and a father
swan.
28. What did Anne think when Mr. Keesing had given her the topic,
‘Quack,Quack,Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox’?
Anne believed that Mr. Keesing was trying to ridicule her by giving such a topic.
29. Why did Mr. Keesing stop punishing Anne?
Mr. Keesing was very much impressed with Anne’s essays, especially the third one. So,
he stopped punishing Anne.
30. What change was seen in Mr. Keesing after Anne presenting her third essay?
Mr. Keesing became less strict and more cheerful after Anne presenting her essay.
1. Your teacher has organized a debate and you have been asked to speak on:
‘Consequences and positive reinforcements have a great impact on student
behaviour’. Write the debate script with three-four points to supplement your
stand, either as a proposition speaker or as an opposition one.
Ans: FOR (Value points)
When a favourable outcome, event, or reward occurs after an action, that particular
response or behaviour will be strengthened.
Natural reinforcers, social reinforcers, tangible reinforcers, token reinforcers.
Positive reinforcement is most effective when it occurs immediately after the
behavior. Reinforcement should be presented enthusiastically and should occur
frequently.
Some important things to consider when using positive reinforcement include the
type of reinforcers that will be used and the schedule that will be employed to train
the new behaviour.
2. You are stressed and anxious since your annual results are going to be
announced soon. You decide to meet the school counsellor to share your anxiety
and apprehensions. Write the dialogue between you and your school counsellor.
School Counsellor: Hello Anne, please sit down. You look very disturbed and
irritated. What’s the matter?
You: Well, to be honest, we all are disturbed. But the irritation is because of the two boys
sitting behind……………
School Counsellor: First of all, you need to relax. Take a deep breath. How do you feel
we can deal with this situation rationally?
You: …………………………………………………………….. (continue)
Ans
You: When I overhear the anxious students, I also get curious. I doubt if I will get
promoted to the next class.
Counsellor: How do you assess your performance in class?
You: I am good in studies except Maths. The teachers like me.
Counsellor: Do you think you will be promoted?
You: Yes, I am in the top 10 % of students, so, I should get promoted.
Counsellor: Have faith in your abilities. You may change your seat to prevent overhearing
other students.
You: Thank you for the advice. I will request the teacher for the same.
3. Anne was a sensitive and mature girl. From the chapters and poems in your text
book, First Flight, think of any two characters who could be her friends or
confidantes. Analyse the common character traits that would help in creating this
special bond of friendship.
A Wanda Petronski could be a good friend of Anne. She is a sensitive and mature girl.
Wanda is creative and draws well while Anne has a flair for writing. Wanda can
complement Anne. Anne is humorous and sensitive while Wanda is sensitive and quiet.
Both of them do not have a true friend. They can become good companions and share
their feelings and common interests.
Anne can also befriend Valli. Valli is slightly younger than Anne but is a mature girl. She
also does not have any friends. Valli is a responsible girl. She can share Anne’s secrets
and also guide her. All three of them – Anne, Wanda and Valli could rue over the lack
of friends. They can form a great bond and become best friends forever.
4.What idea do you form of Mr Keesing as a teacher? What is that you like the
most about him?
Mr Keesing, the maths teacher, was very strict. He got annoyed with Anne as she
talked too much. He warned Anne several times and after that he assigned her extra
homework. When she completed it she was assigned one more essay by Mr Keesing.
He found all the essays correct and laughed at her arguments. This shows his liking
for Anne. At last, he tried to play a joke on Anne by giving her a ridiculous topic
Quack, Quack, Quack, said mistress Chatterbox.
The poem written by Anne, completely transformed Mr Keesing. Now, he had started
having fun with students and even allowed them to talk. Mr Keesing was a good
teacher. He was a very disciplined and concerned teacher. He wanted his students to
be serious in his classes. However, he was a short-tempered teacher who punished
Anne without understanding her stand. When Anne cracked a joke on him, he took it
in a positive way. This trait of his character is very impressive.
5. How does Anne feel about her father, her grandmother, Mrs Kuperus and Mr
Keesing? How does Anne’s description of these characters reflect her own
character? Is she fair, critical or biased about them?
Anne Frank loved her father too much. She described him as the most adorable father
she had ever – seen. She was deeply attached to her grandmother. She felt extremely
lonely after her death and she even lit a candle for her on her next birthday. Anne got
attached to her headmistress, Mrs Kuperous and became emotional when bidding
farewell. Mr Keesing, her maths teacher was very strict and she got pretty well with
him. Anne’s description of these characters shows that Anne herself is a good human
being. She has respect for all. She does not hesitate in making her teacher realise that
he is wrong. She is fearless but talkative. She is fair and critical in her approach. She
is not biased.
6.Write a brief character sketch of Anne. How does she impress you? What will
you learn from her?
Young Anne was a very intelligent girl and had a flair for writing essays. She could
write essays and convinced her teacher that the talkativeness was her birthright and
that she had no control over her talkativeness as she had inherited the art from her
mother. She outwitted her teacher by writing ‘ the essay. But when the teacher
punished her again and asked her to write another essay, “The Incorrigible
Chatterbox”, she composed a poem and gave a message through it to the teacher.
The teacher was so impressed by her little poem that he decided not to punish her. Thus,
we see that she is capable of writing good essays and win the heart of Mr Keesing and
make him realise his mistake. Her fearlessness, critical thinking, humility and unbiased
approach are some of the values reflected in her personality. I like her creativity and
humorous approach to deal with her strict maths teacher, Mr Keesing.
7. Do you think Keesing was justified in punishing Anne? Would you support such
a punishment in your class? Why/Why not?
Mr Keesing was a very strict teacher who could not tolerate Anne’s talkativeness and
would punish her. He even did not try to find out why the girl was always talking in
his class. He was not justified in punishing her because he should have tried to make
his teaching more impressive and interesting. Anne was weak in Mathematics;
naturally, she was not interested in learning in his class.
First, he insulted her and asked her to write an essay on a chatterbox. As a teacher he
should have been careful enough not to insult a young girl in front of the class. He
further punished her to write another essay. The children are loving young ones who
should not be punished at all but treated affectionately. No, I will not support any kind
of punishment. A teacher should not use punishment to control the class. He/she should
understand the level of students and modify his/her method of teaching.
8. Anne was very much attached to her grandmother. What should be our attitude
towards our elders? What do you learn from Anne?
Anne Frank was a thirteen-year-old girl. She was born at Frankfurt in Germany. She
lived there until she was four. Her parents emigrated to Holland and she was sent to
stay with her grandmother. Anne was very close to her grandmother. She found her a
lovely lady. She loved her the most. After her death, Anne missed her very much. She
remarks, “No one knows how often I think of her and still love her.” It shows that
Anne was very much attached to her grandmother. We should be respectful and
sympathetic towards our elders. We get love and wishes from our elders if we treat
them respectfully. It is our duty to take a good care of our elders. We learn from
Anne that if we love our elders, we get love in return.
9. What do you think about Anne’s talent for writing essays which she wrote
convincingly when punished by her teacher?
Anne was a talented and argumentative writer. This is evident from the way she writes
all the essays given to her in an effective manner. Mr. Keesing, the maths teacher was
quite unhappy with Anne’s habit of talking in class. So, inorder to cure her of her
talking, he assigned her extra work as punishment. All the three times he had punished
her with essays, Anne came out with brilliant explanations and convincing ideas in her
essays which impressed Mr. Keesing. In her first essay, she very convincingly argues
that talking is a student’s right. Moreover, she impresses on hi that she cannot control
her habit of talking as she had inherited it from her mother who was very much
talkative. Anne’s creativity is very much evident in the third essay which she had
written in the verse form narrating the tale of a duck mother and a father swan who ate
up the ducklings for talking too much. Mr. Keesing found the last essay quite amusing
and he quoted lines from it. After that he became more cheerful in class and even
allowed Anne to talk in class. It is because of her talent to write effectively that helps
her out in class.
10. Anne justified her being a chatterbox in her essay. Do you agree that she had the
courage to fight injustice? What values do you learn from Anne’s character
through this?
Anne Frank was very intelligent and courageous girl. She very effectively argues through
her essay that being a student, she had the right to talk in class. Mr.Keesing punished
Anne repeatedly for talking in class by asking her to write essays on ‘Chatterbox’ as
extra work. One after the other, Anne wrote very good essays that won the teacher in
her favour. In her last essay which she had written in the verse form, with the help of
her friend Sanne was also an attempt to make the teacher realise the talking traits of
children. The got so impressed by her poem that he stopped punishing her. it reflects
her fearlessness, critical thinking, humility and unbiased approach as well as her
creativity and humorous approach to deal with her strict teacher.
Class: X AB 184 - English Language and Ref. Book: First Flight
Literature
Question Bank Topic: Dust of Snow & Fire and Type: MCQ, SAQ, LAQ
Ice.
I MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (1 MARK)

1 Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire
(i) What can be the cause of the world’s destruction as per these lines?
(a) Fire
(b) Ice
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these
(ii) According to the poet ‘fire’ refers to:

(a) violent desires
(b) passions
(c) jealousy
(d) all of these
(iii) What does ice symbolise?

(a) Indifference
(b) Love
(c) Sympathy
(d) Passions
(iv) What message does the poet want to convey through this poem?
(a) Everything is transitory
(b) Life is unpredictable
(c) Death is inevitable
(d) Both (a) and (c)
(v) Select the option that lists the idea of the lines in the given extract that
Robert Frost wants to send through the poem.
(1) People are empathetic to others’ happiness and sorrow.
(2) Fire and ice portray the self-destructive nature of human beings.
(3) The world should not end because everyone deserves a second chance.
(4) We let our emotions rule us which will surely destroy everything around
us.
(5) Human greed and desire only spread more like fire.
(a) (1) and (5)
(b) Only (2)
(c) (2), (4) and (5)
(d) (2) and (5)
Ans. (i) (c) Both (a) and (b)

(ii) (d) All of these
(iii) (a) Indifference
(iv) (d) Both (a) and (c)
(v) (c) (2), (4) and (5)
2 But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
(i) What does ‘it’ refer to in the first line?

(a) world
(b) fire
(c) desire
(d) heat
(ii) The main idea given here is that ________.

(a) hatred is not good
(b) hatred is good
(c) hatred can destroy
(d) hatred can create
(iii) Who has written the above lines?

(a) Walt Whitman
(b) Robert Frost
(c) William Wordsworth
(d) Leslie Norris
(iv) Name the poetic device used in the line “To say that for destruction ice is
also great.”
(a) Metaphor
(b) Imagery
(c) Alliteration
(d) Oxymoron
(v) What would be a better option to end the earth?

(a) ice
(b) fire
(c) both (a) and (b) are equally competent
Ans. (i) (a) world

(ii) (c) hatred can destroy
(iii) (b) Robert Frost
(iv) (a) Metaphor
(v) (c) both (a) and (b) are equally competent.
3 The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
(i) Who shook down the hemlock tree?

(a) crow
(b) cuckoo
(c) nightingale
(d) parrot
(ii) What fell on the poet?

(a) Dust of wind
(b) Dust of rain
(c) Dust of storm
(d) Dust of snow
(iii) The crow and Hemlock tree symbolise ____.

(a) Sorrow
(b) Happiness
(c) Celebration
(d) Death
(iv) What was in the tree that the crow shook?

(a) owl
(b) parrot
(c) snow
(d) rain
(v) What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanza?

(a) aabb
(b) babb
(c) abba
(d) abab
Ans. (i) (a) crow

(ii) (d) Dust of snow
(iii) (a) Sorrow
(iv) (c) snow
(v) (d) abab
4 Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
(i) Who is the poet of this poem?

(a) W. B. Yeats
(b) T. S. Eliot
(c) Robert Frost
(d) Shakespeare
(ii) What change does the poet mention here?

(a) change of cloth
(b) change of mood
(c) change of house
(d) none of these
(iii) Which word from the extract means ‘held in regret’?

(a) saved
(b) rued
(c) changed
(d) day
(iv) The major part of the day had been spent by the poet in ______.
(a) delight
(b) regret
(c) merriment
(d) meditation
(v) Who is responsible for the change in the poet’s mood?

(a) dust
(b) storm
(c) dust of snow
(d) birds
Ans. (i) (c) Robert Frost

(ii) (b) change of mood
(iii) (b) rued
(iv) (b) regret
(v) (c) dust of snow
5 The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
(i) From the following options choose the symbol that the dust of snow
represents.
(a) longevity
(b) togetherness
(c) healing
(d) protection
(ii) Choose the option that lists the possible feelings of the poet before the
experience shared in the poem.
(1) reassured
(2) disappointed
(3) curious
(4) demotivated
(5) thankful
(6) disheartened
(7) impulsive
(a) 1, 3 and 7
(b) 2, 4, and 6
(c) 5 and 7
(d) 1 and 3
(iii) Identify the option that DOES NOT use the word ‘rue’ correctly.
(a) The film was a disaster and he rued his decision to act in it.
(b) I am sure she rued the day as she listened to a fortune-teller.
(c) It was not long before I rued my disobedience and my deceit.
(d) Others finally rue the one who is dishonest and heartless.
(iv) Synecdoche is a poetic device that uses a part to represent the whole. E.g.
That’s a great set of wheels! (Set of wheels has been used for the car.)
Pick an example of a synecdoche from the poem.
(a) Has given my heart / A change of mood
(b) The way a crow/ Shook down on me
(c) The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree
(d) And saved some part / Of a day I had rued
(v) Choose the option showing the reason NOT corresponding with “… a crow
/Shook down on me/ The dust of snow”.
(a) The crow’s landing on the branch of the tree.
(b) The shivering of the crow, due to the cold.
(c) The readjustment of the position of the crow on the branch.
(d) The cawing of the crow hidden in the foliage.
Ans. (i) (c) healing

(ii) (b) 2, 4, and 6
(iii) (d) Others finally rue the one who is dishonest and heartless.
(iv) (a) Has given my heart / A change of mood
(v) (d) The cawing of the crow hidden in the foliage.
6 Find the correct statement in the following:
(a) A crow shook down – on a girl
(b) A dust of snow – from a banyan tree
(c) The incident changed – the poet’s mood
(d) He was already feeling – happy
Ans. (c) The incident changed – the poet’s mood
7 Rearrange the sentences in the correct sequence and choose the correct
option.
(i) Has given my heart a change of mood
(ii) Of a day I had rued
(iii) a crow shook down on me
(iv) The dust of snow from a hemlock tree
Options:
(a) (ii)-(i)-(iii)-(iv)
(b) (i)-(iv)-(iii)-(ii)
(c) (iii)-(ii)-(i)-(iv)
(d) (iii)-(iv)-(i)-(ii)
Ans. (d) (iii)-(iv)-(i)-(ii)
8 Assertion: The poet’s mood changed.
Reason: The crow was sitting on the Hemlock tree.
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct
explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct
(c) Assertion is true and reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false and reason is true.
Ans. (b) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct
9 Assertion: The poet was having a terrible day.
Reason: He got fired from his job.
Ans. (c) Assertion is true and reason is false.
10 Assertion: The dust of snow fell on the poet by a crow.
Reason: The crow was adjusting himself on the tree.
11 Assertion: The poet mentioned a poisonous tree.
Reason: He wanted to indicate a sad scene.
Ans. (a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct
12 Assertion: Crows are often used in poems.
Reason: Crows display a bad omen.
Ans. (d) Assertion is false and reason is true.
13 Rearrange the sentences in the correct sequence and
choose the correct option.
(i) To say that for destruction ice/ Is also great
(ii) From what I’ve tasted of desire
(iii) But if it had to perish twice
(iv) Some say the world will end in fire/ Some say in ice.
Options:
(a) (i)-(iv)-(ii)-(iii)
(b) (iii)-(ii)-(i)-(iv)
(c) (iv)-(ii)-(iii)-(i)
(d) (ii)-(iii)-(iv)-(i)
Ans. (c) (iv)-(ii)-(iii)-(i)
14 Assertion: The poet is with those who favour fire.
Reason: Fire describes desire.
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation
of assertion.
Ans. (b) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct
15 Assertion: Ice could lead to the end of the world.
Reason: Life is possible on earth with extreme high temperatures.
of assertion.
16 Assertion: Fire and Ice are shown as destructive human emotions.
Reason: Hatred and longing can cause damage to an individual.
of assertion.
17 Assertion: Ice is not as good as fire.
Reason: Ice causes silent damage.
of assertion.
Ans. (d) Assertion is false and reason is true.
18 Assertion: The world will be going to end someday.
Reason: Humans let their emotions control them.
of assertion.
II SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (2 OR 3 MARKS)
1 Rationalise what you think the poet was probably doing when the dust of snow
fell on him.
Ans. When the dust of snow fell on the poet, he might probably be standing
under or passing through the hemlock tree.
2 What does the presence of a hemlock tree tell you about the setting of the
poem?
Ans. The Hemlock tree is often related to some bad omens. Here, the presence
of the hemlock tree tells us that the poet has used it to symbolize his depressed
and negative mood.
3 What is the underlying message helpful to us in our hectic lives with reference
to the poem, 'Dust of Snow'?
Ans. The underlying message for us with reference to the poem 'Dust of Snow'
is that we should always be optimistic towards life. In the grave hours of
depression, the smallest act of nature can lead to a drastic positive change.
4 The dusting of snow on account of the crow helped make the poet's day better
How do you think the crow's droppings might have impacted the poet?
Ans: The poet was gloomy when he was passing by the tree. His mind was filled
with negative thoughts. When the crow shook the dust of snow on him, he felt
a sudden change in his mood. His mind was then filled with happiness and
positive thoughts.
5 What is the significance of using symbols to state the poet's state of mind at
the beginning of the poem?
Ans. The poet has used words like 'snow' and 'hemlock tree' to symbolize his
sad and depressed state of mind. 'Snow' is colourless and is often related to
barrenness while 'hemlock tree' is poisonous. Both the symbols represent the
depressed mood of the poet at the beginning of the poem.
6 The 'dust of snow' had changed the poet's mood. Justify.
Ans. The poet was in a sad mood as he was walking by the hemlock tree when
the crow shook off the dust of snow' on him. As the snow particles fell on him,
he came into contact with nature and his thoughts pacified.
7 What do different people say about the end of the world in the poem Fire and
Ice?
Ans. Some people believe that the world will end due to fire which symbolises
human desires whereas, some people believe that ice will be the reason for
the world to end. Here, ice symbolises cold-heartedness and hatred for each
other.
8 What is the poet’s view about how the world will end?
Ans. The poet believes that the world is more likely to end because of the fires
of desire in a man. The never-ending greed for more will bring an end to us.
9 "Fire and Ice" was first published in 1920. Briefly state how WW I might have
influenced the theme of the poem.
Ans. WW I was the first global war that happened due to violence and rage
among people after the assassination of the Austrian heir Archduke Franz
Ferdinand. The poem "Fire and Ice" was published in 1920, so it is possible that
the poet, Robert Frost must have seen the destruction of the world that was
the outcome of the uncontrolled rage of people.
10 According to the poet, how will the world end?
Ans. As per the poet, the world might end through two possible destructive
means, i.e., fire and ice. Fire stands for violent human emotions while ice stands
for cold human feelings.
11 Justify the literal and symbolic meanings of ice as used in the poem.
Ans. In the literal sense, ice refers to a huge drop in the temperature of the
earth that will lead to a frozen world. Symbolically, ice refers to the cold human
feelings such as hatred, jealousy, indifference, etc., that might end the world.
12 What is the significance of the symbols used in the poem 'Fire and Ice' by Frost?
Ans. Frost represents and lust for things. It symbolises all the uncontrolled
materialistic greed that humans have. However, ice is the symbol of cold
feelings. It symbolises hatred, indifference and coldness of heart.
13 'Fire and Ice' projects a pessimistic outlook. Comment.
Ans. 'Fire and Ice is a warning in the form of a poem. It appeals to people to cut
down on their disastrous and violent traits like anger, cruelty, lust, etc., and
their 'icy' emotions like jealousy, hatred, apathy, etc. These powerful emotions
are enough to destroy the very fabric of human values and society. Thus, if not
controlled, they have the power to destroy the entire world.
14 To say that for destruction, ice is also great for the poet, what does ice stand
for? How is it sufficient to bring destruction?
Ans. Ice stands for the cold feelings of the humans such as indifference, hatred,
greed, jealousy, apathy, lack of love, cold-heartedness, etc. Although the poet
states that he believes fire would bring an end to the world, he also states that
if the world has to end twice, then ice or the cold feelings of people are also
great to end the world.
III LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1 What are the possible themes of this poem? Cite evidence from the text to
support your answer.
Ans. The poem 'Dust of Snow' revolves around themes of hope, healing and a
positive attitude. Through the poem, the poet highlights that one should never
lose hope. The poet happily and quickly decides that some part of his day is
saved because of the dust of snow that falls on him. He no longer thinks that
his day is wasted and instead has hope that his day can be saved. Further, the
poem highlights nature’s healing quality. He was depressed and sad because of
something that had happened to him. But nature made him happy. In addition,
the poem also revolves around a positive perspective. Firstly, the poet’s
perspective changes with a small event. Because of his sad mood, everything
around him might be seen by him from a negative perspective, but it changes
with the dust of snow. Secondly, the poet suggests that we can think either
positively or negatively about an event or thing depending on our perspective.
The images of the crow and hemlock tree are negative images but the poet uses
them positively to justify the theme of the poem.
2 Nature has the power to lift our mood even when we are highly despondent.
Comment on the basis of your understanding of the poem 'Dust of Snow'.
Ans. The poem 'Dust of Snow' by Robert Frost is a poem which enlightens us on
how small things of nature can refresh us and cheer us for the rest of the day.
Frost has beautifully depicted a crow and a hemlock tree, which are associated
with bad-omen and fear. But they have been used by the poet Frost to uplift
his mood and make him feel positive. Frost's writing skill as a poet lies in the
fact that he is able to effectively convey to us how such a thing as the falling of
dust of snow from the top of the tree can have a refreshing effect on the mind
of man. So, every aspect of nature be it a crow or a hemlock tree can be a source
of positivity and can be helpful in lifting a depressed mind. In other words,
everything in the world is beautiful. Nature and its creations have the power to
uplift our mood even when we are in a depressed state of mind. A small
incident of the dust of snow falling, by the action of a crow (who is considered
a bad omen), takes away the sadness from the poet's mind and refreshes him
for the rest of the day.
3 Small things in life make significant changes in our life. Elaborate with reference
to the poem 'Dust of Snow'.
Ans. It is truly said that little things in life can make huge changes in our life.
Even small incidents can have a huge impact on our lives. The poem 'Dust of
Snow' beautifully states this fact. In the poem, the poet's mood is transformed
because of a small event. While he was passing by the hemlock tree, the dust
of snow falls on him. Such an insignificant event changes his sad and depressed
mood into a joyous one. Just like the simple movement of the crow, the simple
things that we do for others can make all the difference. Our random acts of
kindness can brighten a person's day and sometimes change their future. Just
like the poet, who had wasted some part of the day in his sorrows, is
enlightened by the event, we can also make our as well as others life happier.
Noticing and appreciating the things of less importance can cause us to have a
spirit that is willing to change and therefore succeed.
4 Comment on the use of symbols in this poem. What is the purpose to use those
symbols?
Ans. In the poem 'Dust of Snow', the poet has introduced three symbols i.e. the
hemlock tree, the crow and the dust of snow. Hemlock is a tree that contains
poison so the hemlock tree is a symbol of death. Second, the crow is considered
to be the ugliest bird and is associated with a bad omen. Another symbol dust
of snow indicates natural joy and energy. The poet uses two negative symbols
to represent the negative aspect of the mind. The falling of snow by the crow
certainly improves his mood. Perhaps the poet is saying that even something
that we generally associate with negativity can have a positive impact. So, we
can say that Frost's use of symbols is very profound and meaningful.
5 Discuss how extreme behaviour can hasten the end of the world with respect
to the poem 'Fire and Ice'.
Ans. In the poem, 'Fire and Ice' the poet highlights those extreme behaviours
can lead to the end of the world. The poet points out the two different views
regarding the end of the world and associates the extreme behaviours to it. The
first view is the fire which symbolises deep emotions of desire, passion, etc.
Desire according to the poet can become so intense that it can make people
lose their calmness. Fire of desires if left uncontrolled can lead to the
destruction of humanity as well as the world. The other view is ice which
represents hatred, differentiation and insensitivity. Hatred, rigidity and icy
reasoning give rise to contempt. It can end all positive human emotions such
as human warmth, love, sympathy, kindness and consideration for others. This
type of behaviour will only bring death to this world.
6 The poem 'Fire and Ice', carries with it very deep thematic ideas. Elaborate on
these darkest traits of humanity.
Ans. Frost presents the two of the darkest traits of humanity i.e. the capacity
to hate and the capacity to be consumed by lust or desire. Of the two, he
attributes the greater of the two evils is desire. In giving desire the first position
regarding the destruction of the world, Frost is providing a powerful statement
on the subject of greed and jealousy, saying that above all else, desire is the
trait of humanity that is most likely to lead to its demise. Desire represents the
greatest problem that attributes to the cause of the war. Frost then attributes
hatred to the same capacity to harm. However, he lessens the importance of
hatred but still presents it as having the ability to lead to the destruction of the
world if it were to happen for a second time.
7 The poet presents two reasons which will lead to the destruction of humanity.
Elaborate
Ans. The poet provides and deals with two possible causes for the end of the
world. He points more towards the emotional and sentimental side of the issue.
As for him, fire denotes deep passion and burning desire, while ice is
highlighted for hatred. He favours both the arguments and says that either the
deep burning passion or the cold hatred and jealousy factor will lead to the
path of destruction. The poet is sure of this destruction of humanity. He first
talks about the destruction because of fire and in case this fails, then ice will
end the world. The love that people have for one another will turn into hatred.
In the race of climbing up and be better than one another, people will hate each
other. These negative emotions will become so strong that it will cross all the
love and lead to the destruction of humanity.
8 How will the world end? Support your answer with scientific explanation.
Ans. According to the scientists, the two reasons for the destruction of the
world will be either fiery fire or the ice age. Some scientists believed that the
world would be incinerated (destroyed) from its fiery core, while others were
convinced that a coming ice age would destroy all living things on the earth's
surface. In other words, either the deep heat or fire under the earth beds will
lead to natural calamities like volcano eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis
which will one day end the world, or the melting of ice from the snowy
mountains due to global warming will shrink the world. As a result, one day the
entire world will die of the icy water. Frost, thus, tries to warn people against
the two greatest problems being faced by humanity and the consequences of
human vices with an increased effectiveness.
9 As a crow you feel highly insulted by the incorrect perception humans have
about your species. Imagine yourself to be a crow and write your opinion about
this prejudice. Make an appeal for breaking stereotypes.
Ans. The word 'crow' is often related to 'bad omens' and 'inauspiciousness. This
stereotype towards our species is heart-breaking. I feel hopeless that without
even having any valid evidence to it, people refer to us as being 'ominous'.
Perhaps because we are 'black', people consider us inauspicious and doves are
considered 'good omen' maybe because they are 'white'. This ruthless
prejudice makes me emotionally hurt. I want to break this stereotype for all my
fellow crows too in the same way my friend did by changing a person's mood
and making him happy. I hope that one day, judgmental humans will realize
that what they think of us is completely wrong.
Class: X AB 184- English Language and Ref. Book: Footprints without
Literature Feet
Question Bank Topic: The Triumph of Surgery Type: MCQ, SAQ, LAQ

1 I tried to sound severe: “Now I really mean this. If you don’t cut his food right
down and give him more exercise, he is going to be really ill. You must harden
your heart and keep him on a very strict diet.”
(i) Who is the speaker in the extract given above?
(a) Herriot
(b) Chauffeur
(c) Mrs. Pumphrey
(d) Hodgkin
(ii) Why did the speaker try to sound severe?

(a) To make Mrs. Pumphrey take his advice seriously and act on it.
(b) To upset Mrs. Pumphrey
(c) To impression Mrs. Pumphrey
(d) To prove his authority
(iii) The advice was given for :

(a) Mrs. Pumphrey
(b) Tricki
(c) Everybody in Mrs. Pumphrey’s house
(d) Mrs. Pumphrey’s driver
(iv) Which word in the extract means ‘serious’?

(a) Harden
(b) Mean
(c) Severe
(d) Down
(v) Select the antonym of ‘hardened’.

(a) Chiselled
(b) Darkened
(c) Mellowed
Prepared by: Mr. Remin Paulson & Ms. Rajasry Viswanthan H.O.D.: Mr. Deepak D. Hariharan
(d) Softened
2 The entire staff was roused and maids rushed in and out bringing his day bed,
his night bed, favourite cushions, toys and rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch
bowl, and supper bowl. Realising that my car would never hold all the stuff, I
started to drive away. As I moved off, Mrs Pumphrey, with a despairing cry,
threw an armful of the little coats through the window. I looked in the mirror
before I turned the corner of the drive; everybody was in tears. Out on the road,
I glanced down at the pathetic little animal gasping on the seat by my side. I
patted the head and Tricki made a brave effort to wag his tail. ‘Poor old lad’, I
said. “You haven’t a kick in you but I think I know a cure for you.”
(i) What might the atmosphere of the household in the above extract signify?
(a) Mrs Pumphrey’s status in society is reflected in Tricki’s lifestyle.
(b) The staff’s love for Tricki, which matched that of Mrs. Pumphrey
(c) The grand life of comforts and luxuries that Tricki enjoyed.
(d) Mrs. Pumphrey’s indulgence and anxiety are acted upon by the staff.
(ii) As the extract indicates, Mrs. Pumphrey indulged Tricki and bought him
many things.
Choose the option that best describes the kinds of advertisement/s that seem
likely to persuade Mrs. Pumphrey to buy something for Tricki.
(i) Statistics Appeal – Such advertisements use facts and data to convince
consumers to buy products.
(ii) Scarcity Appeal – Such advertisements create a feeling of exclusivity and are
often used to convince people to take advantage of a sale or limited period
offer.
(iii) Personal Appeal – Such advertisements focus on evoking emotions to
convince consumers and often relate to family or other interpersonal
interactions.
(iv) Fear Appeal – Such advertisements focus on inspiring some kind of fear to
convince consumers to take action to avoid certain negative or undesirable
consequences.
(a) Options (i), (ii) and (iv)
(b) Options (iii) and (iv)
(c) Options (i), (iii) and (iv)
(d) Option (ii) only
(iii) The narrator describes Tricki as a ‘pathetic little animal’. The use of the
word ‘pathetic’ indicates the narrator.
(a) was very fond of Tricki.
(b) thought Tricki was contemptible.
(c) pitied Tricki’s condition.
(d) believed Tricki’s health was deteriorating.
3 He discovered the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every
few minutes. He became an accepted member of the gang, an unlikely, silky
little object among the shaggy crew, fighting like a tiger for his share at
mealtimes and hunting rats in the old henhouse at night. He had never had such
a time in his life. All the while, Mrs Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the
background, ringing a dozen times a day for the latest bulletins.
(i) Read the following statements, each of which describes the gist of the given
extract.
Select the option that captures the essence of the extract correctly.
Statement I – It highlights the kind of comforts and luxuries that Tricki was used
to at home.
Statement II – It brings out a contrast between Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s
state of being.
Statement III – It reflects that Tricki was happier at the surgery, and loved being
with other dogs.
Statement IV – It shows Tricki’s journey with his peers at the surgery, and
documents his recovery.
(a) Statements I and II
(b) Statements III and IV
(c) Statements I and III
(d) Statements II and IV
(ii) What does the reference to Tricki as a ‘silky little object’ signify?
(a) Tricki was a very small and rather pampered dog.
(b) Tricki was comfortably attired in fine silk and warm coats.
(c) Unlike the other dogs, Tricki had lived in the lap of luxury with care and
grooming.
(d) The narrator’s mockery of Tricki’s life and treatment of Mrs. Pumphrey.
(iii) Why does the narrator describe being ‘tramped on and squashed’ as joys?
(a) To suggest the irony about the strange ways of dogs.
(b) To mention the simple pleasures of canine life.
(c) To compare it to Tricki’s earlier play-time at the house.
(d) To direct attention towards Tricki’s successful recovery.
(iv) “All the while, Mrs Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the background.”
Given below are different types of pet parenting styles described in Country
Living, an e-magazine.
Choose the option that best reflects the kind of pet owner Mrs. Pumphrey was.
(i) Traffic Light pet owners have a healthy balance of rules and freedom and
give clear and consistent signals for ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
(ii) Entranced pet owners have the best intentions, but as soon as their pet locks
eyes with them and gives their command, they are at their pet’s beck and call.
(iii) The Goose pet owners go all-out in protecting their pet. They often limit
their time away from their pet, especially puppies.
(iv) The Baggage Handler pet owners love being close to their pets and going
on adventures together. They are always mindful of the pet’s comfort and
security.
(a) Option (i)
(b) Option (ii)
(c) Option (iii)
(d) Option (iv)
(v) Pick the option that reveals Tricki’s characteristics in the context of
‘fighting like a tiger for his share at mealtimes and hunting rats in the old hen-
house at night.’
(1) selfish (2) Happy
(3) greedy (4) confident
(5) sturdy (6) cruel
(a) 2, 4 and 5
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 5
(d) 3, 4 and 6
4 It was a temptation to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest, but I knew Mrs.
Pumphrey was suffering and after a fortnight, felt compelled to phone and tell
her that the little dog had recovered and was awaiting collection.
(i) The above lines were spoken by:
(a) Mrs. Pumphrey
(b) Mr. Herriot
(c) Chauffeur
(d) Tricki
(ii) Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE
according to the given extract.
1. Tricki was an active dog.
2. The vet knew how to heal Tricki.
3. The vet enjoyed the treats sent for Tricki.
4. Tricki now needed the treats.
5. Tricki enjoy her stay at the vet for the ‘surgery’.
6. The vet felt guilty about enjoying the food.
7. The vet did the right thing.
(a) 1, 2, 4
(b) 1, 2, 3
(c) 1, 4, 6
(d) 3, 5, 7
(iii) Who was informed that the dog was all right now?
(a) the doctor
(b) the nurse
(c) Mrs. Pumphrey
(d) the attendant
(iv) Who cured Tricki without any medication?

(a) The narrator
(b) Mrs. Pumphrey
(c) The nurse
(d) The junior doctor
5 During the excitement, I helped the chauffeur to bring out the beds, toys,
cushions, coats and bowls, none of which had been used. As the car moved
away, Mrs Pumphrey leaned out of the window. Tears shone in her eyes. Her
lips trembled. “Oh, Mr Herriot”, she cried, “how can I ever thank you? This is a
triumph of surgery!”
(i) What is Mr. Herriot’s profession?
(a) Retired veteran
(b) College professor
(c) Veterinary surgeon
(ii) How did Mrs Pumphrey call out Tricki’s unbelievable transformation?
(a) as a triumph of surgery
(b) as a shock, she could not get over
(c) as a completely predictable outcome
(d) as a successful therapy
(iii) “None of which had been used.” Why had they not been used by Tricki?
(a) because they were not fancy enough for him
(b) because he didn’t actually need expensive objects or clothes
(c) because they were used by other dogs
(d) because he didn’t like the toys, cushions or bowls
(iv) Why did the narrator want to have Tricki as a permanent guest?
(a) because he was worried that Tricki will get sick again
(b) because Mrs Pumphrey did not want Tricki anymore
(c) because he and his staff wanted him to become extremely fit
(d) because they wanted to enjoy the extravagant delicacies sent by Mrs
Pumphrey
(v) Was Tricki happy on seeing Mrs. Pumphrey ?

(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Maybe
(d) She showed no emotion
II SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1 “It was a temptation to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest.” Why was it so?
Ans: It was definitely a temptation to keep Tricki as a permanent guest because
Tricki's owner, Mrs. Pumphrey, would send loads of delicious food and drinks
for Tricki which the doctor would fall have himself as it wasn't suitable for Tricki
to have them.
2 What was the major flaw in Tricki?
Ans. According to Dr. Herriot, the major flaw in Tricki was his greed for food.
However, the over-indulgence and over-pampering of Mrs. Pumphrey led to
the damaged health of the dog.
3 What do you think would happen to Tricki after he went back to Mrs.
Pumphrey?
Ans. I think that after Tricki went back to Mrs. Pumphrey, he would have been
transformed back to his obese and listless body as Mrs. Appen Pumphrey was
an over-indulgent pet owner. Pre She would never have been able to control
brood herself from spoiling Tricki by overfeeding him.
4 "I was really worried about Tricki this time." To Comment on the writer's choice
of beginning newer the story in this manner. What purpose does it serve? Ans.
The writer chose to begin the story in this manner to show that it wasn't the
first time he had met Tricki. He was a vet who would have met Tricki earlier in
a little bit better condition. But this time, the writer was worried as Tricki had
gained more fat than ever.
5 Was it actually a triumph of surgery in reference to Tricki? Why/ why not?
Ans. No, it wasn't actually a 'triumph of a surgery' as no surgery was ever done
on Tricki by the doctor. The doctor recovered Tricki's health by giving him a
correct diet and making him do a lot of exercises.
6 "Tricki's only fault was greed", says the narrator. What might be Mrs.
Pumphrey's "only fault"?
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey's "only fault" was her overindulgence. She overfed Tricki
due to her extreme pampering and concern for him.
7 What made James Herriot expect a call from Mrs. Pumphrey?
Ans. When Dr. James Herriot saw an extremely fat Tricki with Mrs. Pumphrey,
he was sure that Tricki's over-diet and no physical exercise are would lead to
his bad health. Hence he expected a call from Mrs. Pumphrey.
8 Do you think the narrator's decision not to reveal the actual treatment to Mrs.
Pumphrey was unprofessional? Justify your stance.
Ans. No, I do not think that the narrator's decision not to reveal the actual
treatment to Mrs. Pumphrey was unprofessional because he had done that to
save Tricki's life. He knew that Mrs. Pumphrey would never be able to cut
Tricki's diet and make him struggle with lots of physical activities.
9 According to a popular quote - Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.
In what way is this quote relevant to the events of the story?
Ans. This quote means that to be strong and active, hard work and effort are
necessary. Nobody can achieve any goal if they do not work hard for it. In the
story, Tricki was a lazy fat dog who had no physical activity and was very greedy.
However, after Dr. Herriot made him exercise a lot and restricted his diet, Tricki
became a hard-muscled animal.
10 Imagine Mrs. Pumphrey came to know how Tricki was actually treated. Write a
brief note to the narrator on her behalf.
You may begin this way:
Dear Mr. Herriot
I recently met Mrs. Mallard when she brought her Pixie to visit dear Tricki. I
spoke to her about the great triumph of surgery that had brought him back to
me. Imagine Di my surprise when she told me how mistaken I was! I am writing
to you to share.....................
Ans.
Dear Mr. Herriot
I recently met Mrs. Mallard when she brought her Pixie to visit dear Tricki. I
spoke to her about the great triumph of surgery that had brought him back to
me. Imagine my surprise when she told me how mistaken I was! I am writing to
you to share my utter displeasure at the wrong information given by you
regarding Tricki's treatment. I got so worried about my pet when you told me
that he would have to undergo surgery. I had spent sleepless nights. I wonder
why you lied to me. I trusted you a lot. But you broke it. Although I am still
grateful to you for curing Tricki, I am upset at the fact that being the owner of
the pet, I was not given the correct information about his treatment.
11 Was Tricki suffering from any ailment in reality? If not, then what made him
inactive and lethargic?
Ans. No, Tricki wasn't suffering from any ailment in reality. His greed for food
and his owner's over-indulgence made him fat and lazy. Mrs. Pumphrey
overfed him and spoilt his health to an extent that he had to undergo treatment
at Dr. Herriot's hospital.
12 Mrs. Pumphrey thinks the dog's recovery is "a triumph of surgery." Justify.
Ans. Mrs. Pumphrey believes that the doctor has cured her pet dog of his
malaise by performing books a major surgery. She believes that Tricki's
recovery is all due to the surgery. This is why she calls it "a triumph of surgery".
13 Why was Dr Herriot worried about Tricki?
Ans. Dr Herriot was worried about Tricki's health. When he saw the dog with
his mistress, Mrs Pumphrey, he was shocked at his appearance. The dog had
become hugely fat. His eyes were red and his tongue was hanging out. Such a
miserable condition of the dog really worried the surgeon.
14 What 'extra' did Mrs Pumphrey start to give Tricki and why?
Ans. Mrs Pumphrey thought that Tricki was suffering from malnutrition, as he
was weak and dull. So, she started to give him extra food like cod-liver oil and
malt between the main meals and Horlicks after dinner to make him sleep. She
also gave him cream cakes and chocolates.
15 You must harden your heart and help him with a strict diet." Why does Mr
Herriot suggest this to Mrs Pumphrey?
Ans. Mr. Herriot suggested Mrs Pumphrey be strict with Tricki because he knew
about Mrs Pumphrey's love for her pet. The surgeon is aware that even though
she tries to follow the diet prescribed for Tricki, she would be unable to refuse
anything. Her love and care had harmed her dog and thus Dr Herriot suggests
Mrs Pumphrey to reduce his diet.
16 How did Mrs Pumphrey and her servants behave when Tricki was being taken
away to the surgery?
Ans. Mrs Pumphrey started crying upon realising that Tricki was being taken
away to the surgery. All the servants were woken up. They rushed in and out
carrying all the things that Tricki would need after hospitalisation. These things
included beds, cushions, toys, bowls, coats etc.
17 How can you say that it was hard for Mrs Pumphrey to part with her doting
pet?
Ans. It was hard for Mrs Pumphrey to part with her doting pet because Tricki
was like her child. She loved him very much and would do everything to please
her dog. So, when the surgeon suggested its hospitalisation, it was a terrible
and tearful moment for her, however, she agreed for the betterment of her
pet.
18 The household dogs at the surgery rejected Tricki as an 'uninteresting object'.
Why?
Ans. When Tricki arrived at the surgery, he was rejected by the household dogs
as an 'uninteresting object' because of his laziness. As he entered the surgery,
the other dogs surrounded Tricki and sniffed him, but Tricki did not give any
response. Thus, they found him dull and uninterested.
19 Do you think Tricki was enjoying his stay at the hospital?
Ans. Yes, Tricki was definitely enjoying his stay at the hospital. He had
befriended the gang of hairy household dogs. He had found a new joy in being
bowled over (pushed), trampled on and squashed. He had also become very
energetic. He used to play and run all day long with the dogs. He was having a
great time.
20 How did lunch become a 'ceremonial occasion' for Mr Herriot and his partners'?
Ans. The time of Tricki's stay at the hospital was a period of content for Herriot.
He used to enjoy the treat that arrived in the name of Tricki, as he could not
afford all this for himself. Herriot used to relish the fresh eggs in breakfast, wine
before and during lunch and brandy at night.
21 Why is Mrs Pumphrey responsible for Tricki's condition?
Ans. Mrs Pumphrey was responsible for Tricki's condition because of her
overindulgent behaviour. She did not cut down on Tricki's food and did not
provide him with proper exercise, even after Tricki's doctor's advice. Instead,
she used to feed him extra food as she felt that Tricki was suffering from
malnutrition. As a result, Tricki's condition deteriorated.
III LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 MARKS)
1 Read the following quote by Mahatma Gandhi.
"It is health that is real wealth not pieces of gold and silver."
Justify the quote given above in light of Tricki's sickness and his recovery to be
fit.
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi aptly said that the real ed wealth of a person lies in his
health. Money can buy things of comfort and luxury but not health. A person
may have a lot of money but still can't enjoy a single penny due to his ill health.
In the story 'Triumph of a Surgery', Tricki was the pet dog of an extremely rich
lady named Mrs. Pumphrey. She provided Tricki with so much comfort and
pleasure that she made Tricki unhealthy by feeding him rich food that wasn't
meant for the dog. However, Tricki had every facility as a Se pampered baby
but he was unable to enjoy a dog's life. He couldn't run or jump like a normal
Bodog because of his weight and ill health. His happy life was ruined by extreme
pampering band over-feeding by his owner, Mrs. Pumphrey.
2 Imagine that one of Mr. Herriot's partners can understand the language of dogs
and listens to Tricki on his last night with them.
(A) What might Tricki share about his experience?
(B) How would he evaluate it in comparison to his home experience?
Ans. (A) Tricki might share that it was a great experience for him at the hospital.
He would be glad to share a roof with other dogs as he had never been able to
play with any other dog. Also, Tricki would share that he felt extremely
energetic and playful as he had lost a lot of weight and carried out a lot of
physical exercises which a canine love. He had the most wonderful time of his
life at the hospital.
(B) He would have compared his health at the hospital with that at home. As
he had excessive weight and was a lazy dog, he did not enjoy his life as a canine
and used to feel quite heavy. However, the level of comfort at his home was
much better than at the hospital. He had his own beds, toys, etc.
3 Mrs. Pumphrey and Dr. Herriot have been invited to speak at a community pet
adoption drive.
There were some differences in Mrs. Pumphrey and Dr. Herriot's notions of
responsibility and experiences of keeping a pet. As a reporter for the local pet
magazine, write an article recording and comparing their perspectives. Don't
forget to give it an interesting title.
Ans. The Guide to Keep a Pet
Keeping a pet is a wonderful experience. Not only it's a soothing possession but
also a huge responsibility. One should take care of her/his pet as a child.
Owners should observe 2nd and understand all the little details of their par pets
such as their likes and dislikes, eating habits, cravings, comfortability, favourite
food, sleeping habits, etc. Owners should fulfill all their demands and give them
everything that their pets desire. However, one must not forget that a concern
for everything is good only if it is under the limit. In the case of pets too, the
owners should understand when to stop fulfilling their pet's demands and
pampering. An owner's biggest responsibility is her/his pet's life. So, she/he
should make sure that she/he doesn't overindulge or over-pamper her/his pet
as it may cause trouble to the pet's life, or even cost its life. Hence, pet-keeping
is a job that should be done with utmost sincerity.
4 Dr. James Herriot used to share the goodies sent by Mrs. Pumphrey, with his
fellow doctors in the story 'A Triumph of Surgery’. Imagine yourself as the
writer of the story and develop a conversation between Dr. James Herriot and
his co-doctor.
Ans.
Dr. James Herriot: Look! Mrs. Pumphrey just sent these amazing goodies for
Tricki.
Co-doctor: Great, look how amazing these silky beds and cushions are.
Dr. James Herriot: Wait.....check out the wine and eggs, Look scrumptious. As
you know Tricki can't have any of these and I can't break Mrs. Pumphrey's heart
by rejecting these.
Co-doctor: Oh! how considerate of you mate. Come on, let's devour these. We
can't let them go waste.
Dr. James Herriot: Okay. I'll bring the glasses and you bring the plates. The feast
is waiting for us.
5 Read the extracts given below and critically examine the difference of views
regarding the keeping of pets of both the characters:
(A) "He seemed to have no energy. I thought he must be suffering from
malnutrition, so I have been giving him some little extras between meals to
build him up, some malt and cod liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night to make
him sleep - nothing much really."
(B) "Now I really mean this. If you don't cut his food right down and give him
more exercise he is going to be really ill. You must harden your heart and keep
him on a very strict diet."
Ans. On one hand, we have Mrs. Pumphrey who was an over-indulgent pet
owner while on the other, we have Dr. Herriot, who was an efficient
veterinarian doctor.
(A) Mrs. Pumphrey was an over-concerned pet owner. She treated her pet dog
with loads of luxurious things. She spoilt extreme pampering. In fact, she almost
put his life in danger by overfeeding him with inappropriate food.
(B) Dr. Herriot was an efficient vet. He used ed of to advise Mrs. Pumphrey for
cutting down on her pet's diet and make him do a lot of physical exercises. He
believed that nothing should be done beyond the limit, be it pampering or
feeding done to pets. He was concerned for the health of animals and made
sure that they follow a strict diet and carry out plenty of physical activities that
canines love.
6 Excess of anything is harmful. Evaluate this in the context of Tricki's condition
in the story 'A Triumph of Surgery'.
Ans. Tricki, the pet dog was overfed by his mistress. He was given all kinds of
food items which were not good for a dog like cream cakes, chocolates, wine,
etc., in excess. Excess of food caused Tricki to become fat and bloated. He
became lethargic and listless. He also started word vomiting because of the
excess food. This holds true for everything and everyone. Excess of any food is
even harmful to human beings. Just like the absence of beneficial things is not
good, similarly, the excess of good things is not beneficial. There is a limit to
everything and once the limits are transgressed, it is bound to cause harm in
some way or the other. Even now things like exercise which is good for all, are
harmful if done in excess. Thus, excess of anything is harmful.
7 Dr. James Herriot didn't perform any surgery on Tricki in the story 'A Triumph
of Surgery' but he never revealed it to Mrs. E Pumphrey. Imagine yourself as
the writer of the story and develop a conversation between Dr. James Herriot
and Mrs. Pumphrey when she got to know about the reality of Tricki's recovery.
Ans.
Mrs. Pumphrey: Why did you lie to me, doctor? I trusted you so much. You
could have told me the truth about Tricki's recovery. I am his owner. I have the
right to know what's going on with my pet.
Dr. James Herriot: You are absolutely right Mrs. Pumphrey. You have all the
right to know about your pet. However, as a doctor, I too have some rights.
Tricki is your pet but he was my patient. I had to anyhow save his life by
restricting his diet and making him exercise rigorously. I knew you would never
approve of that and I was scared that Tricki might lose his life because of that.
So, as a doctor, I hid the truth from you for Tricky's recovery.
Mrs. Pumphrey: Oh! Thanks, doctor. I never thought like that. You are right. I
couldn't have ever cut down on Tricki's diet. He is my baby. You saved my son's
life. I am grateful to you.
8 Mrs. Pumphrey, the overindulgent and caring mistress of Trick pampers her pet
dog like a spoiled child. Comment.
Ans. Tricki was definitely more than a dog for Mrs Pumphrey. She treated him
like a pampered child of hers. Tricki was earlier a small dog. The only cause of
Tricki’s overweight was his greed for food. Overfeeding and overdose of
sweets, cakes and chocolates made Tricki hugely fat. He became rheumy and
listless. His tongue lolled from his jaws. The doctor advised Mrs. Pumphrey to
keep Tricki on a very strict diet and make him do plenty of exercise. Dr. Herriot’s
instructions were ignored by Mrs. Pumphrey. Tricki lost his appetite and started
vomiting. Dr. Herriot suggested to Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki must be
hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. Tricki was so attached to her
that she almost fainted merely at the thought of his separation. Tricki was
highly pampered. The entire staff and maids were ever-ready to pamper him
with fluffy beds, cushions, toys, etc. Tricki’s recovery was amazingly rapid. He
was not given food but plenty of water. After a few days, Tricki started taking
an interest in his surroundings. He was transformed into a flexible and
hardmuscled dog. Tricki showed his love for his mistress by jumping onto her
lap when she came to take him back home.
9 Dr. James Herriot was a competent veterinary surgeon. His practical approach
and common sense helped in the rapid recovery of Tricki. Comment.
Ans. Dr James Herriot was a capable veterinary surgeon who treated Tricki. He
was a compassionate doctor and a wise and sympathetic human being. He
showed his capabilities almost immediately when he advised Mrs Pumphrey to
put Tricki on a strict diet after understanding his symptoms. Dr Herriot was also
an understanding and tactful person as he knew exactly how to free Tricki from
the spoiling love of Mrs Pumphrey. He does not operate upon the dog
unnecessarily and adopted a practical approach to treating him. His method
worked and soon Tricki was transformed into an energetic dog. Mr James was
a caring and polite individual as he successfully tackles Mrs Pumphrey's anxiety
about Tricki's recovery patiently. Dr. Herriot was not only a sincere doctor but
was also a good-natured man. He knew that the things sent by Mrs Pumphrey
could not be given to Tricki.
TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING –
HIS FIRST FLIGHT
1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:
The young seagull was alone on his ledge. His two brothers and his sister had already flown away the
day before. He had been afraid to fly with them. Somehow when he had taken a little run forward to the
brink of the ledge and attempted to flap his wings, he became afraid. The great expanse of sea stretched
down beneath, and it was such a long way down - miles down. He felt certain that his wings would never
support him; so, he bent his head and ran away back to the little hole under the ledge where he slept at
night. Even when each of his brothers and his little sister, whose wings were far shorter than his own,
ran to the brink, flapped their wings, and flew away, he failed to muster up courage to take that plunge
which appeared to him so desperate. His father and mother had come around to calling him shrilly,
upbraiding him, threatening to let him starve on his ledge unless he flew away. But for the life of him he
could not move.
(a) Where had his brothers and sister gone?
(b) Why was the young seagull afraid?
(c) What did he do?
(d) What did his parents threaten to do?
(e) Give the meaning of the word 'upbraiding'?
Answers:
(a) His brothers and sister had already flown away the day before.
(b) The young seagull was afraid because he felt certain his wings would never support him and he
would fall in the great expanse of the sea beneath.
(c) He bent his head and ran away back to the little hole under the ledge where he slept at night.
(d) His parents threatened to starve him on his ledge unless he flew away.
(e) The word 'upbraiding' means 'scolding’.
Q.2. That was twenty-four hours ago. Since then nobody had come near him. The day before, all day
long, he had watched his parents flying about with his brothers and sisters, perfecting them in the art of
flight, teaching them how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish. He had, in fact, seen his older
brother catch his first herring and devour it, standing on a rock, while his parents circled around raising a
proud cackle. And all the morning the whole family had walked about on the big plateau midway down
the opposite cliff taunting him with his cowardice. The sun was now ascending the sky, blazing on his
ledge that faced the south. He felt the heat because he had not eaten since the previous nightfall.
(a) Who is 'he' in the passage?
(b) Why was his whole family taunting him?
(c) Why was he getting restless?
(d) Why was he unable to reach his parents?
(e) Give the meaning of the word 'gnawed'.

Answers:
(a) 'He' in the passage refers to the young seagull.
(b) His whole family was taunting him for his cowardice at his inability to fly like the rest of them.
(c) He was getting restless because he had not eaten since the previous night and he could not see a
single scrap of food.
(d) Between him and his parents lay the deep wide sea and since he was unable to fly, he could not
reach them.
(e) The word 'gnawed' means 'bite continuously.
Q.3. That was twenty-four hours ago. Since then nobody had come near him. The day before, all day
long, he had watched his parents flying about with his brothers and sister, perfecting them in the art of
flight, teaching them how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish. He had, in fact, seen his older
brother catch his first herring and devour it, standing on a rock, while his parents circled around raising a
proud cackle. And all the morning the whole family had walked about on the big plateau midway down
the opposite cliff taunting him with his cowardice.
(a) What did the young seagull see his parents doing the day before? Mention any two acts.
(b) For how long had the seagull been alone?
(c) Why had the whole family been taunting the young seagull?
(d) Which word from the passage means the same as 'to move lightly just above a surface'?
Answers:
(a) The day before the young seagull had watched his parents fly about with his brothers and sister.
teaching them how to skim the waves and how to dive for fish.
(b) The seagull had been alone for twenty-four hours.
(c) The whole family had been taunting 'the young seagull for his cowardice'.
(d) The word 'skim' means the same as 'to move lightly just above a surface.
Q4. He stepped slowly out to the brink on the ledge, and standing on one leg with the other leg hidden
under his wing, he closed one eye, then the other and pretended to be falling asleep. Still, they took no
notice of him. He saw his two brothers and his sister lying on the plateau dozing with their heads sunk
into their necks. His father was preening the feathers on his white back. Only his mother was looking at
him. She was standing on a little high hump on the plateau, her white breast thrust forward. Now and
again, she tore at a piece of fish that lay at her feet and then scrapped each side of her beak on the rock.
The sight of the food maddened him. How he loved to tear food that way scrapping his beak now and
again to what it "Ga, gu, gu," he cried begging her to bring him some food. "Gaw col ah," she screamed
back derisively. But he kept calling plaintively, and after a minute or so he uttered a joyful scream. His
mother had picked up a piece of the fish and was flying him with it.
(a) Why did he pretend to be falling asleep?
(b) What were his brothers and sisters doing?
(c) What was his mother doing?

(d) Why did he utter a joyful scream?
(e) Give the meaning of the word 'derisively'?
Answers:
(a) By pretending that he was sleeping he thought his family would take notice of him.
(b) His brothers and sisters were lying on the plateau, dozing with their heads sunk into their necks.
(c) His mother was tearing a piece of fish that was lying at her feet.
(d) He uttered a joyful scream because his mother had picked up a piece of the fish and was flying across
to him with it.
(e) The word 'derisively' means 'mockingly'.
Q.5. He waited a moment in surprise, wondering why she did not come nearer, and then, maddened by
hunger, he dived at the fish. With a loud scream he fell outwards and downwards into space.
(a) Who is 'He'?
(b) Whom was he waiting for?
(c) Why did he dive at the fish?
(d) What happened afterwards?
Answers:
(a) 'He' is the young seagull.
(b) He was waiting for his mother to give him food.
(c) He was maddened by hunger, so he dove at the fish.
(d) With a loud scream he fell outwards and downwards into space.
Q.6. His parents and his brothers and sister had landed on this green flooring ahead of him. They were
beckoning to him, calling shrilly. He dropped his legs to stand on the green sea. His legs sank into it. He
screamed with fright and attempted to rise again flapping his wings. But he was tired and weak with
hunger and he could not rise, exhausted by the strange exercise. His feet sank into the green sea, and
then his belly touched it and he sank no farther. He was floating on it, and around him his family was
screaming, praising him and their beaks were offering him scraps of dog-fish.
(a) Where did the young seagull land?
(b) Why did he scream?
(c) What made him tired?
(d) How did his parents, brothers and sister encourage him?
(e) Which word in the passage means the same as 'attracting by a silent signal'?
Answers:
(a) The young seagull landed on the green sea.

(b) He felt his legs sinking into the sea and screamed with fright.
(c) His first flight, a strange exercise, made him tired.
(d) His parents, brothers and sister encouraged him by screaming, praising him and offering him scraps
of dog-fish.
(e) The word 'beckoning' means the same as 'attracting by a silent signal'.
Q.7. His parents and his brothers and sister had landed on this green flooring ahead of him. They were
beckoning to him, calling shrilly. He dropped his legs to stand on the green sea. His legs sank into it. He
screamed with fright and attempted to rise again flapping his wings. But he was tired and weak with
hunger and he could not rise, exhausted by the strange exercise. His feet sank into the green sea, and
then his belly touched it and he sank no farther. He was floating on it, and around him his family was
screaming, praising him and their beaks were offering him scraps of dog-fish.
(a) What does the phrase, 'this green flooring' refer to?
(b) The seagull thought that the sea was like land. Pick out the phrase that suggests this.
(c) When did the seagull get over his fear of water?
(d) How did the whole family praise and reward the success of the seagull's flight?
(e) Find out a word from the passage which means the same as 'pieces'.
Answers:
(a) 'This green flooring refers to the green sea.
(b) The phrase that suggests this is 'He dropped his legs to stand on the green sea'.
(c) The seagull got over his fear of water only when his belly touched it and he sank no farther and was
floating on it.
(d) His whole family was around him screaming, praising him and their beaks were offering him scraps of
dog-fish.
(e) The word 'scraps' means the same as 'pieces'.
II. Answer the following questions briefly:
1. Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his family?
Ans. The seagull did not go with his family because he had been afraid to fly. He had attempted to flap
his wings but he felt certain his wings would not support him above the vast sea. So he stayed on the
ledge alone.
2. Describe the seagull's first flight.
Ans. The seagull remained alone and hungry for twenty-four hours. His mother decided to motivate him
by showing a piece of fish but did not feed him. Maddened by hunger, he tried to snatch it by diving. As
the seagull fell into space, a terror seized him. The next moment he felt his wings spread outwards as
the wind gushed against his breast feathers. He then realized he was gradually soaring. In this way he
made his first flight.
3. Describe the methods used by the seagull family to help the young seagull to overcome his fear
and fly.
Ans. The young seagull was unable to muster up courage to fly. His father and mother had come around
to calling him shrilly, upbraiding him and threatening to leave him to starve on his ledge unless he flew
away but he did not move. His whole family had even walked about on the big plateau midway down
the opposite cliff all morning taunting him for his cowardice to motivate him to fly. His mother was also
tempting him by tearing a piece of fish lying at her feet so that the sight of food, which was maddening
him, may make him overcome his fear and fly. He was still unable to do so and kept crying and begging
her to bring him some food.
4. How did the mother make the young seagull come out of his fear and teach him the art of
flying?
Ans. The young seagull had not eaten since the previous nightfall. His mother was looking at him and
knew he was very hungry. Purposely she began to tear at a piece of fish that lay at her feet and then
scrapped each side of her beak on the rock. She understood that the sight of food was maddening the
young seagull. The young seagull cried begging her to bring him some food but she refused by screaming
back mockingly. He kept calling out plaintively. She came nearer to him with the piece of fish in her beak
almost within reach of his beak. He could wait no longer and dived at the fish. His mother swooped
upwards and he felt his wings spread outwards as he fell downwards into space. out
5. Why did the young seagull not go with the rest of his family? Why was he afraid to fly?
Ans. The young seagull did not go with the rest of his family, though his brothers and sister had already
flown away the day before, as he felt afraid to fly with them. Standing alone on his ledge, he had taken a
little run forward to its brink and attempted to flap his wings but he had been scared. The great expanse
of the sea stretched below seemed as if it was miles down and he felt certain that his wings would never
support him, so he bent his head and ran away to the little hole under the ledge where he used to sleep
at night. Though he was desperate to join his family, he failed to muster up enough courage and take a
plunge. His family's constant encouragement and threatening words could not make him move.
6. How can you tell that the young Seagull was desperately hungry?
Ans. The young seagull was watching his mother as she tore at a piece of fish that lay at her feet. The
sight of the food was maddening him and making him almost crazy. He loved to tear food that way and
then scrap his beak again to whet it. He uttered a cackling sound as if begging his mother to bring him
some food. Earlier, he had searched every inch of the place where he had sat and had even gnawed at
the dried pieces of spotted eggshells from which he and his brothers and sisters had been hatched. Now
he was getting absolutely desperate because he had not eaten since the previous night. Maddened by
this hunger, he dived at the fish that his mother baited at him, and flew outward and downward into
space.
7. Why was the young seagull afraid of flying? What compelled the seagull to finally fly? OR
"The sight of the food maddened him". What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to
finally fly?
Ans. The young seagull was afraid of flying because he felt certain that his wings would not support him
above the vast sea. The young seagull had not eaten anything since the previous night and the sight of
his mother tearing at a piece of fish that lay at her feet was maddening him, making him almost crazy.
He loved to tear food that way and uttered a cackling sound as if begging his mother to bring him some
food but she was ignoring him. Maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish his mother baited at him and
flew outward and downward into space. Finally, his feet sank into the green sea and as his belly touched
it, he sank no further. He was floating on it and around him his family was praising him.
1. A young seagull is too afraid to fly. His father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly.
Don’t you think that such type of strategy is followed by almost all parents to make their
children learn? Substantiate answers with example
The young seagull is scared to fly. He is afraid of vast exposure of the sea beneath him. His parents
cajole him to fly but he is too scared to fly. At the same time, he is desperate with hunger. He expects
his parents to feed him. But he is left alone without food. They threaten him that he'll die of hunger if he
doesn’t fly. Then the mother persuades him with a fish within his reach, but not closer to him. He
ultimately falls to temptation and dives into the sea and finally succeeds. All parents should follow such
type of strategy to make their children learn. They should not pamper their children by spoon feeding.
They should make them independent. Parental strictness in making a child learn a skill shouldn’t be
taken as a threat. It is in favour of child as without threat, the seagull won’t have learnt to fly; he would
be starved to death.
2. What role was played by the family of the seagull to train him in the art of flying?
To train the young seagull in the art of flying, the entire family helped out. His sisters and brothers
encouraged him to muster up courage and try to fly. The parents called out in a shrill voice, along with
cajoling and scolding him in turn. Then they threatened to let him starve. When all this proved
unsuccessful, his mother tempted him by flying close to his ledge with a piece of fish in her mouth.
Maddened by hunger, he dived forward to get that piece and fell into space. To save himself, he spread
his wings and found that he was able to fly. Thus, the entire family helped him in making him to learn
the art of flying. His parents and his brothers and sister had landed on the green surface of water ahead
of him. They were calling him to do the same thing. They were flying around him. They were roaming
and diving. When he was tried and weak with hunger, he could not rise. Then his family came around
him crying and praising him. They offered him scraps of dog-fish because he had made his first flight
successfully.
3. Imagine you are the seagull's mother. You wanted him to fly and your plan worked. Write page in
your diary to describe how he ventured into his flight.
Monday: 20thJune 2020
10:30 p.m.
Dear Diary
Today I am feeling very happy. Finally, all my children are able to fly. Coaxing the youngest one was
indeed a real ordeal. He just refused to get off the ledge. We tried every method but failed. After nearly
24 hours, I could see that he was feeling really hungry. So I decided to play a trick on him. I took a piece
of fish in my mouth and flew close to the ledge. Maddened by hunger, he stepped forward to get the
fish, lost his balance and fell outwards. Instinctively, he spread his wings and found that he could fly.
Even my husband and other children supported him. When he was near the sea, while flying straight
over it, all of us landed on the green surface of water ahead of him. We all started calling him to do the
same thing. He dropped his leg to stand on the green sea. But his leg sank into it. He cried with fear. He
tried to rise again flapping his wings. But he was tried and weak with hunger. He could not rise. We all
started crying and praising him. At last, we offered him scraps of dog-fish. He had at last made his first
flight successful with great effort. It was the proud moment of my life. Now I am relaxed.
Good night Diary.
4. Do you think hunger was a good motivation for the young seagull in his first flight?
Even though his parents motivated him to fly, he denied. They warned him that if he did not fly, he
would die of hunger. But he could not move. But whatever parents do, it is for the betterment of their
child’s future. So they took a harsh step of starving him for more than 24 hours, which was a good time
to teach him lesson to fly, and hunt food for himself. It was a wonderful lesson which parents can teach
their children to make their future bright.
Yes, in this case, hunger was a great motivation for the young seagull. He was cowardly and full of fear.
All the efforts of his parents had failed to coax him into flight. For 24 hours, no one went near him and
he was almost faint with hunger. Finally, the mother flew near him with a scrap of food in her beak.
Unable to resist, he plunged into the air to catch it and fell out. To save himself, he opened his wings,
wind rushed to them and he found that he could fly. Then he completely forgot that he had not always
been able to fly. Around him was his family, offering him scraps of dog-fish. Hence, hunger proved to be
a good motivation for the young seagull.
Black Aeroplane
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. The moon was coming up in the east, behind me, and stars were shining in the clear sky above
me. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. I was happy to be alone high up above the sleeping
countryside. I was flying my old Dakota aeroplane over France back to England. I was dreaming
of my holiday and looking forward to being with my family. I looked at my watch: one thirty in
the morning. 'I should call Paris control soon, I thought. As I looked down past the nose of my
aeroplane, I saw the lights of a big 2004 city in front of me.
(a) Which aeroplane was the pilot flying?
(b) What does the writer mean by the 'sleeping countryside'?
(c) The pilot was happy for two reasons. Mention both.
(d) Which phrase in the passage means 'hoping with pleasure"?
Ans: (a) The pilot was flying his old Dakota aeroplane.
(b) By 'sleeping countryside' the writer means that the people in the countryside above which he
was flying were sleeping.
(c) The pilot was happy because he was dreaming of his holiday and looking forward to being with
his family.
(d) The phrase 'looking forward to' means 'hoping with pleasure.
Q.2. The moon was coming up in the east, behind me, and stars were shining in the clear sky above
me. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. I was happy to be alone high up above the sleeping
countryside. I was flying my old Dakota aeroplane over France back to England. I was dreaming
of my holiday and looking forward to being with my family. I looked at my watch: one thirty in the
morning. 2009
(a) Who is 'I'?
(b) What does 'the sleeping countryside' mean?
(c) What was he doing?
(d) What did he think of?
(e) Which phrase in the passage means the same as 'expecting/ anticipating'?
Ans. (a) 'I' refers to the plane's pilot.
(b) The 'sleeping countryside' refers to all the people who lay asleep at night in the countryside.
(c) He was flying his old Dakota aeroplane over France on his way back to England.
(d) He thought of his holiday and looked forward to being with his family.
(e) The phrase 'looking forward to' means the same as 'expecting/anticipating'.
Q.3. 'I should call Paris Control soon, I thought. As I looked down past the nose of the aeroplane,
I saw the lights of a big city in front of me. I switched on the radio and said: 'Paris Control, Dakota
DS 088 here. Can you hear me? I'm on my way to England. Over.'. The voice from the radio
answered me immediately: 'DS 088. I can hear you. You ought to turn twelve degrees west now,
DS 088. Over.' I checked the map and the compass, switched over to my second and last fuel tank,
and turned the Dakota twelve degrees west towards England. I'll be in time for breakfast, I thought.
A good big English breakfast! Everything was going well - it was an easy flight. Paris was about
150 kilometres behind me when I saw the clouds. Storm clouds. They were huge. They looked like
black mountains standing in front of me across the sky. I knew I could not fly up and over them,
and I did not have enough fuel to fly around them to the north or south. 'I ought to go back to
Paris,' I thought, but I wanted to get home. I wanted that breakfast. I'll take the risk,' I thought,
and flew that old Dakota straight into the storm.
(a) Who is 'I' in the above passage?
(b) Where was he going?
(c) What does he encounter 150 kilometers away from Paris?
(d) Why did the pilot not go back?
(e) Which word in the passage means 'instantly'?
Ans. (a) 'I' in the above passage is the narrator, Frederick Forsyth.
(b) He was going to London.
(c) He encountered huge, stormy clouds which seemed like black mountains, 150 kilometres away
from Paris.
(d) The pilot did not go back because he was eager to get home to be with his family. 'instantly'.
(e) The word 'immediately' means ‘instantly’.
Q.4. 'Paris Control? Paris Control? Can you hear me?” There was no answer. The radio was
dead too. I had no radio, no compass, and I could not see where I was. I was lost could see it flying
next to me through the storm. I could see the pilot's face - turned towards me. I was very glad to
see another person. He lifted one hand and waved. Follow me,' he was saying. 'Follow me.' 'He
knows that I am lost,' I thought. 'He's trying to help me.' He turned his aeroplane slowly to the
north, in front of my Dakota, so that it would be easier for me to follow him. I was very happy to
go behind the strange aeroplane like an obedient child. After half an hour the strange black
aeroplane was still there in front of me in the clouds. Now there was only enough fuel in the old
Dakota's last tank to fly for five or ten minutes more. I was starting to feel frightened again. But
then he started to go down and I followed through the storm. Suddenly I came out of the clouds
and saw two long straight lines of lights in front of me. It was a runway! An airport! I was safe! I
turned to look for my friend in the black aeroplane, but the sky was empty. There was nothing
there. The black aeroplane was gone. I could not see it anywhere.
(a) How do we know that the pilot was completely lost in the storm?
(b) What was the pilot of the second plane signalling him to do?
(c) How did the second pilot help the lost pilot?
(d) What was "the two long straight lines of lights"?
(e) Give the meaning of the word 'compass'.
Ans. (a) The pilot had no radio, no compass and he could not see where he was. He was completely
lost in the storm.
(b) The pilot of the second plane was signalling him to follow him (the second pilot).
(c) The second pilot made the first pilot follow him and guided him out of the storm.
(d) "The two long straight lines of lights" was the runway.
(e) The word 'compass’ means ‘an instrument with the help of which one can know directions’.
5. Suddenly I came out of the clouds and saw two straight lines of lights in front of me. It was a
runway! An airport! I was safe! I turned to look for my friend in the black aeroplane, but the sky
was empty. There was nothing there. The black aeroplane was gone. I could not see it anywhere.
I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota near the control tower. I went and
asked a woman in the control centre where I was and who the other pilot was. I wanted to say
"Thank You'.
(a) How did the pilot know that he had landed at the airport?
(b) What makes you sure that there was no other aeroplane in the sky?
(c) Why did he enquire about the other pilot?
(d) Find out a word from the passage which means the same as 'a hard surface where aeroplanes
can land or take off'?
Ans.(a) As the pilot came out of the clouds he saw two straight lines of lights in front of him. He
realized it was a runway and that he had landed at the airport.
(b) The woman at the control tower confirmed that there was no other aeroplane in the sky.
(c) He wanted to thank the other pilot for his help so he enquired about him.
(d) The word 'runway' means the same as 'a hard surface where aeroplanes can land and take off'.
Q.6. I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota near the control tower. I went
and asked a woman in the control centre where I was and who then other pilot was. I wanted to
say "Thank you'. She looked at me very strangely, and then laughed. "Another aeroplane? Up
there in this storm? No other aeroplanes were flying tonight. Yours was the only one I could see
on the radar." So who helped me to arrive there safely without a compass or a radio, and without
any more fuel in my tanks? Who was the pilot on the strange black aeroplane, flying in the storm,
without lights?
(a) Who is 'I'?
(b) What did he ask the woman in the control centre?
(c) Why did he want to meet the pilot of the black aeroplane?
(d) Which word in the passage means the same as 'an instrument that shows directions'?
Ans: (a) 'I' is the narrator, Frederick Forsyth.
(b) He asked the woman in the control centre where he was and who the other pilot was.
(c) He wanted to meet the pilot of the black aeroplane to express his gratitude to him.
(d) The word 'compass' means the same as 'an instrument that shows directions'.
Short Answer Questions
1. Describe the sky when ‘Dakota’ took off from Paris?
When ‘Dakota’ took off from Paris, the sky was quite clear. The moon was coming up in the east and
the stars were shining. There were no clouds in the sky. The climatic condition was ideal.
2. “I'll take the risk” What is the risk? Why does the pilot of the old Dakota take it?
The risk was of flying the old Dakota aeroplane into the storm. The pilot took it as he wished to
reach home as soon as possible and to be present at the breakfast table with his family in the morning.
3. What difficulties did the narrator face while flying in the storm?
The difficulties that the narrator faced were that all the instruments of his aeroplane stopped
working. He could not see any thing as there were dark clouds all around. The radio became dead and
the compass was turning round and round.
4. A pilot is lost in the storm clouds. Does he arrive safe? Who helped him?
Yes, the pilot arrives safe on the runway. He is helped by the another pilot of a mysterious plane. He
vanishes soon after the narrator landed on the airport. The pilot of the other plane guided him to a safe
landing.
5. What shocked the narrator after landing safely?

The narrator was shocked to land safely after struggling against the black storm. Besides, he wanted to
thank the other pilot who showed him the way, but he too nowhere to be seen. It was a sort of secret
help, of which no one was aware.
6. 'Everything was going well-it was an easy flight.' Why was the pilot happy? Give two reasons why
the pilot was happy?
The pilot was flying his aeroplane in a clear sky where he could see the moon coming up in the east,
behind him, and the stars were shining above him. He was happy to be alone high up above the sleeping
countryside and was dreaming of his holiday and looking forward to being with his family. He thought
that he would be home in time for breakfast and devour a good big English breakfast. Everything was
going pretty well for him. He was getting fine signals from the Paris Control Room which was giving him
the accurate direction on which he was to proceed. His compass and full tank were also up to the mark.
So, all in all, it was an easy flight for him.
7. Why did the woman in the control room look at the pilot of Dakota DS 088 strangely?
Ans. The woman in the control room looked at the pilot of the Dakota strangely when he was talking
about there being another aeroplane. She knew that there was no other aeroplane as she could see only
one aeroplane on the radar.
1. From the beginning to the end of the lesson the black aeroplane is a mystery. How?
The narrator started his journey with old Dakota – 088. At that time, the sky was clear. But suddenly, he
found himself in the midst of black clouds. There was zero visibility, everything was black. He couldn’t
find any way to escape. To his shock, the compass and the radio were dead. He was lost in the storm. All
of a sudden, the narrator saw a black aeroplane and was helped by the other pilot. For half an hour he
was flying behind that plane like an obedient child. There was only enough fuel in the tank to fly for five
or ten minutes when suddenly he saw two rows of lights. It was a runway in front of him. He safely
landed at the airport. He went to the control centre to ask who the other pilot was. To his horror, his
was the only flight that could be seen on the radar. Who was the other pilot on the strange black
aeroplane flying in the storm, without lights, remained a mystery till the end.
2. Describe the narrator's experience as he flew the aeroplane into the storm.
The narrator was in a hurry to reach England although he had little fuel. He felt home sick and missed his
home. So, he took the risk to fly in low fuel. Suddenly, he lost contact with Paris due to cloudy storm.
Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was impossible for him to see anything outside the
aeroplane. His plane jumped and twisted in the air. He looked at the compass and to his surprise; it was
moving round and round. It was dead. All the other instruments were dead. He tried the radio but in
vain. He was lost in the storm. Just then a black aeroplane appeared. He was helped by the mysterious
pilot and was able to land safely. The other aeroplane had no lights on its wings, but the narrator could
see it flying next to him. He could see other pilot’s face. He lifted one hand and waved at the narrator
and asked him to follow him. Narrator’s fuel was getting over. But the other pilot guided him down and
made his safe landing. After that, the pilot and the aeroplane both disappeared.
3. How did the author come out safely from the black clouds?
The author took the risk of flying through the black clouds. He couldn’t see anything. The
aeroplane jumped and twisted up every now and then. All his instruments had stopped working. The
radio and compass were both dead. Suddenly, he saw another plane with no lights on its wings. The
other pilot gestured him to follow his plane and turned his aeroplane slowly to the north in front of the
author’s Dakota, so that it would be easier for him to follow. The author was glad to follow him like an
obedient child. After half an hour, the strange black plane was still guiding the author in the clouds.
Suddenly, he saw two long straight lines of lights in front of him. It was a runway. He was safe and
landed safely out of the clouds. After landing, he went to the control room to find who the other pilot
who saved him was. He wanted to thank the pilot but the pilot and his aeroplane both had disappeared.
It was a mystery.
A Tiger in the Zoo
Extract-based Questions (5 Marks each)
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow by choosing the
correct option.
1. He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
(a) Who is ‘he’ in the above lines?
(i) Tiger (ii) Poet (iii) Zoo keeper (iv) Lion
(b) Where is ‘he’?
(i) In the jungle (ii) In a small cage (iii) In a circus (iv) None of these
(c) In which mood is he?
(i) He is happy. (ii) He is sad. (iii) He is angry. (iv) He is silent.
(d) How is he walking in the cage?
(i) Fast (ii) Zigzag (iii) Slowly (iv) Not walking at all
(e) ‘Pads of velvet’ means:
(i) tiger’s skin (ii) tiger’s whiskers (iii) tiger’s soft soles (iv) none of these
Ans. (a)—(i), (b)—(ii), (c)—(iii), (d)—(iii), (e)—(iii)
2. He should be lurking in the shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(a) According to the extract, the poet wishes for the tiger to be ‘sliding’ through the
foliage as this would:
(i) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator’s sound.
(ii) aid in camouflaging the presence of the predator before it rushes in.
(iii) help the predator pounce on the prey comfortably without getting tired.
(iv) support the predator’s vision as it eyes its prey.
(b) Which fact DOES NOT connect with the significance of the water hole for the tiger?
(i) Many tigers chase prey into the water and holds the victim’s head under water until it drowns.
(ii) Prey feed in the water on water-lilies, and often wander into the middle of the water hole, where
they were vulnerable and easy for the tiger to kill.
(iii) Prey that has quenched its thirst ensures consumption of hydrated meat for the tiger.
(iv) Chasing the panicked prey from shallow to deep water where the tiger grabs it.
(c) Pick the option that DOES NOT use ‘lurking’ correctly to fill in the blank.
(i) The thug was _________ in the alley late evening, for unsuspecting passers-by.
(ii) The hyena was ____________ in its den after a good meal.
(iii) The detective cautioned her team about the ___________ danger likely to impact the case.
(iv) The prejudices _____________ beneath the surface create misunderstandings.
(d) ‘Shadow’ here, refers to the shadow of:
(i) the tiger (ii) long grass (iii) water hole (iv) deer
(e) Pick the phrase that DOES NOT suggest that the forest in the extract is lush.
(i) Long grass (ii) The water hole (iii) Plump deer (iv) Lurking in shadow
Ans. (a)—(i), (b)—(iii), (c)—(ii), (d)—(ii), (e)—(iv)
He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle’s edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
(a) What is he doing?
(i) He is sleeping. (ii) He is terrorising villagers.
(iii) He is hunting for food. (iv) He is walking in the cage.
(b) Where are these houses situated?
(i) At the edge of the jungle (ii) In the jungle
(iii) Near the zoo (iv) None of these
(c) He would terrorise the villagers by:
(i) showing his fangs (ii) showing his claws (iii) both (i) &(ii) (iv) hiding in long grass
(d) What is he doing around the houses?
(i) Snarling (ii) Running (iii) Staring (iv) Eating
(e) Who does ‘he’ refer to in the stanza?
(i) Poet (ii) Villager (iii) Tiger (iv) None of these
Ans. (a)—(ii), (b)—(i), (c)—(iii), (d)—(i), (e)—(iii)

4. But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
(a) He is locked in a:
(i) wooden cell (ii) iron cage (iii) concrete cell (iv) tent
(b) Name the poet of ‘ A Tiger in the Zoo’ from which the extract is taken.
(i) Leslie Norris (ii) Robert Frost (iii) William Blake (iv) John Keats
(c) What is meant by ‘stalking the length of his cage’?
(i) The tiger is locked in a cage.
(ii) The tiger is staring the people.
(iii) The tiger is walking from one end of the cage to another.
(iv) The tiger is waiting to hunt for food.
(d) Who is being ignored?
(i) Visitors (ii) Animals (iii) Tiger (iv) Poet
(e) Why is the tiger kept in a cell?
(i) So that he could not hunt (ii) So that he could not kill villagers
(iii) So that he could not escape (iv) So that he could be sold
Ans. (a)—(iii), (b)—(i), (c)—(iii), (d)—(i), (e)—(iii)
5. He hears the last voice at night,
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
(a) What sound does the tiger hear at night?
(i) The sound of hunting animals (ii) The sound of traffic
(iii) The sound of children playing (iv) The sound of the patrolling cars
(b) How do his eyes look?
(i) Brilliant (ii) Dull (iii) Weak (iv) Strong
(c) He looks at the _____________ at night.
(i) animals (ii) visitors (iii) shining stars (iv) poet
(d) Which word in the stanza means ‘looks intently’?

(i) Patrolling (ii) Stares (iii) Brilliant (iv) Hears
(e) Which are the rhyming words in this stanza?
(i) stars-eyes (ii) night-cars (iii) cars-eyes (iv) stars-cars
Ans. (a)—(iv), (b)—(i), (c)—(iii), (d)—(ii), (e)—(iv)
1. It is said that an animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language. Explain with reference
to the tiger.
Ans. – The tiger has brilliant eyes that shine and sparkle. These exceptionally bright eyes show that
the animal is very clever and talented. The poet compares the brilliance of the tiger’s eyes to the
brilliance of the stars shining in the night sky.
2. How does the poem point to the cruelty of animals in captivity?
Ans. – The animals in captivity are subjected to cruelty because they are removed from their natural
habitat. The tiger can no longer catch its prey, slide through grass or hide behind bushes. The tiger
no longer snarls and cannot terrorize the village. It remains locked behind the cell walls.
3. The poet celebrates the strength of the tiger in this poem. Counter the statement.
Ans. – The poet acknowledges that the tiger is a powerful beast but its strength is no longer effective
as it is in captivity. Now the tiger strolls within the limits of the cell, hears the siren of the police
patrol vehicles and stares at the shining stars. It neither attacks the prey nor does it snarls and
terrorize the village.
4. What do you think the tiger would say to you, as a visitor?

Please stop staring. You have no idea………… …(continue) .
Ans – Please stop staring. You have no idea how sad and lonely it feels to be confined in this cage. I
miss my home.
They have curtailed my freedom. I have been put in a cage. I am not myself anymore.
The sole purpose of putting me here is your entertainment. You buy tickets and visit this zoo to see
me. Please stop coming to the zoo so that it closes down and I return to my natural habitat, the
dense forest.
“Freedom is a birth right. It is the most beautiful gift of god. It is valuable for all human beings as
well as for creatures,” Discuss with reference to the poem “A Tiger in the Zoo.”.
Answer:
Freedom is the most beautiful gift of god. Freedom is a birthright, without freedom all is in vain.
Since the man has come on his earth, he tries to enslave the weaker sections for his own selfishness.
If a bird lives in a golden cage, it cannot become happy. It loves to fly freely in an open sky. In the
same way, if ‘ a man lives in a prison and gets everything, he cannot feel happiness. But if a man lives
freely, he will be happy even in poor conditions. In this poem, we find the descriptions of two tigers,
one is in a cage and second in an open field/forest. There is a great contrast between their
behaviours.
Short Answer questions
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
1. What do you understand by `His strength behind bars’? What kind of a cage is he locked in?
Ans. The tiger is wretched in its cage. His power is confined behind the bars. He was locked in a small
cage where he is devoid of freedom. He feels unhappy, frustrated, restless and angry.
2. Is it safe to allow tigers to live in their natural habitat these days?
Ans. Although it is ideal for tigers to live in the wild, today, it will mean certain death for them. Fast
diminishing jungles and danger posed by poachers have pushed tigers to the brink of extinction,
making their natural home unsafe.
3. The tiger in the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’ has some obvious limitations, describe them in
contrast to its natural habitat.
Ans. The tiger in the zoo was confined to a small space. He was angry that he couldn’t be free to
move, hunt and do what he pleased forced to be a showpiece; and the cage’s bars obstructed his
view of the starry night. This was all unlike his natural habitat where he hunted fiercely and slept
fitfully.
4. What is the theme of the poem? Or What message does the poet want to convey through the
poem—Tiger in the Zoo’?
Ans. The poet wants to convey that it is cruel to keep the wild animals in small enclosures of the zoo,
away from their natural habitat. They feel angry, helpless and unhappy and remember their life and
environment in the forest.
5. Why do you think the tiger was stalking in the cage? What does it show?
Ans. I think the tiger was feeling restless and uneasy in that small cage. He seems to be frustrated
and helpless as he could not come out of the cage in the open and enjoy his freedom. He did not
want to be a mere showpiece and a source of entertainment for human beings.
6. Describe the movement of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Or What difference do you find
in the mood of a tiger when he is in a zoo and when he is in a forest?
Ans. In the zoo, in his small cage and devoid of freedom, the tiger feels unhappy rather frustrated,
restless and angry. In the forest, he enjoys moving majestically wherever he wants, terrorizes the
villagers by displaying his sharp teeth and claws. He is happy in the forest, enjoying his liberty and
surroundings, but not in the zoo.
Q.7. What does the poet say about a tiger in his natural surroundings?
Ans. The poet says that the tiger should be in the jungle. It is his natural habitat. In the jungle, he
moves in the long grass near a water hole. He hides in shadow to hunt the deer for his food.
Q.8. Where is the strength of the tiger and how does he treat the visitors?
Ans. The tiger is imprisoned in a cage. So his strength is behind the bars. He paces to-and-fro the
length of the cage. Visitors come to his cage. But he ignores those visitors.
Q.9. How does the tiger terrify the villagers?
Ans. The tiger prowls around the houses of the villagers. He terrifies them by snarling at them. Their
houses are situated near the jungle. He terrifies the villagers by baring his fangs and showing his long
claws.
Q.10. How does the tiger behave at night?

Ans. At night the tiger feels lonely. He hears the sound of the patrolling cars. He looks through the
bars at the shining stars. His eyes are also shining.
Q.11. How does the poet contrast the tiger in the cage with the tiger in the forest?
Ans. The poet says that the caged tiger is imprisoned. He is not free. He is angry. On the other hand.
the tiger in the jungle is free. He walks in the tall grass and hunts the deer that pass near the water
hole
Q.12. How does the tiger walk in the cage?
Ans. The tiger walks in the cage in a proud manner. He walks quietly. But his eyes show that he is
very angry at having been imprisoned in a cage. But he can’t do anything for his freedom.
Q13. How does the tiger stalk in the cage?
Ans. The tiger is not in his natural habitat—the jungle. the lie is locked in a cage made up of cement
and concrete. He keeps on stalking inside his cage from one side to the other. He is walking in a quiet
rage with his heels which are padded like velvet.
Q14. How does the tiger prepare himself for hunting when he is in his natural habitat — the
jungle?
Ans. The mighty tiger roams freely in his natural habitat – the wilds. He knows how to ambush his
prey. He waits for his prey lurking unseen in the shadow of trees. He slides through the long grass
quite unnoticed. He comes to the water hole where he can find his favourite prey – plump deer.
Q15. How does the tiger terrorise the villagers? Does he have any intention of killing them?
Ans. Sometimes, the tiger roams around freely and comes near the edge of the jungle. He comes
very near to the houses of the villagers which are situated on the outskirts of the jungle. Roaming
there, he opens out his white sharp teeth and paws to terrorise the villagers. He has no intention of
killing them as he never attacks until he is provoked to do so.
Q16. How does the tiger feel locked in the concrete cell of the zoo? Why does he ignore the
visitors?
Ans. The tiger is basically an animal of the wilds. He is’ a denizen of the forest. Being locked in a
concrete cell of the zoo, he feels quite helpless. His immense strength is of no use to him as he is put
behind the bars. He only stalks the length of his cage. He ignores the visitors who came to see him
after buying their tickets. He doesn’t want to present himself as an object of entertaining others.
Q17. What does the tiger do at night? What does he feel when he stares at the brilliant stars in the
sky?
Ans. The patrolling cars move around and the tiger hears their sound late at night. He is locked in a
cage but stares at the brilliant stars shining in the vast and open sky. The vast open sky and the
brilliant stars only intensify the feeling of helplessness that he feels inside the cage.
Q18. Freedom can’t be bargained at any cost. What message does Leslie Norris give to the readers
in ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’?
Ans. Not only humans but animals too cherish freedom. Freedom can’t be bargained. In this case, a
tiger may be well-fed and protected. However, the curtailment of his freedom keeps him in ‘quiet
rage’. He resents being behind the bars. He is a different animal when he is in his natural habitat, the
jungle. He roams around the water hole and ambushes his favourite plump deer.
Q19. He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars, Who hears the last voice and of what?
Ans. The tiger hears the last voice Le, the sound of the patrolling cars at night. He is imprisoned in a
cage in the zoo. The patrolling cars are making a round of the zoo to see that everything is all right.
Q 20. And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
Why are the eyes brilliant? What is common between the eyes and the stars?
Ans. The tiger’s eyes shine brightly in the darkness of night. The stars are also shining in the sky. The
common thing between the tiger’s eyes and the stars is that both are brilliant.
Q21. What message do you get from this poem?
Ans. From this poem, we come to know that animals like to live freely in the forest. The animals do
not want to live in the zoo. Their life is pitiable in it.
Q22. Baring his white fangs, his claws
Terrorising the village.
Who bears his fangs and how does he terrorise the village?
Ans. The tiger bares his white fangs. He terrorises the people of the village because he keeps
snarling around houses.
Long Answer Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each
1. Animals, big and small, is being used by humans for their selfish ends? What is your opinion
regarding the exploitation of animals? Mention some examples that you can see a possible
solution to this problem.
Ans. It is true that animals, big and small are being used by humans for their selfish ends. We use
them for our own benefits. Animals are killed, poached and captured for commercial benefits.
Humans have encroached on their space and sheltered them in zoos which is truly inhuman. In the
poem, the poet has shown the plight of a tiger. He is captured and confined in a small cage. He is
frustrated, angry and restless. It longs for freedom. Confinement brings bondage and bondage is
cruelty.
Every day we see many animals suffering due to humans. Monkeys bear captured and made to
dance on roads, Elephants are chained and forced to lift heavy loads. Many animals are sheltered in
zoos for the entertainment of human beings. They are kept in poor conditions. They are treated
inhumanly. We should learn to respect nature and its inhabitants. After all, these animals to share
the earth with us.
2. Some animals are becoming extinct; the tiger is one such animal. What do you think could be
the reason? Should this decrease in number be stopped? Why?
Ans. The primary threats to the survival of tigers are poaching and habitat loss due to intensive
development. The Tigers are getting extinct. The Tigers are on the list of endangered species and the
reason behind it is human interference. Humans hunt tigers for their commercial benefits. The loss
of habitats also leads to a reduction in prey animals, so the area can support fewer tigers. Moreover,
tigers are poached for trophies such as teeth and fur and for traditional medicines. The growing
population clears the forest areas to make them agricultural land for food. This creates a problem of
the tiger’s habitat. Tigers are the backbone of food web and forest, hence should be protected.
3. And stares with his brilliant eyes, At the brilliant stars.’ We can no longer do that. How do we
feel about the ‘tigers in the zoo’? You can even imagine yourself in captivity.
Or
When there is a natural habitat for tigers and other wild animals, is it justified for humans to shift
them from there to other locations? Give a reasonable answer to justify it.
Or
The tiger in the poem is feeling miserable in a concrete cell. Does it not amount to cruelty? Express
your opinion about keeping wild animals in zoos. Is there any lesson for
humans?
Ans. The tiger in the poem is wretched in its cage. It longs for freedom. It may be well looked after,
but the fact of the matter is that unless one is free, one is not alive. Confinement brings bondage,
and bondage is cruelty. One may argue that at least this way they all will not be killed and become
extinct. However, taking away one’s freedom to keep one alive kill the desire to live anyhow. Even
humans throughout the world oppose the chains of slavery and oppression. How are other living
creatures any different? Humans have encroached on their space, and sheltering them in zoos is
truly inhuman. Humans must learn to respect nature, for humans exist only due to nature.
Q4. Give contrasting pictures of the tiger in his natural habitat and in the locked cage of the zoo.
How does he feel and behave differently in both places?
Ans. The tiger is a denizen of the forest. He loves to roam around freely in his natural habitat—the
jungle. There, he is totally free with no restrictions on his movements and activities. He knows how
to ambush his prey. He waits for his prey lurking silently in the shadow of the trees. Then he slides
unseen and unnoticed through the long grass. He knows where he can find his favourite hunt—
plump deer. It is the water hole where they come for drinking water and become easy victims of the
mighty tiger. The tiger knows no boundaries and limits. Sometimes he roams around the houses
which are situated on the edge of the jungle. With his open white teeth and powerful paws, he
terrorises the villagers. He rarely attacks them until he is provoked.
However, it is a pathetic picture of the same tiger when he is locked in a concrete cell in the zoo. The
mighty and ferocious animal is put behind the bars. There he stalks in ‘quiet rage’ the length of his
cage. He becomes just a piece of entertainment for visitors. But the proud tiger just ignores them. At
night from behind the bars, he keeps on staring at the brilliant stars in the vast sky. The vastness of
the sky and the brilliance of stars only intensifies his loss of freedom.
Q5. Freedom is such an essential virtue that is valued not only by human beings but also by
animals alike. Justify the statement with reference to Leslie Norris’s poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’.
Ans. Freedom is an essential virtue valued by all. Not only humans but even the denizens of the
forest value it. No one knows it better than a caged tiger in a zoo. Animals, particularly the animals
of the wilds, feel free only in their natural habitats. Any attempt to ‘domesticate’ ferocious and
mighty animals like lions or tigers by locking them in concrete cells will be against natural justice. The
tiger roams around in the jungle hunting its prey at will. He rarely kills his prey for sport. He kills
them only when he is hungry. He knows how to ambush his prey. He lurks unnoticed in the long
grass before pouncing upon his prey. He also knows where he can find his favourite plump deer. He
may come out of the forest sometimes and terrorise -the villagers living at the outskirts of the
jungle. He rarely kills them till he is provoked.
The same tiger feels depressed and low in spirits when he is put behind the bars. He stalks
constantly the length of his cage in his ‘quiet rage’. He ignores the visitors and feels helpless. Behind
the bars, he keeps on staring at the brilliant stars in the open sky. This sadly reminds him of his loss
of freedom and intensifies his grief.
Extract-Based Questions (5 Marks each)
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow by choosing the
correct option.
1. Well, it’s time I did some real work, I told myself; I’m out of practice. And if I don’t take the
money, he’ll only waste it on his friends. After all, he doesn’t even pay me.
(a) What is referred to as ‘real work’?
(i) Writing articles (ii) Cooking (iii) Cleaning (iv) Stealing
(b) What will he waste on his friends?
(i) Time (ii) Money (iii) Food (iv) All of these
(c) Hari wants to steal Anil’s money because:
(i) he has to pay his debt (ii) he has not stolen anything for a long time
(iii) the money belongs to him (iv) none of these
(d) Anil is a ___________________ man.
(i) careful (ii) alcoholic (iii) careless (iv) hardworking
(e) Which word is the antonym of ‘useful’?
(i) Waste (ii) Pay (iii) Take (iv) Practice
Ans. (a)—(iv), (b)—(ii), (c)—(ii), (d)—(iii), (e)—(i)
2. I had forgotten about them in the excitement of the theft. Whole sentences, I knew, could one
day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal – and sometimes just
as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else. I
should go back to Anil, I told myself, if only to learn to read and write.
(a) Anil taught Hari Singh to:
(i) cook food (ii) ride a bicycle (iii) write his name (iv) steal money
(b) In his excitement of the theft, he forgot:
(i) to take his clothes (ii) about his education (iii) to lock the door (iv) to cook food for Anil
(c) He realised that education could give him:
(i) respect (ii) money (iii) both of these (iv) none of these
(d) He went back to Anil:
(i) to confess his mistake (ii) to give the money and leave
(iii) to read and write (iv) to thank him
(e) Which word means the same as ‘smart’?

(i) Respected (ii) Clever (iii) Simple (iv) Big
Ans. (a)—(iii), (b)—(ii), (c)—(iii), (d)—(iii), (e)—(ii)
3. Anil was watching a wrestling match when I approached him. He was about 25 – a tall, lean fellow
– and he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose. I hadn’t had much luck of late
and thought I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence. “You look a bit of a wrestler
yourself,” I said. A little flattery helps in making friends.
(a) According to the extract, the young boy was watching the wrestling match because he:
(i) had been invited there by the wrestlers.
(ii) was supposed to meet someone there.
(iii) was looking for simple people to dupe.
(iv) loved wrestling and followed it very closely.
(b) ‘I hadn’t had much luck of late’ means that the boy hadn’t:
(i) ever conned people successfully.
(ii) been successful in duping people lately.
(iii) understood the consequences of thievery till date.
(iv) considered the role of fate in deceiving others.
(c) ‘I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence.’ Choose the option that DOES NOT
display what the statement means.
(i) He wanted to win his trust.
(ii) He wanted him to share his thoughts without caution.
(iii) He wanted him to feel comfortable revealing more details about himself.
(iv) He wanted to be able to spend quality time with him.
(d) Anil looked easy-going, kind and simple to the narrator. Which of the given characteristics
would NOT fit in this description?
(i) Compassionate (ii) Suave (iii) Uncomplicated (iv) Carefree
(e) Based on the line, “A little flattery helps in making friends”, choose the option that displays the
quote closest in meaning.
(i) Imitation is the best form of flattery; people generally understand that my comedy is not intended
to hurt anybody.
(ii) I know imitation is the highest form of flattery, but stealing one’s identity is totally different
(iii) Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all the
company, you please none; If you flatter only one or two, you offend the rest.
(iv) One may define flattery as a base companionship which is most advantageous
to the flatterer.
Ans. (a)—(iii), (b)—(ii), (c)—(iv), (d)—(ii), (e)—(iv)
4. I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind. Anil made
money by fits and starts. He would borrow one week, lend the next. He kept worrying
about his next cheque, but as soon as it arrived, he would go out and celebrate. It seems
he wrote for magazines – a queer way to make a living. (CBSE Question Bank)
(a) Anil made money ‘by fits and starts’ means that he:
(i) deemed it fit to start investing money.
(ii) started earning money in the recent past.
(iii) received money intermittently.
(iv) put his money to use frequently.
(b) The information in the extract suggests that Anil could be a:
(i) salaried professional (ii) freelancer (iii) businessman (iv) volunteer
(c) If borrow : : lend, then pick the ODD pair from the options below.
(i) give : : take (ii) lose : : find (iii) hop : : skip (iv) buy : : sell
(d) The reference to making a little money ‘this way’ refers to a way that is viewed by
most people as:
(i) sensible (ii) inappropriate (iii) charitable (iv) aggressive
(e) Based on your understanding of Anil in the extract, choose the option that
synchronises with his thinking.
(i) So what if I don’t have much money? Giving it to that person is important as
they could do with a helping hand.
(ii) I better learn how to protect my money. I think I’m being looted.
(iii) I earn money with such tremendous effort. Where does it all go?
(iv) When I become rich. I can begin to help friends then. Right now, I will spend only on myself.
Ans. (a)—(iii), (b)—(ii), (c)—(iii), (d)—(iii), (e)—(i)
5. “Hari Singh,” I lied. I took a new name every month. That kept me ahead of the police
and my former employers. After this introduction, Anil talked about the well-oiled
wrestlers who were grunting, lifting and throwing each other about.
(a) Hari Singh often changed his name every:
(i) day (ii) year (iii) week (iv) month

(b) He often changed his name to:
(i) avoid his friends (ii) avoid being caught by police
(iii) avoid his former employees (iv) both (ii) and (iii)
(c) Hari Singh found Anil to be:
(i) kind (ii) simple (iii) both of these (iv) none of these
(d) Hari Singh was an experienced:
(i) salesman (ii) thief (iii) cook (iv) none of these
(e) Which word from the following means the same as ‘forward’?
(i) Every (ii) Former (iii) After (iv) Ahead
Ans. (a) (iv), (b) (iv), (c) (iii), (d) (ii), (e) (iv)
Short Answer Questions:
Q1) What did Anil and Hari agree upon to be the mode of payment? [CBSE 2015]
When Anil stated his inability to pay Hari, Anil questioned Hari if he could feed Hari. Hari realised
that he had misjudged his target and moulded the situation for his benefit. Anil then agreed to feed
him if he knew how to cook.
Q2) Did Hari like working for Anil? Give reasons in support of your answer. [CBSE 2014]
Yes, Hari liked working for Anil. He was happy to carry on the chores for him and was grateful for the
education he was receiving. He used to make profit of about a rupee a day as well, which was a
decent amount besides being fed.
Q3) State the events that took place on the night of the theft.
The night of robbery was quite eventful for Hari Singh. After stealing Anil’s money and leaving Anil’s
house, Hari went to the railway station but didn’t board the train to Lucknow. He walked slowly
through the bazaar as he did not know anyone who would provide him shelter except Anil, for he
didn’t have any friends. He was forced to take shelter under the clock tower later when it started
raining heavily. That is where he realised the importance of education and decided to go back to Anil
Q4) Had Anil really forgiven Hari Singh? Support your answer with evidence. [CBSE 2012]
Yes, Anil had forgiven Hari Singh. It is evident because Anil handed over to Hari a fifty rupee note as
soon as Hari woke up. Though he knew that Hari had robbed the money at first but his subsequent
actions gave him hope of change in Hari’s character.
Q5) Have you met anyone like Hari Singh? Can you think and imagine the circumstances that can
turn a fifteen-year-old boy into a thief?
No, I haven’t met anyone like Hari Singh but the existence of such people is certain. A fifteen year
old boy can be forced by circumstances to become a thief. It may be the need to feed the stomach,
to satisfy illegal addiction, to maintain health, to fulfil luxurious demands etc
Q6) Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people
in real life?
People like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction. Though exceptions might be there, these
people are rarely found. Anil was a kind and considerate person who was concerned, about Hari’s
education and future. And Hari was a thief whose heart changes after realising the importance of
education for his future. People like these are imaginary in today’s world.
Q7) How was the morning after the night of the theft?
The morning after the night of the theft was just like a normal one. Hari woke up late and Anil had
made tea for then. Anil gave a fifty rupee note to Hari and told him that he will now be paid
regularly. Hari was aware that Anil knew about the theft but he didn’t show anything.
Q8) How do you think Anil may have come to know about the theft?
Anil may have come to know about the theft because of the dampness of the notes because of rain.
He was a kind but wise man. It wouldn’t have been difficult for Anil to make out the series of events
that would have taken place in the night.
Q9) State the events that took place on the night of the theft. [CBSE 2016]
The night of robbery vitas quite eventful for Hari Singh. After stealing Anil’s money and leaving Anil’s
through the bazaar as he did not know anyone who would provide him shelter except Anil, for he
raining heavily. That is where he realised the importance of education and decided to go back to
Anil.
Q10) Did Hari like working for Anil? Give reasons in support of your answer. [CBSE 2014]
Yes, Hari liked working for Anil. He was happy to carry on the chores for him and was grateful for the
education he was receiving. He used to make profit of about a rupee a day as well, which was a
decent amount besides being fed.
Q11. How did the thief (Hari Singh) realise that Anil knew that his money had been stolen?
The thief realised that Anil knew he had stolen his money because he found some of the notes still
wet, as if they were taken out in the rain. He gave a fifty-rupee-note to Hari Singh the next morning,
and he promised to give him more money, though he did not have any contract for giving any
money.
Q12. How did Hari Singh know that Anil had forgiven him?
Hari Singh realised that Anil knew about the theft because he found some of the notes still wet. He
gave him a fifty-rupee-note and did not mention anything about the theft. This made him feel that
Anil had forgiven him.
Q13. Why, according to Hari Singh, is it easier to rob a greedy man than a careless person like Anil?
Hari Singh has correlated theft with the sense of satisfaction, a thief gets pleasure when a person
comes to know that he has been robbed. Hari Singh says that a greedy man can afford to be robbed
too whereas a careless man at times may never come to know that he has lost something or he has
been robbed. This carelessness, on the part of a person robbed, deprives a thief of the pleasure
which he gets out of theft.
Q14. What was the thief s immediate reaction when he stole Anil’s money?
Hari Singh stole six hundred rupees and crawled out of the room. When he was on the road, he
started running. He kept the notes in his waist held there by the string of his pyjama. He felt as if he
was an oil rich Arab for a week or two.
Q15. What made the thief come back to Anil?
Hari Singh came back to Anil because Anil trusted him. He did not want to miss the chance of being
educated. Education could certainly make him a better man. He was fed up with the life of a thief,
i.e. stealing and being caught and beaten.
Q16. What was Anil’s job? What did he usually do with the money he earned?
Anil was a writer. He used to write articles for magazines. He was a spendthrift and used to spend
money on his friends. He did not bother to save money for his future.
Q17. What does the thief say about the reactions of different types of people when they were
robbed? How did he think Anil would react when he discovered the theft?
The thief had robbed all kinds of people. According to him, the greedy men were scared of being
robbed. The rich men showed anger. The poor men accepted their fate after being robbed. He
thought that Anil would show only a touch of sadness. He would not be sad for the loss of money,
but for the loss of trust.
Q18. What made him a successful thief?
He always changed his name after stealing. He even managed to change the place. He tried his best
to appear pleasing and innocent so the employers never suspected him to be a thief.
Q19. Why was he about to be dismissed? What made Anil reinstate him?
He cooked very terrible meal which infuriated Anil. He gave the food to the stray dog and asked him
to be off. But he got his job back by flattering Anil who was a simple and large-hearted man.
Q20. What made Hari Singh follow Anil after watching the wrestling match?
Hari Singh knew by his experience that Anil was an easy-going and simple man who could trust even
a stranger. He decided to rob him as it was quite easy. Therefore, he followed Anil to win his
confidence and get a job there.
Q21. Why did Hari not make friends?
Hari Singh was a thief. He did not believe in making friends as they were more trouble than help. He
did not stay at one place for a long time so he could not make friends.
Q22. Where and how did Anil meet Hari Singh?
Anil met Hari Singh when he was watching a wrestling match. Hari Singh flattered him by saying that
Anil looked like a wrestler himself.
Q23. How do you know that Hari Singh lied about his cooking abilities?
He lied about cooking because the meal that he cooked was terrible and Anil could not eat it. He
gave it to a stray dog.
Q24. Why did Hari Singh feel that writing books was a queer way to make a living?
Hari Singh was not an educated person, so he could not understand what Anil wrote. He was
surprised to know that people paid him for writing books.
Q25. Why did Anil forgive Hari Singh?
Anil was a large-hearted man. He knew that Hari Singh was a thief. But he forgave him because he
wanted to give him another chance.
Q1) Money can’t make a man as much as education can. Elucidate the statement. [CBSE 2013]
The statement stands true in almost all the aspects of life. Money may buy us all the luxuries and
fulfil our needs but it cannot buy us knowledge, civilised thinking, skills and abilities to achieve our
dreams. Education lays the platform for all to act upon our goals according to our abilities. Education
enables us to keep up with the fast moving world. It opens the door to opportunities we do not
know even exist. Money, on the other hand, can assist us to a certain level. It can buy us a plan but
education gives us the knowledge of its execution. Just as in the story ‘A Thief s Story’, Hari Singh
prioritised the chance of being literate over a few hundred rupees, we must understand that
education can help us to achieve whatever we desire.
Q2) Why does not Anil hand the thief over to the police? Do you think most people would have
done so? In what ways is Anil different from such employers?
I feel that Anil is a large-hearted person. First, he does realise that he has been robbed. But he
reviews the whole situation. He thinks that if he gives the thief to the police, he may become a
criminal. He decides to reform the thief differently. It is showing grace, kindness and sympathy.
Most people could not do so like Anil. They could have handed over such persons to the police after
first beating them themselves. Anil is different because he decides to reform the thief through
kindness and sympathy.
Q3) State the events that took place on the night of the theft.
The night of robbery vitas quite eventful for Hari Singh. After stealing Anil’s money and leaving Anil’s
through the bazaar as he did i ot know anyone who would provide him shelter except Anil, for he
raining heavily. That is where he realised the importance of education and decided to go back to
Anil.
Q4) Money can’t make a man as much as education can. Elucidate the statement. [CBSE 2013]
The statement stands true in almost all the aspects of life. Money may buy us all the luxuries and
fulfil our needs but it cannot buy us knowledge, civilised thinking, skills and abilities to achieve our
dreams. Education lays the platform for all to act upon our goals according to our abilities. Education
enables us to keep up with the fast-moving world. It opens the door to opportunities we do not
know even exist. Money, on the other hand, can assist us to a certain level. It can buy us a plan but
education gives us the knowledge of its execution. Just as in the story ‘A Thief s Story’, Hari Singh
prioritised the chance of being literate over a few hundred rupees, we must understand that
education can help us to achieve whatever we desire.
Q5) Hari Singh didn’t board the express and returned to Anil. Why did he return? On what values
does this incidence put light on?
Hari Singh was a thief and he had stolen Anil’s money. After the theft, he realised that he had
robbed not only Anil but also himself of the chance of being literate and having a bright future. His
conscience pricked him to think what all he could have got had he not done this. It was difficult for
him to rob Anil but it was tougher for him not to back. He realised that he could not make tea, buy
daily supplies and learn how to read and write then. His inner self did not agree to bypass this and
forced him to return.
Hari’s return to Anil shows that despite indulging in criminal acts, he still had a practical and positive
attitude towards life. It is the awakening of Hari’s conscience and Anil’s love and care that reformed
Hari’s character. It teaches us that love alone can change a person. Anil’s understanding nature and
care changed Hari’s thinking to mend his ways for good.
Class: X AB 184 - English Language and Ref. Book: First Flight
Literature
Question Bank - 1 Topic: The Letter to God Type: MCQ, SAQ, LAQ

1 The moment the letter fell into the mailbox the postmaster went to open it.
“God: Of the money that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me. Send me
the rest, since I need it very much. But don’t send it to me through the mail
because the post office employees are a bunch of crooks. Lencho.”
(i) When is Lencho thinking about the money?
(a) While writing the second letter.
(b) While writing about crop failure.
(c) While writing his first letter.
(d) While stamping the letter.
(ii) Choose the options that list the set of statements that are NOT TRUE
according to the given extract.
1. Lencho realised the sacrifices made on his behalf.
2. Lencho trusted in God to send him 100 pesos.
3. Lencho wrote letters to God for help.
4. He was confident about getting a sure answer.
5. Lencho does not sound greedy when he collects the 70 pesos.
6. Lencho liked the post office employees.
7. Lencho was not happy with the money he got.
(a) 1, 2, 4
(b) 1, 2, 3
(c) 1, 5, 6
(d) 3, 5, 7
(iii) Why does he address the post office employees as crooks?

(a) Because he received less money.
(b) Because he was cheated of money.
(c) Because they had charged money.
(d) Because they owed him money.
(iv) Why is Lencho asking for money from God?
(a) He is poor.
(b) He lost his money.
(c) He was duped of his money.
(d) His crops were ruined.
Ans. (i) (a) While writing the second letter.
(ii) (c) 1, 5, 6
(iii) (a) Because he received less money.
(iv) (d) His crops were ruined.
2 The house—the only one in the entire valley—sat on the crest of a low hill.
From this height, one could see the river and the field of ripe corn dotted with
the flowers that always promised a good harvest. The only thing the earth
needed was a good downpour or at least a shower. Throughout the morning
Lencho—who knew his fields intimately—had done nothing else but see the
sky towards the northeast.
(i) Based on the detail of the house’s location, how can it best be described?
(a) majestic
(b) imposing
(c) solitary
(d) unique
(ii) The field of corn dotted with flowers means that:

(a) not a single flower was bigger than a dot.
(b) the flowers were scattered across.
(c) the flowers were shaped like dots.
(d) the flowers had shrunk in size.
(iii) Lencho wished for a downpour or a heavy shower. Pick the option that
correctly lists the correct match for kinds of rain.
1. Heavy rain (i) Light rain that falls in very fine
drops.
2. Thunderstorm (ii) Very heavy rain, tropical rain
3. Drizzle (iii) It comes down quite strongly
and a person gets wet very
quickly.
4. Torrential rain (iv) Really heavy drenching rain
that comes very suddenly.
5. Downpour (v) Is a violent, short-lived weather
disturbance associated with
lightning thunder and strong,
gusty winds.
(a) 1-(ii), 2-(iv), 3-(v), 4-(i), 5-(iii)
(b) 1-(iv), 2-(i), 3-(iii), 4-(v), 5-(i)
(c) 1-(v), 2-(iii), 3-(iv), 4-(ii), 5-(i)
(d) 1-(iii), 2-(v), 3-(i), 4-(ii), 5-(iv)
(iv) Which quote supports the idea in the given extract?

(a) “Farming is a profession of hope.”
(b) “I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.”
(c) “Farming looks mighty easy when your plough is a pencil, and
you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.”
(d) “Those too lazy to plough in the right season will have no food at
the harvest.”
Ans. (i) (c) solitary

(ii) (b) the flowers were scattered across.
(iii) (d) 1-(iii), 2-(v), 3-(i), 4-(ii), 5-(iv)
(iv) (a) “Farming is a profession of hope.”
3 With a satisfied expression, he regarded the field of ripe corn with its flowers,
draped in a curtain of rain. But suddenly a strong wind began to blow and
along with the rain very large hailstones began to fall. These truly did
resemble new silver coins. The boys, exposing themselves to the rain, ran out
to collect the frozen pearls.
(i) What happened to the rain suddenly?

(a) It stopped.
(b) It turned into acid rain.
(c) It changed into hailstones.
(d) It started raining more heavily.
(ii) With what did hailstones resemble in the extract?

(a) Silver coins
(b) Ice creams
(c) Flowers
(d) Snow peaks
(iii) Find a word in the given extract which means the same as ‘contented’.
(a) Regarded
(b) Draped
(c) Exposed
(d) Satisfied
(iv) What does the word ‘exposing’ mean in the extract?

(a) Hiding
(b) Coming out in open
(c) Preventing
(d) Influencing
(v) Who is ‘he’ and why was he satisfied?

(a) ‘He’ is Lencho. The rains had a good effect on his crops.
(b) ‘He’ is the postman. He felt satisfied that Lencho will have a good harvest.
(c) ‘He’ is Lencho. His predictions for rains which ought to have a good effect
on his crops came true.
(d) ‘He’ is the Postmaster. He was much satisfied with the response he
received from his subordinates.
Ans. (i) (c) It changed into hailstones.

(ii) (a) Silver coins
(iii) (d) Satisfied
(iv) (b) Coming out in open
(v) (c) ‘He’ is Lencho. His predictions for rains which ought to have a good
effect on his crops came true.
4 When he finished, he went to the window to buy a stamp which he licked and
then affixed to the envelope with a blow of his fist. The moment the letter fell
into the mailbox the postmaster went to open it. It said: “God: Of the money
that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me. Send me the rest, since I need
it very much. But don’t send it to me through the mail because the post office
employees are a bunch of crooks. Lencho.”
(i) What did the man finish?

(a) He finished the formalities of posting a letter.
(b) He finished writing the letter.
(c) He finished arranging the papers for handing out to customers.
(d) Both (b) and (c)
(ii) Why was the postmaster interested in the letter?

(a) The postmaster had a nasty habit of reading letters that fell into the box.
(b) The postmaster was especially interested in everything that Lencho would
do.
(c) The postmaster had seen that the letter was addressed to God.
(d) The postmaster was eager to know his reaction and what he could write to
God after receiving the money.
(iii) Why did Lencho form a low opinion of the post office employees?
(a) They had stolen his money.
(b) Lencho received 40 pesos less from the post office.
(c) Lencho’s appeal to God was heard, but part of the money received was lost.
(d) The envelope Lencho received was delivered from the post office.
(iv) What is ironic about Lencho’s impression of the post office employees?
(a) Lencho called the post office employees ‘a bunch of crooks’, but he was
unaware that they were the ones who collected the money for him.
(b) Lencho did not know that God disliked those who had a low opinion towards
other fellow beings.
(c) Lencho had no idea that the post office was visited not just by its employees
but many other people
(d) Lencho did not know that the envelope containing money that reached him
belonged to someone else.
(v) Which of the following reactions must have been of the Post master’s when
he read Lencho’s letter?
(a) Angry
(b) Regretted his philanthropic actions
(c) Smiled at Lencho’s innocence
(d) No reaction
Ans. (i) (b) He finished writing the letter.

(ii) (d) The postmaster was eager to know his reaction and what could he
write to God after receiving the money.
(iii) (c) Lencho’s appeal to God was heard, but part of the money received was
lost.
(iv) (a) Lencho called the post office employees ‘a bunch of crooks’, but he
was unaware that they were the ones who collected the money for him.
(v) (c) Smiled at Lencho’s innocence
II SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1 Who was Lencho? What were his main problems?
Ans. Lencho was a hardworking farmer who lived on the top of a low hill with
his family. Lencho's main problems were rainfall and locusts (insects). If rain
turned into hail or did not fall when required, his crop would fail. Further, if a
plague of locusts attacked his crops, he would not be able to earn enough to
feed his family.
2 What did Lencho compare the raindrops to and why?
Ans. Lencho compared the raindrops to new coins. He felt that the big drops
were ten cents pieces and the little ones were fives. The reason was that the
rain would give him a good harvest which would get him money in the form of
coins.
3 Why had Lencho been looking at the sky towards the northeast?
Ans. Lencho’s fields were ready and all that was needed was rain. In
anticipation of rain, Lencho had been looking towards the northeast from
where the rain clouds would approach.
4 What were Lencho‘s feelings when the hail stopped?
Ans. After the hail stopped, Lencho’s soul was filled with sadness. He could see
a bleak future for himself and his family. He was worried about the lack of food
for the coming year.
5 What did Lencho write in his letter to God?
Ans. Lencho wrote that because of the hailstorm, his crops had been destroyed
and he needed a hundred pesos to live until the next crop was harvested. He
wrote that if God did not help him, he and his family would die out of hunger.
6 How did the postmaster collect the money? Was he able to
collect the full amount?
Ans. The postmaster asked for money from his employees, he
gave a part of his salary and several friends of his were obliged to give
something ‘for an act of charity. But still, he was not able to collect the full
amount of a hundred pesos.
7 “So, in order not to shake the writer’s faith in God, the postmaster came up
with an idea: answer the letter.” Why did the postmaster help Lencho and how?
Ans. Lencho was a poor but dedicated farmer who had lost the entire year’s
harvest to a hailstorm. He wrote a letter to God seeking the aid of a hundred
pesos. When the postmaster got the letter he was moved by the great faith of
the farmer in God. So the postmaster decided to respect Lencho's faith and
help him. But to his dismay, the postmaster was able to assemble only seventy
pesos from his salary and from his colleagues and friends who willingly
contributed to an act of charity. Then he wrapped it in an envelope to make it
seem like a reply from God.
8 “But don’t send it to me through the mail because the post office employees
are a bunch of crooks." Why did Lencho call the post-office employees "a bunch
of crooks"?
Ans. On receiving the reply to his letter, Lencho was not at all shocked but
rather got angry on finding that the amount was less than what he had
expected. So he again wrote a letter to God calling the post office employees "
a bunch of crooks" as he doubted the employees had stolen the remaining
amount.
9 Why and how did the postmaster help Lencho?
Ans. The postmaster helped Lencho because he did not want to break Lencho's
faith in God. The postmaster helped Lencho by collecting money from the post
office employees and his friends. The postmaster himself also gave part of his
salary. Then, he sent the collected money to Lencho through a letter. It
appeared that God had sent the money to Lencho.
10 How much money did Lencho need? How much did he get?
Ans. Lencho needed one hundred pesos to sow a new crop and support his
family till the next harvest. Lencho got only seventy pesos in the letter which
was less than he had requested from God.
11 Why did Lencho not want the money to be sent through the mail?
Ans. Lencho did not want the money to be sent through the mail because he
suspected the post office employees of stealing some of the money that God
had sent him through the letter.
12 Do you think that Lencho was right to call the post office employees a 'bunch
of crooks'? Why or why not?
Ans. I think Lencho was not right in calling the post office employees a 'bunch
of crooks'. The reason is that the post office employees did not steal money
from the letter. They had contributed whatever they could and then sent the
money to Lencho.
13 Lencho waited eagerly for a reply to his letter to God. Do you think the
postmaster was also very keen to know Lencho's reaction upon receiving the
'reply'?
Ans: Yes, I think the postmaster was also to know Lencho's reaction upon
receiving the 'reply' as he thought that Lencho would be extremely ecstatic and
surprised to receive the money that he asked from God. The postmaster was
expecting to see a great amount of happiness on Lencho's face upon receiving
the 'reply'.
14 Why did Lencho write a letter to God?
Ans. When Lencho's crops were destroyed by the hailstorm, he wrote a letter
to God in despair. He had a firm belief in God's help. So, he asked God to send
him hundred pesos to sow his field again and feed his family for the year.
15 Why and how did the postmaster help Lencho?
Ans. The postmaster was determined to help Lencho after witnessing his faith
in God. He did not want Lencho's firm belief in God to be shaken. So, he gave a
part of his salary and asked his fellow employees to help Lencho by donating
some amount in this 'act of charity'.
16 Justify Lencho's act to call the post office employees a 'bunch of crooks'.
Ans. Lencho was not right to call the post office employees a 'bunch of crooks'
because they had not stolen the money and in fact, they contributed their
money to help Lencho on behalf of God.
17 Comment on Lencho not being surprised on seeing the money.
Ans. Lencho had an unquestionable trust in God. He had a firm belief that God
will reach out to help him. Thus, he was not a bit surprised on seeing the money
as he was sure that God will send him the money.
18 Lencho did not bother exploring any other means to resolve his situation but
just turned to God. Do you feel that his approach was justified? Why/Why not?
Ans. Lencho was filled with dejection and despair after the hailstorm stopped.
He and his family had to suffer a huge loss as they had nothing to sell. In that
moment of despair, he did not explore any other means to resolve his problem
but just turned to God. He believed that God would help him in his plight. Yes,
I feel that Lencho's approach was justified as God never disappoints a person
at the time of predicament. If a person has extreme faith in God, God helps him
through his messengers on Earth.
19 Lencho became angry when he counted the money. Explain with reference to
the chapter 'A Letter to God.
Ans. In the chapter 'A Letter to God', Lencho had to suffer a huge loss as all of
his crops were destroyed by the hailstorm. As his last hope, he wrote a letter
to God and asked him to send hundred pesos for him to survive till the next
harvest. But to his distress, he received only seventy pesos. This made him
angry and frustrated.
20 Briefly state the qualities of the post office employees.
Ans. The people at the post office were kind and considerate. They were the
epitome of humanity. When they saw Lencho's deep faith in God, they wanted
to help him on behalf of God. For this act of charity, they contributed their share
of the money. This proves that they had empathy and compassion for Lencho.
21 How did Lencho's family members try to console him after the
crops were damaged?
Ans: Though the family members were also heartbroken after the crops were
damaged, still they tried to console Lencho by telling him that no one died of
hunger. They comforted him by asking him not to get upset even though it
seemed like a total loss.
22 How did the postmaster react to seeing Lencho's first letter to God?
The postmaster was deeply moved to see a letter addressed to God. He
marvelled at the sensitivity of the idea to start up a correspondence with God.
So, in order not to shake the writer's strong faith in God, he decided to answer
it.
III LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1 Who was Lencho? Why did he write a letter to God?
Ans: Lencho was a simple, God-fearing farmer who was an 'ox of a man. He
worked very hard in his fields and took delight in his work. He was as committed
to his family as he was to his fields. He worked hard to provide for them and
rejoiced in fulfilling his responsibilities. His mode of livelihood depended on the
mercy of nature which unfortunately once turned unfavourable. A hail storm
completely devastated his crops. However, he had unshakeable faith in the
generosity of God. So, he wrote a letter to God explaining that the failure of the
crop would result in the starvation of his family that year. He asked God to help
him by sending a hundred pesos to sow his field again and to live till the crop
was ready. He had child-like confidence in God that prompted him to turn to
Him for help and his unshakeable faith led him to start a correspondence with
the Almighty.
2 Why did the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why did he sign the letter as
'God'?
Ans: One day, one of the post office employees brought a strange letter to the
postmaster. This letter was addressed to God seeking the help of a hundred
pesos. Initially, amused at the innocence of the writer of this letter, the
postmaster was soon touched by the depth of the man's steadfast faith in God.
He did not want this faith to be shaken at any cost. So, this kind-hearted man
took upon himself the task of assuring Lencho, the writer of the letter, that God
existed and helped those who believed in Him. He then collected seventy pesos
by contributing a part of his salary and raising the rest with the help of his
friends and post office employees. He enclosed this money with a letter that
was to be sent as God's response. So, the postmaster simply wrote a single
word 'God' in this letter. He did so because he wanted Lencho to believe that
the letter with which the money was enclosed was written by God himself.
3 Did Lencho try to find out who had sent the money to him? Why/ Why not?
Ans: No, Lencho did not try to find out who had sent the money to him because
he was confident that it had been sent to him by God. Lencho was a simple
farmer who had firm faith in the power of God. He believed that God can see
everything, even the innermost thoughts of a person. This made his faith in God
strong and complete. Besides, God was his only hope and he did not know who
else to approach in his trying times. Thus, he did not doubt even once that the
seventy pesos could have been sent by anyone else. In addition, perhaps his
experience with human help had not been good. This becomes evident from
the fact that even his family talks of hope only from God. Quite likely, Lencho
had distrust for human beings with regard to money matters. That's why when
he writes to God the second time, he tells Him not to send the remaining money
through the dishonest post office employees.
4 What do you think was the postmaster's reaction to Lencho's second letter?
Ans: After having mailed seventy pesos to Lencho in the name of God, the
postmaster experienced the contentment of a man who had performed a good
deed. So, he must have expected the farmer to express his gratitude and
appreciation in his second letter to God. He eagerly opened this letter, the
moment Lencho dropped it in the mailbox. However, contrary to his
expectations, the postmaster found that Lencho had expressed dissatisfaction
at not having received the complete amount. In addition, he had doubted the
integrity of the post office employees and had called them ‘a bunch of crooks'.
This must have come as a rude shock to the postmaster and might have left him
heartbroken and dejected. He might also have felt that his efforts had been a
waste. However, since he is projected as a sensible man, later he might have
felt relieved that his purpose of having been able to restore Lencho's faith in
God had been achieved. The eventual truth was that Lencho had not doubted
even once that the help was not sent by God.
5 The story "A Letter to God" contains three letters. Which one of these does the
title refer to?
Ans: The story "A Letter to God" contains three letters. Two are written to God
and the third is supposed to have been written by God. The title refers to the
first letter that Lencho writes to God as it is this letter that starts up a
correspondence with God. This letter depicts the faith of a simple farmer in the
only help that he can depend on. It is this first letter that arouses humane
sentiments in the postmaster and motivates him to help Lencho. Again, it is the
first letter that reveals the fact that humanity is still bound together by its
common faith in God. The second letter that Lencho writes to God also brings
to light an aspect of human psychology which indicates that people have more
faith in the unseen than in what is visible. Still, the title is about the first letter
that Lencho writes to God.
6 Based on the story, illustrate Lencho’s faith and attitude towards God and man.
Ans. Lencho has great faith in God. When his crop is destroyed and he faces
complete ruin and starvation, he writes a letter to God asking for his help.
When a reply comes back, he is not surprised as he believes that God himself
has responded to his plea for help. On the other hand, when he gets only a part
of the money he had asked God to give him, he instantly believes that the post
office employees have stolen some of it. He has no faith in the men at the post
office. Lencho has never seen God and still, he has great faith in him but he has
the least amount of trust in the humans who lived around him. This shows his
narrow belief and twisted manner of thinking.
7 In 'A Letter to God, Lencho writes a letter to God in despair, asking him to send
the required money. He goes to the post office himself to drop the letter in the
mailbox. Based on your understanding of the story and the characters, develop
a conversation between the postmaster and the post office employees after
reading Lencho's letter to 'God'.
Ans.
Postman: Look what I found for the first time in my whole career! A letter
addressed to 'God'.
Office Employees: What do you mean? This is so funny. (Everybody laughing

heartily)
Postmaster: Show it to me. Ah! What a faith! I wish I had half of it. He seems
to be such a naïve person. I don't want to shake his deep faith in God. Let's help
him.
Office employees: But how can we do that? What if he comes to know that we
did it and it eventually breaks his faith in 'God'?
Postmaster: It won't. We will donate as much money as we all can and send it
in a letter signed as 'God'.
Office employees: That's great. It will keep his faith in God intact.
8 Read the extracts given below and evaluate the difference in the nature of faith
in both the characters.
(A) "What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting
up a correspondence with God!"
(B) "God," he wrote, "if you don't help me, my family and I will go hungry this
year. I need a hundred pesos to sow my field again and to live until the crop
comes, because of the hailstorm...."
Ans. On one hand, we have the postmaster who was quite elated to witness
such an unquestionable faith of a person in God and on the other, we have
Lencho who had that faith.
(A) The postmaster was a person of deep faith in humanity. He appreciated that
Lencho had such a strong faith in God that he had written a letter addressed to
'God' to ask him for help. The postmaster wished to emulate the same faith in
himself. He decided to help Lencho to keep his belief in God intact. He didn't
want Lencho's faith to be shaken.
(B) Lencho on the other hand, had a deep faith in God but no faith in humanity.
When in despair of the destruction caused to his crops by the hailstorm, his
only ray of hope was God. So, he asked God to send him hundred pesos. But his
faith in God was so blind that due to it, he blamed the post office employees
who helped him like God's messengers.
9 Lencho says, "These aren't raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins.
The big drops are ten-cent pieces and the little ones are fives." Examine the
given comparison based on your reading of the story 'A Letter to God'.
Ans. Lencho was a poor hard-working farmer who had worked in his corn field
like an ox of a man. He feared that all of his hard work will go void if it doesn't
rain as the rain was necessary for his crops to yield a good harvest for the year.
When he saw big black clouds in the sky, Lencho got very happy. His hope for a
good rainfall increased. So, when the rain started, Lencho compared the
raindrops to the new coins as the rain would ensure a good harvest for him
which would, in turn, mean money for him. He compared the big raindrops with
the ten cents pieces and the little ones with the five-cent pieces as the more it
would rain, the more money he would get and vice-versa. He did the
comparison in enthusiasm, hoping to make a good fortune.
10 Describe Lencho's qualities in light of his faith in God. Do you have faith in God
like Lencho? Was Lencho's reaction towards post office employees, right?
Ans. Lencho was a destitute peasant whose crops were destroyed due to the
heavy hailstorm. He had to suffer a huge loss due to it. He was petrified of the
fact that he and his family would have to spend the entire year hungry as they
had nothing to survive on. In the moment of despair, his only ray of hope was
God. He believed that God would help him in this plight. He had firm faith in
God and believed that God would not let him and his family die of hunger. Yes,
I do have a strong belief in God like Lencho. I believe that God is the only one
who never disappoints a person at the time of predicament. Lencho's reaction
towards the post office employees was not right. He doubted them to be the
'crooks' who have stolen the money but in fact, it was the post office employees
only who had helped Lencho by donating their share of money for him.
11 Describe Lencho's qualities in light of his faith in God. Do you have faith in God
like Lencho? Was Lencho's reaction towards post office employees, right?
Ans. Lencho was a destitute peasant whose crops were destroyed due to the
heavy hailstorm. He had to suffer a huge loss due to it. He was petrified of the
fact that he and his family would have to spend the entire year hungry as they
had nothing to survive on. In the moment of despair, his only ray of hope was
God. He believed that God would help him in this plight. He had firm faith in
God and believed that God would not let him and his family die of hunger. Yes,
I do have a strong belief in God like Lencho. I believe that God is the only one
who never disappoints a person at the time of predicament. Lencho's reaction
towards the post office employees was not right. He doubted them to be the
'crooks' who have stolen the money but in fact, it was the post office employees
only who had helped Lencho by donating their share of money for him.
12 The postmaster was a representative of God. Critically examine this statement
in the context of your understanding of 'A Letter to God".
Ans. The Postmaster was a representative of God. He was the epitome of
humanity. At first, when he saw the letter addressed to 'God', he laughed at it
but then after reading it, he was amazed by Lencho's deep faith in God. So, he
decided to help him on behalf of God. He decided to collect some money by
asking his fellow post office employees and his friends to contribute their share
to it. He donated a part of his salary to the cause. He wanted to help Lencho to
keep his belief in God intact. He didn't want Lencho's faith to be shaken.
Lencho's unshakeable faith in God made the postmaster, a representative of
God. God ultimately helped Lencho through the postmaster.
13 How does the character of Lencho inspire us to have faith in God and remain
calm in a difficult situation?
Ans. The character of Lencho inspires us to have faith in God. It also inspires us
to remain calm in difficult situations. Lencho is a hardworking and poor farmer.
He worked very hard to support his family and fulfil their needs. When his crops
were destroyed by the hailstones, he became worried about his family. But he
believed that God would help him in this difficult situation. His true faith in God
made him angry when he found only seventy pesos in the envelope. So he
called the post office employees a 'bunch of crooks'. He believed that they had
stolen some of his money because God could not make such a mistake. This all
shows his blind but firm faith in God, which gives him hope in his despair.
Question bank 1
The Ball Poem

Extract-based Questions
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow by choosing the correct option.
1. What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over-there it is in the water!
(a) The extract suggests that the poet is:
(i) an onlooker observing. (ii) a parent recounting the incident.
(iii) the boy talking about himself. (iv) imagining the incident.
(b) The poet seems to have indicated the merry bouncing of the ball to:
(i) create a sense of rhythm in these lines. (ii) support the happiness of the experience of playing.
(iii) contrast with the dejected feeling of the boy. (iv) indicate the cheerful mood of the boy.
(c) Choose the situation that corresponds to the emotion behind the exclamation mark in the poem
(i) Option (1) (ii) Option (2) (iii) Option (3) (iv) Option (4)
(d) The poem begins with a question. Based on your reading of the poem, the speaker:
(i) wants the boy to answer the question. (ii) expects the passers-by to respond.
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(iii) is looking for answers in a self-help book. (iv) is thinking to himself.
(e) Alliteration is a literary device that occurs with the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or
closely connected words. Pick the option that showcases an example of alliteration from the extract.
(i) What is the boy now (ii) Who has lost his ball
(iii) I saw it go (iv) And then/Merrily over
Ans. (a)—(i), (b)—(iii), (c)—(iv), (d)—(iv), (e)—(ii)
2. An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went. I would not intrude on him;
(a) The poet uses the word ‘ultimate’ to describe the boy’s reaction. Pick the meaning
the DOES NOT display what, ‘ultimate’ means in the context given.
(i) Consequent (ii) Final (iii) Conclusive (iv) Fateful
(b) The boy is very young in this poem. As a mature, balanced grown-up, he might look back and think that
his reaction of ‘ultimate shaking grief’ was:
(1) disproportionate to the loss.
(2) pretension to procure a new toy.
(3) according to his exposure.
(4) a reaction to the failure of retrieving the toy.
(5) justified and similar to what it would be currently.
(i) 5 and 2 (ii) 1 and 3 (iii) 2 and 4 (iv) 3 and 5
(c) Pick the option that lists the boy’s thoughts, matching with the line – As he stands rigid, trembling,
staring down.
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(d) Why does the speaker choose not to intrude? This is so because the poet:
(i) knows that it would embarrass the boy in his moment of grief.
(ii) feels that it’s important that the boy learn an important life lesson, undisturbed.
(iii) realizes that he doesn’t have sufficient funds to purchase a new ball for the boy.
(iv) experiences a sense of distress himself, by looking at the boy’s condition.
(e) Choose the option that lists the meaning of ‘harbour’ as used in the extract.
Noun:
(1) A place on the coast where ships may moor in shelter.
(2) A place of refuge.
Verb:
(3) Keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one’s mind, especially secretly.
(4) Shelter or hide (a criminal or wanted person).
Ans. (a)—(iv), (b)—(iv), (c)—(iv), (d)—(ii), (e)—(i)
3. I would not intrude on him;
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions.
(a) Who does ‘he’ refer to?
(i) Poet (ii) Boy (iii) Boy’s father (iv) Boy’s friend
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(b) What does the poet mean by ‘first responsibility’?
(i) To look after his things properly
(ii) To not cry after losing anything
(iii) To be happy in every situation
(iv) None of these
(c) The boy is suffering from a sense of:
(i) guilt (ii) satisfaction (iii) relief (iv) loss
(d) Money or another ball is _______________ for the boy.
(i) worthless (ii) valuable (iii) precious (iv) none of these
(e) Which word from the stanza means ‘money’?
(i) Possession (ii) Intrude (iii) Worthless (iv) Dime
Ans. (a)—(ii), (b)—(i), (c)—(iv), (d)—(i), (e)—(iv)
People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.
(a) What does the poet mean by ‘money is external’?
(i) Money should not be spent. (ii) Money is always meant to be spent.
(iii) Money should be spent wisely. (iv) Money is worthless.
(b) _______________ cannot compensate for the sense of loss.
(i) Parents (ii) Sadness (iii) Money (iv) None of these
(c) The poet wants to say that the loss of dear things is:
(i) a fact of life (ii) extraordinary (iii) not normal (iv) painful
(d) What is external?
(i) Ball (ii) Sadness (iii) Money (iv) Feelings
(e) Name the poet.
(i) William Blake (ii) Y.B. Yeats (iii) Robert Frost (iv) John Berryman
Ans. (a)—(ii), (b)—(iii), (c)—(i), (d)—(iii), (e)—(iv)
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5. He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.
(a) What is the boy learning?
(i) That losing things is normal (ii) That we should not be attached with anything
(iii) To cope up with the loss (iv) The value of money
(b) Boy’s eyes look:
(i) frustrated (ii) sleepy (iii) happy (iv) desperate
(c) Who do you mean by ‘epistemology of loss’?
(i) To cry over the loss (ii) To overcome with the loss
(iii) To understand the nature of loss (iv) None of these
(d) The boy is going to know the universal truth that:
(i) almost all men lose something (ii) they have to compromise with their loss
(iii) both of these (iv) none of these
(e) Which word from the stanza means ‘hopelessness’?
(i) Desperate (ii) Epistemology (iii) Loss (iv) Learning
Ans. (a)—(ii), (b)—(iv), (c)—(iii), (d)—(iii), (e)—(i)
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
Q1. Express your views on the title of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’.
Ans. When one reads the title ‘The Ball Poem’, one assumes that the poem may be a light- hearted one but
perhaps about the joys of childhood. We must not feel disheartened, dejected and desperate but try to stand
up and bear the loss through self-understanding.
Q2. Express your views on the title of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’.
Ans. When one reads the title ‘The Ball Poem’, one assumes that the poem may be a light- hearted one,
perhaps about the joys of childhood. However, as the reader reads the poem, the seriousness of the topic
comes forth, as does the title’s appropriateness.
Q3. What is the theme of the poem —’The Ball Poem’?
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Ans. In this world sometimes we lose things which we love and are attached to. We must not feel
disheartened, dejected and desperate but try to stand up and bear the loss through self-understanding as the
boy who lost the ball he loved was trying to learn.
Q4. A ball is an easily available, inexpensive thing. Then, why is the boy so sad to lose it?
Ans. No doubt the ball is an easily available and inexpensive item but the ball, the boy has lost is valuable for
him. His memories of young days are associated with it for he had been playing with it for a long time. It was
not an ordinary but special a ball for him. No other ball could take its place. So, he is sad to lose it.
Q5. What shows that the ball was valuable for the boy?
Ans. The ball was valuable for the boy is obvious (clear) from the way he reacts after losing it He was shocked,
remained fixed, trembled with grief staring at the place where the ball had fallen. All this shows that he loved
the ball and it was valuable for him.
Q6. `He senses first responsibility’—what responsibility is referred to here?
Ans. The responsibility referred to here is how to stand up or bear the loss through self-understanding and
trying to console oneself on his own as the boy who lost his ball was trying to do.
Q7. Why did the poet not console the boy?
Ans. The poet did not console the boy for two reasons—One, the boy was too shocked and grief-stricken to
listen to any sense. Second, the poet also observed that the boy was trying to stand up or bear the loss on his
own through self-understanding which is much more reflective and lasting. The poet’s or anybody else’s
consoling would not be that effective.
Q8. ‘ ……starting, down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball went’… Do you think the boy has
had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to memories of days when he played with it?
Ans. Yes, I think the boy had that ball for a long time. The expression—àll his young days into the harbour’
suggests this. It is linked with old memories when he used to play with it, that is why he is so upset about
losing it.
Q9. Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that suggest the answer.
Ans. I don’t think the boy has lost anything earlier. The first loss is shocking and full of grief—the line—An
ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy’ reflects it. Also in the `senses first responsibility’—the word first shows
that it was his first loss.
Q11. What does the poet notice at the beginning of the poem?
Ans. The poet sees a boy playing near a harbour with a ball. The poet saw his ball bouncing. It bounced and fell
into the water of the harbour. The boy lost his ball. He became very sad.
Q12.What was the effect of the loss of ball on the bay?
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Ans. The poet sees the boy whose ball has fallen into the harbour. He describes the effect of the loss on the
boy. The boy is shaken with grief. He trembles and stares down the harbour. His past days come alive in his
mind.
Q13. Why does the poet decide not to give money to the boy or he buy another ball for him?
Ans. The poet says that he will not intrude upon the boy because he must learn to tolerate loss. The poet
emphasises this loss. He thinks that money cannot compensate for the sense of loss. So he doesn’t give the
boy money or buy another ball for him.
Q14. Explain the line, “And no one buys a ball back. Money is external”.
Ans. This line means that no one can buy something that is lost forever. No one can buy the boy that very ball
which he has lost. Money is an external thing. It is a medium of possessing things. But even money cannot
compensate for the sense of loss suffered by a person.
Q15. Why does the poet say, “Balls will be lost always”?
Ans. Here balls are the symbol of man’s possessions. We love our things. Some things are dearer to us than
the others. But nothing is permanent in life. We may lose our dear things. Then we suffer from a sense of loss.
This is experienced by everyone in life. That is why, the poet says, “Balls will be lost always”.
Q16. What is the main idea of the poem?
Ans. The main idea of the poem is ‘the sense of loss in life’. Loss is a fact of life. The sooner man learns to
tolerate it the better it is. When we lose something for the first time, we feel very sad. But later we learn to
live with our loss. In this poem, the boy loses his ball. He is very sad. The poet can buy him another hall. But he
does not want to do so. He wants the boy to learn the bitter truth of life that things will be lost in life and that
we need to over com ethe sorrow of losing things and move on.
Q17. How did the poet witness the whole scene of the boy losing his ball?
Ans. The poet saw the boy playing with his ball. While he was playing with it, the ball bounced down the street
‘merrily’. And then the most unexpected thing happened. Rolling down the street and after taking a few
bounces, finally, the ball fell down in the water of the harbour below.
Q18. How did the boy react after his ball fell into the water of the harbour?
Ans. The falling of the ball in the water was quite sudden. Actually, it was an unexpected loss. The boy was
completely shaken but couldn’t even move a step. He stood there fixed to the ground like a statue. He
continued staring at the point where his ball fell into the harbour. It seemed as if he was thinking of his
childhood days which had disappeared forever like the lost ball.
Q19. Does the lost ball stand for the metaphor of the boy’s lost childhood? How?
Ans. The boy has lost his ball. It has fallen down into the harbour. It will not be found back again. However,
through the metaphor of the lost ball, the poet wants to highlight a bigger loss. It is the loss of his childhood.
Like the lost ball, the childhood days which he cherishes still now, have been lost forever. This makes the loss
inconsolable.
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Q20. Why does the poet say: ‘No use to say ‘O there are other balls’?
Ans. The loss of the ball looks like an ordinary incident. It seems that the boy should not make such a fuss over
it. Boys usually lose such balls and again buy new ones as they are not very costly. But the boy seems to be
inconsolable over the loss. No money can buy the same ball that he has lost forever. Similarly, no wealth can
buy back the childhood that he has lost forever.
Q21. Why doesn’t the poet want to intrude on ‘him’? What does he consider the safest course?
Ans. The poet doesn’t want to intrude on the inconsolable boy. There is no gain in telling him that the ball he
has lost costs almost nothing. He can buy a new ball easily in a dime. Instead of sermonising, the poet leaves it
on the boy to develop a new sense of responsibility. It will help him in bearing the loss.
Q22. What is the general rule of this `world of possessions’? Why is money èxternal’?
Ans. Getting and losing is a natural cycle. Many more boys before him bought and lost their balls. This process
will go on forever. However, no amount of money can buy back the same ball that has been lost forever.
Money is external and has its own limitation. Wealth can’t compensate such emotional losses such as the loss
of one’s childhood days.
Q23. How is the boy learning the èpistemology of loss’ from the loss of his ball? What he has to learn?
Ans. The boy has to understand the nature of the loss. He has to understand what it means to lose something.
Gain and loss are the two sides of the same coin. The boy has to learn how to move forward forgetting
everything about the losses he has suffered in the past.
Q24. How can the boy stand up again? What everyman must know one day?
Ans. The boy has to understand the epistemology of loss — the knowledge and nature of the loss. This is not
the problem of the boy alone. Everyone has to know it sooner or later that it is useless to weep over the loss of
our dearest childhood days. One should move ahead forgetting all such losses. Life has to be lived only by
moving ahead in it.
Q25. What is the message that John Berryman gives to the readers in ‘The Ball poem’?
Ans. In ‘The Ball Poem’ John Berryman gives a very positive message. Gain and loss, getting and losing are the
essentials in the cycle of life. One should learn epistemology or the knowledge and nature of the loss. Our
childhood with all its attachments and sweet memories has gone forever never to come back again. We should
not weep over the losses that we have suffered. Let us learn to live and moving ahead in life forgetting all
inconsolable losses.
Q26. Why does the poet not offer to buy the boy another ball?
Ans. The poet does not offer to buy the boy another ball because the new ball would not console him. The
reason is that he had a great attachment to the lost ball. ‘He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes’
Q27. What is the boy learning from the loss of the ball?
Ans. The boy is learning the nature of loss in this materialistic world. He has learnt that loss is part and parcel
of human life.
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28. Why does the poet say, “I would not intrude on him”? Why doesn’t he offer him money to buy another
ball?
The poet does not want to intrude so that the boy can get a chance to learn the real truth of life. He has to
learn to accept the loss. The loss here means the most important thing or relationship.
29. “… staring down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball went …” Do you think the boy has
had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to the memories of days when he played with it?
Yes, we can say that the boy had the ball for a very long time. The line itself describes how the boy recalls
those days when he used to play with the ball. The ball was surely linked to some sweet memories of his
playing with the ball.
30. What does “in the world of possessions” mean?

In the world of possessions means that the world is full of materialistic things. Materialistic things are those
things which bring comfort and luxury in our life.
31. Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that suggest the answer?
The line in the poem “now he senses his first responsibility’ helps us to know that the boy has not lost
anything before.
32. What does the poet say the boy is learning from the loss of the ball? Try to explain this in your own
words?
The poet means that the boy will learn the real truth of life. He will learn how to move on in life despite of
incurring heavy losses. Everyone experiences this in his/ her life when they lose either something or someone.
This harsh reality that lost things never come back make people strong enough to live their life by accepting
this truth of life.
Q1. Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball? If his loss is irreparable or irretrievable then how
should one handle it? What lessons can be learnt?
Ans. Yes, the boy should be allowed to grieve for his ball, as he had that ball for a long time. He had many old
memories associated with it since his childhood. Moreover, when a person is trying to come over his grief on
his own, then one should not intrude or disturb him as it may break his chain of thoughts and may irritate
him. One should have self-consolation, and self -understanding in order to bear the loss. Self-realization and
understanding are more effective and lasting than when it is done by an external agency or a person.
Q2. How did the boy really react to the loss of the ball or was he fearful of something or someone ……..? Can
our attention be directed toward his family and other people? Are there any lessons to be learnt?
Ans. The boy was not fearful of anyone, in fact, he was really upset about the loss of the ball. The ball was
valuable for him. He was shocked, remained fixed, trembled with grief staring at the place where the ball had
fallen. His family must not have been affected by the loss as a ball is an easily available and inexpensive item.
(ii) The loss of the ball teaches a lesson to us. Money is external in the sense that it can give you only outer
happiness or pleasure not inner. Money cannot buy the emotions and heavenly virtues. It cannot be linked
with old memories. Moreover, self-consolation, realization or understanding is more effective and lasting than
done by an external agency or a person.
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Q3. Why does the poet say, ‘I would not intrude on him?’ Why doesn’t he offer him money to buy another
ball?
Ans. When a person is trying to come over his grief on his own, he is busy making himself understand certain
things if then, someone intrudes or disturbs, and his chain of thoughts is broken. It makes him irritated.
Moreover, self-consolation, realization or understanding is more effective and lasting than when it is done by
an external agency or a person. The poet knows it. So he does not intrude on him. His offer of money to buy
another ball is useless for the boy wants the same ball he is attached to and has been playing for a long time.
No other ball will be able to take its place.
Q4. How is the lost ball, the metaphor of the lost childhood of the boy? Why doesn’t the poet want to
‘intrude on’ the boy by offering him money to buy another ball?
Ans. The boy has a ball. Perhaps he has been keeping it for a long time. He must have developed a lot of
attachment and love with the ball. Suddenly while he is playing, the ball bounces down the street. And after a
few bounces, it falls down into the harbour. It is lost forever. The boy stands there shocked and fixed to the
ground. He constantly goes on staring at the spot where his ball fell down into the water. Outwardly, the loss
seems to be quite small. The boy seems to be making a fuss over the loss. Many boys have lost such balls and
will lose so in future. A new ball can be easily bought in a dime. The metaphor of the lost ball is beautifully
linked to the loss of sweet childhood. No amount of money can buy the ball back that has been lost forever.
Similarly, no worldly wealth can buy back the lost childhood. The poet doesn’t want to sermonise on this issue.
The boy himself has to learn epistemology or the nature of the loss. He has to move ahead in life forgetting all
the losses he has suffered in the past.
Q5. What is the epistemology of loss in this world of possessions? How has the child learned to stand up in
life?
Ans. Gain and loss are the two sides of the same coin. Getting, spending and losing things form a natural cycle
of life. The boy is inconsolable at the loss of his ball. Actually, it is not the ordinary ball but his long association
and attachment with it that makes the loss so unbearable. It is like the good sweet days of childhood that the
boy cherishes so much but are lost and gone forever. They will never come back again. So, what is the
remedy? He can bear this loss by understanding the epistemology or nature of the loss. In this world of
material wealth and possessions, it seems that money can buy anything. However, it is a false conception.
Money has its own limitations. Its nature is external. It cannot compensate for the losses that a person suffers
emotionally or internally. No wealth can buy back the ball that has been lost forever. Similarly, no wealth can
buy back the lost childhood. The child will have to move ahead and stand up in life. He has to stop weeping
over his past losses and start living life as it should be lived.
10
‭Summary‬
‭The story,‬‭Madam Rides the Bus,‬‭illustrates the sensitive‬‭story of a young‬
‭eight-year-old Tamil girl Valliammai. Valli was always curious to explore the outside‬
‭world. She had no friends to play games with. So, her favourite pastime was to stand‬
‭in the doorway of her house and watch all that was happening on the street outside.‬
‭She would watch people get on and off the bus that travelled between her village‬
‭and the nearest town. The bus that was filled with a new set of passengers filled her‬
‭with a sense of unending joy. She had a strong urge to take a bus ride to explore the‬
‭adventurous bus journey. Hence, she collected information about the bus timings by‬
‭listening to the conversations of the people taking the bus ride. Soon she learnt that‬
‭the bus journey from her village to the nearest town was approximately six miles.‬
‭The bus fare costs thirty paise for a one-way ride. So, Valli started saving enough‬
‭money to take a ride on the bus.‬
‭Valli planned to travel on the bus during the afternoon when her mother would be‬
‭asleep. She stood on the roadside waiting for the bus. As the bus arrived, she told‬
‭the conductor she wanted to go to town. The conductor happened to be a jovial‬
‭person and referred to her as ‘madam’ and told her to hop into the bus and take her‬
‭seat. She got into her bus quickly and noticed that the bus was painted in green and‬
‭white colour stripes and looked brand new. The bus seats were luxurious, and the‬
‭ride was comfortable. During her journey, Valli enjoyed looking at the greenery‬
‭outside and the scenic natural beauty of the bus. She was thoroughly enjoying her‬
‭bus ride and was amused when she saw a young cow that ran wildly in front of the‬
‭bus and crossed the road. The driver blew the shrill horn as the cow crossed the‬
‭road. This was a fascinating experience for Valli as she realised her dream of‬
‭travelling on a bus had finally come true.‬
‭As Valli enjoyed watching the beautiful landscape outside, the bus started getting‬
‭empty as the passengers got down to their respective stops. Soon, the conductor‬
‭asked her if she would like to roam about the stalls in the town, but she told him that‬
‭she had limited money, which she needed to take the return bus ride. The conductor‬
‭casually smiled at her reply. Valli stayed on the bus and took a ticket from the‬
‭conductor to return to her village. As the bus started again, she noticed a dead cow‬
‭and realised that it was the same cow that had run wildly in front of her bus during‬
‭her onward journey to the town. Looking at the sight of the bleeding cow made her‬
‭very sad, and she understood the meaning of life and death from this incident. Soon,‬
‭the bus dropped her at the bus stop near her home, and she returned home just on‬
‭time. Thus, no one in her family knew about her adventurous bus trip that she had‬
‭taken all by herself without their knowledge.‬
‭Questions and Answers‬
‭Very Short Answer Questions‬
‭ . Who was Valli?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli was eight years old village girl.‬
‭ . What was Valli’s favourite pastime?‬

2
‭Answer:‬‭Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her‬
‭house, watching what was happening in the street outside.‬
‭ . How old was Valli?‬

3
‭Answer:‬‭Valli was eight years old.‬
‭ . Who did Valli live with?‬

4
‭Answer:‬‭Valli lived with her mother.‬
‭ . What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?‬

5
‭Answer:‬‭The sight of the bus. filled each time with‬‭a new set of passengers‬
‭was the most fascinating thing for Valli.‬
‭ . When would Valli be jealous?‬

6
‭Answer:‬‭Valli would be jealous when one of her friends‬‭described the sight‬
‭of the town to her.‬
‭ . What did Valli carefully listen to?‬
7
‭Answer:‬‭Valli carefully listened to conversations‬‭of her neighbours who‬
‭used the bus regularly.‬
‭ . How far was the town from the village?‬

8
‭Answer:‬‭It was at a distance of six miles.‬
‭ . What type of man as the bus conductor?‬

9
‭Answer:‬‭The bus conductor was a jolly and fun-loving‬‭type of person.‬
‭ 0. How much money did Valli save for the bus ride?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭She saved sixty paise for the bus ride.‬
‭ 1. What made Valli sad?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭The sight of the dead cow made Valli said.‬
‭ 2. What was Valli’s deepest desire?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli’s deepest desire was to have a bus ride‬‭to the town.‬
‭ 3. What does the bus conductor call Valli?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭The bus conductor calls her ‘madam’.‬
‭ 4. What did Valli buy from the town?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭She bought nothing from the town.‬
‭ 5. What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭The most fascinating thing for Valli was the‬‭bus that travelled‬
‭between and the nearest town.‬
‭ 6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli refused to look out of the window on‬‭her way back because‬
‭the memory of the dead cow haunted her, dampening her enthusiasm.‬
‭ 7. Why does Valli find information about the bus to the town?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli gathered information about the bus because‬‭she wanted to‬
‭take at least ride in the bus that was fascinating for her.‬
‭ 8. Why was the conductor of the bus amused while talking to Valli?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭The conductor of the bus was a jolly person‬‭who was fond of‬
‭joking. Quote two instances to amused while talking to Valli who pretended‬
‭to be a grown person.‬
‭ 9. How did Valli manage to leave the house?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli knew that after lunch her mother would‬‭nap for about one to‬
‭four or so. It was Valli’s habit to engage these hours for her excursions and‬
‭move outside the village.‬
‭ 0. What type of person was the conductor?‬

2
‭Answer:‬‭the conductor was a very wise man and knew‬‭how to tackle and‬
‭talk with the passenger. He was fond of jokes and in his jolly tone‬
‭interrogated Valli many times.‬
‭Short Answer Type Questions‬
‭1. How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow by the roadside?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭On her return journey, Valli saw a dead cow‬‭lying in the middle of‬
A
‭the road. It was lying sprawled in a pool of blood, legs spread out, and‬
‭lifeless eyes staring a horrible scene. She felt sad and this made her lose all‬
‭the enthusiasm.‬
‭2.” Valli enjoyed each moment of her bus ride.”‬
‭ nswer:‬‭“Valli enjoyed each moment of her bus ride.”‬

A
‭-Valla devoured everything with her eyes.‬
‭-On viewing the outside view she sighed, “Oh, it was all so wonderful.‬
‭ . Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous‬
3
‭planner.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli was a meticulous planner. She listened carefully to the‬
A
‭conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the‬
‭bus and also asked discreet questions. She picked up various small details‬
‭about the bus journey and then planned it.‬
‭ . How can you say that the conductor was a good-natured jolly fellow?‬
4
‭Support your answer with examples.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The conductor was a fun-loving, jolly fellow.‬‭For instance-when‬

A
‭Valli refused his help to board the bus he said jokingly, “Don’t be angry with‬
‭me, fine madam… Everyone move aside please — make way for madam’.‬
‭ . What details did Valli pick up about the bus journey? How did she pick‬
5
‭up these details?‬
‭Or‬
‭What information did Valli collect for her first bus ride?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla gathered all the minute details about‬‭the bus journey. She‬
A
‭gathered that she required sixty paise to buy tickets for the up and down‬
‭journey and that the bus would take ninety minutes from the village to town‬
‭and back. She carefully listened to the conversations of the passengers‬
‭and villagers to get the details.‬
‭6. What made Valli sad on her return journey?‬
A
‭the road. It was lying sprawled in a pool of blood, legs spread out, lifeless‬
‭eyes staring—a horrible scene. She felt sad.‬
‭ . What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest‬
7
‭desire?‬
‭Or‬
‭What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli’s source of unending joy was to have‬‭a bus ride. That was her‬
A
‭tiny wish which grew into a strong desire with the passage of time. Her‬
‭ esire turned into longing as she wistfully stared at the faces of the‬
d
‭passengers who got on or off the bus.‬

8
‭Or‬
‭Valla was an eight-year-old girl who was very curious about things. What‬
‭was her favourite Pastime?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Vales favourite pastime was to stand in the‬‭front doorway of her‬

A
‭house. She did not play like most other children because there were no‬
‭playmates of her age on her street. Watching the street also gave her many‬
‭unusual experiences which were equally enjoyable.‬
‭ . Give two reasons why Valli found the elderly woman on the bus,‬
9
‭repulsive.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla did not want to make friends with the‬‭elderly woman‬

A
‭because she found her repulsive as she had big holes in her earlobes and‬
‭was wearing ugly earrings. She could the betel nut the woman was‬
‭chewing.‬
‭10. Why did Valli not get off the bus when it stopped at the bus stand?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Vales sole purpose was to enjoy the bus ride.‬‭She neither had the‬
A
‭money to buy anything from the shops at the town nor the courage to get‬
‭down at the strange among at rangers.‬
‭11. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The conductor was worldly wise and a man of‬‭jovial nature. He‬
A
‭judges the little girl ’s innocent behaviour. Being fun to love and also not to‬
‭make the girl unhappy, he calls Valla as ‘Madam’, though she was a girl of‬
‭eight years only.‬
‭12. Write down the conductor’s advice to Valli?‬

‭ nswer:‬‭Calling Valli a child. the conductor requested her to sit down. It will‬
A
‭make her comfortable. Standing up, again and again, can make her fall and‬
‭get hurt because the bus can make a sharp turn.‬
‭13. What did Valli calculate and plan?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli calculated and planned that if she took‬‭one o’clock on the‬

A
‭afternoon bus. she would reach the town at one forty-five. On reaching‬
‭town if she stayed in her scat and paid another thirty paise she could return‬
‭home by the same bus by about two forty-five.‬
‭ 4. What did Valli’s mother say about the things happening without our‬
1
‭knowledge?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli’s mother said that so many things happen‬‭amidst us and in‬

A
‭the world outside. We cannot know about everything. Even when we know‬
‭about something we often can’t understand it completely.‬
‭15. What was the favourite pastime of Valli?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valliammai or Valli was eight years old. Her‬‭favourite pastime was‬

A
‭standing in the front doorway of her house. From there, she watched what‬
‭was happening in the street outside. For her, standing at the front door was‬
‭as enjoyable as any of the games other children played.‬
‭16. What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The most fascinating thing for Valli was the‬‭bus that travelled‬
A
‭between her village and the nearest town. The sight of the bus was a‬
‭source of unending joy for her. Each time she used to see a new set of‬
‭passengers, it was a very thrilling experience for her.‬
‭17. What was the tiny wish that crept into Valli’s head?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The sight of the bus was the most fascinating thing for Valli. Day‬
A
‭after day she watched the bus. A tiny wish crept into her head. She wanted‬
‭to ride on that bus. At least, once. This wish became so strong that it grew‬
‭into an overwhelming desire.‬
‭18. Why did Valli listen to the conversations? What did she get from them?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli was anxious to know more and more about‬‭the bus journey.‬
A
‭She had nourished a strong desire to enjoy a bus ride from her village to the‬
‭nearest town. She listened to the neighbours and people who regularly‬
‭used the bus. She was collecting the necessary details from them to plan‬
‭out her bus journey. Such details could help her in her mission.‬
‭19. How did Valli calculate and plan the bus journey?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli had gathered all the necessary details‬‭about the bus journey‬
A
‭from those who regularly used the bus. The town was six miles from her‬
‭village. The one-way fare was thirty paise. The trip to the town took‬
‭forty-five minutes. If she took the one o’clock bus, she could reach the town‬
‭at one forty-five. She calculated that she could be back home by about two‬
‭forty-five.‬
‭20. How did Valli board the bus? Why did she say, ‘I can get on by myself’‬
‭ nswer:‬‭When Valli sighted the bus she shouted ‘Stop‬‭the bus! Stop the‬
A
‭bus!’ She raised her tiny hand ‘commandingly’. The bus slowed down and‬
‭finally stopped. She told the conductor that she wanted to go to the town‬
‭and she tried to hand over the money. The conductor, seeing that she was‬
‭just a child, stretched out his hand to help her up. Valli replied that she‬
‭could get on by herself and didn’t need any help.‬
‭21. Why was Valli overcome with shyness and avoided everyone’s eyes?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭It was the slack time of the day. There were‬‭only six or seven‬
A
‭passengers on the bus. They were all looking at Valli and laughing with the‬
‭ onductor. Valli was overcome with shyness. She tried to avoid everyone’s‬
c
‭eyes. She walked quickly to an empty seat and sat down.‬
‭22. What did Valli see when she peered over the blind?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli found that a canvas blind cut off her‬‭view. So, she peered over‬
A
‭the blind to look outside. The bus was going along the bank of a canal.‬
‭Beyond its palm trees and grassland and distant mountains. And then,‬
‭there were acres of green fields as far as her eyes could see.‬
‭ 3. Why didn’t Valli like the remark of the elderly man? What did she say to‬
2
‭him?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭An elderly man saw Valli standing on the bus‬‭He asked her to sit‬
A
‭down. He had honestly felt concerned for her. Valli didn’t like to be called‬
‭herself a ‘child’. She retorted that she was not a child. She had paid thirty‬
‭paise like everyone else.‬
‭ 4. How did Valli react when the conductor called her “a very grown-up‬
2
‭madam?”‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The bus conductor teased Valli by calling‬‭her ‘a very grown-up‬

A
‭madam’. Valli reacted sharply saying that she was not a madam. She‬
‭reminded him that he had not yet given her ticket. The conductor mimicked‬
‭her tone and said, ‘I’ll remember.’ Everyone laughed and gradually Valli too‬
‭joined in the laughter.‬
‭25. Why did Valli find the elderly woman absolutely repulsive?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The elderly woman who was sitting beside Valli‬‭in the bus looked‬
A
‭absolutely repulsive to Valli. She had big holes in her ears and had ugly‬
‭earrings in them. She didn’t relish the smell of the betel nut that she was‬
‭chewing. The beetlejuice was about to spill over her lips at any moment.‬
‭She couldn’t be social with such a woman.‬
‭ 6. How careful and painstaking elaborate plans did Valli have to make for‬
2
‭her first journey and how did she save money for it?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli had to make careful and painstaking‬‭plans for her first bus‬
A
‭journey. Saving sixty paise for both ways fare was not an easy job. She‬
‭saved thriftily every stray coin that came in her way. She had to give up the‬
‭temptation of buying peppermints, toys and balloons and stifle her desire to‬
‭ride on the merry-go-round.‬
‭27. What was the next problem after Valli had enough money?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭After she had saved enough money, Valli had‬‭her next problem. It‬
A
‭was how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge. She‬
‭solved this problem easily. Every day after lunch her mother would nap‬
‭from about one to four or so. She could easily venture out on her mission.‬
‭28. Why did Valli laugh until there were tears in her eyes?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli saw a young cow running very fast in‬‭the middle of the road.‬
A
‭It was right in front of the bus. The bus slowed down to a crawl. The driver‬
‭sounded the horn loudly again and again. But more he honked, the more‬
‭frightened the animal became and galloped right in front of the bus. Valli‬
‭laughed until there were tears in her eyes.‬
‭29. Why didn’t Valli get off the bus when the bus stopped at the town?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli’s destination, the nearest town from‬‭her village, had come.‬

A
‭Everyone got off except Valli. The conductor reminded that her destination‬
‭had come and she should get off the bus. Valli told that she was going‬
‭back on the same bus. She handed thirty more coins to the conductor and‬
‭asked for the ticket. She just felt like having a bus ride again.‬
‭30. Why didn’t Valli want to have a look at the sights alone?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The conductor asked if Valli didn’t want to have a look at the sights‬
A
‭in the town. She replied that she would be too afraid to visit them all alone.‬
‭The conductor reminded that she was travelling all alone by bus. Valli‬
‭replied that there was nothing to be afraid of in the bus.‬
‭ 1. Why didn’t Valli accept a free drink from the bus conductor? What does‬
3
‭this act show about her character?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The bus conductor asked Valli to let him bring‬‭her a cold drink. She‬
A
‭replied that she didn’t have enough money for that. He should just give him‬
‭her ticket. The conductor offered to give it totally free. She said firmly,‬
‭‘Please, no.’ This shows how proud and self-respecting Valli was.‬
‭32. What dampened Valli’s enthusiasm during the return journey?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭During her return journey, Valli saw a young‬‭cow lying dead by the‬
A
‭side of the road. She was the same lovable and beautiful cow that she saw‬
‭only a little while ago. Now, it looked so horrible and frightening as it lay‬
‭there. There was a fixed stare in her lifeless eyes and she was smeared‬
‭with blood. The sight dampened her enthusiasm and she stopped looking‬
‭outside.‬
‭33. Did Valli’s bus ride remain a secret for her mother and aunt?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭When Valli entered her house, she found her‬‭mother awake and‬
A
‭talking to one of her aunts. Her aunt was a real chatterbox. She asked‬
‭where she had been so far. Valli’s mother spoke casually. She didn’t expect‬
‭a reply. Both these ladies could know nothing about Valli’s pleasure ride on‬
‭the bus.‬
‭ 4. Why did Valli smile to herself? Did her mother and aunt had any‬
3
‭chance of knowing the secret of her smile?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli agreed with her mother that many things‬‭were happening‬

A
‭outside in the world without their knowledge. Ironically, the two ladies didn’t‬
‭know anything about Valli’s bus-journey. They didn’t know that `just a chit of‬
‭ girl’ had done such a great feat. Valli smiled to herself. There was no‬
a
‭chance of her secret being exposed.‬
‭Long Answer Type Questions‬
‭1. Write a character sketch of Valla.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla was an eight-year-old girl born in a‬‭small village. However,‬

A
‭she was a very curious girl. She spent her time standing in the front‬
‭doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.‬
‭Watching the street gave her many new and unusual experiences. Her‬
‭curiosity about travelling on the bus to the town urged her on to plan her‬
‭trip. She was very meticulous in planning for the trip. She calculated the‬
‭distance between her home and the town, the time it took for a trip up and‬
‭down by bus etc. Valla also proved to be very impressive and bold by finally‬
‭deciding to ride on the bus. Her childish innocence veiled by her smart and‬
‭bold outlook amused the conductor who offered her a seat in the bus.‬
‭ alla thoroughly enjoyed her ride to the town, and laughed and clapped‬
V
‭when the young cow ran in the middle of the road in front of the bus. But‬
‭her enjoyable bus ride became a nightmare on her return journey. She saw‬
‭the same cow lying dead on the road. This sight haunted her, dampened her‬
‭spirits, and saddened her. This is typical of the tendency of a matured‬
‭person. She refused to look out of the window thereafter. Valla, on the‬
‭whole, can be described as a curious, joyful, disciplined, smart, bold, and at‬
‭the same time, a mature girl.‬
‭ .” Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself.” “You don’t have to help‬
2
‭me,” said Valla to the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage in‬
‭making the bus journey all alone. Taking inspiration from Valla’s character,‬
‭write how the ability and courage to take risks are essential to fulfilling‬
‭one’s dream.‬
‭Or‬
‭Valla nurtures a strong desire to travel by bus and visit the city. She works‬
‭hard for it and finally, she is successful. Based on this incident, analyze‬
‭what values of life do you need to nurture to attain your goals in life?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla is an eight-year-old village girl. She is fascinated by the bus‬
A
‭that comes to the village every hour. She develops a desire and then a‬
‭longing turning into a firm determination to ride the bus. She meticulously‬
‭plans for it and saves money for the bus journey. Then she boards the bus‬
‭without anyone’s help. She travels all alone, confidently and independently‬
‭and finally returns home successfully. Her self-dependence and‬
‭self-respecting nature help her to nurture her goal. She enjoys her journey.‬
‭Similarly, to achieve goals in life, we need to have such values in us. One‬
‭should be confident and self-dependent. Proper planning and strong‬
‭determination will lead to success. Enthusiasm and excitement to achieve‬
‭the goal are also needed to nurture our goals in life.‬
‭ . Valli was so overcome with sadness to see the dead cow that she lost‬
3
‭all enthusiasm. Do you feel the same way? If you feel concerned about the‬
‭plight of animals falling prey to the fast-moving traffic, what efforts will‬
‭you make to make travelling on roads a safer activity?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭While going to town, Valla saw a cow running‬‭in the middle of the‬
A
‭road in front of the bus. The more the driver honked the horn, the faster it‬
‭galloped. Valla laughed to see that. On her return journey, Valla saw the‬
‭same cow, lying sprawled in a pool of blood, with legs spread out, and‬
‭lifeless eyes, staring. It saddened her making her lose all enthusiasm.‬
I‭ also feel the same when I see animals falling prey to the fast-moving‬
‭traffic. We should take some serious steps to make road travel safer. Firstly,‬
‭stray animals should be kept away from busy roads. Proper shelters should‬
‭be made for them. Secondly, traffic laws should be implemented strictly.‬
‭Whosoever violates the traffic rules must be penalized with fines,‬
‭punishments and other legal provisions as and when required. Rash driving‬
‭must be kept under a check. If an animal falls prey to a road accident, it‬
‭must be rushed to the animals’ hospital immediately.‬
‭ . How did Valla save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?‬
4
‭Justify.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla’s sole purpose was to enjoy the bus ride. She neither had the‬
A
‭money nor much information about the ride. But her desire made her‬
‭collect every minute detail about it. She gathered that she required sixty‬
‭paise to buy tickets for the up and down journey. She collected every stray‬
‭penny. She resisted the temptation to buy peppermint, toys, even a joy-ride‬
‭at the merry-go-round. Thus she saved 60 paise to buy tickets for the bus‬
‭ride.‬
‭No, it was not easy for a young child of eight years. This act of her reflects‬
‭that she has the qualities of self-restraint, discipline, determination and‬
‭maturity rare for her age.‬
‭ . Justify the statement with instances that Valla was a mature girl and‬
5
‭ahead of her age?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla was an eight-year-old village girl.‬‭She had no playmates. Her‬

A
‭favourite pastime was to stand at the doorstep and watch things and‬
‭people. She not only satisfied her curiosity but also gained new‬
‭experiences. Her strongest desire was to make a bus-ride. She‬
‭meticulously planned for it — gathered information about the distance, time‬
‭and ticket money. Showing self-restraint, she resisted the temptation to buy‬
‭peppermint, toys or a ride on the merry-go-round in order to save 60 paise‬
‭for the bus journey. She boarded the bus without anyone’s help, refused a‬
‭free treat by the conductor and didn’t talk to strangers. This shows her‬
‭commanding, confident and self-dependent nature. This also shows her‬
‭determination and maturity at such a little age.‬
‭ . Valla’s journey to the city is also her induction into the mystery of life‬
6
‭and death. Elaborate.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla gets introduced to the mystery of life‬‭and death on her first‬

A
‭bus journey in the outside world. She was wonderstruck and enjoyed the‬
‭beauty of the outside world. She clapped, laughed and enjoyed when she‬
‭saw a young cow running in the middle of the road in front of the bus. The‬
‭driver sounded the horn to warn it but the more he honked, the faster it‬
‭galloped. Valla found it funny and amusing. She laughed till tears came into‬
‭her eyes. On her way back, she saw the same cow lying dead on the road.‬
‭ ome fast speeding vehicles must have hit it. It was a horrible sight. It‬
S
‭looked quite frightening. It was lying their legs spread out, a fixed stare in‬
‭its lifeless eyes and blood around it. The image of the dead cow haunted‬
‭her, dampening her spirits and making her sad.‬
‭7. Who was Valli? What was her overwhelming desire?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli was an eight-year-old girl. She was‬‭a curious girt. She wanted‬
A
‭to know many things. She did not have playmates of her own age. Her‬
‭favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house to see‬
‭what was happening outside. The most fascinating thing of all was the bus‬
‭that passed through the street each hour. The bus travelled between her‬
‭village and the nearest town. The sight of the bus was a source of unending‬
‭joy for Valli. It was a great joy for her to watch new sets of passengers‬
‭every time the bus passed through the street. As she watched the bus day‬
‭after day, she developed a wish to have a ride on that bus. Her wish‬
‭became stronger and stronger until it was an overwhelming desire‬
‭8. How did Valli plan to have a bus ride?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli carefully listened to the conversations‬‭between her‬

A
‭neighbours and people who had travelled on the bus or who regularly used‬
‭it. She asked some casual questions also. She came to know that the town‬
‭was six miles away from her village. It took forty-five minutes to reach‬
‭there. The fare was thirty paise for one way. Valli planned her journey to the‬
‭town and back. It would be her first journey out of her village. She saved‬
‭every paisa by resisting her desire to buy ice cream, toys, balloons, etc. She‬
‭had also killed her desire to visit the village fair and have a ride on the‬
‭merry-go-round. When she had saved sixty paise, she was ready for 1111‬
‭first bus journey. Then she planned how she would slip out of the house.‬
‭She knew that her mother slept dal after lunch. She decided to use these‬
‭hours for her journey.‬
‭9. What did Valli notice after she boarded the bus?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli looked around in the bus. It had a soft and comfortable seat.‬
A
‭It had a beautiful clock above the windscreen. The overhead bars shone‬
‭like silver. Then she tried to look outside. She found her view cut off by a‬
‭curtain that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood on her scat‬
‭to enjoy the outside scene. The bus was going along the bank of a canal.‬
‭She saw palm trees, mountains and the blue sky. On the other side, there‬
‭were green fields. Suddenly an elderly man warned Valli not to stand on the‬
‭seat. He called her a child and said that she could fall and get hurt. But Valli‬
‭did not care for him. She told him proudly that she was not a ‘child’. She‬
‭had paid the full fare like the others. The conductor told the man that Valli‬
‭was a grown-up madam. Valli looked at the conductor angrily and said that‬
‭she was not a madam.‬
‭10. Describe Valli’s return journey.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The bus resumed its return journey. There‬‭were the same‬

A
‭wonderful sights. Valli enjoyed the scene again. But suddenly she saw a‬
‭young cow lying dead, by the roadside. It had been struck by a fast-moving‬
‭vehicle. She asked the conductor if it was the same cow they saw earlier.‬
‭The conductor nodded. Valli became sad. It had been a lovable, beautiful‬
‭creature just a little while ago. But now the cow was without its charm and‬
‭its life. The bus moved on. The memory of the dead cow haunted Valli. She‬
‭no longer wanted to see out of the window. She kept sitting on her seat‬
‭until her village came. She got down and wished the conductor to see him‬
‭again. The conductor smiled. He told Valli that whenever she felt like riding‬
‭the bus she could come and join them.‬
‭11. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭On her way to the town, Valli laughed heartily‬‭to see a young cow‬
A
‭running at high speed in the middle of the road just in front of their bus. But‬
‭on her way back, she saw a young cow lying dead near the road. She asked‬
‭the bus conductor if it was the same cow that was running in front of the‬
‭bus. The bus conductor nodded. She was shocked and sad. So she refuses‬
‭to look out of the window on her way back because what was so beautiful a‬
l‭ittle while ago now looked so horrible. The memory of the dead cow‬
‭haunts her. It dampens her enthusiasm.‬
‭ 2. What was Valli’s obsession? How did she prepare and save money for‬
1
‭her first bus journey? Or How did Valli plan for her first bus journey?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The most fascinating sight for Valli was seeing‬‭the bus that‬
A
‭travelled from her village to the nearest town. A tiny wish crept into her‬
‭head. She wanted to ride on that bus, at least for once. This wish became‬
‭stronger until it was an overwhelming desire. She listened to the‬
‭conversations of her neighbours and people. They regularly used the bus.‬
‭She found out after questioning them that both ways fare was sixty paise. It‬
‭took forty-five minutes to reach the town. It was six miles from her village.‬
‭ fter gathering all the necessary details, Valli started saving money thriftily.‬
A
‭She saved every coin that came her way. It was not an easy job for a girl of‬
‭eight years. She had to resist the temptation of buying peppermints, toys,‬
‭balloons and having a ride on the merry-go-round. When the money‬
‭problem was solved, another problem was solved quite easily. She planned‬
‭her journey during one to four o’clock when her mother took a nap in the‬
‭afternoon. All such elaborate planning led Valli to have an enjoyable and‬
‭smooth her first bus journey.‬
‭ 3. Describe what Valli saw during her bus journey. How did the scenes‬
1
‭and sights affect her?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli was really excited. After all, it was‬‭her first bus journey. She‬
A
‭‘devoured’ everything with her eyes. When she started to look outside, her‬
‭view was cut off by a canvas blind. She stood up on the seat and peered‬
‭over the blind. She watched the bus passing along the bank of a canal. She‬
‭saw palm trees, grasslands, distant mountains and the vast blue sky. Acres‬
‭of green fields stretched out as far as her eyes could see the bus went past‬
‭the railway station, the bright-looking shops and through the busy‬
‭crossroads. One funny scene cheered her. A young cow ran in front of the‬
‭bus. She was just in the middle of the road. The more the driver honked, the‬
‭more frightened the cow became. Valli laughed till tears were in her eyes.‬
‭ owever, another sight dampened her enthusiasm. The same cow which‬
H
‭looked so lovable and beautiful a while ago was lying dead beside the road.‬
‭A fast-running vehicle had struck her dead. Now, the same cow was looking‬
‭so horrible and frightening that Valli stopped looking outside. In short, the‬
‭canal, mountains, palms, grasslands and the blue sky enthused and thrilled‬
‭Valli. But, the repulsive elderly woman chewing the betel nut and the dead‬
‭cow dampened her enthusiasm during the journey.‬
‭14. What did standing at the front door means to Valli?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valliammai or Valli was just ‘a chit of a‬‭girl’. She was eight years‬
A
‭old. She was very curious about things. She was always anxious to gather‬
‭all the details, why and how about things. She was not very social either.‬
‭She had no playmates of her own age in her neighbourhood. Naturally, she‬
‭could not play games with friends. But, she more than compensated this‬
‭drawback. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her‬
‭house. standing there, she could watch what was happening in the street‬
‭outside.‬
‭ ut for Valli, standing at the front door was very enjoyable. Actually, it was‬
B
‭as enjoyable as any of the games other children played. Watching the street‬
‭gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating of all these‬
‭scenes was the scene of the bus that travelled between her village and the‬
‭nearest town. Seeing a new set of passengers every time, she also wished‬
‭to have the bus ride, at least for once.‬
‭ 5. Do you think that Valli enjoyed her first ride on a bus? Give examples‬
1
‭in support of your answer.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭It was Valli’s first bus ride. Naturally,‬‭she was full of excitement‬
A
‭and enthusiasm. She devoured everything with her eyes. She stood up on‬
‭the seat to have a full view of things outside. The bus was going along the‬
‭bank of a canal. Beyond it, there were palms, grasslands and distant‬
‭mountains. On the other side, there was a deep ditch. And then acres upon‬
‭across of green field stretched out as far as the eye could see.‬
‭ he bus went past the railway station, the bright-looking shops and‬
T
‭glittering displays of clothes and other merchandise in them. Suddenly, Valli‬
‭clapped her hands with glee. She saw a young cow with her raised tail in‬
‭the air running very fast just in the middle of the road. The driver sounded‬
‭his horn loudly again and again. But the more he honked, the more‬
‭frightened the cow became. Faster it galloped—always right in front of the‬
‭bus. This was very funny to Valli. She laughed and laughed until there were‬
‭tears in her eyes.‬
‭ 6. Describe Valli’s interaction with (i) the conductor (ii) with the old‬
1
‭gentleman (iii) with the elderly repulsive woman.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The conductor was a jolly sort of person.‬‭He was fond of joking.‬

A
‭He enjoyed teasing Valli with his gentle comic remarks. He called her‬
‭‘madam’. Valli reacted sharply replying that she was not a ‘madam’. The‬
‭conductor showed his concern when he tried to help her up, she told him‬
‭that she could help herself. Valli showed that she was a self-respecting girl.‬
‭She politely refused to accept a free drink from the conductor.‬
‭ he Old gentleman was honestly concerned when he saw Valli standing in‬
T
‭the bus. Listen, child … you shouldn’t stand like that’, he said. Valli was‬
‭annoyed by his attention and replied promptly that she was not a child. She‬
‭had paid her thirty paise like everyone else. The elderly woman who sat‬
‭beside her was quite repulsive to Valli. She didn’t like the big holes in her‬
‭ears and the ugly earrings in them. Nor did Valli relish the unpleasant smell‬
‭that came from the betel nut she was chewing. She couldn’t be social with‬
‭such a person.‬
‭ 7. Give a character-sketch of Valli in your own words by giving examples‬

1
‭from the text.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli emerges as a very clever, sensitive,‬‭self-respecting and‬

A
‭fun-loving girl. She was just eight years old. She was very curious about‬
‭things. She was a good observer of things. Her favourite pastime was‬
‭standing in the front doorway of her house. She used to watch from there‬
‭what was happening in the street outside. There were no playmates of her‬
‭ wn age in the neighbourhood. Standing at the door was as enjoyable for‬
o
‭her as any of the games children played.‬
‭ alli was mature, clever and practical beyond her years. Saving sixty paise‬
V
‭was not an easy job for a girl of her age. She thriftily saved every coin that‬
‭came in her way. She was determined to resist any temptation that came in‬
‭her way. She sacrificed buying peppermints, toys, balloons and having a joy‬
‭ride on a merry-go-round to save her money. Valli was full of excitement‬
‭and enthusiasm. She enjoyed the landscape looking outside the window.‬
‭The canal, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains and green fields gave‬
‭her tremendous pleasure. The sight of a young cow running towards the‬
‭bus at full speed enthused her. The more the driver honked, the more‬
‭frightened the animal became and came just in front of the bus. Valli‬
‭enjoyed the fun and laughed till the tears came into her eyes.‬
‭ alli was a very sensitive girl. She was shocked to see the same cow lying‬
V
‭on the roadside smeared with blood. Her horrible and frightening looks‬
‭dampened her enthusiasm. She stopped looking outside. Valli didn’t like‬
‭being called a ‘madam’ or ‘a child’. She dared the conductor to mind his‬
‭own business. Valli was a self-respecting girl. She didn’t accept a free cold‬
‭drink offered by the bus conductor. She was a great planner and planned‬
‭things after knowing all the necessary details about them.‬
‭Extract Based Questions‬
‭ ead the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1:‬‭Suddenly she was startled by a voice.‬‭“Listen, child,” said the‬

Q
‭voice, “you shouldn’t stand like that. Sit down.”‬
‭ . Who was ‘she’ and whose voice was it?‬

a
‭b. Why wasn’t she sitting?‬
‭c. What does Valli see?‬
‭d. What was Valli’s reaction when she was called a ‘child’ by an elderly‬
‭person?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭a. She was Valli. The voice was that of an elderly man who was‬
A
‭concerned about Valli standing on the window seat.‬
‭ . As she sat on the seat, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that‬
b
‭covered the lower part of the window. So she stood up on the seat.‬
‭c. Valli sees the camel, green fields, palm trees, etc. with her own eyes.‬
‭d. She was annoyed rather angry at the elderly person.‬
‭ uestion 2:‬‭‘Listen, child,” said the voice, “you‬‭shouldn’t stand like that. Sit‬
Q
‭down.” Sitting down, she looked to see who had spoken. It was an elderly‬
‭man who had honestly been concerned for her, but she was annoyed by his‬
‭attention. “There’s nobody here who’s a child,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid‬
‭my thirty paise like everyone else.”‬
‭ . Who is the child mentioned in the passage?‬

a
‭b. How did the girl prove to the elderly man that she was not a child?‬
‭c. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?‬
‭d. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. Valli is the child mentioned in the passage.‬
‭ . She said that she had paid thirty paise like every other passenger and‬
b
‭was not a child.‬
‭c. Valli didn’t like the physical appearance of the elderly woman.‬
‭ . Valli told him that she was not a child as she had paid the same amount‬
d
‭of the bus ticket as everyone else had paid.‬
‭ uestion 3:‬‭Valli wasn’t bored in the slightest and‬‭greeted everything with‬

Q
‭the same excitement she’d felt the first time. But suddenly she saw a young‬
‭cow lying dead by the roadside, just where it had been struck by some‬
‭fast-moving vehicle.‬
‭ . While Valli was going back home, she saw something that changed her‬
a
‭mood. What was it?‬
‭b. How had the young cow met with this destiny?‬
‭c. What made Valli sad and depressed on her journey back to the village?‬
‭d. What kind of a person is Valli?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. She saw a cow lying dead by the roadside.‬
‭b. It had been struck by some fast-moving vehicle.‬
‭ . On her return journey, Valli saw a dead cow lying in the middle of the‬
c
‭road.‬
‭ . Valli was a kind, compassionate, self-confident, nature-loving and friendly‬

d
‭girl.‬
‭ uestion 4:‬‭The conductor nodded, and she was overcome‬‭with sadness.‬

Q
‭What had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little while ago had now‬
‭suddenly lost its charm and its life and looked so horrible, so frightening as‬
‭it lay there, legs spreadeagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes, blood all‬
‭over…‬
‭ . Why is ‘she’ overcome with sadness?‬

a
‭b. What had happened to the creature?‬
‭c. Why is she so sad?‬
‭d. When did she see the cow earlier?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. She had just seen a young cow dead.‬
‭b. It had been struck by a fast-moving vehicle.‬
‭ . The cow that was full of joy and life a while ago, is lying dead-looking‬
c
‭horrible.‬
‭d. She saw the cow earlier while going from her village on her bus journey.‬
‭ uestion 5:‬‭Over many days and months Valli listened carefully to‬
Q
‭bus, and she also asked a few discreet questions here and there. This way‬
‭she picked up various small details about the bus journey. The town was‬
‭six miles from her village. The fare was thirty paise one way —“which is‬
‭almost nothing at all.”‬
‭ . What conclusion was made by Valli on the basis of information?‬

a
‭b. What were the sources of information for her?‬
‭c. Whose conversations did Valli listen to?‬
‭d. What information did she want to get?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭a. The town was six miles from her village‬‭and the fare was thirty‬
A
‭paise one way.‬
‭ . Neighbours and people who regularly travelled by bus were the sources‬
b
‭of information.‬
‭ . Conversations between the neighbours and people who regularly used‬

c
‭the bus‬
‭ . She wanted to get all the details about the bus journey including the‬
d
‭distance from the town, the fare and the total time required to reach the‬
‭town and come back to the village, when the bus drove back after having‬
‭stopped in the town for some time.‬
‭ uestion 6:‬‭After she had enough money saved, her‬‭next problem was how‬
Q
‭to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge. But she managed‬
‭this without too much difficulty. Every day after lunch her mother would nap‬
‭from about one to four or so. Valli always used these hours for her‬
‭‘excursions’ as she stood looking from the doorway of her house or‬
‭sometimes even ventured out into the village; today, these same hours‬
‭could be used for her first excursion outside the village.‬
‭ . Who does ‘she’ refer to in the passage?‬

a
‭b. What was her new problem after saving enough money for her bus ride?‬
‭ . When did Valli plan to slip out of the house without her mother’s‬
c
‭knowledge?‬
‭d. What did Valli normally use to do when her mother had her daily nap?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. ‘She’ refers to Valli.‬
‭ . The new problem was how to escape without her mother’s knowledge for‬
b
‭the bus ride.‬
‭ . Valli planned to slip out of the house when her mother would be having‬
c
‭her afternoon nap which was normally from 1 to 4 p.m.‬
‭d. Valli used to go to the village for other excursions.‬
‭ uestion 7:‬‭But for Valli, standing at the front door‬‭was every bit as‬
Q
‭enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching‬
‭the street gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating‬
‭thing of all was the bus that travelled between her and the nearest town. It‬
‭passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once‬
‭coming back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of‬
‭passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli.‬

a
‭b. Why did she watch the street?‬
‭c. What was the source of unending joy for Valli?‬
‭d. What gave Valli new unusual experiences?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭a. Standing at the door, and watching the‬‭street was Valli’s‬

A
‭favourite pastime.‬
‭ . She watched the streets because it gave her many new unusual‬
b
‭experiences.‬
‭ . The source of unending joy for Valli was to watch the bus and the people‬
c
‭going on the bus.‬
‭d. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences.‬
‭ uestion 8:‬‭Her first journey—what careful, painstaking,‬‭elaborate plans she‬

Q
‭had to make for it. She had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her‬
‭way, resisting every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and the‬
‭like, and finally she had saved a total of sixty paise. How difficult it had‬
‭been, particularly that day at the village fair, but she had resolutely stifled a‬
‭strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she had the money.‬
‭ . Who does ‘her’ refer to in the passage?‬

a
‭b. Where was her first journey made to?‬
‭c. What did she do to make it a reality?‬
‭d. How did she save the money for the bus fare?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. ‘Her’ refers to Valli.‬
‭b. Her first journey was made to the town.‬
‭c. She made careful, painstaking and detailed plans to make it a reality.‬
‭ . She thriftily saved every penny, resisted temptation to buy things for her‬
d
‭liking or taking a ride on the merry-go-round.‬
‭ uestion 9:‬‭But suddenly she saw a young cow lying‬‭dead by the roadside,‬
Q
‭just where it had been struck by some fast-moving vehicle. “Isn’t that the‬
‭same cow that ran in front of the bus on our trip to town?” she asked the‬
‭conductor. The conductor nodded, and she was overcome with sadness.‬
‭ . Whom does ‘she’ refer to?‬

a
‭b. How does the presence of the cow affect her mood during her return‬
‭journey?‬
‭c. What kind of a person is Valli?‬
‭d. When was Valli overcome with sadness?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. ‘She’ refers to Valli, an eight-year-old‬‭girl.‬

‭b. She was sad and sat quietly after seeing the dead cow.‬
‭ . She is a kind and sensitive girl. Her spirits are dampened and she‬
c
‭becomes sad to see a dead cow.‬
‭ . When the conductor nodded in support of her query, Valli was overcome‬
d
‭with sadness.‬
‭ uestion 10:‬‭The bus rolled on now cutting across‬‭a bare landscape, now‬
Q
‭rushing through a tiny hamlet or past an odd wayside shop. Sometimes the‬
‭bus seemed on a point of gobbling up another vehicle that was coming‬
‭towards them or a pedestrian crossing the road. But lo! somehow it passed‬
‭on smoothly, leaving all obstacles safely behind. Trees came running‬
‭towards them but then stopped as the bus reached them and simply stood‬
‭there helpless for a moment by the side of the road before rushing away in‬
‭the other direction.‬
‭ . Where was the bus going?‬

a
‭b. What was the speed of the bus?‬
‭c. How did trees look to Valli from the running bus?‬
‭d. What trait of Valli’s character is reflected through the way she‬
‭successfully planned her journey?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. The bus was going to the town.‬
‭b. The bus was going very fast.‬
‭ . Trees seemed running towards them but then stopped as the bus‬
c
‭reached them and stood there helpless by the side of the road.‬
‭ . The meticulous way with which Valli planned her bus journey reflects her‬
d
‭management quality.‬
‭Self- Assessment Test‬

R
‭follow.‬
‭ uestion 1:‬‭There was a girl named Valliammai who‬‭was called Valli for‬
Q
‭short. She was eight years old and very curious about things. Her favourite‬
‭pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what‬
‭was happening in the street outside. There were no playmates of her own‬
‭age on her street, and this was about all she had to do.‬
‭ . How did Valli pass her time?‬

a
‭b. Write one personality trait of Valli from the above extract.‬
‭c. Who is the girl referred to in the passage?‬
‭d. What did she do in the doorway of her house?‬
‭ uestion 2:‬‭Valli devoured everything with her eyes.‬‭But when she started‬
Q
‭to look outside, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered‬
‭the lower part of her window. So she stood up on the seat and peered over‬
‭the blind. The bus was now going along the bank of a canal and beyond it,‬
‭palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue, blue sky.‬
‭ . Is Valli travelling to some definite place?‬

a
‭b. Why does Valli stand on her seat?‬
‭c. Why could Valli not enjoy the outside scene?‬
‭d. Which trait of Valli’s character is reflected in this passage?‬
‭Short Answer Questions‬
‭ . What details did Valli pick up about the bus journey? How did she pick up‬
1
‭these details?‬
‭4. Valli was an eight-year-old girl who was very curious about things. What‬
‭was her favourite pastime?‬
‭5. What did Valli’s mother say about the things happening without our‬
‭knowledge?‬
‭Long Answer Questions‬
‭ . How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?‬
1
‭Justify.‬
‭2. Justify the statement with instances that Valli was a mature girl and‬
‭ahead of her age.‬
‭3. Describe Valli’s return journey‬
‭Mijbil the Otter‬
‭Summary‬
‭The story,‬‭Mijbil the Otter‬‭, begins with the writer,‬‭Gavin Maxwell, who was‬
‭travelling to Basra with his friend to the Consulate-General to collect and‬
‭answer their mail from Europe. During their journey, Maxwell expressed his‬
‭desire to keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog, as he felt very lonely after‬
‭losing his pet dog earlier. His friend suggested he get an otter from the Tigris‬
‭marshes in Iraq. When they reached the destination, his friend received the‬
‭mail immediately, while Maxwell had to wait for a few more days to receive his‬
‭mail. Once he received the mail, he took the sack that was brought by two‬
‭Arabs carrying a message from his friend and discovered an otter inside it. He‬
‭christened the otter ‘Mijbil’ and would often refer to it as Mij.‬
‭It took a little while for the little creature to adapt to its surroundings. In due‬
‭course, Maxwell observed that Mij enjoyed playing with water and how it‬
‭learned to open the bathroom faucet on its own. The writer was thoroughly‬
‭amazed at the games played by Mij with its own touch of creativity. Soon it was‬
‭time for Maxwell to return to England with his pet otter. However, British‬
‭Airlines had a few restrictions that barred animals from travelling with human‬
‭beings, so he booked another flight that allowed Mij to travel with him. The‬
‭new airlines insisted that Mij should be packed in a box so that it didn’t disturb‬
‭other co-passengers onboard. Henceforth, Maxwell arranged for a box one‬
‭hour before the flight, put Mijbil inside and left to grab a quick meal.‬
‭When he returned, he found there were holes in the box and the edges were‬
‭stained with blood. He understood that Mij must have injured himself inside‬
‭the box. He cleaned the box properly and reached the airport a few minutes‬
‭before the flight took off. When he boarded the flight, he explained the entire‬
‭incident to an air hostess who advised him to keep his pet on his lap rather‬
‭than locking his pet inside the container. Maxwell was filled with gratitude for‬
‭her kind words. But the moment he opened the box, Mij leapt out and vanished‬
‭in thin air, which caused a lot of chaos on the flight. Many co-passengers were‬
‭astonished to see the little creature moving around. But the kind-hearted air‬
‭hostess took Mij and handed it to Maxwell in no time. Soon, they reached‬
‭London, and Maxwell thanked the crew for their support onboard.‬
‭In London, Mij got used to its surroundings gradually. It started playing with‬
‭marbles and ping-pong balls. The writer was also amazed by the game that Mij‬
‭had developed with his broken suitcase. Maxwell often took Mij for a walk, and‬
‭the people of London would make wild guesses about his pet. Some called Mij‬
‭to be a baby seal, beaver, or squirrel, and there were still a few more who‬
‭would refer to the otter as a hippo. The most shocking response that Maxwell‬
‭received from a labourer who was digging a hole when he asked him, “Here,‬
‭Mister — what is that supposed to be?”‬
‭Mijbil the Otter Important Questions‬
‭Question 1. How was Mij to be transported to England?‬
‭ nswer: The British Airline to England would not fly animals. So, Maxwell‬
A
‭booked a flight to Paris on another airline and from there to London. The‬
‭airline insisted that Mij should be packed into a box not more than‬
‭eighteen inches square. Thus, Mij was transported to England in that box,‬
‭which was kept on the floor at his feet.‬
‭Question 2. What happened when the box was opened?‬
‭ nswer: When the box was opened, Mij went out of the box. He‬
A
‭disappeared at a high speed down the aircraft. There were cries all‬
‭around. A woman stood up on her seat crying, “A rat! A rat!”.‬
‭ uestion 3. Why did Maxwell get his mail after five days and what did he‬
Q
‭do to get it? [CBSE 2011]‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell got his mail after 5 days due to some delay. He cabled‬
A
‭and tried to telephone in order to get his mail.‬
‭Question 4. What did the otter look like?‬
‭ nswer: The otter looked like a small dragon belonging to the middle‬
A
‭ages. It was covered with symmetrical pointed scales of mud. One could‬
‭see between the scales a soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate-brown‬
‭mole.‬
‭Question 5. What did Mijbil do during the second night?‬
‭ nswer: Mijbil came on to Maxwell’s bed soon after midnight. It remained‬

A
‭asleep in the crook of his knees until the morning.‬
‭ uestion 6. What, according to the writer, is the real play’ of the otter?‬
Q
‭[CBSE 2015]‬
‭ nswer: The real play of an otter is lying on his back and juggling with‬
A
‭small objects between his paws. Mijbil would roll two or more marbles up‬
‭and down on his wide, fat belly. He never dropped one to the floor.‬
‭ uestion 7. Why was the narrator not able to communicate when there‬
Q
‭was a delay in the arrival of the mail?‬
‭ nswer: The narrator was not able to contact because the telephone lines‬
A
‭had to be booked twenty-four hours in advance. On the first day, the line‬
‭was out of order; on the second day, the exchange was closed for a‬
‭religious reason; and on the third day, there was a breakdown.‬
‭ uestion 8. What was the first characteristic of the otter discovered by the‬
Q
‭narrator? [CBSE 2014]‬
‭ nswer: The first thing that the narrator observed about the otter was that‬
A
‭he liked to play with water. When he was taken to the bathroom, for half an‬
‭hour he went wild in the water with joy. He was plunging, jumping and‬
‭rolling in the water.‬
‭Question 9. How did Mij spend his time?‬
‭ nswer: Mij spent most of his time in play. He spent hours shuffling the‬
A
‭rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer player. His real play‬
‭was when he used to juggle small objects between his paws. Marbles‬
‭were his favourite toy for his pastime.‬
‭Question 10. While staying in London, what was the pastime of Mij?‬
‭ nswer: While staying in London, Mijbil would play for hours with his own‬
A
‭selection of toys. His favburite toys were ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber‬
‭fruit and a terrapin shell that the narrator had bought from his native‬
‭marshes.‬
‭Question 11. How did Mij behave outside the house in London?‬
‭ nswer: Mij used to follow the narrator while walking on the streets. He‬
A
‭developed certain habits during those walks. He went with him like‬
‭children playing, running and touching things in the street. He would take‬
‭the author near the wall of a primary school and then gallop on it.‬
‭ uestion 12. What special characteristic of Mijbil did Maxwell learn after‬
Q
‭he took it to the bathroom?‬
‭ nswer: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, he learnt that he went‬
A
‭wild with joy in water, plunging and rolling in it and splashed water.‬
‭Question 13. Why did the writer stay in Basra?‬

‭ nswer: The writer and his friend were going to Basra to the‬
A
‭Consulate—General to collect and answer their mails. They found that the‬
‭mail of his friend was available but the author had to stay in Basra for five‬
‭days.‬
‭ nswer: The otter looked like a very small dragon. Its appearance was‬
A
‭very pretty. It was coated with pointed scales of mud on its back. It spread‬
‭mud all round.‬
‭Question 15. How did Maxwell get the otter?‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell wanted to keep an otter as a pet instead of dog. He‬

A
‭expressed his wish before his friend who managed to get an otter and‬
‭sent it to Maxwell through two Arabs. Thus, Maxwell got his tamed otter.‬
‭ uestion 16. What happened when Maxwell decided to transport Mijbil to‬
Q
‭England by air?‬
‭ nswer: When Maxwell decided to transport Mijbil to England, Mijbil was‬

A
‭kept into a box. He tore off the box and wounded himself. Then Mijbil‬
‭disappeared down the aircraft, terrorizing the other passengers. After‬
‭that, he settled on Maxwell’s knee and gave no further inconvenience to‬
‭others.‬
‭Question 17. What game did Mijbil invent?‬
‭ nswer: Mijbil discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end of the‬
A
‭damaged suitcase, it would run down the length of the suitcase. He would‬
‭dash around to the other end to ambush its arrival, hide from it,.‬
‭crouching, to spring up and take it by surprise, grab it and trot off with it to‬
‭the high end once more.‬
‭ uestion 18. What guesses did the Londoners make about what Mijbil‬
Q
‭was?‬
‭ nswer: The writer was not surprised to know that the Londoners could‬
A
‭not recognize an otter. They thought he was a baby seal, a squirrel, a‬
‭walrus, a hippo, a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard.‬
‭ uestion 19. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be‬
Q
‭suitable for?‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell was staying in a cottage in Camusfearna. There was a‬

A
‭lot of water around the cottage. He thought to have an otter as a pet‬
‭instead of a dog. An otter likes flowing water. So the author thought that‬
‭Camusfearna would be suitable spot for that experiment.‬
‭ uestion 20. How does he get the otter? Does he like it? Pick out the‬
Q
‭words that tell you this?‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell expressed his desire to have an otter as a pet to his‬

A
‭friend. His friend kept it in mind and sent an otter through two‬
‭Question 21. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’?‬
‭ nswer: This race of animals was unknown to the scientists in the‬

A
‭beginning. After its discovery it was christened by zoologists Lutrogale‬
‭perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell’s otter.‬
‭ nswer: The airhostess suggested the author that he could keep the pet‬
A
‭on his knee. The author opened the box. Mij was out of the box in a flash.‬
‭He disappeared at high speed down the aircraft. There was chaos all‬
‭around in the plane.‬
‭Question 23. What game had Mij invented?‬

‭ nswer: Mij had invented a game of his own with a ping-pong ball. During‬
A
‭the journey, the suitcase of the author was damaged. It got a slope on one‬
‭end. Mij discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end it would run‬
‭down the length of the suitcase.‬
‭ uestion 1. In the name of rules and regulations, basic values are ignored‬
Q
‭but people like the airhostess in ‘Mijbil the Otter’ are a ray of hope. What‬
‭virtues do we find in the airhostess?‬
‭ nswer: The airhostess was somewhat friendly, and she allowed the‬
A
‭narrator to place the otter on his lap. She could relate and empathise with‬
‭the situation faced by the narrator. This shows that apart from being‬
‭professional, she was a caring lady. She not only wanted to do her job but‬
‭was also responsible as she helped the narrator in finding the otter back.‬
‭She did all that she could do for Maxwell and the otter. She was hard‬
‭working and was ready to help as she did not say ‘no’ to help the narrator.‬
‭ uestion 2. The narrator called the airhostess the queen of her kind. This‬
Q
‭shows how caring and supportive she was. Do you find such people these‬
‭days? Are people having a change in their values?‬
‭ nswer: In today’s world, it is getting difficult to find people who show‬

A
‭their care and support. Rather than helping others, they start giving‬
‭excuses and quote rules and regulations. Earlier, people used to think‬
‭about the situation faced by others and helped them in all possible ways.‬
‭ his is changing because of the change in the values of the people.‬

T
‭People give first priority to their own safety and security. They care for‬
‭themselves first and then think about others.‬
‭ uestion 3. Why do you think the otter was not friendly at first with the‬
Q
‭narrator? Can you relate this to the human nature as well? [CBSE 2016]‬
‭ nswer: At first, the otter was not very friendly with the narrator as he had‬
A
‭seen him for the first time. He was brought to a new place and new‬
‭surroundings. He neither knew the narrator nor the place which made him‬
‭stay away from the narrator. But, as soon as he started becoming‬
‭comfortable with the surroundings, he became friendly and came close to‬
‭the narrator.‬
‭ his is very similar to the human nature. Even, the human beings first take‬
T
‭time to understand others and then only become friendly with them.‬
‭Unless they are comfortable in being with somebody, they try to stay away‬
‭from that person.‬
‭ uestion 4. Why does he go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and‬
Q
‭why?‬
‭ nswer: He goes the Basra to the Consulate General to collect and answer‬
A
‭his mail from Europe. His mail did not arrive in time. He cabled to England,‬
‭and when, three days later, nothing had happened, he tried to telephone.‬
‭The call had to be booked twenty-four hours in advance. On the first day‬
‭the line was out of order; on the second day, exchange was closed for a‬
‭religious holiday. On the third day there was another breakdown. His mail‬
‭arrived five days later. He had to wait for five days.‬
‭ uestion 5. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom?‬

Q
‭What did it do two days after that?‬
‭ nswer: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom he went wild with joy‬
A
‭in the water, plunging and rolling in it, shooting pp and down the length of‬
‭the bathtub underwater, and making enough slosh and splash for a hippo.‬
‭Two days after, Mijbil escaped from the bedroom and entered the‬
‭bathroom. He struggled with the chromium tap till it had a full flow.‬
‭ nswer: The British airline to London did not permit to fly animals. The‬
A
‭author had to book a flight to Paris on another airline. The airline insisted‬
t‭ hat Mij should be packed into a box not more than eighteen inches‬
‭square. The author acted accordingly and transported Mij to England.‬
‭Question 7. What did Mij do to the box?‬
‭ nswer: The author put Mij into the box an hour before he started for the‬
A
‭airport so that Mij would become accustomed to it and left for a meal.‬
‭When he came back he found complete silence in the box. He saw blood‬
‭stains around the airholes. Mij had tom the lining of the box to shreds. He‬
‭got himself hurt.‬
‭ uestion 8. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box? How do you‬
Q
‭think he felt when he did this?‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell put the otter back in the box because he was already late‬
A
‭for the airport. It was just ten minutes time for the flight, and the airport‬
‭was five miles distant. He felt bad in doing so. He did not want to keep‬
‭the’miserable otter in the box but there was no other option due to time‬
‭constraint.‬
‭ uestion 9. Why does Maxwell say the airhostess was “the very queen of‬
Q
‭her kind”?‬
‭ nswer: The author told the airhostess about the incident that took place‬
A
‭half an hour before at home and took her into his confidence. The‬
‭airhostess was a considerate lady. She cooperated with the author and‬
‭suggested him to keep his pet on his knee. This made the author call her‬
‭“the very queen of her kind”.‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭From the diary of a young girl,‬
‭The making of a scientist‬
‭1. What prompted Anne to maintain a diary?‬
‭2. Who became Anne’s friend and the what was the friend’s name?‬
‭ . For whom was Anne’s “a birthday present” and why?‬

3
‭4. When did she make her first entry in her diary?‬
‭5. Which subject did Anne find difficult?‬
‭6. Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with Anne?‬
‭ . What was a strange experience for Anne?‬

7
‭8. How old was Anne?‬
‭ . According to Anne What has more patience than people?‬

9
‭10. What was the name of Anne’s sister?‬
‭11. What was the name of Anne’s maths teacher?‬
‭ 2. What was the topic of the first essay? Mr Keesing asked Anne to‬
1
‭write?‬
‭13. What was the name of the essay on which Anne had to write the‬
‭second time?‬
‭14. Who helped Anne to write the essay in poetry?‬
‭15. What was the title of the third essay?‬
‭16. What was the name of Anne’s mother?‬
‭17. Who was Mrs. Kuperus?‬
‭18. Where did Anne’s family migrate from Germany too?‬
‭19. Who was Kitty?‬
‭1. What does Anne write in her first essay?‬
‭2. Mr. Keesing is a kind, but strict teacher. Explain.‬
‭3. How did Sanne help Anne Frank in writing the third essay?‬
‭ . Why did Anne prefer confiding in her diary?‬

4
‭Or‬
‭Why does Anne want to keep a diary? Why does she feel she can trust a‬
‭diary more than the people?‬
‭ . How does Anne feel about her father, grandmother, Mrs. Kuperus and‬
5
‭Mr. Keesing?‬
‭ . ‘Paper has more patience than people.’ Do you agree/disagree? Give‬

6
‭reason.‬
‭7. How did Anne want her diary to be different?‬
‭8. Explain ‘teachers are the most unpredictable creatures’.‬
‭9. Why did Anne think that she was alone? Give reasons.‬
‭10. How do you know that Anne was close to her grandmother?‬
‭11. Why was Anne in tears when she left the Montessori School?‬
‭12. Why was the entire class quaking in its boots?‬
‭ 3. Why does Anne feel that writing in a diary is really a strange‬

1
‭experience?‬
‭ 4. What motivated Anne Frank to write in a diary?‬

1
‭Or‬
‭ hy did a thirteen-year-old girl start writing a diary? Did her suffocation‬
W
‭lead her to it?‬
‭15. Give a brief life-sketch of Anne Frank.‬
‭16. Why does Anne say: “Paper has more patience than people”?‬
‭ 7. Why doesn’t Anne want to jot down facts as most people do in a diary?‬
1
‭Why does she call it her friend ‘Kitty’?‬
‭ 8. Why does Anne think it prudent and wise to provide a brief sketch of‬
1
‭her life?‬
‭19. Why did Anne Frank feel suffocated?‬
‭20. Give a brief description of Anne Frank’s family.‬
‭ 1. Anne Frank had a great attachment with her grandmother. Justify your‬
2
‭answer.‬
‭ 3. Why did Anne Frank says that teachers are the most unpredictable‬
2
‭creatures on earth?‬
‭ 4. How was Anne getting along with her teachers? Why was Mr. Keesing‬
2
‭annoyed with her?‬
‭ 5. Why did Mr. Keesing assign Anne to write an essay entitled ‘A‬
2
‭Chatterbox’?‬
‭ 6. How did Anne justify her habit of talking in her first essay on ‘A‬
2
‭ 7. What were the second and third essays assigned to Anne Frank as‬
2
‭punishment?‬
‭ 8. How did she write the last essay “Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress‬
2
‭Chatterbox”?‬
‭ 9. How did Mr. Keesing take Anne’s third essay in verse? How did he‬
2
‭react? Do you find a change in him?‬
‭1. “Paper has more patience than people.” Elucidate.‬
‭2. Give a brief sketch of Anne’s life.‬
‭ . (i) Why did Mr Keesing punish her?‬

3
‭(ii) What was the punishment?‬
‭(iii) How did Anne finally stop Mr Keesing from punishing her?‬
‭ . How do you assess Anne’s character? You can choose appropriate‬

4
‭words from the following box and write a paragraph. Responsible; caring‬
‭and loving; humorous; talkative; sensible; patient; mature for her age;‬
‭lonely; accurate in her judgement; childish; intelligent?‬
‭5. Why did Anne Frank maintain a diary?‬
‭ . What does Anne say about her parents, elder sister and her stay in the‬
6
‭Montessori School?‬
‭ . Anne had loving parents and a number of friends. Even then she‬
7
‭thought that she was alone. Why?‬
‭ . Why was the whole class shaking in its boots? How does Anne Frank‬
8
‭describe the behaviour of her classmates?‬
‭9. Describe the three essays written by Anne Frank.‬
‭ 0. Anne believed that paper has more patience than people. She could‬
1
‭confide more in her diary than in people. Why did she feel so? Was she‬
‭free from bias and stereotypes? Explain in 100-120 words the values we‬
‭need to imbibe from the diary as a friend.‬
‭ 1. Mr Keesing punished Anne by giving her an essay to write. Did he lack‬
1
‭empathy and compassion? Was it not in his attitude to respect differences‬
‭among the students? What values would you like to inbuilt in him and‬
‭why? Write in 100-120 words.‬
‭ 2. Anne wanted to write convincing arguments to prove the necessity of‬

1
‭talking. What does this tell you about her? Did she possess a sense of‬
‭freedom? Explain the values she possessed to justify herself in 100-120‬
‭words.‬
‭ 3. Anne justified her being a chatterbox in her essay. Do you agree that‬
1
‭she has the courage to defy the injustice? What values do you learn from‬
‭Anne’s character through this? Write in 100-120 words.‬
‭ 4. What made Anne Frank write a diary? Did she think that people would‬
1
‭be interested in her writings? Why did she feel that paper has more‬
‭patience than people?‬
‭ 5. On the one hand, Anne Frank says that she is not all alone in the world.‬
1
‭On the other hand, she says that she seems ‘to have everything, except my‬
‭one true friend’. Why can’t she confide in and come closer to her friends?‬
‭ 6. Give a brief character-sketch of Anne Frank highlighting the‬

1
‭contradictions and conflicts she faced in her short life.‬
‭ 7. Give a brief character sketch of Mr Keesing highlighting the‬

1
‭transformation that comes to him in the end.‬
‭ 8. Why was the whole class ‘quaking in its boots’? Why were teachers the‬
1
‭most unpredictable creatures on earth?‬
‭ 9. How did Anne turn the table on Mr Keesing who tried to make a joke‬
1
‭on her by asking her to write the third essay or the ridiculous subject:‬
‭‘Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox’?‬
‭Or‬
‭How did Anne Frank outsmart her maths teacher, Mr Keesing by giving the‬
‭right message in her third essay to him?‬
‭ 0. Do you agree that Anne Frank was far more intelligent, mature and‬
2
‭witty than her age? Give a reasoned answer.‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1: All I think about when I’m with friends is having a good time. I‬
Q
‭can’t bring myself to talk about anything but ordinary everyday things. We‬
‭don’t seem to be able to get any closer, and that’s the problem. Maybe it’s‬
‭my fault that we don’t confide in each other. In any case, that’s just how‬
‭things are, and unfortunately they’re not liable to change. This is why I’ve‬
‭started the diary.‬
‭ ) What are Anne’s views on friends?‬

a
‭b) What is her fault?‬
‭c) Explain ‘unfortunately they’re not liable to change’.‬
‭d) What is the problem which the speaker has with her friends?‬
‭ uestion 2: ‘Paper has more patience than people.’ I thought of this saying‬
Q
‭on one of those days when I was feeling a little depressed and was sitting‬
‭at home with my chin in my hands, bored and listless, wondering whether‬
‭to stay in or go out. I finally stayed where I was, brooding: Yes, paper does‬
‭have more patience and since I’m not planning to let anyone else read this‬
‭stiff-backed notebook grandly referred to as a ‘diary’, unless I should ever‬
‭find a real friend, it probably won’t make a bit of difference.‬
‭ ) Why did Anne think that ‘paper has more patience than people’?‬
a
‭b) Why did Anne feel depressed?‬
‭c) When would Anne allow one to read her diary?‬
‭d) Why did Anne think she could confide more in her diary than in people?‬
‭ uestion 3: However, during the third lesson he’d finally had enough.‬
Q
‭“Anne Frank, as punishment for talking in class, write an essay entitled—‬
‭‘Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox’.”‬
‭ he class roared. I had to laugh too, though I’d nearly exhausted my‬
T
‭ingenuity on the topic of chatterboxes. It was time to come up with‬
‭something else, something original. My friend, Sanne, who’s good at‬
‭ oetry, offered to help me write the essay from the beginning to end in‬
p
‭verse and I jumped for joy. Mr Keesing was trying to play a joke on me with‬
‭this ridiculous subjects, but I’d make sure the joke was on him.‬
‭ ) Who is ‘he’? What did ‘he’ had enough?‬

a
‭b) How was this essay different from the one written earlier?‬
‭c) Why was Anne punished?‬
‭d) Why did the whole class roar with laughter?‬
‭ uestion 4: Our entire class is quaking in its boots. The reason, of course,‬
Q
‭is the forthcoming meeting in which the teachers decide who’ll be kept‬
‭back. Half the class is making bets.‬
‭ ) What does ‘quacking in its boots’ imply?‬

a
‭b) Why was the entire class quacking in its boots?‬
‭c) What were they betting for?‬
‭d) What opinion did Anne have about her classmates?‬
‭ uestion 5: I wrote the three pages Mr Keesing had assigned me and was‬
Q
‭satisfied. I argued that talking is a student’s trait and that I would try to‬
‭keep it under control, but I would never be able to cure myself of the habit‬
‭since my mother talked as much as I did if not more, and that there’s not‬
‭much you can do about inherited traits.‬
‭ ) Which fact shows that the narrator was intelligent?‬

a
‭b) Which trait of students did she mention in her essay?‬
‭c) Why did she say that she could never be able to cure herself of the habit‬
‭of talking?‬
‭d) How did Anne justify her being a chatterbox in her essay?‬
‭ . Why does Anne want to keep a diary?‬

1
‭2. Why, according to Anne, is writing a diary really a strange experience?‬
‭3. Why did Anne prefer confiding in her diary?‬
‭4. What was the impact of Anne’s first essay on Mr Keesing?‬
‭5. What information does Anne give about her family?‬
‭ . Why was the whole class shaking in their boots? How does Anne Frank‬
2
‭ . Anne wanted to write convincing arguments to prove the necessity of‬

3
‭freedom? Explain‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭Answer Key‬
‭ . What prompted Anne to maintain a diary?‬

1
‭Answer: Anne maintained a diary because he had no friends.‬
‭ . Who became Anne’s friend and the what was the friend’s name?‬
2
‭Answer: Anne’s diary became her friend and her name was Kitty.‬

3
‭Answer: She was a birthday present for her sister because she went to‬
‭Holland later.‬
‭ . When did she make her first entry in her diary?‬

4
‭Answer: She made her first entry in her diary on 20th June 1942.‬
‭ . Which subject did Anne find difficult?‬

5
‭Answer: Anne found Mathematics difficult.‬
‭ . Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with Anne?‬

6
‭Answer: He was annoyed with Anne because she talked in the class.‬

7
‭Answer: Writing in a diary was a strange experience for Anne.‬
‭ . How old was Anne?‬

8
‭Answer: She was thirteen years old.‬

9
‭Answer: According to Anne paper has more patience than people.‬
‭ 0. What was the name of Anne’s sister?‬
1
‭Answer: Her name was Margot.‬
‭ 1. What was the name of Anne’s maths teacher?‬

1
‭Answer: His name was Mr Keesing.‬
1
‭write?‬
‭Answer: ‘A Chatterbox.‬
‭ 3. What was the name of the essay on which Anne had to write the‬
1
‭second time?‬
‭Answer: ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox.’‬
‭ 4. Who helped Anne to write the essay in poetry?‬

1
‭Answer: Anne’s friend Sanne.‬
‭ 5. What was the title of the third essay?‬

1
‭Answer: ‘Quack. Quack. Quack. said Mistress Chatterbox.’‬
‭ 6. What was the name of Anne’s mother?‬

1
‭Answer: Her mother’s name was Edith Hollander Frank.‬
‭ 7. Who was Mrs. Kuperus?‬

1
‭Answer: She was as the headmistress of Anne’s school in both standards.‬
‭ 8. Where did Anne’s family migrate from Germany too?‬

1
‭Answer: Her family migrated from Germany to Holland.‬
‭ 9. Who was Kitty?‬

1
‭Answer: It was the name went to her diary by Anne.‬
‭ nswer: In her first essay, titled ‘A Chatterbox’, Anne wanted to come up‬
A
‭with convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking. She wrote‬
t‭ hree pages and argued that talking was a student’s trait and she would do‬
‭her best to keep it under control.‬
‭ nswer: Mr. Keesing is a kind but strict teacher. He was annoyed with‬
A
‭Anne as she was a very talkative girl. He warned her several times but she‬
‭didn’t change. So, he punished her by giving an essay to write.‬
‭ nswer: Senile was Anne’s close friend, and good at poetry. She helped‬
A
‭Anne write the third essay in verse. It turned out to be a good poem, and‬
‭even the teacher, Mr. Keesing, took it in the right way.‬

4
‭Or‬
‭ nswer: Anne did not have a true friend to whom she could confide, hence‬
A
‭she started writing a diary. Moreover, she knew that paper had more‬
‭patience than people and her secrets would be safe in a diary. She could‬
‭trust a diary more than people.‬
5
‭Mr. Keesing?‬
‭ nswer: Her father was the most adorable father, she loved him very‬
A
‭much. She also loved her grandmother and often thought of her with‬
‭reverence after her death. She was deeply attached to her teacher, Mrs.‬
‭Kuperus and was in tears when she left her. Anne did not have a good‬
‭impression of Mr. Keesing, her maths teacher and often called him ‘old‬
‭fogey’.‬

6
‭reason.‬
‭ nswer: I do agree with the above statement. People sometimes get‬
A
‭bored, tired or have no mood or time to listen to you. They can get‬
‭irritated, grudge or complaint about forcing them to listen to you but paper‬
‭never grudges. It definitely has more patience than people.‬
‭ nswer: Anne did not want to jot down the facts in her diary, the way most‬
A
‭people do. She wanted the diary to be her friend. She called it a kitty. She‬
‭wrote about her feelings and experiences in it. It was a mature work,‬
‭reflecting deep insight.‬
‭ nswer: Anne and her classmates thought that teachers were the most‬
A
‭unpredictable creatures’ as nobody would know what there was in their‬
‭minds and what their next step would be.‬
‭ nswer: Anne had losing parents and an elder sister she had lost aunts‬
A
‭and a good home She had a member of blends also Rut there was no one‬
‭in whom she could confide So she thought that she was alone.‬
‭ nswer: Anne lived with her grandmother for some months when her‬
A
‭parents went to Holland. She loved her deeply. When her grandmother‬
‭died, Anne felt sad. She often thought about her. So she was close to her‬
‭grandmother.‬
‭ nswer: When Anne was in the sixth form in the Montessori School, her‬
A
‭teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. Anne loved her teacher‬
‭deeply. She also showed affection to Anne. So when Anne left the‬
‭Montessori school, she was in tears.‬

‭ nswer: The time for declaring the annual results were coming closer.‬
A
‭Soon a meeting would be held. The teachers would decide whom to pass‬
‭and whom to retain in the same class. That is why the whole class was‬
‭quaking in its boots.‬

1
‭experience?‬
‭ nswer: It must be remembered that Anne Frank was just a‬

A
‭thirteen-year-old girl. She was in hiding and cut off from the larger world.‬
‭She was hesitant that no one would be interested in the musings of a‬
‭young girl. She had never written anything before. So, it was naturally a‬
‭strange experience for her.‬

1
‭Or‬
‭Why did a thirteen-year-old girl start writing a diary? Did her suffocation‬
‭ nswer: It should not be forgotten that Anne was living in hiding. She‬
A
‭couldn’t have normal dealings with the people outside. She could talk‬
‭about ‘ordinary things’ with her family and friends. She couldn’t talk highly‬
‭personal and intimate issues with them. She didn’t have any real friends.‬
‭She felt utterly lonely and depressed. Writing in a diary could get all kinds‬
‭of things off her chest.‬
‭ nswer: Anne was born on 12 June 1929. She lived in Frankfurt until she‬
A
‭was four. Her father emigrated to Holland in 1933. Her mother went with‬
‭him to Holland in September. Anne and her elder sister, Margot, were sent‬
‭to Aachen to stay with their grandmother. Margot, went to Holland in‬
‭December and Anne followed in February. She started right away at the‬
‭Montessori nursery school. She stayed there until she was six, where she‬
‭started in the first form. His grandmother died in January 1942, when she‬
‭was thirteen.‬
‭ nswer: Anne doesn’t seem to have much faith in the people around her.‬
A
‭She was living in hiding and couldn’t trust people so easily. Moreover,‬
‭people do react. Sometimes people react rather negative, unpleasant,‬
‭vulgar and violent manners. Paper is an impersonal and non-reactive‬
‭object. Whatever you write on it, it receives it without giving any such‬
‭reactions.‬
1
‭ nswer: For Anne Frank, a diary writing is a highly personal and intimate‬
A
‭experience. He is not like other diary writers who load it with facts and‬
‭non-personal matters. She wants to compensate her loss of having no‬
‭‘true friends’ with opening out of her heart in the pages of her diary. She‬
‭wants the diary to be her true friend and calls it `Kitty’.‬
1
‭her life?‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank calls her diary ‘Friend Kitty’. She addresses all her‬
A
‭writings to Kitty. For readers, it would be rather difficult to understand ‘the‬
‭word’ of her stories to Kitty. So, instead of plunging ‘right in’, she thinks it‬
‭wise to provide a brief sketch of her life. Though she dislikes doing so.‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was a very sensitive girl. She was cut off from the‬
A
‭mainstream of life, her friends and her people. She was living in a hiding‬
‭to escape being arrested by the Nazi agents in Holland. Moreover, even‬
‭with so-called friends, she could not share her intimate and personal‬
‭feelings and problems. She felt suffocated. She was left with no‬
‭alternative than opening out her heart through the pages of her diary.‬
‭‘Kitty’ her diary became her most intimate friend‬
‭ nswer: Anne confesses that she has ‘lovely parents’. Her father Otto‬
A
‭Frank is ‘the most adorable father’ she has ever seen. Her elder sister‬
‭Margot was born in Frankfurt in Germany in 1926. Her mother Edith was‬
‭25 when she married her father. She and her elder sister stayed with their‬
‭ randmother before they were sent to live with their parents in‬
g
‭Amsterdam.‬
2
‭answer.‬
‭ nswer: There is no doubt that Anne Frank had a great attachment with‬
A
‭her grandmother. When her parents migrated to Holland, she along with‬
‭her elder sister Virago were sent to live with her grandmother in Aachen.‬
‭The grandmother died in January 1942. She thought of her quite often and‬
‭still loved her.‬
‭ nswer: It is true that the whole class was shaking with fear. The teachers‬
A
‭were to decide about the fate of the students. They were to decide who‬
‭would go up in the next class or not. Half of the class was making bets.‬
‭The verdict of the teachers could go either way. They were quite‬
‭unpredictable creatures on earth.‬
2
‭ nswer: Anne Frank felt that nothing could be predicted about the mood‬
A
‭of the teachers. They were the most ‘unpredictable creatures on earth’. It‬
‭depended on their choice who would go up in the next class. Only they‬
‭could decide who would be kept back. Half the class was making bets.‬
2
‭ nswer: No doubt, Anne Frank was getting along well with all her nine‬
A
‭teachers— seven men and two women. Mr. Keesing was an old-fashioned‬
‭man who taught them math. He was annoyed with her for a long time. The‬
‭reason was simple. He didn’t like Anne as she talked so much in the class.‬
2
‭ nswer: There was only one teacher with whom Anne was not getting‬
A
‭along well. He was Mr. Keesing. The maths teacher was annoyed with her‬
‭because she talked too much in the class. After several warnings, he gave‬
‭her extra homework like a sort of punishment. She was assigned to write‬
‭an essay on the topic, ‘A Chatterbox’.‬
2
‭ nswer: Anne Frank wrote three pages on the topic, ‘A Chatterbox’. In the‬
A
‭essay, she justified her habit of talking. She argued that talking was a‬
‭student’s trait. She would never be able to cure herself of the habit. Her‬
‭mother talked as much as she did, if not more. She would do her best to‬
‭keep it under control. However, it was very difficult to control her inherited‬
‭trait.‬
2
‭punishment?‬
‭ nswer: Mr. Keesing had a good laugh at Anne’s arguments in the first‬
A
‭essay on ‘A Chatterbox’. He assigned her a second essay on ‘An‬
‭Incorrigible Chatterbox’. She did write on the subject. Mr. Keesing was not‬
‭satisfied. He said, “Anne Frank, as punishment for talking in class, write‬
‭an essay entitled — ‘Quack, Quack, Quack’, said Mistress Chatterbox’.‬
2
‭ nswer: The third essay assigned to Anne Frank was also related to‬
A
‭‘Chatterboxes’. She had lost her originality on the subject. Her friend‬
‭Sanne was good at poetry. She offered to help Anne in writing the essay in‬
‭verse. The poem was about a mother duck and a father swan with three‬
‭ducklings. The poor ducklings were bitten to death by the father because‬
‭they quacked too much.‬
2
‭ nswer: Mr. Keesing took Anne’s joke the right way. He got the message‬
A
‭Anne wanted to give to him by narrating the death of three ducklings. He‬
r‭ ead the poem to the class, adding his own comments. Since then, she‬
‭had been allowed to talk and hadn’t been assigned any extra homework as‬
‭he was transformed man now.‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank felt lonely in the world. She had loving parents, an‬
A
‭elder sister and a number of friends. But she was not intimate with‬
‭anyone. She could talk to them about common everyday matters. But she‬
‭could not express her inner feelings to them. She wanted a patient listener‬
‭with a sympathetic heart. But she found that people had no patience to‬
‭listen to her. She could not relieve the feelings of her heart to anyone.‬
‭Anne wanted to lighten the burden of ideas in her heart. So she decided to‬
‭maintain a diary. A diary is not a human being. It has a lot more patience‬
‭than man. One can express one’s thoughts freely. The diary does not get‬
‭bored. It is a true friend. It never rejects the offer of friendship. That is‬
‭why Anne Frank says that paper has more patience than people.‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl. She lived with her parents in‬
A
‭Germany. But Hitler’s Nazi party was against the Jews. The Nazis were‬
‭killing the Jews or forcing them to work in the concentration camps. The‬
‭Frank family fled from Germany in 1933 and took shelters in the‬
‭Netherlands. But in 1940, Germany attacked the Netherlands and‬
‭captured it. Now the Nazis started arresting the Jews and sending them to‬
‭the concentration camps. The Frank family went into hiding. They lived‬
‭secretly in the upper floors of their business premises. They hid there for‬
‭25 months. Their non-Jewish friends gave them food.‬
‭ nne had started writing her diary before going into hiding. In August‬
A
‭1944, the Germans came to know of their hiding. They were arrested and‬
‭sent to Germany. Anne, her sister, Margot, and her mother soon died in a‬
‭concentration camp. Her father survived and published part of Anne’s‬
‭diary. In this diary, Anne gives a moving and tragic account of the‬
‭difficulties faced by her family and the other Jews.‬
‭The part of the diary reproduced in this chapter is about the days when‬
‭Anne was a schoolgirl and she, and her family had not yet moved to the‬
‭secret quarters.‬
3
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was in the habit of talking in the class. Mr Keesing‬
A
‭was her Maths teacher. He was annoyed with Anne as she talked much in‬
‭the class. He gave her several warnings but it had no effect. One day, he‬
‭punished her by giving her extra homework. He asked her to write an‬
‭essay on the subject “A Chatterbox’. Anne wrote the essay, giving very‬
‭amusing arguments in it. Mr Keesing liked the essay. But Anne again‬
‭talked in the class. So he gave the task of writing another essay. This‬
‭time, the subject was, An Incorrigible Chatterbox.’ After that. for two‬
‭lessons, Anne did not get any punishment.‬
‭ ut during the third lesson. Mr Keesing saw Anne talking again He was‬
B
‭very annoyed. He asked her to write another essay. The subject of this‬
‭essay was, “Quack. Quack. Quack. Said Mistress Chatterbox.” The whole‬
‭class laughed. Mr Keesing was trying to play a joke on Anne. But she‬
‭wrote the essay in an amusing way. Mr Keesing liked the essay and did not‬
‭punish Anne after that.‬

4
‭ nswer: Anne was a girl of thirteen years. She was very intelligent. She‬
A
‭had a sharp brain. She was different from the other girls of her age. She‬
‭could think clearly and deeply. She had deep thoughts and ideas that she‬
‭wanted to share with someone. But she found that her friends were not‬
‭able to understand her completely. Their mental level as not equal to that‬
‭of Anne. They could talk to Anne about the ordinary everyday matter only.‬
‭ he had loving parents, an elder sister and loving aunts also. But she‬
S
‭could not share her deep thoughts with anyone. So she decided to make‬
‭her diary to her friend. She wrote down her inner thoughts and feelings in‬
‭a diary. Anne had an argumentative mind. She argued in her first essay‬
‭that parental trans arc inherited by children. She had a good sense of‬
‭humour. Her Maths teacher. Mr Keesing tried to play a joke on her. But she‬
‭wrote the essay in verse in such a way that the Joke was turned on him.‬
‭ nswer: Anne bard had losing parents She had loving aunts and unit lc.‬
A
‭She Vise-it in r good house. She had about thine own & liven then the felt‬
‭hinds She felt that there was no one with whom she could Ann her‬
‭thoughts and feelings. There were a number of things, which she wanted‬
‭to get oil her chest. But she had no true friend. She could not talk to about‬
‭anything except ordinary everyday matters. She could have a good time‬
‭with them.‬
‭ ut she had no intimate friends She had no Inland in whom she could‬
B
‭confide her dope feelings. So she decided to maintain a diary. She thought‬
‭that she would treat her diary-like her (mad SW could note down all her‬
‭thoughts and feelings in this diary She named this friend. Kitty The first‬
‭envy that she made in the diary was dated 20th June. 1942.‬
6
‭ nswer: Anne calls her father very adorable. When her parents were‬
A
‭married, her father was thirty-six and the mother was twenty-five. Margot‬
‭was Anne’s elder sister. She was born in Frankfurt in 1926. Three years‬
‭later, Anne was born. She lived in Frankfurt until she was four. Her father‬
‭migrated to Holland in 1933. Her mother, Edith Hollander Frank, went with‬
‭him. Anne and her sister Margot were sent to Aachen to stay with their‬
‭grandmother.‬
‭ argot went to Holland in December and Anne went three months later.‬
M
‭Anne started studying at the Montessori School. She stayed there until‬
‭she was six at which time she was in the first form. When was in the sixth‬
‭form, her teacher was Mrs Kuperus. the headmistress. Both loved each‬
‭other. When she left school, both Anne and her teacher were in tears.‬
7
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was a thirteen-year-old girl. She had loving parents‬
A
‭and an elder sister. She had loving aunts and lived in a good home. She‬
‭had about thirty friends also. Even then she felt that she was alone in the‬
‭world. She had no intimate person. She had no true friend with whom she‬
‭ ould share her feelings. She could not confide in anyone. She had a‬
c
‭number of thoughts that she wanted to express to someone.‬
‭ ut she could not get close to anyone. She could have a good time with‬
B
‭them. She could talk to them about ordinary everyday matters of life. But‬
‭there was no one with whom she could share the deepest thoughts of his‬
‭heart. Thus she felt lonely in the world. She wanted a true friend so she‬
‭decided to make the diary her friend.‬
8
‭ nswer: The time of the declaration of the annual results was. coming‬
A
‭closer. The teachers were going to hold their annual meeting. In that‬
‭meeting, they were going to decide which of the students would be‬
‭promoted to the next class and which of them would be kept back in the‬
‭same class. As a result, the students were nervous because of the worries‬
‭of their future. Half the class was making bets.‬
‭ nne and her friend G.N. laughed heartily like their classmates, C.N. and‬
A
‭Jacques had staked their entire holiday savings on their bet. They were all‬
‭the time speculating who would pass and who would not. Anne was angry‬
‭with many of them. But they would not calm down. There were many‬
‭dummies in Anne’s class. She felt that at least half of them should not be‬
‭promoted to the next class. But she also felt that teachers are the most‬
‭unpredictable persons on earth.‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was in the habit of talking in the class. Her Maths‬
A
‭teacher, Mr Keesing was annoyed with her. One day, Mr Keesing gave her‬
‭extra homework as a punishment. He asked her to write an essay on the‬
‭subject, ‘A Chatterbox’. She gave amusing arguments in her essay. She‬
‭wrote that it was a trait of a student to talk. Moreover, she could not cure‬
‭herself of this habit as her mother also talked as much as she did. It was‬
‭an inherited trait. Mr Keesing liked the essay.‬
‭ ut Anne talked again for the class. So he asked her to write another‬
B
‭essay on the topic, ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox.’ Now for two lessons, she‬
‭did not get any punishment. But she talked again. This time, Mr Keesing‬
‭ sked her to write an essay on the topic, ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said‬
a
‭Mistress Chatterbox.’ Anne wrote this essay in verse form. She wrote‬
‭about a mother duck and father swan. They had three ducklings. But the‬
‭father killed the ducklings because they quacked too much. Mr Keesing‬
‭liked the essay greatly. He read it out to the class. He read it to other‬
‭classes also. After that, he stopped punishing Anne.‬
1
‭ nswer: Anne was a sensible and intelligent girl. She believed that paper‬
A
‭has more patience than people as it can confine secrets and shared‬
‭confidence better than people. Anne didn’t have a true friend hence she‬
‭shared her thoughts and feelings with her diary. She felt people may not‬
‭be interested in what you have to say. They also may not be there when‬
‭you need them. However, paper can never show disinterest and is free‬
‭from bias and stereotypes. It can’t talk and hence can keep your secrets.‬
‭She felt paper was more dependable than people and hence treated her‬
‭diary as her friend.‬

1
‭ nswer: Mr Keesing was annoyed with Anne as she was a very talkative‬
A
‭girl. He warned her several times, but when she didn’t change, he‬
‭punished her by giving an essay to write. I think he lacked empathy and‬
‭compassion. As a teacher, he should be more patient and considerate and‬
‭should have understood Anne’s condition. He lacked the qualities of a‬
‭good teacher. A good teacher understands that all students are not the‬
‭same, and there are different ways to teach different students. But Anne‬
‭was able to change his attitude through her essays. She taught him that‬
‭talking was a student’s trait and that it was the teacher’s responsibility to‬
‭change it.‬

1
f‭ reedom? Explain the values she possessed to justify herself in 100-120‬
‭words.‬
‭ nswer: Mr Keesing punished Anne by giving her an essay to write on the‬

A
‭topic, ‘A Chatterbox’. Anne, in her essay, argued that talking was a‬
‭students’ trait. The only thing that she could do was to try to control. But‬
‭that would not be very effective. Her mother talked as much and hence‬
‭nothing could be done about an inherited trait. Then in her next essay,‬
‭which she wrote in verse, she expressed her quality of talking through a‬
‭story. In the poem, a father swan bites his three ducklings to death as he‬
‭could not bear their excessive quacking. This changed Mr Keesing’s‬
‭attitude and he never punished her after that. This shows that besides‬
‭being talkative, Anne was an intelligent, and sensible girl and had a good‬
‭sense of humour.‬
1
‭ nswer: Anne was a 13-year old intelligent and sensible girl. She was very‬
A
‭talkative and hence her maths teacher punished her and asked her to write‬
‭an essay on ‘A Chatterbox’. She expressed her ‘talking’ as a students’ trait.‬
‭She defied the injustice through her three essays on the same topic. She‬
‭said that she could do nothing with her inherited trait. Finally, she wrote‬
‭her third essay in verse. It was about three ducklings bitten to death by‬
‭their father swan because they quacked too much. This changed Mr‬
‭Keesing and he never punished her after that. This showed the power of‬
‭the pen to express her feelings and the sense of injustice done to her,‬
‭without annoying others.‬
1
‭ nswer: Ant Anne Frank was a highly sensitive girl. She was a‬
A
‭thirteen-year-old girl. She didn’t find herself very comfortable in the‬
‭society she was growing up. It should be remembered that she and her‬
‭family were made to live in hiding to escape arrests. They were Jews.‬
‭Those were horrible times. Nazis had let loose untold atrocities on the‬
‭Jews. Living in such unpleasant circumstances, the young girl could not‬
‭confide in the people around her.‬
‭ he couldn’t share her personal and intimate issues with her so-called‬
S
‭friends. She needed to get all kinds of things off her heart. She realised‬
‭that `paper has more patience than people’. She wanted the diary to be her‬
‭friend. She called this friend ‘Kitty’. She knows it clearly that people would‬
‭not be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old girl.‬
1
‭ nswer: Anne Frank seems to be a split personality. On the surface, there‬

A
‭are about thirty people she can call her friends. She doesn’t seem to be‬
‭alone in the world. She has loving parents and a sixteen-year-old elder‬
‭sister. She has loving aunts and a family. She has the ‘most adorable‬
‭father’. However, she feels very lonely. She can’t talk about but ordinary‬
‭things with them. Personal and intimate issues can’t be shared with them.‬
‭She can’t confide or repose complete trust in them. She has reasons to‬
‭believe that `paper has more patience than people’. Therefore, she wants‬
‭her diary to be her only true friend. She can power out her heart and‬
‭express her most intimate emotions through her writings in her diary.‬

1
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was a very sensitive, sharp and mature girl of‬
A
‭thirteen. Actually, unpleasant circumstances she was living in, made her‬
‭mature and wise beyond her years. Being a Jew, she was constantly‬
‭hounded by the Nazis. She was living in terrible times. Born in Germany,‬
‭she and her family had to migrate to Amsterdam to escape persecution.‬
‭They were forced to live in hiding when the Nazis occupied Holland.‬
‭ o doubt, she had a family, relatives, and friends. But she was an‬
N
‭introvert. She felt utterly lonely and couldn’t confide in others. She needed‬
‭a true friend before whom she could open out her heart and share her‬
‭innermost feelings. She found that true friend in ‘Kitty’, her diary. She was‬
‭very emotional. She loved her grandmother very much. She was in tears‬
‭as she said a heartbreaking farewell to the headmistress, Mrs Kuperus.‬
‭She was à Chatterbox’ and annoyed her maths teacher, Mr Keesing as she‬
‭talked too much in the class. He punished her by giving extra homework to‬
‭write essays on this subject. But her joke pleased him very much.‬
1
‭ nswer: Mr Keesing was an old fashioned teacher of maths in Anne‬

A
‭Frank’s school. He was rather strict with his students and didn’t allow‬
‭much talking in class. He was annoyed with Anne as she talked too much‬
‭in the class. Being irritated, he gave several warnings to her. Ultimately, he‬
‭assigned her to write an essay on ‘A Chatterbox’. Anne wrote the essay‬
‭justifying that talking is a student’s trait. She inherited this trait from her‬
‭mother. Mr Keesing was not amused. He assigned her two more essays.‬
‭They were: ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’ and ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, said‬
‭Mistress Chatterbox’. Anne wrote the story of three ducklings who were‬
‭beaten to death by their cruel father because they quacked too much. The‬
‭essay gave the right message to Mr Keesing. By chance, the joke fell on‬
‭him. He was a transformed man now. He allowed Anne talking and never‬
‭assigned her any extra homework again.‬
1
‭ nswer: It was the day of destiny for students. The reason was quite‬
A
‭simple. In the forthcoming meeting, the teachers were going to decide‬
‭who would move up in the next class. They were to decide who would be‬
‭kept back in the same class. The entire class was ‘quaking in its boots’.‬
‭Half the class was making bets. Two silly boys C.N. and Jacques had‬
‭staked their entire’ holiday savings on their bets. One would encourage‬
‭the other. “No, I’m not.” Anne felt that there were so many dummies or‬
‭worthless students in the class. She felt that a quarter of the class should‬
‭be kept back. Anne also felt that teachers were the most unpredictable‬
‭creatures on earth. They work according to their whims. Naturally, the‬
‭girls and boys were worried. They waited for the verdict with their fingers‬
‭crossed.‬
1
‭Or‬
‭ nswer: In her first essay, Anne justified her habit of talking. She claimed‬
A
‭that talking is a student’s trait. However, Mr Keesing was not amused by‬
‭her arguments. He decided to punish her for talking in the class. He‬
‭assigned her to write her third essay on rather a ridiculous subject:‬
‭̀Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox’. She class roared. Mt‬
‭Keesing was trying to play a joke on her with this `ridiculous subject’. But‬
‭Anne decided to pay him in the same coin.‬
‭ nne was lucky that a friend of hers, Sanne, was good at poetry. She‬
A
‭helped her to write the essay in verse. The essay was about a mother duck‬
‭and a father swan. They had three ducklings. The baby ducklings were‬
‭beaten to death by the father because they quacked too much. Luckily, Mr‬
‭Keesing took the joke in the right way. The message was very clear. He‬
‭read the poem to the class, adding his own comments. He was a‬
‭transformed man now. He allowed Anne to talk and never troubled her by‬
‭assigning any extra homework.‬
2
‭ nswer: There is no doubt that Anne Frank was mature and intelligent‬
A
‭beyond her age. Just imagine a girl of thirteen writing a diary! She knew‬
‭that not many people would be interested in her musings. Being a very‬
‭sensitive girl, she was aware of the difference between a real friend and‬
‭the so-called crowd of friends. Her diary didn’t describe facts and figures.‬
‭But she opened out her suppressed self. Being an intelligent girl, she‬
‭knew that paper has more patience than people. She couldn’t confide in‬
‭everybody and anybody. Only ‘Kitty’, her diary was her true friend.‬
‭ he highly emotional Anne could be witty and practical too. She knew how‬
T
‭to defeat people in their own games. The argument she gave in favour of‬
‭talking in her first essay spoke volumes of her practical wit. Mr Keesing‬
‭who wanted to play a joke on Anne by giving her to write on a ridiculous‬
‭subject was paid in the same coin. Luckily, Mr Keesing understood the‬
‭message in the right way. Her writing transformed him. He allowed her to‬
‭talk and stopped troubling her by assigning any extra work.‬
R
‭follow:‬
Q

a
‭ nswer: (a) Anne could only think of having a good time with friends,‬
A
‭nothing more.‬
(‭ b) Her fault was that they did not confide in each other, and hence,‬
‭weren’t very close.‬
(‭ c) It means that regrettably, the situation was not likely to change, as she‬
‭couldn’t confide in friends.‬
(‭ d) She feels that her friends do not confide in her, and nor does she reveal‬
‭her secrets to them.‬
Q
a
‭ nswer: (a) She thought so because paper is much better than people in‬
A
‭sharing thoughts, keeping secrets and it never shows disinterest.‬
‭(b) Anne felt depressed because she did not have a true friend.‬
(‭ c) She would allow one to read her diary when she would find a real‬
‭friend.‬
(‭ d) She was never so close to people as to pour her heart out to them. She‬
‭could do so only in her diary because she considered the diary to be her‬
‭true friend.‬
Q
T
‭poetry, offered to help me write the essay from the beginning to end in‬

a
‭ nswer: (a) He is Mr Keesing, Anne’s maths teacher. He was tired of‬

A
‭Anne’s talking habit.‬
‭(b) This essay was written in verse.‬
(‭ c) Anne was punished because she had been continuously talking for‬
‭three periods.‬
(‭ d) This was because the topic of the essay given to Anne as punishment‬
‭was absurd and funny.‬
Q
a
‭ nswer: (a) ‘Quacking in its boots’ implies shaking with fear and‬
A
‭nervousness.‬
(‭ b) There was going to be a meeting of all the teachers to decide whom to‬
‭promote to the next form and whom to detain in the same class.‬
‭(c) They were betting for — who would be promoted to the next class.‬
(‭ d) She thought that girls were better in studies than the boys and most of‬
‭them were dummies.‬
Q

a
‭of talking?‬
‭ nswer: (a) Anne came out with convincing arguments in support of her‬
A
‭habit of talking.‬
‭(b) Anne mentioned the trait of talking in her essay.‬
(‭ c) This was because she inherited it from her mother and it was difficult‬
‭to cure inherited habits.‬
(‭ d) She argued that talking was a student’s trait. Moreover, she had‬
‭inherited it from her mother.‬

1
2

3
‭ ame:
N Grade:‬
‭Date:‬
‭1.‬ G ‭ ive two examples for simile and metaphor?(4 marks)‬

‭Simile:‬
‭1)‬
‭2)‬
‭Metaphor‬
‭1)‬
‭2)‬
‭2.‬ ‭“My backpack weighs a ton”. Identify and write the figure of speech used.(1mark)‬
‭____________________________‬
‭3.‬ ‭Using ‘Special needs’ to refer to the ‘individuals with disabilities’ is‬
‭called(1mark)________________________‬
‭4.‬
‭5.‬ ‭"I need a strong hand to help me move furniture." Identify the poetic‬
‭device(1mark)__________________________________‬
‭6.‬ ‭Write down three examples (3 sentences) for personification.(3 marks)‬
‭7.‬ ‭Write down the names of 5 different types of imagery.(5marks)‬
‭8.‬ ‭How is Oxymoron different from Onamatopoeia. Explain with examples.(2 marks)‬
‭9.‬ ‭Define synechdoche and enjambment with examples.(2 marks)‬
‭10.‬‭Read the below sentence and identify the figure of speech from the list you have‬
‭learned. Write down the answer at the space provided.(1mark)‬
"‭ The medieval knight pulled out his smartphone to take a selfie while sitting in the‬
‭ancient castle's throne room." ______________________________‬
‭11.‬ ‭In the forest deep, where the whispering pines‬

‭Their needles glisten with the morning dew‬
‭A babbling brook beneath the sun's warm shine‬
‭A babbling brook reflects the sky in a watery hue‬
‭Among the trees, the birds sing sweet refrain‬
‭Their melodies like a symphony's grace‬
‭ ame:
N Grade:‬
‭Date:‬
‭In nature's chorus, a harmonious chain‬
‭Where all the world finds its peaceful place‬
‭Read the above lines of the poem and identify the following.(4 marks)‬
‭Alliteration:‬
‭Assonance:‬
‭Consonance:‬
‭Anaphora:‬
‭12.‬‭Mention two specialties of a Russian wedding(1 marks)‬
‭13.‬‭Who‬‭wrote‬‭the‬‭lesson‬‭‘The‬‭Proposal’?‬‭What‬‭was‬‭the‬‭secondary‬‭cause‬‭of‬‭the‬‭quarrel‬‭in‬
‭the lesson ‘The Proposal’ ?(1mark)‬
‭14.‬‭Prepare a character sketch of any two of the following.Underline the important points.‬
‭Nataliya/Chubukov/Lomov (80 words)‬
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭Amanda,‬
‭ he Proposal‬
T
‭ . What does the speaker ask Amanda not to do to her nails?‬

1
‭2. What should Amanda not to do to her soldiers?‬
‭3. How should Amanda sit?‬
‭ . What does Amanda wish to do in the sea?‬

4
‭5. What was Amanda to finish?‬
‭6. Has Amanda cleaned her shoes?‬
‭7. If Amanda is an orphan, what will she do?‬
‭8. How is silence described?‬
‭9. What is Amanda prohibited to eat?‬
‭10. Why should Amanda not eat chocolate?‬
‭ 1. Who was Rapunzel?‬

1
‭12.What did Rapunzel do with her long hair?‬
‭13. Who is the mermaid in ‘Amanda’, what does ‘she’ wish to do?‬
‭14. What is the theme of the poem — ‘Amanda’?‬
‭15. Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!‬
‭Remember your acne, Amanda!‬
‭Why is Amanda asked not to eat chocolate?‬
‭ . What is the role/ importance of punctuation marks in language? Why‬

1
‭has the poet used the exclamation mark after Amanda? Comment on the‬
‭title of the poem.‬
‭ . Is the purpose of someone constantly giving instructions to Amanda‬

2
‭being fulfilled? Explain.‬
‭ . Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not like to do what‬

3
‭all she did. Identify and state the reasons for her decision.‬
‭ . What message does the poet want to give through the poem —‬
4
‭‘Amanda’?‬
‭5. Who was Amanda? What idea do you form her through the poem?‬
‭6. Why does she dream to be an orphan?‬

7
‭8. What made Amanda sulk and become moody?‬
‭ . How does Amanda is seen behaving when the poem starts? What does‬
9
‭the speaker ask her not to do?‬
‭ 0. In her day-dreaming, Amanda reaches the sea. What does she imagine‬
1
‭herself to be?‬
‭ 1. What three things the speaker ask Amanda to do which she has not‬
1
‭done?‬
‭12. How does Amanda describe her life as an orphan?‬
‭ 3. Why is Amanda forbidden to eat chocolate? How does Amanda behave‬

1
‭when she is addressed by the speaker?‬
‭ 4. What does Amanda say, ‘I am Rapunzel’? What does she promise not‬
1
‭to do?‬
‭ 5. What does the speaker tell Amanda in the end? What is the speaker‬
1
‭afraid of?‬
‭16. What is the central idea of the poem?‬
‭ 7. Do you think that Amanda doesn’t like to be controlled and instructed‬

1
‭not to do one thing or the other? Give a reasoned answer.‬
‭18. List the things which Amanda’s mother doesn’t want her to do.‬
‭19. Why does Amanda want to be a mermaid?‬
‭20. Why does Amanda want to be an orphan?‬
‭ 1. Why does Amanda want to be Rapunzel?‬

2
‭22. Why does Amanda’s mother ask her to stop sulking?‬
‭23. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?‬
‭24. What does Amanda yearn for?‬
‭25. What is the fear of the speaker that is explained in the last stanza?‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ . Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!‬

1
‭Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!‬
‭Stop that slouching and sit up straight,‬
‭Amanda!‬
‭ . (There is a languid, emerald sea,‬

2
‭where the sole inhabitant is me —‬
‭a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)‬
‭a. Who do these lines refer to?‬
‭b. How is the sea?‬
‭c. Who is the sole inhabitant of the sea?‬
‭d. What does the person refer to want to do?‬
‭ . Did you finish your homework, Amanda?‬

3
‭Did you tidy your room, Amanda?‬
‭I thought I told you to clean your shoes,‬
‭Amanda!‬
‭ . What does the speaker ask Amanda?‬

a
‭b. What does the speaker ask her about her room?‬
‭ . What was Amanda told to clean?‬
c
‭d. Has Amanda cleaned her shoes?‬
‭ . (I am an orphan, roaming the street.‬

4
‭I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.‬
‭The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet)‬
‭ . Who longs to be an orphan?‬

a
‭b. Where is the orphan roaming?‬
‭c. How does the speaker make designs?‬
‭d. What does the speaker say about silence and freedom?‬
‭ . Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!‬

5
‭Remember your acne. Amanda!‬
‭Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,‬
‭Amanda!‬
‭ . What does the speaker tell Amanda about chocolate?‬

a
‭b. Why should she not eat chocolate, according to the speaker?‬
‭c. What does the speaker want Amanda to do when he is talking to her?‬
‭d. Was Amanda listening to the speaker?‬
‭ . (I am Rapunzel, I have not care ;‬

6
‭life in a tower is tranquil and rare ;‬
‭I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair !)‬
‭ . Who was Rapunzel?‬

a
‭b. What kind of life did Rapunzel lead?‬
‭c. What did she do with her bright hair?‬
‭d. What does the girl in these lines want to do?‬
‭ . Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!‬

7
‭You’re always so moody, Amanda!‬
‭Anyone would think that I nagged at you,‬
‭Amanda!‬
‭ . Whom does the speaker ask to stop sulking?‬

a
‭b. Did Amanda really sulk?‬
‭c. What kind of girl was Amanda?‬
‭d. What does the speaker fear people will think about him?‬
‭ . Why does Amanda dream to be a mermaid?‬

1
‭2. What message is the poet trying to convey through the poem,‬
‭‘Amanda’?‬
‭3. What does Amanda constantly yearn for?‬
‭4. Why is Amanda sulky and moody?‬
‭5. Does Amanda like Rapunzel? Why/Why not?‬
‭ . Give a character sketch of Amanda with reference to the poem.‬

1
‭2. Throughout the poem, Amanda is constantly day-dreaming. Describe‬
‭her dreams in detail.‬
‭The Proposal Extra Questions and Answers‬
‭ . Who is Lomov?‬
1
‭2. Why did Lomov come to Chubukov’s house?‬
‭3. How old were Lomov and Natalya?‬
‭4. Why is Lomov so eager to marry?‬
‭ . What disease does Lomov suffer from?‬

5
‭6. What does Lomov quarrel over with Natalya for the first time?‬
‭7. What documents does Lomov offer to show Natalya?‬
‭8. Who has been using Oxen Meadows?‬
‭9. What do they quarrel over for the second time?‬
‭10. Who was Guess?‬
‭11. Who appears to be dead to Chubukov?‬
‭ 2. Did Lomov and Natalya get married ultimately?‬

1
‭13. How does Natalya react when she learns that Lomov had come to‬
‭propose to her?‬
‭ . What do you think would have been Chubukov’s reaction on hearing the‬
1
‭reason for which Lomov had come to his house?‬
‭ . What justification did Lomov give to Natalya and Chubukov to prove that‬
2
‭he is the rightful owner of Meadows?‬
‭3. Lomov was a quarrelsome person. Justify.‬
‭ . There is a certain way in which the characters speak in the play “The‬
4
‭Proposal”. What does it tell us about the Russian men?‬
‭ . Describe, in brief, the character of Natalya as sketched in the chapter‬

5
‭the proposal.‬
‭ . Lomov went to Chubukov’s house and was seeking permission so that‬

6
‭he could trouble him with a request. What is the trouble that he is talking‬
‭about‬
‭ . Natalya was not Lomov’s real love. But still, he wanted to marry her.‬
7
‭Give two reasons for his decision.‬
‭ . Lomov calls himself a ‘land grabber’. Justify the statement in about‬

8
‭20-25 words.‬
‭9. How and why did Lomov come to meet the Chubukov family?‬
‭ 0. How can you say that Natalya was not convinced that Oxen Meadows‬
1
‭was owned by Lomov?‬
‭11. What did Natalya say about Guess?‬
‭ 2. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for?‬
1
‭Or‬
‭Why was Stephan Chubukov not happy to welcome Lomov in his house‬
‭13. What is the ailment that Lomov is suffering from?‬

‭14. What request did Lomov make to Chubukov?‬
‭15. Describe Lomov’s first meeting with Natalya.‬
‭16. What kind of a man is Lomov?‬
‭17. Who is the heroine of the play?‬
‭18. Why does the proposal remain unmade during Lomov’s first visit?‬
‭19. Why is Natalya is so anxious to marry Lomov?‬
‭20. How does Chubukov join the quarrel between Natalya and Lomov?‬
‭21. What is the cause of the second quarrel between Natalya and Lomov?‬
‭22. What is Chubukov guess about the purpose of Lomov’s visit?‬
‭23. Why is Lomov anxious to marry Natalya?‬
‭24. Why was Lomov brought hack by Chubukov?‬
‭25. How does Lomov behave when he is excited?‬
‭ 6. How does Natalya lay claim to a piece of land called the ‘Oxen‬
2
‭Meadows’?‬
‭27. Who are Lomov and Chubukov and how are they related to each other?‬
‭ 8. Why does Lomov come to Chubukov? How does Chubukov react to his‬
2
‭visit?‬
‭ 9. Why is Chubukov surprised at Lomov’s wearing of a formal dress when‬

2
‭he conies to meet him?‬
‭ 0. How does Chubukov react when he comes to know that Lomov has‬
3
‭come with a proposal of marrying his daughter Natalya?‬
‭ 1. Why does Lomov think that he should not be alone but marry a‬
3
‭suitable woman like Natalya?‬
‭ 2. How does Lomov speak warmly of Chubukov’s family in the beginning?‬

3
‭Why does he change his stand?‬
‭ 3. Describe Oxen Meadows. How were they a bone of contention‬

3
‭between Lornov’s and Natalya’s family?‬
‭ 4. Why do both the families of Lomovs and Chubukovs claim the‬

3
‭ownership of Oxen Meadows?‬
‭ 5. Why does Natalya think that Lomov’s behaviour is strange and he is‬
3
‭simply joking and making fun of her?‬
‭ 6. Why does Lomov say that Chubukov is not a good neighbour but a‬
3
‭land-grabber?‬
‭ 7. How does Natalya react when she comes to know that Lomov has‬
3
‭come to make a marriage proposal to her?‬
‭ 8. Besides Oxen Meadows what is the other important cause of quarrel‬

3
‭between Lomov and Natalya?‬
‭39. Describe the physical condition and health of Lomov.‬
‭40. What happens when Lomov is thought to be almost dead?‬
‭41. How does Chubukov react when Lomov comes to senses?‬
‭42. Give in brief the character-sketch of Lomov.‬
‭43. What opinion of Chubukov do you form after reading ‘The Proposal’?‬
‭ 4. What opinion do you form of Natalya after reading the play, ‘The‬
4
‭Proposal’?‬
‭ 5. Justify the title of the play. ‘The Proposal’ Or What is the theme or the‬
4
‭message of ‘The Proposal’?‬
‭ . Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and Natalya‬

1
‭do not have. Describe the first between them.‬
‭2. The proposal was forgotten amidst argumentation. Which right‬
‭ . “The way Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov fought over petty issues is‬
3
‭against the behaviour and mannerisms of good neighbours.” Comment.‬
‭What would you have done to resolve the issue? (if you were in the place‬
‭of Chubukov)‬
‭ . Why does Lomov think of marrying he should settle into a quiet and‬
4
‭regular Natalya Stepanovna‬
‭5. Write a brief character sketch of Lomov.‬
‭6. Describe how Chubukov got Natalya married with Lomov.‬
‭7. Describe the incidents of humour in the play, ‘The Proposal’?‬
‭8. Give a brief character sketch of Natalya.‬
‭9. Bring out the humorous element in the one-act play ‘The Proposal’.‬
‭10. Draw a brief character-sketch of Natalya.‬
‭11. Describe the first meeting of Lomov and Natalya.‬
‭12. Give a short character sketch of Lomov.‬
‭13. What is the theme of the play ‘The Proposal’?‬
‭ 4. How and why does Lomov go to Chubukov’s house? How does‬

1
‭Chubukov react to his visit?‬
‭ 5. Describe how does Natalya react before and after knowing the real‬
1
‭purpose of Lomov’s visit. Does she act sensibly in this regard?‬
‭ 6. Give a brief pen-portrait highlighting his strength and weakness of his‬

1
‭character. Why can’t he express himself like a calm and composed man?‬
‭ 7. In spite of being a good housekeeper educated and not bad looking,‬

1
‭Natalya is quarrelsome, vain and highly impulsive. Justify your answer in‬
‭120 words.‬
‭ 8. Chubukov has all the attributes of a quarrelsome rich Russian‬

1
‭landlord. Instead of solving the problems, he only adds fuel to the fire in‬
‭their quarrel over Oxen Meadows and the dogs. Justify the statement.‬
‭19. Justify the title of the lesson, ‘The Proposal’.‬
‭ 0. What are the main points of controversy over the ownership of Oxen‬
2
‭Meadows between Chubukov and Lomov? How and why does Natalya‬
‭jump into the quarrel?‬
‭ 1. Doesn’t it look ridiculous and childish to see mature persons like‬

2
‭Natalya, Lomov and Chubukov quarrelling over their dogs, Squeezer and‬
‭Guess? Give the reasons answer.‬
‭ 2. How do Natalya and Chubukov react when Lomov falls down in an‬
2
‭armchair and considered to be dead? How does Chubukov manage to get‬
‭Natalya married with Lomov?‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1: It’s cold… I’m trembling all over, just as if I’d got an‬
Q
‭examination before me. The great thing is, I must have my mind made up.‬
‭If I give myself time to think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look for an ideal,‬
‭or for real love, then I’ll never get married.‬
‭ . Who is saying, “I’m trembling all over as if I had got an examination‬
a
‭before me”?‬
‭b. What is the great thing that the speaker is talking about?‬
‭c. What state of Lomov’s mind does the passage reflect?‬
‭d. Why did Lomov not want to wait for real love?‬
‭ uestion 2: He is old, but I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him. Why, how‬
Q
‭can you? Guess is a dog; as for Squeezer, well, it’s too funny to argue.‬
‭Anybody you like has a dog as good as Squeezer you may find them under‬
‭every bush almost. Twenty-five roubles would be a handsome price to pay‬
‭for him.‬
‭ . Who does ‘he’ refer to?‬

a
‭b. Whom does Squeezer belong to?‬
‭c. Who is the speaker of these lines?‬
‭d. What would be a handsome price to pay for Squeezer?‬
‭ uestion 3: She’s willing and all that. I give you my blessing and so on.‬
Q
‭Only leave me in peace!‬
‭ . To whom is the speaker giving his blessing?‬

a
‭b. Why is he giving his blessing?‬
‭c. Who is giving his blessing?‬
‭d. What is she willing for?‬
‭ uestion 4: Last year we lent you our threshing-machine, although on that‬

Q
‭account we had to put off our own threshing till November, but you behave‬
‭to us as if we were gypsies. Giving me my own land indeed! No, really,‬
‭that’s not at all neighbourly! In my opinion, it’s even impudent, if you want‬
‭to know.‬
‭ . What did the speaker do last year?‬

a
‭b. What happened after that?‬
‭c. How did Natalya try to prove that they were at least good neighbours?‬
‭d. Why Chubukov had to delay their threshing till November?‬
‭ uestion 5: No, you’re simply joking, or making fun of me. What a‬

Q
‭surprise! We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years, and then we’re‬
‭suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch, I can hardly believe my‬
‭own ears. These Meadows aren’t worth much to me. They only come to‬
‭ ve dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand‬
fi
‭unfairness.‬
‭ . Who is making fun of whom?‬

a
‭b. For how long did they have the land?‬
‭d. What has been unfair with the speaker?‬
‭ uestion 6: Then you make out that I’m a landgrabber? Madam, never in‬
Q
‭my life have I grabbed anybody else’s land and I shan’t allow anybody to‬
‭accuse me of having done so. Oxen Meadows are mine!‬
‭ . Who is ‘madam’ in the above lines?‬

a
‭b. In which situation does Lomov call himself a ‘landgrabber’?‬
‭c. What had happened to the speaker?‬
‭d. What will he not allow?‬
‭ uestion 7: Oxen meadows, its true, was once the subject of dispute, but‬
Q
‭now everybody knows that they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about.‬
‭You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in‬
‭perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which‬
‭they were to make bricks for her.‬
‭ . Who is the speaker of these lines?‬

a
‭b. Who is he speaking to?‬
‭c. What was the ‘subject of dispute’?‬
‭d. What did the peasants do for them?‬
‭ uestion 8: I can make you a present of them myself, because they are‬
Q
‭mine! Your behaviour, Ivan Vassilevitch, is strange, to say the least! Up to‬
‭this we have always thought of you as a good neighbour, a friend; last year‬
‭we lent you our threshing-machine, although on that account we had to‬
‭put off our own threshing till November, but you behave to us as if we were‬
‭gypsies. Giving me my own land, indeed! No, really, that’s not at all‬
‭neighbourly. In my opinion, it is even impudent if you want to know.‬
‭ . Who is speaking to whom?‬

a
‭b. How had she helped her neighbour?‬
‭c. What did the speaker do last year?‬
‭d. What happened after that?‬
‭ uestion 9: Well, there! It’s you, and papa said, “Go, there’s a merchant‬
Q
‭come for his goods.”‬
‭a. Who is the speaker of the above lines?‬
‭b. Why does the speaker’s father mention the vision as ‘a merchant come‬
‭for his goods’?‬
‭c. Whom is the speaker talking to?‬
‭d. What did Natalya’s father say to her?‬
‭ uestion 10: You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these‬
Q
‭Meadows in perpetuity, to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in‬
‭return for which they were to make bricks for her.‬

a
‭b. What type of relationship has been described in these lines?‬
‭c. Who is the speaker speaking to?‬
‭d. What did the peasants do?‬
‭ . Why was Stephen Chubukov not happy to welcome Lomov in his house?‬
1
‭4. What was Lomov’s opinion about Squeezer?‬
‭5. Justify the title of the play, ‘The Proposal’.‬
‭ . How does Lomov go to Chubukov’s house? How does he react when he‬
1
‭tells him the real purpose of his visit?‬
‭2. Give a character sketch of Stephan Stepanovitch Chubukov.‬
‭ . Describe the controversy between Lomov and Natalya about the Oxen‬
3
‭Meadows and their dogs.‬
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭Amanda,‬
‭The Proposal‬
‭Answer Key‬

1
‭Answer: The speaker asks Amanda not to bite her nails.‬
‭ . What should Amanda not to do to her soldiers?‬

2
‭Answer: She should not hunch her soldiers.‬
‭ . How should Amanda sit?‬

3
‭Answer: She should sit straight.‬

4
‭Answer: She wishes to drift blissfully with the soft-moving waves of the‬
‭sea.‬
‭ . What was Amanda to finish?‬

5
‭Answer: She was to finish her homework.‬
‭ . Has Amanda cleaned her shoes?‬

6
‭Answer: No, she has not cleaned her shoes.‬
‭ . If Amanda is an orphan, what will she do?‬

7
‭Answer: She will roam about in the streets.‬
‭ . How is silence described?‬

8
‭Answer: Silence is described as golden.‬
‭ . What is Amanda prohibited to eat?‬

9
‭Answer: She is prohibited to eat chocolate.‬
‭ 0. Why should Amanda not eat chocolate?‬
1
‭Answer: She should not eat chocolate as it causes acne.‬

1
‭Answer: Rapunzel was fair with very long hair.‬
‭ 2.What did Rapunzel do with her long hair?‬

1
‭Answer: She let her hair fall down from the castle for her lover to climb‬
‭upholding them.‬
‭ 3. Who is the mermaid in ‘Amanda’, what does ‘she’ wish to do?‬

1
‭Answer: The mermaid is Amanda herself; as imagined by Amanda. She‬
‭wishes to drift blissfully on a dreamy, emerald sea, without anyone else‬
‭accompanying her.‬
‭ 4. What is the theme of the poem — ‘Amanda’?‬

1
‭Answer: Too many instructions and too much control are resented by‬
‭children. They get bored and fed up. Then, they listen to their parents‬
‭half-heartedly and indulge in daydreaming.‬
‭ 5. Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!‬

1
‭ nswer: Amanda already suffers from acne, a skin disease. If she eats‬
A
‭chocolate it will aggravate her problem further. That is why she is asked‬
‭not to eat chocolate.‬

1
‭ nswer: (i) Punctuation is an important part of grammar. It is used to‬

A
‭create sense, clarity and stress in sentences. It is used to structure and‬
‭organise our writing.‬
‭(ii) The exclamation mark is used after Amanda! to show the mother’s‬
‭surprise on seeing Amanda. Amanda is a sulky and moody girl which‬
‭upsets the mother.‬
2
‭ nswer: No, Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her mother gives‬
A
‭her too many instructions. She does not listen to her mother and didn’t‬
‭care to follow them but she can’t dare to ignore them either so, she sulks.‬
‭Parents in their endeavour to make their children well-behaved, give them‬
‭too many instructions.‬

3
‭ nswer: Amanda wants to be Rapunzel to live a peaceful life in a tower,‬

A
‭where no one gives any instruction and she doesn’t have to do any work.‬
‭But she doesn’t want to escape with a prince like Rapunzel. She never‬
‭wants to escape and leave such a peaceful atmosphere, with no‬
‭instruction and no work to do.‬
4
‭‘Amanda’?‬
‭ nswer: The poet wants to convey that parents in their endeavour to make‬
A
‭their children well-behaved, mannerly having good habits, give them too‬
‭many instructions or nag (always finding fault) them. They should adopt‬
‭positive measures, acceptable to children. Otherwise, they will stop‬
‭listening to them and indulge in daydreaming as Amanda did.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda was a little school going, girl. She seems to love fairy‬
A
‭tales, stories like Rapunzel and mermaids. She does not like too many‬
‭instructions or nagging which make her sulk and become moody. Then‬
‭she does not listen to her mother attentively and starts daydreaming.‬
‭ nswer: She thinks orphans lead a carefree life. There is no one to pester‬
A
‭them with instructions. They can wander in a street and make patterns in‬
t‭ he soft dust with their bare feet. They don’t have to clean the shoes or‬
‭room or do the homework.‬

7
‭ nswer: Amanda says it. In the story, Rapunzel lets down her long,‬
A
‭beautiful hair to escape with the prince. But Amanda is fascinated by‬
‭Rapunzel’s life in the tower. She never wants to escape and leave such a‬
‭peaceful atmosphere, with no instruction and no work to do.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her mother gives her‬
A
‭too many instructions. She does not want to follow them but she can’t‬
‭dare to ignore them either, so she sulks.‬
9
‭ nswer: When the poem beings, we find that Amanda is biting her nails.‬
A
‭She is hunching her shoulders. She is sitting in a slouching posture. That‬
‭is why the speaker asks her to behave normally. He asks her not to bite‬
‭her nails and hunch her shoulders. She should sit up straight.‬
1
‭ nswer: Amanda finds that the sea is relaxed and peaceful. She is the only‬
A
‭creature in the sea. She imagines herself to be a mermaid. She is happy.‬
‭She is drifting on the waves blissfully.‬
1
‭done?‬
‭ nswer: The speaker asks Amanda to finish her homework. Then he asks‬
A
‭her if she has cleaned up her room. Finally, he finds that her shoes are not‬
‭clean even though he had asked her to clean them.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda says that she is an orphan. She is free and roams the‬
A
‭street. There is soft dust in the street under her feet. She walks silently‬
‭and creates patterns on the soft dust with her bare feet. She thinks that‬
‭silence is golden and freedom is sweet.‬

1
‭ nswer: The speaker asks Amanda not to eat chocolate. It is because she‬
A
‭has had acne already. Eating chocolate might create more pimples.‬
‭Amanda listens to the speaker without raising her face.‬
1
‭to do?‬
‭ nswer: Rapunzel was a beautiful girl with long hair. She was locked up in‬
A
‭a tower by a witch. In her imagination, Amanda thinks herself to be like‬
‭Rapunzel who led a peaceful life. She promises never to let down her‬
‭bright hair.‬
1
‭afraid of?‬
‭ nswer: The speaker thinks that Amanda is sulking and moody. He thinks‬
A
‭that Amanda is always moody. He asks her not to sulk because he is afraid‬
‭that people will think that he is nagging Amanda.‬
‭ nswer: The central idea of the poem is that children love freedom. They‬
A
‭do not want any restrictions on their activities. Secondly, they have a‬
‭dream world of their own. They like to spend most of their time in that‬
‭dream world. But the elders are always destroying that dream world by‬
‭ordering them around.‬

1
‭ nswer: Amanda loves her freedom. She doesn’t want it to be curtailed.‬
A
‭She wants to lead her own kind of life. If she is asked what to do and what‬
‭not, she feels that her freedom is curtailed. She doesn’t bother to answer‬
‭her mother when she goes on instructing her what to do and what not.‬
‭ nswer: Her mother doesn’t want her to hunch her shoulders and bend her‬
A
‭body down. She stops her from eating chocolates as it would not be good‬
‭for her pimpled face. She wants her to stop sulking as others would think‬
‭that she is being nagged by her mother.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda is an escapist. She imagines herself to be a mermaid.‬

A
‭She wants to live on an island where she is the only inhabitant. She loves‬
‭freedom. She loves drifting blissfully like a mermaid on that lonely island.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda values freedom more than anything in her life. She feels‬
A
‭suffocated at home as she is constantly nagged by her mother there. She‬
‭wants to be an orphan. Like an orphan, she likes to wander about the‬
‭streets freely with bare feet.‬
‭21. Why does Amanda want to be Rapunzel?‬
‭ nswer: Amanda is an escapist. She imagines herself as a fairy-like‬

A
‭Rapunzel. She wants to live happily in her lonely tower far from the‬
‭maddening crowd of the world. Like Rapunzel, she wants to take care of‬
‭her beautiful golden hair.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda’s mother thinks that she is moody as her mood is always‬
A
‭shifting. If she puts on an unhappy appearance, others will blame her‬
‭mother. They will think that she is being constantly nagged by her mother.‬

‭ nswer: Amanda is a little girl. She, in fact, is a symbol of every child who‬
A
‭is instructed by the parents to do or not to do this or that. If she were a‬
‭mermaid she would blissfully drift in the sea.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda is a little girl. She is asked to do or not to do this and‬

A
‭that. She is nagged at by her parents. So Amanda yearns for freedom. She‬
‭wants to lead a life without any restrictions.‬
‭ nswer: In the last stanza, the speaker advises Amanda not to remain‬
A
‭moody and sulking. The reason behind this is that she does not want to‬
‭expose it before others. Otherwise, people will think that she was teased‬
‭by the speaker. It was her fear.‬
R
‭follow:‬

1
‭Amanda!‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. What is Amanda doing to her nails?‬
‭b. What does she do to her shoulders?‬
‭c. What is her sitting posture?‬
‭d. How should Amanda sit?‬

2
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. These lines refer to a little girl named Amanda.‬
‭b. The sea is peaceful and beautiful.‬
‭c. The sole inhabitant of the sea is Amanda who is the mermaid.‬
‭d. Amanda wants to drift blissfully with the soft-moving waves of the sea.‬

3
‭Amanda!‬

a
‭c. What was Amanda told to clean?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The speaker asks Amanda if she has done her homework.‬
‭b. The speaker asks her if she had cleaned her room.‬
‭c. Amanda was told to clean her shoes.‬
‭d. No, Amanda has not cleaned her shoes.‬

4

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Amanda longs to be an orphan.‬
‭b. The orphan is roaming in the street.‬
‭c. The speaker makes designs with her bare feet on the soft dust.‬
‭d. The speaker says that silence is golden and freedom is sweet.‬

5
‭ ill you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,‬
W
‭Amanda!‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The speaker tells Amanda not to eat chocolate.‬
‭b. She should not eat chocolate as it causes acne.‬
‭c. The speaker wants that Amanda should look at him when he is‬
‭addressing her.‬
‭d. No, Amanda was not listening to the speaker.‬

6

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Rapunzel was a fairy with very long hair.‬
‭b. She led a peaceful life in a tower in which she was imprisoned by a‬
‭witch.‬
‭c. She let her hair fall down from the castle for her lover to climb‬
‭d. She wants never let down her bright hair.‬

7
‭Amanda!‬

a
‭ . What kind of girl was Amanda?‬
c
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The speaker asks Amanda to stop sulking.‬
‭b. Amanda did not sulk, but she had some bad habits like nail biting.‬
‭c. Amanda was a freedom-loving and moody girl.‬
‭d. The speaker fears that people will think that he nags Amanda.‬

1
‭‘Amanda’?‬

1
1
‭Answer: Lomov is a young landowner.‬
‭ . Why did Lomov come to Chubukov’s house?‬

2
‭Answer: Lomov came to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for‬
‭Natalya.‬
‭ . How old were Lomov and Natalya?‬
3
‭Answer: Lomov was thirty-five years old and Natalya was twenty-five‬
‭years old.‬
‭ . Why is Lomov so eager to marry?‬

4
‭Answer: Lomov is so eager to many because he is already over thirty-five.‬

5
‭Answer: Lomov suffers from palpitations.‬
‭ . What does Lomov quarrel over with Natalya for the first time?‬
6
‭Answer: Lomov quarrels over ownership the right of Oxen Meadows.‬
‭ . What documents does Lomov offer to show Natalya?‬

7
‭Answer: He wants to show her the documents relating to the Oxen‬
‭Meadows.‬
‭ . Who has been using Oxen Meadows?‬

8
‭Answer: Peasants have been using Oxen Meadows.‬
‭ . What do they quarrel over for the second time?‬

9
‭Answer: For the second time, they quarrel over the quality of their dogs.‬
‭ 0. Who was Guess?‬

1
‭Answer: Guess was Lomov’s pet dog.‬
‭ 1. Who appears to be dead to Chubukov?‬

1
‭Answer: To Chubukov, Lomov appears to be dead.‬

1
‭Answer: Yes, they got married ultimately.‬
‭ 3. How does Natalya react when she learns that Lomov had come to‬
1
‭Answer: She weeps and yells and asks her father to fetch his hack.‬

1
‭ nswer: When Chubukov came to know that the reason of Lomov’s coming‬
A
‭to their house is to marry Natalya, he was overwhelmed with joy. He‬
‭embraced and kissed Lomov and told him that he was hoping for it for a‬
‭long time. He told Lomov that he had always loved him as if he were his‬
‭own son.‬
2
‭ nswer: Lomov told Natalya and Chubukov that his aunt’s grandmother‬
A
‭gave the Meadows for the temporary and free use of Chubukov’s‬
‭grandfather’s peasants. So he is the rightful owner of the open meadows.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov was a quarrelsome person. He came to Chubukov’s house‬

A
‭to propose Natalya. But he started arguing about the meadows and‬
‭insisted that those meadows belonged to him. Later he kept on proving‬
‭that his dog Squeezer is better than ‘Guess’ – the dog of Chubukov’s. He‬
‭did not care for his health or his proposal but kept on fighting for one or‬
‭the other reason. It proves that he was a quarrelsome person.‬
4
‭ nswer: As the story belongs to the Russian character. So through the‬

A
‭dialogues of the characters, we come to know a lot about Russian man.‬
‭According to the story the Russians are very particular about their dress‬
‭and have particular dresses for special occasions. Secondly, they are‬
‭hypocrites. They show off to be sweet but the very next moment, they‬
‭started fighting. They pretend to be good neighbours but within their‬
‭heart, they have so many grudges. They love to have dogs as pets and‬
‭consider their pet better than the other one. All of them are stubborn,‬
‭short-tempered, quarrelsome and rigid.‬

5
‭the proposal.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya was 25 years old, daughter of Chubukov. She was a good‬
A
‭housekeeper, not bad looking and well educated. She secretly loved‬
‭Lomov. She was greedy and short-sighted. She was short-tempered as‬
‭well.‬

6
‭about‬
‭ nswer: Lomov went to Chubukov’s house to ask him to marry his‬

A
‭daughter, Natalya. He asked Chubukov for Natalya’s hand. This is the‬
‭trouble he was talking about.‬
7
‭ nswer: Though Lomov was not in love with Natalya, he wanted to marry‬
A
‭her because he was suffering due to a weak heart and sleep-sickness. He‬
‭wanted a companion who could look after him.‬

8
‭20-25 words.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov and Natalya argue over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.‬
A
‭Natalya calls him a ‘land grabber’ as he claims his ownership over it.‬
‭Lomov says that he is not a ‘land grabber’ as he has never done so and‬
‭would never let anyone do so.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov came in a formal evening dress — wearing a jacket and‬

A
‭white gloves. He had come to meet the Chubukov family to put his‬
‭proposal for Natalya. He wanted to marry her.‬
1
‭ nswer: Natalya was not convinced as she said that they owned Oxen‬
A
‭Meadows for nearly 300 years. It was surprising and ridiculous if someone‬
‭else claimed it to be his own. Chubukov also joined the quarrel.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya said that Squeezer was superior to Guess —Lomov’s dog.‬
A
‭Lomov said that his dog Guess was better than Squeezer. Natalya believed‬
‭that Guess had become old and ought to be shot. She also claimed that‬
‭Squeezer was a hundred times better than a Guess.‬
1
‭Or‬
‭ nswer: Lomov arrives in a formal evening dress. On seeing him,‬

A
‭Chubukov thinks that he has come to borrow money. He decides not to‬
‭lend it to him but talks to him quite politely.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is 35 years old. It is high time that he should settle for a‬
A
‭quiet and regular life. He is suffering due to a weak heart and‬
‭sleep-sickness. In need of a companion who may look after him, he wants‬
‭to get married.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov went to Chubukov in a formal dress in order to propose‬

A
‭marriage to his daughter, Natalya. Hesitatingly he told Chubukov that he‬
‭needed his help and had come to trouble him with a request. He told him‬
‭that he wanted to marry Natalya.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov goes to his neighbour Chubukov’s house to ask for the‬
A
‭hand of his daughter Natalya. He is in a fix on how to make a marriage‬
‭proposal. He talks in a roundabout manner. He makes mention of his‬
‭ eadows which touch their birchwoods. At this, a quarrel ensues between‬
m
‭them over the ownership rights the meadows.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is a man of thirty-five years old. He is really a very funny‬

A
‭and comical character. He comes to make a proposal to Natalya. But he is‬
‭so nervous and excitable that he continues quarrelling with the girl over‬
‭trifles, and fails to make the proposal. He has no confidence and no‬
‭self-control. He suffers from fits of epilepsy.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is the heroine of the play The Proposal’. She is‬
A
‭twenty-five years old. She is still unmarried. It causes great worry to her‬
‭father. Natalya wishes that somebody should love her and proposes to her.‬
‭Her father calls her ‘a love-sick cat’.‬
‭ nswer: The proposal remains unmade during Lomov’s fast visit because‬
A
‭Lomov is very nervous and excitable. He beat about the bush. When‬
‭Natalya comes Lomov begins to quarrel with her about a piece of land. He‬
‭gets very excited and leaves the room, cursing and threatening the old‬
‭man and his daughter, Natalya. He forgets all about the proposal.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is an ugly, middle-aged woman. She knows that only a‬

A
‭fool like Lomov can marry her. So, the moment she comes to know that‬
‭Lomov had come to propose for her hand, she cries and shouts and forces‬
‭her father to bring Lomov back.‬
‭ nswer: Chubukov comes in and finds Natalya and Lomov quarrelling.‬

A
‭When he finds that they are `luanvIling about the ownership of the Oxen‬
‭Meadows. he also becomes angry. Instead of calming them down. he also‬
‭ tarts quarrelling. He claims to be the owner of the Meadows. He insults‬
s
‭not only Lomov but also his ancestors.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov starts praising the qualities of the dog Guess. But Natalya‬
A
‭says that her dog sq which she purchased for 85 roubles is much better‬
‭than Lomov’s dog Guess. Both of them praise the qualities of their dogs.‬
‭Now they start quarrelling on this topic. They again start shouting at each‬
‭other.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov calms himself down and begins to tell him the purpose of‬
A
‭his visit. He tells him that he came to him many times in the past also for‬
‭his help but he did not help him. Chubukov thinks that perhaps he has‬
‭come to ask for a loan. He makes up his mind not to help him in any way.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov wants to settle the question of his marriage at once. He‬
A
‭thinks that now he should not delay. He thinks about Natalya. She is a‬
‭skilled house-keeper. She is educated and is not bad to look at. At this‬
‭age, he should not expect a better girl than her. He is suffering from some‬
‭serious diseases. Because of these reasons. He is anxious to marry‬
‭Natalya.‬
‭ nswer: Chubukov wondered how Lomov dared to make a proposal of‬

A
‭marriage. Natalya was startled to hear it. She forced her father to bring‬
‭Lomov back. Chubukov rushed out most unwillingly to request Lomov to‬
‭come back. Lomov agreed to come back.‬
‭ nswer: When Lomov is excited his heart starts palpitating. His right‬
A
‭eyebrow starts twitching. His foot goes to sleep. In the play, he becomes‬
‭so excited that he falls unconscious.‬
2
‭Meadows’?‬
‭ nswer: Natalya says that the land belonged to her family for the last‬
A
‭three hundred years. Now suddenly Lomov lays his claim to that land. She‬
‭says that the land is not worth much in terms of money. But as a principle,‬
‭she won’t let Lomov claim it.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov and Chubukov are landlords. They are neighbours too.‬
A
‭According to Lomov, he has been coming to Chubukov for help. Chubukov‬
‭has helped him even earlier. There seems to be a dispute over the‬
‭ownership of Oxen Meadows. Each one claims that the land belongs to‬
‭him. Lomov is interested in marrying Chubukov’s daughters, Natalya and‬
‭considers her a suitable match for her.‬
2
‭visit?‬
‭ nswer: Lomov, a landlord, pays a visit to Chubukov. The purpose of his‬

A
‭visit is quite clear. He has come with a proposal of marriage. He is‬
‭interested in marrying Natalya who he considers a good housekeeper and‬
‭not bad looking. Chubukov misunderstands the purpose of Lomov’s visit.‬
‭He thinks that he has come to borrow money from him. However, when he‬
‭comes to know that he has come with a marriage proposal, he is overjoyed‬
‭and excited.‬

2
‭ nswer: Ivan Lomov is well dressed. He comes to visit Chubukov.‬

A
‭Chubukov notices his dress. He is surprised to see Lomov wearing a‬
‭dress-jacket and white gloves. He is in a formal evening dress. It appears‬
‭as if he were paying a New Year’s Eve visit. Only later on, Chubukov comes‬
‭to know that Lomov has come in that formal dress only with a proposal for‬
‭marriage.‬
3
‭ nswer: Soon the misunderstanding is cleared. Chubukov comes to know‬
A
‭that Lomov has not come to borrow money instead he has come with a‬
‭proposal of marrying his daughter Natalya. He is extremely happy to hear‬
‭it. This is exactly what he wants. He embraces and kisses Lomov. He calls‬
‭him “darling” and “angel”. He tells Lomov that he has been hoping it for a‬
‭long time. He is ready to bless them.‬
3
‭ nswer: Lomov is a middle-aged man of thirty-five years. He thinks that it‬

A
‭is a critical age. He should now think of leading a peaceful and regular‬
‭married life. Natalya, the daughter of a rich landlord and neighbour‬
‭Chubukov, can be a suitable life-partner for him. Lomov thinks that‬
‭Natalya is an excellent housekeeper. Moreover, she is educated and not‬
‭bad looking. All these qualities qualify Natalya is an ideal life-partner for‬
‭him.‬

3
‭ nswer: In the beginning, Lomov speaks quite warmly about Chubukov’s‬

A
‭family. He reminds Natalya that he knows the Chubukovs since his‬
‭childhood. His aunt and uncle had great respect for her family. Both the‬
‭families have been most friendly and close neighbours. Lomov changes‬
‭his opinion about the Chubukovs when he picks up a quarrel with Natalya‬
‭and Chubukov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.‬

3
‭ nswer: Lomov and his rich landlord Chubukov are neighbours. A piece of‬
A
‭land known as Oxen Meadows becomes a bone of contention between the‬
‭two families. Both of them claim their ownership over the Meadows.‬
‭Lomov says that Oxen Meadows was given to Chubukov’s peasants for‬
‭free use. They were to make bricks for the Lomovs. The Chubokovs‬
‭contest this claim of Lomov.‬

3
‭ nswer: Oxen Meadows become a bone of contention between the two‬
A
‭families. Lomov thinks that Oxen Meadows that touch the birch forest of‬
‭Chubukov belong to him. His aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of the‬
‭Meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather. In return, they‬
‭were to make bricks for them. Natalya opposes it by saying that their land‬
‭extends to Burnt Marsh. It means that Oxen Meadows belongs to them.‬
3
‭ nswer: Natalya thinks that Lomov’s behaviour is quite strange. He is only‬

A
‭joking and making fun of her. She claims that they have Oxen Meadows‬
‭for nearly 300 years. She is suddenly told that it is not theirs. It is strange‬
‭that Lomov is making a present of the Meadows to them which are not‬
‭owned by him. It is unlike a good neighbour and a friend.‬
3
‭land-grabber?‬
‭ nswer: Lomov has his reasons to think that Chubukov is not a good‬
A
‭neighbour but a land-grabber. His aunt’s grandmother gave the Meadows‬
‭for ‘temporary’ and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. He‬
‭doesn’t intend to give up his claim over the Meadows. Good neighbours‬
‭don’t behave like that. Only land grabbers behave in this fashion.‬
3
‭ nswer: Chubukov and Natalya indulge in all sorts of abuses and insults‬
A
‭for Lomov. However, Chubukov discloses the real purpose of Lomov’s‬
‭visit. She comes to know that Lomov has come there with a proposal of‬
‭marrying her. She grows hysterical. She blames her father for not telling it‬
‭before. She tries to bring him back. She threatens to die if Lomov is not‬
‭brought back.‬

3
‭ nswer: Natalya and Lomov have already quarrelled over the ownership of‬
A
‭Oxen Meadows. Now crops up a fresh cause of their quarrel. It is over‬
t‭ heir dogs, Squeezer and Guess. Natalya thinks that their Squeezer is a‬
‭thoroughbred animal. He is far better than his dog Guess. Natalya calls‬
‭Guess an old and a worthless dog. The quarrel continues even after they‬
‭are married.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is thirty-five years old. He doesn’t enjoy good health. He is‬
A
‭easily excited. He suffers from palpitations. His feet are benumbed. He‬
‭can’t express himself like a calm and composed man. He can’t bear too‬
‭much tension and excitement. He throws himself down in an armchair and‬
‭becomes unconscious soon. Only when water is sprinkled over his face,‬
‭he comes to senses.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov has come with a proposal of marrying Natalya. When he‬
A
‭falls down unconscious in an armchair, both Natalya and Chubukov are‬
‭unnerved and worried. She starts crying thinking him dead. Chubukov‬
‭calls for a doctor. He threatens to shoot himself or cut his throat. When‬
‭Lomov comes to senses, Chubukov grabs the opportunity and blesses‬
‭them for a happy married life.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov’s unconsciousness unnerves both Chubukov and his‬

A
‭daughter Natalya. He is thought to be dead. Chubukov thinks that a golden‬
‭opportunity has been lost.‬
‭He thinks of shooting himself or cutting his throat. When Lomov comes to‬
‭senses Chubukov doesn’t lose the opportunity, He cries, “Hurry up and get‬
‭married!” He at once blesses both of them.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is a middle-aged man of thirty-five. He suffers from‬

A
‭palpitations, cramps and numbness of limbs. He is nervous and can’t‬
‭speak and act like a calm and composed man. He comes to Natalya’s‬
‭house with a proposal of marriage but soon forgets the real purpose of his‬
‭visit. He picks up unnecessary quarrels over Oxen Meadows and on their‬
‭respective dogs.‬
‭ nswer: Chubukov is a rich landlord and a neighbour of Lomov. He is‬

A
‭short-tempered and rash in behaviour. He wants Lomov to be married to‬
‭Natalya. But he forgets the main issue and joins the quarrels between‬
‭Lomov and Natalya. He adds only fuel to the fire. He can be abusive and‬
‭insulting. However, he grabs the opportunity and blesses Natalya and‬
‭Lomov in the end.‬
4
‭Proposal’?‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is a woman of twenty-five years. Lomov considers her a‬

A
‭good housekeeper and not bad looking. She likes to get married with‬
‭Lomov. However, she indulges in unnecessary quarrels over Oxen‬
‭Meadows and dogs. She even insults Lomov with harsh words. However,‬
‭good sense prevails upon her and she doesn’t lose the opportunity of‬
‭marrying Lomov.‬
4
‭ nswer: Anton Chekov has aptly titled the play, ‘The Proposal’. The title‬
A
‭justifies the main theme—the marriage of Natalya and Lomov. No doubt,‬
‭both Lomov and Natalya want to be life partners. However, unnecessary‬
‭quarrels over Oxen Meadows and their dogs Squeezer and Guess‬
‭temporarily spoil their game. The message is very clear. The main issue‬
‭must not be clouded and lost sight of by indulging in unnecessary and‬
‭avoidable quarrels.‬

1
‭ nswer: Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and‬

A
‭have. Although he had come there to propose Natalya he started fighting‬
‭with her over a small piece of land. This land adjoined her land and his‬
‭oxen meadows touched her birch woods. Natalya told Lomov that Lomov‬
‭tried meadows belonged to her but Lomov claimed that m the oxen‬
‭ eadows are his. Convince Natalya by telling her that his aunt’s‬
m
‭grandmother gave the meadows for the temporary and free use to‬
‭Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. They did not demand money for it for‬
‭a long time so the Chubukov’s misunderstood that the meadows belonged‬
‭to them. While Chubukov’s insisted that yelling could not prove anything‬
‭because everyone knows that meadows belong to Chubukov’s since last‬
‭three hundred years. Both threatened each other.‬
‭ . The proposal was forgotten amidst argumentation. Which right‬

2
‭approach should have been followed by both parties?‬
‭ nswer: Lomov came to Chubukovs to propose Natalya. Both are‬

A
‭neighbours and at the right age to marry. But instead of forwarding the‬
‭proposal both of them started fighting over truffles. Firstly they fought‬
‭over a small piece of land called oxen meadows both of them claimed that‬
‭the land belonged to them and not the other one. Somehow the argument‬
‭came to an end and they started fighting over dogs and claimed each of‬
‭their dog better than the other ones. The proposal was forgotten amidst‬
‭all these arguments.‬
‭ he situation might be different if both the parties had followed the right‬
T
‭approach. Oxen meadows would belong to both of them if they got‬
‭married. Similarly, dogs are the very petty thing to argue about while‬
‭marriage is going to take place. There should not be any ego in between‬
‭of them both. They should be polite and patient to each other. They should‬
‭not be rigid and stubborn. Their priority should be their marriage and not‬
‭meadows or dogs. Only the proposal could be carried on.‬
3
‭of Chubukov)‬
‭ nswer: Lomov and Chubukovs were neighbours. Lomov came to‬

A
‭Chubukovs to propose Natalya. But instead of proposing they started‬
‭fighting over petty issues like oxen meadows and quality of dogs. This is‬
‭not the quality of good neighbours. Neighbours should live like friends.‬
‭There should be a positive relationship between the two neighbours.‬
‭ here should be understanding and patience among neighbours. The fight‬
T
‭between Looms and Chubukovs could have been avoided if handled‬
‭carefully. The issue of meadows could be resolved calmly and quietly by a‬
‭good conversation. There must have been some documents showing the‬
‭ownership of the meadows or both the parties could be convinced by‬
‭making them understand that if they got married, the meadows will belong‬
‭to both of them.‬
‭ imilarly, the issues of dog could be solved instead of counting the‬

S
‭negative points of each other’s dogs. They can discuss the positive‬
‭features of the dogs. Thus the issues could be resolved.‬
4
‭ nswer: Lomov was 35 years old. It was high time that life IV moreover, he‬
A
‭was suffering d In order to put his proposal to Natalya, due to a weak heart‬
‭and sleeplessness. He wanted company and file one to look after him, so‬
‭he wanted to get married he visited Chubukov. However, Lomov was not in‬
‭love with Natalya. Besides his ill health, he understood quite well that she‬
‭was an excellent housekeeper, not bad looking, and well-educated. Thus,‬
‭he thought of marrying her because of all these practical reasons.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is a man who is of marriageable age. He also suffers from‬

A
‭a weak heart and sleeplessness. So, he is desperate to settle down in life‬
‭and lead a quiet and regular life. Despite his ailments, Lomov was a rich‬
‭and prosperous farmer. This makes Chubukov secretly wish him to marry‬
‭his daughter Natalya. As for Lomov, he did not love her, though he was‬
‭desperate to have a life partner, and so marry Natalya. Lomov was‬
‭however hesitant to ask for her hand from Chubukov. That made him beat‬
‭around the bush, argue with Natalya and leave without proposing. Thus we‬
‭can find that Loom’s conditions overpower the other traits he has. He is an‬
‭eligible, assertive, rich, bachelor, who will be liked by any girl. However, we‬
‭also know that he is nervous, lacks confidence and is prone to talk in a‬
‭long-winded manner.‬

‭ nswer: Chubukov was thinking that Lomov had come to borrow money‬
A
‭from him but when he told him that he had come to propose to his‬
‭daughter he was overjoyed and even shed a tear. He kissed and embraced‬
‭Lomov. He told Lomov that he was hoping it for a long time. He also told‬
‭Lomov that he loved him as his own son.‬
I‭ n fact, Chubukov, secretly wished Lomov to marry his dither as he knew‬

‭that Lomov was a rich and prosperous farmer and his only daughter could‬
‭lead a comfortable life with him. No wonder, he was overjoyed to know‬
‭that Lomov was there to propose to his daughter.‬
‭ nswer: ‘The Proposal’ is certainly a humorous play. The very entry of‬
A
‭Lomov in a formal dress and the way Chubukov greets calling him‬
‭‘darling’, ‘my treasure’ or ‘my beauty’ make one laugh. Marriage proposal,‬
‭supposed to be romantic turns to be humorous as the way Natalya and‬
‭Lomov indulge in arguments over petty issues like ownership of Oxen‬
‭Meadows and superiority of dogs makes the play humorous. The critical‬
‭terms that the characters I use for each other like a scarecrow, turnip‬
‭ghost, blind hen, stuffed sausage, etc., force one to laugh. The hysterical‬
‭fit of Natalya when she comes to know about the proposal and the wailing‬
‭of father and daughter when they think Lomov is dead create immense‬
‭humour. Finally, the way Natalya puts her hand in Loom’s under continuous‬
‭arguments indicating acceptance of the proposal is really humorous. Thus‬
‭we see that the whole play is replete with humour, making it a humorous‬
‭play.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya was 25 years old and the daughter of Chubukov. She was‬
A
‭a good housekeeper, not bad to look at and educated; that was why Lomov‬
‭wanted to marry her. She could be a good wife to him.‬
‭ he secretly loved Lomov. She became hysterical when she came to know‬
S
‭that Lomov had come to propose to her. She asked her father to call him‬
‭back. To please Lomov she asked him to forgive her and agreed to his‬
‭ownership of the Oxen Meadows.‬
‭ he was greedy and short-sighted. She got the whole field of hay cut. She‬
S
‭was also very inquisitive and wanted to know why Lomov was dressed up‬
‭formally.‬
‭She was touchy and short-tempered and fell into contradiction and‬
‭argument on two occasions—once over the ownership of Oxen Meadows‬
‭and the second time over the superiority of her dog Squeezer. She is as‬
‭rigid as Lomov. She is not ready to give up even after getting ready to‬
‭marry him.‬
‭ nswer: The one-act play ‘The Proposal’ is full of the humorous element.‬
A
‭The characters in the play behave ridiculously. Lomov comes to propose‬
‭to Natalya. But he cannot talk in a straightforward manner. He beat about‬
‭the bush. He starts quarrelling with her over a piece of land. When he‬
‭comes back, he quarrels about the superiority of his dog. Chubukov is‬
‭also a humorous character. He knows that Lomov has come to ask for his‬
‭daughter’s hand in marriage. Even when he quarrels with him. We laugh at‬
‭the words used by them and their behaviour. The sudden marriage of‬
‭Lomov and Natalya creates laughter. Chubukov puts his daughter’s hand in‬
‭Lomov’s in a foolish manner. Lomov is a comic character. His complaints‬
‭about his poor health provoke laughter. Thus the play gives us a lot of‬
‭laughter.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is the heroine of the play ‘The Proposal’. She is‬
A
‭Her father calls her ‘a love-sick cat.’‬
‭ he is very quarrelsome. She quarrels with others over trifles. Lomov‬

S
‭comes to propose to her, but she starts quarrelling with him over the‬
‭ownership of a piece of land. Lomov leaves her house in a fit of anger.‬
‭When she comes to know that he had come to propose to her, she starts‬
‭weeping. She asks her father to bring him back. When Lomov comes back,‬
‭she tries to please him. But after some time, she starts quarrelling with‬
‭him on the question of dogs. Lomov faints and she again begins to wail‬
‭lest she should lose the opportunity for marriage. After some time, Lomov‬
‭regains consciousness. Her father does not want to lose this opportunity.‬
‭He at once puts Natalya’s hand in the hands of Lomov. He announces that‬
t‭ hey are engaged with each other. Natalya. become very happy. But she‬
‭again starts quarrelling with him. Thus Natalya is an interesting character.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov goes to his neighbour Chuhukov’s house to ask for the‬
A
‭hand of his daughter Natalya. When he talks to Natalya, he becomes‬
‭nervous. He is in a fix on how to make a marriage proposal. He talks in a‬
‭round-about manner. He beat about the bush. He makes mention of his‬
‭meadows which touch their birchwoods. At this, a quarrel ensues between‬
‭them over the ownership of the meadows. Both of them claim the‬
‭ownership and start rebuking each other. In the meantime, Chubukov‬
‭comes there. Instead of pacifying them, he also joins the quarrel. He‬
‭abuses Lomov which worsens the situation. Lomov is deeply upset. He‬
‭leaves Chubukov’s house and forgets about the marriage proposal.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is the hero of the One Act Play ‘The Proposal’. He is a‬
A
‭land-owner. He is a funny character He is a young man of thirty-five years.‬
‭He becomes nervous very soon. He loses his temper whenever he is‬
‭upset. He looks very funny when he complains about his ill-health. He is‬
‭short-tempered. He quarrels with Natalya over the ownership of a piece of‬
‭land. He also quarrels with her over the superiority of his dog. He loses‬
‭temper and starts abusing Chubukov. He loses control over himself and‬
‭faints in a fit of anger. Lomov is a funny and foolish character. We laugh at‬
‭his dress, manners and behaviour. Lomov is a bachelor even at the age of‬
‭thirty-five. He wants to marry Natalya not out of love but because he is‬
‭already a grown-up man. He has no sense of beauty. He wants to marry‬
‭Natalya only because she is a good house-keeper.‬
‭ nswer: The One Act play ‘The Proposal’ throws light on the lifestyle of‬
A
‭the landlords of Russia in the 19th century. The farm labourers worked on‬
‭their farms. So these landlords led a life of ease and comfort. In fact. they‬
‭led an idle life. They were full of vanity and pride. They quarrelled over‬
‭petty things. In the play, we see that Lomov and Natalya have a dispute‬
‭over a piece of land. They quarrel again over the qualities of their dogs.‬
‭Chubukov, Natalya’s father, instead of pacifying them, joins them. He and‬
‭ omov abuse each other. All of them behave in a very funny way. The play‬
L
‭also brings to light the social life of the landowners of the 19th century. An‬
‭unmarried grown-up daughter was considered a great burden by the‬
‭parents. Chubukov curses himself for being the father of Natalya. An aged‬
‭bachelor was also looked down upon in society. This theme has been‬
‭presented nicely through the characters of Lomov and Natalya.‬

1
‭ nswer: Lomov is a Russian landlord of thirty-five years old. He is a‬

A
‭neighbour of another rich landlord Chubukov. He is at a critical age when‬
‭he thinks he should get married. He wants to lead a peaceful and regular‬
‭married life. He sees in Chubukov’s daughter Natalya an ideal‬
‭life-companion. He thinks she is a good housekeeper, educated and not‬
‭bad looking. He comes to Chubukov’s house with a proposal of marriage.‬
‭Naturally, he is formally dressed in a fashionable jacket and white gloves.‬
‭In the beginning, Chubukov seems to be rather cold to his visit. He thinks‬
‭that Lomov has come to borrow money from him. However, his‬
‭indifference soon changes into warm enthusiasm. Lomov tells him the‬
‭real purpose of his visit. Chubukov is extremely happy to hear it. He tells‬
‭Lomov that he has been thinking for a long time for this marriage. He calls‬
‭Lomov a good neighbour and an ‘angel’. He is ready to give his consent to‬
‭their marriage.‬
1
‭ nswer: Natalya is a woman of twenty-five years. She is of marriageable‬

A
‭age and wants to get married at all cost. Chubukov calls her a love-sick‬
‭cat. Lomov visits her house and has come with a proposal of marriage.‬
‭She doesn’t know of it and comes to know of it only after Lomov goes out‬
‭in disgust. Before that Natalya and Lomov have a long quarrel over the‬
‭ownership of Oxen Meadows.‬
‭ omov claims the owner and is ready to show the necessary documents to‬
L
‭prove his claim. Natalya calls Lomov a strange man who wants to grab‬
‭their land. His act is unfriendly not like that of a good neighbour. Lomov‬
‭feels excited and insulted and goes out in disgust. We find a different‬
‭Natalya when she comes to know the real purpose of Lomov’s visit. She‬
‭cries loudly to bring Lomov back. She threatens to die if he is not brought‬
‭ ack. Lomov returns. But old habits die hard. Both Lomov and Natalya‬
b
‭forget the real issue of their marriage. The quarrel over the Meadows is‬
‭settled.‬
‭ ow they start fighting over their dogs Squeezer and Guess. Natalya calls‬
N
‭Lomov’s dog Guess and old and good for nothing. On the other hand,‬
‭Lomov calls her dog Squeezer far inferior to his dog Guess. This quarrel‬
‭continues till Lomov becomes unconscious. In the end, Chubukov loses no‬
‭opportunity and says “Be quick and get married.” Natalya embraces and‬
‭blesses Lomov and they are blessed by Chubukov. They start their married‬
‭life by picking up a fresh quarrel over Squeezer and Guess.‬

1
‭ nswer: Lomov is a Russian landlord of thirty-five years. He is a‬

A
‭neighbour of another rich landlord Chubukov. Lomov is highly impulsive,‬
‭irritating and quarrelsome. Physically, he is a wrack. He enjoys very poor‬
‭health. He suffers from palpitations, hyper-tensions and heart problems.‬
‭He is easily excited and irritated. Lomov realises that he has reached an‬
‭age when he needs a peaceful and regular life. In Chubukov’s daughter‬
‭Natalya he sees an ideal life-partner. She is a good house-keeper,‬
‭educated and not bad looking. So, he visits Chubukov’s house with a‬
‭proposal of marriage.‬
‭ omov is confused. He can’t talk like a calm and composed man. He‬
L
‭forgets the main issue and the purpose of his visit. He indulges in‬
‭unnecessary details and quarrels over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.‬
‭He does not know how to solve and deal with controversies. He picks up a‬
‭new quarrel over the dogs. He unsuccessfully tries to prove that his dog‬
‭Guess is far superior to Natalya’s dog Squeezer.‬
‭ omov appears in a formal dress. He seems to be fashionable,‬

L
‭well-dressed and presentable. He is a gentleman and acknowledges the‬
‭help received from his neighbour Chubukov. He is self-respecting and is‬
‭ready to give Oxen Meadows to Natalya as a present. Last but not least,‬
‭his desire for many Natalya is practical and genuine.‬
1
‭120 words.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is the daughter of a rich Russian landlord Chubukov. She‬

A
‭is twenty-five years old. She knows that she must marry and not lose a‬
‭suitable match for her. She doesn’t want to miss any opportunity to many‬
‭of her neighbour and landlord Lomov. Natalya is a good housekeeper,‬
‭educated and not bad looking. Even Lomov acknowledges her skills and‬
‭suitability as his life-partner. He himself comes to her house with a‬
I‭ n spite of having many good qualities which helps her to be an ideal wife,‬
‭Natalya has certain weaknesses in her character. She is quarrelsome like‬
‭her father. She doesn’t seem to be practical and prudent. She is ‘a‬
‭love-sick cat’. She is dying too many Lomov. However, she forgets the‬
‭main issue but indulges in unnecessary quarrels over the ownership of‬
‭Oxen Meadows. She irritates Lomov by proving the superiority of her dog‬
‭Squeezer over his dog Guess. However, she grabs the opportunity in the‬
‭end. As directed by Chubukov, she embraces, blesses and gets married to‬
‭Lomov at once. But old habits die hard. She starts her married life with a‬
‭fresh quarrel.‬

1
‭ nswer: Chubukov represents a typical rich landlord of 19th century‬

A
‭Russia. He seems to be fairly rich and resourceful. Even his neighbour‬
‭Lornov acknowledges the frequent help rendered to him by Chubukov. He‬
‭lands his threshing machine to Lomov. On account of this help, he has to‬
‭put off their own threshing till November. Chubukov is quite practical. He‬
‭knows that Lomov can be a good match for his daughter Natalya. So, he at‬
‭once gives his assent to Lomov’s proposal of marrying her. Actually, he‬
‭has been waiting for such a proposal for a long time. Chubukov is a‬
‭landlord and can’t resist his hunger for land. He opposes the claim of‬
‭Lomov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. He even threatens to send‬
‭his mowers out to the Meadows.‬
‭ hubukov can be quite quarrelsome, abusing and insulting. He always‬

C
‭sides with his daughter. He picks up a quarrel on Oxen Meadows. He calls‬
‭ omov “a land grabber” and “villain”. He abuses his grandfather of being a‬
L
‭“drunkard” and his father a ‘gambler’. He jumps into the quarrel and adds‬
‭only fuel to the fire. However, Chubukov is a great opportunity. He grabs‬
‭the opportunity the moment Lomov comes into the senses. He makes‬
‭Natalya kiss and embrace Lomov and gets them married.‬
‭ nswer: Anton Chekov has aptly and logically titled his one-act-play ‘The‬
A
‭Proposal’. The title justifies the theme and the subject of the play. The‬
‭whole story revolves around Lomov’s marriage proposal to Chubukov’s‬
‭daughter Natalya. The play ends with Chubukov asking Natalya to hurry up‬
‭and get married immediately. Natalya seals the proposal by kissing and‬
‭embracing Lomov. Chubukov willingly and happily blesses the couple.‬
‭ he play begins with the visit of Lomov to Chubukov’s house. The moment‬
T
‭Chubukov comes to know that Lomov has come with a proposal of‬
‭marriage, he becomes extremely happy. Lomov is genuinely interested in‬
‭marrying Natalya. He thinks that she is a good housekeeper, educated and‬
‭not bad looking. He sees in Natalya an ideal wife who can help him in‬
‭leading a peaceful and regular life. Natalya herself being a love-sick cat‬
‭sees in Lomov a suitable life-partner for her. The Moment she comes to‬
‭know that Lomov has come with a marriage proposal, she blames her‬
‭father for not telling it before. She threatens to die if Lomov is not brought‬
‭back immediately.‬
‭ o doubt, there are quarrels and disputes over the ownership of Oxen‬
N
‭Meadows and on the superiority of their dogs. I Abuses and insults are‬
‭freely traded. But this farce can’t hide the real intention of the main‬
‭characters. The play ends with Natalya kissing and embracing Lomov and‬
‭Chbukov blessing the newly married couple.‬
2
‭ nswer: The ownership of Oxen Meadows is claimed by both the families,‬

A
‭the Lomov and the Chubukovs. It becomes a bone of contention between‬
‭them. Lomov claims that his Oxen Meadows touch the Birdwood of‬
‭Chubukov. Natalya contests the claim. She claims that they belong to‬
t‭ hem. Lomov explains that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of the‬
‭Meadows to the peasants of the Chubukovs. In return, they were to make‬
‭bricks for the Lomovs. Natalya claims that their land expands to Burnt‬
‭Marsh. Hence, Oxen Meadows belong to them. They have had the land for‬
‭300 years.‬
‭ omov is ready to present the necessary documents to prove his‬

L
‭ownership over the Meadows. Natalya threatens to send her mowers to‬
‭the Meadows. Chubukov comes in and jumps into the quarrel. He sides‬
‭with his daughter. Lomov threatens to go to court. There is a free‬
‭exchange of abuses and insults. Chubukov calls Lomov’s grandfather a‬
‭drunkard. Lomov calls Chubukov’s mother hump-backed. Natalya calls‬
‭Chubukov’s mother hump-backed. Natalya calls Lomov dishonest, rascal‬
‭and mean. Chubukov calls Lomov a villain and a scarecrow. The dispute‬
‭ends, when Natalya comes to know about the marriage proposal. She‬
‭surrenders her claim and accepts that the Meadows belong to Lomov.‬

2
‭ nswer: Natalya and Lomov are mature persons who can be childish and‬
A
‭ridiculous on occasions. They easily forget the main issue—the proposal‬
‭of marriage. No doubt, Natalya is a love-sick cat and is dying to marry‬
‭Lomov. Even Lomov considers Natalya a good housekeeper. Such a good‬
‭looking and educated woman can be an ideal wife for him.‬
‭ ut both of them fail to come to the main issue. After the dispute over the‬
B
‭ownership of Oxen Meadows is resolved, they pick up a fresh quarrel over‬
‭their dogs. Their behaviour is childish and unwanted considering their‬
‭mature age. Their dogs Squeezer and Guess become the symbols of their‬
‭vanity and false pride. Natalya calls her Squeezer a thoroughbred animal‬
‭of a noble breed. Chubukov jumps into the quarrel. He calls Squeezer the‬
‭best dog in the district. He calls Lomov’s dog Guess old and short in the‬
‭muzzle. It is free for all. Abuses and insults are exchanged. Lomov calls‬
‭Chubukov an “intriguer”, “old rat” and “Jesuit”. Chubukov calls Lomov‬
‭“Boy! Pup!” and “milksop! Fool!”. The quarrel ends only when Lomov lies‬
‭down unconscious in an armchair.‬
2
‭ nswer: Anton Chekov’s play The Proposal’ presents a farcical situation‬

A
‭when Lomov falls down unconscious in an armchair. Before that, there has‬
‭been a free for all. Insults and abuses were freely hurled. The dispute over‬
‭Oxen Meadows was settled but the quarrel over the dogs took an‬
‭unpleasant turn. Lomov is called “Boy! Pup!”, Milksop” and “Fool”. He heat‬
‭and excitement and falls down unconscious: He is thought to be almost‬
‭dead.‬
‭ oth Natalya and Chubukov feel that things are going out of their hands.‬
B
‭They feel helpless. Chubukov feels like shooting himself or cutting his‬
‭own throat. Natalya is dying for marriage. The moment Lomov comes to‬
‭senses, everyone feels relieved. Chubukov can’t afford to miss the‬
‭opportunity. He tells Natalya to “hurry up and get married!” She too acts at‬
‭once. She embraces and kisses Lomov and gives her willing to marry him.‬
‭Only one thing is left for Chubukov. He blesses the newly married couple‬
‭and opens a bottle of champagne. They say old habits die hard. The new‬
‭couple starts their married life with a fresh quarrel. It is over their dogs‬
‭Squeezer and Guesses again.‬
R
‭follow:‬
Q

a
‭before me”?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov is saying this line.‬
‭b. The speaker is talking about real love and marriage.‬
‭c. His mind reflects that this way he would never get married because it is‬
‭difficult to get an ideal or real love.‬
‭d. Lomov did not want to wait for real love because he was anxious to get‬
‭married.‬
Q
‭for him.‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. He refers to ‘Guess’, the dog.‬
‭b. Squeezer belongs to Chubukov.‬
‭c. Lomov is the speaker of these lines.‬
‭d. The handsome price to pay for Squeezer would be twenty-five roubles.‬
Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The speaker is giving his blessing to Lomov and Natalya.‬
‭b. He is giving his blessings because both are willing to marry each other‬
‭and Chubukov agrees to it.‬
‭c. Chubukov is giving his blessing.‬
‭d. She is willing for her marriage with Lomov.‬
Q
‭to know.‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Last year, the speaker lent their threshing-machine.‬
‭b. After that, they had to put off their own threshing till November.‬
‭c. They lent their threshing-machine to Lomov the previous year that‬
‭delayed their own threshing till November.‬
‭d. This was because they had lent it to Lomov, their neighbour.‬

Q
‭five dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand‬
‭unfairness.‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Lomov is making fun of Natalya.‬
‭b. They had the land for nearly three hundred years.‬
‭c. Natalya is the speaker of these lines.‬
‭d. The land that the speaker has had for nearly 300 years have been told‬
‭that it isn’t theirs.‬
Q
a
‭Answer: a. Natalya is the ‘madam’ in the above lines.‬
‭ . Natalya accuses Lomov of grabbing Oxen Meadows. So Lomov says‬

b
‭that he is not a landgrabber.‬
‭ . The speaker got infuriated with Natalya for having called him a‬
c
‭landgrabber.‬
‭ . He will not allow anybody to accuse him of having grabbed anyone’s‬

d
‭land.‬
Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Lomov is the speaker of these lines.‬
‭b. He is speaking to Natalya.‬
‭c. The ownership of Oxen Meadows was the subject of dispute.‬
‭d. The peasants worked for forty years for them, making bricks.‬
Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Natalya is speaking to Lomov.‬
‭b. She had helped her neighbour by lending the threshing-machine.‬
‭c. She lent her threshing-machine to her neighbour, Lomov.‬
‭d. They had to put off their own threshing till November.‬
Q
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Natalya is the speaker of the above lines.‬
‭b. Lomov had come to marry Natalya. Chubukov considered ‘Lomov’ as‬
‭‘Merchant’ and ‘Natalya’ as ‘his goods’.‬
‭c. The speaker is talking to Lomov.‬
‭d. Natalya’s father said that there was a merchant for his goods.‬
Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭b. They had a cordial relationship as they were neighbours.‬
‭c. The speaker is speaking to Natalya.‬
‭d. The peasants made bricks for the grandmother of Lomov’s aunt.‬
1
1
3
‭The Necklace Summary‬
‭The Necklace‬‭was written by Guy de Maupassant. He‬‭was a famous 19th-century‬
‭author popularly remembered for his short stories based on real-life situations. This‬
‭fictional short story is about a pretty lady, Matilda Loisel, who lives in a small yet cosy‬
‭flat with her husband. He worked as a clerk in the office of the Board of Education‬
‭and loved his wife very much. They were not so well-off to be able to have a‬
‭luxurious lifestyle. They led a simple life. Matilda was unhappy about her condition‬
‭and always desired to be rich. She often felt disappointed and brooded about her‬
‭financial condition for not having a huge mansion to live in and riches to splurge on.‬
‭She always desired to wear beautiful dresses with matching jewellery, but she had‬
‭none of it.‬
‭One fine day, Mme Loisel’s husband brought her an invitation to a grand ball party at‬
‭the Minister’s residence. He expected his wife to be excited upon seeing the‬
‭invitation letter. On the contrary, when his wife saw the invite, she expressed her‬
‭resentment over it and threw the letter aside and started sobbing over her condition.‬
‭When asked, she complained about not having a pretty dress to wear on such a‬
‭grand occasion. She wanted to look beautiful and well-groomed at the party such‬
‭that everyone should admire her. Feeling pity for Matilda, her loving husband gave‬
‭her all his savings of four hundred francs to buy a beautiful dress. He had saved that‬
‭amount to buy a rifle for himself but gave the money to his wife to buy her dress.‬
‭Soon, the week of the grand party approached. Matilda seemed to be anxious again.‬
‭This time she felt that she didn’t have any matching jewellery to pair with her lovely‬
‭dress. To this, her husband suggested she request her friend, Mme Jeanne‬
‭Forestier, for a neckpiece. Matilda went to Jeanne’s house immediately and‬
‭borrowed a sparkling diamond necklace.‬
‭Mme Loisel went to the ball party with her husband and was happy about her‬
‭appearance. She was elated that she was successful in garnering the attention of‬
‭the attendees at the reception. They enjoyed a gala time at the party. Soon, they‬
‭were ready to head back home in the wee hours of the morning. When they reached‬
‭home, Matilda realised that the necklace was missing around her neck. She and her‬
‭husband were panic-stricken that it might have fallen in the cab which they had‬
‭boarded while returning from the party. Her husband immediately went to search the‬
‭streets just in case it might have fallen there but to no avail.‬
‭Soon after, he approached the police and put up an advertisement in the‬

‭newspapers offering a reward, but all went in vain. With no option left, Matilda’s‬
‭husband asked her to write a letter to Mme Forestier and mention that the clasp had‬
‭broken and she would return it once repaired. In the meantime, they had‬
‭successfully found a replica of the necklace and decided to replace it with the old‬
‭one. However, the new necklace was very expensive and cost thirty-six thousand‬
‭francs. Matilda’s father-in-law had left eighteen thousand francs for his son. They‬
‭decided to borrow the rest of the money to buy the expensive necklace. They bought‬
‭the necklace with all the money they had and borrowed funds.‬
‭In the next few years, their condition worsened as their lives took a drastic turn due‬
‭to the huge loan. They moved to a smaller place to live in, and Matilda did all the‬
‭household chores by herself. Her husband worked odd hours in multiple jobs to‬
‭repay the loan. Ten years passed, and with that, their appearances also changed‬
‭due to the extreme workload. One day, Matilda met Mme Jeanne Forestier, who‬
‭couldn’t identify her as she looked weary and aged. Mme Loisel revealed the truth to‬
‭her friend about how she and her husband were left in ruins to repay the loan of the‬
‭expensive necklace. Hearing this, Mme Forestier was stunned and told her that the‬
‭necklace that she gave her for the ball party was a fake necklace that was worth not‬
‭more than five hundred francs.‬
‭The Necklace‬‭focuses that one should be content and satisfied with their belongings‬
‭and not crave expensive items that are not within their economic capabilities.‬
‭Extreme desire for lavish items leads to unhappiness and loss of peace of mind.‬
‭The Necklace - Important Questions‬

‭Question 1.‬‭What would Matilda often dream of?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda would often dream of all the delicacies,‬‭luxuries, elegant‬

‭dinners, marvellous dishes, rich silver, beautiful dresses, jewels, adoration‬
‭and a life of glory. She would escape into her dreams from the dullness of‬
‭her very humble existence.‬
‭Question 2.‬‭Why did Matilda throw the invitation spitefully?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda was simply displeased when her husband‬‭showed the‬

‭invitation. She felt humiliated and threw the invitation spitefully as she had‬
‭nothing beautiful enough to wear to such a grand gathering.‬
‭Question 3.‬‭Describe Mme Loisel’s success at the ball.‬

‭Or‬
‭Do you think M Loisel had an enjoyable evening at the ball? Give reasons‬
‭for your answer.‬‭[CBSE 2014]‬
‭Answer:‬‭Mme Loisel was the centre of attention at‬‭the ball. Her beauty, her‬
‭grace, her joy and the gorgeous smile captivated all. Men sought to be‬
‭presented to her. She danced happily at her conquest of all.‬
‭Question 4.‬‭What excuse did Loisels put up to explain‬‭the delay in returning‬

‭the necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Loisels had lost the necklace and needed time to find an identical‬
‭one. Thus, Loisels wrote a letter to Mme Forestier with an excuse that the‬
‭clasp of the necklace was broken and they needed time to get it repaired.‬
‭Question 5.‬‭How did Loisels manage to pay for the‬‭necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭The necklace cost Loisels thirty six thousand‬‭francs. Loisel had to‬
‭chip in his entire inheritance of eighteen thousand francs and the rest he‬
‭had to borrow from the usurers.‬
‭Question 6.‬‭How did Mme Loisel now know the life of‬‭necessity?‬‭[CBSE‬
‭2016]‬
‭Answer:‬‭To pay the debt of eighteen thousand francs,‬‭Loisels let go of their‬

‭decent living. They lived in impoverished neighbourhood. Matilda had to‬
‭cook, clean, wash, mend, bring water and bargain with the butcher and‬
‭grocer. Her husband worked day and night to save every sou.‬
‭Question 8.‬‭What do you think of M Loisel as a husband?‬‭Cite instances‬

‭from the text to support your answer.‬
‭Answer:‬‭M Loisel was a caring and supportive husband.‬‭Fie sacrificed his‬

‭wishes and the money he inherited from his father for his wife.‬
‭Question 9.‬‭Why was Matilda’s friend astonished to‬‭see her at the end of‬
‭the story?‬‭[CBSE 2012]‬
‭Answer:‬‭Jeanne, Matilda’s friend, could not recognise‬‭her as she seemed‬

‭an old and worn out poor woman. Matilda was no longer her former‬
‭beautiful and Joyous self.‬
‭Question 10.‬‭How did the Loisels react when they realised‬‭that the‬
‭necklace had been lost?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda Loisel became very sad when they realised‬‭that the‬
‭necklace had been lost. They were sure that the loss of necklace would‬
‭make their life hell because Mr Loisel was only a petty clerk and it was very‬
‭difficult for him to replace necklace of diamond.‬
‭Question 11.‬‭Why did Matilda not like to visit her‬‭rich friend?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda had inferiority complex. Whenever‬‭she visitedier rich friend‬

‭she felt dejected and disappointed because of her poverty. She used to‬
‭compare her lodgings to that of her friend’s. She did not have attractive‬
‭dress and jewellery to adorn herself with. That is why, she did not like to‬
‭visit her rich friend.‬
‭Question 12.‬‭Why is Matilda unhappy with her life?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda is unhappy with her life because she‬‭ceaselessly, felt‬

‭herself born for all delicacies and luxuries. The shabby walls, the worn‬
‭chairs in her house tortured and angered her.‬
‭Question 13.‬‭What had Matilda’s husband saved the‬‭money for? Why did he‬
‭then part with his savings?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda’s husband had saved a good amount of money to buy a‬

‭gun for him. But when his wife refused to attend the party without a new‬
‭dress, he had to give up buying the gun. He used the saved four hundred‬
‭francs to buy her costume.‬
‭Question 14.‬‭What was the cause of Matilda’s ruin?‬‭How could she have‬
‭avoided it?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda’s aspiration and unrealistic dreams‬‭were the cause of her‬
‭ruin. She paid due importance to materialistic things. She could have easily‬
‭avoided if she had remained within her means. She was not a practical lady‬
‭and had not understood her husband’s feelings.‬
‭Question 15.‬‭What did Mme Forestier tell Matilda about‬‭the reality of her‬
‭Necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭After having lost the borrowed necklace, Matilda‬‭replaced it with a‬

‭diamond necklace bought for thirty-six thousand francs. But Mme Forestier‬
‭told her that her necklace was false costing about 500 francs.‬
‭Question 16.‬‭What changes came into the life of Loisels‬‭after the necklace‬
‭was lost?‬
‭Answer:‬‭They had to shift to a cheaper room and dismiss‬‭the servant. She‬

‭did all the household works and shopping by herself. She fetched water,‬
‭washed the floor, utensils and dirty clothes by herself. Matilda’s husband‬
‭worked in the evening and late at night to pay back the debt.‬
‭Question 17.‬‭Why was Mme Forestier shocked to hear‬‭Matilda’s story?‬
‭Answer:‬‭One Sunday, while walking, Matilda happened to see Mme‬

‭Forestier. Matilda called her, but she could not recognise Matilda because‬
‭she looked much older than her age. Mme Forestier was shocked to know‬
‭that Matilda had suffered so much worrying about losing her necklace of‬
‭real diamonds, whereas it was false.‬
‭Question 18.‬‭What kind of a person is Mme Loisel? Why is she always‬
‭unhappy?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Mme. Loisel is a woman who lives in the world‬‭of dreams. She‬

‭gives much value to her dreams and hence overlooks the realities of life.‬
‭That is why she is always unhappy as dreams are a virtual reality and can’t‬
‭be true.‬
‭Question 19.‬‭What, was the cause of Matilda’s ruin?‬‭How could she have‬
‭avoided it?‬
‭Answer:‬‭The cause of Matilda’s ruin was her dissatisfaction‬‭with whatever‬

‭life offered her. She was always unhappy. She felt that she was born for all‬
‭the delicacies and luxuries of life. She disliked being in her current‬
‭circumstances. She could have avoided this ruin by bringing content with‬
‭whatever she had.‬
‭Question 1.‬‭Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend.‬‭Elucidate.‬

‭[CBSE2015]‬
‭Answer:‬‭Mme Forestier turns out to be an interesting character. She plays a‬

‭very vital role in the story. As a friend to Matilda, we find her to be really‬
‭genuine as she helps Matilda in the hour of her need. When Mme Loisel‬
‭needs to borrow jewels, she turns to Mme Forestier. Mme Forestier does‬
‭not refuse. Displaying her generosity, she opens up the entire array of her‬
‭jewels for Matilda to choose from. Also, she is considerate when Loisels‬
‭delay the return of the necklace. Surprisingly, at the end of the story, she‬
‭concludes the entire narrative.‬
‭Without even a moment’s hesitation, she reveals to Matilda that her‬

‭necklace was just a fake. She is not at all worried in the light of the fact that‬
‭she may have to return the necklace. It shows her honesty. Rather, she, like‬
‭a true friend, feels bad for Matilda at her unnecessary suffering. We find her‬
‭sympathising with Mme Loisel. She is indeed a gem of a friend.‬
‭Question 2.‬‭On inability to accept our circumstances‬‭may lead to an‬

‭unhappy life. Explain with reference to the story “The Necklace”.‬
‭Answer:‬‭We fail to recognise the situation in which‬‭we are placed but rather‬
‭keep on grumbling. We become frustrated and want our life to be different.‬
‭We should accept the life as it comes to us and should not keep on cribbing‬
‭about unhappy circumstances. As we read the story The Necklace’ we find‬
‭that Matilda is not at all happy with her husband. She had wished her life to‬
‭be luxurious. It is this frustration of hers which puts her in a fix and spoils‬
‭rest of her life. She does not work for solution but rather complicates the‬
‭situation for her.‬
‭Question 3.‬‭‘Love is blind’ is a phrase that was justified by Monsieur Loisel‬

‭in the lesson ‘The Necklace’. Substantiate the answer from the story you‬
‭have read in about 100 – 120 words.‬
‭Answer:‬‭Monsieur Loisel’s acceptance and contentment‬‭differ considerably‬

‭from Matilda’s emotional outbursts and constant dissatisfaction, and‬
‭though he never fully understands his wife, he does his best to please her.‬
‭When Monsieur Loisel tries to appease Matilda, he does it so blindly,‬
‭wanting only to make her happy. When she declares that she cannot attend‬
‭the party because she has nothing to wear, he gives her money to purchase‬
‭a dress. When she complains that she has no proper jewellery, he urges her‬
‭to visit Madame Forestier to borrow some.‬
‭Monsieur Loisel’s eagerness and willingness to please Matilda becomes‬

‭his downfall when she loses the necklace. He is the one who devises a plan‬
‭for purchasing a replacement necklace and orchestrates the loans and‬
‭mortgages that help them pay for it. Although the decision costs him ten‬
‭years of hard work, he does not complain or imagine an alternate fate. It is‬
‭as if his desires do not even exist or, at the very least, his desires are‬
‭meaningless if they stand in the way of Matilda’s.‬
‭Question 5.‬‭What changes came in the lifestyle of‬‭Matilda after she had‬
‭lost the necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭To return the borrowed money Mr and Mrs Loisel‬‭suffered for ten‬
‭long years. First, they sent away the maid servant. Then they changed their‬
‭lodging and rented some rooms. Now Matilda learnt heavy cares of‬
‭household life, she had to do the difficult chores of her kitchen. She had to‬
‭wash dishes, greasy pots and stew pans. She had to use her rosy nails to‬
‭wash the greasy pots and the bottoms of the stew pans.‬
‭She had to wash dirty clothes and to hang them on the line to dry. Then‬
‭each morning she had to take down the refuse to the street. She also had‬
‭to bring up the water for daily use. She had to stop at each landing to catch‬
‭her breath. She did not have much money so she haggled with the‬
‭shopkeepers to get reduction in prices.‬
‭Once she was very beautiful and used to wear beautiful dresses. Now she‬
‭seemed old. Now she looked like a common household woman. She had‬
‭badly dressed hair and dirty dresses. Her hands were red and she spoke in‬
‭a loud tone. She washed the floors with large pails of water.‬
‭Question 6.‬‭Matilda would not have suffered much if‬‭she had confessed‬
‭the loss of necklace. Do you think our mistakes become more serious if we‬
‭try to cover them?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Yes, a small mistake makes our life miserable‬‭and dark. People‬

‭who are open-minded and speak the truth stay much happier. A little‬
‭mistake made by Matilda changed her life completely. If Matilda had‬
‭confessed that she had lost Madam Forestier’s necklace, her life would‬
‭have been different.‬
‭Confession could have brought peace of mind. Matilda would have at once‬
‭come to know that necklace is not a real but it is an imitation. Hard work‬
‭which Matilda put into repay the borrowed necklace could have been saved.‬
‭We all get a very important message that we should not delay in admitting‬
‭our mistake.‬
‭Question 7.‬‭Our inability to accept our limitations may lead to an unhappy‬

‭life. Analyze with reference to the story ‘The Necklace’.‬
‭Question 8.‬‭The course of the Loisels’ life changed‬‭due to the necklace.‬

‭Comment.‬
‭Answer:‬‭The course of the Loisel’s life changed due‬‭to the necklace. After‬
‭replacing the lost necklace with a new one, they had to repay all the money‬
‭that they had borrowed to buy the new necklace. They sent away the maid‬
‭and changed their lodgings. They rented some rooms in an attic. Matilda‬
‭learnt the odd work of the kitchen. She washed the dishes, soiled linen,‬
‭their clothes and dishcloths.‬
‭She even took down the refuse to the street each morning and brought up‬
‭the water, stopping at each landing to catch her breath. She went to the‬
‭grocer’s, the butcher’s, and the fruitier’s, with a basket on her arm, shopping,‬
‭haggling to save her money. Loisel worked in the evenings, putting the‬
‭books of some merchants in order. At night, he did copy work at five sous a‬
‭page. This lasted for ten years, and at the end of the said period, they were‬
‭finally able to repay their lenders.‬
‭Question 9.‬‭What would have happened to Matilda if she had confessed to‬
‭her friend that she had lost her necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭If Matilda would have confessed to her friend‬‭she had lost her‬
‭necklace, she might have been in lesser trouble than what she had to face‬
‭after having replaced the necklace. Her friend would have definitely been‬
‭angry with her. Most likely, she would also have asked Matilda to replace it‬
‭and given her the details from where she had bought the necklace and how‬
‭much it had cost her. Matilda would have thus known that the jewels in the‬
‭necklace were actually not real diamonds. It would have cost her a far‬
‭lesser amount to replace it. Matilda would thus have saved herself and her‬
‭husband of all the trouble they went through and life would have been‬
‭much better and easier for them.‬
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭ he sermon at Benares, the tale of Custard the dragon‬
T
‭ uestion 1: ‘Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears’. Identify two‬

Q
‭poetic devices used in the above line.‬
‭Question 2: Why did Belinda cry for help? Who came to her help?‬
‭Question 3: How did Belinda’s pets, other than Custard, face the pirate?‬
‭Question 4: How did each of Belinda’s pets react at the sight of the pirate?‬
‭ uestion 5: Give a brief description of the pirate in the poem, ‘The Tale of‬
Q
‭Custard the Dragon’.‬
‭Question 6: Who all lived in a white house with Belinda?‬
‭Question 7: Why did everyone make fun of the dragon?‬
‭ uestion 8: How did they say their admiration for the dragon after the‬
Q
‭death of the pirate?‬
‭Question 9: What did they say about their bravery after the pirate’s death?‬
‭ uestion 10: Who among them was actually brave? How did he show his‬
Q
‭bravery?‬
‭Question 11: How is ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ a ballad?‬
‭Question 12: What were the pet names of Belinda’s animals?‬
‭ uestion 13: How does the poet describe Belinda and her animals’‬
Q
‭bravery? How was Custard different from them?‬
‭Question 14: How did the animals make fun of the dragon?‬
‭ uestion 15: Belinda and the other animals have been described as brave.‬
Q
‭But on seeing the pirate, they behaved in a cowardly way. How did they‬
‭react?‬
‭Question 16: How did Custard prove to be brave when the pirate came?‬
‭Question 17: How did the pirate react when the dragon attacked him?‬
‭Question 18: Where did Belinda live? Which animals lived with her?‬
‭Long Questions and Answers‬
‭ uestion 1: Why do you think Custard, the dragon was called a coward?‬
Q
‭How was Custard able to save all his housemates from the pirate? What‬
‭values should Belinda have possessed, so that Custard too could have‬
‭been among her favourites?‬
‭Question 2: Describe the fight between the dragon and the pirate.‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1: Belinda lived in a little white house,‬

Q
‭With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse,‬
‭And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,‬
‭And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.‬
‭ . Where did Belinda live?‬

a
‭b. What was the colour of the kitten?‬
‭c. Apart from the kitten, which other animals were living with her?‬
‭d. What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?‬
‭ uestion 2: Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,‬
Q
‭And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,‬
‭ nd the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,‬
A
‭But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.‬
‭ . What was the name of the kitten?‬

a
‭b. What name did she give to the mouse?‬
‭c. Why was the dragon named as ‘Custard’?‬
‭d. What was the name of the dog?‬
‭ uestion 3: Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,‬

Q
‭And spikes on top of him and scales underneath,‬
‭Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,‬
‭And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.‬
‭ . What was on top of the dragon’s body?‬

a
‭b. How does the poet describe the dragon’s mouth and nose?‬
‭c. What did the dragon have on his toes?‬
‭d. What sort of teeth did he have?‬
‭ uestion 4: Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,‬

Q
‭And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,‬
‭Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,‬
‭But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.‬
‭ . How is Belinda described in the stanza?‬

a
‭b. How did Ink and Blink show their strength?‬
‭c. How did Mustard show his bravery?‬
‭d. What did Custard cry for?‬
‭ uestion 5: Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,‬

Q
‭Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival,‬
‭They all sat laughing in the little red wagon‬
‭At the radio, truly, cowardly dragon.‬
‭ . Whom did Belinda tickle?‬

a
‭b. Who was called Percival by Ink, Blink and Mustard?‬
‭c. How did the animals make fun of the dragon?‬
‭d. What was the colour of the wagon?‬
‭ uestion 6: Belinda giggled till she shook the house,‬

Q
‭And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a mouse,‬
I‭ nk and Mustard rudely asked his age,‬
‭When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.‬
‭ . How long did Belinda laugh?‬

a
‭b. Which kind of giggling sound does a mouse produce?‬
‭c. How did Ink and Mustard ask the mouse his age?‬
‭ uestion 7: Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,‬

Q
‭And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.‬
‭Meowch! cried Ink, and ooh! cried Belinda,‬
‭For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda.‬
‭ . What did they suddenly hear?‬

a
‭b. What did Mustard do?‬
‭c. What did they see in the window?‬
‭d. Whose nasty sound was it?‬
‭ uestion 8: Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right,‬

Q
‭And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright,‬
‭His beard was black, one leg was wood;‬
‭It was clear that the pirate meant no good.‬
‭ . What did the pirate have in his hands?‬

a
‭b. What was in his teeth?‬
‭c. How does the poet describe his beard and leg?‬
‭d. Did the pirate come for something good?‬
‭ uestion 9: Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!‬

Q
‭But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,‬
‭Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,‬
‭And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.‬
‭ . Why did Belinda get pale?‬

a
‭b. What did Belinda cry for?‬
‭c. What did Mustard do?‬
‭d. What did Blink do on seeing the pirate?‬
‭ uestion 10: But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,‬

Q
‭Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,‬
‭ ith a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,‬
W
‭He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.‬
‭ . Upon whom did Custard jump?‬

a
‭b. How did he clash his tail?‬
‭c. What did he look like when he clashed with the pirate?‬
‭d. How did custard snort?‬
‭ uestion 11: The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,‬

Q
‭And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,‬
‭He fired two bullets, but they didn’t hit,‬
‭And Custard gobbled him, every bit.‬
‭ . What did the pirate gulp?‬

a
‭b. How did the pirate attack Custard?‬
‭c. What did the dragon do to the pirate?‬
‭d. Whose dragon was it?‬
‭ uestion 12: Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him,‬

Q
‭No one mourned for his pirate victim.‬
‭Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate‬
‭Around the dragon that ate the pirate.‬
‭ . Whom did Belinda embrace?‬

a
‭c. Who gyrated round Custard?‬
‭d. What did no one mourn for?‬
‭ uestion 13: But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,‬

Q
‭I’d have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been flustered.‬
‭And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink,‬
‭We’d have been three times as brave, we think,‬
‭And Custard said, I quite agree.‬
‭That everyone is braver than me.‬
‭ . What did Mustard say after the event?‬

a
‭b. What did Ink and Blink speak about the situation?‬
‭c. What was Custard’s reaction?‬
‭d. Was Custard brave?‬
‭ . Bilinda was a sweet little girl who lived in her sweet little white house.‬
1
‭Who else lived with her in that house?‬
‭2. Describe the pirate.‬
‭3. Give a brief description of Belinda’s pets.‬
‭4. Why was pirate surprised?‬
‭5. How did everyone praise the dragon?‬
‭ . Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called‬
1
‭‘cowardly dragon’? How did he prove everyone wrong?‬
‭2. What is the theme of the poem, ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’?‬
‭ rade 10‬
G
T
‭Answer Key‬

Q
‭ nswer: (i) As brave as a barrel – Simile‬

A
‭(ii) Brave as a barrel full of bears – Alliteration‬
‭ nswer: Belinda cried for help because she was afraid of the pirate. The‬
A
‭custard came to her help.‬
‭ nswer: All the animals other than the dragon used to boast about their‬
A
‭bravery and made the fun of the dragon. But when the pirate entered the‬
‭house, all got scared and ran away and disappeared except Custard, the‬
‭dragon.‬
‭ nswer: Each of Belinda’s pets ran away and hid. They were scared at the‬
A
‭sight of the pirate.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The pirate entered from the window. He had pistols in his left and‬
A
‭right hand. He held a bright cutlass in his teeth. His beard was black and‬
‭one leg was wood.‬
‭ nswer: Belinda lived in a white house with Ink – a black kitten, Blink – a‬
A
‭grey mouse, Mustard – a yellow dog, Custard – a dragon and a red wagon.‬
‭ nswer: Everyone in the house used to laugh at the dragon because he‬
A
‭always cried for a safe cage, whereas others used to boast about their‬
‭bravery.‬
Q
‭ nswer: They became very happy. Belinda embraced him. Mustard licked‬
A
‭him. Ink and‬
‭Blink jumped round surrounding him. They expressed their joy in this way.‬
‭No one‬
‭mourned for the pirate.‬
‭ nswer: Mustard said that he would have been twice as brave if he had not‬
A
‭got nervous. Ink and Blink said that they had been three times as brave as‬
‭he. But Custard said that he agreed with them. He said that they were‬
‭braver than him.‬
Q
‭bravery?‬
‭ nswer: Custard, the dragon, was the only one who was actually brave.‬
A
‭The others were all cowards. They disappeared when they saw the pirate.‬
‭But the dragon-faced him bravely and swallowed him up.‬
‭ nswer: A ballad is a poem that tells a story. The theme of a ballad is an‬
A
‭adventure, bravery, romance, etc. Then it is highly musical due to its‬
r‭ hyme scheme. This poem has these qualities. But it is a parody of a‬
‭ballad. The poet shows these qualities in a humorous way.‬
‭ nswer: The little black kitten was called Ink. She gave the name Blink to‬
A
‭the little grey mouse. The little yellow dog’s pet name was Mustard. The‬
‭dragon was given the pet name Custard.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The poet says that Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.‬
A
‭Ink and Blink followed lions down the stairs. Mustard was as brave as a‬
‭tiger in a rage. But Custard was a coward. He kept crying for a nice safe‬
‭cage.‬
‭ nswer: They laughed at the dragon. Belinda teased the dragon. She‬
A
‭tickled him very hard. Ink, Blink and Mustard called him Percival. They sat‬
‭in the red wagon and laughed at the cowardly dragon.‬
Q
‭react?‬
‭ nswer: Belinda turned pale with fear. She cried for help. Mustard ran‬
A
‭barking fearfully. Ink went to the bottom of the house. The little mouse ran‬
‭into his hole in no time.‬
‭ nswer: Custard, the dragon, jumped and snorted like an engine. He‬
A
‭struck the pirate with his tail like iron. There were different sounds of‬
‭clatter, clank and jangle. He attacked the pirate as a robin attacks a worm.‬
‭ nswer: The pirate looked at the dragon with an open-mouth. He‬
A
‭swallowed some liquor from his pocket flagon. He fired two bullets. But‬
‭they did not hit the dragon. The dragon attacked him and swallowed him.‬
‭ nswer: Belinda lived in a little white house. Some animals also lived with‬
A
‭her. They were: a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, a little yellow dog‬
‭and little pet dragon.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always cried for a safe‬

A
‭cage, so he was called a cowardly dragon. Later, when the pirate entered‬
‭the house with pistols in his left and right hand, everyone was scared and‬
‭ran away and disappeared, except Custard who faced him boldly and‬
‭attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every bit of‬
‭him. Belinda should have been nice to him. She should have made him‬
‭feel comfortable and safe in the house, instead of laughing and making‬
‭fun of him with other pets. Belinda should have been protective towards‬
‭him.‬
‭ nswer: The dragon had big sharp teeth, and spikes on top of him and‬
A
‭scales underneath, but everyone laughed at him as he always cried for a‬
‭safe cage, whereas everyone boasted about their bravery. But when the‬
‭pirate entered, all were scared and ran away, except Custard who faced‬
‭him boldly, attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled‬
‭every bit of him. All of them later felt obliged to Custard for saving their‬
‭lives.‬

R
‭follow:‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda lived in a little white house.‬
‭b. The kitten was of black colour.‬
‭c. The other animals were: a mouse, a dog and a dragon.‬
‭d. The rhyme scheme of this stanza is ‘aabb‘.‬
Q
‭And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The name of the kitten was Ink.‬
‭b. She gave the name Blink to the mouse.‬
‭c. The dragon was named as ‘Custard’ because he was a coward.‬
‭d. The name of the dog was Mustard.‬

Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The dragon had spikes on top of his body.‬
‭b. The poet describes his mouth like a fireplace and nose like a chimney.‬
‭c. The dragon had daggers on his toes.‬
‭d. He had big sharp teeth.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.‬
‭b. Ink and Blink showed their strength by chasing lions down the stairs.‬
‭c. Mustard showed his bravery in anger.‬
‭d. Custard cried for a nice safe cage.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda tickled the dragon.‬
‭b. The dragon was called Percival by Ink, Blink and Mustard.‬
‭ . All the animals laughed at him sitting in a little red wagon.‬
c
‭d. The wagon was of red in colour.‬

Q
‭Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda laughed till she shook the house.‬
‭b. The giggling sound that the mouse produces is ‘weeck’.‬
‭c. They asked his age rudely.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. They suddenly heard a nasty sound.‬
‭b. Mustard growled.‬
‭c. They saw a pirate in the window.‬
‭d. It was the pirate’s nasty sound.‬

Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. He had pistols in his hands.‬
‭b. He had a sword in his teeth.‬
‭c. His beard was black and his leg was of wooden.‬
‭d. No, he did not come for something good.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda got paled to see the pirate.‬
‭b. Belinda cried for help.‬
‭c. Mustard ran with a fearful bark.‬
‭d. Blink ran into his mouse-hole.‬

Q
‭With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Custard jumped upon pirate.‬
‭b. He clashed his tail with clattering, clanking and jangling sounds.‬
‭ . He looked like a robin falling on a worm.‬
c
‭d. He snorted like an engine.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The pirate gulped grog from his flagon.‬
‭b. He fired two bullets but they did not hit.‬
‭c. Custard, the dragon, swallowed the pirate fully.‬
‭d. It was Belinda’s dragon.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda embraced Custard.‬
‭b. Mustard licked Custard.‬
‭c. Ink and Blink gyrated round Custard.‬
‭d. No one mourned for the death of the pirate.‬

Q
‭ nd Custard said, I quite agree.‬
A

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Mustard said that he would have been twice brave if he had not become‬
‭nervous.‬
‭b. They said that they had been three times as brave.‬
‭c. Custard agreed that everyone was braver than him.‬
‭d. No, Custard was not brave.‬
1
1
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭The Trees‬
‭Short Questions and Answers‬
‭Question 1: What is the central idea of the poem, ‘The Trees’?‬
‭ uestion 2: Where are the trees at present? What do their roots,‬

Q
‭and leaves do?‬
‭ uestion 3: Why is the description of the moon different in the‬

Q
‭beginning and at the end of the third stanza?‬
‭ uestion 4: Justify the revolt of the trees and state two values‬
Q
‭which the man should possess to stop the revolt.‬
‭ uestion 5: How does the poet describe the night? How does‬
Q
‭she feel?‬
‭Question 6: What is the theme of the poem, ‘The Trees’?‬
‭ uestion 7: Why are the trees described in the first stanza not‬
Q
‭useful for birds or insects?‬
‭ uestion 8: What happens to the roots and leaves of these trees‬

Q
‭at night?‬
‭ uestion 9: How does the poet describe the growth of the trees‬
Q
‭inside the house?‬
‭ uestion 10: Why does the poet use the metaphor of newly‬
Q
‭discharged patients?‬

‭ uestion 1: ‘Departure is painful’. So is the departure of the trees‬
Q
‭for the poet. What will happen after their departure?‬
‭ uestion 2: How does the poem ‘The Trees’ make a strong plea‬
Q
‭against deforestation?‬
‭ uestion 3: Explain the phrase “the forest that was empty all‬
Q
‭these days”. After reading the poem, for whom do you think are‬
‭the forests needed? Imagine yourself like a tree in a forest.‬
‭The Trees Extract Based Questions‬
‭ ead the following extracts carefully and answer the questions‬

R
‭that follow:‬
‭ uestion 1: The trees inside are moving out into the forest,‬
Q
‭the forest that was empty all these days‬
‭where no bird could sit‬
‭no insect hide‬
‭no sun bury its feet in shadow‬
‭the forest that was empty all these nights‬
‭will be full of trees by morning.‬
‭ . From where are the trees moving out into the forest?‬
a
‭b. Why can’t birds sit or insects hide in them?‬
‭c. How was the forest ‘all these nights’?‬
‭d. Are these trees useful for birds and insects?‬
‭ uestion 2: All night the roots work‬

Q
‭to disengage themselves from the cracks‬
‭in the veranda floor.‬
‭The leaves strain toward the glass‬
‭small twigs stiff with exertion‬
‭long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof‬
‭like newly discharged patients‬
‭half-dazed, moving‬
‭to the clinic doors.‬
‭ . What do the roots do all night?‬
a
‭b. How are the small twigs?‬
‭c. What are the boughs compared to?‬
‭d. What do the leaves do?‬
‭ uestion 3: I sit inside, doors open to the veranda‬

Q
‭writing long letters‬
‭in which I scarcely mention the departure‬
‭of the forest from the house.‬
‭The night is fresh, the whole moon shines‬
‭in a sky still open.‬
‭ . Where is the poet sitting?‬

a
‭b. What is the poet doing?‬
‭c. What does she not mention in her letters?‬
‭d. How does the poet describe the night and the moon?‬
‭ uestion 4: the smell of leaves and lichen‬

Q
‭still reaches like a voice into the rooms.‬
‭My head is full of whispers‬
‭which tomorrow will be silent.‬
‭ . Where is the poet sitting at present?‬

a
‭b. Which smell is reaching her?‬
‭c. What is her head full of?‬
‭d. What will be silent tomorrow?‬
‭ uestion 5: Listen. The glass is breaking.‬

Q
‭The trees are stumbling forward‬
‭into the night Winds rush to meet them.‬
‭The moon is broken like a mirror,‬
‭its pieces flash now in the crown‬
‭of the tallest oak.‬
‭ . What does the poet say about the trees?‬

a
‭b. What rushes out to meet the trees?‬
‭c. How does the poetess describe the moon?‬
‭d. Why does the wind rush?‬
‭ . Where do the trees go? Why?‬

1
‭2. Why is the forest empty?‬
‭3. What are the roots doing?‬
‭4. How do the trees look at night?‬
‭5. What was the poet’s reaction when the trees were moving out?‬
‭ . What message does the poet want to convey through the‬

1
‭poem, ‘The Trees’?‬
‭2. The basic theme of happiness for all living beings is freedom.‬
‭Explain with reference to the poem, ‘The Trees’‬
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭The Trees‬
‭Answer Key‬
‭The Trees Short Questions and Answers‬
‭ nswer: The central idea of the poem is the conflict between man‬
A
‭and nature. A plant is brought inside the house when it is a‬
‭sapling. But as it grows into a tree, it gets suffocated with the‬
‭limited space available. So it departs to feel free. The tree is thus,‬
‭moving out to occupy the now empty forest, made so by man’s‬
‭indiscriminate felling of trees. Humans must understand the‬
‭negative impact of their actions on nature and mend their ways‬
‭before it is too late.‬

Q
‭ nswer: At present, the trees are in the house. The roots try to‬
A
‭free themselves from the cracks of the veranda floor, and the‬
‭leaves make efforts to move towards the glass, perhaps in‬
‭search of light. The small branches become stiff as they try to‬
‭pull themselves towards the light.‬

Q
‭ nswer: At the beginning of the third stanza, the poet says that‬
A
‭one can see the whole moon shining in the open sky, but in the‬
‭end, the moon seems to be broken like a mirror and its pieces‬
‭shine in the crown of the tallest oak tree. The change is caused‬
‭by the shifting of the trees outside.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The trees inside the house get suffocated as they grow.‬
A
‭They try to free themselves from the cracks of the veranda floor‬
‭and the leaves stretch out as if to move towards the glass. They‬
‭are justified in their revolt. Men should learn the importance of‬
‭trees.‬
Q
‭she feel?‬
‭ nswer: It is night time. The night is fresh. In the open sky, the‬
A
‭full moon is shining. The poet feels the smell of leaves and lichen‬
‭reaching inside the room. Her head is full of whispers. But she‬
‭thinks that the next day these whispers will be silent.‬
‭ nswer: The theme of the poem is the disappearance of trees.‬

A
‭This poem also brings out the idea of conflict between man and‬
‭nature. Man is doing more and more harm to nature. Nature is‬
‭getting angry. Man’s existence on this planet is in danger. Thus,‬
‭it becomes the foremost duty of every citizen to work for the‬
‭protection of the environment.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The trees described in the first stanza are either‬

A
‭decorative plants kept inside a house, or they are shown only in‬
‭a painting or picture. Therefore, they are not useful for birds or‬
‭insects. Birds cannot sit on their branches. Insects cannot hide‬
‭in them.‬

Q
‭at night?‬
‭ nswer: The roots of these trees are engaged into the cracks of‬
A
‭the veranda floor. At night, these roots try to free themselves‬
‭from the cracks. The leaves try to move towards the glass. Twigs‬
‭become harden and the boughs try to expand under the roof.‬
Q
‭ nswer: These trees grow in pots and pans. So their roots feel‬
A
‭cramped. These roots try to free themselves from the cracks of‬
‭the veranda floor. The leaves need light. So they move towards‬
‭the glass. The twigs are stiff and the boughs are like the newly‬
‭discharged patients coming out of clinic doors.‬
Q
‭ nswer: A patient feels depressed in a hospital. As soon as he‬

A
‭recovers, he is eager to leave the hospital. He rushes towards the‬
‭clinic doors. In the same way, the plants in the pots feel‬
‭suffocated. They are deprived of adequate light. So they stretch‬
‭themselves towards the glass door, in the hope of finding the‬
‭light.‬
‭The Trees Long Questions and Answers‬
‭ elow we have provided long type questions with answers for‬

B
‭The Trees Class 10 First Flight (Poem). Along with these‬
‭questions answers, it is highly recommended for students to‬
‭read‬‭NCERT Solutions‬‭to score good marks in the exams.‬

Q
‭ nswer: Just like the departure of someone close to us is‬

A
‭painful, so also is the departure of a tree. When they are planted‬
‭as a sapling, they look nice and enhance the beauty of our‬
‭surroundings. But as they grow and spread out their branches,‬
t‭ hey look wild and require more space for their growth. The roots‬
‭create cracks in the floor and the leaves stretch out as if to move‬
‭towards the glass, perhaps in need of sunlight. The soft twigs‬
‭become strong and stiff. So the trees need to be removed from‬
‭the house. No more do the leaves cover the sky, but the trees‬
‭breathe and they are welcomed by the wind. The moon‬
‭resembles a broken mirror, reflecting off the leaves. The poet‬
‭reveals that she will feel lonely after the trees’ departure.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The poem, ‘The Trees’ sends home a strong message‬

A
‭against deforestation. It highlights the importance of trees when‬
‭the poet says that without trees there will be no shadow, no‬
‭forest, no place for birds to sit, no place for insects to hide. As a‬
‭sapling, the plant adds to the beauty of the surroundings when it‬
‭spreads its branches, leaves and roots around. It gets the suit‬
‭house. Thus, in the poem, the trees are welcomed by the strong‬
‭winds and the moon. The poet does not want to mention the‬
‭departure of the forests as she feels guilty for merely looking‬
‭silently at them as they depart. This way, she subtly points out‬
‭the thanklessness of man towards forests.‬
Q
‭ nswer: In the poem, ‘The Trees’ poet Adrienne Rich subtly‬

A
‭drives home the message about the importance of trees. Without‬
‭trees, the birds would not have a place to sit, insects will have no‬
‭place to hide and the sun would not bury its feet in shadow. As‬
‭saplings, we enjoy the beauty of plants as they adorn the‬
‭surroundings. But slowly, the tree spreads its roots, its branches‬
‭and leaves, and seems to yearn to go outside where it can live‬
‭and grow without any restrictions. No more does the tree look‬
‭attractive indoors. The trees are however welcomed into nature‬
‭by strong winds and the moon. The poet hereby emphasises that‬
‭trees need to be kept alive, but should not be ‘imprisoned’ inside‬
t‭ he house as they look more beautiful, and tend to thrive‬
‭outdoors that is where trees belong.‬

R
‭that follow:‬
Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The trees are moving out of the mind of the painter and‬
‭coining on the canvas.‬
‭b. These are not real trees. These are the trees in a picture or are‬
‭decorative trees in a house. So birds can’t sit or insects cannot‬
‭hide in them.‬
‭c. All these nights, the forest was empty.‬
‭d. No, these trees are not useful for birds and insects.‬

Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. All night the roots work to free themselves from the cracks in‬
‭the veranda floor.‬
‭b. The small twigs are stiff.‬
‭c. The boughs are compared to newly discharged patients.‬
‭d. The leaves strain towards the glass.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The poet is sitting in her room.‬
‭b. The poet is writing long letters.‬
‭c. She does not mention the departure of the forest from the‬
‭house.‬
‭d. The night is pleasant and fresh. The full moon is shining.‬

Q

a
‭ . What is her head full of?‬
c
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. At present, the poet is sitting in her room.‬
‭b. The smell of leaves and lichen is reaching her.‬
‭c. Her head is full of whispers.‬
‭d. Tomorrow, the whispers will be silent.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The poet says that the trees are stumbling forward into the‬
‭night.‬
‭b. The wind rushes out to meet the trees.‬
‭c. The poet says that the moon is like a broken mirror.‬
‭d. The wind rushes to meet the trees.‬

1

1
‭REVISION WORKSHEETS‬
‭Tiger in the Zoo‬
‭A. He stalks in his vivid stripes,‬
‭The few steps of his cage,‬
‭On pads of velvet quiet,‬
‭In his quiet rage.‬
‭1.‬ ‭Why could the tiger walk only a few steps?‬
‭2.‬ ‭How does the tiger move in the cage?‬
‭3.‬ ‭What are the two qualities of the animal under reference?‬
‭4.‬ ‭Why is he in quiet rage? [CBSE 2014]‬
‭ . He should be lurking in shadow,‬

B
‭Sliding through long grass,‬
‭Near the water hole,‬
‭Where plump deer pass.‬
‭1.‬ ‭Who is ‘He’ here?‬
‭2.‬ ‭Where should he be lurking?‬
‭3.‬ ‭Where should he be sliding?‬
‭4.‬ ‭Who would pass through the water hole?‬
‭ .‬‭He should be snarling around houses‬

C
‭At the jungle’s edge,‬
‭Baring his white fangs, his claws,‬
‭Terrorising the village!‬
‭1.‬ ‭What does the poet try to suggest through these lines?‬
‭2.‬ ‭How does the tiger scare the people?‬
‭3.‬ ‭Why does ‘he’ snarl?‬
‭4.‬ ‭How does ‘he’ show his presence?‬
‭ .‬‭But he’s locked in a concrete cell,‬

D
‭His strength behind bars,‬
‭Stalking the length of his cage,‬
‭Ignoring visitors.‬
‭1.‬ ‭What does the phrase ‘his strength behind the bar’ suggest?‬
‭2.‬ ‭Why does the tiger ignore the visitors?‬
‭3.‬ ‭What is the tiger doing in the cage?‬
‭4.‬ ‭What does the expression ‘stalking the length of the cage’ imply?‬
‭ .‬‭He hears the last voice at night,‬

E
‭The patrolling cars,‬
‭And stares With his brilliant eyes‬
‭At the brilliant stars.‬
‭1.‬ ‭What kind of voices does the tiger hear?‬
‭2.‬ ‭Where does the tiger look at in the night?‬
‭3.‬ ‭What do you mean by ‘patrolling’?‬
‭4.‬ ‭What is the effect of the repeated use of the word ‘brilliant’?‬
‭ . But he’s locked in a concrete cell,‬

F
‭He hears the last voice at night,‬
‭And stares with his brilliant eyes‬
‭At the brilliant stars (SQP 2021-22)‬
‭ . The fact that the tiger is ‘stalking the length of his cage’ tells us that he is‬
1
‭A. restless.‬
‭B. reckless.‬
‭C. resilient.‬
‭D. reverent.‬
‭2. What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanzas?‬
‭A. abcb; abcb‬
‭B. abcb; abcd‬
‭C. abcd; abcd‬
‭D. abcd; abcb‬
‭3. These stanzas bring out the contrast between‬
‭A. zoos and cities.‬
‭B. strength and weakness.‬
‭C. freedom and captivity.‬
‭D. visitors and patrolling cars.‬
‭4. What is the caged tiger NOT likely to say to the visitors?‬
‭A. “Stop staring”.‬
‭B. “Set me free”.‬
‭C. “Join me”.‬
‭D. “Go away”.‬
‭5.The tiger’s ‘brilliant eyes’ reveal that he‬
‭A. hopes to be free and in the wild, someday.‬
‭B. is looked after well and is nourished and healthy.‬
‭C. enjoys staring at the bright stars each night.‬
‭D. is well-rested and hence, wide-awake.‬
‭G. Report the following sentences.‬
‭ .‬ S
1 ‭ uman said, “I get up early every morning.”‬
‭2.‬ ‭The maths teacher said, “three multiplied by three is nine.”‬
‭3.‬ ‭The tourist said, “India is a very beautiful country.”‬
‭Answer Key‬
‭Ans. The tiger could walk only a few steps because he was locked in a very small cage.‬
‭Ans. The tiger moves very slowly and quietly in a threatening way.‬
‭Ans. The tiger has vivid stripes on his body and soft velvet pads.‬
‭ ns. He is in quiet rage as he is locked and his freedom has been curtailed. Thus, he is‬
A
‭unable to show his anger and ferocity.‬
‭B. He should be lurking in shadow,‬
‭Ans. ‘He’ refers to the tiger.‬
‭Ans. He should be lurking in the shadows in the forest.‬
‭Ans. The tiger should be sliding through the long grass in the forest.‬
‭Ans. A plump deer would pass through the water hole.‬

C
‭ ns. The poet is trying to suggest that the tiger should be allowed to live in his natural‬
A
‭habitat.‬
‭Ans. The tiger scares the people by growling at them and showing his teeth and claws.‬
‭Ans. ‘He’ snarls to show his anger and helplessness.‬
‭Ans. ‘He’ shows his presence by baring his white teeth and claws.‬

D
‭Ans. It means that he is helpless as he is locked in a cage.‬
‭ ns. The tiger ignores the visitors because he considers them devoid of feelings as none‬
A
‭of them tries to help him out of the prison.‬
‭Ans. The tiger is moving slowly and quietly along the length of the cage.‬
‭Ans. It implies walking to and fro in helplessness.‬

E
‭Ans. The tiger hears the voice coming from the patrolling cars at night.‬
‭Ans. The tiger looks at the brilliant stars shining in the sky at night.‬
‭Ans. ‘Patrolling’ means to go around an area at regular times to check that it is safe.‬
‭ ns. The repeated use of brilliant shows the contrast. The brilliant stars are free while the‬
A
‭brilliant eyes are inside the cage.‬

F
1
‭A. restless.‬
‭B. reckless.‬
‭C. resilient.‬
‭D. reverent.‬
‭Correct Answer: Option C‬
‭A. abcb; abcb‬
‭B. abcb; abcd‬
‭C. abcd; abcd‬
‭D. abcd; abcb‬
‭Correct Answer: Option A‬
‭G.‬
‭ .‬ S
‭Answers:‬
‭1.Suman said that she got up early every morning.‬
‭2.The maths teacher said that three multiplied by three is nine‬
‭3.The tourist said that India was a very beautiful country.‬

‭ EVISION WORKSHEETS - Grade 10‬
R
‭Two Stories about flying/The Midnight Visitor‬
‭ ery Short Answer Type Questions‬
V
‭ . For how long had the seagull been alone?‬

1
‭2. Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his family?‬
‭3. Why was the seagull afraid to fly?‬
‭ . What were the ways the seagull had thought of to join his family?‬
4
‭5. Why did the seagull dive towards his mother?‬
‭ . He stood at the edge of the ledge on one leg and closed his eyes. Why?‬
6
‭7. Who included the seagull’s family except him?‬
‭8. For how long had the seagull been alone?‬
‭9. How was the seagull feeling?‬
‭10. What sight maddened the young seagull?‬
‭ hort Answer Type Questions‬

S
‭1. How did the young seagull’s family celebrate his first flight?‬
‭ .‬ ‭Flying‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭natural‬ ‭act‬ ‭in‬ ‭birds.‬ ‭Then‬ ‭why‬ ‭was‬ ‭the‬ ‭young‬ ‭seagull‬
2
‭‘exhausted by the strange exercise’?‬
‭ .‘The‬ ‭sight‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭food‬ ‭maddened‬ ‭him.’‬ ‭Who‬ ‭is‬ ‭‘he’‬ ‭in‬ ‭these‬ ‭lines?‬ ‭Why‬
3
‭was he angry? What does this suggest?‬
‭ .‬‭How has Max got in‬

1
‭2.‬‭How does Ausable say he got in?‬
‭3.‬‭What did Max want from Ausable?‬
‭4.‬‭What is the significance of the balcony?‬
‭5.‬‭Who‬ ‭knocked‬ ‭on‬ ‭the‬ ‭door‬ ‭while‬ ‭Max‬ ‭and‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭were‬
‭inside?‬
‭6.‬‭What‬‭happened‬‭to‬‭Max‬‭when‬‭he‬‭attempted‬‭to‬‭escape‬‭through‬
‭the balcony?‬
‭7.‬‭Why did Ausable pretend that the police were at the door?‬
‭8.‬‭What was the purpose of the paper they were waiting for?‬
‭9.‬‭Why is Fowler disappointed?‬
‭10.‬ ‭What‬ ‭does‬ ‭this‬ ‭reveal‬ ‭about‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭character‬ ‭and‬
‭values?‬
‭11.‬ ‭Characteristic traits of Ausable.‬
‭12.‬ ‭Characteristic trait of Max.‬
‭13.‬ ‭How did Ausable’s presence of mind help him?‬
‭14.‬ ‭What is the significance of the title of the story?‬
‭15.‬ ‭Discuss‬‭the‬‭themes‬‭of‬‭appearance‬‭vs‬‭reality‬‭and‬‭deception‬
‭in the story.‬
R
‭Very Short Answer Type Questions‬

1
‭Answer: The seagull had been alone for twenty-four hours.‬
‭ . Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his family?‬
2
‭Answer: He did not go because he was afraid to fly.‬
‭ . Why was the seagull afraid to fly?‬

3
‭Answer:‬ ‭He‬ ‭was‬ ‭afraid‬ ‭to‬ ‭fly‬ ‭because‬ ‭he‬ ‭felt‬ ‭that‬ ‭his‬ ‭wings‬ ‭could‬ ‭not‬
‭support him.‬
4
‭Answer:‬ ‭He‬‭thought‬‭of‬‭joining‬‭his‬‭family‬‭by‬‭jumping‬‭and‬‭by‬‭walking‬‭up‬‭to‬
‭them.‬
‭ . Why did the seagull dive towards his mother?‬

5
‭Answer:‬‭The‬‭seagull‬‭dove‬‭towards‬‭his‬‭mother‬‭because‬‭he‬‭wanted‬‭the‬‭fish‬
‭in his mother’s beak.‬
6
‭Answer: He wanted to get the attention of his family.‬
‭ . Who included the seagull’s family except him?‬

7
‭Answer:‬ ‭There‬ ‭were‬ ‭five‬‭members‬‭in‬‭his‬‭family‬‭except‬‭for‬‭him-his‬‭father,‬
‭mother. two brothers and a sister.‬

8
‭Answer: He had been alone for the last twenty-four hours.‬
‭ . How was the seagull feeling?‬
9
‭Answer: He was feeling very hungry.‬
‭ 0. What sight maddened the young seagull?‬

1
‭Answer: The sight of food maddened him.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The‬‭young‬‭seagull‬‭was‬‭afraid‬‭to‬‭fly.‬‭Even‬‭the‬‭encouragement‬‭and‬
A
‭coaxing‬‭didn’t‬‭work.‬‭But‬‭when‬‭the‬‭seagull‬‭had‬‭his‬‭first‬‭flight,‬‭he‬‭as‬‭well‬‭as‬
‭his‬‭family‬‭was‬‭happy,‬‭relieved‬‭and‬‭proud‬‭of‬‭him‬‭to‬‭have‬‭completed‬‭his‬‭first‬
‭flight.‬
2
‭ nswer:‬ ‭The‬ ‭seagull‬ ‭didn’t‬ ‭have‬ ‭the‬ ‭courage‬ ‭to‬ ‭fly.‬ ‭Hence,‬ ‭he‬ ‭used‬ ‭to‬
A
‭make‬ ‭excuses‬ ‭for‬‭not‬‭flying.‬‭He‬‭felt‬‭certain‬‭that‬‭his‬‭wings‬‭were‬‭too‬‭weak‬
‭to‬ ‭support‬ ‭him.‬ ‭He‬ ‭had‬ ‭no‬‭courage‬‭to‬‭flap‬‭his‬‭wings‬‭and‬‭failed‬‭to‬‭muster‬
‭up the courage to take the plunge.‬
3
‭ nswer: (i) The young seagull is the ‘he’ in these lines.‬

A
‭(ii)‬ ‭He‬ ‭had‬ ‭not‬ ‭eaten‬ ‭anything‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭last‬ ‭24‬‭hours.‬‭He‬‭was‬‭very‬‭hungry,‬
‭hence was angry.‬
‭(iii)‬ ‭His‬ ‭mother‬ ‭went‬ ‭near‬ ‭him‬ ‭with‬ ‭a‬ ‭piece‬ ‭of‬ ‭fish‬ ‭but‬ ‭did‬ ‭not‬ ‭feed‬ ‭him.‬
‭Maddened‬ ‭by‬ ‭hunger,‬ ‭the‬ ‭young‬ ‭seagull‬ ‭dove‬ ‭to‬‭snatch‬‭it‬‭but‬‭the‬‭mother‬
‭flew away. This shows the weakness of the young seagull.‬
‭1.‬‭How has Max got in?‬

‭●‬ ‭Max got into Ausable’s room using a passkey.‬
‭●‬ ‭Ausable‬‭mentions‬‭that‬‭Max‬‭entered‬‭his‬‭room‬‭through‬
‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭which‬ ‭extends‬ ‭under‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭window.‬
‭He‬ ‭perhaps‬ ‭have‬ ‭accessed‬ ‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭from‬ ‭the‬
‭empty‬ ‭room‬ ‭two‬ ‭doors‬ ‭down.‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭explains‬ ‭that‬
‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭belongs‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭next‬ ‭apartment,‬ ‭and‬
s‭ omeone‬ ‭had‬ ‭accessed‬ ‭his‬ ‭room‬ ‭through‬ ‭it‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬
‭past.‬
‭●‬ ‭Max‬‭wanted‬ ‭to‬‭take‬ ‭a‬ ‭report‬‭that‬‭was‬ ‭being‬‭brought‬
‭to‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭that‬ ‭night.‬ ‭The‬ ‭report‬ ‭contained‬
‭information‬ ‭about‬ ‭new‬ ‭missiles.‬ ‭Max‬ ‭believed‬ ‭it‬
‭would‬ ‭be‬ ‭safer‬ ‭in‬ ‭his‬ ‭hands‬ ‭than‬ ‭in‬ ‭Ausable’s‬
‭possession.‬
‭●‬ ‭The‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭connects‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭room‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭empty‬
‭room‬‭two‬‭doors‬‭down.‬‭In‬‭the‬‭past,‬‭someone‬‭had‬‭used‬
‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭to‬‭gain‬‭unauthorized‬‭access‬‭to‬‭Ausable’s‬
‭room.‬ ‭The‬ ‭management‬ ‭was‬ ‭supposed‬ ‭to‬ ‭block‬ ‭off‬
‭the‬ ‭balcony,‬ ‭but‬‭they‬ ‭hadn’t‬‭done‬ ‭so,‬‭leaving‬‭it‬‭as‬‭a‬
‭potential‬‭entry‬‭point.‬‭In‬‭reality,‬‭Ausable‬‭had‬‭made‬‭up‬
‭the balcony to outwit adversaries.‬
‭inside?‬
‭●‬ ‭The‬ ‭knocking‬ ‭at‬ ‭the‬ ‭door‬ ‭was‬ ‭caused‬ ‭by‬ ‭a‬ ‭waiter‬
‭delivering‬‭a‬‭drink‬‭that‬‭Ausable‬‭had‬‭ordered‬‭for‬‭when‬
‭he‬ ‭returned.‬ ‭It‬ ‭was‬ ‭not‬ ‭the‬ ‭police,‬ ‭as‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭had‬
‭pretended to Max earlier.‬
‭the balcony?‬
‭●‬ ‭As‬ ‭Max‬ ‭tried‬ ‭to‬ ‭drop‬ ‭down‬ ‭from‬ ‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭to‬
‭escape,‬ ‭he‬ ‭screamed‬ ‭once‬ ‭and‬ ‭did‬ ‭not‬ ‭return.‬ ‭It‬ ‭is‬
‭implied‬ ‭that‬ ‭there‬ ‭was‬ ‭no‬ ‭balcony,‬ ‭and‬ ‭Max‬ ‭fell‬ ‭to‬
‭the ground or encountered some other misfortune.‬
‭●‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭pretended‬ ‭that‬ ‭the‬ ‭police‬‭were‬‭knocking‬ ‭at‬
‭the‬‭door‬‭to‬‭create‬‭a‬‭sense‬‭of‬‭urgency‬‭and‬‭tension.‬‭In‬
‭reality,‬ ‭he‬ ‭had‬ ‭instructed‬ ‭a‬ ‭waiter‬ ‭to‬ ‭bring‬ ‭him‬ ‭a‬
‭drink.‬‭He‬ ‭used‬‭this‬ ‭facade‬‭so‬ ‭that‬‭he‬‭could‬‭trap‬‭Max‬
‭and‬ ‭force‬‭him‬ ‭to‬ ‭hide‬‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭balcony,‬‭in‬ ‭the‬‭process‬
‭making‬ ‭him‬ ‭fall‬ ‭and‬ ‭kill‬ ‭himself‬ ‭in‬ ‭order‬ ‭to‬ ‭protect‬
‭the important paper he was waiting for.‬
‭●‬ T ‭ he‬‭paper‬‭they‬‭were‬‭waiting‬‭for‬‭contained‬‭important‬
‭information‬ ‭that‬ ‭could‬ ‭potentially‬ ‭affect‬ ‭the‬ ‭course‬
‭of history.‬
‭●‬ ‭Fowler‬ ‭is‬ ‭disappointed‬ ‭because‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭does‬ ‭not‬‭fit‬
‭the‬ ‭stereotypical‬ ‭image‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent.‬ ‭He‬ ‭is‬
‭overweight,‬‭lacks‬‭the‬‭exotic‬‭allure,‬‭and‬‭his‬‭activities‬
‭involve‬‭more‬‭mundane‬‭tasks‬‭like‬‭receiving‬‭telephone‬
‭calls instead of engaging in thrilling adventures.‬
‭values?‬
‭●‬ ‭Fowler‬ ‭expresses‬ ‭disappointment‬ ‭because‬ ‭he‬
‭imagined‬‭a‬‭more‬‭glamorous‬‭and‬‭adventurous‬‭lifestyle‬
‭for‬ ‭a‬ ‭spy.‬ ‭Ausable,‬ ‭being‬ ‭a‬ ‭fat‬ ‭man‬ ‭with‬ ‭a‬ ‭more‬
‭ordinary‬ ‭existence,‬ ‭understands‬ ‭that‬ ‭the‬ ‭reality‬ ‭of‬
‭his‬‭work‬‭may‬‭not‬‭align‬‭with‬‭the‬‭romanticized‬‭notion.‬
‭This‬ ‭reveals‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭practicality‬ ‭and‬ ‭grounded‬
‭perspective.‬ ‭He‬ ‭values‬ ‭realism‬ ‭and‬ ‭recognizes‬ ‭that‬
‭the‬ ‭life‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent‬ ‭involves‬ ‭less‬ ‭excitement‬
‭and more mundane tasks than one might imagine.‬
‭●‬ ‭Ausable:‬
‭●‬ ‭Physical‬ ‭appearance:‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭is‬ ‭described‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬
‭fat‬‭man.‬ ‭This‬ ‭physical‬‭trait‬‭sets‬ ‭him‬‭apart‬ ‭from‬
‭the‬ ‭typical‬ ‭image‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭sleek‬ ‭and‬ ‭physically‬ ‭fit‬
‭secret agent.‬
‭●‬ ‭Language‬ ‭skills:‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭speaks‬ ‭French‬ ‭and‬
‭German‬ ‭passably,‬ ‭indicating‬ ‭his‬ ‭linguistic‬
‭abilities.‬
‭●‬ ‭Experience‬ ‭and‬ ‭longevity:‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭has‬ ‭been‬ ‭in‬
‭Paris‬ ‭for‬ ‭twenty‬‭years,‬‭suggesting‬‭a‬‭long‬‭history‬
‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭city‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent.‬ ‭This‬ ‭implies‬ ‭that‬
‭he‬ ‭has‬ ‭accumulated‬ ‭experience‬ ‭and‬‭knowledge‬
‭over time.‬
‭●‬ ‭Unconventional‬‭nature:‬‭Ausable‬‭does‬‭not‬‭fit‬‭the‬
‭traditional‬‭image‬‭of‬‭a‬‭secret‬‭agent.‬‭He‬‭lacks‬‭the‬
‭expected‬‭glamour‬‭and‬‭adventurous‬‭lifestyle‬‭that‬
‭Fowler‬‭envisioned.‬‭Instead,‬‭he‬‭engages‬‭in‬‭more‬
‭mundane‬ ‭activities‬ ‭such‬ ‭as‬ ‭attending‬ ‭a‬ ‭music‬
‭ all‬ ‭and‬ ‭receiving‬‭appointments‬‭through‬ ‭phone‬
h
‭calls.‬
‭●‬ ‭Ability‬ ‭to‬ ‭outwit‬ ‭adversaries/presence‬ ‭of‬ ‭mind:‬
‭Ausable‬ ‭outwitted‬‭Max,‬‭who‬‭threatens‬‭him‬‭with‬
‭a‬ ‭pistol.‬‭This‬‭implies‬‭that‬‭he‬‭possesses‬‭strategic‬
‭thinking‬‭and‬‭problem-solving‬‭skills.‬‭This‬‭hints‬‭at‬
‭his‬ ‭ability‬ ‭to‬ ‭navigate‬ ‭dangerous‬‭situations‬ ‭and‬
‭come up with clever solutions.‬
‭●‬ ‭Physical‬ ‭appearance:‬ ‭Max‬ ‭is‬ ‭described‬ ‭as‬ ‭slender,‬ ‭a‬
‭little‬‭less‬‭than‬‭tall,‬‭with‬‭features‬‭that‬‭suggest‬‭a‬‭crafty‬
‭and‬‭pointed‬‭countenance,‬‭reminiscent‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬‭fox.‬‭This‬
‭description‬ ‭portrays‬ ‭him‬ ‭as‬ ‭physically‬ ‭agile‬ ‭and‬
‭possibly quick-witted.‬
‭●‬ ‭Determination‬‭and‬‭aggression:‬‭Max‬‭threatens‬‭Ausable‬
‭with‬ ‭a‬‭pistol‬‭and‬ ‭demands‬ ‭the‬‭important‬‭report‬‭that‬
‭Ausable‬ ‭is‬ ‭expecting.‬ ‭His‬ ‭aggressive‬ ‭actions‬
‭demonstrate‬ ‭his‬ ‭determination‬ ‭and‬ ‭willingness‬ ‭to‬
‭take risks.‬
‭●‬ ‭Knowledge‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭activities:‬ ‭Max‬ ‭seems‬ ‭to‬ ‭be‬
‭aware‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭involvement‬ ‭in‬ ‭receiving‬ ‭the‬
‭important‬ ‭report‬ ‭and‬ ‭displays‬ ‭knowledge‬ ‭of‬ ‭their‬
‭respective roles as secret agents.‬
‭●‬ ‭Agility:‬‭Max‬‭swiftly‬‭reacts‬‭to‬‭the‬‭arrival‬‭of‬‭the‬‭waiter‬
‭by‬ ‭escaping‬ ‭through‬ ‭the‬ ‭window‬ ‭onto‬ ‭the‬ ‭balcony.‬
‭This‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭that‬‭he‬ ‭believes‬‭he‬‭is‬‭quick-witted‬‭and‬
‭able‬ ‭to‬ ‭think‬ ‭on‬ ‭his‬ ‭feet,‬ ‭and‬ ‭adapt‬ ‭to‬ ‭changing‬
‭situations.‬ ‭However,‬ ‭in‬ ‭situations‬ ‭of‬ ‭stress,‬ ‭he‬ ‭is‬
‭incapable‬ ‭to‬‭keep‬ ‭his‬‭cool.‬ ‭His‬‭rash‬ ‭decision‬ ‭and‬‭his‬
‭blind trust killed him in the end.‬
‭ 3.‬ ‭How did Ausable’s presence of mind help him?‬
1
‭●‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭presence‬ ‭of‬ ‭mind‬ ‭played‬ ‭a‬ ‭crucial‬ ‭role‬ ‭in‬
‭helping‬ ‭him‬‭navigate‬‭the‬‭situation‬‭and‬‭deal‬‭with‬‭Max‬
‭effectively.‬
‭●‬ ‭Maintaining‬ ‭composure:‬ ‭Despite‬ ‭Max’s‬ ‭sudden‬
‭appearance‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭threatening‬ ‭situation,‬
‭Ausable‬ ‭manages‬ ‭to‬ ‭remain‬ ‭relatively‬ ‭calm‬ ‭and‬
‭composed.‬‭This‬‭allows‬‭him‬‭to‬‭think‬‭more‬‭clearly‬
‭and make rational decisions.‬
‭●‬ Q ‭ uick‬ ‭thinking‬ ‭and‬ ‭adaptability:‬ ‭When‬ ‭faced‬
‭with‬ ‭unexpected‬ ‭events,‬ ‭such‬ ‭as‬ ‭the‬ ‭arrival‬ ‭of‬
‭the‬ ‭waiter‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭knocking‬ ‭at‬ ‭the‬ ‭door,‬
‭Ausable‬ ‭quickly‬ ‭assesses‬ ‭the‬ ‭situation‬ ‭and‬
‭adapts‬ ‭his‬ ‭plans‬ ‭accordingly.‬ ‭For‬ ‭example,‬ ‭he‬
‭takes‬ ‭advantage‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭waiter’s‬ ‭entrance‬ ‭to‬
‭create‬ ‭a‬ ‭distraction,‬ ‭enabling‬ ‭Max‬ ‭to‬ ‭become‬
‭momentarily disoriented.‬
‭●‬ ‭Utilizing‬ ‭deception:‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭cleverly‬ ‭employs‬
‭deception‬ ‭to‬ ‭mislead‬ ‭Max.‬ ‭He‬ ‭creates‬ ‭the‬
‭illusion‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭and‬ ‭a‬ ‭potential‬ ‭police‬
‭presence,‬ ‭causing‬ ‭Max‬ ‭to‬ ‭believe‬ ‭that‬ ‭he‬ ‭has‬
‭limited‬ ‭options‬ ‭for‬ ‭escape.‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭ability‬ ‭to‬
‭think‬ ‭on‬ ‭his‬ ‭feet‬ ‭and‬ ‭deceive‬ ‭his‬ ‭adversary‬
‭allows him to gain an advantage in the situation.‬
‭●‬ ‭Strategic‬ ‭use‬ ‭of‬ ‭timing:‬‭Ausable‬ ‭carefully‬‭times‬
‭his‬ ‭actions‬ ‭and‬ ‭statements‬ ‭to‬‭manipulate‬ ‭Max’s‬
‭perception‬ ‭and‬ ‭behavior.‬ ‭For‬ ‭instance,‬ ‭he‬
‭mentions‬‭the‬‭appointment‬‭time‬‭of‬‭twelve-thirty,‬
‭which‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭that‬ ‭Max‬ ‭has‬ ‭limited‬ ‭time‬ ‭to‬
‭obtain‬ ‭the‬ ‭report.‬ ‭By‬ ‭doing‬ ‭so,‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭adds‬
‭pressure‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭situation,‬ ‭potentially‬ ‭causing‬
‭Max to act impulsively.‬
‭●‬ ‭Seizing‬‭opportunities:‬‭Ausable‬‭capitalizes‬‭on‬‭the‬
‭moment‬‭when‬‭Max‬‭is‬‭distracted‬‭by‬‭the‬‭knocking‬
‭at‬ ‭the‬ ‭door‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭arrival‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭waiter.‬ ‭He‬
‭takes‬ ‭advantage‬ ‭of‬ ‭this‬ ‭opportunity‬ ‭to‬‭create‬ ‭a‬
‭diversion‬ ‭and‬ ‭escape‬ ‭from‬ ‭Max’s‬ ‭presence,‬
‭ensuring his own safety.‬
‭ 4.‬ ‭What is the significance of the title of the story?‬
1
‭●‬ ‭The‬ ‭significance‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭title‬ ‭“The‬ ‭Midnight‬ ‭Visitor”‬
‭suggests‬ ‭the‬ ‭presence‬ ‭of‬ ‭an‬ ‭unexpected‬ ‭guest‬ ‭or‬
‭intruder‬‭during‬ ‭the‬ ‭late‬‭hours‬ ‭of‬‭the‬‭night.‬‭The‬‭title‬
‭sets‬ ‭the‬ ‭tone‬ ‭of‬ ‭mystery‬ ‭and‬ ‭suspense,‬ ‭hinting‬ ‭at‬ ‭a‬
‭pivotal‬ ‭event‬ ‭that‬ ‭occurs‬ ‭under‬ ‭the‬ ‭cover‬ ‭of‬
‭darkness.‬‭It‬‭intrigues‬‭the‬‭reader‬‭and‬‭raises‬‭questions‬
‭about the identity and purpose of the visitor.‬
‭●‬ ‭The‬ ‭significance‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭title‬‭becomes‬‭evident‬‭as‬ ‭the‬
‭story‬ ‭unfolds.‬ ‭It‬ ‭introduces‬ ‭Max,‬ ‭who‬ ‭enters‬
‭Ausable’s‬ ‭room‬ ‭unexpectedly,‬ ‭demanding‬ ‭an‬
i‭mportant‬ ‭report.‬ ‭The‬ ‭title‬ ‭foreshadows‬ ‭this‬ ‭pivotal‬
‭encounter,‬ ‭emphasizing‬ ‭the‬ ‭element‬ ‭of‬ ‭surprise‬‭and‬
‭the potential threat posed by the visitor.‬
‭●‬ ‭Furthermore,‬‭the‬‭title‬‭contributes‬‭to‬‭the‬‭atmosphere‬
‭of‬ ‭tension‬ ‭and‬‭suspense‬ ‭throughout‬‭the‬ ‭narrative.‬ ‭It‬
‭evokes‬ ‭a‬ ‭sense‬ ‭of‬ ‭unease,‬ ‭as‬ ‭the‬‭reader‬‭anticipates‬
‭the‬ ‭consequences‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭v isitor’s‬ ‭arrival‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬
‭ensuing conflict between Ausable and Max.‬
‭in the story.‬
‭●‬ ‭Deception:‬ ‭The‬ ‭story‬ ‭revolves‬ ‭around‬ ‭the‬‭deceptive‬
‭actions‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ausable,‬ ‭who‬ ‭uses‬ ‭his‬ ‭wit‬ ‭and‬
‭improvisation‬ ‭to‬ ‭mislead‬ ‭Max‬ ‭and‬ ‭create‬
‭advantageous‬ ‭situations.‬ ‭Deception‬ ‭serves‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬
‭prominent‬ ‭theme,‬ ‭highlighting‬‭the‬ ‭strategic‬‭thinking‬
‭and cunning employed by Ausable.‬
‭●‬ ‭Appearance‬ ‭vs.‬ ‭Reality:‬ ‭The‬ ‭contrast‬ ‭between‬
‭Ausable’s‬ ‭outward‬ ‭appearance‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭fat,‬ ‭unassuming‬
‭man‬‭and‬‭his‬ ‭true‬ ‭capabilities‬ ‭as‬‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent‬‭plays‬
‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭theme‬ ‭of‬ ‭appearance‬ ‭versus‬ ‭reality.‬ ‭It‬
‭challenges‬ ‭stereotypes‬ ‭and‬ ‭preconceived‬ ‭notions‬
‭about‬ ‭what‬ ‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent‬ ‭should‬ ‭look‬ ‭like,‬
‭emphasizing‬ ‭the‬ ‭importance‬ ‭of‬ ‭looking‬ ‭beyond‬
‭superficial appearances.‬
‭ rade 10‬
G
T

Q
Q
Q
Q
‭bravery?‬
Q
Q
‭react?‬
Q
R
‭follow:‬

Q

a
Q
‭ nd the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,‬
A

a

Q

a

Q

a

Q

a

Q
I‭ nk and Mustard rudely asked his age,‬

a

Q

a

Q

a

Q

a

Q
‭ ith a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,‬
W

a

Q

a

Q

a

Q
‭And Custard said, I quite agree.‬

a
1
1
‭ rade 10‬
G
T
‭Answer Key‬

Q
‭ nswer: (i) As brave as a barrel – Simile‬

A
‭(ii) Brave as a barrel full of bears – Alliteration‬
‭ nswer: Belinda cried for help because she was afraid of the pirate. The‬
A
‭custard came to her help.‬
‭ nswer: All the animals other than the dragon used to boast about their‬
A
‭bravery and made the fun of the dragon. But when the pirate entered the‬
‭house, all got scared and ran away and disappeared except Custard, the‬
‭dragon.‬
‭ nswer: Each of Belinda’s pets ran away and hid. They were scared at the‬
A
‭sight of the pirate.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The pirate entered from the window. He had pistols in his left and‬
A
‭right hand. He held a bright cutlass in his teeth. His beard was black and‬
‭one leg was wood.‬
‭ nswer: Belinda lived in a white house with Ink – a black kitten, Blink – a‬
A
‭grey mouse, Mustard – a yellow dog, Custard – a dragon and a red wagon.‬
‭ nswer: Everyone in the house used to laugh at the dragon because he‬
A
‭always cried for a safe cage, whereas others used to boast about their‬
‭bravery.‬
Q
‭ nswer: They became very happy. Belinda embraced him. Mustard licked‬
A
‭him. Ink and‬
‭Blink jumped round surrounding him. They expressed their joy in this way.‬
‭No one‬
‭mourned for the pirate.‬
‭ nswer: Mustard said that he would have been twice as brave if he had not‬
A
‭got nervous. Ink and Blink said that they had been three times as brave as‬
‭he. But Custard said that he agreed with them. He said that they were‬
‭braver than him.‬
Q
‭bravery?‬
‭ nswer: Custard, the dragon, was the only one who was actually brave.‬
A
‭The others were all cowards. They disappeared when they saw the pirate.‬
‭But the dragon-faced him bravely and swallowed him up.‬
‭ nswer: A ballad is a poem that tells a story. The theme of a ballad is an‬
A
‭adventure, bravery, romance, etc. Then it is highly musical due to its‬
r‭ hyme scheme. This poem has these qualities. But it is a parody of a‬
‭ballad. The poet shows these qualities in a humorous way.‬
‭ nswer: The little black kitten was called Ink. She gave the name Blink to‬
A
‭the little grey mouse. The little yellow dog’s pet name was Mustard. The‬
‭dragon was given the pet name Custard.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The poet says that Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.‬
A
‭Ink and Blink followed lions down the stairs. Mustard was as brave as a‬
‭tiger in a rage. But Custard was a coward. He kept crying for a nice safe‬
‭cage.‬
‭ nswer: They laughed at the dragon. Belinda teased the dragon. She‬
A
‭tickled him very hard. Ink, Blink and Mustard called him Percival. They sat‬
‭in the red wagon and laughed at the cowardly dragon.‬
Q
‭react?‬
‭ nswer: Belinda turned pale with fear. She cried for help. Mustard ran‬
A
‭barking fearfully. Ink went to the bottom of the house. The little mouse ran‬
‭into his hole in no time.‬
‭ nswer: Custard, the dragon, jumped and snorted like an engine. He‬
A
‭struck the pirate with his tail like iron. There were different sounds of‬
‭clatter, clank and jangle. He attacked the pirate as a robin attacks a worm.‬
‭ nswer: The pirate looked at the dragon with an open-mouth. He‬
A
‭swallowed some liquor from his pocket flagon. He fired two bullets. But‬
‭they did not hit the dragon. The dragon attacked him and swallowed him.‬
‭ nswer: Belinda lived in a little white house. Some animals also lived with‬
A
‭her. They were: a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, a little yellow dog‬
‭and little pet dragon.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always cried for a safe‬

A
‭cage, so he was called a cowardly dragon. Later, when the pirate entered‬
‭the house with pistols in his left and right hand, everyone was scared and‬
‭ran away and disappeared, except Custard who faced him boldly and‬
‭attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every bit of‬
‭him. Belinda should have been nice to him. She should have made him‬
‭feel comfortable and safe in the house, instead of laughing and making‬
‭fun of him with other pets. Belinda should have been protective towards‬
‭him.‬
‭ nswer: The dragon had big sharp teeth, and spikes on top of him and‬
A
‭scales underneath, but everyone laughed at him as he always cried for a‬
‭safe cage, whereas everyone boasted about their bravery. But when the‬
‭pirate entered, all were scared and ran away, except Custard who faced‬
‭him boldly, attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled‬
‭every bit of him. All of them later felt obliged to Custard for saving their‬
‭lives.‬

R
‭follow:‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda lived in a little white house.‬
‭b. The kitten was of black colour.‬
‭c. The other animals were: a mouse, a dog and a dragon.‬
‭d. The rhyme scheme of this stanza is ‘aabb‘.‬
Q
‭And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The name of the kitten was Ink.‬
‭b. She gave the name Blink to the mouse.‬
‭c. The dragon was named as ‘Custard’ because he was a coward.‬
‭d. The name of the dog was Mustard.‬

Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The dragon had spikes on top of his body.‬
‭b. The poet describes his mouth like a fireplace and nose like a chimney.‬
‭c. The dragon had daggers on his toes.‬
‭d. He had big sharp teeth.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears.‬
‭b. Ink and Blink showed their strength by chasing lions down the stairs.‬
‭c. Mustard showed his bravery in anger.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda tickled the dragon.‬
‭b. The dragon was called Percival by Ink, Blink and Mustard.‬
‭ . All the animals laughed at him sitting in a little red wagon.‬
c
‭d. The wagon was of red in colour.‬

Q
‭Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda laughed till she shook the house.‬
‭b. The giggling sound that the mouse produces is ‘weeck’.‬
‭c. They asked his age rudely.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. They suddenly heard a nasty sound.‬
‭b. Mustard growled.‬
‭c. They saw a pirate in the window.‬
‭d. It was the pirate’s nasty sound.‬

Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. He had pistols in his hands.‬
‭b. He had a sword in his teeth.‬
‭c. His beard was black and his leg was of wooden.‬
‭d. No, he did not come for something good.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda got paled to see the pirate.‬
‭b. Belinda cried for help.‬
‭c. Mustard ran with a fearful bark.‬
‭d. Blink ran into his mouse-hole.‬

Q
‭With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Custard jumped upon pirate.‬
‭b. He clashed his tail with clattering, clanking and jangling sounds.‬
‭ . He looked like a robin falling on a worm.‬
c
‭d. He snorted like an engine.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The pirate gulped grog from his flagon.‬
‭b. He fired two bullets but they did not hit.‬
‭c. Custard, the dragon, swallowed the pirate fully.‬
‭d. It was Belinda’s dragon.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Belinda embraced Custard.‬
‭b. Mustard licked Custard.‬
‭c. Ink and Blink gyrated round Custard.‬
‭d. No one mourned for the death of the pirate.‬

Q
‭ nd Custard said, I quite agree.‬
A

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Mustard said that he would have been twice brave if he had not become‬
‭nervous.‬
‭b. They said that they had been three times as brave.‬
‭c. Custard agreed that everyone was braver than him.‬
‭d. No, Custard was not brave.‬
1
1
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭The Trees‬
‭Short Questions and Answers‬

Q

Q
Q
Q
‭she feel?‬
Q

Q
‭at night?‬
Q
Q

Q
Q
Q

R
‭that follow:‬
Q
a

Q
a

Q

a

Q

a
‭c. What is her head full of?‬

Q

a

1

1
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭The Trees‬
‭Answer Key‬
‭The Trees Short Questions and Answers‬
‭ nswer: The central idea of the poem is the conflict between man‬
A
‭and nature. A plant is brought inside the house when it is a‬
‭sapling. But as it grows into a tree, it gets suffocated with the‬
‭limited space available. So it departs to feel free. The tree is thus,‬
‭moving out to occupy the now empty forest, made so by man’s‬
‭indiscriminate felling of trees. Humans must understand the‬
‭negative impact of their actions on nature and mend their ways‬
‭before it is too late.‬

Q
‭ nswer: At present, the trees are in the house. The roots try to‬
A
‭free themselves from the cracks of the veranda floor, and the‬
‭leaves make efforts to move towards the glass, perhaps in‬
‭search of light. The small branches become stiff as they try to‬
‭pull themselves towards the light.‬

Q
‭ nswer: At the beginning of the third stanza, the poet says that‬
A
‭one can see the whole moon shining in the open sky, but in the‬
‭end, the moon seems to be broken like a mirror and its pieces‬
‭shine in the crown of the tallest oak tree. The change is caused‬
‭by the shifting of the trees outside.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The trees inside the house get suffocated as they grow.‬
A
‭They try to free themselves from the cracks of the veranda floor‬
‭and the leaves stretch out as if to move towards the glass. They‬
‭are justified in their revolt. Men should learn the importance of‬
‭trees.‬
Q
‭she feel?‬
‭ nswer: It is night time. The night is fresh. In the open sky, the‬
A
‭full moon is shining. The poet feels the smell of leaves and lichen‬
‭reaching inside the room. Her head is full of whispers. But she‬
‭thinks that the next day these whispers will be silent.‬
‭ nswer: The theme of the poem is the disappearance of trees.‬

A
‭This poem also brings out the idea of conflict between man and‬
‭nature. Man is doing more and more harm to nature. Nature is‬
‭getting angry. Man’s existence on this planet is in danger. Thus,‬
‭it becomes the foremost duty of every citizen to work for the‬
‭protection of the environment.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The trees described in the first stanza are either‬

A
‭decorative plants kept inside a house, or they are shown only in‬
‭a painting or picture. Therefore, they are not useful for birds or‬
‭insects. Birds cannot sit on their branches. Insects cannot hide‬
‭in them.‬

Q
‭at night?‬
‭ nswer: The roots of these trees are engaged into the cracks of‬
A
‭the veranda floor. At night, these roots try to free themselves‬
‭from the cracks. The leaves try to move towards the glass. Twigs‬
‭become harden and the boughs try to expand under the roof.‬
Q
‭ nswer: These trees grow in pots and pans. So their roots feel‬
A
‭cramped. These roots try to free themselves from the cracks of‬
‭the veranda floor. The leaves need light. So they move towards‬
‭the glass. The twigs are stiff and the boughs are like the newly‬
‭discharged patients coming out of clinic doors.‬
Q
‭ nswer: A patient feels depressed in a hospital. As soon as he‬

A
‭recovers, he is eager to leave the hospital. He rushes towards the‬
‭clinic doors. In the same way, the plants in the pots feel‬
‭suffocated. They are deprived of adequate light. So they stretch‬
‭themselves towards the glass door, in the hope of finding the‬
‭light.‬
‭The Trees Long Questions and Answers‬
‭ elow we have provided long type questions with answers for‬

B
‭The Trees Class 10 First Flight (Poem). Along with these‬
‭questions answers, it is highly recommended for students to‬
‭read‬‭NCERT Solutions‬‭to score good marks in the exams.‬

Q
‭ nswer: Just like the departure of someone close to us is‬

A
‭painful, so also is the departure of a tree. When they are planted‬
‭as a sapling, they look nice and enhance the beauty of our‬
‭surroundings. But as they grow and spread out their branches,‬
t‭ hey look wild and require more space for their growth. The roots‬
‭create cracks in the floor and the leaves stretch out as if to move‬
‭towards the glass, perhaps in need of sunlight. The soft twigs‬
‭become strong and stiff. So the trees need to be removed from‬
‭the house. No more do the leaves cover the sky, but the trees‬
‭breathe and they are welcomed by the wind. The moon‬
‭resembles a broken mirror, reflecting off the leaves. The poet‬
‭reveals that she will feel lonely after the trees’ departure.‬
Q
‭ nswer: The poem, ‘The Trees’ sends home a strong message‬

A
‭against deforestation. It highlights the importance of trees when‬
‭the poet says that without trees there will be no shadow, no‬
‭forest, no place for birds to sit, no place for insects to hide. As a‬
‭sapling, the plant adds to the beauty of the surroundings when it‬
‭spreads its branches, leaves and roots around. It gets the suit‬
‭house. Thus, in the poem, the trees are welcomed by the strong‬
‭winds and the moon. The poet does not want to mention the‬
‭departure of the forests as she feels guilty for merely looking‬
‭silently at them as they depart. This way, she subtly points out‬
‭the thanklessness of man towards forests.‬
Q
‭ nswer: In the poem, ‘The Trees’ poet Adrienne Rich subtly‬

A
‭drives home the message about the importance of trees. Without‬
‭trees, the birds would not have a place to sit, insects will have no‬
‭place to hide and the sun would not bury its feet in shadow. As‬
‭saplings, we enjoy the beauty of plants as they adorn the‬
‭surroundings. But slowly, the tree spreads its roots, its branches‬
‭and leaves, and seems to yearn to go outside where it can live‬
‭and grow without any restrictions. No more does the tree look‬
‭attractive indoors. The trees are however welcomed into nature‬
‭by strong winds and the moon. The poet hereby emphasises that‬
‭trees need to be kept alive, but should not be ‘imprisoned’ inside‬
t‭ he house as they look more beautiful, and tend to thrive‬
‭outdoors that is where trees belong.‬

R
‭that follow:‬
Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The trees are moving out of the mind of the painter and‬
‭coining on the canvas.‬
‭b. These are not real trees. These are the trees in a picture or are‬
‭decorative trees in a house. So birds can’t sit or insects cannot‬
‭hide in them.‬
‭c. All these nights, the forest was empty.‬
‭d. No, these trees are not useful for birds and insects.‬

Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. All night the roots work to free themselves from the cracks in‬
‭the veranda floor.‬
‭b. The small twigs are stiff.‬
‭c. The boughs are compared to newly discharged patients.‬
‭d. The leaves strain towards the glass.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The poet is sitting in her room.‬
‭b. The poet is writing long letters.‬
‭c. She does not mention the departure of the forest from the‬
‭house.‬
‭d. The night is pleasant and fresh. The full moon is shining.‬

Q

a
‭ . What is her head full of?‬
c
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. At present, the poet is sitting in her room.‬
‭b. The smell of leaves and lichen is reaching her.‬
‭c. Her head is full of whispers.‬
‭d. Tomorrow, the whispers will be silent.‬

Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The poet says that the trees are stumbling forward into the‬
‭night.‬
‭b. The wind rushes out to meet the trees.‬
‭c. The poet says that the moon is like a broken mirror.‬
‭d. The wind rushes to meet the trees.‬

1

1
‭ . He should be lurking in shadow,‬

B

C

D

E

F
1
‭A. restless.‬
‭B. reckless.‬
‭C. resilient.‬
‭D. reverent.‬
‭A. abcb; abcb‬
‭B. abcb; abcd‬
‭C. abcd; abcd‬
‭D. abcd; abcb‬
‭G. Report the following sentences.‬
‭ .‬ S
‭Answer Key‬
‭Ans. The tiger could walk only a few steps because he was locked in a very small cage.‬
‭Ans. The tiger moves very slowly and quietly in a threatening way.‬
‭Ans. The tiger has vivid stripes on his body and soft velvet pads.‬
‭ ns. He is in quiet rage as he is locked and his freedom has been curtailed. Thus, he is‬
A
‭unable to show his anger and ferocity.‬
‭B. He should be lurking in shadow,‬
‭Ans. ‘He’ refers to the tiger.‬
‭Ans. He should be lurking in the shadows in the forest.‬
‭Ans. The tiger should be sliding through the long grass in the forest.‬
‭Ans. A plump deer would pass through the water hole.‬

C
‭ ns. The poet is trying to suggest that the tiger should be allowed to live in his natural‬
A
‭habitat.‬
‭Ans. The tiger scares the people by growling at them and showing his teeth and claws.‬
‭Ans. ‘He’ snarls to show his anger and helplessness.‬
‭Ans. ‘He’ shows his presence by baring his white teeth and claws.‬

D
‭Ans. It means that he is helpless as he is locked in a cage.‬
‭ ns. The tiger ignores the visitors because he considers them devoid of feelings as none‬
A
‭of them tries to help him out of the prison.‬
‭Ans. The tiger is moving slowly and quietly along the length of the cage.‬
‭Ans. It implies walking to and fro in helplessness.‬

E
‭Ans. The tiger hears the voice coming from the patrolling cars at night.‬
‭Ans. The tiger looks at the brilliant stars shining in the sky at night.‬
‭Ans. ‘Patrolling’ means to go around an area at regular times to check that it is safe.‬
‭ ns. The repeated use of brilliant shows the contrast. The brilliant stars are free while the‬
A
‭brilliant eyes are inside the cage.‬

F
1
‭A. restless.‬
‭B. reckless.‬
‭C. resilient.‬
‭D. reverent.‬
‭A. abcb; abcb‬
‭B. abcb; abcd‬
‭C. abcd; abcd‬
‭D. abcd; abcb‬
‭G.‬
‭ .‬ S
‭Answers:‬
‭1.Suman said that she got up early every morning.‬
‭2.The maths teacher said that three multiplied by three is nine‬
‭3.The tourist said that India was a very beautiful country.‬

‭ rade 10‬
G
‭Amanda,‬
‭ he Proposal‬
T

1
‭2. What should Amanda not to do to her soldiers?‬
‭3. How should Amanda sit?‬

4
‭5. What was Amanda to finish?‬
‭6. Has Amanda cleaned her shoes?‬
‭7. If Amanda is an orphan, what will she do?‬
‭8. How is silence described?‬
‭9. What is Amanda prohibited to eat?‬
‭10. Why should Amanda not eat chocolate?‬

1
‭12.What did Rapunzel do with her long hair?‬
‭13. Who is the mermaid in ‘Amanda’, what does ‘she’ wish to do?‬
‭14. What is the theme of the poem — ‘Amanda’?‬
‭15. Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!‬

1

2

3
4
‭‘Amanda’?‬

7
9
1
1
‭done?‬

1
1
‭to do?‬
1
‭afraid of?‬

1
‭ 1. Why does Amanda want to be Rapunzel?‬

2
R
‭follow:‬

1
‭Amanda!‬

2

3
‭Amanda!‬

a
‭ . What was Amanda told to clean?‬
c

4

a

5
‭Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,‬
‭Amanda!‬

a

6

a

7
‭Amanda!‬

a
‭c. What kind of girl was Amanda?‬

1
‭‘Amanda’?‬

1
1
‭2. Why did Lomov come to Chubukov’s house?‬
‭3. How old were Lomov and Natalya?‬
‭4. Why is Lomov so eager to marry?‬

5
‭6. What does Lomov quarrel over with Natalya for the first time?‬
‭7. What documents does Lomov offer to show Natalya?‬
‭8. Who has been using Oxen Meadows?‬
‭9. What do they quarrel over for the second time?‬
‭10. Who was Guess?‬
‭11. Who appears to be dead to Chubukov?‬

1
‭13. How does Natalya react when she learns that Lomov had come to‬
1
2
4

5
‭the proposal.‬

6
‭about‬
7

8
‭20-25 words.‬
1
1
‭Or‬

2
‭Meadows’?‬
2
‭visit?‬

2
3
3

3

3

3
3
3
‭land-grabber?‬
3

3
4
‭Proposal’?‬
4

1
‭2. The proposal was forgotten amidst argumentation. Which right‬
3
‭of Chubukov)‬
4

1
1

1

1
‭120 words.‬

1
2

2
2
R
‭follow:‬
Q
a
‭before me”?‬
Q
‭for him.‬

a
Q

a

Q
‭to know.‬

a

Q
‭ ve dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand‬
fi
‭unfairness.‬

a
Q

a
Q

a
Q

a
Q
Q

a
1
1
3
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭Amanda,‬
‭The Proposal‬
‭Answer Key‬

1
‭Answer: The speaker asks Amanda not to bite her nails.‬
‭ . What should Amanda not to do to her soldiers?‬

2
‭Answer: She should not hunch her soldiers.‬
‭ . How should Amanda sit?‬

3
‭Answer: She should sit straight.‬

4
‭Answer: She wishes to drift blissfully with the soft-moving waves of the‬
‭sea.‬
‭ . What was Amanda to finish?‬

5
‭Answer: She was to finish her homework.‬
‭ . Has Amanda cleaned her shoes?‬

6
‭Answer: No, she has not cleaned her shoes.‬
‭ . If Amanda is an orphan, what will she do?‬

7
‭Answer: She will roam about in the streets.‬
‭ . How is silence described?‬

8
‭Answer: Silence is described as golden.‬
‭ . What is Amanda prohibited to eat?‬

9
‭Answer: She is prohibited to eat chocolate.‬
‭ 0. Why should Amanda not eat chocolate?‬
1
‭Answer: She should not eat chocolate as it causes acne.‬

1
‭Answer: Rapunzel was fair with very long hair.‬
‭ 2.What did Rapunzel do with her long hair?‬

1
‭Answer: She let her hair fall down from the castle for her lover to climb‬
‭ 3. Who is the mermaid in ‘Amanda’, what does ‘she’ wish to do?‬

1
‭Answer: The mermaid is Amanda herself; as imagined by Amanda. She‬
‭wishes to drift blissfully on a dreamy, emerald sea, without anyone else‬
‭accompanying her.‬
‭ 4. What is the theme of the poem — ‘Amanda’?‬

1
‭Answer: Too many instructions and too much control are resented by‬
‭children. They get bored and fed up. Then, they listen to their parents‬
‭half-heartedly and indulge in daydreaming.‬
‭ 5. Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!‬

1
‭ nswer: Amanda already suffers from acne, a skin disease. If she eats‬
A
‭chocolate it will aggravate her problem further. That is why she is asked‬
‭not to eat chocolate.‬

1
‭ nswer: (i) Punctuation is an important part of grammar. It is used to‬

A
‭create sense, clarity and stress in sentences. It is used to structure and‬
‭organise our writing.‬
‭(ii) The exclamation mark is used after Amanda! to show the mother’s‬
‭surprise on seeing Amanda. Amanda is a sulky and moody girl which‬
‭upsets the mother.‬
2
‭ nswer: No, Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her mother gives‬
A
‭her too many instructions. She does not listen to her mother and didn’t‬
‭care to follow them but she can’t dare to ignore them either so, she sulks.‬
‭Parents in their endeavour to make their children well-behaved, give them‬
‭too many instructions.‬

3
‭ nswer: Amanda wants to be Rapunzel to live a peaceful life in a tower,‬

A
‭where no one gives any instruction and she doesn’t have to do any work.‬
‭But she doesn’t want to escape with a prince like Rapunzel. She never‬
‭wants to escape and leave such a peaceful atmosphere, with no‬
‭instruction and no work to do.‬
4
‭‘Amanda’?‬
‭ nswer: The poet wants to convey that parents in their endeavour to make‬
A
‭their children well-behaved, mannerly having good habits, give them too‬
‭many instructions or nag (always finding fault) them. They should adopt‬
‭positive measures, acceptable to children. Otherwise, they will stop‬
‭listening to them and indulge in daydreaming as Amanda did.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda was a little school going, girl. She seems to love fairy‬
A
‭tales, stories like Rapunzel and mermaids. She does not like too many‬
‭instructions or nagging which make her sulk and become moody. Then‬
‭she does not listen to her mother attentively and starts daydreaming.‬
‭ nswer: She thinks orphans lead a carefree life. There is no one to pester‬
A
‭them with instructions. They can wander in a street and make patterns in‬
t‭ he soft dust with their bare feet. They don’t have to clean the shoes or‬
‭room or do the homework.‬

7
‭ nswer: Amanda says it. In the story, Rapunzel lets down her long,‬
A
‭beautiful hair to escape with the prince. But Amanda is fascinated by‬
‭Rapunzel’s life in the tower. She never wants to escape and leave such a‬
‭peaceful atmosphere, with no instruction and no work to do.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her mother gives her‬
A
‭too many instructions. She does not want to follow them but she can’t‬
‭dare to ignore them either, so she sulks.‬
9
‭ nswer: When the poem beings, we find that Amanda is biting her nails.‬
A
‭She is hunching her shoulders. She is sitting in a slouching posture. That‬
‭is why the speaker asks her to behave normally. He asks her not to bite‬
‭her nails and hunch her shoulders. She should sit up straight.‬
1
‭ nswer: Amanda finds that the sea is relaxed and peaceful. She is the only‬
A
‭creature in the sea. She imagines herself to be a mermaid. She is happy.‬
‭She is drifting on the waves blissfully.‬
1
‭done?‬
‭ nswer: The speaker asks Amanda to finish her homework. Then he asks‬
A
‭her if she has cleaned up her room. Finally, he finds that her shoes are not‬
‭clean even though he had asked her to clean them.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda says that she is an orphan. She is free and roams the‬
A
‭street. There is soft dust in the street under her feet. She walks silently‬
‭and creates patterns on the soft dust with her bare feet. She thinks that‬
‭silence is golden and freedom is sweet.‬

1
‭ nswer: The speaker asks Amanda not to eat chocolate. It is because she‬
A
‭has had acne already. Eating chocolate might create more pimples.‬
‭Amanda listens to the speaker without raising her face.‬
1
‭to do?‬
‭ nswer: Rapunzel was a beautiful girl with long hair. She was locked up in‬
A
‭a tower by a witch. In her imagination, Amanda thinks herself to be like‬
‭Rapunzel who led a peaceful life. She promises never to let down her‬
‭bright hair.‬
1
‭afraid of?‬
‭ nswer: The speaker thinks that Amanda is sulking and moody. He thinks‬
A
‭that Amanda is always moody. He asks her not to sulk because he is afraid‬
‭that people will think that he is nagging Amanda.‬
‭ nswer: The central idea of the poem is that children love freedom. They‬
A
‭do not want any restrictions on their activities. Secondly, they have a‬
‭dream world of their own. They like to spend most of their time in that‬
‭dream world. But the elders are always destroying that dream world by‬
‭ordering them around.‬

1
‭ nswer: Amanda loves her freedom. She doesn’t want it to be curtailed.‬
A
‭She wants to lead her own kind of life. If she is asked what to do and what‬
‭not, she feels that her freedom is curtailed. She doesn’t bother to answer‬
‭her mother when she goes on instructing her what to do and what not.‬
‭ nswer: Her mother doesn’t want her to hunch her shoulders and bend her‬
A
‭body down. She stops her from eating chocolates as it would not be good‬
‭for her pimpled face. She wants her to stop sulking as others would think‬
‭that she is being nagged by her mother.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda is an escapist. She imagines herself to be a mermaid.‬

A
‭She wants to live on an island where she is the only inhabitant. She loves‬
‭freedom. She loves drifting blissfully like a mermaid on that lonely island.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda values freedom more than anything in her life. She feels‬
A
‭suffocated at home as she is constantly nagged by her mother there. She‬
‭wants to be an orphan. Like an orphan, she likes to wander about the‬
‭streets freely with bare feet.‬
‭21. Why does Amanda want to be Rapunzel?‬
‭ nswer: Amanda is an escapist. She imagines herself as a fairy-like‬

A
‭Rapunzel. She wants to live happily in her lonely tower far from the‬
‭maddening crowd of the world. Like Rapunzel, she wants to take care of‬
‭her beautiful golden hair.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda’s mother thinks that she is moody as her mood is always‬
A
‭shifting. If she puts on an unhappy appearance, others will blame her‬
‭mother. They will think that she is being constantly nagged by her mother.‬

‭ nswer: Amanda is a little girl. She, in fact, is a symbol of every child who‬
A
‭is instructed by the parents to do or not to do this or that. If she were a‬
‭mermaid she would blissfully drift in the sea.‬
‭ nswer: Amanda is a little girl. She is asked to do or not to do this and‬

A
‭that. She is nagged at by her parents. So Amanda yearns for freedom. She‬
‭wants to lead a life without any restrictions.‬
‭ nswer: In the last stanza, the speaker advises Amanda not to remain‬
A
‭moody and sulking. The reason behind this is that she does not want to‬
‭expose it before others. Otherwise, people will think that she was teased‬
‭by the speaker. It was her fear.‬
R
‭follow:‬

1
‭Amanda!‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. What is Amanda doing to her nails?‬
‭b. What does she do to her shoulders?‬
‭c. What is her sitting posture?‬
‭d. How should Amanda sit?‬

2
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. These lines refer to a little girl named Amanda.‬
‭b. The sea is peaceful and beautiful.‬
‭c. The sole inhabitant of the sea is Amanda who is the mermaid.‬
‭d. Amanda wants to drift blissfully with the soft-moving waves of the sea.‬

3
‭Amanda!‬

a
‭c. What was Amanda told to clean?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The speaker asks Amanda if she has done her homework.‬
‭b. The speaker asks her if she had cleaned her room.‬
‭c. Amanda was told to clean her shoes.‬
‭d. No, Amanda has not cleaned her shoes.‬

4

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Amanda longs to be an orphan.‬
‭b. The orphan is roaming in the street.‬
‭c. The speaker makes designs with her bare feet on the soft dust.‬
‭d. The speaker says that silence is golden and freedom is sweet.‬

5
‭ ill you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,‬
W
‭Amanda!‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The speaker tells Amanda not to eat chocolate.‬
‭b. She should not eat chocolate as it causes acne.‬
‭c. The speaker wants that Amanda should look at him when he is‬
‭addressing her.‬
‭d. No, Amanda was not listening to the speaker.‬

6

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Rapunzel was a fairy with very long hair.‬
‭b. She led a peaceful life in a tower in which she was imprisoned by a‬
‭witch.‬
‭c. She let her hair fall down from the castle for her lover to climb‬
‭d. She wants never let down her bright hair.‬

7
‭Amanda!‬

a
‭ . What kind of girl was Amanda?‬
c
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The speaker asks Amanda to stop sulking.‬
‭b. Amanda did not sulk, but she had some bad habits like nail biting.‬
‭c. Amanda was a freedom-loving and moody girl.‬
‭d. The speaker fears that people will think that he nags Amanda.‬

1
‭‘Amanda’?‬

1
1
‭Answer: Lomov is a young landowner.‬
‭ . Why did Lomov come to Chubukov’s house?‬

2
‭Answer: Lomov came to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for‬
‭Natalya.‬
‭ . How old were Lomov and Natalya?‬
3
‭Answer: Lomov was thirty-five years old and Natalya was twenty-five‬
‭years old.‬
‭ . Why is Lomov so eager to marry?‬

4
‭Answer: Lomov is so eager to many because he is already over thirty-five.‬

5
‭Answer: Lomov suffers from palpitations.‬
‭ . What does Lomov quarrel over with Natalya for the first time?‬
6
‭Answer: Lomov quarrels over ownership the right of Oxen Meadows.‬
‭ . What documents does Lomov offer to show Natalya?‬

7
‭Answer: He wants to show her the documents relating to the Oxen‬
‭Meadows.‬
‭ . Who has been using Oxen Meadows?‬

8
‭Answer: Peasants have been using Oxen Meadows.‬
‭ . What do they quarrel over for the second time?‬

9
‭Answer: For the second time, they quarrel over the quality of their dogs.‬
‭ 0. Who was Guess?‬

1
‭Answer: Guess was Lomov’s pet dog.‬
‭ 1. Who appears to be dead to Chubukov?‬

1
‭Answer: To Chubukov, Lomov appears to be dead.‬

1
‭Answer: Yes, they got married ultimately.‬
‭ 3. How does Natalya react when she learns that Lomov had come to‬
1
‭Answer: She weeps and yells and asks her father to fetch his hack.‬

1
‭ nswer: When Chubukov came to know that the reason of Lomov’s coming‬
A
‭to their house is to marry Natalya, he was overwhelmed with joy. He‬
‭embraced and kissed Lomov and told him that he was hoping for it for a‬
‭long time. He told Lomov that he had always loved him as if he were his‬
‭own son.‬
2
‭ nswer: Lomov told Natalya and Chubukov that his aunt’s grandmother‬
A
‭gave the Meadows for the temporary and free use of Chubukov’s‬
‭grandfather’s peasants. So he is the rightful owner of the open meadows.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov was a quarrelsome person. He came to Chubukov’s house‬

A
‭to propose Natalya. But he started arguing about the meadows and‬
‭insisted that those meadows belonged to him. Later he kept on proving‬
‭that his dog Squeezer is better than ‘Guess’ – the dog of Chubukov’s. He‬
‭did not care for his health or his proposal but kept on fighting for one or‬
‭the other reason. It proves that he was a quarrelsome person.‬
4
‭ nswer: As the story belongs to the Russian character. So through the‬

A
‭dialogues of the characters, we come to know a lot about Russian man.‬
‭According to the story the Russians are very particular about their dress‬
‭and have particular dresses for special occasions. Secondly, they are‬
‭hypocrites. They show off to be sweet but the very next moment, they‬
‭started fighting. They pretend to be good neighbours but within their‬
‭heart, they have so many grudges. They love to have dogs as pets and‬
‭consider their pet better than the other one. All of them are stubborn,‬
‭short-tempered, quarrelsome and rigid.‬

5
‭the proposal.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya was 25 years old, daughter of Chubukov. She was a good‬
A
‭housekeeper, not bad looking and well educated. She secretly loved‬
‭Lomov. She was greedy and short-sighted. She was short-tempered as‬
‭well.‬

6
‭about‬
‭ nswer: Lomov went to Chubukov’s house to ask him to marry his‬

A
‭daughter, Natalya. He asked Chubukov for Natalya’s hand. This is the‬
‭trouble he was talking about.‬
7
‭ nswer: Though Lomov was not in love with Natalya, he wanted to marry‬
A
‭her because he was suffering due to a weak heart and sleep-sickness. He‬
‭wanted a companion who could look after him.‬

8
‭20-25 words.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov and Natalya argue over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.‬
A
‭Natalya calls him a ‘land grabber’ as he claims his ownership over it.‬
‭Lomov says that he is not a ‘land grabber’ as he has never done so and‬
‭would never let anyone do so.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov came in a formal evening dress — wearing a jacket and‬

A
‭white gloves. He had come to meet the Chubukov family to put his‬
‭proposal for Natalya. He wanted to marry her.‬
1
‭ nswer: Natalya was not convinced as she said that they owned Oxen‬
A
‭Meadows for nearly 300 years. It was surprising and ridiculous if someone‬
‭else claimed it to be his own. Chubukov also joined the quarrel.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya said that Squeezer was superior to Guess —Lomov’s dog.‬
A
‭Lomov said that his dog Guess was better than Squeezer. Natalya believed‬
‭that Guess had become old and ought to be shot. She also claimed that‬
‭Squeezer was a hundred times better than a Guess.‬
1
‭Or‬
‭ nswer: Lomov arrives in a formal evening dress. On seeing him,‬

A
‭Chubukov thinks that he has come to borrow money. He decides not to‬
‭lend it to him but talks to him quite politely.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is 35 years old. It is high time that he should settle for a‬
A
‭quiet and regular life. He is suffering due to a weak heart and‬
‭sleep-sickness. In need of a companion who may look after him, he wants‬
‭to get married.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov went to Chubukov in a formal dress in order to propose‬

A
‭marriage to his daughter, Natalya. Hesitatingly he told Chubukov that he‬
‭needed his help and had come to trouble him with a request. He told him‬
‭that he wanted to marry Natalya.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov goes to his neighbour Chubukov’s house to ask for the‬
A
‭hand of his daughter Natalya. He is in a fix on how to make a marriage‬
‭proposal. He talks in a roundabout manner. He makes mention of his‬
‭ eadows which touch their birchwoods. At this, a quarrel ensues between‬
m
‭them over the ownership rights the meadows.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is a man of thirty-five years old. He is really a very funny‬

A
‭and comical character. He comes to make a proposal to Natalya. But he is‬
‭so nervous and excitable that he continues quarrelling with the girl over‬
‭trifles, and fails to make the proposal. He has no confidence and no‬
‭self-control. He suffers from fits of epilepsy.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is the heroine of the play The Proposal’. She is‬
A
‭Her father calls her ‘a love-sick cat’.‬
‭ nswer: The proposal remains unmade during Lomov’s fast visit because‬
A
‭Lomov is very nervous and excitable. He beat about the bush. When‬
‭Natalya comes Lomov begins to quarrel with her about a piece of land. He‬
‭gets very excited and leaves the room, cursing and threatening the old‬
‭man and his daughter, Natalya. He forgets all about the proposal.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is an ugly, middle-aged woman. She knows that only a‬

A
‭fool like Lomov can marry her. So, the moment she comes to know that‬
‭Lomov had come to propose for her hand, she cries and shouts and forces‬
‭her father to bring Lomov back.‬
‭ nswer: Chubukov comes in and finds Natalya and Lomov quarrelling.‬

A
‭When he finds that they are `luanvIling about the ownership of the Oxen‬
‭Meadows. he also becomes angry. Instead of calming them down. he also‬
‭ tarts quarrelling. He claims to be the owner of the Meadows. He insults‬
s
‭not only Lomov but also his ancestors.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov starts praising the qualities of the dog Guess. But Natalya‬
A
‭says that her dog sq which she purchased for 85 roubles is much better‬
‭than Lomov’s dog Guess. Both of them praise the qualities of their dogs.‬
‭Now they start quarrelling on this topic. They again start shouting at each‬
‭other.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov calms himself down and begins to tell him the purpose of‬
A
‭his visit. He tells him that he came to him many times in the past also for‬
‭his help but he did not help him. Chubukov thinks that perhaps he has‬
‭come to ask for a loan. He makes up his mind not to help him in any way.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov wants to settle the question of his marriage at once. He‬
A
‭thinks that now he should not delay. He thinks about Natalya. She is a‬
‭skilled house-keeper. She is educated and is not bad to look at. At this‬
‭age, he should not expect a better girl than her. He is suffering from some‬
‭serious diseases. Because of these reasons. He is anxious to marry‬
‭Natalya.‬
‭ nswer: Chubukov wondered how Lomov dared to make a proposal of‬

A
‭marriage. Natalya was startled to hear it. She forced her father to bring‬
‭Lomov back. Chubukov rushed out most unwillingly to request Lomov to‬
‭come back. Lomov agreed to come back.‬
‭ nswer: When Lomov is excited his heart starts palpitating. His right‬
A
‭eyebrow starts twitching. His foot goes to sleep. In the play, he becomes‬
‭so excited that he falls unconscious.‬
2
‭Meadows’?‬
‭ nswer: Natalya says that the land belonged to her family for the last‬
A
‭three hundred years. Now suddenly Lomov lays his claim to that land. She‬
‭says that the land is not worth much in terms of money. But as a principle,‬
‭she won’t let Lomov claim it.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov and Chubukov are landlords. They are neighbours too.‬
A
‭According to Lomov, he has been coming to Chubukov for help. Chubukov‬
‭has helped him even earlier. There seems to be a dispute over the‬
‭ownership of Oxen Meadows. Each one claims that the land belongs to‬
‭him. Lomov is interested in marrying Chubukov’s daughters, Natalya and‬
‭considers her a suitable match for her.‬
2
‭visit?‬
‭ nswer: Lomov, a landlord, pays a visit to Chubukov. The purpose of his‬

A
‭visit is quite clear. He has come with a proposal of marriage. He is‬
‭interested in marrying Natalya who he considers a good housekeeper and‬
‭not bad looking. Chubukov misunderstands the purpose of Lomov’s visit.‬
‭He thinks that he has come to borrow money from him. However, when he‬
‭comes to know that he has come with a marriage proposal, he is overjoyed‬
‭and excited.‬

2
‭ nswer: Ivan Lomov is well dressed. He comes to visit Chubukov.‬

A
‭Chubukov notices his dress. He is surprised to see Lomov wearing a‬
‭dress-jacket and white gloves. He is in a formal evening dress. It appears‬
‭as if he were paying a New Year’s Eve visit. Only later on, Chubukov comes‬
‭to know that Lomov has come in that formal dress only with a proposal for‬
‭marriage.‬
3
‭ nswer: Soon the misunderstanding is cleared. Chubukov comes to know‬
A
‭that Lomov has not come to borrow money instead he has come with a‬
‭proposal of marrying his daughter Natalya. He is extremely happy to hear‬
‭it. This is exactly what he wants. He embraces and kisses Lomov. He calls‬
‭him “darling” and “angel”. He tells Lomov that he has been hoping it for a‬
‭long time. He is ready to bless them.‬
3
‭ nswer: Lomov is a middle-aged man of thirty-five years. He thinks that it‬

A
‭is a critical age. He should now think of leading a peaceful and regular‬
‭married life. Natalya, the daughter of a rich landlord and neighbour‬
‭Chubukov, can be a suitable life-partner for him. Lomov thinks that‬
‭Natalya is an excellent housekeeper. Moreover, she is educated and not‬
‭bad looking. All these qualities qualify Natalya is an ideal life-partner for‬
‭him.‬

3
‭ nswer: In the beginning, Lomov speaks quite warmly about Chubukov’s‬

A
‭family. He reminds Natalya that he knows the Chubukovs since his‬
‭childhood. His aunt and uncle had great respect for her family. Both the‬
‭families have been most friendly and close neighbours. Lomov changes‬
‭his opinion about the Chubukovs when he picks up a quarrel with Natalya‬
‭and Chubukov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.‬

3
‭ nswer: Lomov and his rich landlord Chubukov are neighbours. A piece of‬
A
‭land known as Oxen Meadows becomes a bone of contention between the‬
‭two families. Both of them claim their ownership over the Meadows.‬
‭Lomov says that Oxen Meadows was given to Chubukov’s peasants for‬
‭free use. They were to make bricks for the Lomovs. The Chubokovs‬
‭contest this claim of Lomov.‬

3
‭ nswer: Oxen Meadows become a bone of contention between the two‬
A
‭families. Lomov thinks that Oxen Meadows that touch the birch forest of‬
‭Chubukov belong to him. His aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of the‬
‭Meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather. In return, they‬
‭were to make bricks for them. Natalya opposes it by saying that their land‬
‭extends to Burnt Marsh. It means that Oxen Meadows belongs to them.‬
3
‭ nswer: Natalya thinks that Lomov’s behaviour is quite strange. He is only‬

A
‭joking and making fun of her. She claims that they have Oxen Meadows‬
‭for nearly 300 years. She is suddenly told that it is not theirs. It is strange‬
‭that Lomov is making a present of the Meadows to them which are not‬
‭owned by him. It is unlike a good neighbour and a friend.‬
3
‭land-grabber?‬
‭ nswer: Lomov has his reasons to think that Chubukov is not a good‬
A
‭neighbour but a land-grabber. His aunt’s grandmother gave the Meadows‬
‭for ‘temporary’ and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. He‬
‭doesn’t intend to give up his claim over the Meadows. Good neighbours‬
‭don’t behave like that. Only land grabbers behave in this fashion.‬
3
‭ nswer: Chubukov and Natalya indulge in all sorts of abuses and insults‬
A
‭for Lomov. However, Chubukov discloses the real purpose of Lomov’s‬
‭visit. She comes to know that Lomov has come there with a proposal of‬
‭marrying her. She grows hysterical. She blames her father for not telling it‬
‭before. She tries to bring him back. She threatens to die if Lomov is not‬
‭brought back.‬

3
‭ nswer: Natalya and Lomov have already quarrelled over the ownership of‬
A
‭Oxen Meadows. Now crops up a fresh cause of their quarrel. It is over‬
t‭ heir dogs, Squeezer and Guess. Natalya thinks that their Squeezer is a‬
‭thoroughbred animal. He is far better than his dog Guess. Natalya calls‬
‭Guess an old and a worthless dog. The quarrel continues even after they‬
‭are married.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is thirty-five years old. He doesn’t enjoy good health. He is‬
A
‭easily excited. He suffers from palpitations. His feet are benumbed. He‬
‭can’t express himself like a calm and composed man. He can’t bear too‬
‭much tension and excitement. He throws himself down in an armchair and‬
‭becomes unconscious soon. Only when water is sprinkled over his face,‬
‭he comes to senses.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov has come with a proposal of marrying Natalya. When he‬
A
‭falls down unconscious in an armchair, both Natalya and Chubukov are‬
‭unnerved and worried. She starts crying thinking him dead. Chubukov‬
‭calls for a doctor. He threatens to shoot himself or cut his throat. When‬
‭Lomov comes to senses, Chubukov grabs the opportunity and blesses‬
‭them for a happy married life.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov’s unconsciousness unnerves both Chubukov and his‬

A
‭daughter Natalya. He is thought to be dead. Chubukov thinks that a golden‬
‭opportunity has been lost.‬
‭He thinks of shooting himself or cutting his throat. When Lomov comes to‬
‭senses Chubukov doesn’t lose the opportunity, He cries, “Hurry up and get‬
‭married!” He at once blesses both of them.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is a middle-aged man of thirty-five. He suffers from‬

A
‭palpitations, cramps and numbness of limbs. He is nervous and can’t‬
‭speak and act like a calm and composed man. He comes to Natalya’s‬
‭house with a proposal of marriage but soon forgets the real purpose of his‬
‭visit. He picks up unnecessary quarrels over Oxen Meadows and on their‬
‭respective dogs.‬
‭ nswer: Chubukov is a rich landlord and a neighbour of Lomov. He is‬

A
‭short-tempered and rash in behaviour. He wants Lomov to be married to‬
‭Natalya. But he forgets the main issue and joins the quarrels between‬
‭Lomov and Natalya. He adds only fuel to the fire. He can be abusive and‬
‭insulting. However, he grabs the opportunity and blesses Natalya and‬
‭Lomov in the end.‬
4
‭Proposal’?‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is a woman of twenty-five years. Lomov considers her a‬

A
‭good housekeeper and not bad looking. She likes to get married with‬
‭Lomov. However, she indulges in unnecessary quarrels over Oxen‬
‭Meadows and dogs. She even insults Lomov with harsh words. However,‬
‭good sense prevails upon her and she doesn’t lose the opportunity of‬
‭marrying Lomov.‬
4
‭ nswer: Anton Chekov has aptly titled the play, ‘The Proposal’. The title‬
A
‭justifies the main theme—the marriage of Natalya and Lomov. No doubt,‬
‭both Lomov and Natalya want to be life partners. However, unnecessary‬
‭quarrels over Oxen Meadows and their dogs Squeezer and Guess‬
‭temporarily spoil their game. The message is very clear. The main issue‬
‭must not be clouded and lost sight of by indulging in unnecessary and‬
‭avoidable quarrels.‬

1
‭ nswer: Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and‬

A
‭have. Although he had come there to propose Natalya he started fighting‬
‭with her over a small piece of land. This land adjoined her land and his‬
‭oxen meadows touched her birch woods. Natalya told Lomov that Lomov‬
‭tried meadows belonged to her but Lomov claimed that m the oxen‬
‭ eadows are his. Convince Natalya by telling her that his aunt’s‬
m
‭grandmother gave the meadows for the temporary and free use to‬
‭Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. They did not demand money for it for‬
‭a long time so the Chubukov’s misunderstood that the meadows belonged‬
‭to them. While Chubukov’s insisted that yelling could not prove anything‬
‭because everyone knows that meadows belong to Chubukov’s since last‬
‭three hundred years. Both threatened each other.‬
‭ . The proposal was forgotten amidst argumentation. Which right‬

2
‭approach should have been followed by both parties?‬
‭ nswer: Lomov came to Chubukovs to propose Natalya. Both are‬

A
‭neighbours and at the right age to marry. But instead of forwarding the‬
‭proposal both of them started fighting over truffles. Firstly they fought‬
‭over a small piece of land called oxen meadows both of them claimed that‬
‭the land belonged to them and not the other one. Somehow the argument‬
‭came to an end and they started fighting over dogs and claimed each of‬
‭their dog better than the other ones. The proposal was forgotten amidst‬
‭all these arguments.‬
‭ he situation might be different if both the parties had followed the right‬
T
‭approach. Oxen meadows would belong to both of them if they got‬
‭married. Similarly, dogs are the very petty thing to argue about while‬
‭marriage is going to take place. There should not be any ego in between‬
‭of them both. They should be polite and patient to each other. They should‬
‭not be rigid and stubborn. Their priority should be their marriage and not‬
‭meadows or dogs. Only the proposal could be carried on.‬
3
‭of Chubukov)‬
‭ nswer: Lomov and Chubukovs were neighbours. Lomov came to‬

A
‭Chubukovs to propose Natalya. But instead of proposing they started‬
‭fighting over petty issues like oxen meadows and quality of dogs. This is‬
‭not the quality of good neighbours. Neighbours should live like friends.‬
‭There should be a positive relationship between the two neighbours.‬
‭ here should be understanding and patience among neighbours. The fight‬
T
‭between Looms and Chubukovs could have been avoided if handled‬
‭carefully. The issue of meadows could be resolved calmly and quietly by a‬
‭good conversation. There must have been some documents showing the‬
‭ownership of the meadows or both the parties could be convinced by‬
‭making them understand that if they got married, the meadows will belong‬
‭to both of them.‬
‭ imilarly, the issues of dog could be solved instead of counting the‬

S
‭negative points of each other’s dogs. They can discuss the positive‬
‭features of the dogs. Thus the issues could be resolved.‬
4
‭ nswer: Lomov was 35 years old. It was high time that life IV moreover, he‬
A
‭was suffering d In order to put his proposal to Natalya, due to a weak heart‬
‭and sleeplessness. He wanted company and file one to look after him, so‬
‭he wanted to get married he visited Chubukov. However, Lomov was not in‬
‭love with Natalya. Besides his ill health, he understood quite well that she‬
‭was an excellent housekeeper, not bad looking, and well-educated. Thus,‬
‭he thought of marrying her because of all these practical reasons.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is a man who is of marriageable age. He also suffers from‬

A
‭a weak heart and sleeplessness. So, he is desperate to settle down in life‬
‭and lead a quiet and regular life. Despite his ailments, Lomov was a rich‬
‭and prosperous farmer. This makes Chubukov secretly wish him to marry‬
‭his daughter Natalya. As for Lomov, he did not love her, though he was‬
‭desperate to have a life partner, and so marry Natalya. Lomov was‬
‭however hesitant to ask for her hand from Chubukov. That made him beat‬
‭around the bush, argue with Natalya and leave without proposing. Thus we‬
‭can find that Loom’s conditions overpower the other traits he has. He is an‬
‭eligible, assertive, rich, bachelor, who will be liked by any girl. However, we‬
‭also know that he is nervous, lacks confidence and is prone to talk in a‬
‭long-winded manner.‬

‭ nswer: Chubukov was thinking that Lomov had come to borrow money‬
A
‭from him but when he told him that he had come to propose to his‬
‭daughter he was overjoyed and even shed a tear. He kissed and embraced‬
‭Lomov. He told Lomov that he was hoping it for a long time. He also told‬
‭Lomov that he loved him as his own son.‬
I‭ n fact, Chubukov, secretly wished Lomov to marry his dither as he knew‬

‭that Lomov was a rich and prosperous farmer and his only daughter could‬
‭lead a comfortable life with him. No wonder, he was overjoyed to know‬
‭that Lomov was there to propose to his daughter.‬
‭ nswer: ‘The Proposal’ is certainly a humorous play. The very entry of‬
A
‭Lomov in a formal dress and the way Chubukov greets calling him‬
‭‘darling’, ‘my treasure’ or ‘my beauty’ make one laugh. Marriage proposal,‬
‭supposed to be romantic turns to be humorous as the way Natalya and‬
‭Lomov indulge in arguments over petty issues like ownership of Oxen‬
‭Meadows and superiority of dogs makes the play humorous. The critical‬
‭terms that the characters I use for each other like a scarecrow, turnip‬
‭ghost, blind hen, stuffed sausage, etc., force one to laugh. The hysterical‬
‭fit of Natalya when she comes to know about the proposal and the wailing‬
‭of father and daughter when they think Lomov is dead create immense‬
‭humour. Finally, the way Natalya puts her hand in Loom’s under continuous‬
‭arguments indicating acceptance of the proposal is really humorous. Thus‬
‭we see that the whole play is replete with humour, making it a humorous‬
‭play.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya was 25 years old and the daughter of Chubukov. She was‬
A
‭a good housekeeper, not bad to look at and educated; that was why Lomov‬
‭wanted to marry her. She could be a good wife to him.‬
‭ he secretly loved Lomov. She became hysterical when she came to know‬
S
‭that Lomov had come to propose to her. She asked her father to call him‬
‭back. To please Lomov she asked him to forgive her and agreed to his‬
‭ownership of the Oxen Meadows.‬
‭ he was greedy and short-sighted. She got the whole field of hay cut. She‬
S
‭was also very inquisitive and wanted to know why Lomov was dressed up‬
‭formally.‬
‭She was touchy and short-tempered and fell into contradiction and‬
‭argument on two occasions—once over the ownership of Oxen Meadows‬
‭and the second time over the superiority of her dog Squeezer. She is as‬
‭rigid as Lomov. She is not ready to give up even after getting ready to‬
‭marry him.‬
‭ nswer: The one-act play ‘The Proposal’ is full of the humorous element.‬
A
‭The characters in the play behave ridiculously. Lomov comes to propose‬
‭to Natalya. But he cannot talk in a straightforward manner. He beat about‬
‭the bush. He starts quarrelling with her over a piece of land. When he‬
‭comes back, he quarrels about the superiority of his dog. Chubukov is‬
‭also a humorous character. He knows that Lomov has come to ask for his‬
‭daughter’s hand in marriage. Even when he quarrels with him. We laugh at‬
‭the words used by them and their behaviour. The sudden marriage of‬
‭Lomov and Natalya creates laughter. Chubukov puts his daughter’s hand in‬
‭Lomov’s in a foolish manner. Lomov is a comic character. His complaints‬
‭about his poor health provoke laughter. Thus the play gives us a lot of‬
‭laughter.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is the heroine of the play ‘The Proposal’. She is‬
A
‭Her father calls her ‘a love-sick cat.’‬
‭ he is very quarrelsome. She quarrels with others over trifles. Lomov‬

S
‭comes to propose to her, but she starts quarrelling with him over the‬
‭ownership of a piece of land. Lomov leaves her house in a fit of anger.‬
‭When she comes to know that he had come to propose to her, she starts‬
‭weeping. She asks her father to bring him back. When Lomov comes back,‬
‭she tries to please him. But after some time, she starts quarrelling with‬
‭him on the question of dogs. Lomov faints and she again begins to wail‬
‭lest she should lose the opportunity for marriage. After some time, Lomov‬
‭regains consciousness. Her father does not want to lose this opportunity.‬
‭He at once puts Natalya’s hand in the hands of Lomov. He announces that‬
t‭ hey are engaged with each other. Natalya. become very happy. But she‬
‭again starts quarrelling with him. Thus Natalya is an interesting character.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov goes to his neighbour Chuhukov’s house to ask for the‬
A
‭hand of his daughter Natalya. When he talks to Natalya, he becomes‬
‭nervous. He is in a fix on how to make a marriage proposal. He talks in a‬
‭round-about manner. He beat about the bush. He makes mention of his‬
‭meadows which touch their birchwoods. At this, a quarrel ensues between‬
‭them over the ownership of the meadows. Both of them claim the‬
‭ownership and start rebuking each other. In the meantime, Chubukov‬
‭comes there. Instead of pacifying them, he also joins the quarrel. He‬
‭abuses Lomov which worsens the situation. Lomov is deeply upset. He‬
‭leaves Chubukov’s house and forgets about the marriage proposal.‬
‭ nswer: Lomov is the hero of the One Act Play ‘The Proposal’. He is a‬
A
‭land-owner. He is a funny character He is a young man of thirty-five years.‬
‭He becomes nervous very soon. He loses his temper whenever he is‬
‭upset. He looks very funny when he complains about his ill-health. He is‬
‭short-tempered. He quarrels with Natalya over the ownership of a piece of‬
‭land. He also quarrels with her over the superiority of his dog. He loses‬
‭temper and starts abusing Chubukov. He loses control over himself and‬
‭faints in a fit of anger. Lomov is a funny and foolish character. We laugh at‬
‭his dress, manners and behaviour. Lomov is a bachelor even at the age of‬
‭thirty-five. He wants to marry Natalya not out of love but because he is‬
‭already a grown-up man. He has no sense of beauty. He wants to marry‬
‭Natalya only because she is a good house-keeper.‬
‭ nswer: The One Act play ‘The Proposal’ throws light on the lifestyle of‬
A
‭the landlords of Russia in the 19th century. The farm labourers worked on‬
‭their farms. So these landlords led a life of ease and comfort. In fact. they‬
‭led an idle life. They were full of vanity and pride. They quarrelled over‬
‭petty things. In the play, we see that Lomov and Natalya have a dispute‬
‭over a piece of land. They quarrel again over the qualities of their dogs.‬
‭Chubukov, Natalya’s father, instead of pacifying them, joins them. He and‬
‭ omov abuse each other. All of them behave in a very funny way. The play‬
L
‭also brings to light the social life of the landowners of the 19th century. An‬
‭unmarried grown-up daughter was considered a great burden by the‬
‭parents. Chubukov curses himself for being the father of Natalya. An aged‬
‭bachelor was also looked down upon in society. This theme has been‬
‭presented nicely through the characters of Lomov and Natalya.‬

1
‭ nswer: Lomov is a Russian landlord of thirty-five years old. He is a‬

A
‭neighbour of another rich landlord Chubukov. He is at a critical age when‬
‭he thinks he should get married. He wants to lead a peaceful and regular‬
‭married life. He sees in Chubukov’s daughter Natalya an ideal‬
‭life-companion. He thinks she is a good housekeeper, educated and not‬
‭bad looking. He comes to Chubukov’s house with a proposal of marriage.‬
‭Naturally, he is formally dressed in a fashionable jacket and white gloves.‬
‭In the beginning, Chubukov seems to be rather cold to his visit. He thinks‬
‭that Lomov has come to borrow money from him. However, his‬
‭indifference soon changes into warm enthusiasm. Lomov tells him the‬
‭real purpose of his visit. Chubukov is extremely happy to hear it. He tells‬
‭Lomov that he has been thinking for a long time for this marriage. He calls‬
‭Lomov a good neighbour and an ‘angel’. He is ready to give his consent to‬
‭their marriage.‬
1
‭ nswer: Natalya is a woman of twenty-five years. She is of marriageable‬

A
‭age and wants to get married at all cost. Chubukov calls her a love-sick‬
‭cat. Lomov visits her house and has come with a proposal of marriage.‬
‭She doesn’t know of it and comes to know of it only after Lomov goes out‬
‭in disgust. Before that Natalya and Lomov have a long quarrel over the‬
‭ownership of Oxen Meadows.‬
‭ omov claims the owner and is ready to show the necessary documents to‬
L
‭prove his claim. Natalya calls Lomov a strange man who wants to grab‬
‭their land. His act is unfriendly not like that of a good neighbour. Lomov‬
‭feels excited and insulted and goes out in disgust. We find a different‬
‭Natalya when she comes to know the real purpose of Lomov’s visit. She‬
‭cries loudly to bring Lomov back. She threatens to die if he is not brought‬
‭ ack. Lomov returns. But old habits die hard. Both Lomov and Natalya‬
b
‭forget the real issue of their marriage. The quarrel over the Meadows is‬
‭settled.‬
‭ ow they start fighting over their dogs Squeezer and Guess. Natalya calls‬
N
‭Lomov’s dog Guess and old and good for nothing. On the other hand,‬
‭Lomov calls her dog Squeezer far inferior to his dog Guess. This quarrel‬
‭continues till Lomov becomes unconscious. In the end, Chubukov loses no‬
‭opportunity and says “Be quick and get married.” Natalya embraces and‬
‭blesses Lomov and they are blessed by Chubukov. They start their married‬
‭life by picking up a fresh quarrel over Squeezer and Guess.‬

1
‭ nswer: Lomov is a Russian landlord of thirty-five years. He is a‬

A
‭neighbour of another rich landlord Chubukov. Lomov is highly impulsive,‬
‭irritating and quarrelsome. Physically, he is a wrack. He enjoys very poor‬
‭health. He suffers from palpitations, hyper-tensions and heart problems.‬
‭He is easily excited and irritated. Lomov realises that he has reached an‬
‭age when he needs a peaceful and regular life. In Chubukov’s daughter‬
‭Natalya he sees an ideal life-partner. She is a good house-keeper,‬
‭educated and not bad looking. So, he visits Chubukov’s house with a‬
‭ omov is confused. He can’t talk like a calm and composed man. He‬
L
‭forgets the main issue and the purpose of his visit. He indulges in‬
‭unnecessary details and quarrels over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.‬
‭He does not know how to solve and deal with controversies. He picks up a‬
‭new quarrel over the dogs. He unsuccessfully tries to prove that his dog‬
‭Guess is far superior to Natalya’s dog Squeezer.‬
‭ omov appears in a formal dress. He seems to be fashionable,‬

L
‭well-dressed and presentable. He is a gentleman and acknowledges the‬
‭help received from his neighbour Chubukov. He is self-respecting and is‬
‭ready to give Oxen Meadows to Natalya as a present. Last but not least,‬
‭his desire for many Natalya is practical and genuine.‬
1
‭120 words.‬
‭ nswer: Natalya is the daughter of a rich Russian landlord Chubukov. She‬

A
‭is twenty-five years old. She knows that she must marry and not lose a‬
‭suitable match for her. She doesn’t want to miss any opportunity to many‬
‭of her neighbour and landlord Lomov. Natalya is a good housekeeper,‬
‭educated and not bad looking. Even Lomov acknowledges her skills and‬
‭suitability as his life-partner. He himself comes to her house with a‬
I‭ n spite of having many good qualities which helps her to be an ideal wife,‬
‭Natalya has certain weaknesses in her character. She is quarrelsome like‬
‭her father. She doesn’t seem to be practical and prudent. She is ‘a‬
‭love-sick cat’. She is dying too many Lomov. However, she forgets the‬
‭main issue but indulges in unnecessary quarrels over the ownership of‬
‭Oxen Meadows. She irritates Lomov by proving the superiority of her dog‬
‭Squeezer over his dog Guess. However, she grabs the opportunity in the‬
‭end. As directed by Chubukov, she embraces, blesses and gets married to‬
‭Lomov at once. But old habits die hard. She starts her married life with a‬
‭fresh quarrel.‬

1
‭ nswer: Chubukov represents a typical rich landlord of 19th century‬

A
‭Russia. He seems to be fairly rich and resourceful. Even his neighbour‬
‭Lornov acknowledges the frequent help rendered to him by Chubukov. He‬
‭lands his threshing machine to Lomov. On account of this help, he has to‬
‭put off their own threshing till November. Chubukov is quite practical. He‬
‭knows that Lomov can be a good match for his daughter Natalya. So, he at‬
‭once gives his assent to Lomov’s proposal of marrying her. Actually, he‬
‭has been waiting for such a proposal for a long time. Chubukov is a‬
‭landlord and can’t resist his hunger for land. He opposes the claim of‬
‭Lomov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. He even threatens to send‬
‭his mowers out to the Meadows.‬
‭ hubukov can be quite quarrelsome, abusing and insulting. He always‬

C
‭sides with his daughter. He picks up a quarrel on Oxen Meadows. He calls‬
‭ omov “a land grabber” and “villain”. He abuses his grandfather of being a‬
L
‭“drunkard” and his father a ‘gambler’. He jumps into the quarrel and adds‬
‭only fuel to the fire. However, Chubukov is a great opportunity. He grabs‬
‭the opportunity the moment Lomov comes into the senses. He makes‬
‭Natalya kiss and embrace Lomov and gets them married.‬
‭ nswer: Anton Chekov has aptly and logically titled his one-act-play ‘The‬
A
‭Proposal’. The title justifies the theme and the subject of the play. The‬
‭whole story revolves around Lomov’s marriage proposal to Chubukov’s‬
‭daughter Natalya. The play ends with Chubukov asking Natalya to hurry up‬
‭and get married immediately. Natalya seals the proposal by kissing and‬
‭embracing Lomov. Chubukov willingly and happily blesses the couple.‬
‭ he play begins with the visit of Lomov to Chubukov’s house. The moment‬
T
‭Chubukov comes to know that Lomov has come with a proposal of‬
‭marriage, he becomes extremely happy. Lomov is genuinely interested in‬
‭marrying Natalya. He thinks that she is a good housekeeper, educated and‬
‭not bad looking. He sees in Natalya an ideal wife who can help him in‬
‭leading a peaceful and regular life. Natalya herself being a love-sick cat‬
‭sees in Lomov a suitable life-partner for her. The Moment she comes to‬
‭know that Lomov has come with a marriage proposal, she blames her‬
‭father for not telling it before. She threatens to die if Lomov is not brought‬
‭back immediately.‬
‭ o doubt, there are quarrels and disputes over the ownership of Oxen‬
N
‭Meadows and on the superiority of their dogs. I Abuses and insults are‬
‭freely traded. But this farce can’t hide the real intention of the main‬
‭characters. The play ends with Natalya kissing and embracing Lomov and‬
‭Chbukov blessing the newly married couple.‬
2
‭ nswer: The ownership of Oxen Meadows is claimed by both the families,‬

A
‭the Lomov and the Chubukovs. It becomes a bone of contention between‬
‭them. Lomov claims that his Oxen Meadows touch the Birdwood of‬
‭Chubukov. Natalya contests the claim. She claims that they belong to‬
t‭ hem. Lomov explains that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of the‬
‭Meadows to the peasants of the Chubukovs. In return, they were to make‬
‭bricks for the Lomovs. Natalya claims that their land expands to Burnt‬
‭Marsh. Hence, Oxen Meadows belong to them. They have had the land for‬
‭300 years.‬
‭ omov is ready to present the necessary documents to prove his‬

L
‭ownership over the Meadows. Natalya threatens to send her mowers to‬
‭the Meadows. Chubukov comes in and jumps into the quarrel. He sides‬
‭with his daughter. Lomov threatens to go to court. There is a free‬
‭exchange of abuses and insults. Chubukov calls Lomov’s grandfather a‬
‭drunkard. Lomov calls Chubukov’s mother hump-backed. Natalya calls‬
‭Chubukov’s mother hump-backed. Natalya calls Lomov dishonest, rascal‬
‭and mean. Chubukov calls Lomov a villain and a scarecrow. The dispute‬
‭ends, when Natalya comes to know about the marriage proposal. She‬
‭surrenders her claim and accepts that the Meadows belong to Lomov.‬

2
‭ nswer: Natalya and Lomov are mature persons who can be childish and‬
A
‭ridiculous on occasions. They easily forget the main issue—the proposal‬
‭of marriage. No doubt, Natalya is a love-sick cat and is dying to marry‬
‭Lomov. Even Lomov considers Natalya a good housekeeper. Such a good‬
‭looking and educated woman can be an ideal wife for him.‬
‭ ut both of them fail to come to the main issue. After the dispute over the‬
B
‭ownership of Oxen Meadows is resolved, they pick up a fresh quarrel over‬
‭their dogs. Their behaviour is childish and unwanted considering their‬
‭mature age. Their dogs Squeezer and Guess become the symbols of their‬
‭vanity and false pride. Natalya calls her Squeezer a thoroughbred animal‬
‭of a noble breed. Chubukov jumps into the quarrel. He calls Squeezer the‬
‭best dog in the district. He calls Lomov’s dog Guess old and short in the‬
‭muzzle. It is free for all. Abuses and insults are exchanged. Lomov calls‬
‭Chubukov an “intriguer”, “old rat” and “Jesuit”. Chubukov calls Lomov‬
‭“Boy! Pup!” and “milksop! Fool!”. The quarrel ends only when Lomov lies‬
‭down unconscious in an armchair.‬
2
‭ nswer: Anton Chekov’s play The Proposal’ presents a farcical situation‬

A
‭when Lomov falls down unconscious in an armchair. Before that, there has‬
‭been a free for all. Insults and abuses were freely hurled. The dispute over‬
‭Oxen Meadows was settled but the quarrel over the dogs took an‬
‭unpleasant turn. Lomov is called “Boy! Pup!”, Milksop” and “Fool”. He heat‬
‭and excitement and falls down unconscious: He is thought to be almost‬
‭dead.‬
‭ oth Natalya and Chubukov feel that things are going out of their hands.‬
B
‭They feel helpless. Chubukov feels like shooting himself or cutting his‬
‭own throat. Natalya is dying for marriage. The moment Lomov comes to‬
‭senses, everyone feels relieved. Chubukov can’t afford to miss the‬
‭opportunity. He tells Natalya to “hurry up and get married!” She too acts at‬
‭once. She embraces and kisses Lomov and gives her willing to marry him.‬
‭Only one thing is left for Chubukov. He blesses the newly married couple‬
‭and opens a bottle of champagne. They say old habits die hard. The new‬
‭couple starts their married life with a fresh quarrel. It is over their dogs‬
‭Squeezer and Guesses again.‬
R
‭follow:‬
Q

a
‭before me”?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov is saying this line.‬
‭b. The speaker is talking about real love and marriage.‬
‭c. His mind reflects that this way he would never get married because it is‬
‭difficult to get an ideal or real love.‬
‭d. Lomov did not want to wait for real love because he was anxious to get‬
‭married.‬
Q
‭for him.‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. He refers to ‘Guess’, the dog.‬
‭b. Squeezer belongs to Chubukov.‬
‭c. Lomov is the speaker of these lines.‬
‭d. The handsome price to pay for Squeezer would be twenty-five roubles.‬
Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The speaker is giving his blessing to Lomov and Natalya.‬
‭b. He is giving his blessings because both are willing to marry each other‬
‭and Chubukov agrees to it.‬
‭c. Chubukov is giving his blessing.‬
‭d. She is willing for her marriage with Lomov.‬
Q
‭to know.‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Last year, the speaker lent their threshing-machine.‬
‭b. After that, they had to put off their own threshing till November.‬
‭c. They lent their threshing-machine to Lomov the previous year that‬
‭delayed their own threshing till November.‬
‭d. This was because they had lent it to Lomov, their neighbour.‬

Q
‭five dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand‬
‭unfairness.‬

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Lomov is making fun of Natalya.‬
‭b. They had the land for nearly three hundred years.‬
‭c. Natalya is the speaker of these lines.‬
‭d. The land that the speaker has had for nearly 300 years have been told‬
‭that it isn’t theirs.‬
Q
a
‭Answer: a. Natalya is the ‘madam’ in the above lines.‬
‭ . Natalya accuses Lomov of grabbing Oxen Meadows. So Lomov says‬

b
‭that he is not a landgrabber.‬
‭ . The speaker got infuriated with Natalya for having called him a‬
c
‭landgrabber.‬
‭ . He will not allow anybody to accuse him of having grabbed anyone’s‬

d
‭land.‬
Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭b. He is speaking to Natalya.‬
‭c. The ownership of Oxen Meadows was the subject of dispute.‬
‭d. The peasants worked for forty years for them, making bricks.‬
Q
a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Natalya is speaking to Lomov.‬
‭b. She had helped her neighbour by lending the threshing-machine.‬
‭c. She lent her threshing-machine to her neighbour, Lomov.‬
‭d. They had to put off their own threshing till November.‬
Q
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Natalya is the speaker of the above lines.‬
‭b. Lomov had come to marry Natalya. Chubukov considered ‘Lomov’ as‬
‭‘Merchant’ and ‘Natalya’ as ‘his goods’.‬
‭c. The speaker is talking to Lomov.‬
‭d. Natalya’s father said that there was a merchant for his goods.‬
Q

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭b. They had a cordial relationship as they were neighbours.‬
‭c. The speaker is speaking to Natalya.‬
‭d. The peasants made bricks for the grandmother of Lomov’s aunt.‬
1
1
3
R
‭ ery Short Answer Type Questions‬
V

1
‭2. Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his family?‬
‭3. Why was the seagull afraid to fly?‬
4
‭5. Why did the seagull dive towards his mother?‬
6
‭7. Who included the seagull’s family except him?‬
‭8. For how long had the seagull been alone?‬
‭9. How was the seagull feeling?‬
‭10. What sight maddened the young seagull?‬
‭ hort Answer Type Questions‬

S
2
3
‭ .‬‭How has Max got in‬

1
‭inside?‬
‭the balcony?‬
‭values?‬
‭13.‬ ‭How did Ausable’s presence of mind help him?‬
‭14.‬ ‭What is the significance of the title of the story?‬
‭in the story.‬
R
‭Very Short Answer Type Questions‬

1
‭Answer: The seagull had been alone for twenty-four hours.‬
‭ . Why did the seagull not go with the rest of his family?‬
2
‭Answer: He did not go because he was afraid to fly.‬
‭ . Why was the seagull afraid to fly?‬

3
‭Answer:‬ ‭He‬ ‭was‬ ‭afraid‬ ‭to‬ ‭fly‬ ‭because‬ ‭he‬ ‭felt‬ ‭that‬ ‭his‬ ‭wings‬ ‭could‬ ‭not‬
‭support him.‬
4
‭Answer:‬ ‭He‬‭thought‬‭of‬‭joining‬‭his‬‭family‬‭by‬‭jumping‬‭and‬‭by‬‭walking‬‭up‬‭to‬
‭them.‬
‭ . Why did the seagull dive towards his mother?‬

5
‭Answer:‬‭The‬‭seagull‬‭dove‬‭towards‬‭his‬‭mother‬‭because‬‭he‬‭wanted‬‭the‬‭fish‬
‭in his mother’s beak.‬
6
‭Answer: He wanted to get the attention of his family.‬
‭ . Who included the seagull’s family except him?‬

7
‭Answer:‬ ‭There‬ ‭were‬ ‭five‬‭members‬‭in‬‭his‬‭family‬‭except‬‭for‬‭him-his‬‭father,‬
‭mother. two brothers and a sister.‬

8
‭Answer: He had been alone for the last twenty-four hours.‬
‭ . How was the seagull feeling?‬
9
‭Answer: He was feeling very hungry.‬
‭ 0. What sight maddened the young seagull?‬

1
‭Answer: The sight of food maddened him.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The‬‭young‬‭seagull‬‭was‬‭afraid‬‭to‬‭fly.‬‭Even‬‭the‬‭encouragement‬‭and‬
A
‭coaxing‬‭didn’t‬‭work.‬‭But‬‭when‬‭the‬‭seagull‬‭had‬‭his‬‭first‬‭flight,‬‭he‬‭as‬‭well‬‭as‬
‭his‬‭family‬‭was‬‭happy,‬‭relieved‬‭and‬‭proud‬‭of‬‭him‬‭to‬‭have‬‭completed‬‭his‬‭first‬
‭flight.‬
2
‭ nswer:‬ ‭The‬ ‭seagull‬ ‭didn’t‬ ‭have‬ ‭the‬ ‭courage‬ ‭to‬ ‭fly.‬ ‭Hence,‬ ‭he‬ ‭used‬ ‭to‬
A
‭make‬ ‭excuses‬ ‭for‬‭not‬‭flying.‬‭He‬‭felt‬‭certain‬‭that‬‭his‬‭wings‬‭were‬‭too‬‭weak‬
‭to‬ ‭support‬ ‭him.‬ ‭He‬ ‭had‬ ‭no‬‭courage‬‭to‬‭flap‬‭his‬‭wings‬‭and‬‭failed‬‭to‬‭muster‬
‭up the courage to take the plunge.‬
3
‭ nswer: (i) The young seagull is the ‘he’ in these lines.‬

A
‭(ii)‬ ‭He‬ ‭had‬ ‭not‬ ‭eaten‬ ‭anything‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭last‬ ‭24‬‭hours.‬‭He‬‭was‬‭very‬‭hungry,‬
‭hence was angry.‬
‭(iii)‬ ‭His‬ ‭mother‬ ‭went‬ ‭near‬ ‭him‬ ‭with‬ ‭a‬ ‭piece‬ ‭of‬ ‭fish‬ ‭but‬ ‭did‬ ‭not‬ ‭feed‬ ‭him.‬
‭Maddened‬ ‭by‬ ‭hunger,‬ ‭the‬ ‭young‬ ‭seagull‬ ‭dove‬ ‭to‬‭snatch‬‭it‬‭but‬‭the‬‭mother‬
‭flew away. This shows the weakness of the young seagull.‬
‭1.‬‭How has Max got in?‬

‭●‬ ‭Max got into Ausable’s room using a passkey.‬
‭●‬ ‭Ausable‬‭mentions‬‭that‬‭Max‬‭entered‬‭his‬‭room‬‭through‬
‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭which‬ ‭extends‬ ‭under‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭window.‬
‭He‬ ‭perhaps‬ ‭have‬ ‭accessed‬ ‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭from‬ ‭the‬
‭empty‬ ‭room‬ ‭two‬ ‭doors‬ ‭down.‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭explains‬ ‭that‬
‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭belongs‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭next‬ ‭apartment,‬ ‭and‬
s‭ omeone‬ ‭had‬ ‭accessed‬ ‭his‬ ‭room‬ ‭through‬ ‭it‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬
‭past.‬
‭●‬ ‭Max‬‭wanted‬ ‭to‬‭take‬ ‭a‬ ‭report‬‭that‬‭was‬ ‭being‬‭brought‬
‭to‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭that‬ ‭night.‬ ‭The‬ ‭report‬ ‭contained‬
‭information‬ ‭about‬ ‭new‬ ‭missiles.‬ ‭Max‬ ‭believed‬ ‭it‬
‭would‬ ‭be‬ ‭safer‬ ‭in‬ ‭his‬ ‭hands‬ ‭than‬ ‭in‬ ‭Ausable’s‬
‭possession.‬
‭●‬ ‭The‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭connects‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭room‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭empty‬
‭room‬‭two‬‭doors‬‭down.‬‭In‬‭the‬‭past,‬‭someone‬‭had‬‭used‬
‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭to‬‭gain‬‭unauthorized‬‭access‬‭to‬‭Ausable’s‬
‭room.‬ ‭The‬ ‭management‬ ‭was‬ ‭supposed‬ ‭to‬ ‭block‬ ‭off‬
‭the‬ ‭balcony,‬ ‭but‬‭they‬ ‭hadn’t‬‭done‬ ‭so,‬‭leaving‬‭it‬‭as‬‭a‬
‭potential‬‭entry‬‭point.‬‭In‬‭reality,‬‭Ausable‬‭had‬‭made‬‭up‬
‭the balcony to outwit adversaries.‬
‭inside?‬
‭●‬ ‭The‬ ‭knocking‬ ‭at‬ ‭the‬ ‭door‬ ‭was‬ ‭caused‬ ‭by‬ ‭a‬ ‭waiter‬
‭delivering‬‭a‬‭drink‬‭that‬‭Ausable‬‭had‬‭ordered‬‭for‬‭when‬
‭he‬ ‭returned.‬ ‭It‬ ‭was‬ ‭not‬ ‭the‬ ‭police,‬ ‭as‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭had‬
‭pretended to Max earlier.‬
‭the balcony?‬
‭●‬ ‭As‬ ‭Max‬ ‭tried‬ ‭to‬ ‭drop‬ ‭down‬ ‭from‬ ‭the‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭to‬
‭escape,‬ ‭he‬ ‭screamed‬ ‭once‬ ‭and‬ ‭did‬ ‭not‬ ‭return.‬ ‭It‬ ‭is‬
‭implied‬ ‭that‬ ‭there‬ ‭was‬ ‭no‬ ‭balcony,‬ ‭and‬ ‭Max‬ ‭fell‬ ‭to‬
‭the ground or encountered some other misfortune.‬
‭●‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭pretended‬ ‭that‬ ‭the‬ ‭police‬‭were‬‭knocking‬ ‭at‬
‭the‬‭door‬‭to‬‭create‬‭a‬‭sense‬‭of‬‭urgency‬‭and‬‭tension.‬‭In‬
‭reality,‬ ‭he‬ ‭had‬ ‭instructed‬ ‭a‬ ‭waiter‬ ‭to‬ ‭bring‬ ‭him‬ ‭a‬
‭drink.‬‭He‬ ‭used‬‭this‬ ‭facade‬‭so‬ ‭that‬‭he‬‭could‬‭trap‬‭Max‬
‭and‬ ‭force‬‭him‬ ‭to‬ ‭hide‬‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭balcony,‬‭in‬ ‭the‬‭process‬
‭making‬ ‭him‬ ‭fall‬ ‭and‬ ‭kill‬ ‭himself‬ ‭in‬ ‭order‬ ‭to‬ ‭protect‬
‭the important paper he was waiting for.‬
‭●‬ T ‭ he‬‭paper‬‭they‬‭were‬‭waiting‬‭for‬‭contained‬‭important‬
‭information‬ ‭that‬ ‭could‬ ‭potentially‬ ‭affect‬ ‭the‬ ‭course‬
‭of history.‬
‭●‬ ‭Fowler‬ ‭is‬ ‭disappointed‬ ‭because‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭does‬ ‭not‬‭fit‬
‭the‬ ‭stereotypical‬ ‭image‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent.‬ ‭He‬ ‭is‬
‭overweight,‬‭lacks‬‭the‬‭exotic‬‭allure,‬‭and‬‭his‬‭activities‬
‭involve‬‭more‬‭mundane‬‭tasks‬‭like‬‭receiving‬‭telephone‬
‭calls instead of engaging in thrilling adventures.‬
‭values?‬
‭●‬ ‭Fowler‬ ‭expresses‬ ‭disappointment‬ ‭because‬ ‭he‬
‭imagined‬‭a‬‭more‬‭glamorous‬‭and‬‭adventurous‬‭lifestyle‬
‭for‬ ‭a‬ ‭spy.‬ ‭Ausable,‬ ‭being‬ ‭a‬ ‭fat‬ ‭man‬ ‭with‬ ‭a‬ ‭more‬
‭ordinary‬ ‭existence,‬ ‭understands‬ ‭that‬ ‭the‬ ‭reality‬ ‭of‬
‭his‬‭work‬‭may‬‭not‬‭align‬‭with‬‭the‬‭romanticized‬‭notion.‬
‭This‬ ‭reveals‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭practicality‬ ‭and‬ ‭grounded‬
‭perspective.‬ ‭He‬ ‭values‬ ‭realism‬ ‭and‬ ‭recognizes‬ ‭that‬
‭the‬ ‭life‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent‬ ‭involves‬ ‭less‬ ‭excitement‬
‭and more mundane tasks than one might imagine.‬
‭●‬ ‭Ausable:‬
‭●‬ ‭Physical‬ ‭appearance:‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭is‬ ‭described‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬
‭fat‬‭man.‬ ‭This‬ ‭physical‬‭trait‬‭sets‬ ‭him‬‭apart‬ ‭from‬
‭the‬ ‭typical‬ ‭image‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭sleek‬ ‭and‬ ‭physically‬ ‭fit‬
‭secret agent.‬
‭●‬ ‭Language‬ ‭skills:‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭speaks‬ ‭French‬ ‭and‬
‭German‬ ‭passably,‬ ‭indicating‬ ‭his‬ ‭linguistic‬
‭abilities.‬
‭●‬ ‭Experience‬ ‭and‬ ‭longevity:‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭has‬ ‭been‬ ‭in‬
‭Paris‬ ‭for‬ ‭twenty‬‭years,‬‭suggesting‬‭a‬‭long‬‭history‬
‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭city‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent.‬ ‭This‬ ‭implies‬ ‭that‬
‭he‬ ‭has‬ ‭accumulated‬ ‭experience‬ ‭and‬‭knowledge‬
‭over time.‬
‭●‬ ‭Unconventional‬‭nature:‬‭Ausable‬‭does‬‭not‬‭fit‬‭the‬
‭traditional‬‭image‬‭of‬‭a‬‭secret‬‭agent.‬‭He‬‭lacks‬‭the‬
‭expected‬‭glamour‬‭and‬‭adventurous‬‭lifestyle‬‭that‬
‭Fowler‬‭envisioned.‬‭Instead,‬‭he‬‭engages‬‭in‬‭more‬
‭mundane‬ ‭activities‬ ‭such‬ ‭as‬ ‭attending‬ ‭a‬ ‭music‬
‭ all‬ ‭and‬ ‭receiving‬‭appointments‬‭through‬ ‭phone‬
h
‭calls.‬
‭●‬ ‭Ability‬ ‭to‬ ‭outwit‬ ‭adversaries/presence‬ ‭of‬ ‭mind:‬
‭Ausable‬ ‭outwitted‬‭Max,‬‭who‬‭threatens‬‭him‬‭with‬
‭a‬ ‭pistol.‬‭This‬‭implies‬‭that‬‭he‬‭possesses‬‭strategic‬
‭thinking‬‭and‬‭problem-solving‬‭skills.‬‭This‬‭hints‬‭at‬
‭his‬ ‭ability‬ ‭to‬ ‭navigate‬ ‭dangerous‬‭situations‬ ‭and‬
‭come up with clever solutions.‬
‭●‬ ‭Physical‬ ‭appearance:‬ ‭Max‬ ‭is‬ ‭described‬ ‭as‬ ‭slender,‬ ‭a‬
‭little‬‭less‬‭than‬‭tall,‬‭with‬‭features‬‭that‬‭suggest‬‭a‬‭crafty‬
‭and‬‭pointed‬‭countenance,‬‭reminiscent‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬‭fox.‬‭This‬
‭description‬ ‭portrays‬ ‭him‬ ‭as‬ ‭physically‬ ‭agile‬ ‭and‬
‭possibly quick-witted.‬
‭●‬ ‭Determination‬‭and‬‭aggression:‬‭Max‬‭threatens‬‭Ausable‬
‭with‬ ‭a‬‭pistol‬‭and‬ ‭demands‬ ‭the‬‭important‬‭report‬‭that‬
‭Ausable‬ ‭is‬ ‭expecting.‬ ‭His‬ ‭aggressive‬ ‭actions‬
‭demonstrate‬ ‭his‬ ‭determination‬ ‭and‬ ‭willingness‬ ‭to‬
‭take risks.‬
‭●‬ ‭Knowledge‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭activities:‬ ‭Max‬ ‭seems‬ ‭to‬ ‭be‬
‭aware‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭involvement‬ ‭in‬ ‭receiving‬ ‭the‬
‭important‬ ‭report‬ ‭and‬ ‭displays‬ ‭knowledge‬ ‭of‬ ‭their‬
‭respective roles as secret agents.‬
‭●‬ ‭Agility:‬‭Max‬‭swiftly‬‭reacts‬‭to‬‭the‬‭arrival‬‭of‬‭the‬‭waiter‬
‭by‬ ‭escaping‬ ‭through‬ ‭the‬ ‭window‬ ‭onto‬ ‭the‬ ‭balcony.‬
‭This‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭that‬‭he‬ ‭believes‬‭he‬‭is‬‭quick-witted‬‭and‬
‭able‬ ‭to‬ ‭think‬ ‭on‬ ‭his‬ ‭feet,‬ ‭and‬ ‭adapt‬ ‭to‬ ‭changing‬
‭situations.‬ ‭However,‬ ‭in‬ ‭situations‬ ‭of‬ ‭stress,‬ ‭he‬ ‭is‬
‭incapable‬ ‭to‬‭keep‬ ‭his‬‭cool.‬ ‭His‬‭rash‬ ‭decision‬ ‭and‬‭his‬
‭blind trust killed him in the end.‬
‭ 3.‬ ‭How did Ausable’s presence of mind help him?‬
1
‭●‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭presence‬ ‭of‬ ‭mind‬ ‭played‬ ‭a‬ ‭crucial‬ ‭role‬ ‭in‬
‭helping‬ ‭him‬‭navigate‬‭the‬‭situation‬‭and‬‭deal‬‭with‬‭Max‬
‭effectively.‬
‭●‬ ‭Maintaining‬ ‭composure:‬ ‭Despite‬ ‭Max’s‬ ‭sudden‬
‭appearance‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭threatening‬ ‭situation,‬
‭Ausable‬ ‭manages‬ ‭to‬ ‭remain‬ ‭relatively‬ ‭calm‬ ‭and‬
‭composed.‬‭This‬‭allows‬‭him‬‭to‬‭think‬‭more‬‭clearly‬
‭and make rational decisions.‬
‭●‬ Q ‭ uick‬ ‭thinking‬ ‭and‬ ‭adaptability:‬ ‭When‬ ‭faced‬
‭with‬ ‭unexpected‬ ‭events,‬ ‭such‬ ‭as‬ ‭the‬ ‭arrival‬ ‭of‬
‭the‬ ‭waiter‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭knocking‬ ‭at‬ ‭the‬ ‭door,‬
‭Ausable‬ ‭quickly‬ ‭assesses‬ ‭the‬ ‭situation‬ ‭and‬
‭adapts‬ ‭his‬ ‭plans‬ ‭accordingly.‬ ‭For‬ ‭example,‬ ‭he‬
‭takes‬ ‭advantage‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭waiter’s‬ ‭entrance‬ ‭to‬
‭create‬ ‭a‬ ‭distraction,‬ ‭enabling‬ ‭Max‬ ‭to‬ ‭become‬
‭momentarily disoriented.‬
‭●‬ ‭Utilizing‬ ‭deception:‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭cleverly‬ ‭employs‬
‭deception‬ ‭to‬ ‭mislead‬ ‭Max.‬ ‭He‬ ‭creates‬ ‭the‬
‭illusion‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭balcony‬ ‭and‬ ‭a‬ ‭potential‬ ‭police‬
‭presence,‬ ‭causing‬ ‭Max‬ ‭to‬ ‭believe‬ ‭that‬ ‭he‬ ‭has‬
‭limited‬ ‭options‬ ‭for‬ ‭escape.‬ ‭Ausable’s‬ ‭ability‬ ‭to‬
‭think‬ ‭on‬ ‭his‬ ‭feet‬ ‭and‬ ‭deceive‬ ‭his‬ ‭adversary‬
‭allows him to gain an advantage in the situation.‬
‭●‬ ‭Strategic‬ ‭use‬ ‭of‬ ‭timing:‬‭Ausable‬ ‭carefully‬‭times‬
‭his‬ ‭actions‬ ‭and‬ ‭statements‬ ‭to‬‭manipulate‬ ‭Max’s‬
‭perception‬ ‭and‬ ‭behavior.‬ ‭For‬ ‭instance,‬ ‭he‬
‭mentions‬‭the‬‭appointment‬‭time‬‭of‬‭twelve-thirty,‬
‭which‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭that‬ ‭Max‬ ‭has‬ ‭limited‬ ‭time‬ ‭to‬
‭obtain‬ ‭the‬ ‭report.‬ ‭By‬ ‭doing‬ ‭so,‬ ‭Ausable‬ ‭adds‬
‭pressure‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭situation,‬ ‭potentially‬ ‭causing‬
‭Max to act impulsively.‬
‭●‬ ‭Seizing‬‭opportunities:‬‭Ausable‬‭capitalizes‬‭on‬‭the‬
‭moment‬‭when‬‭Max‬‭is‬‭distracted‬‭by‬‭the‬‭knocking‬
‭at‬ ‭the‬ ‭door‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭arrival‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭waiter.‬ ‭He‬
‭takes‬ ‭advantage‬ ‭of‬ ‭this‬ ‭opportunity‬ ‭to‬‭create‬ ‭a‬
‭diversion‬ ‭and‬ ‭escape‬ ‭from‬ ‭Max’s‬ ‭presence,‬
‭ensuring his own safety.‬
‭ 4.‬ ‭What is the significance of the title of the story?‬
1
‭●‬ ‭The‬ ‭significance‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭title‬ ‭“The‬ ‭Midnight‬ ‭Visitor”‬
‭suggests‬ ‭the‬ ‭presence‬ ‭of‬ ‭an‬ ‭unexpected‬ ‭guest‬ ‭or‬
‭intruder‬‭during‬ ‭the‬ ‭late‬‭hours‬ ‭of‬‭the‬‭night.‬‭The‬‭title‬
‭sets‬ ‭the‬ ‭tone‬ ‭of‬ ‭mystery‬ ‭and‬ ‭suspense,‬ ‭hinting‬ ‭at‬ ‭a‬
‭pivotal‬ ‭event‬ ‭that‬ ‭occurs‬ ‭under‬ ‭the‬ ‭cover‬ ‭of‬
‭darkness.‬‭It‬‭intrigues‬‭the‬‭reader‬‭and‬‭raises‬‭questions‬
‭about the identity and purpose of the visitor.‬
‭●‬ ‭The‬ ‭significance‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭title‬‭becomes‬‭evident‬‭as‬ ‭the‬
‭story‬ ‭unfolds.‬ ‭It‬ ‭introduces‬ ‭Max,‬ ‭who‬ ‭enters‬
‭Ausable’s‬ ‭room‬ ‭unexpectedly,‬ ‭demanding‬ ‭an‬
i‭mportant‬ ‭report.‬ ‭The‬ ‭title‬ ‭foreshadows‬ ‭this‬ ‭pivotal‬
‭encounter,‬ ‭emphasizing‬ ‭the‬ ‭element‬ ‭of‬ ‭surprise‬‭and‬
‭the potential threat posed by the visitor.‬
‭●‬ ‭Furthermore,‬‭the‬‭title‬‭contributes‬‭to‬‭the‬‭atmosphere‬
‭of‬ ‭tension‬ ‭and‬‭suspense‬ ‭throughout‬‭the‬ ‭narrative.‬ ‭It‬
‭evokes‬ ‭a‬ ‭sense‬ ‭of‬ ‭unease,‬ ‭as‬ ‭the‬‭reader‬‭anticipates‬
‭the‬ ‭consequences‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭v isitor’s‬ ‭arrival‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬
‭ensuing conflict between Ausable and Max.‬
‭in the story.‬
‭●‬ ‭Deception:‬ ‭The‬ ‭story‬ ‭revolves‬ ‭around‬ ‭the‬‭deceptive‬
‭actions‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ausable,‬ ‭who‬ ‭uses‬ ‭his‬ ‭wit‬ ‭and‬
‭improvisation‬ ‭to‬ ‭mislead‬ ‭Max‬ ‭and‬ ‭create‬
‭advantageous‬ ‭situations.‬ ‭Deception‬ ‭serves‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬
‭prominent‬ ‭theme,‬ ‭highlighting‬‭the‬ ‭strategic‬‭thinking‬
‭and cunning employed by Ausable.‬
‭●‬ ‭Appearance‬ ‭vs.‬ ‭Reality:‬ ‭The‬ ‭contrast‬ ‭between‬
‭Ausable’s‬ ‭outward‬ ‭appearance‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭fat,‬ ‭unassuming‬
‭man‬‭and‬‭his‬ ‭true‬ ‭capabilities‬ ‭as‬‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent‬‭plays‬
‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭theme‬ ‭of‬ ‭appearance‬ ‭versus‬ ‭reality.‬ ‭It‬
‭challenges‬ ‭stereotypes‬ ‭and‬ ‭preconceived‬ ‭notions‬
‭about‬ ‭what‬ ‭a‬ ‭secret‬ ‭agent‬ ‭should‬ ‭look‬ ‭like,‬
‭emphasizing‬ ‭the‬ ‭importance‬ ‭of‬ ‭looking‬ ‭beyond‬
‭superficial appearances.‬
‭Bholi‬
‭Bholi Summary‬
‭Bholi was written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas (K.A. Abbas), who was a popular‬
‭Indian film director, journalist and novelist known for his works in Hindi, Urdu‬
‭and other languages. This story is about a young girl named Sulekha, who was‬
‭popularly referred to as ‘Bholi’ for her simple nature. At ten months, she fell‬
‭from her cot, which caused some severe damage to her brain, and she used to‬
‭stammer when she learnt to talk. Bholi was born a pretty child, but she‬
‭suffered from smallpox that left dark pock-marks on her face permanently. The‬
‭ugly marks spoiled her appearance, and people would often make fun of her‬
‭due to her dullness. They would also consider her to be retarded as she‬
‭stammered while speaking.‬
‭Bholi’s father, Ramlal had around seven children, out of which three were‬
‭sons, and four were daughters. Among all daughters, Bholi was the youngest.‬
‭All her siblings were hale and hearty except young Bholi. Her parents were‬
‭worried about her and how to get her married when she grew older. One fine‬
‭day, Tehsildar Sahib had come to perform an inaugural ceremony at a primary‬
‭school for girls in the village. He told Ramlal to send all his daughters to‬
‭school. When Ramlal discussed this with his wife, she objected and stated that‬
‭nobody would marry their daughters if they were sent to school. Yet, she‬
‭agreed to send Bholi to school as they were not sure if she would ever get‬
‭married for her appearance or feeble-mindedness.‬
‭Initially, Bholi was sceptical about going to school as she had never heard‬
‭about it. However, on the first day of school, she was groomed properly and‬
‭sent to school; she assumed that it was a better place than her own home.‬
‭When she reached school, she was elated to see girls of her age around. She‬
‭wanted to make friends but dared not to open her mouth due to stammering.‬
‭However, when the class teacher smilingly asked her name, she stammered in‬
‭front of the entire class, and all the girls started laughing at her. This‬
‭discouraged her completely. She started weeping and understood that nobody‬
‭would like to be friends with her. Soon her teacher, a kind-hearted lady,‬
‭encouraged her to tell her name again. She stammered yet again but was‬
‭finally able to tell her full name. Her teacher gave her a few good books with‬
‭pictures and asked her to read those as it would help her to overcome her‬
‭stammering habit. She also told Bholi to come to school regularly. This gave‬
‭the young girl a new ray of hope and assurance of a new life.‬
‭Many years passed, and the village soon became a small town and saw many‬
‭improvements around it. Soon, there was a marriage proposal for Bholi. The‬
‭prospective bridegroom, Bishamber Nath, was a limping old man with‬
‭grown-up children. He was almost Bholi’s father’s age. However, Ramlal’s‬
‭family agreed to the alliance as they felt he was a well-settled fellow. Bholi’s‬
‭elder sisters were, however, envious of the great pomp and show at their‬
‭younger sister’s wedding. However, when the groom, Bishamber, was about to‬
‭put the garland around the bride’s neck, a woman slowly slipped the veil from‬
‭Bholi’s face. The groom was surprised to see the pockmarks on her face and‬
‭refused to marry her without a dowry of five thousand rupees. Bholi’s father,‬
‭Ramlal, somehow arranged the amount and gave it to Bishamber Nath.‬
‭However, as the groom tried to garland the bride, Bholi held his hand and‬
‭refused to marry such a voracious person. All the people present in the‬
‭wedding were stunned to see how confidently she spoke without stuttering.‬
‭The groom felt insulted and returned to his village. Later, Bholi assured her‬
‭father that she would take care of him and her mother in their old age and‬
‭would become a teacher in the same school where she learnt so many new‬
‭and good things. Looking at this, Bholi’s teacher, who was watching from a‬
‭distance, felt a deep sense of relief and satisfaction at Bholi’s courage and‬
‭confidence that she exhibited in front of so many people.‬
‭Bholi‬‭illustrates that proper moral and emotional protection should be given to‬
‭children during the formative years of childhood to help them grow up into‬
‭responsible citizens.‬
‭Bholi - Important Questions‬
‭Question 1. Why is Sulekha called ‘Bholi’?‬
‭Answer: Sulekha is called ‘Bholi’ because she is a simpleton due to her‬

‭suffering some brain damage after falling off a cot when she was ten‬
‭months old. As a result, she is not as smart as children of her age.‬
‭Question 2. Why did Sulekha start stammering?‬
‭Answer: Sulekha was a baby when she fell down from a cot. Her brain was‬
‭damaged. She could not speak till the age of five years. She was mentally‬
‭slow and lacked confidence. That is why she started stammering.‬
‭Question 3. What happened to Bholi when she was two years old?‬
‭Answer: Bholi fell a victim to small pox at the age of two years. Her face‬
‭and body became full of pock marks. She was still fortunate as her eyes‬
‭had remained untouched and were fine.‬
‭Question 4. How did Bholi react when the teacher asked her name?‬
‭Answer: Bholi stammered when she spoke and could not tell her name‬
‭completely when the teacher asked her to do so. So, she broke into tears.‬
‭Question 5. Bholi was fascinated by the walls of the classroom. Why?‬

‭Answer: The walls of the classroom had bright and colourful pictures of a‬
‭horse, a goat, a parrot and a cow. They all looked familiar to Bholi and‬
‭were like the ones in the village. That is why she was fascinated to see‬
‭those pictures.‬
‭Question 6. Bholi found her teacher to be different from others. How?‬
‭Answer: Others had always neglected Bholi. They made fun of her all the‬
‭time. But, she found her teacher to be different. Her voice was calm, her‬
‭manner comforting and touch was full of affection.‬
‭Question 7. What filled Bholi’, a dumb cow, with a new hope in her? [CBSE‬
‭2015]‬
‭Answer: Bholi’s first day of school brought a hope of a new life. She had‬
‭found a loving and kind teacher. The teacher had inspired her and given‬
‭her a book and had made Bholi feel confident about herself.‬
‭Question 8. In what way did the village change over time?‬
‭Answer: The village changed into a small town over a period of time. The‬
‭primary school had become a high school. The village had a cinema and a‬
‭cotton ginning mill. The mail train also stopped at the village railway‬
‭station.‬
‭Question 9. What objections does Ramlal have to Bishamber’s proposal?‬

‭Answer: Ramlal was not very happy with the proposal. He did not like the‬
‭fact that Bishamber was of his age. He had a limp and children were quite‬
‭grown up. It was not a very satisfactory proposition.‬
‭Question 10. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage‬

‭proposal? [CBSE 2015]‬
‭Answer: Bholi’s parents accepted Bishamber’s marriage proposal because‬

‭they were happy that he was well off and had not asked for dowry.‬
‭Question 11. Why did Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi not take place?‬
‭[CBSE 2013]‬
‭Answer: Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi did not take place because he‬
‭had demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees from her father for the‬
‭marriage. So, Bholi refused to marry him.‬
‭Question 12. Why was Ramlal thunderstruck?‬
‭Answer: Ramlal had always taken his daughter to be dumb. He was‬

‭thunderstruck when she loudly asked him to take back the money and‬
‭declared that she was not going to marry Bishamber because of his greed.‬
‭Question 13. The last line of the text talks about an artist and the‬
‭masterpiece. Elaborate.‬
‭Answer: The ‘artist’ is the teacher and the ‘masterpiece’ is Bholi. It was her‬
‭teacher who had turned Bholi into a strong and independent girl who was‬
‭aware of her place in society.‬
‭Question 14. What kind of mother was Randal’s wife? [CBSE 2014]‬
‭Answer: Ramlal’s wife was a traditional housewife who believed that‬

‭daughters should not be educated, as it would be difficult to find husbands‬
‭for them. She neglected looking after her Bholi because she was a slow‬
‭learner.‬
‭Question 15. Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi and not about his other‬
‭children?‬
‭Answer: All other children of Ramlal were healthy and good looking. Bholi‬
‭was the only girl who was neither intelligent nor good looking. She was a‬
‭simpleton, she stammered also. Ramlal was extremely worried about her‬
‭future.‬
‭Question 16. Why did the Tehsildar come to Ramlal’s village? What did he‬
‭ask Ramlal to do?‬
‭Answer: The Tehsildar came to Ramlal’s village to inaugurate the primary‬

‭school. He asked Ramlal to set an example for others by sending his‬
‭daughters to school.‬
‭Question 17. Did Bholi enjoy her first day in school? What made her happy‬
‭on this very day?‬
‭Answer: It was a mixed day for Bholi. She was happy to see the girls of her‬
‭age. She was fascinated with the colourful pictures on the wall of the‬
‭classrooms. But when the teacher asked her name she could not answer‬
‭properly and other girls laughed at her. She cried. But her teacher’s soft‬
‭words made her happy on this very day.‬
‭Question 18. Why did Bholi look at Bishamber with cold contempt?‬
‭Answer: Bholi looked at Bishamber with cold contempt because he had‬

‭demanded 5000 to get married to her. Bholi saw how her father got‬
‭humiliated; she realised that Bishamber was greedy and exploiting her‬
‭father due to her look.‬
‭Question 19. How did Bholi react when her father caught her by the hand‬
‭to take her to school? Why?‬
‭Answer: When Ramlal caught Bholi by the hand to take her to school, she‬
‭was frightened. She did not know what a school was like. She thought her‬
‭father was turning her out of the house. She shouted in terror and pulled‬
‭her hand away from her father’s grip.‬
‭Question 20. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing‬
‭the course of her life?‬
‭Answer: Bholi’s teacher played an important role in changing the course of‬
‭her life. She was polite and friendly which touched her heart. She‬
‭encouraged her every time and was affectionate towards her. The teacher‬
‭transformed her into a confident person who could read, write and speak‬
‭clearly. This gave her the required confidence. Moreover, teacher’s‬
‭appreciation and encouragement helped her overcome her own morale.‬

‭Question 1. ‘Dowry is negation of the girl’s dignity’. Discuss with reference‬
‭to the story ‘Bholi’.‬
‭Answer: A girl is an individual in her own right. Equal opportunities in life‬

‭can help her become independent and strong. She is not a burdensome‬
‭object to be given away with money as compensation. Thus dowry‬
‭negates the girl’s dignity and self respect.‬
‭The story ‘Bholi’ shows this in a dramatic manner. Bholi is thought to be‬
‭ugly and dumb by her parents. So, they are willing to pay dowry to an old‬
‭man with a limp. So that he marries her. Bholi, on the other hand, refuses‬
‭to marry that man. She is educated; assertive and capable of taking care‬
‭of herself. She dedicates her life to service of her parents and teaching at‬
‭school.‬
‭Question 2. Bholi chose a dignified life of service rather than surrendering‬

‭herself to a greedy old man for the rest of her life. Education provides the‬
‭required stimulus to overcome one’s personal barriers. Explain the role of‬
‭education in shaping the life of a child with respect to the lesson ‘Bholi’.‬
‭[CBSE 2012]‬
‭Answer: Education is the answer to all social ills. Illiteracy and ignorance‬
‭bring nothing but poverty, suffering and misery. Bholi lacks confidence‬
‭initially because of her disabilities. She is silent, timid and weak in mind.‬
‭Her ugliness and her stammer do not let her progress. She is afraid to‬
‭speak as others make fun of her.‬
‭School changes her life completely. It opens a new world of hope for her.‬
‭Her teacher treats her with love and kindness. Her affection and support‬
‭help Bholi to have faith in herself. She studies and grows into a confident‬
‭young woman. She knows her rights and she asserts them as well. She‬
‭refuses to marry a man who demands dowry. Thus, being educated‬
‭changes the life of Bholi.‬
‭Question 3. The chapter ‘Bholi’ highlights the discrimination against the‬

‭girl child. Analyse.‬
‭Answer: Nature does not discriminate, but society does. From time‬
‭immemorial the world has discriminated against the girl child. The‬
‭chapter, ‘Bholi’ throws up many such instances. Randal’s sons go to school‬
‭and college. His daughters are not educated but married off. Her mother‬
‭does not think it necessary to take Bholi’s consent for her marriage. The‬
‭groom is old and lame. Still he demands dowry. Her father is ready to pay‬
‭him also. It is the girl herself who raises her voice against this marriage.‬
‭She is criticised and humiliated for standing up for her dignity. But she is‬
‭firm and decides the course of her life.‬
‭Question 4. Bholi is a child different from others. This difference makes‬

‭her an object of neglect and laughter. Elaborate.‬
‭Answer: Society does not tolerate difference very easily. Bholi is not like‬
‭others. She is slow for her age. She stammers when she speaks. Small‬
‭pox leaves her all covered with pock-marks. As a result, she has to suffer‬
‭a lot.‬
‭Her parents do not even bathe her. She is ignored and neglected. They‬
‭take her only as a burden. People laugh at her. Children imitate her when‬
‭she speaks. So, she remains silent most of the time. She has no‬
‭confidence or self esteem.‬
‭Society must realise that it must accept those who are ” different. They‬
‭must be treated with the same love and respect as others.‬
‭Question 5. “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak‬
‭like anyone else”. These words of encouragement from the teacher‬
‭highlight that change of social attitude and encouragement can help a‬
‭child like Bholi to become confident and face the world bravely. Taking‬
‭help from the lesson ‘Bholi’ write how the social attitude towards Bholi‬
‭made her an introvert. What should be done to help such children to face‬
‭the world bravely?‬
‭Answer: Bholi suffered a weak mind due to her accident (falling from her‬
‭cot) during her infancy. She also started to a stammer while speaking.‬
‭Then she became ugly due to pock-marks on her face and body on‬
‭contracting the smallpox disease. All these made her family and other‬
‭children treat her badly, resulting in her becoming an introvert. To help‬
‭such children face the world bravely, we must treat them with love and‬
‭affection and encourage them to join mainstream society. We must not‬
‭mock their disabilities; instead we should give them hope that they can be‬
‭as good as the other children by motivating and uplifting them.‬
‭Question 6. School education turned Bholi from a dumb cow into a bold‬
‭girl. How did she save her father from a huge expense and become his‬
‭support in his old age?‬
‭Answer: Ironically, Bholi was sent to school as her mother believed she‬
‭was a burden and let the teachers at the school worry for her. The teacher‬
‭showed affection and encouraged her to shed her fear. She was assured‬
‭by her teacher that she would speak like others one day.‬
‭Years of hard work transformed Bholi into a bold and confident young‬
‭woman. Bishamber refused to marry Bholi due to her appearance and‬
‭demanded five thousand rupees. Bholi saw how her father was humiliated‬
‭for no reason. She refused to marry a greedy, mean and contemptible‬
‭coward. She assured her father that she would serve him and her mother‬
‭in their old age. She had a mission in her life; she would spread the light of‬
‭education in her village.‬
‭Question 7. Write a character sketch of Bholi.‬

‭“Bholi’s whole personality underwent a complete transformation towards‬
‭the end of the story”. Explain.‬
‭Answer: Bholi’s real name was Sulekha but she was called Bholi, the‬
‭simpleton as she was a backward child. She started speaking only when‬
‭she turned five but she stammered when she spoke and as a result she‬
‭was always mimicked or made fun of by the other children. Therefore,‬
‭Bholi talked very little.‬
‭Bholi did not know what exactly a school was and what happened there, in‬
‭the class when her teacher asked her name, she stammered and began to‬
‭cry. She kept her head down throughout the class. The teacher was very‬
‭encouraging and friendly to her and this made her gain confidence to‬
‭speak. She started seeing a ray of hope for a new life.‬
‭After years of gaining education and with the help of her teacher, Bholi‬
‭turned into a confident girl. She no longer stammered and could speak‬
‭properly. She even had the courage to refuse marrying the lame old man‬
‭because he was greedy and asked money from her father to marry her. On‬
‭seeing her father worried about her marriage, she said that he need not‬
‭worry as she would teach in the same school where she learnt so much‬
‭and would take care of him and her mother in their old age.‬
‭Question 8. ‘Love and encouragement make the impossible possible.‬

‭Explain this statement on the basis of the story ‘Bholi’.‬
‭Answer: Bholi was sent to school as her mother thought her to be a‬

‭burden. She was neglected by her parents as she was not beautiful and‬
‭lacked intelligence. The teacher in the school asked her to tell her name.‬
‭She stammered and began to cry. The teacher showed her affection and‬
‭encouraged her in a friendly manner to put aside her fear.‬
‭Bholi somehow told her name. Bholi was surprised. The teacher asked her‬
‭to come to school regularly. Love and encouragement shown by the‬
‭teacher brought out drastic changes in Bholi’s personality. Within a few‬
‭years she became so confident that she refused to marry a greedy man.‬
‭Question 9. No one is always foolish. Time and circumstances give us‬

‭intelligence and change out. personality. Explain with reference to ‘Bholi’.‬
‭Answer: Yes, it is quite right that no one is always foolish. Time decides‬
‭everything. Our maturity and knowledge depend on our experience.‬
‭Experience is always based on circumstances. Time and experiences‬
‭teach us different things and make life perfect.‬
‭With out experience or practical knowledge all bookish knowledge is in‬

‭vain. It is never used. There are many such examples in our real life that‬
‭prove this statement correct. Here I would like to share my own‬
‭experience about a very simple doctor.‬
‭He started his practice very slow in a poor area. Many famous doctors‬
‭made fun of him. Time passed and gradually he became famous in the‬
‭neighbouring areas. His treatment was not so costly. Once a very serious‬
‭accident occurred near his hospital and the people brought the injured‬
‭person to a costly hospital.‬
‭But his condition was very serious and the doctor refused to admit him.‬
‭Then that doctor took the case and tried his best to save him. At last he‬
‭succeeded. All were surprised to see and listen to it.‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭Fog‬
‭ . According to the poet, what is the fog like?‬

1
‭2. How does the fog come?‬
‭3. What is the fog compared to?‬
‭4. What does the fog look over ?‬
‭5. How does the poet make the fog like a living creature?‬
‭6. How does the fog move on?‬
‭7. How does the poet describes the fog’s movements?‬
‭ . The poet actually says that the fog is like a cat”, With reference to the‬
1
‭poem, ‘Fog’ explain this statement.‬
‭Or‬
‭Think of any other animal that can best replace the cat in the poem, ‘Fog’.‬
‭Write a few lines that would tell us about the resemblance of Fog with that‬
‭animal.‬
‭3. How is the fog like a cat? What three things suggest it?‬
‭4. How does the poet employ the double imagery of the fog and the cat?‬
‭ . Describe the similarities that have been mentioned in the poem‬

5
‭between the fog and a cat.‬
‭ . Which aspect of nature Carl Sand-burg presents in the poem ‘Fog’?‬

6
‭7. Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Then how do we‬
‭know that the fog is like a cat?‬
‭8. What three things tell us that the fog is like a cat?‬
‭ . The fog comes on like cat feet. How does the poet compare the fog with‬
9
‭a cat? What poetic device is used here?‬
‭ . What metaphor has the poet used in the poem ‘Fog’? Do you think it is‬
1
‭appropriate?‬
‭ . How does Carl Sandburg describe the arrival, stay and departure of fog‬
2
‭through the image of a metaphorical cat?‬
‭Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow:‬
‭ . The fog comes‬

1
‭on little cat feet.‬
‭It sits looking‬
‭over harbour and city‬
‭on silent haunches‬
‭and then moves on.‬
‭ . How does the fog come?‬

a
‭b. Where does the fog look and how?‬
‭c. What does the fog do in the end?‬
‭d. For what does ‘it’ stand in the third line?‬
‭ . How is the fog full of opposite forces?‬

1
‭2. Describe the movement of fog.‬
‭3. How is fog similar to a cat?‬
‭5. What is used as a metaphor for fog? Why?‬
‭ . Think of any other animal that can best replace the cat in the poem,‬
1
‭‘Fog’. Write a few‬
‭lines that would tell us about the resemblance of fog with that animal.‬
‭2. What moral does the poet want to give us through this poem?‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭Fog‬
‭Answer Key‬

1
‭Answer: According to the poet, the fog is like a cat.‬

2
‭Answer: The fog comes slowly and silently.‬
‭ . What is the fog compared to?‬

3
‭Answer: The fog is compared to a cat.‬
‭ . What does the fog look over ?‬

4
‭Answer: The fog looks over the harbour and the city.‬
‭ . How does the poet make the fog like a living creature?‬
5
‭Answer: The poet makes the fog like a living creature by comparing it to a‬
‭cat.‬
‭ . How does the fog move on?‬

6
‭Answer: The fog moves on slowly.‬
‭ . How does the poet describes the fog’s movements?‬

7
‭Answer: The poet describes the fog as a cat. Like a cat, the fog comes‬
‭silently and slowly. It is sitting on its haunches. And then it moves on.‬
1
‭Or‬
‭ rite a few lines that would tell us about the resemblance of Fog with that‬
W
‭animal.‬
‭ nswer: The fog is compared to a cat. He says a cat does not make a‬
A
‭sound when it walks so also is the fog. But its presence is apparent. Its‬
‭‘Silence’ is very much like that of a cat moving on its little feet. The way‬
‭the fog sits is very much like a cat sitting on its haunches, looking here‬
‭and there.‬
‭ nswer: The poet describes the fog as a cat. He does so through a‬

A
‭metaphor. The fog is the cat itself. As a cat jumps and lights on its soft‬
‭silently, the fog also comes down noiselessly. Then it moves on like a cat.‬
‭ nswer: Three things suggest that the fog is like a cat. Like a cat, the fog‬
A
‭comes silently. The fog is looking over the harbour and the city like a cat‬
‭does so sitting on its haunches. Thirdly, it moves as the cat moves.‬
‭ nswer: The poetic device of metaphor is very effectively used in the‬

A
‭poem. The fog is converted into a cat and the cat is morphed back into the‬
‭fog. The silent arrival of the fog is like a little cat. The fog stays there‬
‭sitting like the cat on its haunches.‬

5
‭ nswer: It is a dual image that changes and merges again in the original.‬
A
‭The fog changes into a cat and the cat changes into the fog. Both of them‬
‭come silently unseen and suddenly. Both engulf everything underneath‬
‭them. The fog engulfs everything, the harbour and the city in its fold. The‬
‭fog sits silently as a cat sits on its haunches. Then it disappears and‬
‭moves ahead.‬
‭6. Which aspect of nature Carl Sand-burg presents in the poem ‘Fog’?‬
‭ nswer: The poet presents nature in its raw and natural state. The fog‬
A
‭comes as if from nowhere. It comes suddenly and silently like a little cat.‬
‭The fog’s power is overwhelming. It engulfs everything, the city and the‬
‭harbour in its all-embracing fold. Then following the law of change, it‬
‭disappears, no one knows where.‬
‭ . Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Then how do we‬
7
‭ nswer: The poet compares fog to a cat. A cat comes without making any‬
A
‭noise and goes away. In the same way, the fog comes and spreads slowly‬
‭and silently over harbour and city.‬
‭ nswer: (i) The fog comes slowly and silently like a cat.‬
A
‭(ii) The cat sits on its haunches for some time looking around and then‬
‭moves away as it came.‬
‭(iii) Similarly, the fog spreads over the harbour and city for some time.‬
‭Finally, it moves away like a cat.‬
9
‭ nswer: The cat comes silently and slowly. In the same way, the fog also‬
A
‭comes slowly and silently. The poetic device used here is personification.‬
‭The fog has been personified.‬
1
‭appropriate?‬
‭ nswer: In the poem Tog’, Carl Sandburg has metaphorically compared‬

A
‭the fog to a cat. The first strange thing about the metaphor is the‬
‭comparison of a phenomenon with a living animal. Perhaps the poet‬
‭wants to emphasize the silent nature and mysterious ways of the fog, so‬
‭he has compared the fog to a cat. A cat does not make a sound when it‬
‭walks. So also is the fog, but its presence is apparent. Its “silence” is very‬
‭much like that of a cat moving on its little feet.‬
‭ hen the fog stays in its place looking over the harbour and city which‬
T
‭creates a hazy atmosphere all around. The way it sits is very much like a‬
‭cat sitting on its haunches, looking here and there before it makes a‬
‭move. This is as if the fog remains a silent spectator of the happenings in‬
‭the city. Whatever the purpose may be, both the fog as well as a cat make‬
‭their impression and make their presence felt. The comparison of the fog‬
‭to a cat seems very appropriate because, reading the poem, one feels that‬
‭truly, the fog approaches stealthily, just like a cat.‬
2
‭ nswer: The poet employs a double image. The fog is converted into a cat‬
A
‭and the cat morphs back into the fog. The arrival of the fog is silent and‬
‭sudden. It comes as if from nowhere. Its arrival is like a small cat. It sits‬
‭and stays for a while. It engulfs everything in its all-embracing fold. It‬
‭spreads its fold everywhere from the harbour to the city. It sits silently as‬
‭a cat sits on its haunches. The fog stays but not for long. A cat never‬
‭stays at one place for a long time. So, the fog moves ahead no one knows‬
‭where. Carl Sandburg describes the raw aspect of nature, the‬
‭all-embracing and prevailing fog. Its silent power is felt everywhere from‬
‭the harbour to the city.‬

1

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The fog comes on little cat feet.‬
‭b. It looks over the harbour and the city, like a cat sitting on its haunches.‬
‭c. In the end, the fog moves on.‬
‭d. Here, ‘it’ is the little cat as well as the fog.‬

1
1
‭For Anne Gregory‬
‭BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS‬
‭In the first stanza, the poet says to Anne Gregory that a young man can‬
‭become sad and hopeless if you reject him. The poet goes on to describe her‬
‭beauty and says that she has such beautiful golden hair that anyone will fall in‬
‭love with her. They fall on her ears and seem like they are protecting them in a‬
‭similar way as a boundary wall protects the fort. Here, the poet has compared‬
‭Anne Gregory’s hair to walls. Her hair symbolises the outer beauty that‬
‭prevents anyone from looking inside her soul. Any man gets easily attracted to‬
‭her and does not look into Anne’s character and real nature beyond her‬
‭beauty. That’s why the poet feels that no one can love Anne for her real nature‬
‭without her outward beauty. One can only love her for her golden hair and‬
‭physical beauty.‬
‭In the second stanza, Anne says to the poet that she can change her hair‬
‭colour. She can get her hair dyed, colour her hair brown, black or carrot‬
‭colour. She means that external beauty is temporary; it can change at any‬
‭time. So, the men who love her will see her actual nature behind the beauty.‬
‭She hopes that the man who falls in love with her will love her for what she is‬
‭and not for her yellow hair and external beauty.‬
‭In the last stanza, the poet replies to Anne after listening to her thoughts about‬
‭love for internal beauty and not external. He says that he had heard an old‬
‭religious man saying that only God can love us for what we are, and he can‬
‭prove this by the fact mentioned in a religious book. Humans always look for‬
‭external appearances and are carried away by their shine and glitter. They do‬
‭not have a deep understanding to look into the soul of a person. Only God can‬
‭do so and love us for our inner qualities.‬
‭For Anne Gregory - Questions and Answers‬

‭Question 1: What was not liked by the young men?‬
‭ nswer: The young men do not love the real person but love appearances.‬
A
‭Everyone wants one should be loved for his actual personality and not by‬
‭what he looks like. The young man does not like grey or yellow hair, and‬
‭they do not care for inner beauty but love.‬
‭ uestion 2: The young woman’s hair is yellow coloured. She is ready to‬
Q
‭change her hair colour to another colour. Why would she want to do so?‬
‭ nswer: The young woman is ready to do so because she wants someone‬

A
‭to love her. Moreover, she wants that someone should love her for her‬
‭inner beauty and not for the colour of her hair.‬
‭Question 3: What does the old religious man say?‬
‭ nswer: The old religious man says that he has found a text which proves‬
A
‭that only God could love us for ourselves alone and not for physical‬
‭beauty. He is the one who truly loves us.‬
‭Question 4: What is the central idea of the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’?‬
‭ nswer: The poem conveys the idea that physical beauty may be‬
A
‭important for young men or human beings, but God does not love human‬
‭beings for their physical beauty. In this poem, the poet gives an example‬
‭of a lover who loves the yellow hair of a young lady but does not like her‬
‭ramparts. The lady disapproves his love.‬
‭ uestion 5: To whom is the first stanza of the poem addressed? What‬

Q
‭does the speaker say to her?‬
‭ nswer: The first stanza of the poem is addressed to a lady named Anne‬
A
‭Gregory. She had a great influence on the poet. He had great respect for‬
‭her. He tells her that although she is a noble lady, yet nobody would love‬
‭her for herself alone.‬
‭ uestion 6: What makes a young man not to love the woman referred to in‬
Q
‭the first stanza?‬
‭ nswer: The woman has beautiful yellow hair. But the outer part of her‬
A
‭ears is not attractive. The poet says that men shall never love her only for‬
‭herself.‬
‭ uestion 7: What does the woman say she can do to make herself more‬
Q
‭desirable to young men? What does this show?‬
‭ nswer: The woman says that she would dye her hair brown, black or‬
A
‭carrot colour. This shows that young men give more importance to‬
‭physical appearance than inner beauty.‬
‭ uestion 8: What does the religious man tell the poet about God’s love for‬
Q
‭man?‬
‭ nswer: The religious man has told the poet that he has found a religious‬
A
‭text. According to that, God loves a person, not for his or her physical‬
‭qualities, but for their inner qualities.‬
‭ uestion 1: The poet in the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys that we‬
Q
‭should give importance to the inner beauty and not the physical‬
‭appearance. Elaborate with reference to the poem.‬
‭ nswer: In the conversation that takes place between Anne Gregory and‬
A
‭another speaker, the poet has tried to show that inner beauty is real‬
‭beauty, whereas physical appearance is changeable and hence,‬
‭unimportant. The first speaker says to Anne that young men love her for‬
‭her beautiful yellow hair and may never love her for what she really is. To‬
‭this, Anne replies that her hair-colour can be changed into black, brown or‬
‭carrot, meaning that external beauty is all superficial and men should not‬
‭love her for that. Through Anne’s reply, the poet has made clear his‬
‭preference for internal beauty over physical appearance.‬
‭ uestion 2: How right or wrong is it to judge someone on the basis of‬

Q
‭his/her physical appearance?‬
‭ nswer: Physical appearances never give the true account of a person as‬
A
‭it can be changed with the help of clothing, make-up and other such‬
‭things. Something which is not true and real should not be used to judge‬
‭the person carrying it. A person must be judged on the basis of his‬
‭behaviour that shows the true characteristics of his personality. This is‬
‭explained by Anne in her reply to the first speaker that her beautiful‬
‭hair-colour which attracts men is changeable, hence, men‬
‭should not fall in love with her based on her hair colour.‬
‭ uestion 3: Why do you think, the other speaker mentioned the old‬
Q
‭religious man and the text that proves that only God can love Anne for‬
‭herself alone?‬
‭ nswer: It is so because the speaker wanted to tell Anne that her desire‬
A
‭that men should not see her outer beauty is not going to be fulfilled. The‬
‭speaker tells Anne that only God can be so great as to avoid external‬
‭beauty and look beyond it. Man, on the other hand, falls for all things that‬
‭appear pretty from outside and never bothers about what lies inside.‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1: “I heard an old religious man‬

Q
‭But yesternight declare‬
‭That he had found a text to prove‬
‭That only God, my dear,‬
‭Could love you for yourself alone‬
‭And not your yellow hair.”‬
‭ . What does the old man’s text prove?‬

a
‭b. What, according to the poet, is more essential in the eyes of God?‬
‭c. What does ‘I’ refer to here?‬
‭d. How is God’s love different from the love of the young lovers?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. That only God could love Anne for herself.‬
‭b. God loves an individual for himself/herself alone.‬
‭c. The Poet.‬
‭ . Young lovers love her hair that represents physical beauty whereas God‬
d
‭loves an individual for being himself/herself.‬
‭ uestion 2: “Never shall a young man,‬

Q
‭Thrown into despair‬
‭By those great honey-coloured‬
‭Ramparts at your ear,”‬
‭ . Name the poem and the poet.‬

a
‭b. Who speaks these lines and to whom?‬
‭c. What is her hair compared with?‬
‭d. What is the honey-coloured rampart?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The poem is ‘For Anne Gregory’ and the poet is ‘W.B. Yeats’.‬
‭b. A young man to Anne Gregory.‬
‭c. Her hair is compared with honey.‬
‭d. Anne’s yellow hair is the honey-coloured rampart.‬
‭ uestion 3: “But I can get a hair-dye‬

Q
‭And set such colour there,‬
‭Brown, or black, or carrot,‬
‭That young man in despair‬
‭May love me for myself alone‬
‭And not my yellow hair.”‬
‭ . What different colours have been mentioned in the above lines?‬

a
‭b. What does the speaker want?‬
‭c. Who does ‘I’ stand for?‬
‭d. Why does the speaker talk about changing the colour of hair?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Brown, black, carrot and yellow.‬
‭b. The speaker wants that she should be loved for what she is and not for‬
‭the colour of her hair.‬
‭c. ‘I’ stands for Anne Gregory.‬
‭d. The speaker wants to change the colour of hair so that she would be‬
‭loved for what she is and not for the colour of her hair.‬

‭ . What is the theme of the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’?‬

1
‭2. What does the poet conclude?‬
‭3. What is Anne Gregory’s wish?‬
‭4. What kind of love does Anne Gregory seem to value?‬
‭5. What is the base of love for anyone?‬
‭ . Physical beauty is not permanent, but internal beauty is permanent.‬

1
‭Explain with reference to the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’.‬
‭2. What is the moral of the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’? Explain in detail.‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭The Ball Poem‬
‭ . What has the boy lost in the water?‬

1
‭2. Where did the ball land finally?‬
‭3. What was the reaction of the boy at the loss of his ball?‬
‭4. Where was the boy staring down?‬
‭ . What does ‘in the world of possessions’ means?‬

5
‭6. Do you think the boy has lost something earlier?‬
‭7. What lesson does the boy learn?‬
‭8. Why is money called external?‬
‭ . Why are the boy’s eyes desperate?‬

9
‭10. Who is the poet of the poem ‘The Ball Poem’?‬
‭11. What is the boy learning from the loss of the ball?‬
‭1. Express your views on the title of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’.‬
‭3. What is the theme of the poem —’The Ball Poem’?‬
‭ . A ball is an easily available, inexpensive thing. Then, why is the boy so‬
4
‭sad to lose it?‬
‭5. What shows that the ball was valuable for the boy?‬
‭6. ‘He senses first responsibility’—what responsibility is referred to here?‬
‭7. Why did the poet not console the boy?‬

‭ . ‘ ……starting, down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball‬
8
‭went’… Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to‬
‭memories of days when he played with it?‬
‭ . Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that‬
9
‭suggest the answer‬
‭10. What does the poet notice at the beginning of the poem?‬
‭11. What was the effect of the loss of ball on the bay?‬
‭ 2. Why does the poet decide not to give money to the boy or he buy‬
1
‭another ball for him?‬
‭13. Explain the line, “And no one buys a ball back. Money is external”.‬
‭ 4. Why does the poet say, “Balls will be lost always”?‬

1
‭15. What is the main idea of the poem?‬
‭16. How did the poet witness the whole scene of the boy losing his ball?‬
‭17. How did the boy react after his ball fell into the water of the harbour?‬
‭ 8. Does the lost ball stand for the metaphor of the boy’s lost childhood?‬
1
‭How?‬
‭19. Why does the poet say: ‘No use to say ‘O there are other balls’?‬
‭ 0. Why doesn’t the poet want to intrude on ‘him’? What does he consider‬
2
‭the safest course?‬
‭ 1. What is the general rule of this ‘world of possessions’? Why is money‬

2
‭‘external’?‬
‭ 2. How is the boy learning the ‘epistemology of loss’ from the loss of his‬
2
‭ball? What he has to learn?‬
‭23. How can the boy stand up again? What every man must know one day?‬
‭ 4. What is the message that John Berryman gives to the readers in ‘The‬
2
‭Ball poem’?‬
‭25. Why does the poet not offer to buy the boy another ball?‬
‭ . Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball? If his loss is irreparable‬
1
‭or irretrievable then how should one handle it? What lessons can be‬
‭learnt?‬
‭ . How did the boy really react to the loss of the ball or was he fearful of‬
2
‭something or someone ……..? Can our attention be directed toward his‬
‭family and other people? Are there any lessons to be learnt?‬
‭ . Why does the poet say, ‘I would not intrude on him?’ Why doesn’t he‬
3
‭offer him money to buy another ball?‬
‭ . How is the lost ball, the metaphor of the lost childhood of the boy? Why‬
4
‭doesn’t the poet want to ‘intrude on’ the boy by offering him money to buy‬
‭another ball?‬
‭ . What is the epistemology of loss in this world of possessions? How has‬

5
‭the child learned to stand up in life?‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1: What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,‬
Q
‭What, what is he to do? I saw it go‬
‭Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then‬
‭Merrily over — there it is in the water!‬
‭ . What becomes peculiar of the boy who has lost his ball?‬
a
‭b. What did the poet see?‬
‭c. Where did the ball land finally?‬
‭d. What has the boy lost?‬
‭ uestion 2: No use to say ‘O there are other balls’ :‬
Q
‭An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy‬
‭As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down‬
‭All his young days into the harbour where‬
‭His ball went.‬
‭ . How do people generally comfort a boy who has lost his ball?‬
a
‭b. What does he stare at?‬
‭c. What comes to his mind, when he looks at the ball?‬
‭d. Why is the boy so sad?‬
‭ uestion 3: I would not intrude on him;‬

Q
‭A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now‬
‭He senses first responsibility‬
‭In a world of possessions.‬
‭ . Who does the word ‘he’ refer to?‬

a
‭b. Why is money or another ball worthless for the boy?‬
‭c. How does the boy sense responsibility?‬
‭d. What kind of a world is it?‬
‭ uestion 4: People will take‬

Q
‭Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.‬
‭And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.‬
‭ . Why does the poet say ‘balls will be lost always’?‬

a
‭b. Why does the poet say that no one buys a ball back?‬
‭c. What does the poet mean by ‘money is external’?‬
‭d. What is external?‬
‭ uestion 5: He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,‬

Q
‭The epistemology of loss, how to stand up‬
‭Knowing what every man must one day know‬
‭And most know many days, how to stand up.‬
‭ . How are the boy’s eyes?‬

a
‭b. Why are the boy’s eyes ‘desperate’?‬
‭c. What is the boy learning?‬
‭d. What is the boy going to know?‬
‭ . Express your views on the title of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’.‬
1
‭2. How is the boy affected with the loss of the ball?‬
‭3. Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Why/Why not?‬
‭4. Why didn’t the poet console the boy?‬
‭5. What does the boy learn after losing the ball?‬
‭ . The poet teaches a philosophy of life in the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’. Give‬
1
‭your views on it and explain in detail.‬
‭ . What is the central idea of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’? How does the‬
2
‭poet explain his‬
‭ideas?‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭The Ball Poem‬
‭Answer key‬
‭ . What has the boy lost in the water?‬

1
‭Answer: He has lost his ball in the water of the sea.‬
‭ . Where did the ball land finally?‬

2
‭Answer: The ball landed finally in the water.‬
‭ . What was the reaction of the boy at the loss of his ball?‬
3
‭Answer: The boy was sad and troubled at the loss of his ball.‬
‭ . Where was the boy staring down?‬

4
‭Answer: The boy was staring down the harbour where his ball had gone.‬
‭ . What does ‘in the world of possessions’ means?‬

5
‭Answer: It means the world of materialistic things.‬
‭ . Do you think the boy has lost something earlier?‬

6
‭Answer: Yes, he has lost something earlier.‬
‭ . What lesson does the boy learn?‬
7
‭Answer: He learns the lesson that gains and losses are part and parcel of‬
‭life.‬
‭ . Why is money called external?‬

8
‭Answer: Money is called external because we can replace the lost things‬
‭with its help.‬
‭ . Why are the boy’s eyes desperate?‬

9
‭Answer: His eyes are desperate because he has lost his ball.‬
‭ 0. Who is the poet of the poem ‘The Ball Poem’?‬

1
‭Answer: John Berryman.‬
‭ 1. What is the boy learning from the loss of the ball?‬

1
‭Answer: The boy is learning the nature of loss in this materialistic world.‬
‭He has learnt that loss is part and parcel of human life.‬
‭ nswer: When one reads the title ‘The Ball Poem’, one assumes that the‬
A
‭poem may be a light-hearted one but perhaps about the joys of childhood.‬
‭We must not feel disheartened, dejected and desperate but try to stand up‬
‭and bear the loss through self-understanding.‬
‭ nswer: When one reads the title ‘The Ball Poem’, one assumes that the‬
A
‭poem may be a light-hearted one, perhaps about the joys of childhood.‬
‭However, as the reader reads the poem, the seriousness of the topic‬
‭comes forth, as does the title’s appropriateness.‬
‭3. What is the theme of the poem —’The Ball Poem’?‬
‭ nswer: In this world sometimes we lose things which we love and are‬
A
‭attached to. We must not feel disheartened, dejected and desperate but‬
t‭ ry to stand up and bear the loss through self-understanding as the boy‬
‭who lost the ball he loved was trying to learn.‬
‭ . A ball is an easily available, inexpensive thing. Then, why is the boy so‬
4
‭sad to lose it?‬
‭ nswer: No doubt the ball is an easily available and inexpensive item but‬
A
‭the ball, the boy has lost is valuable for him. His memories of younger‬
‭days are associated with it because he had been playing with it for a long‬
‭time. It was not an ordinary but a special ball for him. No other ball could‬
‭take its place. So, he is sad to lose it.‬
‭5. What shows that the ball was valuable for the boy?‬
‭ nswer: The ball was valuable for the boy is obvious (clear) from the way‬
A
‭he reacts after losing it He was shocked, remained fixed, trembled with‬
‭grief staring at the place where the ball had fallen. All this shows that he‬
‭loved the ball and it was valuable for him.‬
‭6. ‘He senses first responsibility’—what responsibility is referred to here?‬
‭ nswer: The responsibility referred to here is how to stand up or bear the‬

A
‭loss through self-understanding and trying to console oneself on his own‬
‭as the boy who lost his ball was trying to do.‬
‭7. Why did the poet not console the boy?‬
‭ nswer: The poet did not console the boy for two reasons—One, the boy‬
A
‭was too shocked and grief-stricken to listen to any sense. Second, the‬
‭poet also observed that the boy was trying to stand up or bear the loss on‬
‭his own through self-understanding which is much more reflective and‬
‭lasting. The poet’s or anybody else’s consoling would not be that effective.‬
‭ . ‘ ……starting, down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball‬
8
‭went’… Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to‬
‭memories of days when he played with it?‬
‭ nswer: Yes, I think the boy had that ball for a long time. The‬
A
‭expression—àll his young days into the harbour’ suggests this. It is linked‬
‭ ith old memories when he used to play with it, that is why he is so upset‬
w
‭about losing it.‬
‭ . Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that‬
9
‭suggest the answer‬
‭ nswer: I don’t think the boy has lost anything earlier. The first loss is‬
A
‭shocking and full of grief—the line—An ultimate shaking grief fixes the‬
‭boy’ reflects it. Also in the `senses first responsibility’—the word first‬
‭shows that it was his first loss.‬
‭10. What does the poet notice at the beginning of the poem?‬
‭ nswer: The poet sees a boy playing near a harbour with a ball. The poet‬
A
‭saw his ball bouncing. It bounced and fell into the water of the harbour.‬
‭The boy lost his ball. He became very sad.‬
‭11. What was the effect of the loss of ball on the bay?‬
‭ nswer: The poet sees the boy whose ball has fallen into the harbour. He‬
A
‭describes the effect of the loss on the boy. The boy is shaken with grief.‬
‭He trembles and stares down the harbour. His past days come alive in his‬
‭mind.‬
‭ 2. Why does the poet decide not to give money to the boy or he buy‬
1
‭another ball for him?‬
‭ nswer: The poet says that he will not intrude upon the boy because he‬
A
‭must learn to tolerate loss. The poet emphasises this loss. He thinks that‬
‭money cannot compensate for the sense of loss. So he doesn’t give the‬
‭boy money or buy another ball for him.‬
‭13. Explain the line, “And no one buys a ball back. Money is external”.‬
‭ nswer: This line means that no one can buy something that is lost‬
A
‭forever. No one can buy the boy that very ball which he has lost. Money is‬
‭an external thing. It is a medium of possessing things. But even money‬
‭cannot compensate for the sense of loss suffered by a person.‬
‭ 4. Why does the poet say, “Balls will be lost always”?‬
1
‭Answer: Hem balls are the symbol of man’s possessions. We love our‬
‭things. Some things are dearer to us than the others. But nothing is‬
‭permanent in life. We may lose our dear things. Then we suffer from a‬
‭sense of loss. This is experienced by everyone in life. That is why, the poet‬
‭says, “Balls will be lost always”.‬
‭15. What is the main idea of the poem?‬
‭ nswer: The main idea of the poem is ‘the sense of loss in life’. The loss is‬
A
‭a fact of life. The sooner man learns to tolerate it the better it is. When we‬
‭lose something for the first time, we feel very sad. But later we learn to‬
‭live with our loss. In this poem, the boy loses his ball. He is very sad. The‬
‭poet can buy him another hall. But he does not want to do so. He wants‬
‭the boy must learn the bitter truth of life that everyone can suffer the loss‬
‭of something dear.‬
‭16. How did the poet witness the whole scene of the boy losing his ball?‬
‭ nswer: The poet saw the boy playing with his ball. While he was playing‬
A
‭with it, the ball bounced down the street ‘merrily’. And then the most‬
‭unexpected thing happened. Rolling down the street and after taking a few‬
‭bounces, finally, the ball fell down in the water of the harbour below.‬
‭17. How did the boy react after his ball fell into the water of the harbour?‬
‭ nswer: The falling of the ball in the water was quite sudden. Actually, it‬
A
‭was an unexpected loss. The boy was completely shaken but couldn’t‬
‭even move a step. He stood there fixed to the ground like a statue. He‬
‭constantly continued staring at the point where his ball fell into the‬
‭harbour. It seemed as if he was thinking of his childhood days which had‬
‭disappeared forever like the lost ball.‬
‭ 8. Does the lost ball stand for the metaphor of the boy’s lost childhood?‬
1
‭How?‬
‭ nswer: The boy has lost his ball. It has fallen down into the harbour. It‬
A
‭will not be found back again. However, through the metaphor of the lost‬
‭ball, the poet wants to highlight a bigger loss. It is the loss of his‬
‭ hildhood. Like the lost ball, the childhood days which he cherishes still‬
c
‭now, have been lost forever. This makes the loss inconsolable.‬
‭19. Why does the poet say: ‘No use to say ‘O there are other balls’?‬
‭ nswer: The loss of the ball looks like an ordinary incident. It seems that‬
A
‭the boy should not make such a fuss over it. Boys usually lose such balls‬
‭and again buy new ones as they are not very costly. But the boy seems to‬
‭be inconsolable over the loss. No money can buy the same ball that he has‬
‭lost forever. Similarly, no wealth can buy back the childhood that he has‬
‭lost forever.‬
‭ 0. Why doesn’t the poet want to intrude on ‘him’? What does he consider‬
2
‭the safest course?‬
‭ nswer: The poet doesn’t want to intrude on the inconsolable boy. There is‬
A
‭no gain in telling him that the ball he has lost costs almost nothing. He‬
‭can buy a new ball easily in a dime. Instead of sermonising, the poet‬
‭leaves it on the boy to develop a new sense of responsibility. It will help‬
‭him in bearing the loss.‬
‭ 1. What is the general rule of this ‘world of possessions’? Why is money‬

2
‭‘external’?‬
‭ nswer: Getting and losing is a natural cycle. Many more boys before him‬
A
‭bought and lost their balls. This process will go on forever. However, no‬
‭amount of money can buy back the same ball that has been lost forever.‬
‭Money is external and has its own limitations. Wealth can’t compensate‬
‭such emotional losses such as the loss of one’s childhood days.‬
‭ 2. How is the boy learning the ‘epistemology of loss’ from the loss of his‬
2
‭ball? What he has to learn?‬
‭ nswer: The boy has to understand the nature of the loss. He has to‬
A
‭understand what it means to lose something. Gain and loss are the two‬
‭sides of the same coin. The boy has to learn how to move forward‬
‭forgetting everything about the losses he has suffered in the past.‬
‭23. How can the boy stand up again? What every man must know one day?‬
‭ nswer: The boy has to understand the epistemology of loss — the‬
A
‭knowledge and nature of the loss. This is not the problem of the boy‬
‭alone. Everyone has to know it sooner or later that it is useless to weep‬
‭over the loss of our dearest childhood days. One should move ahead‬
‭forgetting all such losses. Life has to be lived only by moving ahead in it.‬
‭ 4. What is the message that John Berryman gives to the readers in ‘The‬
2
‭Ball poem’?‬
‭ nswer: In ‘The Ball Poem’ John Berryman gives a very positive message.‬
A
‭Gain and loss, getting and losing are the essentials in the cycle of life. One‬
‭should learn epistemology or the knowledge and nature of the loss. Our‬
‭childhood with all its attachments and sweet memories has gone forever‬
‭never to come back again. We should not weep over the losses that we‬
‭have suffered. Let us learn to live and moving ahead in life forgetting all‬
‭inconsolable losses.‬
‭25. Why does the poet not offer to buy the boy another ball?‬
‭ nswer: The poet does not offer to buy the boy another ball because the‬
A
‭new ball would not console him. The reason is that he had a great‬
‭attachment to the lost ball. ‘He is learning, well behind his desperate‬
‭eyes’.‬
‭ . Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball? If his loss is irreparable‬
1
‭or irretrievable then how should one handle it? What lessons can be‬
‭learnt?‬
‭ nswer: Yes, the boy should be allowed to grieve for his ball, as he had‬
A
‭that ball for a long time. He had many old memories associated with it‬
‭since his childhood. Moreover, when a person is trying to overcome his‬
‭grief on his own, then one should not intrude or disturb him as it may‬
‭break his chain of thoughts and may irritate him.‬
‭ ne should have self-consolation, and self -understanding in order to bear‬

O
‭the loss. Self-realization and understanding are more effective and lasting‬
‭than when it is done by an external agency or a person.‬
‭ . How did the boy really react to the loss of the ball or was he fearful of‬
2
‭something or someone ……..? Can our attention be directed toward his‬
‭family and other people? Are there any lessons to be learnt?‬
‭ nswer: (i) The boy was not fearful of anyone, in fact, he was really upset‬
A
‭about the loss of the ball. The ball was valuable for him. He was shocked,‬
‭remained fixed, trembled with grief staring at the place where the ball had‬
‭fallen. His family must not have been affected by the loss as a ball is an‬
‭easily available and inexpensive item.‬
(‭ ii) The loss of the ball teaches a lesson to us. Money is external in the‬
‭sense that it can give you only outer happiness or pleasure not inner.‬
‭Money cannot buy the emotions and heavenly virtues. It cannot be linked‬
‭with old memories. Moreover, self-consolation, realization or‬
‭understanding is more effective and lasting than done by an external‬
‭agency or a person.‬
‭ . Why does the poet say, ‘I would not intrude on him?’ Why doesn’t he‬
3
‭offer him money to buy another ball?‬
‭ nswer: When a person is trying to come over his grief on his own, he is‬
A
‭busy making himself understand certain things if then, someone intrudes‬
‭or disturbs, and his chain of thoughts is broken. It makes him irritated.‬
‭Moreover, self-consolation, realization or understanding is more effective‬
‭and lasting than when it is done by an external agency or a person. The‬
‭poet knows it. So he does not intrude on him.‬
‭ is offer of money to buy another ball is useless for the boy wants the‬
H
‭same ball he is attached to and has been playing for a long time. No other‬
‭ball will be able to take its place.‬
‭ . How is the lost ball, the metaphor of the lost childhood of the boy? Why‬
4
‭doesn’t the poet want to ‘intrude on’ the boy by offering him money to buy‬
‭another ball?‬
‭ nswer: The boy has a ball. Perhaps he has been keeping it for a long‬
A
‭time. He must have developed a lot of attachment and love with the ball.‬
‭Suddenly while he is playing, the ball bounces down the street. And after a‬
‭few bounces, it falls down into the harbour. It is lost forever. The boy‬
‭stands there shocked and fixed to the ground. He constantly goes on‬
‭ taring at the spot where his ball fell down into the water. Outwardly, the‬
s
‭loss seems to be quite small. The boy seems to be making a fuss over the‬
‭loss. Many boys have lost such balls and will lose so in future. A new ball‬
‭can be easily bought in a dime.‬
‭ he metaphor of the lost ball is beautifully linked to the loss of sweet‬

T
‭childhood. No amount of money can buy the ball back that has been lost‬
‭forever. Similarly, no worldly wealth can buy back the lost childhood. The‬
‭poet doesn’t want to sermonise on this issue. The boy himself has to learn‬
‭epistemology or the nature of the loss. He has to move ahead in life‬
‭forgetting all the losses he has suffered in the past.‬
‭ . What is the epistemology of loss in this world of possessions? How has‬

5
‭the child learned to stand up in life?‬
‭ nswer: Gain and loss are the two sides of the same coin. Getting,‬
A
‭spending and losing things form a natural cycle of life. The boy is‬
‭inconsolable at the loss of his ball. Actually, it is not the ordinary ball but‬
‭his long association and attachment with it that makes the loss so‬
‭unbearable. It is like the good sweet days of childhood that the boy‬
‭cherishes so much but are lost and gone forever. They will never come‬
‭back again.‬
‭ o, what is the remedy? He can bear this loss by understanding the‬

S
‭epistemology or nature of the loss. In this world of material wealth and‬
‭possessions, it seems that money can buy anything. However, it is a false‬
‭conception. Money has its own limitations. Its nature is external. It cannot‬
‭compensate for the losses that a person suffers emotionally or internally.‬
‭No wealth can buy back the ball that has been lost forever. Similarly, no‬
‭wealth can buy back the lost childhood. The child will have to move ahead‬
‭and stand up in life. He has to stop weeping over his past losses and start‬
‭living life as it should be lived.‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1: What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,‬
Q
‭What, what is he to do? I saw it go‬
‭ errily bouncing, down the street, and then‬
M
‭Merrily over — there it is in the water!‬
‭ . What becomes peculiar of the boy who has lost his ball?‬
a
‭b. What did the poet see?‬
‭c. Where did the ball land finally?‬
‭d. What has the boy lost?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The boy is confused as to what he is to do.‬
‭b. The poet saw the ball bouncing towards the water.‬
‭c. The ball finally landed in the water.‬
‭d. The boy has lost his ball.‬
‭ uestion 2: No use to say ‘O there are other balls’ :‬

Q
‭An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy‬
‭As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down‬
‭All his young days into the harbour where‬
‭His ball went.‬
‭ . How do people generally comfort a boy who has lost his ball?‬
a
‭b. What does he stare at?‬
‭c. What comes to his mind, when he looks at the ball?‬
‭d. Why is the boy so sad?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. People generally comfort a boy by saying, “There are other balls”.‬
‭b. He stares at the ball which has fallen in the water.‬
‭c. When he looks at the ball, all his young days come to his mind.‬
‭d. He is grief-stricken at the loss of his ball.‬
‭ uestion 3: I would not intrude on him;‬

Q
‭A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now‬
‭He senses first responsibility‬
‭In a world of possessions.‬
‭ . Who does the word ‘he’ refer to?‬

a
‭b. Why is money or another ball worthless for the boy?‬
‭c. How does the boy sense responsibility?‬
‭d. What kind of a world is it?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The word ‘he’ refers to the boy whose ball has lost.‬
‭b. Money or another ball is worthless for the boy because he has lost‬
‭something‬
‭dear to him. He is suffering from a sense of loss.‬
‭c. He senses responsibility when his possessed ball is lost.‬
‭d. It is a materialistic world.‬
‭ uestion 4: People will take‬

Q
‭Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.‬
‭And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.‬
‭ . Why does the poet say ‘balls will be lost always’?‬

a
‭b. Why does the poet say that no one buys a ball back?‬
‭c. What does the poet mean by ‘money is external’?‬
‭d. What is external?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The poet wants to say that the loss of dear things is a fact of life.‬
‭b. The poet says so because the ball is lost and money cannot‬
‭compensate for the sense of loss.‬
‭c. It means that money is always meant to be spent.‬
‭d. Money is external.‬
‭ uestion 5: He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,‬

Q
‭The epistemology of loss, how to stand up‬
‭Knowing what every man must one day know‬
‭And most know many days, how to stand up.‬
‭ . How are the boy’s eyes?‬

a
‭b. Why are the boy’s eyes ‘desperate’?‬
‭c. What is the boy learning?‬
‭d. What is the boy going to know?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The boy’s eyes are desperate.‬
‭b. The boy’s eyes are ‘desperate’ because he has lost his ball.‬
‭c. The boy is learning the meaning of loss.‬
‭d. The boy is going to know the universal truth that almost all men lose‬
‭something and they have to compromise with their loss.‬
‭ . Express your views on the title of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’.‬
1
‭2. How is the boy affected with the loss of the ball?‬
‭3. Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Why/Why not?‬
‭4. Why didn’t the poet console the boy?‬
‭5. What does the boy learn after losing the ball?‬
‭ . The poet teaches a philosophy of life in the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’. Give‬
1
‭your views on it and explain in detail.‬
‭ . What is the central idea of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’? How does the‬
2
‭poet explain his‬
‭ideas?‬
‭The Book that Saved the Earth‬
‭Summary‬
‭The‬ ‭Book‬ ‭That‬ ‭Saved‬ ‭the‬ ‭Earth‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭play‬ ‭written‬ ‭by‬ ‭Claire‬ ‭Bioko.‬ ‭In‬ ‭the‬
‭twenty-fifth‬ ‭century,‬ ‭while‬ ‭sitting‬ ‭in‬ ‭The‬ ‭Museum‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ancient‬ ‭History,‬ ‭the‬
‭Historian‬ ‭depicts‬ ‭the‬ ‭story‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Martians‬ ‭who‬ ‭visited‬ ‭Earth‬ ‭in‬‭the‬‭twentieth‬
‭century‬ ‭to‬ ‭invade‬ ‭the‬ ‭planet.‬ ‭The‬ ‭play‬ ‭is‬ ‭set‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭twentieth‬ ‭century,‬ ‭which‬
‭was‬ ‭often‬ ‭called‬ ‭the‬ ‭Era‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Book.‬ ‭The‬ ‭play‬ ‭consists‬ ‭of‬ ‭imaginary‬
‭characters‬ ‭having‬ ‭strange‬ ‭names,‬ ‭such‬ ‭as‬ ‭Mighty‬ ‭Chief‬ ‭Think-Tank,‬
‭Apprentice Noodle, Captain Omega, Lieutenant Iota and Sergeant Oop.‬
‭Think-Tank‬ ‭considers‬ ‭himself‬ ‭the‬ ‭most‬ ‭powerful‬ ‭and‬‭intelligent‬‭fellow‬‭among‬

‭all‬‭the‬‭Martians‬‭and‬‭decides‬‭to‬‭visit‬‭Earth‬‭with‬‭his‬‭team.‬‭He‬‭always‬‭thinks‬‭that‬
‭since‬‭he‬‭has‬‭a‬‭big‬‭balloon‬‭head,‬‭he‬‭is‬‭the‬‭most‬‭intelligent‬‭of‬‭all‬‭and‬‭constantly‬
‭wants‬ ‭to‬ ‭be‬ ‭praised‬ ‭for‬ ‭it.‬ ‭He‬ ‭and‬ ‭his‬ ‭team‬ ‭are‬ ‭eager‬ ‭to‬ ‭know‬ ‭how‬ ‭the‬
‭Earthlings‬ ‭(people‬ ‭living‬ ‭on‬ ‭Earth)‬ ‭live‬ ‭and‬ ‭how‬ ‭the‬ ‭Martians‬ ‭can‬ ‭put‬ ‭that‬
‭planet‬ ‭under‬ ‭the‬ ‭generous‬ ‭Martian‬ ‭rulership.‬ ‭Soon,‬ ‭they‬ ‭arrived‬ ‭at‬ ‭the‬
‭Centerville‬‭Public‬‭Library‬‭on‬‭Earth,‬‭which‬‭was‬‭full‬‭of‬‭books.‬‭However,‬‭they‬‭are‬
‭unable to understand the purpose of those objects kept on the shelves.‬
‭To‬‭exhibit‬‭his‬‭acumen,‬‭the‬‭mighty‬‭Think-Tank‬‭tells‬‭his‬‭crew‬‭that‬‭Earthlings‬‭are‬
‭fond‬‭of‬‭eating,‬‭so‬‭probably‬‭those‬‭things‬‭arranged‬‭on‬‭shelves‬‭are‬‭sandwiches.‬
‭Soon‬‭after,‬‭he‬‭orders‬‭Captain‬‭Omega,‬‭Lieutenant‬‭Iota‬‭and‬‭Sergeant‬‭Oop‬‭to‬‭eat‬
‭the‬ ‭book.‬ ‭Captain‬ ‭Omega‬ ‭and‬ ‭Lieutenant‬ ‭Iota‬ ‭cleverly‬ ‭transfer‬ ‭this‬
‭responsibility‬ ‭of‬ ‭eating‬ ‭the‬ ‭book‬ ‭on‬ ‭Sergeant‬ ‭Oop’s‬ ‭shoulders.‬ ‭Having‬ ‭no‬
‭choice,‬‭Sergeant‬‭Oop‬‭eats‬‭a‬‭corner‬‭of‬‭the‬‭book,‬‭but‬‭he‬‭does‬‭not‬‭like‬‭the‬‭taste.‬
‭He‬ ‭confirms‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭mighty‬ ‭Think-Tank‬‭that‬‭it‬‭is‬‭not‬‭delicious‬‭at‬‭all.‬‭From‬‭this,‬
‭the crew realises that the book is not meant for eating.‬
‭After‬ ‭some‬ ‭time,‬ ‭Apprentice‬ ‭Noodle‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭mighty‬ ‭Think-Tank‬ ‭that‬
‭probably‬‭the‬‭book‬‭is‬‭being‬‭used‬‭for‬‭communication‬‭with‬‭ears.‬‭They‬‭all‬‭tried‬‭to‬
‭hear‬‭the‬‭book‬‭by‬‭holding‬‭it‬‭close‬‭to‬‭their‬‭ears,‬‭yet‬‭there‬‭was‬‭no‬‭sound‬‭coming‬
‭from‬ ‭it.‬ ‭Later,‬ ‭Noodle‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭Think-Tank‬ ‭that‬ ‭the‬ ‭book‬ ‭may‬ ‭be‬ ‭used‬ ‭for‬
‭communication‬‭with‬‭eyes.‬‭The‬‭mighty‬‭Think-Tank‬‭agrees‬‭and‬‭orders‬‭the‬‭entire‬
‭crew‬ ‭members‬ ‭to‬ ‭open‬ ‭and‬ ‭read‬ ‭the‬ ‭book.‬ ‭The‬ ‭name‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭book‬ ‭is‬ ‭Mother‬
‭Goose,‬ ‭which‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭children’s‬ ‭rhyme‬ ‭book.‬ ‭However,‬ ‭they‬ ‭are‬ ‭unable‬ ‭to‬
‭understand how to read it.‬
‭In‬ ‭no‬ ‭time,‬ ‭Apprentice‬ ‭Noodle‬ ‭reminds‬ ‭Think-Tank‬ ‭that‬ ‭the‬ ‭Mars‬ ‭chemical‬
‭department‬‭has‬‭given‬‭some‬‭vitamin‬‭pills‬‭to‬‭boost‬‭the‬‭intelligence‬‭of‬‭the‬‭crew.‬
‭Think-Tank‬ ‭immediately‬ ‭orders‬ ‭his‬ ‭crew‬ ‭to‬ ‭have‬ ‭those‬ ‭pills.‬ ‭The‬ ‭crew‬ ‭pop‬‭in‬
‭the‬ ‭capsules‬ ‭before‬ ‭reading‬ ‭the‬ ‭book.‬‭Soon,‬‭Sergeant‬‭Oop‬‭starts‬‭reading‬‭the‬
‭nursery‬ ‭rhyme‬ ‭book,‬ ‭and‬ ‭they‬ ‭start‬ ‭taking‬ ‭the‬ ‭literal‬ ‭meaning‬ ‭of‬ ‭lines‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬
‭rhymes.‬ ‭He‬ ‭reads‬ ‭the‬‭rhyme,‬‭Humpty‬‭Dumpty,‬‭and‬‭all‬‭of‬‭them‬‭see‬‭the‬‭picture‬
‭of Humpty that resembles Think-Tank.‬
‭Seeing‬‭this,‬‭Think-Tank‬‭is‬‭horrified‬‭to‬‭know‬‭that‬‭Earthlings‬‭have‬‭identified‬‭him‬
‭already‬ ‭and‬ ‭want‬ ‭to‬ ‭kill‬ ‭him.‬ ‭From‬ ‭all‬ ‭the‬ ‭information‬ ‭gathered‬ ‭about‬
‭Earthlings,‬‭the‬‭mighty‬‭Think-Tank‬‭calls‬‭his‬‭Martian‬‭crew‬‭and‬‭says‬‭they‬‭should‬
‭postpone‬‭the‬‭idea‬‭of‬‭invading‬‭Earth‬‭for‬‭the‬‭time‬‭being.‬‭So,‬‭he‬‭asks‬‭his‬‭crew‬‭to‬
‭run‬‭away‬‭from‬‭that‬‭place‬‭immediately‬‭without‬‭leaving‬‭a‬‭trace‬‭and‬‭evacuate‬‭the‬
‭entire‬ ‭planet‬ ‭of‬ ‭Mars.‬ ‭He‬ ‭orders‬ ‭his‬ ‭team‬ ‭to‬ ‭head‬ ‭towards‬ ‭Alpha‬ ‭Centauri,‬ ‭a‬
‭hundred‬ ‭million‬ ‭miles‬ ‭away.‬ ‭Thus,‬ ‭an‬ ‭old‬ ‭book‬ ‭of‬ ‭rhymes,‬ ‭Mother‬ ‭Goose,‬
‭saved Earth from the Martian invasion.‬
‭The‬ ‭Book‬ ‭That‬ ‭Saved‬ ‭the‬ ‭Earth‬ ‭states‬ ‭how‬ ‭Mother‬ ‭Goose,‬ ‭which‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬
‭well-known‬ ‭English‬ ‭nursery‬ ‭rhyme‬ ‭book,‬ ‭saves‬ ‭Planet‬ ‭Earth‬ ‭from‬ ‭a‬ ‭Martian‬
‭invasion.‬ ‭It‬ ‭teaches‬ ‭students‬ ‭that‬ ‭a‬ ‭person‬ ‭who‬ ‭thinks‬ ‭greatly‬ ‭of‬ ‭himself‬‭but‬
‭has little knowledge can be dangerous.‬
‭The Book that Saved the Earth - Important Questions‬
‭Question 1. Why did Think-Tank wish to contact the space probe?‬

‭ nswer: Think-Tank wanted to contact the probe to find out what the crew‬
A
‭of the probe had observed about Earth.‬
‭Question 2. What difficulty do the crew of the space probe face on Earth?‬
‭ nswer: The space probe lands in a public library. The crew is shocked‬
A
‭because the place looked very strange as they had no idea of books. They‬
‭think the library to be some kind of storage barn.‬
‭Question 3. How does Think-Tank explain the books to his probe crew?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank told his crew that the books were sandwiches. He‬
A
‭even ordered his crew to eat them. Then, he called them communication‬
‭devices and later he said that they were meant for watching.‬
‭Question 4. Why do the space probe crew take vitamins?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank wanted the probe crew to find out what was in the‬
A
‭books. So, the probe crew take vitamins to increase their intelligence.‬
‭They are able to read the books after taking those vitamins.‬
‭ uestion 5. What is Think-Tank’s interpretation of words like ‘shells’,‬

Q
‭‘silver bells’ and ‘garden’ from the nursery rhyme? What is its impact?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank interprets the given words to mean that the earthlings‬
A
‭grew shells and silver in their gardens. This caused him to withhold their‬
‭planned invasion of Earth as he felt that Earth was more advanced than‬
‭Mars.‬
‭ uestion 6. Think-Tank thinks that Earthlings are after him. What is the‬
Q
‭reason? [CBSE 2015]‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank crew read about Humpty-Dumpty’s fall in the rhyme‬

A
‭and showed the picture to Think-Tank. Think-Tank’s head resembled that‬
‭of Humpty-Dumpty. This makes Think-Tank feel that earthlings were‬
‭planning to invade Mars and capture him.‬
‭Question 7. Mention any two striking qualities of Noodle.‬

‭ nswer: The apprentice of Think-Tank, Noodle, comes out as an‬
A
‭interesting figure in the story. He is very polite and smart. He corrects the‬
‭mistakes of his ruler very humbly by giving indirect suggestions. Also, he‬
‭is very wise and well informed.‬
‭Question 8. Elaborate the escape that Think-Tank plans for.‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank orders his entire fleet to evacuate Mars. He gets a‬

A
‭capsule for himself. They decide to move to the distant star Alpha‬
‭Centauri to escape invasion by earthlings.‬
‭Question 9. Describe Think-Tank in your our words.‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank is the ruler of the planet Mars. His head is huge and‬
A
‭egg shaped. He wears a robe decorated with stars and circles. He is very‬
‭proud of his intelligence and might.‬
‭ uestion 10. How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the Earth from‬
Q
‭a Martian invasion? [CBSE 2011]‬
‭or‬
‭How did a book change Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earthlings? [CBSE‬
‭2014]‬
‭ nswer: This book is totally misunderstood by the Martians.‬

A
‭The Martians thought that earthlings were planning to invade Mars. So,‬
‭they cancelled their invasion of Earth and went back. Think-Tank totally‬
‭misunderstands the book. Phrases like ‘shell’, ‘silver’, ‘garden’ gave him a‬
‭false idea that earthlings grew silver and weapons. He starts thinking that‬
‭earthlings are very advanced technologically.‬
‭ uestion 11. What was Oop’s opinion about the ‘sandwiches’ he had‬
Q
‭eaten?‬
‭ nswer: Oop was forced to eat ‘sandwiches’ and he made terrible faces‬
A
‭while chewing. He said that it was not delicious; rather as dry as Martian‬
‭dust. He remarked that he could not understand how the Earthlings could‬
‭get those ‘sandwiches’ down without water.‬
‭ uestion 12. What was Noodle’s version to describe the so-called‬
Q
‭‘sandwich’?‬
‭ nswer: Noodle hesitantly told Think-Tank that he had ‘insignificant’‬

A
‭information about those ‘sandwiches’. He informed him that he had seen‬
‭surveyor films of those sandwiches. He had noticed that the Earthlings did‬
‭not eat them. They used them as some sort of communication devices.‬
‭Question 13. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book?‬
‭ nswer: The twentieth century was often called the Era of the book as‬
A
‭there were books about everything. Books taught people how, when,‬
‭where, and why of everything. They illustrated, educated, punctuated, and‬
‭even decorated.‬
‭ uestion 14. How Does Think-Tank compare the Martians with the people‬
Q
‭on Earth? What does he call the Earth mockingly?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank considers earth ‘a ridiculous little planet’ ariel intends‬

A
‭to put it under his generous rulership. He feels the earth is actually an‬
‭unimportant place where ugly earthlings, with their tiny heads, reside. He‬
‭believes the Martians to be a superior race. He mockingly calls the earth‬
‭‘Primitive ball of mud’.‬
‭Question 15. What saved the Earth? How?‬
‭ nswer: One dusty old book of nursery rhymes saved the earth from a‬
A
‭Martian invasion. The Martian could not decipher the meaning of nursery‬
‭rhymes. Their misinterpretation made the situation comical. They began‬
‭to believe that the Earthlings had advance technology and were planning‬
‭to invade the Mars. They called off their mission and even left the Mars‬
‭isolated to escape to a far-off planet.‬
‭ uestion 16. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he‬
Q
‭corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?‬
‭ nswer: Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank very meticulously. He never‬

A
‭disagrees with his opinion but he does not miss any opportunity to put‬
‭forward his suggestions no matter even if he does it hesitantly. He always‬
‭ hows admiration to Think-Tank’s intelligence. He never puts himself into‬
s
‭the conflicting ideas from his boss.‬
‭ uestion 17. How did the book change Think-Tank’s opinion about the‬
Q
‭Earthlings?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank used to believe that the Martian was a superior race‬
A
‭to the Earthlings. But after cracking the so-called code of an old nursery‬
‭rhyme book, he changed his view about the Earthlings. He now thought‬
‭that the Earthlings has reached a high level of civilization and planning to‬
‭invade the Mars. It made him call off his mission.‬
‭Question 18. What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the books?‬
‭ nswer: Noodle hesitantly informs Think-Tank that the books were a sort‬
A
‭of communication device. He told that he had seen surveyor films of those‬
‭‘sandwiches’. He had noticed that the Earthlings did not eat them. They‬
‭used them as sort of communication device.‬
‭Question 19. Where did Captain Omega reach with her team?‬
‭ nswer: Captain Omega landed on the earth with her team. They found‬
A
‭themselves in the Centerville Public Library amidst thousands of books.‬
‭They thought they were in some sort of storage bam.‬
‭Question 20. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?‬
‭ nswer: The twentieth century was often called the ‘Era of the book’. In‬
A
‭those days, there were books about everything, from anteaters to Zulus.‬
‭Books taught people how to, when to, where to, and why to. They‬
‭illustrated, educated, punctuated, and even decorated.‬
‭ uestion 1. Noodle hails Think-Tank as the most powerful and intelligent‬

Q
‭creature in the whole universe. Do you agree? Write your opinion of‬
‭Think-Tank citing instances from the given text.‬
‭ nswer: Noodle is a trainee under Think-Tank. He bows before him and‬
A
‭hails his ruler as the most powerful and intelligent creature in the‬
‭universe. However, Think-Tank is not really intelligent. He misinterprets‬
‭the nursery rhymes completely. ‘Silver’, ‘shells’ and ‘garden’ for him mean‬
‭that the earthlings are growing metals in farms.‬
‭ e thinks books to be sandwiches and wants the crew to eat them. When‬
H
‭he is read out the nursery rhyme which says, ‘Humpty-Dumpty had a great‬
‭fall’ he is terrified and plans his escape from Mars Thus, Think-Tank in‬
‭nothing more than a show off and a pompous fool.‬
‭Question 2. Mars and Earth become friends. How?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank evacuates Mars and the martians move to Alpha‬

A
‭Centauri. They fear an invasion by Earth. In the twenty-fifty century, the‬
‭two planets become friends. The wise and wonderful Noodle replaces‬
‭Think-Tank. Earthlings tell Martians the difference between sandwiches‬
‭and books.‬
‭ hey even taught them how to read. At the same time, they have created a‬
T
‭model library for Martians at Marsopolis. Still there is one thing that‬
‭Martians have never learnt to do. They have never tried to read the‬
‭nursery rhymes of ‘Mother Goose’.‬
‭ uestion 3. Compare and contrast the characters of Noodle and‬

Q
‭Think-Tank. [CBSE 2012]‬
‭ nswer: Noodle and Think-Tank have contrasting characters. Think-Tank‬

A
‭likes to be called the ‘Great and the Mighty’. He orders and commands. He‬
‭is the ruler of Mars, but has no intelligence.‬
‭He thinks books to be sandwiches. He is wrong about everything. He‬
‭demands that the crew obey him. He likes to pass on other’s idea as his‬
‭own. He is a coward who simply boasts about his power.‬
‭Noodle, his apprentice, is very clever and wise. He corrects the mistakes‬
‭of the ruler (Think-Tank) very gently. He never takes credit for his ideas.‬
‭But he offers them to the ruler very gently. Think-Tank makes them as his‬
‭own.‬
‭ uestion 4. The play, The Book That Saved the Earth’ conveys the‬
Q
‭message that misunderstanding of cultural differences between various‬
r‭ aces can cause confusion and conflict. Based on your reading of the play,‬
‭write how such confusion and conflicts can be checked so that peace and‬
‭harmony is maintained. [CBSE 2015]‬
‭ nswer: The confusion in the mind of Think-Tank occurred due to the‬

A
‭literal interpretation of the nursery rhymes in the book-‘Mother Goose’. To‬
‭ensure that conflicts are checked so that peace and harmony are‬
‭maintained, cultural differences should be sorted out by initially sending‬
‭mature and wise people from one culture to the other to establish contact‬
‭before deciding to wage war.‬
‭Think-Tank had sent an initial probe, but the crew members of the probe‬
‭were not sufficiently intelligent or mature to understand Earth’s culture.‬
‭That is why they literally interpreted the nursery rhymes and caused‬
‭misunderstanding in the mind of Think-Tank.‬
‭ uestion 5. Rushing to conclusion without going into details may lead to‬
Q
‭chaos and failure. Elaborate this with reference to the Martian invasion in‬
‭the chapter ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’.‬
‭ nswer: The Martians were very proud of themselves. Great and mighty‬
A
‭Think-Thank regarded as the ruler of Mars was always caught in self‬
‭praise. He had a quick mind and wishes to attack the earth in a great‬
‭hurry. Martians misinterpreted the signals received from earthlings book‬
‭of nursery rhymes and fled away. If they had planned the things decisively‬
‭things would have been different. In any kind of situation rash decisions‬
‭would never give results. It is only through knowledge, perseverence.‬
‭ uestion 6. How do the three nursery rhymes frighten Think-Tank in the‬

Q
‭play, ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’?‬
‭ nswer: The rhyme ‘Mistress Mary, quite contrary makes Think-Tank‬

A
‭believe that the Earthlings have discovered how to combine agriculture‬
‭and mining. He thinks that they can grow explosives. The rhyme ‘Hey‬
‭diddle diddle’, makes him conclude that the Earthlings have reached a‬
‭high level of civilization: even their animals have musical culture and‬
‭know space techniques.‬
‭ e fears that at that very moment, the Earthlings might be launching an‬
H
‭interplanetary attack of millions of cows. Oop reads the rhyme. ‘Humpty‬
‭Dumpty’ and shows him a picture of Humpty Dumpty. Think-Tank‬
‭ oncludes that it is his picture and the Earthlings are planning to invade‬
c
‭Mars.‬
‭ uestion 7. How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the world from‬
Q
‭a Martian invasion?‬
‭OR‬
‭Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty first century and what saved it?‬
‭ nswer: The Martians sent a mission to invade the earth. The crew landed‬
A
‭in a library and could not make out what the books actually were. It was‬
‭believed that the books were a sort of communication device. Think-Tank‬
‭asked the members to decipher the code of the ‘sandwiches’. The nursery‬
‭rhymes were totally misinterpreted and it was believed that the Earthlings‬
‭had developed an advance civilization and mission was called off and the‬
‭Martians escaped to a remote place to save their lives. Thus the books‬
‭saved the Earth.‬
‭Question 8. What is Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earth?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank called the Earth a ridiculous little planet and showed‬
A
‭his wish to put it under his generous rulership. The planet Earth was‬
‭insignificant to him. He believed that the Martians were the most‬
‭handsome race. He referred to the people of the Earth as Earthlings and‬
‭mocked their tiny heads.‬
‭ e showed his desire to invade ‘primitive ball of mud’ called Earth before‬
H
‭lunch. But after misinterpreting the book of nursery rhymes he began to‬
‭believe that the earthlings had developed a more advanced civilization‬
‭and were even planning to invade the Mars.‬
Q
‭ nswer: Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank, but at the same time, he‬
A
‭very cleverly tries to correct his mistakes also. Whenever Noodle had to‬
‭say something contrary to what Think-Tank said, he would present his‬
‭thoughts by referring to them as being of no particular importance. In this‬
‭way he would correct Think- Tank’s errors without making him feel that he‬
‭was being corrected. Noodle appears to be quite an expert in handling‬
‭these kind of people.‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭Fog‬

1
‭3. What is the fog compared to?‬
‭4. What does the fog look over ?‬
‭6. How does the fog move on?‬
‭7. How does the poet describes the fog’s movements?‬
1
‭Or‬
‭Write a few lines that would tell us about the resemblance of Fog with that‬
‭animal.‬

5
‭ . Which aspect of nature Carl Sand-burg presents in the poem ‘Fog’?‬

6
‭7. Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Then how do we‬
9
1
‭appropriate?‬
2

1

a

1
1
‭Grade 10‬
‭Fog‬
‭Answer Key‬

1
‭Answer: According to the poet, the fog is like a cat.‬

2
‭Answer: The fog comes slowly and silently.‬
‭ . What is the fog compared to?‬

3
‭Answer: The fog is compared to a cat.‬
‭ . What does the fog look over ?‬

4
‭Answer: The fog looks over the harbour and the city.‬
‭ . How does the poet make the fog like a living creature?‬
5
‭Answer: The poet makes the fog like a living creature by comparing it to a‬
‭cat.‬
‭ . How does the fog move on?‬

6
‭Answer: The fog moves on slowly.‬
‭ . How does the poet describes the fog’s movements?‬

7
‭Answer: The poet describes the fog as a cat. Like a cat, the fog comes‬
‭silently and slowly. It is sitting on its haunches. And then it moves on.‬
1
‭Or‬
‭ rite a few lines that would tell us about the resemblance of Fog with that‬
W
‭animal.‬
‭ nswer: The fog is compared to a cat. He says a cat does not make a‬
A
‭sound when it walks so also is the fog. But its presence is apparent. Its‬
‭‘Silence’ is very much like that of a cat moving on its little feet. The way‬
‭the fog sits is very much like a cat sitting on its haunches, looking here‬
‭and there.‬
‭ nswer: The poet describes the fog as a cat. He does so through a‬

A
‭metaphor. The fog is the cat itself. As a cat jumps and lights on its soft‬
‭silently, the fog also comes down noiselessly. Then it moves on like a cat.‬
‭ nswer: Three things suggest that the fog is like a cat. Like a cat, the fog‬
A
‭comes silently. The fog is looking over the harbour and the city like a cat‬
‭does so sitting on its haunches. Thirdly, it moves as the cat moves.‬
‭ nswer: The poetic device of metaphor is very effectively used in the‬

A
‭poem. The fog is converted into a cat and the cat is morphed back into the‬
‭fog. The silent arrival of the fog is like a little cat. The fog stays there‬
‭sitting like the cat on its haunches.‬

5
‭ nswer: It is a dual image that changes and merges again in the original.‬
A
‭The fog changes into a cat and the cat changes into the fog. Both of them‬
‭come silently unseen and suddenly. Both engulf everything underneath‬
‭them. The fog engulfs everything, the harbour and the city in its fold. The‬
‭fog sits silently as a cat sits on its haunches. Then it disappears and‬
‭moves ahead.‬
‭6. Which aspect of nature Carl Sand-burg presents in the poem ‘Fog’?‬
‭ nswer: The poet presents nature in its raw and natural state. The fog‬
A
‭comes as if from nowhere. It comes suddenly and silently like a little cat.‬
‭The fog’s power is overwhelming. It engulfs everything, the city and the‬
‭harbour in its all-embracing fold. Then following the law of change, it‬
‭disappears, no one knows where.‬
‭ . Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Then how do we‬
7
‭ nswer: The poet compares fog to a cat. A cat comes without making any‬
A
‭noise and goes away. In the same way, the fog comes and spreads slowly‬
‭and silently over harbour and city.‬
‭ nswer: (i) The fog comes slowly and silently like a cat.‬
A
‭(ii) The cat sits on its haunches for some time looking around and then‬
‭moves away as it came.‬
‭(iii) Similarly, the fog spreads over the harbour and city for some time.‬
‭Finally, it moves away like a cat.‬
9
‭ nswer: The cat comes silently and slowly. In the same way, the fog also‬
A
‭comes slowly and silently. The poetic device used here is personification.‬
‭The fog has been personified.‬
1
‭appropriate?‬
‭ nswer: In the poem Tog’, Carl Sandburg has metaphorically compared‬

A
‭the fog to a cat. The first strange thing about the metaphor is the‬
‭comparison of a phenomenon with a living animal. Perhaps the poet‬
‭wants to emphasize the silent nature and mysterious ways of the fog, so‬
‭he has compared the fog to a cat. A cat does not make a sound when it‬
‭walks. So also is the fog, but its presence is apparent. Its “silence” is very‬
‭much like that of a cat moving on its little feet.‬
‭ hen the fog stays in its place looking over the harbour and city which‬
T
‭creates a hazy atmosphere all around. The way it sits is very much like a‬
‭cat sitting on its haunches, looking here and there before it makes a‬
‭move. This is as if the fog remains a silent spectator of the happenings in‬
‭the city. Whatever the purpose may be, both the fog as well as a cat make‬
‭their impression and make their presence felt. The comparison of the fog‬
‭to a cat seems very appropriate because, reading the poem, one feels that‬
‭truly, the fog approaches stealthily, just like a cat.‬
2
‭ nswer: The poet employs a double image. The fog is converted into a cat‬
A
‭and the cat morphs back into the fog. The arrival of the fog is silent and‬
‭sudden. It comes as if from nowhere. Its arrival is like a small cat. It sits‬
‭and stays for a while. It engulfs everything in its all-embracing fold. It‬
‭spreads its fold everywhere from the harbour to the city. It sits silently as‬
‭a cat sits on its haunches. The fog stays but not for long. A cat never‬
‭stays at one place for a long time. So, the fog moves ahead no one knows‬
‭where. Carl Sandburg describes the raw aspect of nature, the‬
‭all-embracing and prevailing fog. Its silent power is felt everywhere from‬
‭the harbour to the city.‬

1

a
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The fog comes on little cat feet.‬
‭b. It looks over the harbour and the city, like a cat sitting on its haunches.‬
‭c. In the end, the fog moves on.‬
‭d. Here, ‘it’ is the little cat as well as the fog.‬

1
1
‭For Anne Gregory‬
‭BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS‬
‭In the first stanza, the poet says to Anne Gregory that a young man can‬
‭become sad and hopeless if you reject him. The poet goes on to describe her‬
‭beauty and says that she has such beautiful golden hair that anyone will fall in‬
‭love with her. They fall on her ears and seem like they are protecting them in a‬
‭similar way as a boundary wall protects the fort. Here, the poet has compared‬
‭Anne Gregory’s hair to walls. Her hair symbolises the outer beauty that‬
‭prevents anyone from looking inside her soul. Any man gets easily attracted to‬
‭her and does not look into Anne’s character and real nature beyond her‬
‭beauty. That’s why the poet feels that no one can love Anne for her real nature‬
‭without her outward beauty. One can only love her for her golden hair and‬
‭physical beauty.‬
‭In the second stanza, Anne says to the poet that she can change her hair‬
‭colour. She can get her hair dyed, colour her hair brown, black or carrot‬
‭colour. She means that external beauty is temporary; it can change at any‬
‭time. So, the men who love her will see her actual nature behind the beauty.‬
‭She hopes that the man who falls in love with her will love her for what she is‬
‭and not for her yellow hair and external beauty.‬
‭In the last stanza, the poet replies to Anne after listening to her thoughts about‬
‭love for internal beauty and not external. He says that he had heard an old‬
‭religious man saying that only God can love us for what we are, and he can‬
‭prove this by the fact mentioned in a religious book. Humans always look for‬
‭external appearances and are carried away by their shine and glitter. They do‬
‭not have a deep understanding to look into the soul of a person. Only God can‬
‭do so and love us for our inner qualities.‬
‭For Anne Gregory - Questions and Answers‬

‭Question 1: What was not liked by the young men?‬
‭ nswer: The young men do not love the real person but love appearances.‬
A
‭Everyone wants one should be loved for his actual personality and not by‬
‭what he looks like. The young man does not like grey or yellow hair, and‬
‭they do not care for inner beauty but love.‬
‭ uestion 2: The young woman’s hair is yellow coloured. She is ready to‬
Q
‭change her hair colour to another colour. Why would she want to do so?‬
‭ nswer: The young woman is ready to do so because she wants someone‬

A
‭to love her. Moreover, she wants that someone should love her for her‬
‭inner beauty and not for the colour of her hair.‬
‭Question 3: What does the old religious man say?‬
‭ nswer: The old religious man says that he has found a text which proves‬
A
‭that only God could love us for ourselves alone and not for physical‬
‭beauty. He is the one who truly loves us.‬
‭Question 4: What is the central idea of the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’?‬
‭ nswer: The poem conveys the idea that physical beauty may be‬
A
‭important for young men or human beings, but God does not love human‬
‭beings for their physical beauty. In this poem, the poet gives an example‬
‭of a lover who loves the yellow hair of a young lady but does not like her‬
‭ramparts. The lady disapproves his love.‬
‭ uestion 5: To whom is the first stanza of the poem addressed? What‬

Q
‭does the speaker say to her?‬
‭ nswer: The first stanza of the poem is addressed to a lady named Anne‬
A
‭Gregory. She had a great influence on the poet. He had great respect for‬
‭her. He tells her that although she is a noble lady, yet nobody would love‬
‭her for herself alone.‬
‭ uestion 6: What makes a young man not to love the woman referred to in‬
Q
‭the first stanza?‬
‭ nswer: The woman has beautiful yellow hair. But the outer part of her‬
A
‭ears is not attractive. The poet says that men shall never love her only for‬
‭herself.‬
‭ uestion 7: What does the woman say she can do to make herself more‬
Q
‭desirable to young men? What does this show?‬
‭ nswer: The woman says that she would dye her hair brown, black or‬
A
‭carrot colour. This shows that young men give more importance to‬
‭physical appearance than inner beauty.‬
‭ uestion 8: What does the religious man tell the poet about God’s love for‬
Q
‭man?‬
‭ nswer: The religious man has told the poet that he has found a religious‬
A
‭text. According to that, God loves a person, not for his or her physical‬
‭qualities, but for their inner qualities.‬
‭ uestion 1: The poet in the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys that we‬
Q
‭should give importance to the inner beauty and not the physical‬
‭appearance. Elaborate with reference to the poem.‬
‭ nswer: In the conversation that takes place between Anne Gregory and‬
A
‭another speaker, the poet has tried to show that inner beauty is real‬
‭beauty, whereas physical appearance is changeable and hence,‬
‭unimportant. The first speaker says to Anne that young men love her for‬
‭her beautiful yellow hair and may never love her for what she really is. To‬
‭this, Anne replies that her hair-colour can be changed into black, brown or‬
‭carrot, meaning that external beauty is all superficial and men should not‬
‭love her for that. Through Anne’s reply, the poet has made clear his‬
‭preference for internal beauty over physical appearance.‬
‭ uestion 2: How right or wrong is it to judge someone on the basis of‬

Q
‭his/her physical appearance?‬
‭ nswer: Physical appearances never give the true account of a person as‬
A
‭it can be changed with the help of clothing, make-up and other such‬
‭things. Something which is not true and real should not be used to judge‬
‭the person carrying it. A person must be judged on the basis of his‬
‭behaviour that shows the true characteristics of his personality. This is‬
‭explained by Anne in her reply to the first speaker that her beautiful‬
‭hair-colour which attracts men is changeable, hence, men‬
‭should not fall in love with her based on her hair colour.‬
‭ uestion 3: Why do you think, the other speaker mentioned the old‬
Q
‭religious man and the text that proves that only God can love Anne for‬
‭herself alone?‬
‭ nswer: It is so because the speaker wanted to tell Anne that her desire‬
A
‭that men should not see her outer beauty is not going to be fulfilled. The‬
‭speaker tells Anne that only God can be so great as to avoid external‬
‭beauty and look beyond it. Man, on the other hand, falls for all things that‬
‭appear pretty from outside and never bothers about what lies inside.‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1: “I heard an old religious man‬

Q
‭But yesternight declare‬
‭That he had found a text to prove‬
‭That only God, my dear,‬
‭Could love you for yourself alone‬
‭And not your yellow hair.”‬
‭ . What does the old man’s text prove?‬

a
‭b. What, according to the poet, is more essential in the eyes of God?‬
‭c. What does ‘I’ refer to here?‬
‭d. How is God’s love different from the love of the young lovers?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. That only God could love Anne for herself.‬
‭b. God loves an individual for himself/herself alone.‬
‭c. The Poet.‬
‭ . Young lovers love her hair that represents physical beauty whereas God‬
d
‭loves an individual for being himself/herself.‬
‭ uestion 2: “Never shall a young man,‬

Q
‭Thrown into despair‬
‭By those great honey-coloured‬
‭Ramparts at your ear,”‬
‭ . Name the poem and the poet.‬

a
‭b. Who speaks these lines and to whom?‬
‭c. What is her hair compared with?‬
‭d. What is the honey-coloured rampart?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. The poem is ‘For Anne Gregory’ and the poet is ‘W.B. Yeats’.‬
‭b. A young man to Anne Gregory.‬
‭c. Her hair is compared with honey.‬
‭d. Anne’s yellow hair is the honey-coloured rampart.‬
‭ uestion 3: “But I can get a hair-dye‬

Q
‭And set such colour there,‬
‭Brown, or black, or carrot,‬
‭That young man in despair‬
‭May love me for myself alone‬
‭And not my yellow hair.”‬
‭ . What different colours have been mentioned in the above lines?‬

a
‭b. What does the speaker want?‬
‭c. Who does ‘I’ stand for?‬
‭d. Why does the speaker talk about changing the colour of hair?‬
‭ nswer:‬
A
‭a. Brown, black, carrot and yellow.‬
‭b. The speaker wants that she should be loved for what she is and not for‬
‭the colour of her hair.‬
‭c. ‘I’ stands for Anne Gregory.‬
‭d. The speaker wants to change the colour of hair so that she would be‬
‭loved for what she is and not for the colour of her hair.‬

‭ . What is the theme of the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’?‬

1
‭2. What does the poet conclude?‬
‭3. What is Anne Gregory’s wish?‬
‭4. What kind of love does Anne Gregory seem to value?‬
‭5. What is the base of love for anyone?‬
‭ . Physical beauty is not permanent, but internal beauty is permanent.‬

1
‭Explain with reference to the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’.‬
‭2. What is the moral of the poem, ‘For Anne Gregory’? Explain in detail.‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭1. What prompted Anne to maintain a diary?‬
‭2. Who became Anne’s friend and the what was the friend’s name?‬

3
‭4. When did she make her first entry in her diary?‬
‭5. Which subject did Anne find difficult?‬
‭6. Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with Anne?‬

7
‭8. How old was Anne?‬

9
‭10. What was the name of Anne’s sister?‬
‭11. What was the name of Anne’s maths teacher?‬
1
‭write?‬
‭13. What was the name of the essay on which Anne had to write the‬
‭second time?‬
‭14. Who helped Anne to write the essay in poetry?‬
‭15. What was the title of the third essay?‬
‭16. What was the name of Anne’s mother?‬
‭17. Who was Mrs. Kuperus?‬
‭18. Where did Anne’s family migrate from Germany too?‬
‭19. Who was Kitty?‬

4
‭Or‬
5
‭Mr. Keesing?‬

6
‭reason.‬

1
‭experience?‬

1
‭Or‬
‭ hy did a thirteen-year-old girl start writing a diary? Did her suffocation‬
W
1
1
‭her life?‬
2
‭answer.‬
2
2
2
2
2
‭punishment?‬
2
2

3

4
6
7
8
1
1

1
‭freedom? Explain the values she possessed to justify herself in 100-120‬
‭words.‬
1
1
1

1

1
1
1
‭Or‬
2
R
‭follow:‬
Q

a
Q
a
Q
T
‭ oetry, offered to help me write the essay from the beginning to end in‬
p

a
Q

a
Q

a
‭of talking?‬

1
2

3
‭Grade 10‬
‭Answer Key‬
‭ . What prompted Anne to maintain a diary?‬

1
‭Answer: Anne maintained a diary because he had no friends.‬
‭ . Who became Anne’s friend and the what was the friend’s name?‬
2
‭Answer: Anne’s diary became her friend and her name was Kitty.‬

3
‭Answer: She was a birthday present for her sister because she went to‬
‭Holland later.‬
‭ . When did she make her first entry in her diary?‬

4
‭Answer: She made her first entry in her diary on 20th June 1942.‬
‭ . Which subject did Anne find difficult?‬

5
‭Answer: Anne found Mathematics difficult.‬
‭ . Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with Anne?‬

6
‭Answer: He was annoyed with Anne because she talked in the class.‬

7
‭Answer: Writing in a diary was a strange experience for Anne.‬
‭ . How old was Anne?‬

8
‭Answer: She was thirteen years old.‬

9
‭Answer: According to Anne paper has more patience than people.‬
‭ 0. What was the name of Anne’s sister?‬
1
‭Answer: Her name was Margot.‬
‭ 1. What was the name of Anne’s maths teacher?‬

1
‭Answer: His name was Mr Keesing.‬
1
‭write?‬
‭Answer: ‘A Chatterbox.‬
‭ 3. What was the name of the essay on which Anne had to write the‬
1
‭second time?‬
‭Answer: ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox.’‬
‭ 4. Who helped Anne to write the essay in poetry?‬

1
‭Answer: Anne’s friend Sanne.‬
‭ 5. What was the title of the third essay?‬

1
‭Answer: ‘Quack. Quack. Quack. said Mistress Chatterbox.’‬
‭ 6. What was the name of Anne’s mother?‬

1
‭Answer: Her mother’s name was Edith Hollander Frank.‬
‭ 7. Who was Mrs. Kuperus?‬

1
‭Answer: She was as the headmistress of Anne’s school in both standards.‬
‭ 8. Where did Anne’s family migrate from Germany too?‬

1
‭Answer: Her family migrated from Germany to Holland.‬
‭ 9. Who was Kitty?‬

1
‭Answer: It was the name went to her diary by Anne.‬
‭ nswer: In her first essay, titled ‘A Chatterbox’, Anne wanted to come up‬
A
‭with convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking. She wrote‬
t‭ hree pages and argued that talking was a student’s trait and she would do‬
‭her best to keep it under control.‬
‭ nswer: Mr. Keesing is a kind but strict teacher. He was annoyed with‬
A
‭Anne as she was a very talkative girl. He warned her several times but she‬
‭didn’t change. So, he punished her by giving an essay to write.‬
‭ nswer: Senile was Anne’s close friend, and good at poetry. She helped‬
A
‭Anne write the third essay in verse. It turned out to be a good poem, and‬
‭even the teacher, Mr. Keesing, took it in the right way.‬

4
‭Or‬
‭ nswer: Anne did not have a true friend to whom she could confide, hence‬
A
‭she started writing a diary. Moreover, she knew that paper had more‬
‭patience than people and her secrets would be safe in a diary. She could‬
‭trust a diary more than people.‬
5
‭Mr. Keesing?‬
‭ nswer: Her father was the most adorable father, she loved him very‬
A
‭much. She also loved her grandmother and often thought of her with‬
‭reverence after her death. She was deeply attached to her teacher, Mrs.‬
‭Kuperus and was in tears when she left her. Anne did not have a good‬
‭impression of Mr. Keesing, her maths teacher and often called him ‘old‬
‭fogey’.‬

6
‭reason.‬
‭ nswer: I do agree with the above statement. People sometimes get‬
A
‭bored, tired or have no mood or time to listen to you. They can get‬
‭irritated, grudge or complaint about forcing them to listen to you but paper‬
‭never grudges. It definitely has more patience than people.‬
‭ nswer: Anne did not want to jot down the facts in her diary, the way most‬
A
‭people do. She wanted the diary to be her friend. She called it a kitty. She‬
‭wrote about her feelings and experiences in it. It was a mature work,‬
‭reflecting deep insight.‬
‭ nswer: Anne and her classmates thought that teachers were the most‬
A
‭unpredictable creatures’ as nobody would know what there was in their‬
‭minds and what their next step would be.‬
‭ nswer: Anne had losing parents and an elder sister she had lost aunts‬
A
‭and a good home She had a member of blends also Rut there was no one‬
‭in whom she could confide So she thought that she was alone.‬
‭ nswer: Anne lived with her grandmother for some months when her‬
A
‭parents went to Holland. She loved her deeply. When her grandmother‬
‭died, Anne felt sad. She often thought about her. So she was close to her‬
‭grandmother.‬
‭ nswer: When Anne was in the sixth form in the Montessori School, her‬
A
‭teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. Anne loved her teacher‬
‭deeply. She also showed affection to Anne. So when Anne left the‬
‭Montessori school, she was in tears.‬

‭ nswer: The time for declaring the annual results were coming closer.‬
A
‭Soon a meeting would be held. The teachers would decide whom to pass‬
‭and whom to retain in the same class. That is why the whole class was‬
‭quaking in its boots.‬

1
‭experience?‬
‭ nswer: It must be remembered that Anne Frank was just a‬

A
‭thirteen-year-old girl. She was in hiding and cut off from the larger world.‬
‭She was hesitant that no one would be interested in the musings of a‬
‭young girl. She had never written anything before. So, it was naturally a‬
‭strange experience for her.‬

1
‭Or‬
‭Why did a thirteen-year-old girl start writing a diary? Did her suffocation‬
‭ nswer: It should not be forgotten that Anne was living in hiding. She‬
A
‭couldn’t have normal dealings with the people outside. She could talk‬
‭about ‘ordinary things’ with her family and friends. She couldn’t talk highly‬
‭personal and intimate issues with them. She didn’t have any real friends.‬
‭She felt utterly lonely and depressed. Writing in a diary could get all kinds‬
‭of things off her chest.‬
‭ nswer: Anne was born on 12 June 1929. She lived in Frankfurt until she‬
A
‭was four. Her father emigrated to Holland in 1933. Her mother went with‬
‭him to Holland in September. Anne and her elder sister, Margot, were sent‬
‭to Aachen to stay with their grandmother. Margot, went to Holland in‬
‭December and Anne followed in February. She started right away at the‬
‭Montessori nursery school. She stayed there until she was six, where she‬
‭started in the first form. His grandmother died in January 1942, when she‬
‭was thirteen.‬
‭ nswer: Anne doesn’t seem to have much faith in the people around her.‬
A
‭She was living in hiding and couldn’t trust people so easily. Moreover,‬
‭people do react. Sometimes people react rather negative, unpleasant,‬
‭vulgar and violent manners. Paper is an impersonal and non-reactive‬
‭object. Whatever you write on it, it receives it without giving any such‬
‭reactions.‬
1
‭ nswer: For Anne Frank, a diary writing is a highly personal and intimate‬
A
‭experience. He is not like other diary writers who load it with facts and‬
‭non-personal matters. She wants to compensate her loss of having no‬
‭‘true friends’ with opening out of her heart in the pages of her diary. She‬
‭wants the diary to be her true friend and calls it `Kitty’.‬
1
‭her life?‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank calls her diary ‘Friend Kitty’. She addresses all her‬
A
‭writings to Kitty. For readers, it would be rather difficult to understand ‘the‬
‭word’ of her stories to Kitty. So, instead of plunging ‘right in’, she thinks it‬
‭wise to provide a brief sketch of her life. Though she dislikes doing so.‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was a very sensitive girl. She was cut off from the‬
A
‭mainstream of life, her friends and her people. She was living in a hiding‬
‭to escape being arrested by the Nazi agents in Holland. Moreover, even‬
‭with so-called friends, she could not share her intimate and personal‬
‭feelings and problems. She felt suffocated. She was left with no‬
‭alternative than opening out her heart through the pages of her diary.‬
‭‘Kitty’ her diary became her most intimate friend‬
‭ nswer: Anne confesses that she has ‘lovely parents’. Her father Otto‬
A
‭Frank is ‘the most adorable father’ she has ever seen. Her elder sister‬
‭Margot was born in Frankfurt in Germany in 1926. Her mother Edith was‬
‭25 when she married her father. She and her elder sister stayed with their‬
‭ randmother before they were sent to live with their parents in‬
g
‭Amsterdam.‬
2
‭answer.‬
‭ nswer: There is no doubt that Anne Frank had a great attachment with‬
A
‭her grandmother. When her parents migrated to Holland, she along with‬
‭her elder sister Virago were sent to live with her grandmother in Aachen.‬
‭The grandmother died in January 1942. She thought of her quite often and‬
‭still loved her.‬
‭ nswer: It is true that the whole class was shaking with fear. The teachers‬
A
‭were to decide about the fate of the students. They were to decide who‬
‭would go up in the next class or not. Half of the class was making bets.‬
‭The verdict of the teachers could go either way. They were quite‬
‭unpredictable creatures on earth.‬
2
‭ nswer: Anne Frank felt that nothing could be predicted about the mood‬
A
‭of the teachers. They were the most ‘unpredictable creatures on earth’. It‬
‭depended on their choice who would go up in the next class. Only they‬
‭could decide who would be kept back. Half the class was making bets.‬
2
‭ nswer: No doubt, Anne Frank was getting along well with all her nine‬
A
‭teachers— seven men and two women. Mr. Keesing was an old-fashioned‬
‭man who taught them math. He was annoyed with her for a long time. The‬
‭reason was simple. He didn’t like Anne as she talked so much in the class.‬
2
‭ nswer: There was only one teacher with whom Anne was not getting‬
A
‭along well. He was Mr. Keesing. The maths teacher was annoyed with her‬
‭because she talked too much in the class. After several warnings, he gave‬
‭her extra homework like a sort of punishment. She was assigned to write‬
‭an essay on the topic, ‘A Chatterbox’.‬
2
‭ nswer: Anne Frank wrote three pages on the topic, ‘A Chatterbox’. In the‬
A
‭essay, she justified her habit of talking. She argued that talking was a‬
‭student’s trait. She would never be able to cure herself of the habit. Her‬
‭mother talked as much as she did, if not more. She would do her best to‬
‭keep it under control. However, it was very difficult to control her inherited‬
‭trait.‬
2
‭punishment?‬
‭ nswer: Mr. Keesing had a good laugh at Anne’s arguments in the first‬
A
‭essay on ‘A Chatterbox’. He assigned her a second essay on ‘An‬
‭Incorrigible Chatterbox’. She did write on the subject. Mr. Keesing was not‬
‭satisfied. He said, “Anne Frank, as punishment for talking in class, write‬
‭an essay entitled — ‘Quack, Quack, Quack’, said Mistress Chatterbox’.‬
2
‭ nswer: The third essay assigned to Anne Frank was also related to‬
A
‭‘Chatterboxes’. She had lost her originality on the subject. Her friend‬
‭Sanne was good at poetry. She offered to help Anne in writing the essay in‬
‭verse. The poem was about a mother duck and a father swan with three‬
‭ducklings. The poor ducklings were bitten to death by the father because‬
‭they quacked too much.‬
2
‭ nswer: Mr. Keesing took Anne’s joke the right way. He got the message‬
A
‭Anne wanted to give to him by narrating the death of three ducklings. He‬
r‭ ead the poem to the class, adding his own comments. Since then, she‬
‭had been allowed to talk and hadn’t been assigned any extra homework as‬
‭he was transformed man now.‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank felt lonely in the world. She had loving parents, an‬
A
‭elder sister and a number of friends. But she was not intimate with‬
‭anyone. She could talk to them about common everyday matters. But she‬
‭could not express her inner feelings to them. She wanted a patient listener‬
‭with a sympathetic heart. But she found that people had no patience to‬
‭listen to her. She could not relieve the feelings of her heart to anyone.‬
‭Anne wanted to lighten the burden of ideas in her heart. So she decided to‬
‭maintain a diary. A diary is not a human being. It has a lot more patience‬
‭than man. One can express one’s thoughts freely. The diary does not get‬
‭bored. It is a true friend. It never rejects the offer of friendship. That is‬
‭why Anne Frank says that paper has more patience than people.‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl. She lived with her parents in‬
A
‭Germany. But Hitler’s Nazi party was against the Jews. The Nazis were‬
‭killing the Jews or forcing them to work in the concentration camps. The‬
‭Frank family fled from Germany in 1933 and took shelters in the‬
‭Netherlands. But in 1940, Germany attacked the Netherlands and‬
‭captured it. Now the Nazis started arresting the Jews and sending them to‬
‭the concentration camps. The Frank family went into hiding. They lived‬
‭secretly in the upper floors of their business premises. They hid there for‬
‭25 months. Their non-Jewish friends gave them food.‬
‭ nne had started writing her diary before going into hiding. In August‬
A
‭1944, the Germans came to know of their hiding. They were arrested and‬
‭sent to Germany. Anne, her sister, Margot, and her mother soon died in a‬
‭concentration camp. Her father survived and published part of Anne’s‬
‭diary. In this diary, Anne gives a moving and tragic account of the‬
‭difficulties faced by her family and the other Jews.‬
‭The part of the diary reproduced in this chapter is about the days when‬
‭Anne was a schoolgirl and she, and her family had not yet moved to the‬
‭secret quarters.‬
3
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was in the habit of talking in the class. Mr Keesing‬
A
‭was her Maths teacher. He was annoyed with Anne as she talked much in‬
‭the class. He gave her several warnings but it had no effect. One day, he‬
‭punished her by giving her extra homework. He asked her to write an‬
‭essay on the subject “A Chatterbox’. Anne wrote the essay, giving very‬
‭amusing arguments in it. Mr Keesing liked the essay. But Anne again‬
‭talked in the class. So he gave the task of writing another essay. This‬
‭time, the subject was, An Incorrigible Chatterbox.’ After that. for two‬
‭lessons, Anne did not get any punishment.‬
‭ ut during the third lesson. Mr Keesing saw Anne talking again He was‬
B
‭very annoyed. He asked her to write another essay. The subject of this‬
‭essay was, “Quack. Quack. Quack. Said Mistress Chatterbox.” The whole‬
‭class laughed. Mr Keesing was trying to play a joke on Anne. But she‬
‭wrote the essay in an amusing way. Mr Keesing liked the essay and did not‬
‭punish Anne after that.‬

4
‭ nswer: Anne was a girl of thirteen years. She was very intelligent. She‬
A
‭had a sharp brain. She was different from the other girls of her age. She‬
‭could think clearly and deeply. She had deep thoughts and ideas that she‬
‭wanted to share with someone. But she found that her friends were not‬
‭able to understand her completely. Their mental level as not equal to that‬
‭of Anne. They could talk to Anne about the ordinary everyday matter only.‬
‭ he had loving parents, an elder sister and loving aunts also. But she‬
S
‭could not share her deep thoughts with anyone. So she decided to make‬
‭her diary to her friend. She wrote down her inner thoughts and feelings in‬
‭a diary. Anne had an argumentative mind. She argued in her first essay‬
‭that parental trans arc inherited by children. She had a good sense of‬
‭humour. Her Maths teacher. Mr Keesing tried to play a joke on her. But she‬
‭wrote the essay in verse in such a way that the Joke was turned on him.‬
‭ nswer: Anne bard had losing parents She had loving aunts and unit lc.‬
A
‭She Vise-it in r good house. She had about thine own & liven then the felt‬
‭hinds She felt that there was no one with whom she could Ann her‬
‭thoughts and feelings. There were a number of things, which she wanted‬
‭to get oil her chest. But she had no true friend. She could not talk to about‬
‭anything except ordinary everyday matters. She could have a good time‬
‭with them.‬
‭ ut she had no intimate friends She had no Inland in whom she could‬
B
‭confide her dope feelings. So she decided to maintain a diary. She thought‬
‭that she would treat her diary-like her (mad SW could note down all her‬
‭thoughts and feelings in this diary She named this friend. Kitty The first‬
‭envy that she made in the diary was dated 20th June. 1942.‬
6
‭ nswer: Anne calls her father very adorable. When her parents were‬
A
‭married, her father was thirty-six and the mother was twenty-five. Margot‬
‭was Anne’s elder sister. She was born in Frankfurt in 1926. Three years‬
‭later, Anne was born. She lived in Frankfurt until she was four. Her father‬
‭migrated to Holland in 1933. Her mother, Edith Hollander Frank, went with‬
‭him. Anne and her sister Margot were sent to Aachen to stay with their‬
‭grandmother.‬
‭ argot went to Holland in December and Anne went three months later.‬
M
‭Anne started studying at the Montessori School. She stayed there until‬
‭she was six at which time she was in the first form. When was in the sixth‬
‭form, her teacher was Mrs Kuperus. the headmistress. Both loved each‬
‭other. When she left school, both Anne and her teacher were in tears.‬
7
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was a thirteen-year-old girl. She had loving parents‬
A
‭and an elder sister. She had loving aunts and lived in a good home. She‬
‭had about thirty friends also. Even then she felt that she was alone in the‬
‭world. She had no intimate person. She had no true friend with whom she‬
‭ ould share her feelings. She could not confide in anyone. She had a‬
c
‭number of thoughts that she wanted to express to someone.‬
‭ ut she could not get close to anyone. She could have a good time with‬
B
‭them. She could talk to them about ordinary everyday matters of life. But‬
‭there was no one with whom she could share the deepest thoughts of his‬
‭heart. Thus she felt lonely in the world. She wanted a true friend so she‬
‭decided to make the diary her friend.‬
8
‭ nswer: The time of the declaration of the annual results was. coming‬
A
‭closer. The teachers were going to hold their annual meeting. In that‬
‭meeting, they were going to decide which of the students would be‬
‭promoted to the next class and which of them would be kept back in the‬
‭same class. As a result, the students were nervous because of the worries‬
‭of their future. Half the class was making bets.‬
‭ nne and her friend G.N. laughed heartily like their classmates, C.N. and‬
A
‭Jacques had staked their entire holiday savings on their bet. They were all‬
‭the time speculating who would pass and who would not. Anne was angry‬
‭with many of them. But they would not calm down. There were many‬
‭dummies in Anne’s class. She felt that at least half of them should not be‬
‭promoted to the next class. But she also felt that teachers are the most‬
‭unpredictable persons on earth.‬
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was in the habit of talking in the class. Her Maths‬
A
‭teacher, Mr Keesing was annoyed with her. One day, Mr Keesing gave her‬
‭extra homework as a punishment. He asked her to write an essay on the‬
‭subject, ‘A Chatterbox’. She gave amusing arguments in her essay. She‬
‭wrote that it was a trait of a student to talk. Moreover, she could not cure‬
‭herself of this habit as her mother also talked as much as she did. It was‬
‭an inherited trait. Mr Keesing liked the essay.‬
‭ ut Anne talked again for the class. So he asked her to write another‬
B
‭essay on the topic, ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox.’ Now for two lessons, she‬
‭did not get any punishment. But she talked again. This time, Mr Keesing‬
‭ sked her to write an essay on the topic, ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said‬
a
‭Mistress Chatterbox.’ Anne wrote this essay in verse form. She wrote‬
‭about a mother duck and father swan. They had three ducklings. But the‬
‭father killed the ducklings because they quacked too much. Mr Keesing‬
‭liked the essay greatly. He read it out to the class. He read it to other‬
‭classes also. After that, he stopped punishing Anne.‬
1
‭ nswer: Anne was a sensible and intelligent girl. She believed that paper‬
A
‭has more patience than people as it can confine secrets and shared‬
‭confidence better than people. Anne didn’t have a true friend hence she‬
‭shared her thoughts and feelings with her diary. She felt people may not‬
‭be interested in what you have to say. They also may not be there when‬
‭you need them. However, paper can never show disinterest and is free‬
‭from bias and stereotypes. It can’t talk and hence can keep your secrets.‬
‭She felt paper was more dependable than people and hence treated her‬
‭diary as her friend.‬

1
‭ nswer: Mr Keesing was annoyed with Anne as she was a very talkative‬
A
‭girl. He warned her several times, but when she didn’t change, he‬
‭punished her by giving an essay to write. I think he lacked empathy and‬
‭compassion. As a teacher, he should be more patient and considerate and‬
‭should have understood Anne’s condition. He lacked the qualities of a‬
‭good teacher. A good teacher understands that all students are not the‬
‭same, and there are different ways to teach different students. But Anne‬
‭was able to change his attitude through her essays. She taught him that‬
‭talking was a student’s trait and that it was the teacher’s responsibility to‬
‭change it.‬

1
f‭ reedom? Explain the values she possessed to justify herself in 100-120‬
‭words.‬
‭ nswer: Mr Keesing punished Anne by giving her an essay to write on the‬

A
‭topic, ‘A Chatterbox’. Anne, in her essay, argued that talking was a‬
‭students’ trait. The only thing that she could do was to try to control. But‬
‭that would not be very effective. Her mother talked as much and hence‬
‭nothing could be done about an inherited trait. Then in her next essay,‬
‭which she wrote in verse, she expressed her quality of talking through a‬
‭story. In the poem, a father swan bites his three ducklings to death as he‬
‭could not bear their excessive quacking. This changed Mr Keesing’s‬
‭attitude and he never punished her after that. This shows that besides‬
‭being talkative, Anne was an intelligent, and sensible girl and had a good‬
‭sense of humour.‬
1
‭ nswer: Anne was a 13-year old intelligent and sensible girl. She was very‬
A
‭talkative and hence her maths teacher punished her and asked her to write‬
‭an essay on ‘A Chatterbox’. She expressed her ‘talking’ as a students’ trait.‬
‭She defied the injustice through her three essays on the same topic. She‬
‭said that she could do nothing with her inherited trait. Finally, she wrote‬
‭her third essay in verse. It was about three ducklings bitten to death by‬
‭their father swan because they quacked too much. This changed Mr‬
‭Keesing and he never punished her after that. This showed the power of‬
‭the pen to express her feelings and the sense of injustice done to her,‬
‭without annoying others.‬
1
‭ nswer: Ant Anne Frank was a highly sensitive girl. She was a‬
A
‭thirteen-year-old girl. She didn’t find herself very comfortable in the‬
‭society she was growing up. It should be remembered that she and her‬
‭family were made to live in hiding to escape arrests. They were Jews.‬
‭Those were horrible times. Nazis had let loose untold atrocities on the‬
‭Jews. Living in such unpleasant circumstances, the young girl could not‬
‭confide in the people around her.‬
‭ he couldn’t share her personal and intimate issues with her so-called‬
S
‭friends. She needed to get all kinds of things off her heart. She realised‬
‭that `paper has more patience than people’. She wanted the diary to be her‬
‭friend. She called this friend ‘Kitty’. She knows it clearly that people would‬
‭not be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old girl.‬
1
‭ nswer: Anne Frank seems to be a split personality. On the surface, there‬

A
‭are about thirty people she can call her friends. She doesn’t seem to be‬
‭alone in the world. She has loving parents and a sixteen-year-old elder‬
‭sister. She has loving aunts and a family. She has the ‘most adorable‬
‭father’. However, she feels very lonely. She can’t talk about but ordinary‬
‭things with them. Personal and intimate issues can’t be shared with them.‬
‭She can’t confide or repose complete trust in them. She has reasons to‬
‭believe that `paper has more patience than people’. Therefore, she wants‬
‭her diary to be her only true friend. She can power out her heart and‬
‭express her most intimate emotions through her writings in her diary.‬

1
‭ nswer: Anne Frank was a very sensitive, sharp and mature girl of‬
A
‭thirteen. Actually, unpleasant circumstances she was living in, made her‬
‭mature and wise beyond her years. Being a Jew, she was constantly‬
‭hounded by the Nazis. She was living in terrible times. Born in Germany,‬
‭she and her family had to migrate to Amsterdam to escape persecution.‬
‭They were forced to live in hiding when the Nazis occupied Holland.‬
‭ o doubt, she had a family, relatives, and friends. But she was an‬
N
‭introvert. She felt utterly lonely and couldn’t confide in others. She needed‬
‭a true friend before whom she could open out her heart and share her‬
‭innermost feelings. She found that true friend in ‘Kitty’, her diary. She was‬
‭very emotional. She loved her grandmother very much. She was in tears‬
‭as she said a heartbreaking farewell to the headmistress, Mrs Kuperus.‬
‭She was à Chatterbox’ and annoyed her maths teacher, Mr Keesing as she‬
‭talked too much in the class. He punished her by giving extra homework to‬
‭write essays on this subject. But her joke pleased him very much.‬
1
‭ nswer: Mr Keesing was an old fashioned teacher of maths in Anne‬

A
‭Frank’s school. He was rather strict with his students and didn’t allow‬
‭much talking in class. He was annoyed with Anne as she talked too much‬
‭in the class. Being irritated, he gave several warnings to her. Ultimately, he‬
‭assigned her to write an essay on ‘A Chatterbox’. Anne wrote the essay‬
‭justifying that talking is a student’s trait. She inherited this trait from her‬
‭mother. Mr Keesing was not amused. He assigned her two more essays.‬
‭They were: ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’ and ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, said‬
‭Mistress Chatterbox’. Anne wrote the story of three ducklings who were‬
‭beaten to death by their cruel father because they quacked too much. The‬
‭essay gave the right message to Mr Keesing. By chance, the joke fell on‬
‭him. He was a transformed man now. He allowed Anne talking and never‬
‭assigned her any extra homework again.‬
1
‭ nswer: It was the day of destiny for students. The reason was quite‬
A
‭simple. In the forthcoming meeting, the teachers were going to decide‬
‭who would move up in the next class. They were to decide who would be‬
‭kept back in the same class. The entire class was ‘quaking in its boots’.‬
‭Half the class was making bets. Two silly boys C.N. and Jacques had‬
‭staked their entire’ holiday savings on their bets. One would encourage‬
‭the other. “No, I’m not.” Anne felt that there were so many dummies or‬
‭worthless students in the class. She felt that a quarter of the class should‬
‭be kept back. Anne also felt that teachers were the most unpredictable‬
‭creatures on earth. They work according to their whims. Naturally, the‬
‭girls and boys were worried. They waited for the verdict with their fingers‬
‭crossed.‬
1
‭Or‬
‭ nswer: In her first essay, Anne justified her habit of talking. She claimed‬
A
‭that talking is a student’s trait. However, Mr Keesing was not amused by‬
‭her arguments. He decided to punish her for talking in the class. He‬
‭assigned her to write her third essay on rather a ridiculous subject:‬
‭̀Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox’. She class roared. Mt‬
‭Keesing was trying to play a joke on her with this `ridiculous subject’. But‬
‭Anne decided to pay him in the same coin.‬
‭ nne was lucky that a friend of hers, Sanne, was good at poetry. She‬
A
‭helped her to write the essay in verse. The essay was about a mother duck‬
‭and a father swan. They had three ducklings. The baby ducklings were‬
‭beaten to death by the father because they quacked too much. Luckily, Mr‬
‭Keesing took the joke in the right way. The message was very clear. He‬
‭read the poem to the class, adding his own comments. He was a‬
‭transformed man now. He allowed Anne to talk and never troubled her by‬
‭assigning any extra homework.‬
2
‭ nswer: There is no doubt that Anne Frank was mature and intelligent‬
A
‭beyond her age. Just imagine a girl of thirteen writing a diary! She knew‬
‭that not many people would be interested in her musings. Being a very‬
‭sensitive girl, she was aware of the difference between a real friend and‬
‭the so-called crowd of friends. Her diary didn’t describe facts and figures.‬
‭But she opened out her suppressed self. Being an intelligent girl, she‬
‭knew that paper has more patience than people. She couldn’t confide in‬
‭everybody and anybody. Only ‘Kitty’, her diary was her true friend.‬
‭ he highly emotional Anne could be witty and practical too. She knew how‬
T
‭to defeat people in their own games. The argument she gave in favour of‬
‭talking in her first essay spoke volumes of her practical wit. Mr Keesing‬
‭who wanted to play a joke on Anne by giving her to write on a ridiculous‬
‭subject was paid in the same coin. Luckily, Mr Keesing understood the‬
‭message in the right way. Her writing transformed him. He allowed her to‬
‭talk and stopped troubling her by assigning any extra work.‬
R
‭follow:‬
Q

a
‭ nswer: (a) Anne could only think of having a good time with friends,‬
A
‭nothing more.‬
(‭ b) Her fault was that they did not confide in each other, and hence,‬
‭weren’t very close.‬
(‭ c) It means that regrettably, the situation was not likely to change, as she‬
‭couldn’t confide in friends.‬
(‭ d) She feels that her friends do not confide in her, and nor does she reveal‬
‭her secrets to them.‬
Q
a
‭ nswer: (a) She thought so because paper is much better than people in‬
A
‭sharing thoughts, keeping secrets and it never shows disinterest.‬
‭(b) Anne felt depressed because she did not have a true friend.‬
(‭ c) She would allow one to read her diary when she would find a real‬
‭friend.‬
(‭ d) She was never so close to people as to pour her heart out to them. She‬
‭could do so only in her diary because she considered the diary to be her‬
‭true friend.‬
Q
T
‭poetry, offered to help me write the essay from the beginning to end in‬

a
‭ nswer: (a) He is Mr Keesing, Anne’s maths teacher. He was tired of‬

A
‭Anne’s talking habit.‬
‭(b) This essay was written in verse.‬
(‭ c) Anne was punished because she had been continuously talking for‬
‭three periods.‬
(‭ d) This was because the topic of the essay given to Anne as punishment‬
‭was absurd and funny.‬
Q
a
‭ nswer: (a) ‘Quacking in its boots’ implies shaking with fear and‬
A
‭nervousness.‬
(‭ b) There was going to be a meeting of all the teachers to decide whom to‬
‭promote to the next form and whom to detain in the same class.‬
‭(c) They were betting for — who would be promoted to the next class.‬
(‭ d) She thought that girls were better in studies than the boys and most of‬
‭them were dummies.‬
Q

a
‭of talking?‬
‭ nswer: (a) Anne came out with convincing arguments in support of her‬
A
‭habit of talking.‬
‭(b) Anne mentioned the trait of talking in her essay.‬
(‭ c) This was because she inherited it from her mother and it was difficult‬
‭to cure inherited habits.‬
(‭ d) She argued that talking was a student’s trait. Moreover, she had‬
‭inherited it from her mother.‬

1
2

3
‭Glimpses of India Part 1: A Baker from Goa Summary‬
‭This story is written by Lucio Rodrigues, who talked about Goa, which was once‬
‭ruled by the Portuguese. Due to this reason, the people of the region are swayed by‬
‭the Portuguese culture. Baking was the conventional profession of the Goan people,‬
‭and the bakers were known as ‘paders’ there. This story particularly revolves around‬
‭the bakers living in a Goan village. The author mentioned how people in old times‬
‭ate loaves of bread which were baked in large furnaces. The paders would come to‬
‭sell those loaves in the street and would make a jingling sound with the bamboo‬
‭whenever they arrived. He further added how the villagers enjoyed eating the loaves‬
‭and bread-bangles brought in baskets for children by these bakers during his‬
‭childhood.‬
‭The author also described the special attire of the bakers called Kabai, which was a‬
‭single-piece frock that would reach up to their knees. Besides, he also mentioned‬
‭how baking became the most profitable profession among people in Goa, and many‬
‭bakers led a prosperous life, and their jackfruit-like physical appearance was a valid‬
‭testimony of their well-being.‬
‭Glimpses of India Part 2: Coorg Summary‬
‭Coorg is a story written by Lokesh Abrol. He described Coorg as the smallest district‬
‭of Karnataka. The author said Coorg, or Kodagu is a beautiful place that is located‬
‭midway between Mangalore and Mysore. The heavenly city has evergreen forests,‬
‭spices and coffee plantations and many tourists throng to this destination from‬
‭September to March every year. The air of this region is filled with coffee scents. The‬
‭people of this region are very independent and have some Greek or Arabic‬
‭connection since the time a part of Alexander’s army had settled here permanently.‬
‭They settled here and married the local people and the tradition continues to exist.‬
‭The people of Coorg wear Kuppia, which is a long black coat that is quite similar to‬
‭the ones worn by Arabs.‬
‭Besides, the Coorgi people are very brave. One of the most significant regiments in‬
‭the Indian Army is the Coorg Regiment. Notably, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief‬
‭of the Indian Army was General Cariappa, who hailed from this beautiful place. The‬
‭hilly regions and forests of Coorg are a major source of water for the Cauvery River.‬
‭Visitors who are interested in high-adventure sports can have fun and frolic in this‬
‭place and also explore the different types of animals particularly found in this region.‬
‭Glimpses of India Part 3: Tea from Assam Summary‬
‭Tea from Assam is a story written by Arup Kumar Datta. This is the last story of the‬
‭prose, Glimpses of India. The story began with two friends, Rajvir and Pranjol, who‬
‭were travelling to Assam. On their way, they bought fresh tea from a roadside vendor‬
‭and discussed the special tea of this region. As they sipped the hot steaming tea,‬
‭Rajvir told Pranjol that over eighty crore cups of tea are being consumed every day‬
‭throughout the world. Rajvir thoroughly enjoyed the scenic beauty of Assam,‬
‭consisting of tea plantations and bushes, while Pranjol was engrossed in a detective‬
‭book.‬
‭Rajvir further explained to Pranjol about Assam as a place that is famous for having‬
‭the largest tea plantations. However, no one knows the origin of tea in the region.‬
‭According to a Chinese legend, a few leaves of tea accidentally fell into a pot of‬
‭boiling hot water. The Emperor enjoyed the delicious flavour of the liquid, and that’s‬
‭how tea came into being. Further, Rajvir mentioned how an Indian legend,‬
‭Bodhidharma, who was a Buddhist monk, cut off his eyelids because he fell asleep‬
‭during meditation. In no time, ten tea plants grew out of his eyelids and when these‬
‭leaves were put in hot water, it helped in banishing sleep.‬
‭Soon, both of them arrived at Mariani Junction, picked up their luggage and made‬
‭their way towards Dhekiabari Tea Estate. On their way, they saw batches of‬
‭tea-pluckers who draped plastic aprons with bamboo baskets hung on their backs as‬
‭they plucked the newly sprouted leaves. Pranjol’s father had come to receive both of‬
‭them. Pranjol’s father was amazed at Rajvir’s knowledge about tea plantations when‬
‭he heard the young boy mention the second flush or sprouting period of tea that‬
‭yields the best tea. Rajvir further said that he was keen to learn more about the place‬
‭from Pranjol’s father.‬
‭A Baker from Goa - Questions and Answers‬
‭ . What do the elders of Goa remember nostalgically?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭They remember nostalgically the old Portuguese‬‭days and the‬
‭loaves of bread.‬
‭ . What are the time tested things which still exist in Goa?‬
2
‭Answer:‬‭The furnaces of the bakers of Goa are time‬‭tested things which‬
‭still exist there.‬
‭ . When did the baker come daily?‬

3
‭Answer:‬‭He came daily twice. Once in the morning when‬‭he set out for his‬
‭selling and the other time after selling the bread.‬
‭ . What was the baker’s place in Goa is the author’s childhood days?‬
4
‭Answer:‬‭In those days the baker was the friend, companion‬‭and guide.‬
‭ . How is the entry of the baker described?‬

5
‭Answer:‬‭The entry of the baker is described as musical.‬
‭ . What did the author and the other children do to look into the baker’s‬
6
‭basket?‬
‭Answer:‬‭They would climb a bench or the parapet to‬‭look into the baker’s‬
‭basket.‬
‭ . What is the name of the dress worn by the baker in olden days?‬
7
‭Answer:‬‭It was known with the name of kabai.‬
‭ . What is the baker called in Goa?‬

8
‭Answer:‬‭Baker is called ‘pader‘ in Goa.‬
‭ . What is the financial status of a baker of Goa?‬
9
‭Answer:‬‭A baker of Goa is mostly in a sound financial‬‭position.‬
‭ 0. What is a kabai?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭A kabai is a type of frock made out of a single‬‭piece of cloth.‬
‭ . What did the baker mean to the narrator during his childhood? How‬
1
‭many times did he pay a visit?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The baker or pader was an important person‬‭in the author’s life. He‬
A
‭was treated like a friend. He used to come twice a day, once in the morning‬
‭to sell bread and then while returning after emptying his basket. The author‬
‭used to run to meet him in order to take the bread-bangles. He chatted and‬
‭gossiped with him.‬
‭2. What were the bakers called? Describe their peculiar dress.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The bakers were known as‬‭pader‬‭. These bakers‬‭wore a peculiar‬

A
‭dress known as the‬‭‘kabai’‬‭. It was a single piece‬‭long frock reaching down‬
‭to the knees.‬
‭ . What was‬‭Kabai‬‭? Give a brief description.‬

3
‭Or‬
‭What did the bakers wear — (i) in the Portuguese days? (ii) When the‬
‭author was young?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Kabai‬‭wants a particular dress — a single-piece‬‭long frock reaching‬

A
‭down the knees which the bakers used to wear in the old days. Later it was‬
‭replaced by a shirt and trousers which were longer than the shorts and‬
‭shorter than the full length.‬
‭4. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about?‬

‭ nswer:‬‭In Goa, the elders are nostalgic about the good Old Portuguese‬
A
‭days as well as the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread.‬
‭5‭.‬‬‭How can you say, ‘bread-baking is still popular‬‭in Goa’?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Bread making is still very popular in Goa.‬‭Still, we can see the‬

A
‭mixers, molders and those who bake the loaves. Most of their festivals and‬
‭other occasions are meaningless without the loaves of bread.‬
‭ ‭.‬‬‭“Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical‬‭appearance is‬

6
‭easily compared to a baker.” Explain.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Bakers had a plump physique which meant they‬‭were happy and‬

A
‭prosperous and hence, even today, any person with a jackfruit like physical‬
‭appearance is compared to a baker.‬
‭ .`Baking was, indeed, a profitable profession’. Justify the statement with‬

7
‭reference to the extract ‘A Baker from Goa’.‬
‭Or‬
‭Explain with examples that baking used to be a profitable profession.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Baking was indeed a profitable profession‬‭in the old days. The‬

A
‭baker and his family never starved. He, his family and his servants always‬
‭looked happy and prosperous. Their plump physique was an open‬
‭testimony to this.‬
‭ . How did the baker attract the children?‬

8
‭Or‬
‭How does the writer know about the arrival of the baker? Why are they‬
‭anxiously waiting for him?‬
‭Or‬
‭What role did the baker play in the childhood of the narrator?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The children would know about his arrival‬‭from the ‘jhang, jhang’‬
A
‭sound of his bamboo stick. They would run to meet and greet him. They‬
‭tried to surround the basket but were pushed aside until the bread was‬
‭ elivered to the maid. Then they were allowed to choose their‬
d
‭bread-bangles.‬
‭9. How did the baker make his entry?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The baker made his musical entry with the‬‭‘jhang, jhang’ sound of‬
A
‭his specially made bamboo staff One hand supported the basket on his‬
‭head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground. He would greet the‬
‭lady of the house and then place the basket on the bamboos.‬
‭10. How were the baker’s accounts maintained?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The monthly records/accounts of the baker‬‭were maintained on‬

A
‭some wall in pencil.‬
‭11‬‭.‬‭Is bread an important part of Goan life? How do‬‭you know this?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Bread is still an important part of Goan life.‬‭Marriage gifts are‬

A
‭meaningless and a party or a feast loses its charm without bread.‬
‭Sandwiches are important for a daughter’s engagement. That is what that‬
‭explains the fact that the bread makers are still there.‬
‭12. What marks of the Portuguese way of life can still be seen in Goa?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Goa was once occupied by the Portuguese. They‬‭were famous for‬

A
‭preparing the loaves of bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional‬
‭work of the bakers can still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread‬
‭was baked still exist there.‬
‭13. What does the author recall about the visit of the baker to his village?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The author recalls that a baker used to visit‬‭the village twice a day.‬
A
‭He used to be the author’s friend and guide. He used to carry a bamboo‬
‭stick. The sound of this stick used to wake up the author and others from‬
‭sleep.‬
‭ 4. How was the village baker very important for special occasions in the‬
1
‭village?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The village baker was especially important‬‭for festive occasions.‬

A
‭The villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as‬‭‘bol’‬‭. Marriage‬
‭gifts were meaningless without these sweetbreads. Sandwiches, cakes,‬
‭and Bolin has been a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These‬
‭were made with the bread.‬
‭15. Describe the bread-sellers dress‬‭.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The baker or the bread-seller wore a special,‬‭peculiar dress. It was‬

A
‭known as the‬‭‘kabai‬‭. It was a single-piece long frock.‬‭It reached down to‬
‭his knees. During the narrator’s childhood, Bakers wore trousers which were‬
‭shorter than full-length and longer than half pants.‬
‭ 6. When did the baker collect his bills? What showed that the bakers‬
1
‭were prosperous?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The baker usually collected his bills at the‬‭end of the month. In the‬
A
‭household, the baker’s monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall‬
‭in pencil. Baking was a profitable business in those days. Their families‬
‭never starved. Their plump bodies showed that they were prosperous.‬
‭ 7. When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to the‬
1
‭baker?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The baker would come twice a day. Once in‬‭the morning when he‬
A
‭set out on his selling round, and then again after emptying his basket. In the‬
‭morning the children ran to him to have bread-bangles.‬
‭18. How did the baker make his entry in the morning?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭In the morning the baker made his musical entry on the scene with‬
A
‭the ‘jhang–jhang’ sound of his specially made staff. One hand supported‬
‭the basket on his head and the other hanged the bamboo on the ground.‬
‭ 9. What are the childhood memories described by the author in this‬

1
‭extract?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The author passed his childhood days in Goa.‬‭In this extract, he‬
A
‭remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an‬
‭important place in life. Although, with the passage of time, people do not‬
‭eat so much bread, yet the sillage bakers are still there.‬
‭20. What do the elders reminisce about and why?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The elders reminisce nostalgically about the‬‭good old Portuguese‬

A
‭days and the Portuguese loaves of bread. The loaves of bread were an‬
‭integral part of Goan’s life. Marriages were meaningless without sweet‬
‭bread. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on her daughter’s‬
‭engagement. Christmas and other festivals must have cakes and bolinhas.‬
‭They still remember the jingling thud of the baker in the morning.‬
‭ 1. How can you say that the makers of the famous Goan loaves are still‬
2
‭there?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Many of those eaters of loaves might have‬‭died but their makers‬

A
‭still exist. The mixers, moulders and those who bake the loaves are still‬
‭there in Goa. The fire in the furnace has not yet been extinguished and the‬
‭thud and jingle of the baker’s bamboo can still be heard in the morning in‬
‭some places. These bakers, known as padres, exist in Goa even today. The‬
‭family profession is still carried on.‬
‭ 2. How did the baker make his musical entry on the scene in the‬
2
‭morning?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The baker made his musical entry in the morning.‬‭The jingling thud‬
A
‭of his bamboo woke up the people in the morning. He used to come at‬
l‭east twice a day. The children ran to meet and greet him. For children, it‬
‭was not just for the love of the loaf but for the love of the jingling music.‬
‭23. Why was the baker, the friend, companion and guide of the children?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭For children, the very sight of the baker‬‭was quite exciting. He was‬
A
‭their friend, companion and guide. The jingling thud of his bamboo put‬
‭them in rapture. They ran to meet and greet him. It was not so much for the‬
‭love of the loaf What they longed for were the bread-bangles. Sometimes‬
‭they liked the sweet bread of special make.‬
‭24. What importance did the baker’s furnace have in the village in Goa?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The loaves of bread had become an important‬‭and integral part of‬

A
‭the lives of the people in Goa. Marriages were meaningless without the‬
‭sweet bread or the bol. No party or feast was possible without bread. The‬
‭lady of the house would prepare sandwiches on the engagement ceremony‬
‭of her daughter. Cakes and sweetbreads were a must for Christmas and‬
‭other festivals. The presence of the baker’s furnace was absolutely‬
‭essential in the village.‬
‭ 5. Describe the changes in the dress of the baker or the pader with the‬
2
‭passage of the time?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭In good old days during the Portuguese rule,‬‭the baker or bread‬
A
‭seller had a peculiar dress. It was known as Ìsobar. It was a single piece‬
‭long frock reaching down to the knees. These days a pader wears a shirt‬
‭and trousers which are shorter than full-length ones and longer than half‬
‭pants.‬
‭ 6. What was the attitude of the baker towards‬

2
‭(i) the lady of the house‬
‭(ii) the children‬
‭(iii) the maidservant?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭(i) First of all, the baker would greet the lady of the house with‬
A
‭“Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo before‬
‭her.‬
‭(ii)He would push aside the children with a mild rebuke.‬
‭(iii)The loaves were delivered to the maid-servant.‬
‭ 7. How did the children behave when they have pushed aside with a mild‬
2
‭rebuke by the pader?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The baker would push aside the children with‬‭a mild rebuke. But‬
A
‭the kids would not give up. They would climb a bench or the parapet and‬
‭peep into the basket. They longed for the bread-bangles. Actually, the‬
‭jingling thud of the baker or the pader fascinated them.‬
‭ 8. Why would the children didn’t even care to brush their teeth or wash‬
2
‭their mouths properly?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The jingling thud of the pader and his musical‬‭entry in the morning‬
A
‭would wake up the children from their sleep.‬
‭They would run to greet and meet him. They didn’t even care to brush their‬
‭teeth or wash their mouths. The tiger never brushed their teeth. There was‬
‭no need of doing any such thing. Hot tea could wash and clean up‬
‭everything so nicely, after all.‬
‭ 9. When did the baker collect his bills and how did he record his monthly‬
2
‭accounts?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The pader usually collected his bills from‬‭his customers at the end‬
A
‭of the month. He didn’t have a notebook to record his monthly accounts.‬
‭Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil.‬
‭ 0. How would you prove that baking was a profitable profession in the old‬
3
‭days in Goa?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Baking was quite a profitable profession in‬‭Goa in the old days.‬

A
‭The baker and his family never starved. Even his servants could meet both‬
t‭ he ends easily. He and his family always looked happy and prosperous.‬
‭Their plump physique was an open testimony of their happiness and‬
‭prosperity.‬
‭ . Why was it absolutely essential to have a “baker’s furnace” in a Goan‬

1
‭village?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The Portuguese and their famous loaves of‬‭bread had made a‬

A
‭permanent impact on Goan soil. The eaters of those loaves might have‬
‭vanished but the makers of the loaves — the bakers still have an important‬
‭place in the society. The Goan village still has the mixers, moulders and‬
‭those who bake the loaves. There are also the age-old time-tested furnaces‬
‭which exist till date. The bakers are still important in the village. The lady of‬
‭the house must Prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s‬
‭engagement.‬‭Cakes‬‭and‬‭bolinhas are‬‭a must for Christmas‬‭as well as other‬
‭festivals. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is still‬
‭essential.‬
‭2. Give a pen-portrait of a baker in Goa.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭A baker had an important place in the village‬‭life of Goa. Marriage‬

A
‭gifts were meaningless without bol or sweet bread, cakes and bolinhas at‬
‭Christmas and other festivals. In the old days, the bakers used to wear a‬
‭peculiar dress — kabai – a single-piece long frock reaching down the knees.‬
‭Later they started wearing a shirt and trousers which were longer than the‬
‭shorts and shorter than the full-length pants. They used to be prosperous.‬
‭They, their family and servants never starved. Their plump physique was a‬
‭testimony of their prosperity and good income.‬
‭ he baker used to be a good friend, companion and guide for the author. He‬
T
‭would come twice a day and then, the children of the house would crowd‬
‭around his basket to choose the bread-bangles. Even today, baking and‬
‭bakers are famous in Goa. They still use traditional furnaces to bake bread‬
‭and cakes. These bakers are known as paders in Goa.‬
‭ . Describe the childhood memories of the author’s life in Goa and his‬
3
‭fondness for bread and cakes.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The author’s childhood memories are full of‬‭fun. He remembers‬

A
‭them and gets nostalgic. The pader or baker was an important person in‬
‭the Goan village as well as in the author’s life. He used to mix, mold and‬
‭bake loaves of bread in age-old, tested furnaces. He used to come twice a‬
‭day, once in the morning to sell bread and then while returning after‬
‭emptying his basket. He made his musical entry with the `jhang, jhang’‬
‭sound of his bamboo staff. The author with other children used to run to‬
‭meet him in order to take the bread-bangles or sometimes the sweet bread‬
‭of special make. He chatted and gossipped with him.‬
‭ . How is the effect of the traditional bread bakers can still be seen in Goa‬
4
‭of today?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The author remembers his old days in Goa when‬‭the village baker‬
A
‭occupied an important place in life. Bread eating was very common in‬
‭those days. Apart from eating bread daily, bread held an important place at‬
‭the time of Christmas, marriages and other functions. Although, with the‬
‭passage of time, people do not eat so much bread today, yet the village‬
‭bakers are still there. The Portuguese were famous for earns the loaves of‬
‭bread. They left Goa long ago. But the traditional work of the bakers can‬
‭still be seen in Goa. The furnaces in which the bread was baked still exist‬
‭there. The sound of the traditional bakers’ bamboo can still be heard. These‬
‭bakers are known as Pader in Goa even today.‬
‭ . What was the importance of the baker in the village? What kind of dress‬
5
‭did wear?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The village baker was especially important‬‭for all occasions. The‬

A
‭villagers were much fond of the sweet bread known as ‘Bor. Marriage gifts‬
‭were meaningless without these sweetbreads. Sandwiches, cakes and‬
‭bolinhas were a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. These were‬
‭made with the bread. Thus the presence of a baker’s furnace was very‬
‭essential in each village. The baker or the bread-seller wore a special,‬
‭ eculiar dress. It was known as the ‘kabai‘. It was a single-piece long frock.‬
p
‭It reached -down to his knees. During the narrator’s childhood bakers wore‬
‭trousers which were shorter than full-length and longer than half pants.‬
‭Even today if someone wears a half pant, he is said to be dressed like a‬
‭pader.‬
‭6. Give a pen-portrait of a Goan village baker.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭A Goan village baker used to sell all kinds‬‭of bread loaves. He used‬
A
‭to come in the morning with a basket of bread loaves on his head. He made‬
‭a musical entry on the scene with the jhang–jhang‘ of his bamboo stick. He‬
‭used to wear a peculiar dress known as the ‘kabai‘. It was a single-piece‬
‭long frock reaching down to the knees. The baker usually collected his bills‬
‭at the end of the month. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the‬
‭old days. The baker always looked happy and prosperous. He had a plump‬
‭physique.‬
‭ . What do our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about in‬
7
‭Goa? Did the old profession of making the famous loaves of bread end‬
‭with the Portuguese?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Our elders in Goa are often heard reminiscing‬‭nostalgically about‬

A
‭the good old Portuguese days. They are often heard saying nostalgically‬
‭about their famous loaves of bread. Many eaters of loaves might have‬
‭vanished but the makers are still alive. The profession of baking loaves of‬
‭bread has not died with the end of the Portuguese rule. Goa still has the‬
‭mixers, molders and the bakers of those loaves. The furnaces still bake‬
‭those unique loaves of bread. Even today one can hear the thud and jingle‬
‭of the traditional baker’s bamboo in the morning. Marriages, feasts,‬
‭Christmas and other festivals are meaningless without the sweet bread‬
‭known as bol. The baker’s presence in even Goan village is absolutely‬
‭essential. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in good old days.‬
‭However, the tradition hasn’t died completely yet.‬
‭ . Describe the author’s experience during his childhood in Goa? Why was‬
8
‭the baker or the pader the guide of children in Goa?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The author remembers fondly his childhood days in Goa. He‬
A
‭recalls how the baker used to be the friend, companion and guide of the‬
‭children. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo woke them‬
‭from their sleep. It heralded the arrival of the baker or the pader in the‬
‭morning. He used to come at least twice a day. Once, he used to set out in‬
‭the morning on his selling round. Then he returned after emptying his huge‬
‭basket.‬
‭ he children ran to meet and greet him. It was not for the love of the loaf.‬
T
‭They longed for the bread-bangles. Sometimes it was sweet bread of‬
‭special make. The children especially liked the musical entry on the scene‬
‭with the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo staff. He would‬
‭greet the lady of the house with good morning but put the children with a‬
‭mild rebuke. The children would not give up. They would climb a bench and‬
‭peep into the basket. The author still recalls the fragrance of those loaves.‬
‭The children would become crazy at the sight of the pader. They would‬
‭forget even to brush their teeth.‬
‭ . Baking was a profitable profession in the old days in Goa. Prove it by‬
9
‭giving examples from the text.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Baking was indeed a profitable profession‬‭in the old days in Goa.‬

A
‭The people of Goa were used to the refreshing fragrance of loaves of bread.‬
‭On all occasions and ceremonies, they needed them. Marriage gifts were‬
‭meaningless without the sweet bread or the bol. No party was complete if‬
‭bread was not served in it. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches‬
‭on the engagement ceremony of her daughter. Christmas and other‬
‭festivals must have bolinhas during their celebrations. The presence of the‬
‭baker’s furnace Was absolutely necessary for every, GNP village. The baker‬
‭usually collected his bills at the end of the month. The baker and his family‬
‭never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous. Their plump‬
‭physique was an open testimony to their happiness and prosperity.‬
‭ 0. Give a pen-portrait of the baker or the pader highlighting the changes‬

1
‭that came in his fortune and dress with the passage of the time?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The baker or the pader used to be an essential part of the Goans’‬
A
‭life. The baker or bread seller had a peculiar dress during the Portuguese‬
‭days. It was known as the kabai. It was a single piece long frock reaching‬
‭down the knees. With the passage of time, he started wearing a shirt and‬
‭trousers which were just longer than the short pants.‬
‭ he baker and his family always looked happy and prosperous in the good‬
T
‭old days. Their plump physique was an open testimony of their happiness‬
‭and prosperity. However, as the time changed, the bakers continued their‬
‭profession but with their reduced fortune and importance. The thud and‬
‭jingle of the traditional bamboo of the baker are still heard in the streets of‬
‭Goa even now. Sweetbread or the boys are still the part of feasts, marriages‬
‭and Christmas in Goa. However, the old charm and craze have become‬
‭rather dim in recent days.‬
‭Coorg - Questions and Answers‬
‭ . Where is Coorg situated?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and‬‭the coastal town of‬
‭Mangalore.‬
‭ . What are the people of Coorg a descent of?‬

2
‭Answer:‬‭The people of Coorg are a descent of Greek‬‭and Arab people.‬
‭ . Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty?‬

3
‭Answer:‬‭Coffee and spices grow in Coorg in plenty.‬
‭ . What is the best time of the year to visit Coorg?‬

4
‭Answer:‬‭The best time of the year to visit Coorg is‬‭between September and‬
‭March.‬
‭ . Why did a part of Alexander’s army settle here?‬
5
‭Answer:‬‭A part of Alexander army settled here because‬‭their return had‬
‭become impractical.‬
‭ . What is so similar between the Kodavus and the Arabs?‬

6
‭Answer:‬‭The long black coat with an embroidered waist‬‭belt is so similar to‬
‭the one worn by the Arabs.‬
‭ . What kind of tales do the Coorg people tell their children?‬

7
‭Answer:‬‭They tell them the stories of bravery of their‬‭sons and fathers.‬
‭ . Who was the first chief of Indian Army?‬

8
‭Answer:‬‭The first chief of Indian Army was General‬‭Cariappa.‬
‭ . Which river flows through Coorg?‬

9
‭Answer:‬‭The river Kaveri flows through Coorg.‬
‭ 0. Which hills are found therein Coorg?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭The Brahmagiri hills are found therein Coorg.‬
‭ 1. What is the district headquarters of Coorg?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Madikeri is the district headquarters of Coorg.‬
‭ 2. Why is Coorg called the land of rolling hills?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Coorg is called the land of rolling hills‬‭because it has a lot of hills‬
‭and is itself a hill station. The hills seem to roll down in a panoramic view.‬
‭ 3. What do you know about Bylakuppe’ as mentioned in the lesson,‬

1
‭‘Coorg’?‬
‭Answer:‬‭̀Bylakuppe’ in Coorg has India’s largest Tibetan‬‭settlement.‬
‭ 4. Coorgis are hospitable by nature. Explain.‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and‬‭beautiful women.‬
‭They are very hospitable and entertain their guests by relating stories of‬
‭bravery of their sons and fathers.‬
‭1. Why are the people of Coorg known as descendants of the Arabs?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The theory of the people of Coorg as descendants‬‭of the Arabs‬

A
‭draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt‬
‭worn by the Kodavus known as‬‭kuppia‬‭. It resembles‬‭the kuffia worn by the‬
‭Arabs and the Kurds.‬
‭2. Describe the natural beauty of Coorg.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is situated midway between Mysore and‬‭the coastal town of‬

A
‭Mangalore in Karnataka state. It is a beautiful region of ‘rolling hills and‬
‭lush green rainforests. It is famous for coffee, spices and wildlife.‬
‭3. Describe the wildlife of Coorg.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭A large freshwater fish abound in these waters.‬‭Kingfishers dive‬

A
‭for their catch. Squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit W enjoy the‬
‭splash and ripple effect. Elephants enjoy bathing in the river.‬
‭ . The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it‬
4
‭been recognized in modern India?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorgis are a proud race of martial men and‬‭beautiful women.‬

A
‭They are very hospitable and entertain their guests by relating stories of‬
‭bravery of their sons and fathers. Coorg soldiers are brave. Coorg regiment‬
‭is one of the most decorated ones in the Indian army. Corgis are the only‬
‭people who are permitted to carry firearms without a licence.‬
‭ . What idea of Coorg do you from? What opportunities does Coorg offer‬
5
‭to a tourist?‬
‭Or‬
‭Coorg is a tourist’s paradise. Discuss with reference to the extract from‬
‭‘Glimpses of India’.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway‬
A
‭between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a beautiful region‬
‭of ‘rolling hills and lush green rainforests. It is famous for coffee, spices,‬
‭and rain forests. It is also famous for hospitality, valour, wildlife and‬
‭adventure sports.‬
‭6. What does the writer say about Coorg?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The writer says that Coorg is the smallest‬‭district of Karnataka. It‬

A
‭is known as Kodagu also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of‬
‭Mangalore and Mysore. It is a very beautiful place. The writer says that it‬
‭must have come from the kingdom of God.‬
‭7. What is Coorg famous for? What is the best season to visit Coorg?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations,‬‭evergreen rainforests‬

A
‭and spices Thirty percent of its area is covered with the evergreen‬
‭rainforests The best season to visit this place is from September to March.‬
‭The air is full of coffee flavor.‬
‭8. What does the writer say shout the people of Coorg?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭the write’ says that the people of Coorg are‬‭independent and brave.‬
A
‭They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of‬
‭Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married the‬
‭locals. This culture can be seen in the martial‬‭traditions,‬‭marnage and‬
‭religious customs.‬
‭ . What supports the theory that the people of Coorg originated from the‬
9
‭Arabs?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭According to one theory, the people of Coorg‬‭originated from the‬

A
‭Arabs. It is evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like‬
‭the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.‬
‭10. What does the writer say about the bravery of the Coorgi people?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The writer says that the Coorgi people are‬‭brave people. Their‬
A
‭tales of bravery are famous. The Coorg regiment is one of the most‬
‭decorated in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General‬
‭Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the Kodavus are the only people in‬
‭India who are allowed to carry firearms without a license.‬
‭11. Describe the geographical location of Coorg.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg or Kodagu is the smallest district in‬‭Karnataka. It lies‬

A
‭between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. This piece of heaven‬
‭may also be called the land of rolling hills. It is the home of evergreen‬
‭rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. During the monsoons, Coorg has‬
‭a lot of rains.‬
‭12. Describe the people and culture of Coorg.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is inhabited by a proud race of martial‬‭men, beautiful‬

A
‭women and wild creatures. Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality.‬
‭There are many tales of valour related to the people of Coorg. The Coorg‬
‭Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. General‬
‭Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, was a Coorgi. Kodavas are the‬
‭only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.‬
‭13. Describe the climate, birds and animals of Coorg.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭During the monsoons, Coorg has a lot of rains.‬‭It pours enough to‬
A
‭keep many tourists away. The best tourist season starts from September‬
‭and continues till March. The very air of Coorg smells of Coffee.‬
‭Kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, wild elephants, bees and butterflies abound‬
‭in the rainforests of Coorg.‬
‭14. Describe the possible descent of the people of Coorg.‬

‭ nswer:‬‭The people of Coorg, their rituals and traditions are quite different‬
A
‭from the Hindu mainstream. According to one story. a part of Alexander’s‬
‭army traveling the coast, settled here as their return became impractical.‬
‭So, are believed to be of Greek origin. The Coorgi dress, a long, black coat‬
‭with an embroidered waist-belt resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs: So,‬
‭some think that they are of Arabic origin.‬
‭ 5. How has the tradition of courage and bravery been recognised in‬
1
‭modern India? Give examples from the text‬‭.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The people of Coorg are known for I being‬‭fiercely independent,‬

A
‭brave and courageous. There are numerous tales of valor connected with‬
‭the people of Coorg. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated‬
‭regiments in the Indian Army. The first Chief of the Indian Army, General‬
‭Cariappa, was a Coorgi. The Coorgis are the only people in India who are‬
‭permitted to carry firearms without a license.‬
‭16. Describe the origin of Kaveri and the area around it.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The river Kaveri originates from the hills‬‭and forests of Coorg.‬

A
‭Mahaseer a large freshwater fish abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive‬
‭for their catch. The squirrels and langurs drop half-eaten fruit for the‬
‭mischief of enjoying the splash and ripples in the clear water. A walk‬
‭across the bridge leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadatta.‬
‭ 7. How do the most laidback individuals become the life of high-energy‬

1
‭adventures in Coorg?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg offers many outdoor high-energy adventures.‬‭Even the most‬

A
‭laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventures.‬
‭They enjoy river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain‬
‭biking. Numerous walking trails in Coorg are a favorite with trekkers.‬
‭ 8. Where and how can we have a panoramic view of the misty landscape‬
1
‭of Coorg from?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The tourists are advised not to miss a climb to the Brahmagiri‬
A
‭hills. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills gives you a panoramic view of the‬
‭entire misty landscape of Coorg. Then you can walk across the rope bridge.‬
‭It will lead you to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama.‬
‭19. Describe the largest Buddhist settlement in Coorg.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Below the rolling hills lie the largest Tibetan‬‭settlement in India in‬
A
‭Coorg. The Buddhist temple at Bylakuppe is famous for its grandeur and‬
‭beauty. The monks in their red, ochre and yellow robes represent the heart‬
‭and soul of India, right here in Coorg.‬
‭1. Where is Coorg situated? What is it famous for?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is the smallest district of Karnataka.‬‭It is known as Kodagu‬

A
‭also. Coorg lies between the coastal town of Mangalore and Mysore. It is a‬
‭very beautiful place. The writer says that it must have come from the‬
‭kingdom of God. Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, evergreen‬
‭rainforests and spices. Thirty percent of its area is covered with the‬
‭evergreen rainforests. The best season to visit this place is from‬
‭September to March. The air is full of coffee flavour.‬
‭2. What does the author say about the people of Coorg?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The writer says that the people of Coorg are‬‭independent and‬

A
‭brave. They are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a story, a part of‬
‭Alexander’s army did not return and was settled here. They married among‬
‭the locals. This culture can be seen in the martial traditions, marriage and‬
‭religious customs.‬
‭ ccording to another theory Coorg people originated from the Arabs. It is‬
A
‭evident from the long, black coat worn by the people. It is like the kuffia‬
‭worn by the Arabs and the Kurds. Coorgi homes have tradition of‬
‭hospitality. They are brave people. Their tales of bravery are famous. The‬
‭ oorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The first‬
C
‭Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even today, the‬
‭Kodavus are the only people in India who are allowed to carry firearms‬
‭without a licence.‬
‭3. What does the writer say about the natural beauty of Coorg?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is situated in Karnataka midway between‬‭Mysore and the‬

A
‭coastal town of Mangalore. It looks like a piece of heaven that must have‬
‭drifted from the kingdom of God. This is a land of rolling hills. It is a home‬
‭of evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen forests‬
‭cover thirty percent of Coorg district. The river Kaveri flows through Coorg.‬
‭Big elephants are also found here. Birds, bees and butterflies are there to‬
‭give the visitors company. The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings (the‬
‭visitors) into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. It is‬
‭said that the people searching for the heart and soul of India visit Coorg.‬
‭4. Describe the physical and geographical features of Coorg.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is a piece of heaven that must have‬‭drifted from the‬

A
‭Kingdom of God. This is a land of rolling hills inhabited by a proud race of‬
‭martial men, beautiful women, coffee and wild elephants. Coorg or Kodagu‬
‭is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is home to evergreen forests, spices‬
‭and coffee plantation. This beautiful region of rolling hills, rainforests and‬
‭mist lies between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.‬
‭ ainforests dominate the physical feature of Coorg. They cover more than‬
R
‭thirty percent of this district. It rains heavily during the monsoons. The‬
‭most ideal season for tourists starts in September and ends in March. The‬
‭river Kaveri obtains its water from the hills and rainforests of Coorg. The‬
‭region abounds in wild elephants and langurs besides a lot of birds, bees‬
‭and butterflies. The Brahmagiri hills provide a panoramic view of the entire‬
‭misty landscape of Coorg. The sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama is a‬
‭little paradise for the tourists.‬
‭ . What are popular theories regarding the descent of the people of‬
5
‭Coorg?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorgi people are distinct people. Their religious‬‭practices,‬

A
‭marriages and traditions are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. There are‬
‭two theories regarding the descent of the Coorgi people. It is believed that‬
‭perhaps they are of Greek or Arabic descent. According to one theory, a‬
‭part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast. Their return became‬
‭impractical. These people settled down there. They married amongst the‬
‭locals. Another theory gives their descent to the Arabs. The theory of Arab‬
‭origin draws support from their dress which resembles the traditional‬
‭Arabic dress. Their long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by‬
‭the Kodavus, known as Kuppia, resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and‬
‭the Kurds.‬
‭ . Describe the rainforests, the river Kaveri and coffee plantations in‬
6
‭Coorg.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is a land of rolling hills and rainforests.‬‭The rainforests‬

A
‭dominate the landscape of Coorg. They cover over thirty percent of Coorg.‬
‭The rainforests have a lot of rains during the monsoons. The ideal tourists‬
‭season starts from September and ends in March. The hills and rainforests‬
‭are the sources of the river Kaveri. Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish,‬
‭abound in Kaveri waters. The forests of Coorg have a rich flora and fauna.‬
‭Birds, bees, butterflies, Malabar squirrels, langurs and wild elephants find‬
‭their shelter in the rainforests of Coorg. The very air of Coorg smells of‬
‭fresh coffee. Coffee estates and colonial buildings are scattered all around‬
‭amid the rolling hills.‬
‭ . Why does the author call Coorg apiece of heaven’ that must have drifted‬
7
‭from the kingdom of God?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Coorg is among the most beautiful regions‬‭of India. The author‬

A
‭rightly calls it ‘a piece of heaven’ that must have drifted from the kingdom‬
‭of God. This land of rolling hills it is also the home of beautiful rain-forests.‬
‭The rainforests cover more than thirty percent of Coorg. The evergreen rain‬
f‭ orests have a rich flora and fauna. The very air of Coorg breathes of fresh‬
‭coffee. The beautiful sprawling coffee estates are dotted with colonial‬
‭bungalows.‬
‭ he river Kaveri obtains its water from the hills and rainforests of Coorg.‬
T
‭Kingfishers dive for Mahseer, a large freshwater fish in these waters.‬
‭Squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit into the clear water.‬
‭Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the Kaveri by their mahouts.‬
‭The climb to the Brahmagiri hills gives you a panoramic view of the entire‬
‭misty landscape of Coorg. The sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama is a‬
‭little paradise for tourists. So are the temples and Buddhist monks wearing‬
‭red, ochre and yellow robes? All of them represent the heart and soul of‬
‭India.‬
‭Tea from Assam - Questions and Answers‬
‭ . Which state did Pranjol belong to?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Pranjol belonged to Assam a North-Eastern‬‭State of India.‬
‭ . What was Pranjors father?‬

2
‭Answer:‬‭Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea‬‭garden in upper Assam.‬
‭ . Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going?‬

3
‭Answer:‬‭They were going to Assam to visit Pranjol’s‬‭home on summer‬
‭vacation.‬
‭ . What could Rajvir see as far as his eyes could see?‬

4
‭Answer:‬‭There was tea hushes as far as his eyes could‬‭see.‬
‭ . According to Rajvir how many cups of tea are drunk daily throughout‬
5
‭the world?‬
‭Answer:‬‭According to Rajvir, over eighty crore cups‬‭of tea are drunk daily‬
‭throughout the world.‬
‭ . When was tea drunk first in China?‬
6
‭Answer:‬‭Tea was first drunk in China 2700 B.C.‬
‭ . Where was Pranjol’s father Tea Estate situated?‬

7
‭Answer:‬‭It was situated at Dhulabari.‬
‭ . When was tea first drunk?‬

8
‭Answer:‬‭Tea was first drunk in China.‬
‭ . Why did Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids?‬

9
‭Answer:‬‭He cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy‬‭during meditation.‬
‭ 0. When did tea come to Europe?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century.‬
‭ 1. Who cut oil his eyelids?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic,‬‭cut off his eyelids.‬
‭ 2. Why did Rajvir visit Assam?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Rajvir had been invited by his classmate Pranjol,‬‭who was from‬
‭Assam, to visit his home during the summer vacation.‬
‭ 3. How long does the second flush or sprouting period last?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭There are two flushes or sprouting periods.‬‭The second sprouting‬
‭period lasts from May to July.‬
‭ 4. Describe the magnificent views of the tea estate with reference to the‬
1
‭lesson, ‘Tea from Assam’.‬
‭Or‬
‭Draw a pen picture of tea gardens in Assam.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The tea bushes were spread like a sea against‬‭the backdrop of‬
A
‭densely wooded hills. Amidst the orderly rows of tea, bushes were doll-like‬
‭figures plucking tea leaves.‬
‭1. How does Rajvir describe the tea-garden at Dhekiajuli?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭On both sides of the gravel road were acres‬‭and acres of neatly‬
A
‭pruned tea bushes. It was the second sprouting period. Women wearing‬
‭plastic aprons were plucking new tea leaves and putting them in the‬
‭bamboo baskets.‬
‭ . Describe the scenery that Rajvir saw as soon as the train pulled out of‬
2
‭the station.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭When the train moved ahead, there were huge‬‭fields full of green‬
A
‭plantations. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery. He called it a‬
‭‘magnificent view’. The bushes were spread like a sea against the backdrop‬
‭of densely wooded hills.‬
‭3. How are tea pluckers different from other farm labourers?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The tea pluckers are different from other‬‭farm labourers. The‬

A
‭women plucking tea leaves in the tea gardens look like dolls. They wear‬
‭plastic aprons and carry baskets on their backs to put tea leaves in them.‬
‭4. How can you say that tea was first drunk in China?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭There is an ancient legend about the discovery‬‭of tea. A Chinese‬

A
‭emperor had the habit of drinking boiling water. One day a twig from the fire‬
‭fell into the pot in which water was being boiled. It gave a delicious flavour‬
‭to the water. It is said that those were tea leaves and that was the first tea.‬
‭It is thus thought that tea was first taken in China.‬
‭ . What information was given by Pranjol’s father to Rajvir about Assam‬

5
‭Tea Estate?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭He was the manager of a tea garden in upper‬‭Assam. He showed‬

A
‭Pranjol and Rajvir the acres of tea bushes, all neatly pruned to the same‬
‭ eight. Groups of women pluckers with bamboo baskets were plucking the‬
h
‭newly sprouted leaves.‬
‭ . What happened to the Chinese emperor in “Tea from Assam” who‬

6
‭always boiled water before drinking it?‬
‭Or‬
‭What is the Chinese legend regarding tea?‬
‭Or‬
‭What is the Chinese story about the discovery of tea?‬
‭Or‬
‭What is the history of tea in China?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭A Chinese emperor had the habit of drinking‬‭boiled water. One day‬
A
‭a twig fell into the pot in which water was being boiled. It gave a delicious‬
‭flavour to the water. It is said that those were tea leaves.‬
‭ . What was the Indian legend about the discovery of tea?‬

7
‭Or‬
‭Write down the Buddhist legend about tea.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭An Indian legend goes like this. Once there‬‭was a Buddhist, ascetic‬
A
‭13odhidharma who used to feel sleepy during meditations. So he cut off his‬
‭eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. When the leaves of these‬
‭plants were put in hot water and drunk, they banished sleep.‬
‭ . What did Rajvir see when he entered the Tea Estate?‬

8
‭Or‬
‭What made Rajvir amazed on the way?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Rajvir was amazed to see huge fields full‬‭of green plantations.‬

A
‭There were vast green tea gardens on both sides of the road. The tall trees‬
‭at the back of the gardens, in the forest on the rolling hills, looked beautiful.‬
‭9. Which tea is considered the best tea? Why?‬

‭ nswer:‬‭Assam tea is considered to be the best tea as it has the largest‬
A
‭concentration of tea plantations in the world. The weather and‬
‭environmental conditions are perfect here to grow tea plants.‬
‭10. Who were Pranjol and Rajvir? Where were they going?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Pranjol and Rajvir were friends. Pranjol belonged‬‭to Assam. He‬

A
‭was studying in a school in Delhi. Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father‬
‭was the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam. Pranjol invited Rajvir to‬
‭visit his home during the summer vacation. Both of them travelled to‬
‭Assam on a train.‬
‭11. What did Rajvir and Pranjol do after the train pulled out of the station?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭When the train pulled out of the station.‬‭Pranjol became busy‬

A
‭reading a detective book. Rajvir was looking out of the train. It was green,‬
‭green everywhere. He had never seen so much greenery before.‬
‭ 2. Which story of a Chinese emperor is associated with the discovery of‬

1
‭tea?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭According to one legend, a Chinese emperor‬‭discovered tea by‬

A
‭chance. He always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves off‬
‭the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled‬
‭water got a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves.‬
‭13. What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭According to an Indian legend, Bodhidharma,‬‭an ancient Buddhist‬

A
‭monk, fell asleep during meditation. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants‬
‭grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water‬
‭and drank banished sleep.‬
‭14. Where was tea first drunk? When did tea come to Europe?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭It is believed that tea was first drunk in China in 2700 B.C. Words‬
A
‭like ‘chai and ‘chini‘ are Chinese. Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth‬
‭century. At first, it was used more as a medicine than as a beverage.‬
‭15. What is the best season for tea Production?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Rajvir and Pranjol reached Assam in the sprouting‬‭season. This‬

A
‭season lasts from May to July. The best tea is produced during this season.‬
‭16. How has tea become a popular beverage?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Tea is decidedly a very popular beverage in‬‭the world. More than‬

A
‭eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world. At every‬
‭platform in India, you can hear vendors crying “Chai-garam”. The people‬
‭can’t resist buying the steaming hot cups of tea.‬
‭17. Why was Rajvir so much excitement?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before.‬‭He was looking at‬
A
‭the beautiful scenery. The soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes.‬
‭Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills, a sea of tea bushes‬
‭stretched as far as the eyes could see. The orderly rows of bushes were‬
‭pruned to the same height. Rajvir was really excited to see the magnificent‬
‭view.‬
‭18. Why didn’t Pranjol share Rajvir’s excitement?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Pranjol had been born and brought up on a‬‭tea plantation. He was‬

A
‭familiar with tea gardens. On the other hand, Rajvir had never visited any‬
‭tea plantation ever before. A sea of bushes stretching as far as the eyes‬
‭could see fascinated him. The magnificent view, orderly rows of tea bushes‬
‭really excited him. But Pranjol was used to such sights.‬
‭19. Describe the Chinese legend regarding the discovery of tea leaves.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭There is a Chinese legend regarding the discovery of tea leaves.‬
A
‭One Chinese emperor always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few‬
‭leaves of the burning twigs under the pot fell into the water. The result was‬
‭wonderful. The water gave a delicious flavour. Those leaves that gave the‬
‭water a delicious flavour were tea leaves.‬
‭20. What is the Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭We have an Indian legend regarding the discovery‬‭of tea.‬

A
‭Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he‬
‭fell sleepy during meditation. It is said that ten tea plants grew out of the‬
‭eyelids. The leaves of those plants, when put in hot water and drunk,‬
‭banished sleep.‬
‭ 1. Where and when did the drinking of tea start and how did it come to‬
2
‭Europe?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The drinking of tea first started in China.‬‭Tea was drunk in China‬

A
‭as far as 2700 B.C. Words like tea, `char and ‘chin? are from Chinese. Tea‬
‭came to Europe in the 16th century. In Europe, tea was dining as medicine‬
‭than a beverage in the early period.‬
‭ 2. What did Rajvir see in the Dhekiaban tea estate managed by Pranjol’s‬
2
‭father?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The tea estate at Dhekiabari was managed by‬‭Pranjol’s father.‬

A
‭Rajvir saw acre upon acre of tea bushes on both sides of the gravel road.‬
‭They were all pruned to the same height. Groups of tea-pluckers, wearing‬
‭plastic aprons were plucking the newly sprouted leaves. It was the second‬
‭sprouting period.‬
‭23. Where was Rajvir and why?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Rajvir and Pranjol were two youngsters. Actually,‬‭they were‬

A
‭classmates at school in Delhi. Pranjol’s father is the manager of a tea‬
‭garden in Upper Assam. Pranjol was born and brought up on the tea estate.‬
‭ e invited Rajvir to visit his home and the Dhekiabari Tea Estate during the‬
H
‭summer vacation.‬
‭ 4. Why did Pranjol’s father say in surprise that Rajvir had done his‬
2
‭homework before coming there?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭A tractor was pulling a trailer-load of tea‬‭leaves at the Dhekiabari‬

A
‭Tea Estate. Rajvir asked Pranjol’s father if that was the second flush or‬
‭sprouting period. Rajvir told that the second sprouting period lasts from‬
‭May to July and yields the best tea. Such detailed information about tea‬
‭leaves surprised Pranjol’s father. He told Rajvir that he seemed to have‬
‭done his homework before coming here.‬
‭25. How and where are tea leaves collected in Assam?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Assam has the largest number of tea estates‬‭in India. Acre upon‬
A
‭acre of tea bushes is stretching as far as the eyes can go. All the bushes‬
‭are pruned to the same height. Groups of tea pluckers carry bamboo basket‬
‭on their backs to collect tea-leaves. They wear plastic aprons. They pluck‬
‭the newly-sprouted tea leaves from the bushes. Then the leaves are dried‬
‭and processed in factories.‬
‭1. What are the legends related to the discovery of tea?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭There are many popular legends about the discovery‬‭of tea. Two‬
A
‭of them are as follows —‬
‭A Chinse emperor was used to drinking boiled water. One day a twig from‬
‭the fire fell into the pot in which water was being boiled. It gave a delicious‬
‭flavour to the drink. It is said that those were tea leaves. An Indian legend‬
‭goes like this. Once there was a Buddhist ascetic who used to feel sleepy‬
‭during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the‬
‭eyelids. When the leaves from these plants were put in hot water and drunk‬
‭they banished sleep.‬
‭ . What details do you gather about tea from the lesson, ‘Tea from‬
2
‭Assam’?‬
‭Or‬
‭What information do you gather about the history of tea after reading the‬
‭lesson, ‘Tea from Assam’?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Tea was first drunk in China. Even the words‬‭̀chai’ and ‘chini are‬
A
‭from Chinese. It goes back to 2700 B.C. In the 16th century, tea came to‬
‭Europe and was drunk more as a medicine than as a beverage. Assam has‬
‭the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. There are large‬
‭groups of women with bamboo baskets on their backs. They pluck the‬
‭newly sprouted tea leaves from the plants and store them in the baskets.‬
‭3. What landscape did Rajvir notice while sitting in the train?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Rajvir was fascinated by the scenic beauty‬‭of the place. There‬

A
‭were vast green tea gardens on both sides of the road. The tall trees at the‬
‭back of the gardens in the forest on the rolling hills looked beautiful. The‬
‭women plucking tea leaves looked like dolls. On the way, he saw people‬
‭drinking tea. He also saw an ugly building with smoke coming out of its‬
‭chimneys. Rajvir was received by Mrs and Mr Barua and was taken towards‬
‭Dhekiabari Tea Estate. On both sides of the gravel road were acres and‬
‭acres of neatly pruned tea bushes. It was the second sprouting period.‬
‭Women were wearing plastic aprons and plucking new tea leaves and‬
‭putting them in the bamboo baskets on their backs.‬
‭ . Where were Pranjol and Rajvir going? What did Rajvir see when he‬
4
‭looked out of the train on the way?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Pranjol belonged to Assam. He was studying‬‭in a school in Delhi.‬

A
‭Rajvir was his classmate. Pranjol’s father was the manager of a tea-garden‬
‭in Upper Assam. Pranjol invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer‬
‭vacation. Both of them travelled to Assam on a train. When the train‬
‭stopped at a station, a vendor called, ‘chai-garam garam-chaff, they took‬
‭tea and started sipping it. Rajvir told Pranjol that Over eighty crore cups of‬
‭tea are drunk every day throughout the world. Pranjol started reading his‬
‭ etective book again. But Rajvir looked out of the window of a moving train.‬
d
‭There was beautiful scenery outside. Soon the soft green paddy fields were‬
‭left behind and there were tea bushes everywhere. Rajvir was fascinated by‬
‭the magnificent view of tea gardens.‬
‭5. What did Rajvir tell Pranjol about the discovery of tea?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Rajvir said that no one really knows who discovered‬‭tea. He told‬

A
‭Pranjol that there were many legends attached to the discovery of tea.‬
‭According to one story, a Chinese emperor discovered tea by chance. He‬
‭always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves off the twigs‬
‭burning under the pot fell into the water. As a result, the boiled water got a‬
‭delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves.‬
‭ ccording to another Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist‬

A
‭monk, fell asleep during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea‬
‭plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot‬
‭water and drank banished sleep. It is believed that tea was first drunk in‬
‭China in 2700 B.C. Words like ‘chaff’ and ‘chini’ are Chinese. Tea came to‬
‭Europe in the sixteenth century. At first, it was used more as a medicine‬
‭than as a beverage.‬
‭ . What did Rajvir see during his train journey.’ by was he more excited‬
6
‭than his friend Pranjol?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Rajvir, a classmate of Pranjol, is visiting‬‭Dhekiaban Tea Estate in‬

A
‭Assam, for the first time. Actually, he is enjoying the train journey to Assam‬
‭with his friend Pranjol whose father manages Diabari Tea Estate. The‬
‭beautiful scenery fascinates Rajvir. It is green, green everywhere. He sees‬
‭so much greenery for the first time in his life. Now the landscape changes.‬
‭The paddy fields give way to tea bushes. A sea of tea bushes is stretching‬
‭as far as eyes can go. The orderly rows of bushes are pruned to the same‬
‭height. Groups of tea pickers are carrying bamboo baskets on their backs.‬
‭They are plucking the newly sprouted leaves. The magnificent view‬
‭fascinates Rajvir. However, Pranjol is not so much excited. These views are‬
‭not new to him. He was born and brought up on a tea plantation.‬
‭7. What are different legends related to tea leaves?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Tea was first drunk in China as far back as‬‭2700 B.C. In fact, words‬
A
‭like Thai’ and ‘Chilli’ came from Chinese. According to one Chinese legend,‬
‭there was a Chinese emperor. He always boiled water before drinking it.‬
‭One day, some leaves from the twigs burning under the pot fell into the‬
‭boiling water. The leaves gave a delicious flavour. It is said that they were‬
‭tea leaves. We have an Indian legend about the discovery of tea leaves.‬
‭Bodhidharma was an ancient Buddhist ascetic. It is said that he cut off his‬
‭eyelids because he fell sleepy during meditation. It is said that ten tea‬
‭plants grew out of his eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot‬
‭water and drank banished sleep. In Europe, tea came as late as the‬
‭sixteenth century. It was drunk more like medicine than a beverage.‬
‭ . It seems that Rajvir had done a lot of homework regarding tea and its‬
8
‭history. Do you support Pranjol’s father’s statement that he gave about‬
‭Rajvir’s knowledge in this regard?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭It is true that Rajvir had never visited a‬‭tea estate ever before in his‬
A
‭life. His visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate was at the invitation of his classmate‬
‭Pranjol whose father managed the estate. But Rajvir seemed to have done‬
‭a lot of homework and reading about tea and tea plantations before‬
‭coming to Assam. He told Pranjol that tea is one of the most popular‬
‭beverages in the world. More than eighty crores of cups of tea are drunk‬
‭every day throughout the world.‬
‭ hen he saw an ugly building with smoke billowing out of its tall buildings,‬
W
‭he at once cried “Hey, a tea garden!”. Actually, he had been reading as much‬
‭about tea as he could. He narrated different legends regarding the‬
‭discovery of tea leaves. It was Rajvir who narrated the legends describing‬
‭how tea leaves were discovered in India and China. Rajvir impressed and‬
‭surprised Pranjol’s father about his deep knowledge of tea-leaves. When he‬
‭saw a tractor pulling a trailer load of tea leaves he recognised that it was‬
‭the second-flush or sprouting period. He also knew that it continues from‬
‭May and to July and yields the best tea.‬
‭ . Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea estate in Assam but he was‬
9
‭Rajvir who knew much about tea leaves and the legends associated with‬
‭tea. Base your answer on their visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate in Assam.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭It is true that Pranjol was born and brought‬‭up on a tea plantation.‬
A
‭His father managed Dhekiabari Tea Estate in Assam. However, his friend‬
‭Rajvir’s knowledge about tea and its history was more profound than him.‬
‭The reason was simple. Rajvir had done a lot of reading about tea and its‬
‭history. He even surprised Pranjol’s father with his in-depth knowledge of‬
‭the subject.‬
‭ ajvir’s visit to Dhekiabari was an opportunity for him to connect his‬

R
‭reading and knowledge to the real existing tea plantation. He was‬
‭fascinated by the magnificent sea of tea bushes stretching as far as his‬
‭eyes could go. He saw with his own eyes the groups of tea pluckers, with‬
‭bamboo baskets on their backs, plucking the newly-sprouted leaves. His‬
‭studies helped him to recognise that the trailer-load of tea leaves were the‬
‭second-flush or the sprouting period that gave the best tea.‬
‭Grade 10‬
‭How to Tell Wild Animals, A‬
‭Question of Trust‬
‭ . Where are the Asian Lions found?‬

1
‭2. How does the Asian Lion look?‬
‭3. What is the special feature of the Bengal Tiger?‬
‭4. How is the Bengal Tiger described?‬
‭5. How is the leopard’s skin?‬
‭6. How does a leopard behave when he meets a person?‬
‭7. Which animal can we meet in our yard?‬
‭8. What does the bear do on meeting a person?‬
‭9. What is the special feature of the Hyena?‬
‭10. What is the special feature of the crocodile?‬
‭11. What two things does a Chameleon not have?‬
‭12. Where is the Chameleon generally found?‬
‭13. What do you learn about the leopard from this poem?‬
‭ 4. Peppered spots, tawny beast and noble wild beasts live in the jungles‬
1
‭along with some others. Name them.‬
‭15. Name the different animals and birds found in the jungles of the east.‬
‭1. How does one identify a chameleon?‬
‭ . What is the famous saying associated with crocodiles and what does it‬
2
‭mean?‬
‭3. What is the theme of the poem — ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’?‬
‭4. What does the poet say about the Asian Lion in this poem?‬
‭5. How does the Bengal Tiger look? What is so distinct about a hint?‬
‭6. How does the poet describe the bear?‬
‭7. Why does the poet say that a bear’s ‘hug’ may confuse a novice?‬
‭8. What does the poet say about the crocodile and the hyena?‬
‭9. How will you recognise the Bengal Tiger?‬
‭10. How will you recognise the leopard?‬
‭11. How will you recognise a bear from other animals?‬
‭ 2. Can a novice distinguish among wild animals? How can hyenas be‬
1
‭distinguished from crocodiles?‬
‭13. How will you recognise a chameleon?‬
‭14. What does the bear do?‬
‭15. What humorous descriptions do you find in the poem?‬
‭16. How would you recognise the Asian Lion?‬
‭ .’Many animals can be identified according to the poets’ suggestion.‬

1
‭Name the animals. Which ones would you like to identify? Are there any‬
‭lessons for us from this poem?‬
‭ . The poet has successfully used humour to be able to ‘tell’ or identify‬

2
‭‘Wild Animals’. How do you think we need lots of it in our daily life?‬
‭ . Every animal is unique and has some special characteristics. What‬

3
‭tricks does the poet adopt in distinguishing various wild animals?‬
‭ . Carolyn Wells takes liberties with language and employs humour to‬
4
‭describe the wild animals. Give some examples of humorous descriptions‬
‭in the poem.‬
‭A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers‬
‭1. How did Horace know all the details of the house?‬
‭ . How did Horace fulfill his desire of reading books after he was‬
2
‭arrested?‬
‭3. Though Horace planned everything meticulously, why did he fail?‬
‭4. How did the flowers cause him trouble?‬
‭ . What was Horace Danby’s hobby? How did he manage to fulfill his‬
5
‭hobby?‬
‭6. How did the lady spoil his plan?‬
‭ . Why did the lady report to the police though she promised that she‬
7
‭would not report to the police?‬
‭Or‬
‭How did the lady deceive Horace?‬
‭8. How did Horace enter Shot over Grange?‬
‭ . Who is the real culprit in this story, the lady or Horace? How did he/she‬
9
‭manage to rob the safe without leaving a single fingerprint?‬
‭ 0. What do you think is the meaning of the phrase ‘honor among‬

1
‭thieves’?‬
‭11. Which of the two lacked honor?‬
‭12. Describe Horace Danby.‬
‭13. How did Horace Danby manage to get rare and expensive books?‬
‭14. What did the young lady asked Horace to do for her?‬
‭15. What story did Horace tell the police when he was arrested?‬
‭ 6. Why is Horace Danby described as good and respectable but not‬

1
‭completely honest?‬
‭17. Why did he rob every year? Was he a typical thief? If so, why?‬
‭18. Describe how Horace Danby planned his work?‬
‭ 9. He was a very successful thief. What went wrong when he attempted‬

1
‭to rob Shotover Grange‬
‭ 0. What advice did the lady give Horace regarding his hay fever? Was she‬
2
‭really interested in his health?‬
‭21. Did the young lady expect Horace to be caught after the theft?‬
‭22. In what way could his arrest have helped her?‬
‭ 3. Did Horace get the jewels from the Grange safe? If not, why did the‬
2
‭police arrest him?‬
‭24. Who was Horace Danby?‬
‭25. Why was Horace Dan by not completely honest?‬
‭ 6. What preparations did Horace make for ‘this year’s robbery’ at‬
2
‭Shotover Grange?‬
‭27. How did Horace Danby enter the house?‬
‭ 8. What precautions did Horace make before reaching the safe? Name‬
2
‭three of them.‬
‭29. Why was it not hard to open the safe for Horace Danby?‬
‭ 0. Whose voice was it that advised Horace about the special treatment of‬
3
‭his hay fever?‬
‭31. Describe the unexpected meeting of the young lady in red and Horace.‬
‭32. Why did the woman in red threaten to call the police?‬
‭ 3. When and why did the woman in red say, “Society must be protected‬
3
‭from men like you”? Doesn’t it sound ironical?‬
‭ 4. “I have always liked the wrong kind of people,” said the woman in red.‬
3
‭Comment.‬
‭ 5. Why did Horace mistake the young lady in red as the lady of the‬
3
‭house?‬
‭ 6. Do you think that the young woman in red proved far smarter than‬
3
‭Horace Danby? Give reasons.‬
‭ 7. Who is the real culprit in the story, the young lady in red or Horace‬
3
‭Danby? Comment.‬
‭ 8. Why didn’t the dog bark when Horace Danby and the young lady in red‬
3
‭entered to commit theft in the house?‬
‭39. Why did Horace Danby prefer books to collect paintings?‬
‭ 0. Why didn’t Horace Danby never get any chance to look for another‬
4
‭safe?‬
‭ . Horace Danby represents such people who adopt the wrong ways to‬
1
‭fulfill their wishes. What values would you like such people to imbibe to‬
‭reform themselves? Write in about 100-120 words.‬
‭ . Horace Danby was a respectable man but he could not be called loyal.‬
2
‭What do you think could be the reasons for leading a respectable man like‬
‭him on the path of thievery? Did he feel a lack of sense of freedom? Was it‬
‭not in his nature to accept the differences among people regarding their‬
‭social status? Discuss the values he should have possessed in 100-120‬
‭words.‬
‭ . Horace promised the young lady that he would follow the path of‬
3
‭honesty if sills would not hand him over to the police but he could not‬
‭keep his promise for more than days. Did he lack reconciliation? Was it‬
‭not in his nature to keep his promise? Did he lack the courage to fulfill his‬
‭needs through an honest living? Discuss the values he needed to imbibe in‬
‭100-120 words.‬
‭ . Horace stated that he robbed only those who had a lot of money. Was‬
4
‭he really a threat to society? Did he lack the qualities of a good citizen?‬
‭Discuss the values he needs to imbibe to lead a path of righteousness in‬
‭100-120 words.‬
‭ . Horace Danby requested the lady to forget what she saw. Was Horace‬
5
‭afraid of being caught? Did he lack the courage to accept his crime‬
‭publicly? Explain the values one must imbibe to accept one’s mistake in‬
‭100-120 words.‬
‭ . “Horace had some hope because she seemed to be amused at meeting‬

6
‭him.” Why did Horace feel so? Did he consider the young lady‬
‭compassionate towards him? Did he find her free from bias? Discuss the‬
‭values Horace should have imbibe understanding of the person in‬
‭100-120 words.‬
‭7. Write a character-sketch of Horace Danby.‬
‭ . Describe Horace Danby’s encounter with the young lady.‬

8
‭Or‬
‭‘The lady in the red was a more professional thief than Horace Danby’.‬
‭Give a reasoned answer.‬
‭9. What were Horace Danby’s plans for his latest robbery?‬
‭ 0. How did the lady in red turn out to be much smarter and cleverer than‬
1
‭Horace Danby? How did one thief outwit and out maneuver the other?‬
‭Or‬
‭How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and out maneuver the other‬
‭thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single‬
‭fingerprint?‬
‭ 1. Give a character-sketch of Horace Danby in your own words. How was‬

1
‭he outmanoeuvred by the lady in red?‬
‭ 2. Give a character-sketch of the lady in red highlighting how she‬

1
‭outwitted Horace Danby.‬
‭13. How had Horace planned to loot the house at Shotover Grange?‬
‭ 4. How was Horace Danby arrested for the robbery of the jewels in a‬
1
‭house at Shotover Grange? Do you think his own foolishness was‬
‭responsible for his arrest? Give a reasoned answer.‬
‭ rade 10‬
G
‭ ow to Tell Wild Animals, A‬
H
‭Question of Trust‬
‭Answer Key‬
‭ . Where are the Asian Lions found?‬

1
‭Answer: The Asian Lions are found in the eastern countries of the world.‬
‭ . How does the Asian Lion look?‬

2
‭Answer: The Asian Lion is a large and yellow-coloured animal.‬
‭ . What is the special feature of the Bengal Tiger?‬

3
‭Answer: He has black stripes on his yellow body.‬
‭ . How is the Bengal Tiger described?‬

4
‭Answer: He is described as a noble wild beast.‬
‭ . How is the leopard’s skin?‬

5
‭Answer: The leopard has spots on his skin.‬
‭ . How does a leopard behave when he meets a person?‬

6
‭Answer: When a leopard meets a person he jumps on him at once.‬
‭ . Which animal can we meet in our yard?‬

7
‭Answer: We can meet the bear in our yard.‬
‭ . What does the bear do on meeting a person?‬

8
‭Answer: The bear hugs the person very hard when he meets one.‬
‭ . What is the special feature of the Hyena?‬

9
‭Answer: The Hyena always comes with merry smiles.‬
‭ 0. What is the special feature of the crocodile?‬
1
‭Answer: The crocodile weeps while eating its prey.‬
‭ 1. What two things does a Chameleon not have?‬

1
‭Answer: A Chameleon does not have ears and wings.‬
‭ 2. Where is the Chameleon generally found?‬

1
‭Answer: It is generally found in the trees.‬
‭13. What do you learn about the leopard from this poem?‬
‭ nswer: The poem tells us that a leopard has spots on his skin. As soon‬
A
‭as he sees someone he leaps over him at once and starts eating. He is so‬
‭terrifying and powerful.‬
‭ 4. Peppered spots, tawny beast and noble wild beasts live in the jungles‬
1
‭along with some others. Name them.‬
‭Answer: The leopard, the lion and the Bengal Tiger live along with the‬
‭bear, hyenas, crocodiles and chameleons.‬
‭ 5. Name the different animals and birds found in the jungles of the east.‬
1
‭Answer: Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Hyena, Crocodiles and Chameleons.‬
‭1. How does one identify a chameleon?‬
‭ nswer: A chameleon resembles a lizard and is a small, wingless, fearless‬

A
‭creature. The poet says that when there is nothing visible on the tree,‬
‭there is the chameleon camouflaged with the tree.‬
‭ . What is the famous saying associated with crocodiles and what does it‬
2
‭mean?‬
‭ nswer: The famous saying associated with crocodiles is that of‬

A
‭‘shedding crocodile tears’. It actually means tears or expressions of‬
‭sorrow that are insincere, and are said to be so named from a belief that‬
‭crocodiles wept while devouring their prey.‬
‭3. What is the theme of the poem — ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’?‬
‭ nswer: The theme of the poem is to create humour. The poet creates‬
A
‭humour by suggesting dangerous ways of identifying wild animals. You‬
‭can identify most of the beasts while they are attacking you. Instead of‬
‭shouting for help or trying to protect yourself, you are busy identifying the‬
‭attacker—the idea creates humour.‬
‭4. What does the poet say about the Asian Lion in this poem?‬
‭ nswer: The poet says that the Asian Lion is a large beast. He is‬
A
‭brownish-yellow in colour. He is found in forests of the eastern countries‬
‭of the world. His roar is very loud and terrifying.‬
‭5. How does the Bengal Tiger look? What is so distinct about a hint?‬
‭ nswer: The poet says that the Bengal Tiger roams in the forest and look‬
A
‭noble. His skin is yellow and there are black stripes on it. As soon as the‬
‭Bengal Tiger notices someone he tries to eat him.‬
‭6. How does the poet describe the bear?‬
‭ nswer: The poet suggests that the bear can enter a human colony also.‬
A
‭That is why you can encounter a bear even in your yard. As soon as the‬
‭bear comes near a human being, he embraces him. This embrace appears‬
‭loving. But in fact, it can be fatal.‬
‭7. Why does the poet say that a bear’s ‘hug’ may confuse a novice?‬
‭ nswer: It is the tendency of a bear to kill his victim by embracing him. He‬
A
‭hugs the victim so tight that he usually dies. But a novice who does not‬
‭know the ways of bears may misunderstand his hug. He may think that it‬
‭is a loving embrace.‬
‭8. What does the poet say about the crocodile and the hyena?‬
‭ nswer: The poet describes the crocodile and the hyena humorously. The‬
A
‭hyena seems to be laughing. In fact, it does not laugh. Only its face‬
‭appears so. On the other hand, the crocodile has tears in his eyes when It‬
‭ ats its victim. it appears as if he is shedding tears at the death of his‬
e
‭victim. But this is not so.‬
‭9. How will you recognise the Bengal Tiger?‬
‭ nswer: He is a very grand and impressive animal. His hide is yellowish.‬

A
‭There are black stripes all over his body. He is very agile. The moment he‬
‭notices someone, he will simply eat away that creature at once. If any‬
‭animal fulfils all these traits, he must be the Bengal Tiger.‬
‭10. How will you recognise the leopard?‬
‭ nswer: The leopard is very agile and is always ready to pounce upon its‬
A
‭prey. His hide is spotted all over with dark spots. If he sees you, he will‬
‭pounce upon you. There will be no use of crying with pain. He will show no‬
‭mercy and jump at you once again.‬
‭11. How will you recognise a bear from other animals?‬
‭ nswer: If you are walking around your courtyard, you can meet a‬
A
‭creature there. If he hugs you very hard, then, be sure he is the bear. His‬
‭embrace is very hard and tight. If you have any doubt about it, he will give‬
‭you just one more caress.‬
‭ 2. Can a novice distinguish among wild animals? How can hyenas be‬
1
‭distinguished from crocodiles?‬
‭ nswer: It is very difficult for a novice to distinguish among wild animals.‬

A
‭He can be easily confused. But it is very easy to distinguish between‬
‭crocodiles and hyenas. Hyenas come with merry smiles. Crocodiles can‬
‭be recognised by the tears in their eyes.‬
‭13. How will you recognise a chameleon?‬
‭ nswer: A chameleon is a small creature. It looks like a lizard in‬

A
‭appearance. It is strange that he doesn’t have any ears. Nor does he have‬
‭a single wing. If you see such a creature sitting on a Tree, be sure he is a‬
‭chameleon.‬
‭14. What does the bear do?‬
‭ nswer: According to the poet, the bear embraces the human being tight.‬
A
‭The description of the bear has been presented in a humorous style. The‬
‭bear comes near a human being and embraces very hard. He hugs very‬
‭tightly.‬
‭15. What humorous descriptions do you find in the poem?‬
‭ nswer: We find some humorous descriptions about the animals in the‬

A
‭poem. The poet has created it by the selection of words and his pattern of‬
‭explaining. As the Bengal tiger is described noble, the bear hugs and the‬
‭hyena smiles.‬
‭16. How would you recognise the Asian Lion?‬
‭ nswer: He is found in the jungles of the eastern regions. He is a large‬

A
‭and powerful animal. He is yellow-brownish in colour. He roars so loudly‬
‭that the roar is enough to terrorise a person to death. If any animal has all‬
‭these traits, he must be the Asian Lion.‬
‭ .’Many animals can be identified according to the poets’ suggestion.‬

1
‭Name the animals. Which ones would you like to identify? Are there any‬
‭lessons for us from this poem?‬
‭ nswer: The poet has listed down the ways of identifying seven animals in‬
A
‭the poem, viz., and the lion, the Bengal Tiger, the leopard, the bear, the‬
‭hyena, crocodiles and chameleons. As for me, I would like to identify the‬
‭bear, the Bengal Tiger and the leopard. However, putting my life on the line‬
‭just to identify the tiger and the leopard doesn’t seem worth the risk! So if‬
‭I see a noble beast with black stripes on yellow, I’II knows the tiger, and‬
‭the peppered spots will reveal the leopard. The bear hug, I wouldn’t mind!‬
‭The poetess, using humour, seems to warn readers against venturing too‬
‭close to these animals.‬
‭ . The poet has successfully used humour to be able to ‘tell’ or identify‬

2
‭‘Wild Animals’. How do you think we need lots of it in our daily life?‬
‭ nswer: Humour is the fuel of life. Without it, it would become difficult to‬
A
‭continue living. Today, the life of the common man is typically mired in‬
‭stress, tension, problems and sadness. It is amazing how the smallest‬
‭problems may take on epic proportions for a common person. In such a‬
‭situation, it becomes necessary to have a little humour in life. It gives us‬
‭the much-needed respite from our monotonous routine and helps us face‬
‭life more positively. Thus, the poetess’ successful use of humour helps‬
‭livin our minds and brings a smile on our faces.‬
‭ . Every animal is unique and has some special characteristics. What‬

3
‭tricks does the poet adopt in distinguishing various wild animals?‬
‭ nswer: No doubt, every animal is unique. Every wild animal has his own‬
A
‭special trait, colour, size and characteristics. The Asian Lion is found in‬
‭the jungles of the eastern regions. It is a huge and mighty creature with‬
‭brownish hide. His roar is enough to terrorise a person to death. The‬
‭Bengal Tiger is a ‘noble’ and impressive wild animals. He has yellowish‬
‭hide and black stripes all over it. The Leopard has dark spots all over his‬
‭body. He is very agile. The moment he sees its prey, he pounces upon it‬
‭without showing any mercy. The bear is known by his strong and tight hug.‬
‭It becomes rather difficult for a novice to distinguish among wild animals.‬
‭However, hyenas and crocodiles can be easily recognised. Hyenas come‬
‭smiling merrily while crocodiles appear to be weeping. The chameleon is a‬
‭small creature like a lizard. He has no ears and doesn’t have even a single‬
‭wing. You can find him sitting on a tree.‬
‭ . Carolyn Wells takes liberties with language and employs humour to‬
4
‭describe the wild animals. Give some examples of humorous descriptions‬
‭in the poem.‬
‭ nswer: It depends on the subject matter what style a poet chooses to‬
A
‭adopt while writing a poem. The poem describes wild animals and how to‬
‭distinguish them. To avoid oversimplification and monotony, the poet uses‬
‭‘humour’ as an effective weapon. The ‘humour’ used in the poem is‬
‭suggestive and mild. It is not biting or scratching in effect. If the Asian‬
‭Lion “roars at you as you’re dying”. The Bengal Tiger is a ‘noble’ wild beast‬
‭that “greets you” when you are roaming around in the jungle. The‬
‭unsparing Leopard will show no mercy and it will “do no good to roar with‬
‭pain.” If you have any doubts, the bear will “give you just one more caress.”‬
‭The poet uses subtle humour when he says: “Hyenas come with merry‬
‭smiles; But if they weep they’re Crocodiles”.‬
‭A Question of Trust Extra Questions and Answers‬
‭1. How did Horace know all the details of the house?‬
‭ nswer: Horace had been studying the house for the past two weeks.‬
A
‭Moreover, a magazine article had described this house, giving a plan of all‬
‭the rooms and a picture of the room. There were also the details of the‬
‭safe hidden behind the safe.‬
‭ . How did Horace fulfill his desire of reading books after he was‬
2
‭arrested?‬
‭ nswer: After Horace was arrested, he became the assistant librarian in‬
A
‭the prison and fulfilled his desire for reading books.‬
‭3. Though Horace planned everything meticulously, why did he fail?‬
‭ nswer: Though Horace planned everything meticulously; he failed led‬

A
‭because of the smart lady. She posed herself to be the owner of the house‬
‭and convinced him to open the shelf as she had “not the password of the‬
‭shelf. Horace got trapped in her plot.‬
‭4. How did the flowers cause him trouble?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby had an allergy for flowers, especially during the‬
A
‭pollen season. Who flowers are nearby, he got sneezing. The only cure for‬
‭it was to stay away from those path flowers.‬
‭ . What was Horace Danby’s hobby? How did he manage to fulfill his‬
5
‭hobby?‬
‭ nswer: Horace’s only hobby was to read expensive and rare books. He‬
A
‭used to rob a safe every year in order to arrange money for his hobby. He‬
‭used to get those books from an agent.‬
‭6. How did the lady spoil his plan?‬

‭ nswer: The lady posed as the owner of the house in front of Horace.‬
A
‭Horace got scared and believed her. She ask him to open the safe as she‬
‭had forgotten the password. Horace opened the safe and handed over the‬
‭jewels to her. Hence, Horace’s plan of robbing the safe was spoiled.‬
‭ . Why did the lady report to the police though she promised that she‬
7
‭would not report to the police?‬
‭Or‬
‭How did the lady deceive Horace?‬
‭ nswer: The lady was very clever and shrewd. She promised Horace that‬
A
‭she would not report to the police if he would help her in getting the jewels‬
‭from the safe. Horace broke the safe and helped her. But she didn’t keep‬
‭her promise as she was also a thief and did not want to get into trouble.‬
‭8. How did Horace enter Shot over Grange?‬
‭ nswer: Horace had seen the housekeeper hang the key in the hook‬
A
‭outside the kitchen door. He came out from behind the garden wall. He put‬
‭on his gloves, took the key and opened the door of the kitchen and entered‬
‭Shot over Grange.‬
‭ . Who is the real culprit in this story, the lady or Horace? How did he/she‬
9
‭manage to rob the safe without leaving a single fingerprint?‬
‭ nswer: In this story, the real culprit is the young lady. She managed to‬
A
‭trick Horace for breaking the safe for her. She did not even touch the safe‬
‭herself. She managed to get all the jewels. She had to do no physical‬
‭exercise for this. In this way, she managed to rob the safe without leaving‬
‭a single fingerprint.‬
‭ 0. What do you think is the meaning of the phrase ‘honor among‬

1
‭thieves’?‬
‭ nswer: The phrase ‘honor among thieves’ means that thieves have their‬
A
‭code of conduct. One thief is honest to the other thief. They never betray‬
‭one another.‬
‭11. Which of the two lacked honor?‬

‭ nswer: Among the two the young lady lacked honor. She came face to‬
A
‭face with a thief, still, she tricked ‘him. But Horace did not know that she‬
‭was a thief. She got all the jewels. She went free but poor Horace was‬
‭arrested. It was against the profession of thieves.‬
‭12. Describe Horace Danby.‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby was a good and respectable citizen. He was about‬
A
‭fifty years old, but he was unmarried. He was a locksmith. He was very‬
‭successful in his business. He was usually very well and healthy except‬
‭for attacks of hay fever. But he was not completely honest.‬
‭13. How did Horace Danby manage to get rare and expensive books?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby loved rare and expensive books. He bought them‬
A
‭secretly through an agent. But for this, he had to rob a safe every year‬
‭because he did not have enough money to buy these books. In this way, he‬
‭managed to get these rare and expensive books.‬
‭14. What did the young lady asked Horace to do for her?‬
‭ nswer: The young lady told Horace that she had come there to take the‬
A
‭jewel from the safe. She said that she had to wear them that night at a‬
‭party. She made an excuse of forgetting the number to open the safe. So‬
‭she compelled Horace to break open the safe for her if not she would tell‬
‭the police everything about him.‬
‭15. What story did Horace tell the police when he was arrested?‬
‭ nswer: He told the police that he had not stolen any jewels. He said that‬
A
‭he broke open the safe for the young wife of the owner of the house. But‬
‭the wife was herself an old lady of about sixty with grey-hair. So, none‬
‭believed his story.‬
‭ 6. Why is Horace Danby described as good and respectable but not‬

1
‭completely honest?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby was a good person. He made locks. He was very‬
A
‭successful in his business. He had engaged two helpers in his business.‬
‭But he was not completely honest because he robbed a safe every year.‬
‭17. Why did he rob every year? Was he a typical thief? If so, why?‬
‭ nswer: Horace loved reading rare and expensive books. So he robbed a‬

A
‭safe every year to buy these books. He was a typical thief because he‬
‭robbed only one safe every year.‬
‭18. Describe how Horace Danby planned his work?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby studied the house ai Shotover Grange for two‬
A
‭weeks. He studied its rooms, its electric wiring, its paths and its garden.‬
‭He was sure that the family was in London. The two servants had gone to‬
‭the movies and they would not come back before four hours. He came out‬
‭from behind the garden wall and entered the house.‬
‭ 9. He was a very successful thief. What went wrong when he attempted‬

1
‭to rob Shotover Grange‬
‭ nswer: Danby was a very successful thief. He always used gloves while‬
A
‭breaking a safe. He never left any fingerprints behind. This time when he‬
‭started his work, he felt a little tickle in his nose. It was because of a big‬
‭flower pot lying on the table. He was repeatedly sneezing. This happened‬
‭wrong with him.‬
‭ 0. What advice did the lady give Horace regarding his hay fever? Was she‬
2
‭really interested in his health?‬
‭ nswer: The lady told Horace that he could get rid of the disease if he‬
A
‭found out which plant had given him the disease. She advised him that he‬
‭should see a doctor. Actually, she was not interested in his health. She‬
‭was just trying to be friendly and sympathetic.‬
‭21. Did the young lady expect Horace to be caught after the theft?‬
‭ nswer: Yes, the young lady expected Horace to be caught after the theft.‬
A
‭She thought that it would be very easy to detect Horace with the help of‬
‭fingerprints.‬
‭22. In what way could his arrest have helped her?‬
‭ nswer: If Horace Danby was arrested for the jewels robbery at Shotover‬
A
‭Grange then she could be safe. She got the jewels but Horace broke the‬
‭safe for her. Thus, his arrest could have helped her by making her tension‬
‭free.‬
‭ 3. Did Horace get the jewels from the Grange safe? If not, why did the‬
2
‭police arrest him?‬
‭ nswer: No, Horace did not get the jewels from the Grange safe. But he‬
A
‭broke open the safe for the wife of the owner of the house without gloves.‬
‭But in reality, that lady was a burglar. Thus, there were Horace’s‬
‭fingerprints all over the room. So, the police arrested him for stealing the‬
‭jewels from the Grange safe.‬
‭24. Who was Horace Danby?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby was about fifty years old and unmarried. Everyone‬
A
‭thought that he was a good and honest citizen. He lived with a‬
‭housekeeper who worried about his health. He suffered from the attacks‬
‭of hay fever in summer. He made locks and was successful at his‬
‭business. But he was not completely honest. He robbed a safe once a year‬
‭to buy rare and costly books.‬
‭25. Why was Horace Dan by not completely honest?‬
‭ nswer: Generally, people thought that Horace Danby was a good, honest‬
A
‭and respectable citizen. However, he was not completely honest. He‬
‭robbed a safe every year. This was done to get the necessary money for‬
‭the purchase of ‘rare and expensive’ books. The money he stole was‬
‭enough to last a year. He secretly bought the books he loved through an‬
‭agent.‬
‭ 6. What preparations did Horace make for ‘this year’s robbery’ at‬
2
‭Shotover Grange?‬
‭ nswer: All the previous yearly robberies of Horace Danby were‬

A
‭successful. He felt sure that this year’s robbery at Shot over Grange would‬
‭also be successful. He had been studying the location of the house for‬
‭two weeks. He studied its rooms, electric wiring, paths and garden. He‬
‭found out that the two servants had gone to the movies. He had seen the‬
‭housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on a hook outside.‬
‭27. How did Horace Danby enter the house?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby had been preparing for the theft. He studied the‬
A
‭house carefully for two weeks before committing the theft in the house at‬
‭Shotover Grange. He studied its rooms, electric wiring, paths and its‬
‭garden. He had seen the housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on‬
‭a hook outside. He put on a pair of gloves, took the key and opened the‬
‭door. Thus, he entered the house at Shotover Grange.‬
‭ 8. What precautions did Horace make before reaching the safe? Name‬
2
‭three of them.‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby took the following precautions before committing‬

A
‭the theft:‬
‭(i)He put on a pair of gloves as he was always careful not to leave any‬
‭fingerprints.‬
‭(ii) To tackle the house-dog, Sherry, he kept him quiet and friendly by‬
‭calling him by his right name.‬
‭(iii) He cut the wire of the burglar bell.‬
‭29. Why was it not hard to open the safe for Horace Danby?‬
‭ nswer: It was not going to be hard to open the safe for Horace Danby.‬
A
‭After all, he had `lived with locks and safes all his life’. He made locks‬
‭himself with two helpers. The burglar alarm was poorly built and he cut‬
‭the wires of the burglar alarm. He knew about the safe and the key, and it‬
‭was not a difficult job for him to open it when no one was present in the‬
‭house.‬
‭ 0. Whose voice was it that advised Horace about the special treatment of‬
3
‭his hay fever?‬
‭ nswer: When Horace was about to open the safe, he heard a female‬
A
‭voice. She asked if he suffered from a cold or hay fever. He was sneezing‬
‭again and again. She told that he could cure the hay fever with special‬
‭treatment. He must find out what plant gave him that disease. She also‬
‭advised Horace to see a doctor.‬
‭31. Describe the unexpected meeting of the young lady in red and Horace.‬
‭ nswer: When a voice advised Horace to find a suitable treatment of his‬

A
‭hay fever, he was surprised. It was a quiet, kindly voice but one with‬
‭firmness in it. A young woman, quite pretty and dressed in red was‬
‭standing there. She walked to the fireplace and straightened the‬
‭ornaments. She said that she “didn’t expect to meet a burglar”.‬
‭32. Why did the woman in red threaten to call the police?‬
‭ nswer: Horace was caught red-handed. The woman in red said that she‬
A
‭didn’t expect to meet a burglar there. She added that she knew that it had‬
‭been a great inconvenience for him to meet her. She also asked what he‬
‭was going to do. Horace replied that he was thinking of running away. The‬
‭lady threatened that if he did so, she would call the police and tell them all‬
‭about him. They would get him at once.‬
‭ 3. When and why did the woman in red say, “Society must be protected‬
3
‭from men like you”? Doesn’t it sound ironical?‬
‭ nswer: Horace assured the woman in red that he would not hurt her. She‬
A
‭must forget she ever met him. It made her angry. She couldn’t let him go,‬
‭otherwise, he would rob someone else. Society must be protected from‬
‭people like him. It sounds ironic because she herself was a thief and had‬
‭come for the same purpose for which Horace was there in the house.‬
‭ 4. “I have always liked the wrong kind of people,” said the woman in red.‬
3
‭Comment.‬
‭ nswer: It was ironic that the woman who was being considered as the‬
A
‭lady of the house and talking big things was herself a thief. Horace‬
‭requested her to let him go. He was desperate and afraid of going to‬
‭prison. He promised never to do such a thing again. The lady pretended to‬
‭be generous and stated that she “always liked the wrong kind of people”.‬
‭ 5. Why did Horace mistake the young lady in red as the lady of the‬
3
‭house?‬
‭ nswer: The young woman in red was even smarter than Horace Danby.‬
A
‭She was a thief and came with the same purpose as Horace to that house.‬
‭However, she encountered Horace with an air of confidence and authority.‬
‭She didn’t allow him to doubt or think about her. She showed that the dog,‬
‭Sherry, belonged to her. He told him that she returned ‘home’ just in time.‬
‭Her manner of speaking, gestures and confidence made Horace mistake‬
‭her to be the lady of the house.‬
‭ 6. Do you think that the young woman in red proved far smarter than‬
3
‭Horace Danby? Give reasons.‬
‭ nswer: Definitely, the young woman in red proved far smarter than‬
A
‭Horace Danby. She played her part of being the lady of the house with‬
‭complete perfection. She was an example of self-confidence. She didn’t‬
‭show any hesitation. She spoke and acted with an air of complete‬
‭confidence and authority. Poor Horace became a puppet who couldn’t take‬
‭himself out of her spell. She threatened to call the police and made him‬
‭open the safe, while Horace was later caught and arrested. She decamped‬
‭with the jewels.‬
‭ 7. Who is the real culprit in the story, the young lady in red or Horace‬
3
‭Danby? Comment.‬
‭ nswer: Law of any land works on evidence. Horace Danby opened the‬
A
‭safe without wearing his gloves. He didn’t think it necessary to wear them‬
‭as he thought he was working for ‘the lady of the house’. So the police‬
‭matched his fingerprints and he was arrested. The lady in the red was‬
‭actually the real culprit. She made Horace open the safe for her. She was‬
‭also a thief and decamped with the jewels. But in the eyes of the law,‬
‭Horace was the real culprit because the evidence was against him.‬
‭ 8. Why didn’t the dog bark when Horace Danby and the young lady in red‬
3
‭entered to commit theft in the house?‬
‭ nswer: Both, Horace Danby and the young lady in red knew all the tricks‬
A
‭of their trade. They knew the real nature of dogs and how to be friendly‬
‭with them. A small dog when made a noise, Horace called out “All right,‬
‭Sherry,” as he passed. Perhaps, the lady in red also knew like Horace that‬
‭to keep dogs quiet, one must call them by their right names. Their trick‬
‭worked and Sherry remained quiet.‬
‭39. Why did Horace Danby prefer books to collect paintings?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby had a passion for books. Collecting and buying‬
A
‭rare and expensive books was his passionate hobby. He resorted to‬
‭robbing a safe every year to buy them. When the preference between‬
‭collecting books and paintings came, he chose the former. Paintings took‬
‭up too much space. In a small house like his, books were a better choice.‬
‭ 0. Why didn’t Horace Danby never get any chance to look for another‬
4
‭safe?‬
‭ nswer: Horace got nothing from the house at Shotover Grange. The lady‬
A
‭in red decamped with the jewels. For two days, he kept his promise given‬
‭to the kind, young lady in red. On the third day, he realised that he would‬
‭have to look for another safe to buy books. But he never got that chance‬
‭because the police arrested him for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange.‬
‭ . Horace Danby represents such people who adopt the wrong ways to‬
1
‭fulfill their wishes. What values would you like such people to imbibe to‬
‭reform themselves? Write in about 100-120 words.‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby was a successful businessman. He was about fifty‬

A
‭years respectable citizen but had a habit that led him to do robberies.‬
‭Danby loved rare, expensive books and to get them he used to rob a safe‬
‭every year. Every year he planned carefully just to get what he wanted.‬
‭Danby adopted wrong ways to fulfill his wishes and hence, later got‬
‭trapped in a plot by a thief like him. People should imbibe good values.‬
‭They should learn that hard work is the only key to success One should‬
‭ ork hard to fulfill his desires. I think such people should imbibe the‬
w
‭values of honesty, responsibility, hard work, dedication, self-confidence in‬
‭order to reform themselves.‬
‭ . Horace Danby was a respectable man but he could not be called loyal.‬
2
‭What do you think could be the reasons for leading a respectable man like‬
‭him on the path of thievery? Did he feel a lack of sense of freedom? Was it‬
‭not in his nature to accept the differences among people regarding their‬
‭social status? Discuss the values he should have possessed in 100-120‬
‭words.‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby’s habits were not typical of a thief. He was fond of‬
A
‭books was a respectable man but his passion for books led him to‬
‭thievery. He used to steal only once. In a year, he was never stealing more‬
‭than his needs. He stole only to buy rare books; he loved rare and‬
‭expensive books. Moreover, Danby used to rob only rich people. It was his‬
‭nature. To accept the differences among people regarding their social‬
‭status. He was aware that people with high socio-background can help‬
‭him to fulfill his desire. He found such people easy to rob.‬
‭ . Horace promised the young lady that he would follow the path of‬
3
‭honesty if sills would not hand him over to the police but he could not‬
‭keep his promise for more than days. Did he lack reconciliation? Was it‬
‭not in his nature to keep his promise? Did he lack the courage to fulfill his‬
‭needs through an honest living? Discuss the values he needed to imbibe in‬
‭100-120 words.‬
‭ nswer: The lady manipulated the whole situation as well as Horace and‬
A
‭very skillfully got the jewels without even touching anything. She talked‬
‭about high things like protecting the society from culprits like Horace.‬
‭Horace promised her that he would follow the path of honesty. He helped‬
‭her in getting the jewels by breaking the safe without wearing gloves. But‬
‭after two days, police caught him for stealing the jewels. He could not‬
‭convince them that he had not taken the jewels and had helped the‬
‭owner’s wife. The condition provoked him to break his promise. Although‬
‭he honestly felt that he would not rob any more he could not do so as he‬
‭had no other choice left.‬
‭ . Horace stated that he robbed only those who had a lot of money. Was‬
4
‭he really a threat to society? Did he lack the qualities of a good citizen?‬
‭ iscuss the values he needs to imbibe to lead a path of righteousness in‬
D
‭100-120 words.‬
‭ nswer: I don’t think Horace was a threat to society. He never threatened‬

A
‭anyone and rather stole for a very good reason. He used to rob a safe‬
‭every year to pursue his hobby of getting rare and expensive books to‬
‭read. He was not a professional thief. Moreover, he never harmed anyone.‬
‭He was considered a good and honest citizen by everyone. He was about‬
‭fifty years old and unmarried. He had all the qualities of a good citizen. He‬
‭was not a criminal or a typical thief. He did so only to fulfill his need. He‬
‭was an honest and good man. He believed in the lady’s story and gave‬
‭away all the jewels to her. If he had been a criminal, he would have killed‬
‭the lady or would have never handed the jewels to her.‬
‭ . Horace Danby requested the lady to forget what she saw. Was Horace‬
5
‭afraid of being caught? Did he lack the courage to accept his crime‬
‭publicly? Explain the values one must imbibe to accept one’s mistake in‬
‭100-120 words.‬
‭ nswer: Yes, Horace Danby was afraid of being caught. He lacked the‬
A
‭courage to accept his crime publicly. He was not a professional criminal or‬
‭a thief. He was considered a good and honest man by everyone. He was‬
‭about fifty years old and unmarried. His house was looked after by a‬
‭housekeeper. He used to rob only one safe every year to pursue his habit‬
‭of getting rare and expensive books to read. He used to rob only those‬
‭who were rich. He had a good reputation in the society and hence did not‬
‭want anyone to know about his crimes. Although he helped the lady but‬
‭was caught by the police for a crime he did not commit. He learned from‬
‭his mistake.‬
‭ . “Horace had some hope because she seemed to be amused at meeting‬

6
‭him.” Why did Horace feel so? Did he consider the young lady‬
‭compassionate towards him? Did he find her free from bias? Discuss the‬
‭values Horace should have imbibe understanding of the person in‬
‭100-120 words.‬
‭ nswer: Horace was a fifty-year-old man who used to rob only to buy rare‬
A
‭and expensive. This time he decided to rob Shot over Grange. But as soon‬
‭as they entered the room, a Young lady appeared. She posed to be the lady‬
‭of the ruse. She was very confident in her Mat, inner of talking. She talked‬
‭about high ideals like pro-acting. The society from robbers like conium‬
r‭ acked. Then she tried to be polite and nice to him. On hearing her, Horace‬
‭felt that he had a hope of escaping. He found her a bit compassionate‬
‭towards him. He was amused at Horace. She acted in quite a subtle‬
‭manner and showed her sympathy and admiration towards a simple and‬
‭honest man. He could not judge her ace. She made Horace promise that‬
‭he would never commit the crime again. Horace was cleverness and‬
‭shrewdness and hence later got arrested for stealing the jewels which he‬
‭did not steal.‬
‭7. Write a character-sketch of Horace Danby.‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby was a good and respectable citizen. He was about‬
A
‭fifty years old but he was unmarried. He was a locksmith. He was very‬
‭successful in his business. Despite all these qualities, he was not‬
‭completely honest. He had been to jail once. So he hated the thought of‬
‭jail.‬
‭ e loved rare and expensive books. He broke a safe every year to have‬
H
‭enough money to buy books. He was a careful burglar. He planned his‬
‭work well. He was very careful while robbing a safe. He wore gloves and‬
‭never left fingerprints on the scene of the crime. Since he was a locksmith‬
‭so it was very easy for him to break any safe.‬
‭Once he was duped by a young lady. That young lady, who pretended to be‬
‭the owner’s wife, was also a thief. He gave all the jewels to the young lady‬
‭and left his fingerprints all over the room. Thus, he was arrested and sent‬
‭to prison. Now he did not like the thought of ‘honor among thieves’‬
‭anymore.‬
‭ . Describe Horace Danby’s encounter with the young lady.‬

8
‭Or‬
‭‘The lady in the red was a more professional thief than Horace Danby’.‬
‭Give a reasoned answer.‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby was going to rob the safe at Shotover Grange. He‬
A
‭had cut the wires of the burglar alarm. But the flowers on the table made a‬
‭tickle in his nose and he was sneezing repeatedly. Just then a young lady‬
‭dressed in red came in. She spoke friendly to Danby but her sound was‬
‭firm.‬
‭ he said that she was the owner’s wife. She told him that she had come‬
S
‭there to take the jewels from the safe. She had to wear them that night at‬
‭a party. She made an excuse that she had forgotten the number to open‬
‭the safe. She told the thief that she would let him go if he opened the safe‬
‭for her. Danby was taken in. He opened the safe without gloves. He gave‬
‭all the jewels to the young lady. She went away safely with the jewels but‬
‭Danby was arrested for the jewels robbery and sent to prison.‬
‭9. What were Horace Danby’s plans for his latest robbery?‬
‭ nswer: Horace was sure that the robbery he was planning for that year‬
A
‭was going to be as successful as all the others so far. He had been‬
‭observing and studying the house at Shotover Grange for two weeks. He‬
‭had observed everything minutely. That afternoon, when he planned to rob‬
‭the house, he had seen the two servants, who remained in the Grange,‬
‭going to the movies. He came out from behind the garden wall. He had‬
‭packed his tools carefully in a bag on his back. Horace knew that there‬
‭were about fifteen thousand pounds worth of jewels in the Grange safe‬
‭and if he sold them one by one, he was sure to get enough money to last‬
‭him for another year.‬
‭ 0. How did the lady in red turn out to be much smarter and cleverer than‬
1
‭Horace Danby? How did one thief outwit and out maneuver the other?‬
‭Or‬
‭How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and out maneuver the other‬
‭thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single‬
‭fingerprint?‬
‭ nswer: The lady in red was also a thief. So was Horace Danby. But it was‬
A
‭the lady in the red who out maneuvered and outwitted Horace. No doubt,‬
‭Horace did his job quite professionally. He worked hard to find out the‬
‭necessary details about the location of the house and the position of the‬
‭key and the safe. But, Horace proved to be a novice in judging the young‬
‭lady in red. The young lady acted with so much confidence and in such a‬
‭convincing manner that she could easily pass off as the lady of the house.‬
‭ orace Danby became a mere puppet who danced to the tune of the lady.‬
H
‭When caught red-handed, he pleaded her to let him go. The young lady‬
‭exploited his confusion and fear of going to prison fully. She made Horace‬
‭open the safe. The unsuspecting Horace was made to believe that he was‬
‭working for the lady of the house. So he opened the safe without putting‬
‭ n his gloves. He gave the jewels to the lady leaving his fingerprints on‬
o
‭the safe. So he was found out and arrested. Naturally, the young lady in‬
‭red proved far smarter and out maneuvered Horace Danby.‬
‭ 1. Give a character-sketch of Horace Danby in your own words. How was‬

1
‭he outmanoeuvred by the lady in red?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby was about fifty years old and unmarried. Everyone‬
A
‭thought him a good and honest citizen. He was otherwise very well and‬
‭happy except for attacks of hay fever in summer. He made locks and was‬
‭fairly successful at his business. Horace Danby was good and respectable‬
‭— but not completely honest. He used to rob a safe every year. He did so‬
‭because he needed money to buy books. Horace had a passion for buying‬
‭rare and costly books. With that money, he secretly bought the books he‬
‭loved through an agent.‬
‭ ike a professional thief, he made a lot of preparations. He made it sure‬

L
‭that every year’s robbery was going to be as successful as all the others.‬
‭He studied the location of the house at Shotover Grange—its rooms, its‬
‭electric wiring, its paths and its gardens in details. He also came to know‬
‭that the two servants of the house were out to the movies. He also knew‬
‭where was safe and it’s key. He befriended the little dog by calling his right‬
‭name.‬
I‭ n spite of all his professionalism, Horace Danby proved a novice in‬

‭judging the lady in red. The lady in red behaved with so much confidence‬
‭and authority that Horace became totally a puppet in her hands. Easily‬
‭passing off as the lady of the house, she made Horace open the safe‬
‭without wearing his gloves. While the lady in red decamped with the‬
‭jewels, Horace was sent to prison.‬
‭ 2. Give a character-sketch of the lady in red highlighting how she‬

1
‭outwitted Horace Danby.‬
‭ nswer: We don’t get any information regarding the past history of the‬
A
‭lady in red as we know about Horace’s past. Her whole personality remains‬
‭wrapped in mystery until the end. Only when the identity of the real lady of‬
‭the house is unfolded, we come to know that she is a thief. She is the real‬
‭culprit. The lady in red comes there with the only purpose of committing a‬
t‭ heft in the house like Horace. She cleverly decamps with the jewels while‬
‭Horace is sent to prison.‬
‭ he lady in red is gifted with a rare personality. She is full of confidence.‬

T
‭She acts like a perfect actress presenting herself as the lady of the house.‬
‭Her gestures, confidence and convincing power are enough to convince‬
‭Horace. He turns out quite a novice in understanding and judging the lady‬
‭in red and her motive. She dominates the proceeding. Horace only proves‬
‭a puppet in her hands. She exploits his fear of going to prison. She makes‬
‭him open the safe without his gloves. She convinced him that she needs‬
‭those jewels to wear them to a party that night. Horace willingly hands‬
‭over the jewels and she decamps with them. Only when the grey-haired,‬
‭sharp-tongued woman appears as the real lady of the house, we come to‬
‭know that the lady in red was a professional and crafty thief much smarter‬
‭than Horace.‬
‭13. How had Horace planned to loot the house at Shotover Grange?‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby never committed theft in a hurry. All his previous‬
A
‭operations were completely successful. He robbed a safe every year. This‬
‭money was enough to last for a year. Like all his previous robberies, he‬
‭also planned his latest robbery in a house at Shotover Grange in all‬
‭details. For two weeks, he had been studying the house, its rooms, electric‬
‭wiring, paths and its garden.‬
‭ e also had definite information that two servants working there had gone‬
H
‭to movies. He saw them go. He came out from behind the garden wall. He‬
‭had packed his tools carefully in a bag on his back. He had seen the‬
‭housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on a hook outside. He put‬
‭on a pair of gloves, took the key and opened the house. He always put on a‬
‭pair of gloves before committing a theft. A magazine article had described‬
‭the house with all the rooms. It also mentioned that a painting hid a safe.‬
‭He collected all these details and made all preparations to make his latest‬
‭theft a complete success like the others.‬
‭ 4. How was Horace Danby arrested for the robbery of the jewels in a‬
1
‭house at Shotover Grange? Do you think his own foolishness was‬
‭responsible for his arrest? Give a reasoned answer.‬
‭ nswer: Horace Danby never acted recklessly in a hurry while committing‬
A
‭a theft. He robbed a safe every year. All his previous thefts had been‬
‭completely successful. Even to commit a theft in a house at Shotover‬
‭Grange, he made detailed and fool-proof preparations. However, he proved‬
‭a novice in comparison to the young lady in red. She, in a very confident‬
‭and convincing way, made him believe that she was the lady of the house.‬
‭She made him open the safe without the gloves and handover all the‬
‭jewels to her. She decamped with the jewels and Horace was arrested.‬
‭ y noon, a policeman arrested Horace for the jewel robbery at Shotover‬

B
‭Grange. He had opened the safe without wearing his gloves. He did‬
‭believe that he was opening the safe for the lady of the house. He pleaded‬
‭that the wife of the owner of the house had asked him to open the safe for‬
‭her. The real lady of the house appeared on the scene. She was not the‬
‭young lady in red but a grey-haired woman of sixty. She said that Horace’s‬
‭story was nonsense. Only then, Horace came to know that he was‬
‭outwitted by the lady in red who was also a thief like him.‬
‭Summary‬
‭The story,‬‭Madam Rides the Bus,‬‭illustrates the sensitive‬‭story of a young‬
‭eight-year-old Tamil girl Valliammai. Valli was always curious to explore the outside‬
‭world. She had no friends to play games with. So, her favourite pastime was to stand‬
‭in the doorway of her house and watch all that was happening on the street outside.‬
‭She would watch people get on and off the bus that travelled between her village‬
‭and the nearest town. The bus that was filled with a new set of passengers filled her‬
‭with a sense of unending joy. She had a strong urge to take a bus ride to explore the‬
‭adventurous bus journey. Hence, she collected information about the bus timings by‬
‭listening to the conversations of the people taking the bus ride. Soon she learnt that‬
‭the bus journey from her village to the nearest town was approximately six miles.‬
‭The bus fare costs thirty paise for a one-way ride. So, Valli started saving enough‬
‭money to take a ride on the bus.‬
‭Valli planned to travel on the bus during the afternoon when her mother would be‬
‭asleep. She stood on the roadside waiting for the bus. As the bus arrived, she told‬
‭the conductor she wanted to go to town. The conductor happened to be a jovial‬
‭person and referred to her as ‘madam’ and told her to hop into the bus and take her‬
‭seat. She got into her bus quickly and noticed that the bus was painted in green and‬
‭white colour stripes and looked brand new. The bus seats were luxurious, and the‬
‭ride was comfortable. During her journey, Valli enjoyed looking at the greenery‬
‭outside and the scenic natural beauty of the bus. She was thoroughly enjoying her‬
‭bus ride and was amused when she saw a young cow that ran wildly in front of the‬
‭bus and crossed the road. The driver blew the shrill horn as the cow crossed the‬
‭road. This was a fascinating experience for Valli as she realised her dream of‬
‭travelling on a bus had finally come true.‬
‭As Valli enjoyed watching the beautiful landscape outside, the bus started getting‬
‭empty as the passengers got down to their respective stops. Soon, the conductor‬
‭asked her if she would like to roam about the stalls in the town, but she told him that‬
‭she had limited money, which she needed to take the return bus ride. The conductor‬
‭casually smiled at her reply. Valli stayed on the bus and took a ticket from the‬
‭conductor to return to her village. As the bus started again, she noticed a dead cow‬
‭and realised that it was the same cow that had run wildly in front of her bus during‬
‭her onward journey to the town. Looking at the sight of the bleeding cow made her‬
‭very sad, and she understood the meaning of life and death from this incident. Soon,‬
‭the bus dropped her at the bus stop near her home, and she returned home just on‬
‭time. Thus, no one in her family knew about her adventurous bus trip that she had‬
‭taken all by herself without their knowledge.‬
‭Questions and Answers‬
‭ . Who was Valli?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli was eight years old village girl.‬

2
‭Answer:‬‭Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her‬
‭house, watching what was happening in the street outside.‬
‭ . How old was Valli?‬

3
‭Answer:‬‭Valli was eight years old.‬
‭ . Who did Valli live with?‬

4
‭Answer:‬‭Valli lived with her mother.‬
‭ . What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?‬

5
‭Answer:‬‭The sight of the bus. filled each time with‬‭a new set of passengers‬
‭was the most fascinating thing for Valli.‬
‭ . When would Valli be jealous?‬

6
‭Answer:‬‭Valli would be jealous when one of her friends‬‭described the sight‬
‭of the town to her.‬
‭ . What did Valli carefully listen to?‬
7
‭Answer:‬‭Valli carefully listened to conversations‬‭of her neighbours who‬
‭used the bus regularly.‬
‭ . How far was the town from the village?‬

8
‭Answer:‬‭It was at a distance of six miles.‬
‭ . What type of man as the bus conductor?‬

9
‭Answer:‬‭The bus conductor was a jolly and fun-loving‬‭type of person.‬
‭ 0. How much money did Valli save for the bus ride?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭She saved sixty paise for the bus ride.‬
‭ 1. What made Valli sad?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭The sight of the dead cow made Valli said.‬
‭ 2. What was Valli’s deepest desire?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli’s deepest desire was to have a bus ride‬‭to the town.‬
‭ 3. What does the bus conductor call Valli?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭The bus conductor calls her ‘madam’.‬
‭ 4. What did Valli buy from the town?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭She bought nothing from the town.‬
‭ 5. What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭The most fascinating thing for Valli was the‬‭bus that travelled‬
‭between and the nearest town.‬
‭ 6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli refused to look out of the window on‬‭her way back because‬
‭the memory of the dead cow haunted her, dampening her enthusiasm.‬
‭ 7. Why does Valli find information about the bus to the town?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli gathered information about the bus because‬‭she wanted to‬
‭take at least ride in the bus that was fascinating for her.‬
‭ 8. Why was the conductor of the bus amused while talking to Valli?‬
1
‭Answer:‬‭The conductor of the bus was a jolly person‬‭who was fond of‬
‭joking. Quote two instances to amused while talking to Valli who pretended‬
‭to be a grown person.‬
‭ 9. How did Valli manage to leave the house?‬

1
‭Answer:‬‭Valli knew that after lunch her mother would‬‭nap for about one to‬
‭four or so. It was Valli’s habit to engage these hours for her excursions and‬
‭move outside the village.‬
‭ 0. What type of person was the conductor?‬

2
‭Answer:‬‭the conductor was a very wise man and knew‬‭how to tackle and‬
‭talk with the passenger. He was fond of jokes and in his jolly tone‬
‭interrogated Valli many times.‬
‭1. How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow by the roadside?‬
A
‭the road. It was lying sprawled in a pool of blood, legs spread out, and‬
‭lifeless eyes staring a horrible scene. She felt sad and this made her lose all‬
‭the enthusiasm.‬
‭2.” Valli enjoyed each moment of her bus ride.”‬
‭ nswer:‬‭“Valli enjoyed each moment of her bus ride.”‬

A
‭-Valla devoured everything with her eyes.‬
‭-On viewing the outside view she sighed, “Oh, it was all so wonderful.‬
‭ . Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous‬
3
‭planner.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli was a meticulous planner. She listened carefully to the‬
A
‭bus and also asked discreet questions. She picked up various small details‬
‭about the bus journey and then planned it.‬
‭ . How can you say that the conductor was a good-natured jolly fellow?‬
4
‭Support your answer with examples.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The conductor was a fun-loving, jolly fellow.‬‭For instance-when‬

A
‭Valli refused his help to board the bus he said jokingly, “Don’t be angry with‬
‭me, fine madam… Everyone move aside please — make way for madam’.‬
‭ . What details did Valli pick up about the bus journey? How did she pick‬
5
‭up these details?‬
‭Or‬
‭What information did Valli collect for her first bus ride?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla gathered all the minute details about‬‭the bus journey. She‬
A
‭gathered that she required sixty paise to buy tickets for the up and down‬
‭journey and that the bus would take ninety minutes from the village to town‬
‭and back. She carefully listened to the conversations of the passengers‬
‭and villagers to get the details.‬
A
‭the road. It was lying sprawled in a pool of blood, legs spread out, lifeless‬
‭eyes staring—a horrible scene. She felt sad.‬
‭ . What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest‬
7
‭desire?‬
‭Or‬
‭What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli’s source of unending joy was to have‬‭a bus ride. That was her‬
A
‭tiny wish which grew into a strong desire with the passage of time. Her‬
‭ esire turned into longing as she wistfully stared at the faces of the‬
d
‭passengers who got on or off the bus.‬

8
‭Or‬
‭Valla was an eight-year-old girl who was very curious about things. What‬
‭was her favourite Pastime?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Vales favourite pastime was to stand in the‬‭front doorway of her‬

A
‭house. She did not play like most other children because there were no‬
‭playmates of her age on her street. Watching the street also gave her many‬
‭unusual experiences which were equally enjoyable.‬
‭ . Give two reasons why Valli found the elderly woman on the bus,‬
9
‭repulsive.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla did not want to make friends with the‬‭elderly woman‬

A
‭because she found her repulsive as she had big holes in her earlobes and‬
‭was wearing ugly earrings. She could the betel nut the woman was‬
‭chewing.‬
‭10. Why did Valli not get off the bus when it stopped at the bus stand?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Vales sole purpose was to enjoy the bus ride.‬‭She neither had the‬
A
‭money to buy anything from the shops at the town nor the courage to get‬
‭down at the strange among at rangers.‬
‭11. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The conductor was worldly wise and a man of‬‭jovial nature. He‬
A
‭judges the little girl ’s innocent behaviour. Being fun to love and also not to‬
‭make the girl unhappy, he calls Valla as ‘Madam’, though she was a girl of‬
‭eight years only.‬
‭12. Write down the conductor’s advice to Valli?‬

‭ nswer:‬‭Calling Valli a child. the conductor requested her to sit down. It will‬
A
‭make her comfortable. Standing up, again and again, can make her fall and‬
‭get hurt because the bus can make a sharp turn.‬
‭13. What did Valli calculate and plan?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli calculated and planned that if she took‬‭one o’clock on the‬

A
‭afternoon bus. she would reach the town at one forty-five. On reaching‬
‭town if she stayed in her scat and paid another thirty paise she could return‬
‭home by the same bus by about two forty-five.‬
‭ 4. What did Valli’s mother say about the things happening without our‬
1
‭knowledge?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli’s mother said that so many things happen‬‭amidst us and in‬

A
‭the world outside. We cannot know about everything. Even when we know‬
‭about something we often can’t understand it completely.‬
‭15. What was the favourite pastime of Valli?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valliammai or Valli was eight years old. Her‬‭favourite pastime was‬

A
‭standing in the front doorway of her house. From there, she watched what‬
‭was happening in the street outside. For her, standing at the front door was‬
‭as enjoyable as any of the games other children played.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The most fascinating thing for Valli was the‬‭bus that travelled‬
A
‭between her village and the nearest town. The sight of the bus was a‬
‭source of unending joy for her. Each time she used to see a new set of‬
‭passengers, it was a very thrilling experience for her.‬
‭17. What was the tiny wish that crept into Valli’s head?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The sight of the bus was the most fascinating thing for Valli. Day‬
A
‭after day she watched the bus. A tiny wish crept into her head. She wanted‬
‭to ride on that bus. At least, once. This wish became so strong that it grew‬
‭into an overwhelming desire.‬
‭18. Why did Valli listen to the conversations? What did she get from them?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli was anxious to know more and more about‬‭the bus journey.‬
A
‭She had nourished a strong desire to enjoy a bus ride from her village to the‬
‭nearest town. She listened to the neighbours and people who regularly‬
‭used the bus. She was collecting the necessary details from them to plan‬
‭out her bus journey. Such details could help her in her mission.‬
‭19. How did Valli calculate and plan the bus journey?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli had gathered all the necessary details‬‭about the bus journey‬
A
‭from those who regularly used the bus. The town was six miles from her‬
‭village. The one-way fare was thirty paise. The trip to the town took‬
‭forty-five minutes. If she took the one o’clock bus, she could reach the town‬
‭at one forty-five. She calculated that she could be back home by about two‬
‭forty-five.‬
‭20. How did Valli board the bus? Why did she say, ‘I can get on by myself’‬
‭ nswer:‬‭When Valli sighted the bus she shouted ‘Stop‬‭the bus! Stop the‬
A
‭bus!’ She raised her tiny hand ‘commandingly’. The bus slowed down and‬
‭finally stopped. She told the conductor that she wanted to go to the town‬
‭and she tried to hand over the money. The conductor, seeing that she was‬
‭just a child, stretched out his hand to help her up. Valli replied that she‬
‭could get on by herself and didn’t need any help.‬
‭21. Why was Valli overcome with shyness and avoided everyone’s eyes?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭It was the slack time of the day. There were‬‭only six or seven‬
A
‭passengers on the bus. They were all looking at Valli and laughing with the‬
‭ onductor. Valli was overcome with shyness. She tried to avoid everyone’s‬
c
‭eyes. She walked quickly to an empty seat and sat down.‬
‭22. What did Valli see when she peered over the blind?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli found that a canvas blind cut off her‬‭view. So, she peered over‬
A
‭the blind to look outside. The bus was going along the bank of a canal.‬
‭Beyond its palm trees and grassland and distant mountains. And then,‬
‭there were acres of green fields as far as her eyes could see.‬
‭ 3. Why didn’t Valli like the remark of the elderly man? What did she say to‬
2
‭him?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭An elderly man saw Valli standing on the bus‬‭He asked her to sit‬
A
‭down. He had honestly felt concerned for her. Valli didn’t like to be called‬
‭herself a ‘child’. She retorted that she was not a child. She had paid thirty‬
‭paise like everyone else.‬
‭ 4. How did Valli react when the conductor called her “a very grown-up‬
2
‭madam?”‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The bus conductor teased Valli by calling‬‭her ‘a very grown-up‬

A
‭madam’. Valli reacted sharply saying that she was not a madam. She‬
‭reminded him that he had not yet given her ticket. The conductor mimicked‬
‭her tone and said, ‘I’ll remember.’ Everyone laughed and gradually Valli too‬
‭joined in the laughter.‬
‭25. Why did Valli find the elderly woman absolutely repulsive?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The elderly woman who was sitting beside Valli‬‭in the bus looked‬
A
‭absolutely repulsive to Valli. She had big holes in her ears and had ugly‬
‭earrings in them. She didn’t relish the smell of the betel nut that she was‬
‭chewing. The beetlejuice was about to spill over her lips at any moment.‬
‭She couldn’t be social with such a woman.‬
‭ 6. How careful and painstaking elaborate plans did Valli have to make for‬
2
‭her first journey and how did she save money for it?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli had to make careful and painstaking‬‭plans for her first bus‬
A
‭journey. Saving sixty paise for both ways fare was not an easy job. She‬
‭saved thriftily every stray coin that came in her way. She had to give up the‬
‭temptation of buying peppermints, toys and balloons and stifle her desire to‬
‭ride on the merry-go-round.‬
‭27. What was the next problem after Valli had enough money?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭After she had saved enough money, Valli had‬‭her next problem. It‬
A
‭was how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge. She‬
‭solved this problem easily. Every day after lunch her mother would nap‬
‭from about one to four or so. She could easily venture out on her mission.‬
‭28. Why did Valli laugh until there were tears in her eyes?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli saw a young cow running very fast in‬‭the middle of the road.‬
A
‭It was right in front of the bus. The bus slowed down to a crawl. The driver‬
‭sounded the horn loudly again and again. But more he honked, the more‬
‭frightened the animal became and galloped right in front of the bus. Valli‬
‭laughed until there were tears in her eyes.‬
‭29. Why didn’t Valli get off the bus when the bus stopped at the town?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli’s destination, the nearest town from‬‭her village, had come.‬

A
‭Everyone got off except Valli. The conductor reminded that her destination‬
‭had come and she should get off the bus. Valli told that she was going‬
‭back on the same bus. She handed thirty more coins to the conductor and‬
‭asked for the ticket. She just felt like having a bus ride again.‬
‭30. Why didn’t Valli want to have a look at the sights alone?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The conductor asked if Valli didn’t want to have a look at the sights‬
A
‭in the town. She replied that she would be too afraid to visit them all alone.‬
‭The conductor reminded that she was travelling all alone by bus. Valli‬
‭replied that there was nothing to be afraid of in the bus.‬
‭ 1. Why didn’t Valli accept a free drink from the bus conductor? What does‬
3
‭this act show about her character?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The bus conductor asked Valli to let him bring‬‭her a cold drink. She‬
A
‭replied that she didn’t have enough money for that. He should just give him‬
‭her ticket. The conductor offered to give it totally free. She said firmly,‬
‭‘Please, no.’ This shows how proud and self-respecting Valli was.‬
‭32. What dampened Valli’s enthusiasm during the return journey?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭During her return journey, Valli saw a young‬‭cow lying dead by the‬
A
‭side of the road. She was the same lovable and beautiful cow that she saw‬
‭only a little while ago. Now, it looked so horrible and frightening as it lay‬
‭there. There was a fixed stare in her lifeless eyes and she was smeared‬
‭with blood. The sight dampened her enthusiasm and she stopped looking‬
‭outside.‬
‭33. Did Valli’s bus ride remain a secret for her mother and aunt?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭When Valli entered her house, she found her‬‭mother awake and‬
A
‭talking to one of her aunts. Her aunt was a real chatterbox. She asked‬
‭where she had been so far. Valli’s mother spoke casually. She didn’t expect‬
‭a reply. Both these ladies could know nothing about Valli’s pleasure ride on‬
‭the bus.‬
‭ 4. Why did Valli smile to herself? Did her mother and aunt had any‬
3
‭chance of knowing the secret of her smile?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli agreed with her mother that many things‬‭were happening‬

A
‭outside in the world without their knowledge. Ironically, the two ladies didn’t‬
‭know anything about Valli’s bus-journey. They didn’t know that `just a chit of‬
‭ girl’ had done such a great feat. Valli smiled to herself. There was no‬
a
‭chance of her secret being exposed.‬
‭1. Write a character sketch of Valla.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla was an eight-year-old girl born in a‬‭small village. However,‬

A
‭she was a very curious girl. She spent her time standing in the front‬
‭doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.‬
‭Watching the street gave her many new and unusual experiences. Her‬
‭curiosity about travelling on the bus to the town urged her on to plan her‬
‭trip. She was very meticulous in planning for the trip. She calculated the‬
‭distance between her home and the town, the time it took for a trip up and‬
‭down by bus etc. Valla also proved to be very impressive and bold by finally‬
‭deciding to ride on the bus. Her childish innocence veiled by her smart and‬
‭bold outlook amused the conductor who offered her a seat in the bus.‬
‭ alla thoroughly enjoyed her ride to the town, and laughed and clapped‬
V
‭when the young cow ran in the middle of the road in front of the bus. But‬
‭her enjoyable bus ride became a nightmare on her return journey. She saw‬
‭the same cow lying dead on the road. This sight haunted her, dampened her‬
‭spirits, and saddened her. This is typical of the tendency of a matured‬
‭person. She refused to look out of the window thereafter. Valla, on the‬
‭whole, can be described as a curious, joyful, disciplined, smart, bold, and at‬
‭the same time, a mature girl.‬
‭ .” Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself.” “You don’t have to help‬
2
‭me,” said Valla to the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage in‬
‭making the bus journey all alone. Taking inspiration from Valla’s character,‬
‭write how the ability and courage to take risks are essential to fulfilling‬
‭one’s dream.‬
‭Or‬
‭Valla nurtures a strong desire to travel by bus and visit the city. She works‬
‭hard for it and finally, she is successful. Based on this incident, analyze‬
‭what values of life do you need to nurture to attain your goals in life?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla is an eight-year-old village girl. She is fascinated by the bus‬
A
‭that comes to the village every hour. She develops a desire and then a‬
‭longing turning into a firm determination to ride the bus. She meticulously‬
‭plans for it and saves money for the bus journey. Then she boards the bus‬
‭without anyone’s help. She travels all alone, confidently and independently‬
‭and finally returns home successfully. Her self-dependence and‬
‭self-respecting nature help her to nurture her goal. She enjoys her journey.‬
‭Similarly, to achieve goals in life, we need to have such values in us. One‬
‭should be confident and self-dependent. Proper planning and strong‬
‭determination will lead to success. Enthusiasm and excitement to achieve‬
‭the goal are also needed to nurture our goals in life.‬
‭ . Valli was so overcome with sadness to see the dead cow that she lost‬
3
‭all enthusiasm. Do you feel the same way? If you feel concerned about the‬
‭plight of animals falling prey to the fast-moving traffic, what efforts will‬
‭you make to make travelling on roads a safer activity?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭While going to town, Valla saw a cow running‬‭in the middle of the‬
A
‭road in front of the bus. The more the driver honked the horn, the faster it‬
‭galloped. Valla laughed to see that. On her return journey, Valla saw the‬
‭same cow, lying sprawled in a pool of blood, with legs spread out, and‬
‭lifeless eyes, staring. It saddened her making her lose all enthusiasm.‬
I‭ also feel the same when I see animals falling prey to the fast-moving‬
‭traffic. We should take some serious steps to make road travel safer. Firstly,‬
‭stray animals should be kept away from busy roads. Proper shelters should‬
‭be made for them. Secondly, traffic laws should be implemented strictly.‬
‭Whosoever violates the traffic rules must be penalized with fines,‬
‭punishments and other legal provisions as and when required. Rash driving‬
‭must be kept under a check. If an animal falls prey to a road accident, it‬
‭must be rushed to the animals’ hospital immediately.‬
‭ . How did Valla save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?‬
4
‭Justify.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla’s sole purpose was to enjoy the bus ride. She neither had the‬
A
‭money nor much information about the ride. But her desire made her‬
‭collect every minute detail about it. She gathered that she required sixty‬
‭paise to buy tickets for the up and down journey. She collected every stray‬
‭penny. She resisted the temptation to buy peppermint, toys, even a joy-ride‬
‭at the merry-go-round. Thus she saved 60 paise to buy tickets for the bus‬
‭ride.‬
‭No, it was not easy for a young child of eight years. This act of her reflects‬
‭that she has the qualities of self-restraint, discipline, determination and‬
‭maturity rare for her age.‬
‭ . Justify the statement with instances that Valla was a mature girl and‬
5
‭ahead of her age?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla was an eight-year-old village girl.‬‭She had no playmates. Her‬

A
‭favourite pastime was to stand at the doorstep and watch things and‬
‭people. She not only satisfied her curiosity but also gained new‬
‭experiences. Her strongest desire was to make a bus-ride. She‬
‭meticulously planned for it — gathered information about the distance, time‬
‭and ticket money. Showing self-restraint, she resisted the temptation to buy‬
‭peppermint, toys or a ride on the merry-go-round in order to save 60 paise‬
‭for the bus journey. She boarded the bus without anyone’s help, refused a‬
‭free treat by the conductor and didn’t talk to strangers. This shows her‬
‭commanding, confident and self-dependent nature. This also shows her‬
‭determination and maturity at such a little age.‬
‭ . Valla’s journey to the city is also her induction into the mystery of life‬
6
‭and death. Elaborate.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valla gets introduced to the mystery of life‬‭and death on her first‬

A
‭bus journey in the outside world. She was wonderstruck and enjoyed the‬
‭beauty of the outside world. She clapped, laughed and enjoyed when she‬
‭saw a young cow running in the middle of the road in front of the bus. The‬
‭driver sounded the horn to warn it but the more he honked, the faster it‬
‭galloped. Valla found it funny and amusing. She laughed till tears came into‬
‭her eyes. On her way back, she saw the same cow lying dead on the road.‬
‭ ome fast speeding vehicles must have hit it. It was a horrible sight. It‬
S
‭looked quite frightening. It was lying their legs spread out, a fixed stare in‬
‭its lifeless eyes and blood around it. The image of the dead cow haunted‬
‭her, dampening her spirits and making her sad.‬
‭7. Who was Valli? What was her overwhelming desire?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli was an eight-year-old girl. She was‬‭a curious girt. She wanted‬
A
‭to know many things. She did not have playmates of her own age. Her‬
‭favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house to see‬
‭what was happening outside. The most fascinating thing of all was the bus‬
‭that passed through the street each hour. The bus travelled between her‬
‭village and the nearest town. The sight of the bus was a source of unending‬
‭joy for Valli. It was a great joy for her to watch new sets of passengers‬
‭every time the bus passed through the street. As she watched the bus day‬
‭after day, she developed a wish to have a ride on that bus. Her wish‬
‭became stronger and stronger until it was an overwhelming desire‬
‭8. How did Valli plan to have a bus ride?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli carefully listened to the conversations‬‭between her‬

A
‭neighbours and people who had travelled on the bus or who regularly used‬
‭it. She asked some casual questions also. She came to know that the town‬
‭was six miles away from her village. It took forty-five minutes to reach‬
‭there. The fare was thirty paise for one way. Valli planned her journey to the‬
‭town and back. It would be her first journey out of her village. She saved‬
‭every paisa by resisting her desire to buy ice cream, toys, balloons, etc. She‬
‭had also killed her desire to visit the village fair and have a ride on the‬
‭merry-go-round. When she had saved sixty paise, she was ready for 1111‬
‭first bus journey. Then she planned how she would slip out of the house.‬
‭She knew that her mother slept dal after lunch. She decided to use these‬
‭hours for her journey.‬
‭9. What did Valli notice after she boarded the bus?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli looked around in the bus. It had a soft and comfortable seat.‬
A
‭It had a beautiful clock above the windscreen. The overhead bars shone‬
‭like silver. Then she tried to look outside. She found her view cut off by a‬
‭curtain that covered the lower part of her window. So she stood on her scat‬
‭to enjoy the outside scene. The bus was going along the bank of a canal.‬
‭She saw palm trees, mountains and the blue sky. On the other side, there‬
‭were green fields. Suddenly an elderly man warned Valli not to stand on the‬
‭seat. He called her a child and said that she could fall and get hurt. But Valli‬
‭did not care for him. She told him proudly that she was not a ‘child’. She‬
‭had paid the full fare like the others. The conductor told the man that Valli‬
‭was a grown-up madam. Valli looked at the conductor angrily and said that‬
‭she was not a madam.‬
‭10. Describe Valli’s return journey.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The bus resumed its return journey. There‬‭were the same‬

A
‭wonderful sights. Valli enjoyed the scene again. But suddenly she saw a‬
‭young cow lying dead, by the roadside. It had been struck by a fast-moving‬
‭vehicle. She asked the conductor if it was the same cow they saw earlier.‬
‭The conductor nodded. Valli became sad. It had been a lovable, beautiful‬
‭creature just a little while ago. But now the cow was without its charm and‬
‭its life. The bus moved on. The memory of the dead cow haunted Valli. She‬
‭no longer wanted to see out of the window. She kept sitting on her seat‬
‭until her village came. She got down and wished the conductor to see him‬
‭again. The conductor smiled. He told Valli that whenever she felt like riding‬
‭the bus she could come and join them.‬
‭11. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭On her way to the town, Valli laughed heartily‬‭to see a young cow‬
A
‭running at high speed in the middle of the road just in front of their bus. But‬
‭on her way back, she saw a young cow lying dead near the road. She asked‬
‭the bus conductor if it was the same cow that was running in front of the‬
‭bus. The bus conductor nodded. She was shocked and sad. So she refuses‬
‭to look out of the window on her way back because what was so beautiful a‬
l‭ittle while ago now looked so horrible. The memory of the dead cow‬
‭haunts her. It dampens her enthusiasm.‬
‭ 2. What was Valli’s obsession? How did she prepare and save money for‬
1
‭her first bus journey? Or How did Valli plan for her first bus journey?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The most fascinating sight for Valli was seeing‬‭the bus that‬
A
‭travelled from her village to the nearest town. A tiny wish crept into her‬
‭head. She wanted to ride on that bus, at least for once. This wish became‬
‭stronger until it was an overwhelming desire. She listened to the‬
‭conversations of her neighbours and people. They regularly used the bus.‬
‭She found out after questioning them that both ways fare was sixty paise. It‬
‭took forty-five minutes to reach the town. It was six miles from her village.‬
‭ fter gathering all the necessary details, Valli started saving money thriftily.‬
A
‭She saved every coin that came her way. It was not an easy job for a girl of‬
‭eight years. She had to resist the temptation of buying peppermints, toys,‬
‭balloons and having a ride on the merry-go-round. When the money‬
‭problem was solved, another problem was solved quite easily. She planned‬
‭her journey during one to four o’clock when her mother took a nap in the‬
‭afternoon. All such elaborate planning led Valli to have an enjoyable and‬
‭smooth her first bus journey.‬
‭ 3. Describe what Valli saw during her bus journey. How did the scenes‬
1
‭and sights affect her?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli was really excited. After all, it was‬‭her first bus journey. She‬
A
‭‘devoured’ everything with her eyes. When she started to look outside, her‬
‭view was cut off by a canvas blind. She stood up on the seat and peered‬
‭over the blind. She watched the bus passing along the bank of a canal. She‬
‭saw palm trees, grasslands, distant mountains and the vast blue sky. Acres‬
‭of green fields stretched out as far as her eyes could see the bus went past‬
‭the railway station, the bright-looking shops and through the busy‬
‭crossroads. One funny scene cheered her. A young cow ran in front of the‬
‭bus. She was just in the middle of the road. The more the driver honked, the‬
‭more frightened the cow became. Valli laughed till tears were in her eyes.‬
‭ owever, another sight dampened her enthusiasm. The same cow which‬
H
‭looked so lovable and beautiful a while ago was lying dead beside the road.‬
‭A fast-running vehicle had struck her dead. Now, the same cow was looking‬
‭so horrible and frightening that Valli stopped looking outside. In short, the‬
‭canal, mountains, palms, grasslands and the blue sky enthused and thrilled‬
‭Valli. But, the repulsive elderly woman chewing the betel nut and the dead‬
‭cow dampened her enthusiasm during the journey.‬
‭14. What did standing at the front door means to Valli?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valliammai or Valli was just ‘a chit of a‬‭girl’. She was eight years‬
A
‭old. She was very curious about things. She was always anxious to gather‬
‭all the details, why and how about things. She was not very social either.‬
‭She had no playmates of her own age in her neighbourhood. Naturally, she‬
‭could not play games with friends. But, she more than compensated this‬
‭drawback. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her‬
‭house. standing there, she could watch what was happening in the street‬
‭outside.‬
‭ ut for Valli, standing at the front door was very enjoyable. Actually, it was‬
B
‭as enjoyable as any of the games other children played. Watching the street‬
‭gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating of all these‬
‭scenes was the scene of the bus that travelled between her village and the‬
‭nearest town. Seeing a new set of passengers every time, she also wished‬
‭to have the bus ride, at least for once.‬
‭ 5. Do you think that Valli enjoyed her first ride on a bus? Give examples‬
1
‭in support of your answer.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭It was Valli’s first bus ride. Naturally,‬‭she was full of excitement‬
A
‭and enthusiasm. She devoured everything with her eyes. She stood up on‬
‭the seat to have a full view of things outside. The bus was going along the‬
‭bank of a canal. Beyond it, there were palms, grasslands and distant‬
‭mountains. On the other side, there was a deep ditch. And then acres upon‬
‭across of green field stretched out as far as the eye could see.‬
‭ he bus went past the railway station, the bright-looking shops and‬
T
‭glittering displays of clothes and other merchandise in them. Suddenly, Valli‬
‭clapped her hands with glee. She saw a young cow with her raised tail in‬
‭the air running very fast just in the middle of the road. The driver sounded‬
‭his horn loudly again and again. But the more he honked, the more‬
‭frightened the cow became. Faster it galloped—always right in front of the‬
‭bus. This was very funny to Valli. She laughed and laughed until there were‬
‭tears in her eyes.‬
‭ 6. Describe Valli’s interaction with (i) the conductor (ii) with the old‬
1
‭gentleman (iii) with the elderly repulsive woman.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭The conductor was a jolly sort of person.‬‭He was fond of joking.‬

A
‭He enjoyed teasing Valli with his gentle comic remarks. He called her‬
‭‘madam’. Valli reacted sharply replying that she was not a ‘madam’. The‬
‭conductor showed his concern when he tried to help her up, she told him‬
‭that she could help herself. Valli showed that she was a self-respecting girl.‬
‭She politely refused to accept a free drink from the conductor.‬
‭ he Old gentleman was honestly concerned when he saw Valli standing in‬
T
‭the bus. Listen, child … you shouldn’t stand like that’, he said. Valli was‬
‭annoyed by his attention and replied promptly that she was not a child. She‬
‭had paid her thirty paise like everyone else. The elderly woman who sat‬
‭beside her was quite repulsive to Valli. She didn’t like the big holes in her‬
‭ears and the ugly earrings in them. Nor did Valli relish the unpleasant smell‬
‭that came from the betel nut she was chewing. She couldn’t be social with‬
‭such a person.‬
‭ 7. Give a character-sketch of Valli in your own words by giving examples‬

1
‭from the text.‬
‭ nswer:‬‭Valli emerges as a very clever, sensitive,‬‭self-respecting and‬

A
‭fun-loving girl. She was just eight years old. She was very curious about‬
‭things. She was a good observer of things. Her favourite pastime was‬
‭standing in the front doorway of her house. She used to watch from there‬
‭what was happening in the street outside. There were no playmates of her‬
‭ wn age in the neighbourhood. Standing at the door was as enjoyable for‬
o
‭her as any of the games children played.‬
‭ alli was mature, clever and practical beyond her years. Saving sixty paise‬
V
‭was not an easy job for a girl of her age. She thriftily saved every coin that‬
‭came in her way. She was determined to resist any temptation that came in‬
‭her way. She sacrificed buying peppermints, toys, balloons and having a joy‬
‭ride on a merry-go-round to save her money. Valli was full of excitement‬
‭and enthusiasm. She enjoyed the landscape looking outside the window.‬
‭The canal, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains and green fields gave‬
‭her tremendous pleasure. The sight of a young cow running towards the‬
‭bus at full speed enthused her. The more the driver honked, the more‬
‭frightened the animal became and came just in front of the bus. Valli‬
‭enjoyed the fun and laughed till the tears came into her eyes.‬
‭ alli was a very sensitive girl. She was shocked to see the same cow lying‬
V
‭on the roadside smeared with blood. Her horrible and frightening looks‬
‭dampened her enthusiasm. She stopped looking outside. Valli didn’t like‬
‭being called a ‘madam’ or ‘a child’. She dared the conductor to mind his‬
‭own business. Valli was a self-respecting girl. She didn’t accept a free cold‬
‭drink offered by the bus conductor. She was a great planner and planned‬
‭things after knowing all the necessary details about them.‬
R
‭follow:‬
‭ uestion 1:‬‭Suddenly she was startled by a voice.‬‭“Listen, child,” said the‬

Q
‭voice, “you shouldn’t stand like that. Sit down.”‬
‭ . Who was ‘she’ and whose voice was it?‬

a
‭b. Why wasn’t she sitting?‬
‭c. What does Valli see?‬
‭d. What was Valli’s reaction when she was called a ‘child’ by an elderly‬
‭person?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭a. She was Valli. The voice was that of an elderly man who was‬
A
‭concerned about Valli standing on the window seat.‬
‭ . As she sat on the seat, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that‬
b
‭covered the lower part of the window. So she stood up on the seat.‬
‭c. Valli sees the camel, green fields, palm trees, etc. with her own eyes.‬
‭d. She was annoyed rather angry at the elderly person.‬
‭ uestion 2:‬‭‘Listen, child,” said the voice, “you‬‭shouldn’t stand like that. Sit‬
Q
‭down.” Sitting down, she looked to see who had spoken. It was an elderly‬
‭man who had honestly been concerned for her, but she was annoyed by his‬
‭attention. “There’s nobody here who’s a child,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid‬
‭my thirty paise like everyone else.”‬
‭ . Who is the child mentioned in the passage?‬

a
‭b. How did the girl prove to the elderly man that she was not a child?‬
‭c. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?‬
‭d. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. Valli is the child mentioned in the passage.‬
‭ . She said that she had paid thirty paise like every other passenger and‬
b
‭was not a child.‬
‭c. Valli didn’t like the physical appearance of the elderly woman.‬
‭ . Valli told him that she was not a child as she had paid the same amount‬
d
‭of the bus ticket as everyone else had paid.‬
‭ uestion 3:‬‭Valli wasn’t bored in the slightest and‬‭greeted everything with‬

Q
‭the same excitement she’d felt the first time. But suddenly she saw a young‬
‭cow lying dead by the roadside, just where it had been struck by some‬
‭fast-moving vehicle.‬
‭ . While Valli was going back home, she saw something that changed her‬
a
‭mood. What was it?‬
‭b. How had the young cow met with this destiny?‬
‭c. What made Valli sad and depressed on her journey back to the village?‬
‭d. What kind of a person is Valli?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. She saw a cow lying dead by the roadside.‬
‭b. It had been struck by some fast-moving vehicle.‬
‭ . On her return journey, Valli saw a dead cow lying in the middle of the‬
c
‭road.‬
‭ . Valli was a kind, compassionate, self-confident, nature-loving and friendly‬

d
‭girl.‬
‭ uestion 4:‬‭The conductor nodded, and she was overcome‬‭with sadness.‬

Q
‭What had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little while ago had now‬
‭suddenly lost its charm and its life and looked so horrible, so frightening as‬
‭it lay there, legs spreadeagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes, blood all‬
‭over…‬
‭ . Why is ‘she’ overcome with sadness?‬

a
‭b. What had happened to the creature?‬
‭c. Why is she so sad?‬
‭d. When did she see the cow earlier?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. She had just seen a young cow dead.‬
‭b. It had been struck by a fast-moving vehicle.‬
‭ . The cow that was full of joy and life a while ago, is lying dead-looking‬
c
‭horrible.‬
‭d. She saw the cow earlier while going from her village on her bus journey.‬
‭ uestion 5:‬‭Over many days and months Valli listened carefully to‬
Q
‭bus, and she also asked a few discreet questions here and there. This way‬
‭she picked up various small details about the bus journey. The town was‬
‭six miles from her village. The fare was thirty paise one way —“which is‬
‭almost nothing at all.”‬
‭ . What conclusion was made by Valli on the basis of information?‬

a
‭b. What were the sources of information for her?‬
‭c. Whose conversations did Valli listen to?‬
‭d. What information did she want to get?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭a. The town was six miles from her village‬‭and the fare was thirty‬
A
‭paise one way.‬
‭ . Neighbours and people who regularly travelled by bus were the sources‬
b
‭of information.‬
‭ . Conversations between the neighbours and people who regularly used‬

c
‭the bus‬
‭ . She wanted to get all the details about the bus journey including the‬
d
‭distance from the town, the fare and the total time required to reach the‬
‭town and come back to the village, when the bus drove back after having‬
‭stopped in the town for some time.‬
‭ uestion 6:‬‭After she had enough money saved, her‬‭next problem was how‬
Q
‭to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge. But she managed‬
‭this without too much difficulty. Every day after lunch her mother would nap‬
‭from about one to four or so. Valli always used these hours for her‬
‭‘excursions’ as she stood looking from the doorway of her house or‬
‭sometimes even ventured out into the village; today, these same hours‬
‭could be used for her first excursion outside the village.‬
‭ . Who does ‘she’ refer to in the passage?‬

a
‭b. What was her new problem after saving enough money for her bus ride?‬
‭ . When did Valli plan to slip out of the house without her mother’s‬
c
‭knowledge?‬
‭d. What did Valli normally use to do when her mother had her daily nap?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. ‘She’ refers to Valli.‬
‭ . The new problem was how to escape without her mother’s knowledge for‬
b
‭the bus ride.‬
‭ . Valli planned to slip out of the house when her mother would be having‬
c
‭her afternoon nap which was normally from 1 to 4 p.m.‬
‭d. Valli used to go to the village for other excursions.‬
‭ uestion 7:‬‭But for Valli, standing at the front door‬‭was every bit as‬
Q
‭enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching‬
‭the street gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating‬
‭thing of all was the bus that travelled between her and the nearest town. It‬
‭passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once‬
‭coming back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of‬
‭passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli.‬

a
‭b. Why did she watch the street?‬
‭c. What was the source of unending joy for Valli?‬
‭d. What gave Valli new unusual experiences?‬
‭ nswer:‬‭a. Standing at the door, and watching the‬‭street was Valli’s‬

A
‭favourite pastime.‬
‭ . She watched the streets because it gave her many new unusual‬
b
‭experiences.‬
‭ . The source of unending joy for Valli was to watch the bus and the people‬
c
‭going on the bus.‬
‭d. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences.‬
‭ uestion 8:‬‭Her first journey—what careful, painstaking,‬‭elaborate plans she‬

Q
‭had to make for it. She had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her‬
‭way, resisting every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and the‬
‭like, and finally she had saved a total of sixty paise. How difficult it had‬
‭been, particularly that day at the village fair, but she had resolutely stifled a‬
‭strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, even though she had the money.‬
‭ . Who does ‘her’ refer to in the passage?‬

a
‭b. Where was her first journey made to?‬
‭c. What did she do to make it a reality?‬
‭d. How did she save the money for the bus fare?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. ‘Her’ refers to Valli.‬
‭b. Her first journey was made to the town.‬
‭c. She made careful, painstaking and detailed plans to make it a reality.‬
‭ . She thriftily saved every penny, resisted temptation to buy things for her‬
d
‭liking or taking a ride on the merry-go-round.‬
‭ uestion 9:‬‭But suddenly she saw a young cow lying‬‭dead by the roadside,‬
Q
‭just where it had been struck by some fast-moving vehicle. “Isn’t that the‬
‭same cow that ran in front of the bus on our trip to town?” she asked the‬
‭conductor. The conductor nodded, and she was overcome with sadness.‬
‭ . Whom does ‘she’ refer to?‬

a
‭b. How does the presence of the cow affect her mood during her return‬
‭journey?‬
‭c. What kind of a person is Valli?‬
‭d. When was Valli overcome with sadness?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. ‘She’ refers to Valli, an eight-year-old‬‭girl.‬

‭b. She was sad and sat quietly after seeing the dead cow.‬
‭ . She is a kind and sensitive girl. Her spirits are dampened and she‬
c
‭becomes sad to see a dead cow.‬
‭ . When the conductor nodded in support of her query, Valli was overcome‬
d
‭with sadness.‬
‭ uestion 10:‬‭The bus rolled on now cutting across‬‭a bare landscape, now‬
Q
‭rushing through a tiny hamlet or past an odd wayside shop. Sometimes the‬
‭bus seemed on a point of gobbling up another vehicle that was coming‬
‭towards them or a pedestrian crossing the road. But lo! somehow it passed‬
‭on smoothly, leaving all obstacles safely behind. Trees came running‬
‭towards them but then stopped as the bus reached them and simply stood‬
‭there helpless for a moment by the side of the road before rushing away in‬
‭the other direction.‬
‭ . Where was the bus going?‬

a
‭b. What was the speed of the bus?‬
‭c. How did trees look to Valli from the running bus?‬
‭d. What trait of Valli’s character is reflected through the way she‬
‭successfully planned her journey?‬
‭Answer:‬‭a. The bus was going to the town.‬
‭b. The bus was going very fast.‬
‭ . Trees seemed running towards them but then stopped as the bus‬
c
‭reached them and stood there helpless by the side of the road.‬
‭ . The meticulous way with which Valli planned her bus journey reflects her‬
d
‭management quality.‬

R
‭follow.‬
‭ uestion 1:‬‭There was a girl named Valliammai who‬‭was called Valli for‬
Q
‭short. She was eight years old and very curious about things. Her favourite‬
‭pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what‬
‭was happening in the street outside. There were no playmates of her own‬
‭age on her street, and this was about all she had to do.‬
‭ . How did Valli pass her time?‬

a
‭b. Write one personality trait of Valli from the above extract.‬
‭c. Who is the girl referred to in the passage?‬
‭d. What did she do in the doorway of her house?‬
‭ uestion 2:‬‭Valli devoured everything with her eyes.‬‭But when she started‬
Q
‭to look outside, she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered‬
‭the lower part of her window. So she stood up on the seat and peered over‬
‭the blind. The bus was now going along the bank of a canal and beyond it,‬
‭palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue, blue sky.‬
‭ . Is Valli travelling to some definite place?‬

a
‭b. Why does Valli stand on her seat?‬
‭c. Why could Valli not enjoy the outside scene?‬
‭d. Which trait of Valli’s character is reflected in this passage?‬
‭ . What details did Valli pick up about the bus journey? How did she pick up‬
1
‭these details?‬
‭4. Valli was an eight-year-old girl who was very curious about things. What‬
‭was her favourite pastime?‬
‭5. What did Valli’s mother say about the things happening without our‬
‭knowledge?‬
‭ . How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?‬
1
‭Justify.‬
‭2. Justify the statement with instances that Valli was a mature girl and‬
‭ahead of her age.‬
‭3. Describe Valli’s return journey‬
‭Mijbil the Otter‬
‭Summary‬
‭The story,‬‭Mijbil the Otter‬‭, begins with the writer,‬‭Gavin Maxwell, who was‬
‭travelling to Basra with his friend to the Consulate-General to collect and‬
‭answer their mail from Europe. During their journey, Maxwell expressed his‬
‭desire to keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog, as he felt very lonely after‬
‭losing his pet dog earlier. His friend suggested he get an otter from the Tigris‬
‭marshes in Iraq. When they reached the destination, his friend received the‬
‭mail immediately, while Maxwell had to wait for a few more days to receive his‬
‭mail. Once he received the mail, he took the sack that was brought by two‬
‭Arabs carrying a message from his friend and discovered an otter inside it. He‬
‭christened the otter ‘Mijbil’ and would often refer to it as Mij.‬
‭It took a little while for the little creature to adapt to its surroundings. In due‬
‭course, Maxwell observed that Mij enjoyed playing with water and how it‬
‭learned to open the bathroom faucet on its own. The writer was thoroughly‬
‭amazed at the games played by Mij with its own touch of creativity. Soon it was‬
‭time for Maxwell to return to England with his pet otter. However, British‬
‭Airlines had a few restrictions that barred animals from travelling with human‬
‭beings, so he booked another flight that allowed Mij to travel with him. The‬
‭new airlines insisted that Mij should be packed in a box so that it didn’t disturb‬
‭other co-passengers onboard. Henceforth, Maxwell arranged for a box one‬
‭hour before the flight, put Mijbil inside and left to grab a quick meal.‬
‭When he returned, he found there were holes in the box and the edges were‬
‭stained with blood. He understood that Mij must have injured himself inside‬
‭the box. He cleaned the box properly and reached the airport a few minutes‬
‭before the flight took off. When he boarded the flight, he explained the entire‬
‭incident to an air hostess who advised him to keep his pet on his lap rather‬
‭than locking his pet inside the container. Maxwell was filled with gratitude for‬
‭her kind words. But the moment he opened the box, Mij leapt out and vanished‬
‭in thin air, which caused a lot of chaos on the flight. Many co-passengers were‬
‭astonished to see the little creature moving around. But the kind-hearted air‬
‭hostess took Mij and handed it to Maxwell in no time. Soon, they reached‬
‭London, and Maxwell thanked the crew for their support onboard.‬
‭In London, Mij got used to its surroundings gradually. It started playing with‬
‭marbles and ping-pong balls. The writer was also amazed by the game that Mij‬
‭had developed with his broken suitcase. Maxwell often took Mij for a walk, and‬
‭the people of London would make wild guesses about his pet. Some called Mij‬
‭to be a baby seal, beaver, or squirrel, and there were still a few more who‬
‭would refer to the otter as a hippo. The most shocking response that Maxwell‬
‭received from a labourer who was digging a hole when he asked him, “Here,‬
‭Mister — what is that supposed to be?”‬
‭Mijbil the Otter Important Questions‬
‭ nswer: The British Airline to England would not fly animals. So, Maxwell‬
A
‭booked a flight to Paris on another airline and from there to London. The‬
‭airline insisted that Mij should be packed into a box not more than‬
‭eighteen inches square. Thus, Mij was transported to England in that box,‬
‭which was kept on the floor at his feet.‬
‭ nswer: When the box was opened, Mij went out of the box. He‬
A
‭disappeared at a high speed down the aircraft. There were cries all‬
‭around. A woman stood up on her seat crying, “A rat! A rat!”.‬
‭ uestion 3. Why did Maxwell get his mail after five days and what did he‬
Q
‭do to get it? [CBSE 2011]‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell got his mail after 5 days due to some delay. He cabled‬
A
‭and tried to telephone in order to get his mail.‬
‭ nswer: The otter looked like a small dragon belonging to the middle‬
A
‭ages. It was covered with symmetrical pointed scales of mud. One could‬
‭see between the scales a soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate-brown‬
‭mole.‬
‭Question 5. What did Mijbil do during the second night?‬
‭ nswer: Mijbil came on to Maxwell’s bed soon after midnight. It remained‬

A
‭asleep in the crook of his knees until the morning.‬
‭ uestion 6. What, according to the writer, is the real play’ of the otter?‬
Q
‭[CBSE 2015]‬
‭ nswer: The real play of an otter is lying on his back and juggling with‬
A
‭small objects between his paws. Mijbil would roll two or more marbles up‬
‭and down on his wide, fat belly. He never dropped one to the floor.‬
‭ uestion 7. Why was the narrator not able to communicate when there‬
Q
‭was a delay in the arrival of the mail?‬
‭ nswer: The narrator was not able to contact because the telephone lines‬
A
‭had to be booked twenty-four hours in advance. On the first day, the line‬
‭was out of order; on the second day, the exchange was closed for a‬
‭religious reason; and on the third day, there was a breakdown.‬
‭ uestion 8. What was the first characteristic of the otter discovered by the‬
Q
‭narrator? [CBSE 2014]‬
‭ nswer: The first thing that the narrator observed about the otter was that‬
A
‭he liked to play with water. When he was taken to the bathroom, for half an‬
‭hour he went wild in the water with joy. He was plunging, jumping and‬
‭rolling in the water.‬
‭Question 9. How did Mij spend his time?‬
‭ nswer: Mij spent most of his time in play. He spent hours shuffling the‬
A
‭rubber ball round the room like a four-footed soccer player. His real play‬
‭was when he used to juggle small objects between his paws. Marbles‬
‭were his favourite toy for his pastime.‬
‭Question 10. While staying in London, what was the pastime of Mij?‬
‭ nswer: While staying in London, Mijbil would play for hours with his own‬
A
‭selection of toys. His favburite toys were ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber‬
‭fruit and a terrapin shell that the narrator had bought from his native‬
‭marshes.‬
‭Question 11. How did Mij behave outside the house in London?‬
‭ nswer: Mij used to follow the narrator while walking on the streets. He‬
A
‭developed certain habits during those walks. He went with him like‬
‭children playing, running and touching things in the street. He would take‬
‭the author near the wall of a primary school and then gallop on it.‬
‭ uestion 12. What special characteristic of Mijbil did Maxwell learn after‬
Q
‭he took it to the bathroom?‬
‭ nswer: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, he learnt that he went‬
A
‭wild with joy in water, plunging and rolling in it and splashed water.‬
‭Question 13. Why did the writer stay in Basra?‬

‭ nswer: The writer and his friend were going to Basra to the‬
A
‭Consulate—General to collect and answer their mails. They found that the‬
‭mail of his friend was available but the author had to stay in Basra for five‬
‭days.‬
‭ nswer: The otter looked like a very small dragon. Its appearance was‬
A
‭very pretty. It was coated with pointed scales of mud on its back. It spread‬
‭mud all round.‬
‭Question 15. How did Maxwell get the otter?‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell wanted to keep an otter as a pet instead of dog. He‬

A
‭expressed his wish before his friend who managed to get an otter and‬
‭sent it to Maxwell through two Arabs. Thus, Maxwell got his tamed otter.‬
‭ uestion 16. What happened when Maxwell decided to transport Mijbil to‬
Q
‭England by air?‬
‭ nswer: When Maxwell decided to transport Mijbil to England, Mijbil was‬

A
‭kept into a box. He tore off the box and wounded himself. Then Mijbil‬
‭disappeared down the aircraft, terrorizing the other passengers. After‬
‭that, he settled on Maxwell’s knee and gave no further inconvenience to‬
‭others.‬
‭Question 17. What game did Mijbil invent?‬
‭ nswer: Mijbil discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end of the‬
A
‭damaged suitcase, it would run down the length of the suitcase. He would‬
‭dash around to the other end to ambush its arrival, hide from it,.‬
‭crouching, to spring up and take it by surprise, grab it and trot off with it to‬
‭the high end once more.‬
‭ uestion 18. What guesses did the Londoners make about what Mijbil‬
Q
‭was?‬
‭ nswer: The writer was not surprised to know that the Londoners could‬
A
‭not recognize an otter. They thought he was a baby seal, a squirrel, a‬
‭walrus, a hippo, a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard.‬
‭ uestion 19. What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be‬
Q
‭suitable for?‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell was staying in a cottage in Camusfearna. There was a‬

A
‭lot of water around the cottage. He thought to have an otter as a pet‬
‭instead of a dog. An otter likes flowing water. So the author thought that‬
‭Camusfearna would be suitable spot for that experiment.‬
‭ uestion 20. How does he get the otter? Does he like it? Pick out the‬
Q
‭words that tell you this?‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell expressed his desire to have an otter as a pet to his‬

A
‭friend. His friend kept it in mind and sent an otter through two‬
‭Question 21. Why was the otter named ‘Maxwell’s otter’?‬
‭ nswer: This race of animals was unknown to the scientists in the‬

A
‭beginning. After its discovery it was christened by zoologists Lutrogale‬
‭perspicillata maxwelli or Maxwell’s otter.‬
‭ nswer: The airhostess suggested the author that he could keep the pet‬
A
‭on his knee. The author opened the box. Mij was out of the box in a flash.‬
‭He disappeared at high speed down the aircraft. There was chaos all‬
‭around in the plane.‬
‭Question 23. What game had Mij invented?‬

‭ nswer: Mij had invented a game of his own with a ping-pong ball. During‬
A
‭the journey, the suitcase of the author was damaged. It got a slope on one‬
‭end. Mij discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end it would run‬
‭down the length of the suitcase.‬
‭ uestion 1. In the name of rules and regulations, basic values are ignored‬
Q
‭but people like the airhostess in ‘Mijbil the Otter’ are a ray of hope. What‬
‭virtues do we find in the airhostess?‬
‭ nswer: The airhostess was somewhat friendly, and she allowed the‬
A
‭narrator to place the otter on his lap. She could relate and empathise with‬
‭the situation faced by the narrator. This shows that apart from being‬
‭professional, she was a caring lady. She not only wanted to do her job but‬
‭was also responsible as she helped the narrator in finding the otter back.‬
‭She did all that she could do for Maxwell and the otter. She was hard‬
‭working and was ready to help as she did not say ‘no’ to help the narrator.‬
‭ uestion 2. The narrator called the airhostess the queen of her kind. This‬
Q
‭shows how caring and supportive she was. Do you find such people these‬
‭days? Are people having a change in their values?‬
‭ nswer: In today’s world, it is getting difficult to find people who show‬

A
‭their care and support. Rather than helping others, they start giving‬
‭excuses and quote rules and regulations. Earlier, people used to think‬
‭about the situation faced by others and helped them in all possible ways.‬
‭ his is changing because of the change in the values of the people.‬

T
‭People give first priority to their own safety and security. They care for‬
‭themselves first and then think about others.‬
‭ uestion 3. Why do you think the otter was not friendly at first with the‬
Q
‭narrator? Can you relate this to the human nature as well? [CBSE 2016]‬
‭ nswer: At first, the otter was not very friendly with the narrator as he had‬
A
‭seen him for the first time. He was brought to a new place and new‬
‭surroundings. He neither knew the narrator nor the place which made him‬
‭stay away from the narrator. But, as soon as he started becoming‬
‭comfortable with the surroundings, he became friendly and came close to‬
‭the narrator.‬
‭ his is very similar to the human nature. Even, the human beings first take‬
T
‭time to understand others and then only become friendly with them.‬
‭Unless they are comfortable in being with somebody, they try to stay away‬
‭from that person.‬
‭ uestion 4. Why does he go to Basra? How long does he wait there, and‬
Q
‭why?‬
‭ nswer: He goes the Basra to the Consulate General to collect and answer‬
A
‭his mail from Europe. His mail did not arrive in time. He cabled to England,‬
‭and when, three days later, nothing had happened, he tried to telephone.‬
‭The call had to be booked twenty-four hours in advance. On the first day‬
‭the line was out of order; on the second day, exchange was closed for a‬
‭religious holiday. On the third day there was another breakdown. His mail‬
‭arrived five days later. He had to wait for five days.‬
‭ uestion 5. What happened when Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom?‬

Q
‭What did it do two days after that?‬
‭ nswer: When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom he went wild with joy‬
A
‭in the water, plunging and rolling in it, shooting pp and down the length of‬
‭the bathtub underwater, and making enough slosh and splash for a hippo.‬
‭Two days after, Mijbil escaped from the bedroom and entered the‬
‭bathroom. He struggled with the chromium tap till it had a full flow.‬
‭ nswer: The British airline to London did not permit to fly animals. The‬
A
‭author had to book a flight to Paris on another airline. The airline insisted‬
t‭ hat Mij should be packed into a box not more than eighteen inches‬
‭square. The author acted accordingly and transported Mij to England.‬
‭Question 7. What did Mij do to the box?‬
‭ nswer: The author put Mij into the box an hour before he started for the‬
A
‭airport so that Mij would become accustomed to it and left for a meal.‬
‭When he came back he found complete silence in the box. He saw blood‬
‭stains around the airholes. Mij had tom the lining of the box to shreds. He‬
‭got himself hurt.‬
‭ uestion 8. Why did Maxwell put the otter back in the box? How do you‬
Q
‭think he felt when he did this?‬
‭ nswer: Maxwell put the otter back in the box because he was already late‬
A
‭for the airport. It was just ten minutes time for the flight, and the airport‬
‭was five miles distant. He felt bad in doing so. He did not want to keep‬
‭the’miserable otter in the box but there was no other option due to time‬
‭constraint.‬
‭ uestion 9. Why does Maxwell say the airhostess was “the very queen of‬
Q
‭her kind”?‬
‭ nswer: The author told the airhostess about the incident that took place‬
A
‭half an hour before at home and took her into his confidence. The‬
‭airhostess was a considerate lady. She cooperated with the author and‬
‭suggested him to keep his pet on his knee. This made the author call her‬
‭“the very queen of her kind”.‬
‭The Book that Saved the Earth‬
‭Summary‬
‭The‬ ‭Book‬ ‭That‬ ‭Saved‬ ‭the‬ ‭Earth‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭play‬ ‭written‬ ‭by‬ ‭Claire‬ ‭Bioko.‬ ‭In‬ ‭the‬
‭twenty-fifth‬ ‭century,‬ ‭while‬ ‭sitting‬ ‭in‬ ‭The‬ ‭Museum‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ancient‬ ‭History,‬ ‭the‬
‭Historian‬ ‭depicts‬ ‭the‬ ‭story‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Martians‬ ‭who‬ ‭visited‬ ‭Earth‬ ‭in‬‭the‬‭twentieth‬
‭century‬ ‭to‬ ‭invade‬ ‭the‬ ‭planet.‬ ‭The‬ ‭play‬ ‭is‬ ‭set‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭twentieth‬ ‭century,‬ ‭which‬
‭was‬ ‭often‬ ‭called‬ ‭the‬ ‭Era‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Book.‬ ‭The‬ ‭play‬ ‭consists‬ ‭of‬ ‭imaginary‬
‭characters‬ ‭having‬ ‭strange‬ ‭names,‬ ‭such‬ ‭as‬ ‭Mighty‬ ‭Chief‬ ‭Think-Tank,‬
‭Apprentice Noodle, Captain Omega, Lieutenant Iota and Sergeant Oop.‬
‭Think-Tank‬ ‭considers‬ ‭himself‬ ‭the‬ ‭most‬ ‭powerful‬ ‭and‬‭intelligent‬‭fellow‬‭among‬

‭all‬‭the‬‭Martians‬‭and‬‭decides‬‭to‬‭visit‬‭Earth‬‭with‬‭his‬‭team.‬‭He‬‭always‬‭thinks‬‭that‬
‭since‬‭he‬‭has‬‭a‬‭big‬‭balloon‬‭head,‬‭he‬‭is‬‭the‬‭most‬‭intelligent‬‭of‬‭all‬‭and‬‭constantly‬
‭wants‬ ‭to‬ ‭be‬ ‭praised‬ ‭for‬ ‭it.‬ ‭He‬ ‭and‬ ‭his‬ ‭team‬ ‭are‬ ‭eager‬ ‭to‬ ‭know‬ ‭how‬ ‭the‬
‭Earthlings‬ ‭(people‬ ‭living‬ ‭on‬ ‭Earth)‬ ‭live‬ ‭and‬ ‭how‬ ‭the‬ ‭Martians‬ ‭can‬ ‭put‬ ‭that‬
‭planet‬ ‭under‬ ‭the‬ ‭generous‬ ‭Martian‬ ‭rulership.‬ ‭Soon,‬ ‭they‬ ‭arrived‬ ‭at‬ ‭the‬
‭Centerville‬‭Public‬‭Library‬‭on‬‭Earth,‬‭which‬‭was‬‭full‬‭of‬‭books.‬‭However,‬‭they‬‭are‬
‭unable to understand the purpose of those objects kept on the shelves.‬
‭To‬‭exhibit‬‭his‬‭acumen,‬‭the‬‭mighty‬‭Think-Tank‬‭tells‬‭his‬‭crew‬‭that‬‭Earthlings‬‭are‬
‭fond‬‭of‬‭eating,‬‭so‬‭probably‬‭those‬‭things‬‭arranged‬‭on‬‭shelves‬‭are‬‭sandwiches.‬
‭Soon‬‭after,‬‭he‬‭orders‬‭Captain‬‭Omega,‬‭Lieutenant‬‭Iota‬‭and‬‭Sergeant‬‭Oop‬‭to‬‭eat‬
‭the‬ ‭book.‬ ‭Captain‬ ‭Omega‬ ‭and‬ ‭Lieutenant‬ ‭Iota‬ ‭cleverly‬ ‭transfer‬ ‭this‬
‭responsibility‬ ‭of‬ ‭eating‬ ‭the‬ ‭book‬ ‭on‬ ‭Sergeant‬ ‭Oop’s‬ ‭shoulders.‬ ‭Having‬ ‭no‬
‭choice,‬‭Sergeant‬‭Oop‬‭eats‬‭a‬‭corner‬‭of‬‭the‬‭book,‬‭but‬‭he‬‭does‬‭not‬‭like‬‭the‬‭taste.‬
‭He‬ ‭confirms‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭mighty‬ ‭Think-Tank‬‭that‬‭it‬‭is‬‭not‬‭delicious‬‭at‬‭all.‬‭From‬‭this,‬
‭the crew realises that the book is not meant for eating.‬
‭After‬ ‭some‬ ‭time,‬ ‭Apprentice‬ ‭Noodle‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭mighty‬ ‭Think-Tank‬ ‭that‬
‭probably‬‭the‬‭book‬‭is‬‭being‬‭used‬‭for‬‭communication‬‭with‬‭ears.‬‭They‬‭all‬‭tried‬‭to‬
‭hear‬‭the‬‭book‬‭by‬‭holding‬‭it‬‭close‬‭to‬‭their‬‭ears,‬‭yet‬‭there‬‭was‬‭no‬‭sound‬‭coming‬
‭from‬ ‭it.‬ ‭Later,‬ ‭Noodle‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭Think-Tank‬ ‭that‬ ‭the‬ ‭book‬ ‭may‬ ‭be‬ ‭used‬ ‭for‬
‭communication‬‭with‬‭eyes.‬‭The‬‭mighty‬‭Think-Tank‬‭agrees‬‭and‬‭orders‬‭the‬‭entire‬
‭crew‬ ‭members‬ ‭to‬ ‭open‬ ‭and‬ ‭read‬ ‭the‬ ‭book.‬ ‭The‬ ‭name‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭book‬ ‭is‬ ‭Mother‬
‭Goose,‬ ‭which‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭children’s‬ ‭rhyme‬ ‭book.‬ ‭However,‬ ‭they‬ ‭are‬ ‭unable‬ ‭to‬
‭understand how to read it.‬
‭In‬ ‭no‬ ‭time,‬ ‭Apprentice‬ ‭Noodle‬ ‭reminds‬ ‭Think-Tank‬ ‭that‬ ‭the‬ ‭Mars‬ ‭chemical‬
‭department‬‭has‬‭given‬‭some‬‭vitamin‬‭pills‬‭to‬‭boost‬‭the‬‭intelligence‬‭of‬‭the‬‭crew.‬
‭Think-Tank‬ ‭immediately‬ ‭orders‬ ‭his‬ ‭crew‬ ‭to‬ ‭have‬ ‭those‬ ‭pills.‬ ‭The‬ ‭crew‬ ‭pop‬‭in‬
‭the‬ ‭capsules‬ ‭before‬ ‭reading‬ ‭the‬ ‭book.‬‭Soon,‬‭Sergeant‬‭Oop‬‭starts‬‭reading‬‭the‬
‭nursery‬ ‭rhyme‬ ‭book,‬ ‭and‬ ‭they‬ ‭start‬ ‭taking‬ ‭the‬ ‭literal‬ ‭meaning‬ ‭of‬ ‭lines‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬
‭rhymes.‬ ‭He‬ ‭reads‬ ‭the‬‭rhyme,‬‭Humpty‬‭Dumpty,‬‭and‬‭all‬‭of‬‭them‬‭see‬‭the‬‭picture‬
‭of Humpty that resembles Think-Tank.‬
‭Seeing‬‭this,‬‭Think-Tank‬‭is‬‭horrified‬‭to‬‭know‬‭that‬‭Earthlings‬‭have‬‭identified‬‭him‬
‭already‬ ‭and‬ ‭want‬ ‭to‬ ‭kill‬ ‭him.‬ ‭From‬ ‭all‬ ‭the‬ ‭information‬ ‭gathered‬ ‭about‬
‭Earthlings,‬‭the‬‭mighty‬‭Think-Tank‬‭calls‬‭his‬‭Martian‬‭crew‬‭and‬‭says‬‭they‬‭should‬
‭postpone‬‭the‬‭idea‬‭of‬‭invading‬‭Earth‬‭for‬‭the‬‭time‬‭being.‬‭So,‬‭he‬‭asks‬‭his‬‭crew‬‭to‬
‭run‬‭away‬‭from‬‭that‬‭place‬‭immediately‬‭without‬‭leaving‬‭a‬‭trace‬‭and‬‭evacuate‬‭the‬
‭entire‬ ‭planet‬ ‭of‬ ‭Mars.‬ ‭He‬ ‭orders‬ ‭his‬ ‭team‬ ‭to‬ ‭head‬ ‭towards‬ ‭Alpha‬ ‭Centauri,‬ ‭a‬
‭hundred‬ ‭million‬ ‭miles‬ ‭away.‬ ‭Thus,‬ ‭an‬ ‭old‬ ‭book‬ ‭of‬ ‭rhymes,‬ ‭Mother‬ ‭Goose,‬
‭saved Earth from the Martian invasion.‬
‭The‬ ‭Book‬ ‭That‬ ‭Saved‬ ‭the‬ ‭Earth‬ ‭states‬ ‭how‬ ‭Mother‬ ‭Goose,‬ ‭which‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬
‭well-known‬ ‭English‬ ‭nursery‬ ‭rhyme‬ ‭book,‬ ‭saves‬ ‭Planet‬ ‭Earth‬ ‭from‬ ‭a‬ ‭Martian‬
‭invasion.‬ ‭It‬ ‭teaches‬ ‭students‬ ‭that‬ ‭a‬ ‭person‬ ‭who‬ ‭thinks‬ ‭greatly‬ ‭of‬ ‭himself‬‭but‬
‭has little knowledge can be dangerous.‬
‭The Book that Saved the Earth - Important Questions‬
‭Question 1. Why did Think-Tank wish to contact the space probe?‬

‭ nswer: Think-Tank wanted to contact the probe to find out what the crew‬
A
‭of the probe had observed about Earth.‬
‭Question 2. What difficulty do the crew of the space probe face on Earth?‬
‭ nswer: The space probe lands in a public library. The crew is shocked‬
A
‭because the place looked very strange as they had no idea of books. They‬
‭think the library to be some kind of storage barn.‬
‭Question 3. How does Think-Tank explain the books to his probe crew?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank told his crew that the books were sandwiches. He‬
A
‭even ordered his crew to eat them. Then, he called them communication‬
‭devices and later he said that they were meant for watching.‬
‭Question 4. Why do the space probe crew take vitamins?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank wanted the probe crew to find out what was in the‬
A
‭books. So, the probe crew take vitamins to increase their intelligence.‬
‭They are able to read the books after taking those vitamins.‬
‭ uestion 5. What is Think-Tank’s interpretation of words like ‘shells’,‬

Q
‭‘silver bells’ and ‘garden’ from the nursery rhyme? What is its impact?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank interprets the given words to mean that the earthlings‬
A
‭grew shells and silver in their gardens. This caused him to withhold their‬
‭planned invasion of Earth as he felt that Earth was more advanced than‬
‭Mars.‬
‭ uestion 6. Think-Tank thinks that Earthlings are after him. What is the‬
Q
‭reason? [CBSE 2015]‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank crew read about Humpty-Dumpty’s fall in the rhyme‬

A
‭and showed the picture to Think-Tank. Think-Tank’s head resembled that‬
‭of Humpty-Dumpty. This makes Think-Tank feel that earthlings were‬
‭planning to invade Mars and capture him.‬
‭Question 7. Mention any two striking qualities of Noodle.‬

‭ nswer: The apprentice of Think-Tank, Noodle, comes out as an‬
A
‭interesting figure in the story. He is very polite and smart. He corrects the‬
‭mistakes of his ruler very humbly by giving indirect suggestions. Also, he‬
‭is very wise and well informed.‬
‭Question 8. Elaborate the escape that Think-Tank plans for.‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank orders his entire fleet to evacuate Mars. He gets a‬

A
‭capsule for himself. They decide to move to the distant star Alpha‬
‭Centauri to escape invasion by earthlings.‬
‭Question 9. Describe Think-Tank in your our words.‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank is the ruler of the planet Mars. His head is huge and‬
A
‭egg shaped. He wears a robe decorated with stars and circles. He is very‬
‭proud of his intelligence and might.‬
‭ uestion 10. How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the Earth from‬
Q
‭a Martian invasion? [CBSE 2011]‬
‭or‬
‭How did a book change Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earthlings? [CBSE‬
‭2014]‬
‭ nswer: This book is totally misunderstood by the Martians.‬

A
‭The Martians thought that earthlings were planning to invade Mars. So,‬
‭they cancelled their invasion of Earth and went back. Think-Tank totally‬
‭misunderstands the book. Phrases like ‘shell’, ‘silver’, ‘garden’ gave him a‬
‭false idea that earthlings grew silver and weapons. He starts thinking that‬
‭earthlings are very advanced technologically.‬
‭ uestion 11. What was Oop’s opinion about the ‘sandwiches’ he had‬
Q
‭eaten?‬
‭ nswer: Oop was forced to eat ‘sandwiches’ and he made terrible faces‬
A
‭while chewing. He said that it was not delicious; rather as dry as Martian‬
‭dust. He remarked that he could not understand how the Earthlings could‬
‭get those ‘sandwiches’ down without water.‬
‭ uestion 12. What was Noodle’s version to describe the so-called‬
Q
‭‘sandwich’?‬
‭ nswer: Noodle hesitantly told Think-Tank that he had ‘insignificant’‬

A
‭information about those ‘sandwiches’. He informed him that he had seen‬
‭surveyor films of those sandwiches. He had noticed that the Earthlings did‬
‭not eat them. They used them as some sort of communication devices.‬
‭Question 13. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book?‬
‭ nswer: The twentieth century was often called the Era of the book as‬
A
‭there were books about everything. Books taught people how, when,‬
‭where, and why of everything. They illustrated, educated, punctuated, and‬
‭even decorated.‬
‭ uestion 14. How Does Think-Tank compare the Martians with the people‬
Q
‭on Earth? What does he call the Earth mockingly?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank considers earth ‘a ridiculous little planet’ ariel intends‬

A
‭to put it under his generous rulership. He feels the earth is actually an‬
‭unimportant place where ugly earthlings, with their tiny heads, reside. He‬
‭believes the Martians to be a superior race. He mockingly calls the earth‬
‭‘Primitive ball of mud’.‬
‭Question 15. What saved the Earth? How?‬
‭ nswer: One dusty old book of nursery rhymes saved the earth from a‬
A
‭Martian invasion. The Martian could not decipher the meaning of nursery‬
‭rhymes. Their misinterpretation made the situation comical. They began‬
‭to believe that the Earthlings had advance technology and were planning‬
‭to invade the Mars. They called off their mission and even left the Mars‬
‭isolated to escape to a far-off planet.‬
Q
‭ nswer: Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank very meticulously. He never‬

A
‭disagrees with his opinion but he does not miss any opportunity to put‬
‭forward his suggestions no matter even if he does it hesitantly. He always‬
‭ hows admiration to Think-Tank’s intelligence. He never puts himself into‬
s
‭the conflicting ideas from his boss.‬
‭ uestion 17. How did the book change Think-Tank’s opinion about the‬
Q
‭Earthlings?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank used to believe that the Martian was a superior race‬
A
‭to the Earthlings. But after cracking the so-called code of an old nursery‬
‭rhyme book, he changed his view about the Earthlings. He now thought‬
‭that the Earthlings has reached a high level of civilization and planning to‬
‭invade the Mars. It made him call off his mission.‬
‭Question 18. What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the books?‬
‭ nswer: Noodle hesitantly informs Think-Tank that the books were a sort‬
A
‭of communication device. He told that he had seen surveyor films of those‬
‭‘sandwiches’. He had noticed that the Earthlings did not eat them. They‬
‭used them as sort of communication device.‬
‭Question 19. Where did Captain Omega reach with her team?‬
‭ nswer: Captain Omega landed on the earth with her team. They found‬
A
‭themselves in the Centerville Public Library amidst thousands of books.‬
‭They thought they were in some sort of storage bam.‬
‭Question 20. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?‬
‭ nswer: The twentieth century was often called the ‘Era of the book’. In‬
A
‭those days, there were books about everything, from anteaters to Zulus.‬
‭Books taught people how to, when to, where to, and why to. They‬
‭illustrated, educated, punctuated, and even decorated.‬
‭ uestion 1. Noodle hails Think-Tank as the most powerful and intelligent‬

Q
‭creature in the whole universe. Do you agree? Write your opinion of‬
‭Think-Tank citing instances from the given text.‬
‭ nswer: Noodle is a trainee under Think-Tank. He bows before him and‬
A
‭hails his ruler as the most powerful and intelligent creature in the‬
‭universe. However, Think-Tank is not really intelligent. He misinterprets‬
‭the nursery rhymes completely. ‘Silver’, ‘shells’ and ‘garden’ for him mean‬
‭that the earthlings are growing metals in farms.‬
‭ e thinks books to be sandwiches and wants the crew to eat them. When‬
H
‭he is read out the nursery rhyme which says, ‘Humpty-Dumpty had a great‬
‭fall’ he is terrified and plans his escape from Mars Thus, Think-Tank in‬
‭nothing more than a show off and a pompous fool.‬
‭Question 2. Mars and Earth become friends. How?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank evacuates Mars and the martians move to Alpha‬

A
‭Centauri. They fear an invasion by Earth. In the twenty-fifty century, the‬
‭two planets become friends. The wise and wonderful Noodle replaces‬
‭Think-Tank. Earthlings tell Martians the difference between sandwiches‬
‭and books.‬
‭ hey even taught them how to read. At the same time, they have created a‬
T
‭model library for Martians at Marsopolis. Still there is one thing that‬
‭Martians have never learnt to do. They have never tried to read the‬
‭nursery rhymes of ‘Mother Goose’.‬
‭ uestion 3. Compare and contrast the characters of Noodle and‬

Q
‭Think-Tank. [CBSE 2012]‬
‭ nswer: Noodle and Think-Tank have contrasting characters. Think-Tank‬

A
‭likes to be called the ‘Great and the Mighty’. He orders and commands. He‬
‭is the ruler of Mars, but has no intelligence.‬
‭He thinks books to be sandwiches. He is wrong about everything. He‬
‭demands that the crew obey him. He likes to pass on other’s idea as his‬
‭own. He is a coward who simply boasts about his power.‬
‭Noodle, his apprentice, is very clever and wise. He corrects the mistakes‬
‭of the ruler (Think-Tank) very gently. He never takes credit for his ideas.‬
‭But he offers them to the ruler very gently. Think-Tank makes them as his‬
‭own.‬
‭ uestion 4. The play, The Book That Saved the Earth’ conveys the‬
Q
‭message that misunderstanding of cultural differences between various‬
r‭ aces can cause confusion and conflict. Based on your reading of the play,‬
‭write how such confusion and conflicts can be checked so that peace and‬
‭harmony is maintained. [CBSE 2015]‬
‭ nswer: The confusion in the mind of Think-Tank occurred due to the‬

A
‭literal interpretation of the nursery rhymes in the book-‘Mother Goose’. To‬
‭ensure that conflicts are checked so that peace and harmony are‬
‭maintained, cultural differences should be sorted out by initially sending‬
‭mature and wise people from one culture to the other to establish contact‬
‭before deciding to wage war.‬
‭Think-Tank had sent an initial probe, but the crew members of the probe‬
‭were not sufficiently intelligent or mature to understand Earth’s culture.‬
‭That is why they literally interpreted the nursery rhymes and caused‬
‭misunderstanding in the mind of Think-Tank.‬
‭ uestion 5. Rushing to conclusion without going into details may lead to‬
Q
‭chaos and failure. Elaborate this with reference to the Martian invasion in‬
‭the chapter ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’.‬
‭ nswer: The Martians were very proud of themselves. Great and mighty‬
A
‭Think-Thank regarded as the ruler of Mars was always caught in self‬
‭praise. He had a quick mind and wishes to attack the earth in a great‬
‭hurry. Martians misinterpreted the signals received from earthlings book‬
‭of nursery rhymes and fled away. If they had planned the things decisively‬
‭things would have been different. In any kind of situation rash decisions‬
‭would never give results. It is only through knowledge, perseverence.‬
‭ uestion 6. How do the three nursery rhymes frighten Think-Tank in the‬

Q
‭play, ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’?‬
‭ nswer: The rhyme ‘Mistress Mary, quite contrary makes Think-Tank‬

A
‭believe that the Earthlings have discovered how to combine agriculture‬
‭and mining. He thinks that they can grow explosives. The rhyme ‘Hey‬
‭diddle diddle’, makes him conclude that the Earthlings have reached a‬
‭high level of civilization: even their animals have musical culture and‬
‭know space techniques.‬
‭ e fears that at that very moment, the Earthlings might be launching an‬
H
‭interplanetary attack of millions of cows. Oop reads the rhyme. ‘Humpty‬
‭Dumpty’ and shows him a picture of Humpty Dumpty. Think-Tank‬
‭ oncludes that it is his picture and the Earthlings are planning to invade‬
c
‭Mars.‬
‭ uestion 7. How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the world from‬
Q
‭a Martian invasion?‬
‭OR‬
‭Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty first century and what saved it?‬
‭ nswer: The Martians sent a mission to invade the earth. The crew landed‬
A
‭in a library and could not make out what the books actually were. It was‬
‭believed that the books were a sort of communication device. Think-Tank‬
‭asked the members to decipher the code of the ‘sandwiches’. The nursery‬
‭rhymes were totally misinterpreted and it was believed that the Earthlings‬
‭had developed an advance civilization and mission was called off and the‬
‭Martians escaped to a remote place to save their lives. Thus the books‬
‭saved the Earth.‬
‭Question 8. What is Think-Tank’s opinion about the Earth?‬
‭ nswer: Think-Tank called the Earth a ridiculous little planet and showed‬
A
‭his wish to put it under his generous rulership. The planet Earth was‬
‭insignificant to him. He believed that the Martians were the most‬
‭handsome race. He referred to the people of the Earth as Earthlings and‬
‭mocked their tiny heads.‬
‭ e showed his desire to invade ‘primitive ball of mud’ called Earth before‬
H
‭lunch. But after misinterpreting the book of nursery rhymes he began to‬
‭believe that the earthlings had developed a more advanced civilization‬
‭and were even planning to invade the Mars.‬
Q
‭ nswer: Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank, but at the same time, he‬
A
‭very cleverly tries to correct his mistakes also. Whenever Noodle had to‬
‭say something contrary to what Think-Tank said, he would present his‬
‭thoughts by referring to them as being of no particular importance. In this‬
‭way he would correct Think- Tank’s errors without making him feel that he‬
‭was being corrected. Noodle appears to be quite an expert in handling‬
‭these kind of people.‬
‭The Necklace Summary‬
‭The Necklace‬‭was written by Guy de Maupassant. He‬‭was a famous 19th-century‬
‭author popularly remembered for his short stories based on real-life situations. This‬
‭fictional short story is about a pretty lady, Matilda Loisel, who lives in a small yet cosy‬
‭flat with her husband. He worked as a clerk in the office of the Board of Education‬
‭and loved his wife very much. They were not so well-off to be able to have a‬
‭luxurious lifestyle. They led a simple life. Matilda was unhappy about her condition‬
‭and always desired to be rich. She often felt disappointed and brooded about her‬
‭financial condition for not having a huge mansion to live in and riches to splurge on.‬
‭She always desired to wear beautiful dresses with matching jewellery, but she had‬
‭none of it.‬
‭One fine day, Mme Loisel’s husband brought her an invitation to a grand ball party at‬
‭the Minister’s residence. He expected his wife to be excited upon seeing the‬
‭invitation letter. On the contrary, when his wife saw the invite, she expressed her‬
‭resentment over it and threw the letter aside and started sobbing over her condition.‬
‭When asked, she complained about not having a pretty dress to wear on such a‬
‭grand occasion. She wanted to look beautiful and well-groomed at the party such‬
‭that everyone should admire her. Feeling pity for Matilda, her loving husband gave‬
‭her all his savings of four hundred francs to buy a beautiful dress. He had saved that‬
‭amount to buy a rifle for himself but gave the money to his wife to buy her dress.‬
‭Soon, the week of the grand party approached. Matilda seemed to be anxious again.‬
‭This time she felt that she didn’t have any matching jewellery to pair with her lovely‬
‭dress. To this, her husband suggested she request her friend, Mme Jeanne‬
‭Forestier, for a neckpiece. Matilda went to Jeanne’s house immediately and‬
‭borrowed a sparkling diamond necklace.‬
‭Mme Loisel went to the ball party with her husband and was happy about her‬
‭appearance. She was elated that she was successful in garnering the attention of‬
‭the attendees at the reception. They enjoyed a gala time at the party. Soon, they‬
‭were ready to head back home in the wee hours of the morning. When they reached‬
‭home, Matilda realised that the necklace was missing around her neck. She and her‬
‭husband were panic-stricken that it might have fallen in the cab which they had‬
‭boarded while returning from the party. Her husband immediately went to search the‬
‭streets just in case it might have fallen there but to no avail.‬
‭Soon after, he approached the police and put up an advertisement in the‬

‭newspapers offering a reward, but all went in vain. With no option left, Matilda’s‬
‭husband asked her to write a letter to Mme Forestier and mention that the clasp had‬
‭broken and she would return it once repaired. In the meantime, they had‬
‭successfully found a replica of the necklace and decided to replace it with the old‬
‭one. However, the new necklace was very expensive and cost thirty-six thousand‬
‭francs. Matilda’s father-in-law had left eighteen thousand francs for his son. They‬
‭decided to borrow the rest of the money to buy the expensive necklace. They bought‬
‭the necklace with all the money they had and borrowed funds.‬
‭In the next few years, their condition worsened as their lives took a drastic turn due‬
‭to the huge loan. They moved to a smaller place to live in, and Matilda did all the‬
‭household chores by herself. Her husband worked odd hours in multiple jobs to‬
‭repay the loan. Ten years passed, and with that, their appearances also changed‬
‭due to the extreme workload. One day, Matilda met Mme Jeanne Forestier, who‬
‭couldn’t identify her as she looked weary and aged. Mme Loisel revealed the truth to‬
‭her friend about how she and her husband were left in ruins to repay the loan of the‬
‭expensive necklace. Hearing this, Mme Forestier was stunned and told her that the‬
‭necklace that she gave her for the ball party was a fake necklace that was worth not‬
‭more than five hundred francs.‬
‭The Necklace‬‭focuses that one should be content and satisfied with their belongings‬
‭and not crave expensive items that are not within their economic capabilities.‬
‭Extreme desire for lavish items leads to unhappiness and loss of peace of mind.‬
‭The Necklace - Important Questions‬

‭Question 1.‬‭What would Matilda often dream of?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda would often dream of all the delicacies,‬‭luxuries, elegant‬

‭dinners, marvellous dishes, rich silver, beautiful dresses, jewels, adoration‬
‭and a life of glory. She would escape into her dreams from the dullness of‬
‭her very humble existence.‬
‭Question 2.‬‭Why did Matilda throw the invitation spitefully?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda was simply displeased when her husband‬‭showed the‬

‭invitation. She felt humiliated and threw the invitation spitefully as she had‬
‭nothing beautiful enough to wear to such a grand gathering.‬
‭Question 3.‬‭Describe Mme Loisel’s success at the ball.‬

‭Or‬
‭Do you think M Loisel had an enjoyable evening at the ball? Give reasons‬
‭for your answer.‬‭[CBSE 2014]‬
‭Answer:‬‭Mme Loisel was the centre of attention at‬‭the ball. Her beauty, her‬
‭grace, her joy and the gorgeous smile captivated all. Men sought to be‬
‭presented to her. She danced happily at her conquest of all.‬
‭Question 4.‬‭What excuse did Loisels put up to explain‬‭the delay in returning‬

‭the necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Loisels had lost the necklace and needed time to find an identical‬
‭one. Thus, Loisels wrote a letter to Mme Forestier with an excuse that the‬
‭clasp of the necklace was broken and they needed time to get it repaired.‬
‭Question 5.‬‭How did Loisels manage to pay for the‬‭necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭The necklace cost Loisels thirty six thousand‬‭francs. Loisel had to‬
‭chip in his entire inheritance of eighteen thousand francs and the rest he‬
‭had to borrow from the usurers.‬
‭Question 6.‬‭How did Mme Loisel now know the life of‬‭necessity?‬‭[CBSE‬
‭2016]‬
‭Answer:‬‭To pay the debt of eighteen thousand francs,‬‭Loisels let go of their‬

‭decent living. They lived in impoverished neighbourhood. Matilda had to‬
‭cook, clean, wash, mend, bring water and bargain with the butcher and‬
‭grocer. Her husband worked day and night to save every sou.‬
‭Question 8.‬‭What do you think of M Loisel as a husband?‬‭Cite instances‬

‭from the text to support your answer.‬
‭Answer:‬‭M Loisel was a caring and supportive husband.‬‭Fie sacrificed his‬

‭wishes and the money he inherited from his father for his wife.‬
‭Question 9.‬‭Why was Matilda’s friend astonished to‬‭see her at the end of‬
‭the story?‬‭[CBSE 2012]‬
‭Answer:‬‭Jeanne, Matilda’s friend, could not recognise‬‭her as she seemed‬

‭an old and worn out poor woman. Matilda was no longer her former‬
‭beautiful and Joyous self.‬
‭Question 10.‬‭How did the Loisels react when they realised‬‭that the‬
‭necklace had been lost?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda Loisel became very sad when they realised‬‭that the‬
‭necklace had been lost. They were sure that the loss of necklace would‬
‭make their life hell because Mr Loisel was only a petty clerk and it was very‬
‭difficult for him to replace necklace of diamond.‬
‭Question 11.‬‭Why did Matilda not like to visit her‬‭rich friend?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda had inferiority complex. Whenever‬‭she visitedier rich friend‬

‭she felt dejected and disappointed because of her poverty. She used to‬
‭compare her lodgings to that of her friend’s. She did not have attractive‬
‭dress and jewellery to adorn herself with. That is why, she did not like to‬
‭visit her rich friend.‬
‭Question 12.‬‭Why is Matilda unhappy with her life?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda is unhappy with her life because she‬‭ceaselessly, felt‬

‭herself born for all delicacies and luxuries. The shabby walls, the worn‬
‭chairs in her house tortured and angered her.‬
‭Question 13.‬‭What had Matilda’s husband saved the‬‭money for? Why did he‬
‭then part with his savings?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda’s husband had saved a good amount of money to buy a‬

‭gun for him. But when his wife refused to attend the party without a new‬
‭dress, he had to give up buying the gun. He used the saved four hundred‬
‭francs to buy her costume.‬
‭Question 14.‬‭What was the cause of Matilda’s ruin?‬‭How could she have‬
‭avoided it?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Matilda’s aspiration and unrealistic dreams‬‭were the cause of her‬
‭ruin. She paid due importance to materialistic things. She could have easily‬
‭avoided if she had remained within her means. She was not a practical lady‬
‭and had not understood her husband’s feelings.‬
‭Question 15.‬‭What did Mme Forestier tell Matilda about‬‭the reality of her‬
‭Necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭After having lost the borrowed necklace, Matilda‬‭replaced it with a‬

‭diamond necklace bought for thirty-six thousand francs. But Mme Forestier‬
‭told her that her necklace was false costing about 500 francs.‬
‭Question 16.‬‭What changes came into the life of Loisels‬‭after the necklace‬
‭was lost?‬
‭Answer:‬‭They had to shift to a cheaper room and dismiss‬‭the servant. She‬

‭did all the household works and shopping by herself. She fetched water,‬
‭washed the floor, utensils and dirty clothes by herself. Matilda’s husband‬
‭worked in the evening and late at night to pay back the debt.‬
‭Question 17.‬‭Why was Mme Forestier shocked to hear‬‭Matilda’s story?‬
‭Answer:‬‭One Sunday, while walking, Matilda happened to see Mme‬

‭Forestier. Matilda called her, but she could not recognise Matilda because‬
‭she looked much older than her age. Mme Forestier was shocked to know‬
‭that Matilda had suffered so much worrying about losing her necklace of‬
‭real diamonds, whereas it was false.‬
‭Question 18.‬‭What kind of a person is Mme Loisel? Why is she always‬
‭unhappy?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Mme. Loisel is a woman who lives in the world‬‭of dreams. She‬

‭gives much value to her dreams and hence overlooks the realities of life.‬
‭That is why she is always unhappy as dreams are a virtual reality and can’t‬
‭be true.‬
‭Question 19.‬‭What, was the cause of Matilda’s ruin?‬‭How could she have‬
‭avoided it?‬
‭Answer:‬‭The cause of Matilda’s ruin was her dissatisfaction‬‭with whatever‬

‭life offered her. She was always unhappy. She felt that she was born for all‬
‭the delicacies and luxuries of life. She disliked being in her current‬
‭circumstances. She could have avoided this ruin by bringing content with‬
‭whatever she had.‬
‭Question 1.‬‭Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend.‬‭Elucidate.‬

‭[CBSE2015]‬
‭Answer:‬‭Mme Forestier turns out to be an interesting character. She plays a‬

‭very vital role in the story. As a friend to Matilda, we find her to be really‬
‭genuine as she helps Matilda in the hour of her need. When Mme Loisel‬
‭needs to borrow jewels, she turns to Mme Forestier. Mme Forestier does‬
‭not refuse. Displaying her generosity, she opens up the entire array of her‬
‭jewels for Matilda to choose from. Also, she is considerate when Loisels‬
‭delay the return of the necklace. Surprisingly, at the end of the story, she‬
‭concludes the entire narrative.‬
‭Without even a moment’s hesitation, she reveals to Matilda that her‬

‭necklace was just a fake. She is not at all worried in the light of the fact that‬
‭she may have to return the necklace. It shows her honesty. Rather, she, like‬
‭a true friend, feels bad for Matilda at her unnecessary suffering. We find her‬
‭sympathising with Mme Loisel. She is indeed a gem of a friend.‬
‭Question 2.‬‭On inability to accept our circumstances‬‭may lead to an‬

‭unhappy life. Explain with reference to the story “The Necklace”.‬
‭Question 3.‬‭‘Love is blind’ is a phrase that was justified by Monsieur Loisel‬

‭in the lesson ‘The Necklace’. Substantiate the answer from the story you‬
‭have read in about 100 – 120 words.‬
‭Answer:‬‭Monsieur Loisel’s acceptance and contentment‬‭differ considerably‬

‭from Matilda’s emotional outbursts and constant dissatisfaction, and‬
‭though he never fully understands his wife, he does his best to please her.‬
‭When Monsieur Loisel tries to appease Matilda, he does it so blindly,‬
‭wanting only to make her happy. When she declares that she cannot attend‬
‭the party because she has nothing to wear, he gives her money to purchase‬
‭a dress. When she complains that she has no proper jewellery, he urges her‬
‭to visit Madame Forestier to borrow some.‬
‭Monsieur Loisel’s eagerness and willingness to please Matilda becomes‬

‭his downfall when she loses the necklace. He is the one who devises a plan‬
‭for purchasing a replacement necklace and orchestrates the loans and‬
‭mortgages that help them pay for it. Although the decision costs him ten‬
‭years of hard work, he does not complain or imagine an alternate fate. It is‬
‭as if his desires do not even exist or, at the very least, his desires are‬
‭meaningless if they stand in the way of Matilda’s.‬
‭Question 5.‬‭What changes came in the lifestyle of‬‭Matilda after she had‬
‭lost the necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭To return the borrowed money Mr and Mrs Loisel‬‭suffered for ten‬
‭long years. First, they sent away the maid servant. Then they changed their‬
‭lodging and rented some rooms. Now Matilda learnt heavy cares of‬
‭household life, she had to do the difficult chores of her kitchen. She had to‬
‭wash dishes, greasy pots and stew pans. She had to use her rosy nails to‬
‭wash the greasy pots and the bottoms of the stew pans.‬
‭She had to wash dirty clothes and to hang them on the line to dry. Then‬
‭each morning she had to take down the refuse to the street. She also had‬
‭to bring up the water for daily use. She had to stop at each landing to catch‬
‭her breath. She did not have much money so she haggled with the‬
‭shopkeepers to get reduction in prices.‬
‭Once she was very beautiful and used to wear beautiful dresses. Now she‬
‭seemed old. Now she looked like a common household woman. She had‬
‭badly dressed hair and dirty dresses. Her hands were red and she spoke in‬
‭a loud tone. She washed the floors with large pails of water.‬
‭Question 6.‬‭Matilda would not have suffered much if‬‭she had confessed‬
‭the loss of necklace. Do you think our mistakes become more serious if we‬
‭try to cover them?‬
‭Answer:‬‭Yes, a small mistake makes our life miserable‬‭and dark. People‬

‭who are open-minded and speak the truth stay much happier. A little‬
‭mistake made by Matilda changed her life completely. If Matilda had‬
‭confessed that she had lost Madam Forestier’s necklace, her life would‬
‭have been different.‬
‭Confession could have brought peace of mind. Matilda would have at once‬
‭come to know that necklace is not a real but it is an imitation. Hard work‬
‭which Matilda put into repay the borrowed necklace could have been saved.‬
‭We all get a very important message that we should not delay in admitting‬
‭our mistake.‬
‭Question 7.‬‭Our inability to accept our limitations may lead to an unhappy‬

‭life. Analyze with reference to the story ‘The Necklace’.‬
‭Question 8.‬‭The course of the Loisels’ life changed‬‭due to the necklace.‬

‭Comment.‬
‭Answer:‬‭The course of the Loisel’s life changed due‬‭to the necklace. After‬
‭replacing the lost necklace with a new one, they had to repay all the money‬
‭that they had borrowed to buy the new necklace. They sent away the maid‬
‭and changed their lodgings. They rented some rooms in an attic. Matilda‬
‭learnt the odd work of the kitchen. She washed the dishes, soiled linen,‬
‭their clothes and dishcloths.‬
‭She even took down the refuse to the street each morning and brought up‬
‭the water, stopping at each landing to catch her breath. She went to the‬
‭grocer’s, the butcher’s, and the fruitier’s, with a basket on her arm, shopping,‬
‭haggling to save her money. Loisel worked in the evenings, putting the‬
‭books of some merchants in order. At night, he did copy work at five sous a‬
‭page. This lasted for ten years, and at the end of the said period, they were‬
‭finally able to repay their lenders.‬
‭Question 9.‬‭What would have happened to Matilda if she had confessed to‬
‭her friend that she had lost her necklace?‬
‭Answer:‬‭If Matilda would have confessed to her friend‬‭she had lost her‬
‭necklace, she might have been in lesser trouble than what she had to face‬
‭after having replaced the necklace. Her friend would have definitely been‬
‭angry with her. Most likely, she would also have asked Matilda to replace it‬
‭and given her the details from where she had bought the necklace and how‬
‭much it had cost her. Matilda would have thus known that the jewels in the‬
‭necklace were actually not real diamonds. It would have cost her a far‬
‭lesser amount to replace it. Matilda would thus have saved herself and her‬
‭husband of all the trouble they went through and life would have been‬
‭much better and easier for them.‬
‭Bholi‬
‭Bholi Summary‬
‭Bholi was written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas (K.A. Abbas), who was a popular‬
‭Indian film director, journalist and novelist known for his works in Hindi, Urdu‬
‭and other languages. This story is about a young girl named Sulekha, who was‬
‭popularly referred to as ‘Bholi’ for her simple nature. At ten months, she fell‬
‭from her cot, which caused some severe damage to her brain, and she used to‬
‭stammer when she learnt to talk. Bholi was born a pretty child, but she‬
‭suffered from smallpox that left dark pock-marks on her face permanently. The‬
‭ugly marks spoiled her appearance, and people would often make fun of her‬
‭due to her dullness. They would also consider her to be retarded as she‬
‭stammered while speaking.‬
‭Bholi’s father, Ramlal had around seven children, out of which three were‬
‭sons, and four were daughters. Among all daughters, Bholi was the youngest.‬
‭All her siblings were hale and hearty except young Bholi. Her parents were‬
‭worried about her and how to get her married when she grew older. One fine‬
‭day, Tehsildar Sahib had come to perform an inaugural ceremony at a primary‬
‭school for girls in the village. He told Ramlal to send all his daughters to‬
‭school. When Ramlal discussed this with his wife, she objected and stated that‬
‭nobody would marry their daughters if they were sent to school. Yet, she‬
‭agreed to send Bholi to school as they were not sure if she would ever get‬
‭married for her appearance or feeble-mindedness.‬
‭Initially, Bholi was sceptical about going to school as she had never heard‬
‭about it. However, on the first day of school, she was groomed properly and‬
‭sent to school; she assumed that it was a better place than her own home.‬
‭When she reached school, she was elated to see girls of her age around. She‬
‭wanted to make friends but dared not to open her mouth due to stammering.‬
‭However, when the class teacher smilingly asked her name, she stammered in‬
‭front of the entire class, and all the girls started laughing at her. This‬
‭discouraged her completely. She started weeping and understood that nobody‬
‭would like to be friends with her. Soon her teacher, a kind-hearted lady,‬
‭encouraged her to tell her name again. She stammered yet again but was‬
‭finally able to tell her full name. Her teacher gave her a few good books with‬
‭pictures and asked her to read those as it would help her to overcome her‬
‭stammering habit. She also told Bholi to come to school regularly. This gave‬
‭the young girl a new ray of hope and assurance of a new life.‬
‭Many years passed, and the village soon became a small town and saw many‬
‭improvements around it. Soon, there was a marriage proposal for Bholi. The‬
‭prospective bridegroom, Bishamber Nath, was a limping old man with‬
‭grown-up children. He was almost Bholi’s father’s age. However, Ramlal’s‬
‭family agreed to the alliance as they felt he was a well-settled fellow. Bholi’s‬
‭elder sisters were, however, envious of the great pomp and show at their‬
‭younger sister’s wedding. However, when the groom, Bishamber, was about to‬
‭put the garland around the bride’s neck, a woman slowly slipped the veil from‬
‭Bholi’s face. The groom was surprised to see the pockmarks on her face and‬
‭refused to marry her without a dowry of five thousand rupees. Bholi’s father,‬
‭Ramlal, somehow arranged the amount and gave it to Bishamber Nath.‬
‭However, as the groom tried to garland the bride, Bholi held his hand and‬
‭refused to marry such a voracious person. All the people present in the‬
‭wedding were stunned to see how confidently she spoke without stuttering.‬
‭The groom felt insulted and returned to his village. Later, Bholi assured her‬
‭father that she would take care of him and her mother in their old age and‬
‭would become a teacher in the same school where she learnt so many new‬
‭and good things. Looking at this, Bholi’s teacher, who was watching from a‬
‭distance, felt a deep sense of relief and satisfaction at Bholi’s courage and‬
‭confidence that she exhibited in front of so many people.‬
‭Bholi‬‭illustrates that proper moral and emotional protection should be given to‬
‭children during the formative years of childhood to help them grow up into‬
‭responsible citizens.‬
‭Bholi - Important Questions‬
‭Question 1. Why is Sulekha called ‘Bholi’?‬
‭Answer: Sulekha is called ‘Bholi’ because she is a simpleton due to her‬

‭suffering some brain damage after falling off a cot when she was ten‬
‭months old. As a result, she is not as smart as children of her age.‬
‭Question 2. Why did Sulekha start stammering?‬
‭Answer: Sulekha was a baby when she fell down from a cot. Her brain was‬
‭damaged. She could not speak till the age of five years. She was mentally‬
‭slow and lacked confidence. That is why she started stammering.‬
‭Question 3. What happened to Bholi when she was two years old?‬
‭Answer: Bholi fell a victim to small pox at the age of two years. Her face‬
‭and body became full of pock marks. She was still fortunate as her eyes‬
‭had remained untouched and were fine.‬
‭Question 4. How did Bholi react when the teacher asked her name?‬
‭Answer: Bholi stammered when she spoke and could not tell her name‬
‭completely when the teacher asked her to do so. So, she broke into tears.‬
‭Question 5. Bholi was fascinated by the walls of the classroom. Why?‬

‭Answer: The walls of the classroom had bright and colourful pictures of a‬
‭horse, a goat, a parrot and a cow. They all looked familiar to Bholi and‬
‭were like the ones in the village. That is why she was fascinated to see‬
‭those pictures.‬
‭Question 6. Bholi found her teacher to be different from others. How?‬
‭Answer: Others had always neglected Bholi. They made fun of her all the‬
‭time. But, she found her teacher to be different. Her voice was calm, her‬
‭manner comforting and touch was full of affection.‬
‭Question 7. What filled Bholi’, a dumb cow, with a new hope in her? [CBSE‬
‭2015]‬
‭Answer: Bholi’s first day of school brought a hope of a new life. She had‬
‭found a loving and kind teacher. The teacher had inspired her and given‬
‭her a book and had made Bholi feel confident about herself.‬
‭Question 8. In what way did the village change over time?‬
‭Answer: The village changed into a small town over a period of time. The‬
‭primary school had become a high school. The village had a cinema and a‬
‭cotton ginning mill. The mail train also stopped at the village railway‬
‭station.‬
‭Question 9. What objections does Ramlal have to Bishamber’s proposal?‬

‭Answer: Ramlal was not very happy with the proposal. He did not like the‬
‭fact that Bishamber was of his age. He had a limp and children were quite‬
‭grown up. It was not a very satisfactory proposition.‬
‭Question 10. Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage‬

‭proposal? [CBSE 2015]‬
‭Answer: Bholi’s parents accepted Bishamber’s marriage proposal because‬

‭they were happy that he was well off and had not asked for dowry.‬
‭Question 11. Why did Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi not take place?‬
‭[CBSE 2013]‬
‭Answer: Bishamber’s marriage with Bholi did not take place because he‬
‭had demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees from her father for the‬
‭marriage. So, Bholi refused to marry him.‬
‭Question 12. Why was Ramlal thunderstruck?‬
‭Answer: Ramlal had always taken his daughter to be dumb. He was‬

‭thunderstruck when she loudly asked him to take back the money and‬
‭declared that she was not going to marry Bishamber because of his greed.‬
‭Question 13. The last line of the text talks about an artist and the‬
‭masterpiece. Elaborate.‬
‭Answer: The ‘artist’ is the teacher and the ‘masterpiece’ is Bholi. It was her‬
‭teacher who had turned Bholi into a strong and independent girl who was‬
‭aware of her place in society.‬
‭Question 14. What kind of mother was Randal’s wife? [CBSE 2014]‬
‭Answer: Ramlal’s wife was a traditional housewife who believed that‬

‭daughters should not be educated, as it would be difficult to find husbands‬
‭for them. She neglected looking after her Bholi because she was a slow‬
‭learner.‬
‭Question 15. Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi and not about his other‬
‭children?‬
‭Answer: All other children of Ramlal were healthy and good looking. Bholi‬
‭was the only girl who was neither intelligent nor good looking. She was a‬
‭simpleton, she stammered also. Ramlal was extremely worried about her‬
‭future.‬
‭Question 16. Why did the Tehsildar come to Ramlal’s village? What did he‬
‭ask Ramlal to do?‬
‭Answer: The Tehsildar came to Ramlal’s village to inaugurate the primary‬

‭school. He asked Ramlal to set an example for others by sending his‬
‭daughters to school.‬
‭Question 17. Did Bholi enjoy her first day in school? What made her happy‬
‭on this very day?‬
‭Answer: It was a mixed day for Bholi. She was happy to see the girls of her‬
‭age. She was fascinated with the colourful pictures on the wall of the‬
‭classrooms. But when the teacher asked her name she could not answer‬
‭properly and other girls laughed at her. She cried. But her teacher’s soft‬
‭words made her happy on this very day.‬
‭Question 18. Why did Bholi look at Bishamber with cold contempt?‬
‭Answer: Bholi looked at Bishamber with cold contempt because he had‬

‭demanded 5000 to get married to her. Bholi saw how her father got‬
‭humiliated; she realised that Bishamber was greedy and exploiting her‬
‭father due to her look.‬
‭Question 19. How did Bholi react when her father caught her by the hand‬
‭to take her to school? Why?‬
‭Answer: When Ramlal caught Bholi by the hand to take her to school, she‬
‭was frightened. She did not know what a school was like. She thought her‬
‭father was turning her out of the house. She shouted in terror and pulled‬
‭her hand away from her father’s grip.‬
‭Question 20. How did Bholi’s teacher play an important role in changing‬
‭the course of her life?‬
‭Answer: Bholi’s teacher played an important role in changing the course of‬
‭her life. She was polite and friendly which touched her heart. She‬
‭encouraged her every time and was affectionate towards her. The teacher‬
‭transformed her into a confident person who could read, write and speak‬
‭clearly. This gave her the required confidence. Moreover, teacher’s‬
‭appreciation and encouragement helped her overcome her own morale.‬

‭Question 1. ‘Dowry is negation of the girl’s dignity’. Discuss with reference‬
‭to the story ‘Bholi’.‬
‭Answer: A girl is an individual in her own right. Equal opportunities in life‬

‭can help her become independent and strong. She is not a burdensome‬
‭object to be given away with money as compensation. Thus dowry‬
‭negates the girl’s dignity and self respect.‬
‭The story ‘Bholi’ shows this in a dramatic manner. Bholi is thought to be‬
‭ugly and dumb by her parents. So, they are willing to pay dowry to an old‬
‭man with a limp. So that he marries her. Bholi, on the other hand, refuses‬
‭to marry that man. She is educated; assertive and capable of taking care‬
‭of herself. She dedicates her life to service of her parents and teaching at‬
‭school.‬
‭Question 2. Bholi chose a dignified life of service rather than surrendering‬

‭herself to a greedy old man for the rest of her life. Education provides the‬
‭required stimulus to overcome one’s personal barriers. Explain the role of‬
‭education in shaping the life of a child with respect to the lesson ‘Bholi’.‬
‭[CBSE 2012]‬
‭Answer: Education is the answer to all social ills. Illiteracy and ignorance‬
‭bring nothing but poverty, suffering and misery. Bholi lacks confidence‬
‭initially because of her disabilities. She is silent, timid and weak in mind.‬
‭Her ugliness and her stammer do not let her progress. She is afraid to‬
‭speak as others make fun of her.‬
‭School changes her life completely. It opens a new world of hope for her.‬
‭Her teacher treats her with love and kindness. Her affection and support‬
‭help Bholi to have faith in herself. She studies and grows into a confident‬
‭young woman. She knows her rights and she asserts them as well. She‬
‭refuses to marry a man who demands dowry. Thus, being educated‬
‭changes the life of Bholi.‬
‭Question 3. The chapter ‘Bholi’ highlights the discrimination against the‬

‭girl child. Analyse.‬
‭Answer: Nature does not discriminate, but society does. From time‬
‭immemorial the world has discriminated against the girl child. The‬
‭chapter, ‘Bholi’ throws up many such instances. Randal’s sons go to school‬
‭and college. His daughters are not educated but married off. Her mother‬
‭does not think it necessary to take Bholi’s consent for her marriage. The‬
‭groom is old and lame. Still he demands dowry. Her father is ready to pay‬
‭him also. It is the girl herself who raises her voice against this marriage.‬
‭She is criticised and humiliated for standing up for her dignity. But she is‬
‭firm and decides the course of her life.‬
‭Question 4. Bholi is a child different from others. This difference makes‬

‭her an object of neglect and laughter. Elaborate.‬
‭Answer: Society does not tolerate difference very easily. Bholi is not like‬
‭others. She is slow for her age. She stammers when she speaks. Small‬
‭pox leaves her all covered with pock-marks. As a result, she has to suffer‬
‭a lot.‬
‭Her parents do not even bathe her. She is ignored and neglected. They‬
‭take her only as a burden. People laugh at her. Children imitate her when‬
‭she speaks. So, she remains silent most of the time. She has no‬
‭confidence or self esteem.‬
‭Society must realise that it must accept those who are ” different. They‬
‭must be treated with the same love and respect as others.‬
‭Question 5. “Put the fear out of your heart and you will be able to speak‬
‭like anyone else”. These words of encouragement from the teacher‬
‭highlight that change of social attitude and encouragement can help a‬
‭child like Bholi to become confident and face the world bravely. Taking‬
‭help from the lesson ‘Bholi’ write how the social attitude towards Bholi‬
‭made her an introvert. What should be done to help such children to face‬
‭the world bravely?‬
‭Answer: Bholi suffered a weak mind due to her accident (falling from her‬
‭cot) during her infancy. She also started to a stammer while speaking.‬
‭Then she became ugly due to pock-marks on her face and body on‬
‭contracting the smallpox disease. All these made her family and other‬
‭children treat her badly, resulting in her becoming an introvert. To help‬
‭such children face the world bravely, we must treat them with love and‬
‭affection and encourage them to join mainstream society. We must not‬
‭mock their disabilities; instead we should give them hope that they can be‬
‭as good as the other children by motivating and uplifting them.‬
‭Question 6. School education turned Bholi from a dumb cow into a bold‬
‭girl. How did she save her father from a huge expense and become his‬
‭support in his old age?‬
‭Answer: Ironically, Bholi was sent to school as her mother believed she‬
‭was a burden and let the teachers at the school worry for her. The teacher‬
‭showed affection and encouraged her to shed her fear. She was assured‬
‭by her teacher that she would speak like others one day.‬
‭Years of hard work transformed Bholi into a bold and confident young‬
‭woman. Bishamber refused to marry Bholi due to her appearance and‬
‭demanded five thousand rupees. Bholi saw how her father was humiliated‬
‭for no reason. She refused to marry a greedy, mean and contemptible‬
‭coward. She assured her father that she would serve him and her mother‬
‭in their old age. She had a mission in her life; she would spread the light of‬
‭education in her village.‬
‭Question 7. Write a character sketch of Bholi.‬

‭“Bholi’s whole personality underwent a complete transformation towards‬
‭the end of the story”. Explain.‬
‭Answer: Bholi’s real name was Sulekha but she was called Bholi, the‬
‭simpleton as she was a backward child. She started speaking only when‬
‭she turned five but she stammered when she spoke and as a result she‬
‭was always mimicked or made fun of by the other children. Therefore,‬
‭Bholi talked very little.‬
‭Bholi did not know what exactly a school was and what happened there, in‬
‭the class when her teacher asked her name, she stammered and began to‬
‭cry. She kept her head down throughout the class. The teacher was very‬
‭encouraging and friendly to her and this made her gain confidence to‬
‭speak. She started seeing a ray of hope for a new life.‬
‭After years of gaining education and with the help of her teacher, Bholi‬
‭turned into a confident girl. She no longer stammered and could speak‬
‭properly. She even had the courage to refuse marrying the lame old man‬
‭because he was greedy and asked money from her father to marry her. On‬
‭seeing her father worried about her marriage, she said that he need not‬
‭worry as she would teach in the same school where she learnt so much‬
‭and would take care of him and her mother in their old age.‬
‭Question 8. ‘Love and encouragement make the impossible possible.‬

‭Explain this statement on the basis of the story ‘Bholi’.‬
‭Answer: Bholi was sent to school as her mother thought her to be a‬

‭burden. She was neglected by her parents as she was not beautiful and‬
‭lacked intelligence. The teacher in the school asked her to tell her name.‬
‭She stammered and began to cry. The teacher showed her affection and‬
‭encouraged her in a friendly manner to put aside her fear.‬
‭Bholi somehow told her name. Bholi was surprised. The teacher asked her‬
‭to come to school regularly. Love and encouragement shown by the‬
‭teacher brought out drastic changes in Bholi’s personality. Within a few‬
‭years she became so confident that she refused to marry a greedy man.‬
‭Question 9. No one is always foolish. Time and circumstances give us‬

‭intelligence and change out. personality. Explain with reference to ‘Bholi’.‬
‭Answer: Yes, it is quite right that no one is always foolish. Time decides‬
‭everything. Our maturity and knowledge depend on our experience.‬
‭Experience is always based on circumstances. Time and experiences‬
‭teach us different things and make life perfect.‬
‭With out experience or practical knowledge all bookish knowledge is in‬

‭vain. It is never used. There are many such examples in our real life that‬
‭prove this statement correct. Here I would like to share my own‬
‭experience about a very simple doctor.‬
‭He started his practice very slow in a poor area. Many famous doctors‬
‭made fun of him. Time passed and gradually he became famous in the‬
‭neighbouring areas. His treatment was not so costly. Once a very serious‬
‭accident occurred near his hospital and the people brought the injured‬
‭person to a costly hospital.‬
‭But his condition was very serious and the doctor refused to admit him.‬
‭Then that doctor took the case and tried his best to save him. At last he‬
‭succeeded. All were surprised to see and listen to it.‬

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Class: X AB 184 - English Language and Ref.

Book: First Flight

I MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

(iii) Why does the speaker say that it is a ‘rare privilege’?

(v) Where are the above lines taken from?

Ans. (i) (a) Nelson Mandela

(i) What is the policy of Apartheid?

(ii) The blacks were _______________.

(iii) Nelson Mandela defined the meaning of ‘courage’ as____________.

(v) Antonym of the word ‘wisdom’ is:

(i) The title that best suits this extract is:

Ans. (i) (c) Significance of Freedom

(i) ‘I’ here refers to:

(ii) The freedom of the author, who was black was:

(iii) The author felt a greater hunger for:

(iv) The word ‘curtailed’ means:

(v) The desire for freedom of the people transformed:

Ans. (i) (d) Nelson Mandela

Extract Based Questions

1. If ever you should go by chance To jungles in the east;

(a) While walking, how does a leopard’s hide appear to be?

(a) The bear is going to hug you hard to embrace you.

(c) The antonym of ‘caress’ is ‘boo’.

5. Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus,

The crocodile you always may

Tell from the Hyena thus:

Hyenas come with merry smiles;

But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.

(a) Between which animals would it be difficult to differentiate?

(b) How does a Hyena differ from a Crocodile?

(c) Quote a saying famous for Crocodile.

(d) Where does a novice may get confused?

(a) It would be difficult to differentiate between a Crocodile and a Hyena.

(c) “Crocodile tears” is a famous saying for Crocodile.

6. The true Chameleon is small,

Short Answer Type Questions

3. How can you distinguish between a tiger and a leopard?

4. How can you distinguish between a hyena and a crocodile?

7. How does a leopard behave when he sees someone?

8. How does the poet describe the bear?

9. What is so weird about the Hyena and the crocodile?

13. What humorous descriptions do you find in the poem?

Long Answer Questions

i. ii. iii. iv.

I MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (1 MARK)

(ii) According to the poet ‘fire’ refers to:

(iii) What does ice symbolise?

Ans. (i) (c) Both (a) and (b)

(i) What does ‘it’ refer to in the first line?

(ii) The main idea given here is that ________.

(iii) Who has written the above lines?

(v) What would be a better option to end the earth?

Ans. (i) (a) world

(i) Who shook down the hemlock tree?

(ii) What fell on the poet?

(iii) The crow and Hemlock tree symbolise ____.

(iv) What was in the tree that the crow shook?

(v) What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanza?

Ans. (i) (a) crow

(i) Who is the poet of this poem?