Introduction
In Madam Rides the Bus, the author, V. S. Naipaul, beautifully portrays an eight-year-old girl, Valli, and her first bus journey to the outside world. The story explores Valli’s curiosity, her determination, and how she grows emotionally from her experiences. It also touches upon the gap between knowledge and understanding, especially when Valli witnesses the cycle of life and death.
Q1. “Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself.” “You don’t have to help me,” said Valli to the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage in making the bus journey all alone. Taking inspiration from Valli’s character, write how the ability and courage to take risks are essential to fulfilling one’s dream.
Ans:
Valli, an eight-year-old village girl, is fascinated by the bus that visits her village every day. With determination and independence, she decides to take the journey, saving money and making meticulous plans to ensure her success. When she boards the bus alone, refusing help, it shows her courage and self-reliance. Similarly, in life, to achieve our dreams, we must have confidence, planning, and the ability to take risks. Without these qualities, fear can stop us from pursuing our goals, just as Valli’s courage helped her live her dream of riding the bus.
Q2. Valli was so overcome with sadness to see the dead cow that she lost all enthusiasm. Do you feel the same way? If you feel concerned about the plight of animals falling prey to fast-moving traffic, what efforts will you make to make traveling on roads a safer activity?
Ans:
On her way to town, Valli was thrilled when a cow ran in front of the bus, but on her return journey, she saw the same cow lifeless, lying in a pool of blood. This sight deeply saddened her and ruined her earlier excitement.
I also feel sad seeing animals harmed by traffic. To prevent such incidents, I believe that stray animals should be kept away from busy roads, and animal shelters should be built near urban areas. Strict traffic laws should be enforced, and awareness campaigns about animal safety on the roads should be conducted. This will ensure safer travel for both animals and humans.
Q3. Justify the statement with instances that Valli was a mature girl and ahead of her age?
Ans:
Valli, though only eight years old, displayed immense maturity and independence. Her desire to ride the bus was not impulsive but planned with precision. She calculated the bus fare, the time, and even saved money by avoiding unnecessary treats. Moreover, she demonstrated self-restraint when she resisted the temptation to buy things at the fair, instead saving sixty paise for the bus ride. She boarded the bus alone, refused help, and showed confidence in her actions, marking her as mature and self-sufficient.
Q4. Valli’s journey to the city is also her induction into the mystery of life and death. Elaborate.
Ans:
Valli’s journey to the city marks her introduction to the mystery of life and death. Initially, she is full of excitement as she enjoys the bus ride, observing the beautiful sights around her. When a cow runs in front of the bus, she finds it amusing. However, on her return, she encounters the same cow lifeless, which makes her reflect deeply on the suddenness of death. This moment marks a turning point in her emotional growth, making her realize that life is fragile and death is unavoidable. Her sadness reflects her growing understanding of the world.
Q5. Write a character sketch of Valli.
Ans:
Valli is a curious, confident, and determined young girl. Her favorite pastime is observing the world outside her home, and this curiosity led her to dream of riding the bus. She is mature for her age, planning the trip carefully, saving money, and even managing to escape her mother’s notice. During the journey, Valli displays both boldness and independence, handling situations on her own. She enjoys the ride but is deeply affected by the sight of the dead cow, showing a sensitive side. Valli’s determination and maturity make her stand out as a character who is ahead of her age.
Q6. What did Valli notice after she boarded the bus?
Ans:
After boarding the bus, Valli observed the luxurious interior of the bus, noting the soft seats, the gleaming silver bars, and the beautiful clock above the windshield. She enjoyed the scenic view as the bus passed along a canal, with green fields, palm trees, and distant mountains visible from the window. However, when her view was blocked by the canvas blind, she stood on the seat to peek over and enjoy the sights. Her curiosity and excitement were evident as she looked at everything with awe and enthusiasm.
Q7. What was Valli’s obsession? How did she prepare and save money for her first bus journey? Or How did Valli plan for her first bus journey?
Ans:
Valli’s obsession was to ride the bus to the town. She carefully planned her trip, learning that the fare was sixty paise for a round trip. She saved money by avoiding temptations like buying peppermints, toys, and merry-go-round rides. It was not easy for an eight-year-old to save this much, but her determination helped her. She also planned the journey around the time when her mother would be napping, allowing her the freedom to go unnoticed. Valli’s self-reliance and focus made her first bus ride a success.
Q8. Describe what Valli saw during her bus journey. How did the scenes and sights affect her?
Ans:
Valli’s first bus journey was filled with wonder and excitement. She observed the bus passing through lush fields, alongside palm trees and mountains. She saw green fields on one side and a deep ditch on the other. Valli was fascinated by everything, but when a young cow ran in front of the bus, she couldn’t help but laugh until she had tears in her eyes. However, the sight of the same cow dead on the road during her return journey deeply saddened her, making her lose her enthusiasm. The image of the dead cow haunted her, and she refused to look outside for the rest of the journey.
Key Vocabulary Box:
- Induction: The act of introducing someone to new knowledge or experiences.
- Haughtily: In a proud, arrogant manner.
- Thriftily: In a careful, economical manner.
- Repulsive: Causing strong dislike.
- Drivel: Silly nonsense.
- Mimicking: Copying or imitating.
- Gape: To stare with open mouth in amazement.
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