English ( Beehive ) Class for 9

Q.1. Who enters Gerrard’s cottage?
Ans. An intruder enters Gerrard’s cottage.

Q.2. Why did the intruder enter Gerrard’s cottage?
Ans. He wanted to kill Gerrard and disguise himself as Gerrard.

Q.3. How did Gerrard react to find the intruder in his room?
Ans. He was cool and calm to see the intruder.

Q.4. What did Gerrard tell the intruder about his childhood?
Ans. Gerrard told the intruder that in childhood he was stolen by the gypsies.

Q.5. What was Gerrard’s Christian name?
Ans. His Christian name was Vincent Charles.

Q.6. What did the intruder tell Gerrard about his speciality?
Ans. ‘Hie intrudes told Gerrard that his specialty was jewel robbery. ‘

Q.7. What did the intruder want to know of Gerrard?
Ans. lie wanted to know of Gerrard, how he talked and how he met people.

Q.8. Why did the intruder want to hurt but not to kill Gerrard?
Ans. He wanted to hurt him and get an answer to his questions before killing him.

Q.9. What is Gerrard’s profession?
Ans. Gerrard is a playwright.

Q.10. What crime had the intruder committed?
Ans. ‘the intruder had killed a policeman.

Q.11. Where did Gerrard imprison the intruder?
Ans. Gerrard imprisoned the intruder in the cupboard.

Q.12. Describe Gerrard’s appearance.
Ans. Gerrard is a man of medium height and wears horn-rimmed glasses. When the play opens, he is dressed in a lounge suit and a great coat. He talks in a cultured voice and his demeanor is confident.

Q.13. What did Gerrard tell the intruder about himself? Was he telling the truth? Why/Why not?
Ans. Gerrard told the intruder that as a child, he was stolen by the gypsies and now in his thirties, he was all alone in life. He was not telling the truth; he was just being funny as he wished to make it clear that he was not afraid of a gun-toting criminal. In fact,  Gerrard had already started concocting stories about himself.

Q.14. What sort of information does the intruder want from Gerrard?
Ans. The intruder wants personal details from Gerrard like whether in the lives alone, what his Christian name is, whether he has a car and whether people visit him. All this information is necessary for the execution of his plan to dodge the police by disguising it himself as Gerrard.

Q.15. What made Gerrard ask the intruder, Are you an American”?
Ans. Gerrard asked the intruder if he were an American as he had called him a ‘wise guy’. The guy is colloquial American expression for a man. Hence, the usage of this word by the intruder made Gerrard ask him this question.

Q.16. What sort of a person is the intruder? Give examples to illustrate.
Ans. The intruder is a dangerous person as he is carrying a pistol and claims to have killed a cop. He is mean, heartless and crafty, for he plans to kill Gerrard and assume his identity in order to escape the police. He is over-confident because he claims that Gerrard is no match for him. He is also boastful, uncouth and uncultured so as is evident from a remark he makes, ‘Put up your paws’.

Q.17. The intruder announced, “I’m going to kill you”. Was Gerrard in nervous? How would you describe Gerrard’s reactions?
Ans. Confident of his presence of mind, Gerrard remained unruffled of on being threatened by the intruder. He remained so calm and too nonchalant that the intruder was irritated. His sense of humor also enraged the intruder. Thus, Gerrard reacted in a calm and composed way.

Q.18. Why does the intruder intend to kill Gerrard?
Ans. The intruder is a criminal who is being chased by the police for having murdered a cop. As per his plan, the intruder intends to kill Gerrard in order to take on his identity and avoid being caught by the police. In this way, he can lead a peaceful life without being haunted by the fear of arrest and punishment.

Q.19. Who was the intruder in Gerrard’s house? Why did he break into his house?
Ans. The intruder, who broke into Gerrard’s house, was a criminal. He had murdered a cop and was being chased by the police. He intruded into Gerrard’s house with the intention to murder him and impersonate his identity to evade the police.

Q.20. How did Gerrard behave on seeing a gun-toting stranger in his cottage?
Ans. Gerrard kept his cool and remained absolutely unruffled when he saw the gun-toting stranger in his cottage. There was neither any panic nor any ring of tension in his voice. He remained his normal self and talked to him casually.

Q.21. Why does the intruder not kill Gerrard immediately?
Ans. The intruder does not kill Gerrard immediately because he first wants to get all the necessary information from him. Without this information, his plan to disguise and act as Gerrard will not succeed.

Q.22. Where did Gerrard live? Why was it a suitable place for the intruder’s plan?
Ans. Gerrard lived in a lonely cottage in a secluded place in the wilds of Essex. With hardly any population around, it was easy for one to commit a crime without getting detected. In addition, the place was visited by only a few people. Therefore, it was suitable for the intruder to carry out his plan successfully over here.

Q.23. Why does the intruder call himself ‘a poor hunted rat’?
Ans. The intruder describes himself as ‘a poor hunted rat’ because he is being chased by the police and he has to keep dodging them. He has killed a cop and is trying to escape punishment by hiding like a rat being chased by a cat.

Q.24. Why did the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wanted to take on?
Ans. The intruder picked Gerrard because both of them were of the same physical structure. Moreover, as Gerrard lived alone, did not meet any people, and had irregular hours and habits, he thought it would be easy to kill him and assume his identity, and this way lead a life of peace. He will be away from the reach of the law.

Q.25. Why has the criminal been called an intruder all through the play?
Ans. An intruder is a person who forces his way uninvited and unwelcomed like a criminal. He is called an intruder throughout the play as after forcing his way into Gerrard’s cottage, he is trying to grab Gerrard’s identity as well. Moreover, he refuses to tell Gerrard anything about himself, even his name.

Q.26. Bring out the contrast between Gerrard and the intruder.
Ans. Coarse, crude, boastful and an irritable egoist, the intruder is overconfident and thinks that he is the smartest one around. Gerrard, on the other hand, is pleasant, cool-headed, refined, lively and very intelligent, but a modest and humble person. Although Gerrard does not brag, he proves to be much smarter and more intelligent than the intruder.

Q.27. Why did very few people come to Gerrard’s house? Who were the few people who visited him?
Ans. Gerrard lived all alone in a secluded place and his theatrical performances made his schedule irregular. He was hardly at home, so very few people came to his house. He was visited only by his regular suppliers like the baker, the greengrocer, and the milkman.

Q.28.”They cannot hang me twice.” Who says this and why?
Ans. The intruder says this because he is already wanted for having murdered a cop. If he manages to kill Gerrard, as per his plan, the punishment for this murder too, like the first one, will be a death sentence. Hence, he cannot be hanged twice by the police.

Q.29.“A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
Ans. Gerrard, the speaker, proposes to explain the mystery about his queer life in which he has an irregular routine, refuses to see tradesmen, goes away and comes back to the house hurriedly. Gerrard has already concocted a story attributing his strange behaviour to his being a criminal wanted in many cases of crime.

Q.30.”This is your big surprise”. Who says these words in the play? When and where? What is the surprise?
Ans. This has been said by Gerrard when the intruder asks him to clarify how he could still be killed after assuming Vincent Charles Gerrard’s identity. This is a surprise for the intruder who never suspected Gerrard to be a criminal. According to his information, Gerrard seemed to be the perfect person who could be easily eliminated and then impersonated.

Q.31. Why and how did Gerrard persuade the intruder to get into the cupboard?
Ans. Gerrard concocted a story about his own criminal background. He gave the intruder the impression that the police were looking for him and he expected a telephone call from a friend informing the police’s arrival. So when the telephone rang, he hurried the intruder into the cupboard and told him that it was connected to the garage which was an escape route.

Q.32. How does Gerrard propose to use the intruder’s episode?
Ans. Being a man of the theatre, Gerrard is amused at being able to turn the tables on the intruder. He finds the episode of outwitting a criminal by a clever but an innocent man so interesting that he proposes to use it as a plot for his next play.

Q.33. Gerrard describes this encounter with the intruder as an amusing spot of bother’? What light does this attitude reflect on Gerrard?
Ans. Any other person in Gerrard’s place would have been paralyzed with fear under such circumstances. But Gerrard finds it an amusing spot of bother’ as his nonchalant (calm and casual) approach makes him handle the situation comfortably and outwit the intruder with ease.

Q.34. What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that
Ans. support your answer. Gerrard is associated with theatre as a writer, producer and director. He also supplies props and makeup materials to other theatre agencies. The following facts reveal his profession clearly.

•  He tells the intruder that his actions are ‘melodramatic’ but not ‘very original’. 
•  He welcomes the intruder as a ‘sympathetic audience’.
•  He comments on the intruder’s ‘inflexion of voice’. 
•  He tells someone over the phone that he cannot deliver the props in time. 
•  He also tells that person that he had ‘an amusing spot of bother’ which he might put into his next play. 

Q.35. Why was Gerrard’s schedule so irregular?
Ans. Having a theatrical background, Gerrard devoted time to writing, producing and directing the plays. He also supplied other theatrical companies with props and make-up items. Therefore, his schedule was irregular as it had to suit the requirements at the theatres.

Q.36. Gerrard said, ‘You have been so modest’. Was Gerrard being ironical or truthful?
Ans. Gerrard’s remark ‘you have been so modest’ was ironical. The intruder had been boasting of his intelligence and smartness. Hence, Gerrard taunted him about his modesty and asked him to say something about himself.

Q.37. Why did the intruder enter Gerrard’s cottage?
Ans. The intruder resembled Gerrard. He had committed a murder. He made a plan to save himself from the police. He decided that after killing Gerrard he would take on his identity and live without any fear. So he entered Gerrard’s cottage,

Q.38. Why did the intruder want Gerrard to speak to him?
Ans. The intruder wanted to take on Gerrard’s identity after killing him. But before killing him he wanted to know how Gerrard talked and how he dealt with people. He could know this only when Gerrard spoke with him. So he wanted him to speak with him.

Q.39. What crime had the intruder committed?
Ans. ‘the intruder was a jewel thief. When he was being chased by the police, he killed a policeman. So he was wanted for murder also

Q.40. Why did he send for the sergeant?
Ans. A jewel thief and murderer entered Gerrard’s cottage. He wanted to kill Gerrard also. Gerrard shut the murderer in a cupboard. Then he phoned the police. Ile sent for the sergeant to get the intruder arrested.

Q.41. How does Gerrard imprison the intruder and save his life?
Ans. Gerrard asks the intruder to run away from there with him because the police may come at any time. He opens a door. He says that this door leads to the garage. The intruder steps in. It was the cupboard door. Gerrard pushes the intruder in and shuts the door. Thus he imprisons the intruder and saves his life.

Q1. Why can’t Lucy see or hear?
Ans: She cannot see or hear because she is dead.

Q2. What does ‘the slumber’ refer to?
Ans: The slumber refers to the death of a lovely child named Lucy.

Q3. What can’t the poet realize?
Ans: The poet cannot comprehend human fears.

Q4. What had sealed the poet’s spirit?
Ans: The death of Lucy sealed the poet’s spirit.

Q5. What is meant by earth’s diurnal course’?
Ans: Earth’s diurnal course refers to the daily movement of the Earth as it rotates on its axis. This rotation causes the cycle of day and night.

Q6. What is meant by ‘human fears’? 
Ans: Human fears refer to the common worries and anxieties experienced by people. These fears can include concerns about failure, rejection, and loss, which are universal emotions that many individuals face throughout their lives.

Q7. What did the slumber do to the poet’s spirit?
Ans: The slumber caused the poet’s spirit to become sealed. This deep sleep signifies a state where he feels no human fears. In this state, he perceives his loved one as a being who cannot feel the passage of time or the effects of the world around her. She is described as having no motion or awareness, existing in a tranquil state, undisturbed by earthly concerns.

Q8. On the basis of reading this poem, how would you describe William Wordsworth?
Ans: In this poem, William Wordsworth expresses his profound love for nature. He envisions it as a source of comfort and peace, particularly when reflecting on the death of a loved one. Wordsworth imagines that if someone dear to him becomes part of nature after their passing, it brings him a sense of relief.

Q9. Explain the line ‘She seemed a thing that could not feel’?
Ans: The line ‘She seemed a thing that could not feel’ suggests that the person is now dead. It implies she lacks any sense of human emotions, meaning she cannot experience grief or happiness. As a result, she is perceived as a lifeless entity, disconnected from the feelings that define living beings.

Q10. What is the theme of the poem ‘A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal’?
Ans: The poem reflects on the death of a loved one. The poet expresses that his soul is sealed in a deep sleep, indicating a profound sense of loss. Despite this sorrow, he finds some comfort in the thought that the child has become a part of nature. This connection to nature brings him a sense of peace, as he believes that the passing of time will no longer affect her.

Q.1. Which two temples did the author visit in Kathmandu?
Ans. The author visited Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu.

Q.2. What signboard is there outside the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans. The signboard outside Pashupatinath temple is ‘Entrance for Hindus only’.

Q.3. What does everyone do to the Nepalese Princess in the temple?
Ans. Everyone bows to the princess and makes way for her.

Q.4. Which river flows through Kathmandu?
Ans. The Bagmati River flows through Kathmandu.

Q.5. How is the atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans. The atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple is full of confusion.

Q.6. How is the atmosphere at the Baudhnath Stupa?
Ans. At Baudhnath Stupa there is an atmosphere of stillness.

Q.7. Who owned most of the shops in Kathmandu?
Ans. Tibetan immigrants owned most of the shops in Kathmandu.

Q.8. Flow does the author decide to take his return journey to Delhi?
Ans. He decides to come back by the plane of Nepal Airlines.

Q.9. Who does the writer see in at square of Kathmandu?
Ans. He sees a flute seller.

Q.10. Who is the writer of the lesson Kathmandu?
Ans. The author of the lesson Kathmandu is Vikram Seth.

Q.11. Where did the writer stay in Kathmandu? Which two different places of worship did he visit and with whom?
Ans. The writer, Vikram Seth, stayed in a cheap room in the center of Kathmandu town. He visited the Pashupatinath temple, sacred to Hindus, and the Baudhnath stupa, the holy shrine of the Buddhists. He went with his acquaintances Mr. Shah’s son and nephew.

Q.12. What is written on the signboard outside the Pashupatinath temple? What does the proclamation signify?
Ans. Outside the Pashupatinath temple, the signboard announces: “Entrance for the Hindus only”. It signifies the rigid sanctity that this place of worship associates with and the dogmatic discrimination practiced saving this place from being treated like a tourist destination.

Q.13. What does the author imply by ‘febrile confusion’ in the Pashupatinath temple?
Or
What made the atmosphere in and around the Pashupatinath temple full of ‘febrile confusion’?
Ans. The author makes this remark to show the hectic and feverish activity that causes utter chaos. Around the temple, there is a huge crowd of priests, hawkers, tourists, and even cows, monkeys and pigeons. Inside the temple, there are a large number of worshippers who elbow others aside to move closer to the priest. Together, they create utter confusion.

Q.14. Why did the policeman stop the Westerners wearing saffron-colored clothes from entering the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans. The policeman stopped the saffron-clad Westerners from entering the Pashupatinath temple as the entry of non- Hindus is banned in this temple and he didn’t believe that they were Hindus, despite their saffron clothes.

Q.15. How does the author describe the fight that breaks out between the two monkeys around the temple of Pashupatinath?
Ans. The author describes the fight that breaks out between two monkeys in which one chases the other. The monkey being chased jumps onto a shivalitiga, then runs screaming around the temples and finally goes down to the holy river, Bagmati.

Q.16. What activities are observed by the writer on the banks of the Bagmati river?
Ans. The writer observes some polluting activities on the banks of river Bagmati. He notices some washerwomen washing clothes, some children taking a bath and a dead body being cremated on the banks of this sacred river. He also observes someone throwing a basketful of wilted flowers and leaves into the river.

Q.17. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?
Ans. There is a small shrine on the banks of the holy Bagmati in the Pashupatinath temple. Half of this shrine protrudes from a stone platform. It is believed that when the shrine will emerge completely from the platform, the goddess in the shrine will escape and that will mark the end of the Kaliyug.

Q.18. What are the author’s observations about the streets in Kathmandu?
Ans. The author finds the streets in Kathmandu ‘vivid, mercenary and religious’. Extremely narrow and busy, these streets have many small shrines and some images clad in flowers. Stray cows roam about mooing at the sound of the motorcycles. Vendors sell their wares shouting loudly and radios are played at a loud pitch. In addition, the horns of the cars and the ringing of the bicycle bells increase this din.

Q.19. What picture of the Baudhnath stupa does the author portray?
Ans. The author gives a brief but vivid picture of the Boudhanath stupa. He admires the serenity and calmness of this shrine. There are no crowds even on the road surrounding the stupa which has some shops run by the Tibetan immigrants. The stupa has an immense white dome with silence and stillness as its distinctive features.

Q.20. Describing the streets around the Baudhnath stupa, why does the narrator say this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around?
Ans. The narrator observes a sense of stillness at the Buddhist shrine, the Boudhanath stupa. Its immense white dome is ringed by a road with small shops selling items like felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewelry. The quietness of the stupa stands out amidst the busy business activities that go around it. Thus, the narrator regards this place as a haven of quietness in the busy streets around.

Q.21. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca-Cola”. What does all this’ refer to?
Ans. All this’ refers to the eatables that the writer enjoys on the road surrounding the Boudhanath stupa. It includes a bar of marzipan and a roasted corn-cob that he enjoys along with the fizzy, carbonated drinks, Coca-Cola. Besides, he also gets some comics with love-stories and a copy of the Reader’s Digest magazine to indulge himself mindlessly.

Q.22. Which is the longer route from Kathmandu to Delhi? Which route does the author opt for?
Ans. The longer route from Kathmandu to Delhi is to first reach Patna by bus and train. Then go past Benaras, sail on the Ganges and reach Allahabad. Then cross the Yamuna and finally reach Delhi via Agra. The shorter option taken by the author is to fly via air, straight from Kathmandu to Delhi.

Q.23. Why does Vikram Seth decide to buy a ticket directly for the homeward journey?
Ans. Vikram Seth has been away from home since quite some time. He is feeling very exhausted and homesick. Though his enthusiasm for travelling tempts him to take a longer route to reach back home, his exhaustion and homesickness impel him to buy an air-ticket directly for the homeward journey to Delhi.

Q.24. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers?
Or
How is the flute player’s way of selling flutes different from that of the other hawkers around?
Ans. The author points out that while other hawkers shout loudly to attract the customers for their wares, the flute seller plays upon his flute slowly and meditatively. He does not indulge in excessive display nor does he show any desperation to sell his flutes. Although the flute player does not shout, the sound of the flute is distinctly heard above the noise of the traffic and of the hawkers.

Q.25. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?
Or
Where did Vikram Seth find the flute seller? What did he compare his flutes to?
Ans. Vikram Seth found a flute seller in Kathmandu standing in a corner of the square near his hotel. He held a pole in his hand which had an attachment at the top. In this attachment, around fifty to sixty flutes were stuck that bulged out in all directions. The author compares these protruding flutes to the sharp, stiff and standing quills of a porcupine.

Q.26. Name five kinds of flutes.
Or
Listening to the music of the flute in the square, the author is reminded of various kinds of flutes. Which kinds does he describe?
Ans. As the author listens to the music of the flute being played by the flute seller, he is reminded of different kinds of flutes. He mentions certain kinds of them like the ‘cross-flutes’, the ‘reed new’, the recorder, the Japanese ‘shakuhachi’ and the Hindustani ‘bansuri’. Other flutes are distinguished by their tonal quality like ‘the clear or breathy flutes’ of South America and the ‘high-pitched’ flutes of China

Q.27. What is the impact of the music of the flute on Vikram Seth?
Ans. The music of the flute has a hypnotic effect on Vikram Seth. He finds it difficult to ‘tear’ himself away from the square where this music is being played by the flute seller. It has the power to draw him into the commonality of all mankind and he is moved by its closeness to the human voice.

Q.28. Why does the author describe the music of the flute as “the most universal and most particular of sounds”?
Ans. The music of the flute, according to the author, is the most ‘universal’ because this musical instrument, made of hollow bamboo is found in every culture in the world. But at the same time, its sound is the most ‘particular’ because each flute, though played in an almost similar manner, emits a distinct, unique, and individual kind of music.

Q.29. What did the saffron-clad Westerners want?
Ans. The saffron-clad Westerners wanted to go inside the temple of Pashupatinath. But the policeman stopped them. He did not let them go inside the temple because they were not Hindus. The entrance was only for Hindus in the temple.

Q.30. How did the author want to return to Delhi? What made him change his mind?
Ans. From Kathmandu, the author wanted to go Patna by bus or train. Then he would sail the Ganga though Benaras to Allahabad. Then he would sail the Yamuna through Agra to Delhi. But the author was already very tired. So he decided to return to Delhi by air.

Q.31. Describe how the flute seller sells his wares?
Ans. The flute seller has tied fifty or sixty flutes on a pole. He does not shout out his wares. From time to time, he selects a flute and plays on it. He plays slowly and thoughtfully. Sometimes, he makes a sale. But his attitude is carefree.

Q.32. To hear any ‘flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.’ Explain.
Ans. The flute is found in each culture in one form or the other. Thus the sound of the flute draws a person into the commonality of mankind.

Q.1. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?
Ans. simple jab of a knife can certainly not kill a tree. It can merely injure it and cause its sap to ooze out like blood. The real-life of a tree comes from the roots that provide it nourishment and firmly hold it.

Q.2. How has the tree grown to its full size? List words suggestive of its life and activity.
Ans. The tree has grown to its full size gradually. It has grown by slowly consuming the earth. It has risen out of the earth and has fed upon its crust. It has also absorbed light, air and water for years. Leaves have sprouted out of its discolored bark.

Q.3. In the phrase ‘consuming the earth’, who consumes the earth and how?
Ans. It is the tree that consumes the earth by drawing its nourishment from the soil through its root. The diet required by the tree lies deep inside the earth and the root sucks and absorbs nutrients and nourishes the tree.

Q.4. What is meant by ‘years of sunlight, air, and water’?
Ans. Years of sunlight, air, and water means that the tree takes years together to grow up fully. In this course of time, it draws energy from sunlight, air and water.

Q.5. Why has the tree’s ‘hide’ been called leprous?
Ans. The bark of the tree is uneven in texture and colour. Leprosy also robs the skin of the leper of its colour and evenness. Hence, the poet has drawn a metaphorical comparison between the discoloured bark of a tree and diseased skin.

Q.6. What is the role of hacking and chopping in killing a tree?
Ans. Hacking and chopping wound the body of a tree causing it great pain. They peel the bark of the tree and it appears to be bleeding when the sap oozes out. However, this pain or bleeding does not manage to kill the tree.

Q.7. What is the meaning of ‘bleeding bark’? What makes it bleed?
Ans. The ‘bleeding bark stands for the sap oozing out of the tree trunk when it is attacked with a knife or an axe. The word ‘bleeding’ is metaphorically used to compare the sap to the blood from a wound of a human being. It signifies the pain of the tree.

Q.8. What will rise from ‘close to the ground’? Why?
Ans. Curled green twigs and miniature boughs will rise from the stump of the tree that is close to the ground. They will rise because the tree rejuvenates and revives itself as long as its root is intact.

Q.9. ’What will happen if the miniature boughs are left ‘unchecked’?
Ans. Unchecked’ here means left free to grow without any harm or danger. If left ‘unchecked’, the new, green, delicate branches from the stump of a tree will expand and regain their original size.

Q.10. “No, The root is to be pulled out.” Why has the poet started this stanza with “No”? Or The poet says “No” at the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?
Ans. The poet uses ‘No’ to emphasize the fact that merely hacking and chopping are not sufficient for killing a tree. They can injure it, make it bleed, and cause pain. But killing a tree requires more ruthlessness and much more effort.

Q.11. What is the meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”?
Ans. “Anchoring earth” means the earth which gives a firm grip to the tree and keeps it from falling. Just as a ship anchored in the sea stays in its place securely and steadily, similarly the tree stands secure and stable with the support of the earth. “Earth cave” refers to the depth under the earth where the root of a tree remains sheltered safely for years. It is firmly attached to this point and a cave-like hollow is created when the root is pulled out.

Q.12. How is the root of the tree to be pulled out? What is the result of this pulling?
Ans. The root of the tree is to be tied to a rope and pulled out with a great force. This pulling results in creating a cave-like hollow in the earth and exposes the root to the vagaries of weather that eventually cause the death of the tree.

Q.13. What does the poet mean by The strength of the tree exposed”?
Ans. The expression ‘the strength of the tree exposed’ means the root of the tree is pulled out of the earth and thrown open at the mercy of harsh weather.Root is the source of the tree’s power. Once exposed to the scorching and choking sun and air, it withers away and the tree finally dies.

Q.14. What is ‘the most sensitive’ part of the tree? What is it sensitive to and why?
Ans. The root of the tree is its most sensitive part. It is sensitive to the heat and vagaries of weather on the open surface of the earth. It is so because it remains hidden safely under the earth.

Q.15. How is the exposed root affected by the sun and air?
Ans. Sun and air start drawing life out of the exposed root. It becomes discoloured, dry and hard. It starts withering and becomes gnarled and twisted. Devoid of all its moisture, it gradually becomes lifeless and the process of killing the tree is completed.

Q.16. What finally kills the tree?
Ans. The withering of the pulled out root finally kills the tree. The root of a tree is the source of its strength. Once it is pulled out, it can no longer nurture the tree. The root is sensitive to sunlight and air. Once exposed, it gets dehydrated, brown and twisted. Ultimately it dries up and the tree yields to death.

Q.17. What message is conveyed by this poem?
Ans. The poem conveys the message that human beings have destructive temperament towards nature, but Mother nature has regenerative powers and cannot be destroyed easily. It has the ability to resurrect itself. Also, the tree teaches us that mere physical assaults cannot ruin us. As long as our root, our soul, is intact we can rise again.

Q.18. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?
Ans. No, a simple jab of the knife does not have the ability to kill the tree. It has to go through various processes. If its root is not removed from the earth, it will sprout again.

Q.19. What finally kills the tree?
Ans. Pulling out the tree from the mother earth and scorching and choking it in the sun and air kills the tree. It becomes brown, dry and gets hard. Eventually, it dies.

Q.20. How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.
Ans. The tree has grown to its full size by consuming the earth, feeding Upon its crust, absorbing Years of light, air, and water. Consuming, rising, feeding and absorbing are the words suggestive of its life and activity.

Q.21. What are the two important stages for killing a tree?
Ans. There are two stages of killing a tree. First, the tree should be pulled out entirely. Its roots are to be exposed to the sun and the air. Secondly, the roots are to be scorched in the sun. When the roots are scorched, these turn brown, hard and withered. The tree finally dies.

Q.22. Write the meanings of ‘anchoring earth’ and ‘earth cave’.
Ans. ‘Anchoring earth’ implies that the trees are held secure with the help of the roots in the earth. So long as the roots are firmly held by the earth, the tree is safe and cannot be killed by a simple jab of a knife.

Q.23. How will the bleeding bark of trees heal?
Ans. When the blow of knives or axes does not kill trees, its bleeding bark will gradually heal its pain all the time and the green leaves will grow from the boughs. Actually, the strength of trees lies in its roots. When they are not uprooted, they will expand and grow into a complete tree.

Q.24. How is the problem of deforestation raised in the poem?
Ans. Deforestation can be said the important theme of the poem. In our time’s deforestation has become a major issue. Forests are being cleared off to make doors, windows, furniture, and fuel. This act has adversely affected our ecosystem. The poet seems to be an environmentalist and his urge to save trees is felt in the whole poem.

Q.25. What is the central idea of this poem?
Ans. The central idea of this poem is that the uprooting of trees is not easy. Actually, his act is quite painful. In the same way, the human soul never dies. The poem beautifully expresses that before killing trees, we have to cause injury to them. The human soul is also difficult to be killed but external vagaries can mutually damage it. Like human souls, trees can also feel pain and suffering.

Q.1. What is the special distinction of Santosh Yadav?
Ans. Santosh Yadav is the only woman in the world who has scaled Mount Everest twice.

Q.2. What does `Santosh’ mean?
Ans. Santosh means contentment.

Santosh Yadav: A Life That Scaled Heights Over and Over
Q.3. What did Santosh tell her parents about marriage?
Ans. Santosh informed her parents that she would never marry unless she received a proper education. This decision reflected her determination to prioritise her learning over societal expectations.

Q.4. Why did Santosh leave home?
Ans. Santosh left home to get herself enrolled in a school in Delhi.

Q.5. Where did Santosh take admission after passing high school?
Ans. After passing high school, Santosh took admission in Maharani College, Jaipur.

Q.6. Where did Santosh enrol herself for mountaineering training?
Ans. She enrolled at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi.

Q.7. When did Santosh Yadav scale Mount Everest for the first time?
Ans. Santosh Yadav first scaled Mount Everest in 1992, achieving this remarkable feat at the age of just twenty. Her determination and skills made her the youngest woman in the world to reach the summit.

Q.8. Why is Santosh Yadav mentioned as a passionate environmentalist?
Ans. Santosh Yadav is recognised as a passionate environmentalist because she collected and removed 500 kilograms of waste from the Himalayas.

Q.9. What type of social system was there in the village when Santosh was born?
Ans. At the time of Santosh’s birth, the social system in her village viewed the birth of a son as a blessing, while the arrival of a daughter was often met with less enthusiasm. This cultural perspective reflected the prevailing attitudes towards gender in society.

Reach for the TopQ.10. How did Santosh show the contradiction in her name?
Ans. The girl was given the name Santosh, which means contentment. However, she often felt discontent with her traditional life. From an early age, Santosh chose to live by her own rules. She believed that if she followed a rational path, it was those around her who needed to change, not her.

Q.11. Why was the ‘holy man’, who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings, surprised?
Ans. The holy man expected that, like all other families in the villages, the family would be wishing for the birth of a son. However, when he was told by Santosh’s grandmother that they wanted to have a daughter, he was surprised.

Q.12. What kind of society was Santosh born in?
Ans. Santosh was born in Joniyawas, a small village in the Rewari District in Haryana. The society in this region was rigidly patriarchal and gender-biased. The birth of a girl was generally unwelcome, and people strictly adhered to conservative traditions.

Q.13. Why did the grandmother (in spite of being a member of a family with conservative views) wish her daughter-in-law to give birth to a daughter?
Ans. Despite being a member of a conservative family, the grandmother wished to be blessed with a granddaughter because there were already five boys in the family. Hence, the family now wished for a daughter.

Q.14. Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
Ans. Santosh’s parents were wealthy and could have sent her to a prestigious school in Delhi. However, they chose to send her to the local village school because they strictly adhered to tradition, which dictated that girls should only attend the local school.

Santosh Yadav receiving Padma ShriQ.15. When did Santosh leave home for Delhi, and why?
Or
When Santosh turned sixteen, why did she consider it to be the ‘right moment’ to fight the system?
Ans. Santosh left home for Delhi when she turned sixteen because her parents had begun to pressurise her to get married in keeping with tradition. She decided that it was the right moment to rebel, and she quietly got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi to continue her studies.

Q.16. Why did Santosh’s parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought to light by this incident?
Ans. Santosh’s parents agreed to pay for her schooling in Delhi because she told them that she planned to work part-time in order to pay her fees. They realised that their daughter was independent, had strong willpower and firm self-belief. She could make her decisions and stand by them.

Q.17. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
Ans. Santosh Yadav began to climb mountains when she met some mountaineers in the Aravalli Hills, who not only let her join them but also motivated her to mountain climbing. She had gone to the Aravallis after she had seen villagers from her room (at the Kasturba Hostel in Maharani College, Jaipur) cross the hills and disappear beyond.

Q.18. What did Santosh do after being motivated by the Mountaineers to take up climbing?
Ans. Santosh saved money and enrolled herself in a course at Uttarkashi’s Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, and after completion of her semester in college, headed straight for the institute to be able to start her training in time.

Q.19. Why did Santosh write a letter of apology to her father?
Ans. Santosh had got herself enrolled in the Uttarkashi Nehru Institute of Mountaineering without seeking her father’s permission. She had thought of talking to her family about this during her holidays. However, there was hardly any time between the end of the semester and her reporting date at the institute. Due to her inability to go home, she wrote a letter of apology to her father.

Q.20. As a climber, what qualities was Santosh Yadav gifted with?
Ans. As a climber, Santosh was gifted with an iron will, great physical endurance and amazing mental toughness. All these qualities, coupled with her resistance to cold and altitude, helped her prove her mettle in climbing mountains again and again.

Q.21. How did Santosh’s seniors and fellow climbers appreciate her?
Ans. Santosh’s seniors appreciated her for her climbing skills, physical fitness, and mental strength. On the other hand, her fellow climbers admired her for her team spirit and her genuine concern for her fellow climbers.

Q.22. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh’s concern for her teammates?
Ans. During the 1992 Everest expedition, one of her teammates was in a very critical condition during the expedition. Col. Santosh made every effort to look after him. Unfortunately, the climber could not be saved. However, she did succeed in saving the life of another fellow climber, Mohan Singh. Santosh shared her oxygen with him and saved his life. These incidents show her concern for her teammates.

Q.23. When did Santosh scale Mt. Everest for the second time?
Ans. Santosh was invited by an Indo-Nepalese Women’s expedition to scale Mt. Everest within a year of her first expedition in 1992. Santosh joined them to climb Everest for the second time. Thus, she scaled Everest twice, setting a record as the only woman to have scaled Everest two times.

Q.24. Why is Santosh Yadav’s name recorded twice for climbing Mount Everest?
Ans. Santosh Yadav earned the credit for being the youngest woman in the world to climb Mount Everest. She was all of twenty years when she scaled the peak for the first time in 1992. She earned another credit when she climbed Mount Everest for the second time soon after. Now her name was recorded again for being the only woman in the world to have climbed the mighty Everest twice.

Q.25. How did the government of India honour Santosh Yadav?
Ans. The government of India recognised Santosh’s achievements as a celebrated mountaineer. Acknowledging her feat as the only woman to climb Mount Everest twice, the government bestowed upon her one of the nation’s top honours, the Padma Shri.

Q.26. What shows Santosh’s concern for the environment?
Ans. Santosh’s fervent concern for the environment is indicated by the fact that she couldn’t stand the sight of the Himalayas littered with garbage. Hence, she collected and brought down as much as 500kg of refuse from the pristine mountains.

Q.27. How did Santosh feel when she found herself on the ‘top of the world’ at the summit of Everest?
Or
How does Santosh describe her feelings at the summit of Everest?
Or
What was the most spiritual and proud moment for Santosh Yadav?
Ans. Santosh Yadav, while standing on the ‘top of the world’, was overwhelmed with emotions of patriotism and ecstasy. She felt proud as an Indian when she unfurled the tricolour on Mount Everest. She was so happy that she experienced a kind of spiritual bliss. She found it hard to articulate her feelings.

Q1. What should we remember about men?

Ans: We should remember that no men are strange. Everyone shares the same basic human experiences, regardless of their background or nationality. Beneath all uniforms, we all breathe the same air and walk on the same earth. 

Q2. What should we remember about countries?

Ans: We should remember that no countries are foreign. This means that all nations share a common humanity. We often perceive others as different, but fundamentally, we are all part of the same world.

Q3. Where shall we all lie in the end? 

Ans: In the end, we all shall lie on the earth.

Q4. What are all men fed by?

Ans: All men are nourished by peaceful harvests and suffer from the starvation caused by war. Their hands and efforts are similar to ours, revealing a shared labour that connects us all. They possess eyes that see and feel, just like we do, and their strength can be gained through love. Across every land, there is a common life that we can all recognise and understand.

Q5. What do you mean by a peaceful harvest? 

Ans: By peaceful harvests, we refer to the crops that are cultivated during times of peace. This period allows for the growth of food without the disruptions caused by conflict.

Q6. What do you mean ‘wars’ long winter? 

Ans: The term war’s long winter refers to the difficult and painful times during a conflict when people are forced to stay indoors. It highlights the suffering and hardship experienced during such periods.

Q7. Why should we not hate others?

Ans: We should not hate others because we are all part of the same human family. Every person is our brother or sister, regardless of their background or beliefs. Hatred only leads to division and suffering, while understanding and compassion can bring us together.

Q8. What do you mean by ‘hells of fire and dust’?

Ans: ‘Hells of fire and dust’ refers to the devastating impacts of war, highlighting the immense destruction and suffering it causes. This phrase captures the chaos and ruin that accompany conflicts, illustrating how warfare leads to both physical and emotional devastation.

Q9. “Beneath all uniforms…” What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about?

Ans: The poet refers to the uniforms worn by the armies of various countries. Despite their different appearances, the bodies beneath these uniforms are fundamentally the same. The poet conveys that the differences among people from different nations are merely superficial. Ultimately, all human beings share a common essence.

Q10. Whom does the poet refer to as ‘our brothers’ and why?

Ans: The poet refers to people from different countries as ‘our brothers’. He believes that the superficial differences in complexion, language, dress, culture, and nationality should not divide us as human beings. Instead, our human wants, needs, hopes, and emotions are fundamentally the same, regardless of where we come from.

Q11. How does the poet suggest (in the first stanza) that all people on earth are the same?

Ans: In the first stanza, the poet conveys that no human is truly strange or different. Beneath our varied appearances, we all possess similar hearts, minds, and souls. We share the same way of breathing and living. The earth is a common asset for all, and ultimately, we will all face death and be buried in a similar manner.

Q12. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘in which we all shall lie’?

Ans: The poet suggests that we all will eventually lie beneath the same earth, indicating that death is a common fate for everyone. The term “lie” refers to being buried after passing away. This serves to emphasise that we all share the same ultimate destiny, and therefore, there is little reason to harbour hatred towards one another.

Q13. Why does the poet call harvests ‘peaceful’ and war as ‘winter’?

Ans: Harvests are described as ‘peaceful’ because they represent abundance and prosperity, flourishing only in times of peace. In contrast, war is likened to the harsh ‘winter’ that devastates crops and leads to starvation. Peaceful periods foster harmony and contentment, while war brings destruction, forcing people to endure hunger, poverty, disease, and death.

Q14. ”…whenever we are told to hate our brothers….” When do you think this happens and why?

Ans: Whenever their own importance or existence is threatened, politicians and religious leaders encourage us to believe that our lives and interests are at risk. This manipulation leads to hatred towards our fellow humans. Such situations arise when we allow our fears and hatred to cloud our judgement.

Q15. In one of the stanzas, the poet finds similarity in human hands. What is it?

Ans: The poet expresses that people from all countries work hard in a similar way to earn their living. This effort is primarily carried out through their hands. It is these hands that perform all the work in the world and serve as a source of creativity for everyone.

Q16. Why does the poet say that people of the world should live in peace and not go to war?

Ans: The poet advocates for living in peace because it leads to progress, prosperity, and happiness in our world. He urges humanity to avoid wars, as they result in death, exploitation, poverty, and starvation. Wars also pollute the earth and the air we share, harming everyone.

Q17. How does the poet propose to win over other countries?

Ans: The poet suggests winning over other countries through the power of love. Love is a universal force that encourages positive responses, fostering kindness and understanding. By promoting love, the poet aims to eliminate hatred and conflict, ultimately creating a peaceful world where everyone can coexist harmoniously.

Q18. Who, according to you, is the speaker in this poem?

Ans: The speaker in this poem is the poet himself, representing the inherent goodness of the human heart. He embodies the values of love, peace, and universal brotherhood. As a champion of these ideals, he promotes joy and connection among all people.

Q19. In four stanzas out of five, the poet uses the word “Remember”. Why do you think he has repeated this word so many times?

Ans: By repeating the word ‘remember’, the poet emphasises the importance of recognising that our ideas, emotions, and experiences are similar to those of people we often consider ‘strange’ or ‘foreign’. He aims to highlight that all human beings share a common nature, and the stages of human life are the same across the globe.

Q20. What is the central idea of the poem?

Ans: The central idea of the poem is that all human beings are similar and equal. Therefore, we should love one another and strive to live in peace and harmony. Embracing universal brotherhood and harmonious co-existence will not only unite us but also help protect our mother earth from pollution and damage.

Q21. When do we defile the earth?

Ans: We defile the earth when we take up arms against one another. Wars bring immense suffering and often achieve nothing.

Q22. How do we defile and outrage the ‘human earth’ that is ours?

Ans: Hate breeds hatred. Narrow ideas pollute and defile our shared earth. The ‘hells of fire and dust’ are creations of our own making, which violate the innocence of air that belongs to us all. We must remember that Mother Earth is a home for all people and lands.

Glossary 

• Superficial: Shallow; only on the surface.
• Complexion: Natural skin appearance.
• Exploitation: Unfair use for personal gain.
• Embracing: Accepting willingly.
• Emphasise: Highlight importance.
• Manipulation: Controlling others deceitfully or influence over others

Q.1. Where was Abdul Kalam born?
Ans. He was born in the town of Rameswaram.

Q.2. Write the names of Abdul Kalam’s parents.
Ans. The name of his father was Jainulabdeen and his mother’s name was Ashiamma.

Q.3. Where was Abdul Kalam’s house located in Rameswaram?
Ans. His house was located in the Mosque street in Rameswaram.

Q.4. How old was Abdul Kalam when the Second World War broke out?
Ans. At that time he was just eight years old.

Q.5. Name three close friends of Abdul Kalam.
Ans. Three close friends of Abdul Kalam were-Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan and Sivaprakasan.

Q.6. What could the new teacher not tolerate about Abdul Kalam?
Ans. The new teacher could not tolerate a Muslim boy sitting with a Hindu priest’s son.

Q.7. What was the name of Abdul Kalam’s science teacher?
Ans. The name of Abdul Kalam’s science teacher was Sivasubramania lyer.

Q.8. What did the science teacher’s wife refuse?
Ans. The science teacher’s wife refused to serve food to a Muslim boy in her kitchen.

Q.9. When did the Second World War break out?
Ans. The Second World War broke out in 1939.

Q.10. What did the new teacher in 5th standard ask Abdul Kalam to do?
Ans. The new teacher asked him to sit on the last bench.

Q.11. What kind of poison was the young teacher spreading in the class?
Ans. He did not like that a Muslim boy was sitting with a Hindu Brahmin boy. Thus the young teacher was spreading the poison of social inequality and communalism. He was poisoning the minds of children.

Q.12. What was the reaction of Abdul Kalam’s father when he wanted to leave home? What was his mother’s reaction?
Ans. Abdul Katam’s father gave him his permission gladly. But his mother was a little worried. At this, his father told her that a child is like a seagull. One day, he has to learn to fly alone like the seagull. This cleared the doubts of his mother.

Q.13. What was Sivasuhramania lyer’s wife reaction when she came to know that a Muslim boy wasinvited to have a meal with them by her husband?
Ans. Sivasubramania lyer’s still life was horrified to know this. She refused to serve food to a Muslim boy in her ritually pure kitchen. But the teacher was not perturbed at this. He served Kalam with his.

Q.14. What made Sivasubramania tier’s wife change his mind?
Ans. Sivasubramania lyer’s wife watched Kalam having his man from behind the kitchen door. She did not find any difference in the way he took his meal ‘fins made her change her mind. On his next visit to the teacher’s house, she took Kalin inside the kitchen. She served him food with her own hands.

Q.15. How did Lakshmana Sastry reform the young teacher?
Ans. Lakshmana Sastry was Ramanadha Sastry’s father. When he came to know that the young teacher had shifted Kahan to the last row he got very angry. He summoned the teacher. He told the teacher that he should not spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance in the minds of innocent children. He asked him either to apologize or quit school. Thus the teacher regretted and he was reformed.

Q.16. What kind of a person was Kalam’s father?
Ans. Tall and handsome, Kalam’s father – Jainulabdeen, did not have much of formal education. He didn’t even have much wealth. However, he was a very practical man with a vast store of wisdom. He was generous and never obstructed the progressive ways of his children. As a responsible head of the family, he provided both material and emotional security.

Q.17. How was Kalam’s mother ideal support to her husband?
Ans. Kalam’s mother, Ashiamma, was ideal support to her husband. She was a picture of goodness and deep kindness. She was tall, good looking and very attached to her children. Like her husband, she was very generous and fed a number of outsiders daily. Kalam inherited the values of kindness and generosity from her.

Q.18. What did Kalam look like as a young child?
Ans. Kalam did not take after his tall and handsome parents. He was a rather short boy with average looks. With ordinary looks unlike that of his parents who had quite striking features, his appearance was undistinguished.

Q.19. Where was Abdul Kalam’s house situated?
Ans. Abdul Kalam’s house was situated on Mosque Street in Rameswaram. This was his ancestral house and had been built in the middle of the nineteenth century. It was a fairly large, pucca house made of limestone and brick.

Q.20. Why does Kalam say he had a secure childhood, both materially and emotionally?
Ans. Though not very well off, Kalam’s father made sure that he provided his family with all the necessities in terms of food, medicine and clothes. Apart from this, Kalam got all the love and parental guidance from them during his childhood. That is why he says that he had a very secure childhood both materially and emotionally.

Q.21. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?
Ans. Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by catching bundles of newspapers from moving trains for his cousin Shamsuddin who used to distribute newspapers in Rameswaram. During the Second World War, the train halt at Rameswaram station was suspended, so bundles of newspapers were thrown off moving trains and had to be collected.

Q.22. Why did the demand for tamarind seeds increase suddenly? How did it help Kalam?
Ans. When the Second World War broke out in 1939, there was a sudden demand for tamarind seeds in the market. Kalam collected these seeds and sold them to earn an anna which was a big amount in those days for a small boy like him.

Q.23. Right from his childhood Kalam was very enterprising. Discuss.
Ans. Kalam was an enterprising child who used to make full use of the opportunities that came his way. During the war, when there occurred a great demand for tamarind seeds in the market, he used to collect these seeds and sell them off to a provision shop. Thus, he was able to earn some money for himself. The incident shows that he was very enterprising.

Q.24. What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.
Ans. Dinamani seems to be the name of a newspaper. Kalam mentions that he gathered information about the world war from his brother-in-law Jallaluddin. Later he tried to trace these stories in the headlines of Dinamani. Headlines are titles of news items, so Dinamani must be a newspaper.

Q.25. What characteristics does Kalam say he inherited from his parents?
Ans. Kalam inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother. His socio-economic and emotional environment trained him as well as his three brothers and sister to acquire these characteristics.

Q.26. Who were Kalam’s school friends? What did they become later?
Ans. Kalam’s three close childhood friends were Ramanad Sastry, Aravindan and Sivaprakasan. All three of them settled well in life. Ramanadha inherited priesthood of Rameswaram temple from his father, Aravindan took up the business of arranging transport for visiting pilgrims and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor for the Southern Railways.

Q.27. What did Kalam’s family do during the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony?
Ans. During the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony, Kalam’s family used to arrange boats with a special platform for carrying idols of the Lord from the temple to the marriage site, situated in the middle of the pond called Rama Tirtha, which was near Kalam’s house.

Q.28. Who asked Kalam to sit on the back bench of his class? Why?
Ans. A new teacher at the Rameswaram Elementary School could not tolerate that Kalam, a Muslim, sat with Ramanadha Sastry, a sacred thread wearing Hindu. This was contrary to the teacher’s notion of social ranking. So, he ordered Kalam to sit on the back bench

Q.29. What happened when the new teacher at the Rameswaram Elementary School ordered Kalam to go to the last row of the class?
Or
‘I felt very sad and so did Ramanadha Sastry’. What made Kalam and his friend feel sad?
Ans. Kalam and his friend Ramanadha Sastry became very sad when the new teacher ordered Kalam to go and sit on the back bench of the class. Ramanadha was absolutely crestfallen. While Kalam shifted his seat to the last row, there were tears in his eyes. Kalam could Id never forgets these tears all his life.

Q.30. What did Ramanadha Sastry’s father do when his son told him that the new teacher had sent Kalam to the last seat?
Or
Why did Lakshmana Sastry summon the new school teacher?
Ans. Ratnanadha’s father, Lakshmana Sastry was deeply distressed to learn that the new school teacher had shifted Kalam to the last bench. He did not approve of this disparity. So he summoned the teacher and told him not to spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance in young minds. He bluntly told him to either apologise or leave the school. The teacher not only regretted his action but also reformed himself.

Q.31. Who was Sivasubramania Iyer?
Or
In what sense was Sivasubramania Iyer ‘something of a rebel’?
Ans. Sivasubramania Iyer was Kalam’s science teacher. Though an orthodox Brahmin, he was something of a rebel. A man of liberal views, he wanted to change the society that was rigid in terms of segregation of different social groups. He knew that if one wished to change the system, one was bound to confront many problems.

Q.32. Why did Sivasubramania’s wife refuse to serve food to Kalam in her kitchen?
Ans. Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife was an orthodox and conservative Brahmin. She had peculiar notions about the sanctity of her kitchen which she feared would be defiled if she served meals there to someone who belonged to a different faith. So, she refused to serve food to a Muslim boy in her kitchen.

Q.33. How did Sivasubramania react to his wife’s behaviour when she refused to serve Kalam (a Muslim boy) in her kitchen?
Ans. Sivasubramania was mentally prepared for such behaviour from his conservative wife. So, without getting angry or perturbed, he served Kalam with his own hands and sat beside him to eat his meal.

Q.34. Why did Sivasubramania invite Kalam for dinner again the next weekend?
Ans. Kalam was visibly upset by Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife’s refusal to serve him food in her kitchen. This must have pained Iyer. So, in order to make amends and to ensure that Kalam overcame his disappointment and hurt, Sivasubramania Iyer invited Kalam to another dinner the following weekend. During the intervening time, Iyer must have wanted to speak with his wife on the issue. lyer wanted Kalam to brace up for such obstacles if he wanted to change the system.

Q.35. While talking of segregation of the different social groups which social group does Kalam talk about? Were these groups easily identifiable?
Ans. Kalam talks about Muslims when mentioning the segregation of different social groups. These groups were easily identifiable by the distinct cap that they wore just as the Brahmins wore the sacred thread. This cap marked the group as a Muslim.

Q.36. What thoughts crossed Kalam’s mind when he was having food at Sivasubramania’s house for the first time?
Ans. Kalam noticed that Sivasubramania’s conservative wife was watching him from behind the kitchen door while he was having food. At this time he wondered whether she observed any difference in the way a Muslim ate rice, drank water or cleaned the floor after the meal.

Q.37. What did the Indians feel when the nation’s Independence was in full sight?
Ans. Indians were filled with unprecedented optimism when India’s independence was in full sight at the end of the Second World War. Gandhiji’s declaration that Indians would build their own India made everyone hopeful.

Q.38. Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
Ans. Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram because this place did not offer any options for higher education. It just had an elementary school. An ambitious Kalam who was keen to study further wished to go to the district headquarters at Ramanathapuram that had many educational facilities.

Q.39. Why did Kalam’s father allow Kalam to leave Rameswaram and go to Ramanathapuram?
Ans. Though not educated himself, Kalam’s father understood the significance of education. He did not want to hinder the growth of his children in any way. Since Rameswaram had nothing more than an elementary school, his father willingly allowed Kalam to go to Ramanathapuram to pursue higher studies.

Q.40. What did Kalam’s father say when Kalam sought his permission to leave Rameswaram and go to Ramanathapuram?
Ans. Without expressing his opinion in words,. Kalam’s father told him that he trusted his son’s decision to grow. Just like the birds leave their nests to fly across the sun, so must the children be allowed to leave home and gain knowledge in the big world outside.

Q.41. What did Kalam’s father mean to say when he quoted Khalil Gibran? Why do you think he spoke these words?
Ans. Kalam’s father meant that every human being must be given the opportunity to build his life as per his wishes and parents should not hinder this effort. He spoke these words to convince Kalam’s mother that her son’s decision to leave home was right. She should allow him happily to shape his life according to his own ideas.

Q1. What is a legend? Why is this called a legend?

Ans: A legend is an ancient story that may not be entirely true, often recounting a famous event or person. These tales typically convey a moral lesson. This poem is called a legend because it narrates an old story from the Northland about a greedy woman who angered Saint Peter. As a result of her greed, she was transformed into a woodpecker. The poet even mentions, “I don’t believe it is true,” highlighting the tale’s mythical nature.

Q2. Why does the poet say that the hours of the day are few?

Ans: The poet describes the Northland as a cold, snow-covered place near the North Pole. In this region, the days are shorter and the nights are longer, leading to very few hours of daylight.

Q3. ‘And the children look like bears’ cubs.’ What have the children been compared to? Why?

Ans: The children are compared to bear cubs because they wear furry clothes to stay warm in the Northland’s cold climate, resembling young bears.

Q4. What does the poet tell us about the story she is about to narrate? Why does she want to tell the tale?

Ans: The poet shares that she will narrate a strange tale from the Northland. Although she acknowledges that the story may not be true, she feels compelled to tell it because it offers a valuable lesson in generosity. Her goal is for readers to learn from this narrative.

Q5. Who came to the woman’s house, and what did he ask for?

Ans: Saint Peter, while travelling the world, arrived at the woman’s cottage. He was weary and hungry after a long day. Noticing her baking cakes, he asked her for a piece of cake.

Q6. Why was Saint Peter tired and hungry?

Ans: Saint Peter was one of Jesus Christ’s apostles who travelled extensively to spread his teachings. During his journeys, he often faced a lack of food and water, which left him feeling tired and hungry. Additionally, he sometimes observed fasts, further contributing to his exhaustion.

Q7. What did Saint Peter ask the woman for? What was the woman’s reaction?

Ans: Saint Peter asked the woman for a cake from her store. However, she was greedy and unwilling to share. The woman attempted to bake a smaller cake each time, but even when the cake was as thin as a wafer, she still thought it was too large to give away. Ultimately, she placed it on her shelf instead of offering it to Saint Peter.

Q8. Explain: ‘And surely such a woman was enough to provoke a saint.’ Who was the lady, and how did she provoke the saint?

Ans: The woman, who was baking cakes when Saint Peter visited, was both mean and greedy. Despite noticing that the visitor was tired and hungry, she refused to offer him any food. She kept making smaller and smaller cakes until she created one as thin as a wafer, yet she could not bear to part with it. The old lady’s refusal to help the hungry saint angered him, leading him to curse her.

Q9. Why did Saint Peter curse the woman? What did he turn her into?

Ans: Saint Peter cursed the woman for being miserly and selfish. He believed she did not deserve to live in a human form and enjoy the comforts of food, shelter, and warmth. As a punishment, he transformed her into a woodpecker, forcing her to build her nest like a bird and spend her days boring into hard, dry wood to find her meagre food.

Q10. Describe the theme of the poem ‘A Legend of the Northland’.

Ans: The poem’s theme is the consequence of greed and the value of generosity. It shows how a selfish woman’s refusal to share with Saint Peter leads to her transformation into a woodpecker, emphasising that selfishness brings hardship while generosity is virtuous.

Q11. What is a ballad? Is this poem a ballad?

Ans: A ballad is a type of song that tells a story through short stanzas. Ballads are part of folk culture and are traditionally passed down orally from one generation to the next. The poem ‘A Legend of the Northland’ qualifies as a ballad because it narrates the tale of a selfish old woman and has been shared through the ages, as indicated by the line, “They tell them a curious story.”

Q12. What do you learn about the woman in the poem?

Ans: The woman in the poem is greedy and selfish. Despite having a large supply of cakes, she refuses to share even a small one with a tired and hungry traveller.

Q13. What do you learn about Saint Peter in the poem?

Ans: Saint Peter travels the land, sharing the message of God. During his journey, he often faces hunger and thirst, as he sometimes lacks food and water. He also observes fasts, which leave him feeling tired and weak. Despite being a saint, he becomes angry with a woman who refuses to share her food. In his frustration, he curses her, transforming her into a woodpecker. Though a saint, he too was provoked, reminding us that even holy figures have human emotions.

Q1. What were the doctor and his friends discussing?
Ans: The doctor and his friends were discussing snakes, which led him to share his story about a snake encounter.

Q2. Who is the narrator of the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’?

Ans: The narrator of “The Snake and the Mirror” is a homeopath. He shares a funny and scary story about an encounter with a snake, revealing his thoughts and experiences during this unexpected encounter.

Q3. Who shared the room with the narrator in the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’?

Ans: The narrator shared the room with rats. As he opened the door, he heard a familiar noise, indicating that the rats were his only companions in the small, rented space.

Q4. Who did the narrator decide to marry?

Ans: The narrator chose to marry a fat woman with a good medical practice. This decision was influenced by his desire for financial stability and a partner who could support him.

Q5. How did the snake coil itself?

Ans: The snake coiled itself around the narrator’s left arm, just above the elbow.

Q6. What happened when the snake looked in the mirror?

Ans: The snake uncoiled from the doctor’s arm and moved to the mirror to look at its reflection. The snake appeared to be admiring its own beauty in the mirror.

Q7. Where did the narrator spend his night when he was free from the snake’s grip?

Ans: The narrator spent the night at a friend’s house after escaping the snake’s grip. He quickly applied oil to himself, took a bath, and changed into fresh clothes, finding relief in the safety of his friend’s home.

Q8. Who entered the narrator’s room in his absence during the night?

Ans: A thief entered the narrator’s room during his absence at night.  Upon returning the next morning, he found that most of his belongings had been stolen. As a final insult, the thief left behind the narrator’s dirty vest.

Q9. Name the author of the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’.

Ans: Vaikom Muhammad Basheer is the author of the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’.

Q10. What made the doctor narrate his encounter with a snake?

Ans: The doctor recalled his encounter with a snake during a discussion about snakes. This memory prompted him to share the story of his own experience, which was both humorous and memorable.

Q11. When did the incident regarding the snake take place?

Ans: The incident occurred after the doctor had finished his meal at a restaurant and returned to his room at around ten o’clock at night.

Q12. Why did the doctor have to light the kerosene lamp on reaching his room?

Ans: The doctor had to light the kerosene lamp because his room lacked electricity, leaving it completely dark at night. With limited funds, he could not afford a better accommodation.

Q13. What kind of room did the doctor live in?

Ans: The doctor lived in a small, poorly furnished room that lacked electricity. This outer room had one wall facing an open yard and featured a tiled roof supported by gables resting on a beam. There was no ceiling, and the room was infested with rats.

Q14. Why did the doctor live in a small, poor house?

Ans: The doctor lived in a small, poor house because he had just begun his practice and was earning very little. His meagre income made it difficult for him to afford better accommodation.

Q15. What were the doctor’s possessions when he set up his medical practice?

Ans: The doctor had approximately sixty rupees in his suitcase when he established his medical practice. He also owned a few shirts, dhotis, and a single black coat, which he was wearing at the time.

Q16. “The sound was a familiar one.” What sound did the doctor hear? What did he think it was? How many times did he hear it? When and why did the sounds stop?

Ans: The doctor heard a familiar sound, which he thought was rats moving on the beam. He heard it three times. The sounds stopped before a thud, when the snake fell to the floor.

Q17. Why did the doctor look in the mirror again and again?

Ans: The doctor kept looking in the mirror because he liked his appearance and wanted to look more handsome.

Q18. What did the doctor do when the snake landed on his shoulder?

Ans: When the doctor discovered a snake on his shoulder, he remained remarkably calm. Instead of panicking, he held his breath and stayed completely still, knowing that any movement could provoke the snake to strike. The snake’s hood was only a few inches from his face, making it crucial for him to remain motionless.

He felt as if he had turned to stone, yet his mind was alert. As the snake slithered down his arm and onto the table, he quietly got up and exited the room, eventually running to safety. This experience left him shaken but unharmed.

Q19. When did the doctor feel like a foolish, weak person? Why?

Ans: The doctor felt like a foolish and weak person when he found himself in the grip of a frightening snake. At that moment, he realised there was no medicine available for a snake bite, leaving him feeling helpless and terrified. The pride he had moments earlier faded away, and he could only manage a feeble smile at his own stupidity and ill fortune.

Q20. How did the doctor feel when the snake coiled itself around his arm?

Ans: When the snake coiled around the doctor’s arm, he experienced a sharp pain, as if a thick rod made of molten fire was crushing it. His arm felt weak and drained of all strength, leaving him in a state of distress.

Q21. What thoughts crossed the doctor’s mind when he saw the snake looking into the mirror?

Ans: When the doctor observed the snake gazing into the mirror, he pondered whether it was admiring its own beauty. He speculated that the snake might be contemplating trivial decisions, such as growing a moustache, applying eye shadow and mascara, or even adding a vermilion spot on its forehead. The doctor was uncertain about the snake’s intentions, but it was clear that it was captivated by its reflection.

Q22. How was the doctor relieved of the hold of the snake?

Ans: The snake became distracted when it saw its reflection in the mirror on the table. It uncoiled from the doctor’s arm, slid into his lap, and then crawled towards the mirror. Perhaps, like the doctor earlier, it was fascinated by its own appearance.

Q23. What did the doctor do when the snake was absorbed in looking at the mirror?

Ans: As the snake was absorbed in looking at the mirror, the doctor seized the opportunity. He held his breath, got up from the chair, and quietly slipped out of the room. He then passed through the veranda and the yard, running until he finally reached a friend’s house.

Q24. What did the doctor do as soon as he reached his friend’s house? Why?

Ans: Upon arriving at his friend’s house, the doctor immediately smeared oil over his body, took a bath, and changed into fresh clothes. He felt compelled to do this because a snake had slithered across his back, shoulder, and arm. This action was to rid himself of any unpleasant sensations and potential effects from the snake’s touch.

Q25. Why does the doctor remark that the snake was “taken with its own beauty”?

Ans: The doctor remarked that the snake was “taken with its own beauty” because it kept gazing into the mirror. This behaviour was reminiscent of the doctor himself, who would often admire his own appearance while looking in the mirror.

Q26. What did the doctor and his friends find when they went to remove things from the room?

Ans: The doctor and his friends discovered that the room was nearly empty, with only a dirty vest remaining. A thief had stolen away all the other belongings, leaving the room completely cleaned out.

Q27. Did the doctor marry a fat woman as he had wished?

Ans: No, the doctor did not marry a fat woman. Instead, his wife turned out to be thin and lean, and could run very fast, much like a sprinter.

Q1. What kind of music will the poet enjoy on the Lake Isle of Innisfree?
Ans: On the Isle of Innisfree, the poet will enjoy the loud music of the bees and the gentle sounds of the waves lapping against the shore.

Q2. How does the poet describe the mornings on the lonely island?
Ans: The poet describes the mornings on the lonely island as peaceful and quiet. The atmosphere is filled with a hazy fog or mist. From the hazy heavens, a sense of peace gently descends upon the land, falling softly and noiselessly.

Q3. What does the poet imply by “….from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings.
Ans: By this expression, the poet implies that the time from morning to evening is filled with peace on the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Here, quietness is dominant. The singing of the cricket enhances the natural music of the island, contributing to its serene atmosphere.

Q4. How does the poet describe the midnight and noon on the island?
Ans: The poet describes both midnight and noon on the island as exceptionally bright, each with its unique brilliance. At midnight, the scene is illuminated by the twinkling light of the moon and stars, while at noon, a vivid purple glow dominates the landscape.

Q5. What does the poet dream of enjoying in the evenings?
Ans: The poet dreams of enjoying the melodious songs of the linnets and the gentle sound of their wings as they return to their nests. He also looks forward to the soothing song of the cricket in the tranquil surroundings.

Q6. What is it that fascinates the poet day and night?
Ans: The poet is captivated day and night by the gentle sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore. This delightful music resonates in his imagination, bringing him a sense of peace.

Q7. Why does the poet hear the music of the waves standing on the roadway?
Ans: The poet hears the music of the waves while standing on the roadway because their gentle and soothing sounds come to his mind as a way to escape the deafening and unpleasant noises of traffic, which overwhelm him.

Q8. What are the roadways and the pavements a symbol of?
Ans: The roadways and pavements represent the bustling, noisy, and crowded environment of urban life, such as that found in London, where the poet resided. This imagery sharply contrasts with the serene, vibrant, and peaceful nature of his home on the Lake Isle of Innisfree.

Q9. Why is the music on the island made by the waves in the lake low? 
Ans: The music created by the waves of the lake is low and gentle due to the lake’s peaceful nature. The waves are not very high, and as they softly hit the shore, they produce a mild and soothing sound.

Q10. What do the “low sounds” emphasize the atmosphere on the Isle of Innisfree?
Ans: The low sounds highlight the gentle, calming waves of the lake as they softly lap against the shore, creating a soothing melody. These sounds enhance the sense of a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere on the Isle of Innisfree. Additionally, they sharply contrast with the harsh noises found in urban areas, emphasising the island’s serenity.

Q11. What pictures do the words expressing sights and sounds, as used by the poet, create in your mind?
Ans: The poet uses the phrases “bee-loud glade”, “evenings full of linnet’s wings”, and “lake water lapping with low sound” to create vivid images of Innisfree. These words conjure up a picture of a vast, open natural space filled with stunning sights, delightful scents, vibrant colours, and soothing sounds.

Q12. Why does the poet repeat “I will arise and go now”?
Ans: The repetition of I will arise and go now highlights the poet’s strong desire to leave the city and seek the peaceful, beautiful environment of the Lake Isle. The words arise and go convey his deep longing to escape the chaos and noise of urban life, aiming to find the calm and harmony that nature offers at Innisfree.

Q13. What does the poet hear in the deep “heart’s core”? What is his reaction to it?
Ans: The poet hears the gentle music created by the calm waves of the lake as they softly strike the shore of the island. This music is so profound that it resonates in the core of his heart. It inspires a strong desire in him to return to Innisfree and immerse himself in this melody within a peaceful environment.

Q14. Do you think Innisfree is only a place or a state of mind? Does the poet actually miss the place of his boyhood days?
Ans: The natural beauty of Innisfree is not merely a figment of the poet’s imagination; it is a real place that offers comfort to troubled souls. The poet yearns to live in this peaceful and beautiful environment, indicating a deep sense of longing for his boyhood days spent there. He truly misses it.

Q15. What is the central idea/theme of the poem ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’?
Ans: The poet, W.B. Yeats, expresses a deep longing for peace in nature. Innisfree, an island on the Lake Isle, holds special memories for him from his childhood. He feels overwhelmed by the chaos of city life and yearns to return to Innisfree, where he can immerse himself in the beauty of nature. There, he envisions enjoying the gentle sounds of the lake, the buzzing of bees, and the serenity of his surroundings. Ultimately, the poem conveys that living in nature brings us peace and happiness.