English ( Moments ) for Class 9

Q1. Iswaran was a master storyteller. Describe his amazing capacity of narrating stories and anecdotes.

Ans: Iswaran was an exceptional storyteller, known for his captivating narration. His passion for Tamil thrillers influenced his storytelling style, infusing even mundane events with suspense and drama. For example, instead of merely mentioning an uprooted tree on the road, Iswaran would create an atmosphere of tension by describing the scene as eerie and isolated, suggesting that an enormous beast lay ahead.

His use of dramatic gestures, expressive tones, and surprise endings made even the simplest tales enthralling. He often left stories unfinished, which heightened his listeners’ curiosity and showcased his remarkable narrative skills. Iswaran’s ability to weave adventure, horror, and suspense into his stories made them enjoyable, regardless of their credibility.

Q2. Describe lswaran’s encounter with the elephant.

Ans: Iswaran shared a thrilling tale about a rampaging elephant that escaped from a timber yard. The tusker caused chaos as it entered a school playground, where frightened children ran for safety. The elephant destroyed goalposts and water drums, creating a scene of panic.

At that time, Iswaran was a junior student. He bravely confronted the elephant armed only with a stick. He claimed that he struck the elephant’s third toenail, which caused it to collapse. A veterinarian was later called to treat the animal. Iswaran added a hint of exaggeration to his story, suggesting that he used techniques from martial arts like karate or ju-jitsu to subdue the beast.

This encounter left a lasting impression, as Iswaran often recounted this adventure, captivating his audience with his dramatic storytelling.

Q3. What did Iswaran tell Mahendra about a ghost? Describe Mahendra’s horrible experience one night. Why did he resolve to leave that place?

Ans: Iswaran told Mahendra that the factory area was once a burial ground and that he had often seen ghosts, including a frightening woman with a foetus. Although Mahendra dismissed these stories as mere superstition, they unsettled him. One night, he was jolted awake by a low moaning sound. When he looked out of his window, he saw a shadowy figure resembling a woman holding a bundle, which terrified him. The next morning, Iswaran confirmed he had also heard the eerie noise. Overcome with fear, Mahendra decided to leave immediately and submitted his transfer request.

Q4. How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create on his listeners?

Ans: Iswaran described the uprooted tree in a suspenseful and dramatic manner. He painted a picture of a deserted road where he felt as if he had encountered a huge, threatening creature. Only when he approached did he reveal that it was just a fallen tree with its dry branches spread out. His goal was to engage and captivate his listeners by creating suspense, turning an ordinary event into an exciting story. This storytelling style, influenced by the Tamil thrillers he enjoyed, kept his audience enthralled, highlighting his skill as a storyteller.

Q5. How does Iswaran narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?

Ans: Iswaran narrated the tusker’s rampage with his usual flair for dramatization. He described how the elephant escaped, causing chaos in the town and frightening the children at his school. He built suspense by detailing the fear that gripped everyone around him, only to portray himself as a hero. He claimed that, armed with just a stick, he bravely confronted the elephant, striking it in a way that made the enormous beast collapse. The beginning of the story, involving the tusker’s destruction, seems plausible, as such incidents can occur. However, the notion of a young student subduing an elephant with a single blow is far-fetched yet amusing, adding a humorous touch to his exaggerated tale.

Q6. Mahendra calls ghosts or sprits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?

Ans: Initially, Mahendra dismissed Iswaran’s tales of ghosts as mere figments of the imagination. However, one full-moon night challenged his disbelief. He was awakened by a low moaning sound, which he first attributed to a cat. As the noise grew louder and more unsettling, his curiosity compelled him to look out of the window. To his horror, he saw a shadowy figure resembling a woman clutching a bundle. This sight left him in a cold sweat, trembling with fear.

The next day, his anxiety intensified when Iswaran claimed he had also heard the sound. This eerie encounter deeply unsettled Mahendra, prompting him to decide to leave the place immediately.

Q7. What human values form the essence of Iswaran’s character?

Ans: Iswaran was a talented and devoted individual, embodying values such as loyalty, creativity, and cheerfulness. He was committed to his duties, preparing delicious meals and managing the household without complaint. His storytelling ability captivated Mahendra, as he spun suspenseful and dramatic tales that provided entertainment and companionship. Even when Mahendra scolded him, Iswaran remained kind-hearted and continued to serve diligently. His positive attitude and creative spirit made him a memorable and beloved character.

Q8. What are the qualities of a good storyteller? How can you say that Iswaran was a fascinating storyteller?

Ans: A good storyteller captivates their audience by creating suspense, adding surprise, and using a vivid imagination. Iswaran possessed all these qualities, making him a fascinating storyteller. He had a talent for transforming ordinary events into thrilling tales by introducing suspenseful twists and dramatic conclusions. His imaginative descriptions, such as likening an uprooted tree to a gigantic beast, made his stories engaging. Iswaran’s expressive gestures and enthusiasm added depth to his narration, ensuring his listener remained hooked until the end. His storytelling was not just about the content but also about the style in which he delivered it.

Q9. Iswaran, the story-teller, had a sensational way of telling his stories. Do you think he did the right things by adding sensation to his stories?

Ans: Iswaran had a natural talent for storytelling, and his knack for adding sensation to his tales was part of his appeal. By introducing elements of suspense and surprise into even mundane events, he captured his audience’s attention and kept them entertained. His exaggerated stories, such as taming a wild elephant with a single blow, may not have been entirely truthful, but they effectively engaged and amused his listener, Mahendra. While some might argue that exaggeration can verge on dishonesty, in the realm of storytelling, Iswaran’s style was more about entertainment and maintaining interest than adhering strictly to the facts.

Q10. Right from childhood, we hear ghost stories. What should be our opinion about ghosts? Answer with reference to the story `Iswaran the Storyteller’.

Ans: Since childhood, we hear stories about ghosts, which often frighten us and make us fall asleep quickly. As children, we tend to believe in their existence, leading to a deepening fear, especially in the dark. In the story Iswaran the Storyteller, Iswaran tells Mahendra about a female ghost he claims to have seen. He describes her as an ugly creature with thick hair and a shrivelled face, appearing at midnight during the full moon, resembling a skeleton holding a foetus.

Although Mahendra dismisses Iswaran as crazy, he feels frightened inside. That night, he imagines the ghost and begins to shiver, reinforcing his belief in ghosts. Ultimately, he decides to leave the place, overwhelmed by fear.

Q11. Iswaran narrated ghost stories to his master, Mahendra, which created fear in Mahendra’s mind. Was it right on the part of Iswaran to create fear in Mahendra’s mind?

Ans: Iswaran’s storytelling had a significant impact on Mahendra, instilling a sense of fear in his mind. Iswaran claimed that their location was once a burial ground and recounted an encounter with a female ghost. This narrative deeply affected Mahendra, leading him to believe he saw a similar ghost outside his window. Consequently, he decided to leave his home, convinced by the power of Iswaran’s storytelling.

It is troubling that Mahendra’s fear was based on a mere imagination rather than reality. He should have critically assessed his experience before making such a drastic decision. Despite his initial scepticism about ghosts being mere figments of the imagination, Mahendra’s fear drove him to flee the place. Iswaran’s skillful storytelling played a crucial role in convincing Mahendra of the supernatural.

Q12. Even an educated person sometimes realises the existence of a ghost. Illustrate this with reference to Iswaran the Storyteller.

Ans: A well-educated person may dismiss the idea of ghosts as mere imagination. However, the fear instilled by horror stories and films can lead them to question their beliefs. This psychological effect can make them perceive frightening scenes as real. In the story of Iswaran the Storyteller, the protagonist Mahendra initially scoffs at the idea of ghosts. Yet, Iswaran, with his captivating storytelling, convinces Mahendra of the existence of a ghostly world. Mahendra becomes so affected by Iswaran’s tales that he begins to believe in ghosts and ultimately decides to leave the place, convinced it is haunted.

Q1. Grandmother disliked pets. Was it appropriate for grandfather to keep a small zoo at home and bring in Toto, the monkey? Discuss.

Ans: Grandfather had a deep love for animals and created a private zoo at home, which included a tortoise, rabbits, a tame squirrel, and pet goats. He was mindful of Grandmother’s dislike for pets. When he brought home Toto, the monkey, he kept it a secret. However, Toto was quite mischievous and caused numerous problems. From the moment he arrived, he damaged household items, including tearing wallpapers and the author’s blazer. Additionally, Toto disrupted the harmony among the other pets and proved to be an expensive addition.

Given these issues, it was not appropriate for Grandfather to keep Toto in his private zoo. He should have considered Grandmother’s feelings and preferences regarding pets.

Q2. Toto was a sharp and active monkey. Discuss.

Ans: Toto was a very observant and quick monkey. He closely watched how the narrator took a bath and imitated every action, even checking the water temperature with his hand. His appearance contributed to his clever image; he had deep-set eyebrows over sparkling eyes, pearly white teeth that often showed in a grin, quick fingers used for mischief, and a long tail. All these features made Toto seem like a smart monkey. However, he often used his intelligence for trouble. He ruined the wallpaper in the narrator’s bedroom, shredded his school blazer, disturbed other animals, bit the family donkey’s ears, made holes in the narrator’s aunt’s dresses, and stole and broke a dish of pulao. Thus, while Toto was sharp and active, he was difficult to train and could not be kept as a pet for long without causing chaos.

Q3. Describe, in brief, the adventures of Toto, the monkey.

Ans: The story follows a clever and mischievous monkey named Toto, who was purchased by the grandfather from a tonga driver for five rupees. Initially, Toto was kept in a small room next to the narrator’s bedroom, where he caused chaos by tearing off wallpaper and ruining the narrator’s school blazer.

Later, Toto was moved to the grandfather’s private zoo in Saharanpur, where he was placed in a canvas cage. His antics kept the other animals awake at night. Toto even accompanied the grandfather to the stable, which cost an extra three rupees for his ticket. During this trip, he found the water too hot and annoyed a donkey.

One day, Toto climbed into a kettle on the fire. When he spotted a dish of food during lunch, he became excited, leading to a rescue by the grandfather. Throughout the story, Toto’s curiosity and playful nature lead him into numerous funny and troublesome situations, creating chaos wherever he goes.

Q4. Why does Grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur, and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?

Ans: Grandfather took Toto to Saharanpur to collect his pension. He couldn’t leave Toto at home because it was still a secret from Grandmother, and Toto was quite mischievous. He had already caused trouble by tearing wallpaper and damaging the narrator’s school blazer, making it risky to leave him behind. To ensure Toto wouldn’t escape or disturb other passengers, Grandfather packed him securely in a large, black canvas kit bag.

The train journey was mostly uneventful until Toto poked his head out of the bag at the Saharanpur platform and grinned at the ticket collector. The collector, surprised, insisted that Grandfather pay for Toto, claiming he was a dog since no ticket had been purchased for him. According to railway rules, only dogs required a fare, so the ticket collector classified Toto as a dog and charged three rupees for his fare.

In a bid to get back at the ticket collector, Grandfather then took out their pet tortoise and asked what the fare would be for it, since all animals were supposedly chargeable. The ticket collector examined the tortoise and, after a brief inspection, declared, “No charge. It is not a dog.”

Q5. How did Toto create problems for Grandfather on the way to Saharanpur?

Ans: Grandfather had to zip Toto into a large black canvas kit bag to take him from Dehradun to Saharanpur. The bag was designed to prevent Toto from escaping or biting through it. However, Toto was very restless and attempted to jump out, causing the bag to roll and bounce on the floor. This commotion attracted the attention of curious onlookers at the Dehradun railway platform, making it hard for Grandfather to keep Toto’s presence a secret.

Upon arriving in Saharanpur, Toto unexpectedly poked his head out of the bag and grinned at the ticket collector. This cost Grandfather three rupees in fare, as the collector insisted that Toto was a dog. Despite Grandfather’s attempts to argue that a monkey was not a dog, the ticket collector remained firm in his classification.

Q6. How did Toto like to have a bath in winter? How did he once get into serious trouble while trying to have a hot-water bath?

Ans: A great treat for Toto during cold winter evenings was his bath in a large bowl of warm water. He would cleverly test the temperature with his hand before gradually stepping in, first on one foot, then the other, until he was submerged up to his neck. Once comfortable, he would take soap in his hands or feet and rub himself all over. When the water cooled, he would quickly jump out and run to the kitchen fire to dry off. If anyone laughed at him, he would stop bathing, feeling hurt.

One day, Toto’s love for hot baths led him into serious trouble. He noticed a kitchen kettle on the fire and, with nothing better to do, decided to remove the lid. Finding the water just warm enough, he climbed in, leaving his head sticking out. Initially, it was fine, but soon the water began to boil. Toto hopped in and out of the kettle, trying to escape the heat while finding it too cold outside. He kept this up until Grandmother arrived and rescued him, pulling him out just in time to prevent a disaster.

Q7. What human values do you see in Grandmother after reading this story?

Ans:

Grandmother appeared to be a tough woman. She often fussed when her Grandfather brought home a new bird or animal, but this fuss would fade once she was in a good mood. After a few days, she accepted Toto as the new pet. When Toto shredded the narrator’s school blazer, the narrator worried about Grandmother’s reaction, as she seemed very strict. However, her soft heart showed compassion for all creatures. Despite Toto’s mischievous and destructive behaviour, Grandmother would overlook his antics and even provided him with a bowl of warm water for a bath. She also rescued Toto from being boiled in a kettle. Thus, it is clear that Grandmother had a kind heart, even though she appeared tough on the outside.

Q8. Grandfather possessed the values of childlike simplicity. Do you agree/disagree? Give reasons.

Ans:

Grandfather owned a private zoo filled with various animals, including a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, and a tame squirrel. His childlike love for animals led him to secretly acquire a monkey named Toto, despite Grandmother’s disapproval. Grandfather’s attempts to hide Toto, such as when he admired the monkey’s cleverness after it shredded the narrator’s school blazer, demonstrate his innocent nature. Furthermore, when he concealed Toto in a bag during their journey to Saharanpur and produced a tortoise from his pocket to show the ticket collector, it further confirms his childlike simplicity. These actions reveal that, despite his age, Grandfather retained a sense of wonder and joy akin to that of a child.

Q9. Grandfather had kept many animals in his private zoo and cared for them. Does this show that we should care about animals?

Ans:

Grandfather was a kind-hearted animal lover who created a private zoo at home. He frequently brought home new animals that he liked, showing his determination and patience. When he adopted Toto, he was pleased but faced challenges as Toto often disturbed the other animals. To help Toto adjust, Grandfather moved him around frequently. His strong character and love for animals made him a naturalist, treating his pets as family members.

Q10. Animals should be treated with love and respect. Comment on this statement with the lesson ‘The Adventures of Toto’ as the background.

Ans:

Animals should be treated with love and respect. It is essential to treat animals with kindness and avoid any form of cruelty. Even wild animals deserve care. In the story “The Adventures of Toto”, the grandfather exemplifies this love and kindness. He creates a mini-zoo at home, providing a comfortable life for the animals, including Toto. Since pet animals offer us companionship, it is our responsibility to look after them with affection and concern.

Q1. Write a note on the theme of the story ‘The Lost Child’.
Ans: The story ‘The Lost Child’ explores themes of child psychology and attachment. It highlights how a child’s natural curiosity and desire for attractive things are closely linked to their parents’ presence. The child is excited at a fair, drawn to various attractions such as: Balloons, Sweets, Garlands of gulmohur, Roundabout rides. When the child realises their parents are missing, their joy turns to fear and sadness. A kind stranger offers to buy the child sweets and toys, but the child only wants their parents.

Q2. Give a description of the festival of spring.

Fair for Spring Festival

Ans: The festival of spring was a vibrant celebration in a village, where many people gathered for a fair. Attendees were dressed in new clothes, arriving on foot, in bullock carts, or on horses. A little boy was particularly excited to attend the fair with his parents. The fairground was lined with numerous shops selling: Toys, Sweets, Balloons, Garlands of gulmohur flowers.

Although the child eagerly wanted to buy balloons and sweets, his parents dismissed his requests. Jugglers entertained the crowd, and the area near the temple was bustling with people enjoying rides on a roundabout. The boy also wished to ride, but his excitement faded when he realised his parents were missing.

Q3. What were the things that the boy wanted to possess when he was with his parents?
Ans: The child visited a village fair with his parents and desired several things. He first wanted a beautiful toy but was called away by his father. He saw a sweets-seller and longed for some burfi, yet his father denied his request. Then, he noticed a vendor selling garlands of gulmohur flowers and wished to buy one, but this demand was also rejected. He spotted a balloon seller and desired a balloon, but his father did not buy it for him. He was drawn to a juggler and wanted to stop to listen to the flute music, but he feared his father’s disapproval. Finally, he wished to ride on a roundabout, but he could not find his parents.

Q4. How did the festival of spring bring out the latent joy in human nature?
Ans: The festival of spring signifies the arrival of sunshine after a long, cold winter. During this time, nature awakens, and the vibrant life around us brings joy to the human heart. Key aspects of the festival include people from various places gather to celebrate, creating a lively atmosphere. Brightly coloured clothing, especially in shades of yellow, dominates the scene. Festivities include enjoying sweets, flowers, swings, and games. Families take a break from their daily routines to enjoy the festival together. Many express gratitude to God by visiting shrines.

Q5. What values of humanity are reflected through the character of the kind man?
Ans: The man who rescued the child demonstrated a heart full of goodness. He did not ignore the child’s painful cries for his parents. Despite the risk to his own safety, he bent down in the crowd to save the boy from being trampled.

His actions included forgetting his own purpose for visiting the shrine. Comforting and soothing the frightened child. Speaking kindly and asking about the child’s parents. Remaining patient when the child did not respond. Offering small things that children love to ease the boy’s fear.Through these actions, the man’s character reflects the human values of kindness, compassion, care, and love.

Q6. When does the child realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?
Ans: The child became distracted by many attractions on his way to the fair. He often lagged behind but tried to catch up with his parents when they called him. However, he became so captivated by the sweetmeat-seller, balloon-seller, garlands, and the snake charmer’s flute that he moved on without waiting for his parents’ response. When he turned back to ask for a ride on the roundabout, he realised he had lost his way, as his parents were nowhere to be seen.

Tears streamed down his face, and his flushed expression showed his fear. In a state of panic, he ran in all directions, unsure of where to go or what to do, calling out for his mother and father.

Q7. “A child longs for toys, sweets, and other things but not at the cost of his parents.” Comment.
Ans: When the child realised he was separated from his parents, he began to cry. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and his face was filled with fear. In a panic, he ran in all directions, causing his yellow turban to come undone and his clothes to get muddy. He rushed towards the shrine, desperately searching for his parents.

As he navigated through the thick crowd, he feared being trampled. Just then, a kind-hearted person picked him up and asked how he ended up there and where his parents were. The child, overwhelmed with emotion, cried even more, pleading for his parents.

Q8. When children are taken to a fair, they ask their parents to buy them many things. Should their parents do so? Explain with reference to the lesson The Lost Child.
Ans: Children are the joy of our homes, and their happiness is essential. When parents take their children to a fair, they face the challenge of managing their many requests. Children often have limitless desires, especially in exciting places like fairs. Parents should try to meet their children’s wishes within reason while ensuring their safety. Parents must keep a close eye on their children to prevent them from getting lost. This includes holding their hands tightly and not allowing them to wander off. While it’s important to set limits, children should also be given opportunities to enjoy the fair experience.

Q9. You have gone to a fair. Your parents refuse to buy certain things for you. How will you react? 
Ans: In such a situation, I would react with understanding and acceptance. Although I might feel a bit disappointed at first, I would remind myself of the bigger picture. I trust their judgment, as they have a better perspective on what is truly beneficial for me. They consider various factors, including our family’s financial responsibilities and my well-being. They manage household expenses while ensuring I am safe and happy.

Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t have, I would appreciate the love and efforts my parents put into my upbringing. Recognise that they always have my best interests at heart. Learn important lessons about patience, understanding, and valuing things beyond their material aspect.

Q10. You are taken to a fair by your parents. How will you behave with your parents? Explain concerning the lesson ‘The Lost Child’.
Ans: When parents take us to a fair, we should follow their instructions closely to avoid getting lost. Stay close to them while walking around the fair. Keep important information, like our mobile number and home address, in our pocket.

If we do get lost, we should not eat any sweets or treats offered by strangers. Call out for our parents calmly.

Key Points of the Story

1. Sergei’s Assistance and Beliefs

• Sergei, an advocate, decided to help Lushkoff, believing that honest labour would reform him.
• He offered Lushkoff the task of chopping wood, thinking it would instill discipline and responsibility.

2. Olga’s Silent Support

• Olga, the cook, had a different approach. Though she scolded Lushkoff, she helped him by secretly chopping the wood for him.
• Her kindness, though concealed beneath a sharp tongue, left a lasting impact on Lushkoff.

3. Sergei’s Satisfaction and Olga’s Role

• Sergei felt proud, thinking he had put Lushkoff on the right path, with Lushkoff now earning five copecks daily.
• However, it was Olga’s humane and silent support that truly reformed Lushkoff, showing that compassion can be more effective than stern guidance.

4. Lushkoff’s Gratitude

• Lushkoff eventually thanked Sergei but credited Olga for his transformation, acknowledging her actions as the real catalyst for the change in his heart.

Detailed Summary

• The Desperate Beggar’s Plea: In a bustling town, a poor, hungry man named Lushkoff approached Sergei, an advocate, seeking help. Dressed in ragged clothes, he shared his desperate plight of going three days without food or shelter. He claimed to have been a schoolteacher but lost his job due to false accusations. Sergei, however, recognized him as someone who had previously posed as an expelled student. Seeing through his lies, Sergei felt disgusted by Lushkoff’s deception
• Lushkoff’s Confession: Caught in his lies, Lushkoff admitted the truth. He confessed that he was not a schoolteacher but a former choir singer dismissed due to drunkenness. Desperate, he explained that he resorted to lying because no one helped him when he told the truth.
• Sergei’s Offer of Work: Moved by a mixture of pity and frustration, Sergei offered Lushkoff a job chopping wood. Though reluctant, Lushkoff accepted the offer out of pride and shame. As Sergei watched Lushkoff’s weak attempts to work, he felt sympathy for the man’s weakened state.
• A Regular Worker: Lushkoff gradually became a regular worker for Sergei, performing various menial tasks for small pay. Despite his initial reluctance, he continued to work, earning a small income and receiving old clothes as gifts.
• Olga’s Hidden Kindness: Over time, Lushkoff’s situation improved. He later revealed to Sergei that his positive transformation was mainly due to Olga, the cook, who not only scolded him but also secretly chopped the wood on his behalf. Her quiet acts of kindness deeply impacted Lushkoff and led him to change his ways.
• A Transformed Life: Two years later, Sergei encountered Lushkoff, now a successful notary earning a respectable income. Lushkoff expressed his gratitude to both Sergei and Olga, acknowledging that while Sergei set him on the right path, it was Olga’s compassion that truly transformed his life.

Theme/ Message

Themes:

• Redemption through work and mentorship: Honest labour and guidance can bring about personal growth and redemption.
• The impact of kindness and second chances: Compassion and understanding can have a profound effect on an individual’s transformation.
• Transformation and personal growth: Small acts of kindness can set the stage for life-changing transformations.

Message:

• Hard work, guidance, and compassion can lead to personal transformation and success.
• Small, selfless acts of kindness can change someone’s life trajectory for the better.

Difficult Words

• Copecks: Russian coin equal to one hundredth of a rouble.
• Calumny: Making false and defamatory statements about someone to damage their reputation.
• Suppliant: A person making a humble plea to someone in power or authority.
• Mendicant: A beggar.
• Swindling: Cheating a person of money.
• Perplexity: State of being puzzled; bewilderment.
• Irresolutely: Hesitantly; undecidedly.
• Billet: A thick piece of wood.
• Waif: A homeless person.
• Sot: A habitual drunkard.
• Roasting: Scolding.
• Shovel: Remove snow with a shovel.
• Notary: An official authorized to perform legal activities, such as witnessing signatures and certifying documents.
• Trajectory: The path followed by a moving object.

Key Points of the Story

• Protagonist’s difficult transition from junior high to high school.
• Feeling of isolation due to a new, larger school and separation from friends.
• Near-death experience in a house fire, where the protagonist’s mother risks her life to save sentimental items.
• Loss of home, belongings, and the protagonist’s beloved cat in the fire.
• Support and kindness received from peers at school after the fire.
• Rebuilding of the house and emotional recovery, symbolizing personal growth and newfound friendships.
• Reunion with the missing cat, symbolizing hope, gratitude, and restoration.

Detailed SummaryIn this chapter, the narrator talks about their challenging transition to high school. They express feeling out of place after leaving the familiarity of junior high, where they were a top student. The new high school was much larger, and to add to the difficulty, their close friends went to a different school. This left the narrator feeling isolated and missing their old teachers. 

The narrator found solace in their red tabby cat, whom they had rescued as a kitten. The cat stayed close as they did homework one cold, windy day by the fireplace. Suddenly, smoke filled the room as a fire broke out in the house. The family evacuated, and the narrator’s mother rushed in to save important belongings, despite the danger. The mother retrieved a metal box with precious documents, but then went back in for the father’s pictures and letters. 

Despite the narrator’s protests, firefighters intervened to rescue the mother. The house burned down, leaving the family devastated. The narrator’s cat was missing, adding to their sense of loss. The family had to stay elsewhere, and the narrator, now without proper school supplies due to the fire, felt embarrassed and out of place at school. However, to their surprise, classmates rallied to support them, providing clothes and supplies, and showing genuine care and friendship. 

As the narrator watched their house being rebuilt, they realized the importance of opening up to others and appreciating the kindness around them. The rebuilding process mirrored a personal transformation, symbolizing a new beginning. In a heartwarming turn of events, the narrator’s lost cat was found and returned by a kind stranger, bringing a sense of closure and gratitude. 

Through these experiences of loss, rebuilding, and newfound friendships, the narrator learned valuable lessons about resilience, community support, and the enduring bond between humans and pets. 

The chapter highlights themes of overcoming challenges, finding strength in adversity, and the power of compassion in unexpected places.

Theme/MessageThemes:

• Resilience and adaptation to change: The protagonist faces significant challenges but learns to adapt and rebuild after a devastating event.
• Community and support: Highlighting the importance of kindness, empathy, and support from others during difficult times.
• Loss and restoration: The story explores themes of loss, grief, and eventual restoration of what is truly valuable.

Message:

• Through adversity, one can find strength and resilience to overcome challenges with the help of a supportive community.
• Loss can lead to newfound appreciation for what truly matters in life, fostering gratitude and personal growth.

Difficult Words

1. Isolated – (adjective) lonely or separated from others.
2. Groping – (verb) to feel about with the hands; to search blindly or uncertainly.
3. Crazed – (adjective) driven insane or mad.
4. Inhaled – (verb) to breathe in; to take air, smoke, or gas into the lungs.
5. Vulnerable – (adjective) open to physical or emotional harm; easily hurt.
6. Plight – (noun) a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.
7. Outcast – (noun) a person who has been rejected or ostracized by society or a social group.
8. Insecurity – (noun) uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; lack of confidence.
9. Heroically – (adverb) in a brave, daring, or courageous manner.
10. Plight – (noun) a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.

Key Points of the Story

• Setting: Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, live together in a small flat on the third floor of an old house.
• Johnsy’s Illness: Johnsy falls gravely ill with pneumonia and becomes despondent, believing she will die when the last ivy leaf outside their window falls.
• Doctor’s Advice: The doctor informs Sue that Johnsy’s recovery depends on her will to live, emphasizing that medicine alone will not help.
• Sue’s Efforts: Sue tries to uplift Johnsy’s spirits by engaging her in conversation and keeping her mind occupied, but Johnsy remains fixated on the ivy leaf.
• Behrman’s Role: Behrman, an elderly painter, creates a lifelike painting of the last ivy leaf to give Johnsy hope, sacrificing his life in the process.
• Johnsy’s Transformation: Inspired by the remaining leaf, Johnsy regains her will to live, unaware of Behrman’s final act of painting the leaf.

Detailed Summary

• Introduction of Sue and Johnsy: Once upon a time in a bustling city, there resided two young artists named Sue and Johnsy. They lived together in a cosy flat situated on the third floor of an ancient building. Unfortunately, Johnsy fell severely ill with pneumonia one chilly November, confining herself to her bed, staring listlessly out of the window.
  
• Sue’s Efforts and the Doctor’s Concern: Concerned Sue, her dear friend, summoned the doctor, who attended to Johnsy diligently but to no avail. Despite Sue’s efforts to engage Johnsy by discussing various topics like fashion and art, Johnsy remained disinterested, fixated on the idea that her fate was sealed, and no medicine could alter it. In a desperate attempt to divert Johnsy’s attention, Sue brought her drawing board into the room, painting while whistling cheerfully. 
• Johnsy’s Belief in the Last Leaf: One day, a turning point arrived when Johnsy, quietly counting down the remaining leaves on a vine outside, expressed her belief that her life was tied to the falling of the last leaf. Sue, in disbelief, tried to reason with her, emphasizing the doctor’s optimism about her recovery. However, Johnsy’s conviction remained unshaken, leading to a poignant moment of reflection and realization. 
• Behrman’s Role and the Painted Leaf:  Meanwhile, Sue, determined to support her friend, sought the help of Behrman, an aging painter living downstairs, sharing Johnsy’s predicament with him. Behrman, initially critical of Johnsy’s perspective, eventually showed empathy upon learning the gravity of her condition. As days passed and the lone leaf on the vine persisted despite harsh weather conditions, Johnsy’s outlook gradually shifted.
  
• Johnsy’s Recovery and Behrman’s Sacrifice: Witnessing the leaf’s resilience, she acknowledged her ingratitude towards Sue’s care and decided to embrace life with newfound vigour. This transformation marked a pivotal moment in her recovery journey, culminating in a heartwarming reconciliation between her friends. Tragically, while Johnsy’s health improved, Behrman succumbed to pneumonia after a brief illness. His final act of painting the last leaf, symbolizing hope and endurance, left a lasting impact on both Johnsy and Sue, underscoring the beauty of selflessness and the power of art in times of despair. 
• The Legacy of Behrman’s Masterpiece: In the end, as Sue shared Behrman‘s legacy with Johnsy, the significance of his masterpiece dawned upon them, reinforcing the profound bond between art, life, and the enduring spirit of humanity. The tale of Sue, Johnsy, and Behrman serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of life’s fleeting moments and the enduring legacy of compassion and creativity.

Try yourself:

What is the symbolic significance of the last leaf painted by Behrman in the story?

• A.It represents Johnsy’s recovery from pneumonia.
• B.It symbolizes Sue’s unwavering friendship towards Johnsy.
• C.It signifies hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of life.
• D.It highlights Behrman’s artistic talent and selflessness.

View Solution

Theme of the Story

• The story highlights the fragility of life and the vital role of hope in overcoming adversity.
• Friendship, compassion, and selflessness are central to healing and personal growth during difficult times.
• The power of art and creativity is portrayed as a source of hope and inspiration, capable of changing lives.

Difficult Words

• Pneumonia: an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the tiny air sacs known as alveoli.
• Despondent: feeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection, or gloom.
• Anxiously: characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about some contingency.
• Energetically: with great energy, enthusiasm, or determination.
• Gloomy: darkness, sadness, rejection, or despondency.
• Adversity: difficulties, misfortune, or unfavourable circumstances.
• Realization: the act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact.
• Janitor: a person employed to take care of a building, such as a caretaker or a doorkeeper.
• Desperately: in a way that shows despair or hopelessness.
• Adversity: difficulties, misfortune, or unfavourable circumstances.
• Uplift: raise to a higher position or level; improve spiritually or morally.
• Renewed: resumed after an interruption; revived or restored.
• Contingency: a future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted or controlled.
• Profound: very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.

Weathering the Storm in Erasma

narrates the adventures of a young man Prashant who was marooned on a rooftop

for two nights following a dreadful storm.

Prashant had gone to the coastal

town of Erasma in Orissa to spend a day with his friend seven years after his

mother’s demise. It was that fateful day the storm lashed in full fury with

heavy wind and rain. Trees were uprooted and water entered neck deep inside the

friend’s house. For two days, everyone took refuge on the roof till the

situation calmed down a bit.

Although everyone tried to pursue Prashant to stay for a few more days as the situation had not fully settled, he was determined to move ahead. Using a stick to guide him, he waded his way through the water to his village, eighteen kilometers away. Once there, he sought the assistance of Red Cross to find out the whereabouts of his family. Slowly, he found each one of them.

Key Points of the Story

• The story is about a statue of a prince, covered in gold and jewels, that overlooks a city.

•  A swallow sees the prince’s sadness and agrees to help him assist the needy people in the city.
• The prince asks the swallow to give his jewels to those in need:
  A ruby to a poor seamstress.
  Sapphires to a struggling writer and a little match girl.
•  Even after losing his beautiful eyes, the prince keeps helping the poor through the swallow’s efforts.
• The swallow stays loyal to the prince, helping him until the bird becomes sick and dies.
•  After the swallow’s death, the prince’s statue is torn down, but his lead heart does not melt in the furnace.
• God honors the prince and the swallow for their selflessness, showing that true happiness lies in helping others.

Try yourself:

What does the prince ask the swallow to give to the needy?

• A.Food
• B.Jewels
• C.Clothes
• D.A gold crown

View SolutionDetailed Summary

The Happy Prince was a beautiful statue covered in gold, with sapphires for eyes and a ruby on his sword. He stood on a tall column overlooking the city. One evening, a swallow, who was on his way to Egypt, stopped to rest at the statue’s feet. As he prepared to sleep, he felt drops of water and realized they were tears from the statue. The Happy Prince was crying because, from his high position, he could see the misery and poverty of the people in the city, which he could not help during his life.

The Happy Prince requested the swallow to take the ruby from his sword and give it to a poor seamstress. The seamstress was struggling to sew a dress for a queen’s maid while caring for her sick child. Although the swallow wanted to leave for Egypt, he agreed to stay one night to help. The swallow delivered the ruby, fanned the sick boy with his wings, and returned to the prince.

The next evening, the prince saw a young playwright in a cold attic, unable to complete his play due to hunger and freezing conditions. The prince asked the swallow to pluck out one of his sapphire eyes and give it to the playwright. Despite feeling reluctant, the swallow obeyed. The playwright sold the sapphire, bought food and firewood, and continued his work.

On the following night, the prince noticed a poor matchgirl crying in the cold because her matches had fallen into the gutter, and she feared her father’s anger. The prince asked the swallow to pluck out his other eye and give it to the girl. The swallow hesitated because it would leave the prince blind, but he eventually obeyed. The girl was overjoyed with the jewel, but now the prince could no longer see.

Since the prince was now blind, the swallow decided to stay and act as his eyes. The swallow flew over the city and described what he saw—rich people enjoying luxury while the poor suffered. The prince asked the swallow to strip the gold leaf by leaf from his body and give it to the needy. The swallow did so, bringing happiness to many.

As winter approached, the swallow grew weaker due to the cold. He refused to leave the prince and stayed by his side. One day, the swallow kissed the prince and died at his feet. At the same moment, the prince’s lead heart broke in two.

The townspeople noticed that the statue was no longer beautiful. They removed it, melted it in a furnace, but the leaden heart would not melt. They discarded the heart along with the swallow’s body on a dust heap.

God asked His angels to bring Him the two most precious things in the city. The angels brought the leaden heart and the dead swallow. God welcomed them into Paradise, where the little bird would sing forever, and the Happy Prince would praise Him.

Theme & Message

Theme:
The story emphasizes the themes of compassion, selflessness, and the true meaning of happiness. It portrays the contrast between material wealth and emotional richness, showing that beauty and luxury are meaningless without kindness. The bond between the prince and the swallow demonstrates how self-sacrifice can bring joy and hope to those in need.

Message:
Oscar Wilde delivers a powerful message that true happiness lies in helping others. The story teaches that acts of kindness and generosity, even at great personal cost, have a lasting impact. It also highlights the value of empathy, showing how caring for others can transform not just their lives but also our own. Through the prince and the swallow’s sacrifices, Wilde reminds us that love and selflessness are the greatest virtues.

Difficult Words

• Gilded: Covered with a thin layer of gold.
• Sapphires: Precious blue gemstones.
• Ruby: A valuable red gemstone.
• Alighted: Landed or settled after flying.
• Seamstress: A woman who sews for a living.
• Embroidering: Sewing decorative patterns on fabric.
• Pedestal: The base supporting a statue.
• Garret: A small, cramped room under a roof.
• Withered: Dried up or shriveled.
• Listlessly: Without energy or enthusiasm.
• Courtiers: People who serve in a royal court.
• Feverishly: In a restless or frantic manner due to fever or excitement.
• Swooped: Flew down quickly and suddenly.
• Furnace: A hot oven used to melt or heat things.
• Proclamation: An official public announcement.

Introduction

“In the Kingdom of Fools” is a humorous folktale that tells the story of a strange kingdom where the king and his minister make foolish decisions, turning day into night and night into day. The tale explores how their silly rules lead to chaos, showing the dangers of foolishness and the power of wisdom. 

This story is a Kannada folktale, retold by A.K. Ramanujan in his book Folk Tales from India. A.K. Ramanujan was a renowned Indian poet, scholar, and folklorist. He collected and translated folktales from various Indian languages, preserving the rich oral traditions of India. 

Key Points of the Story

• The king and his minister make an odd rule in the Kingdom of Fools—day becomes night, and night becomes day, and everyone must follow this schedule.
• A guru and his disciple visit the kingdom. The guru senses danger and leaves quickly, but the disciple stays, attracted by the cheap food and low prices.

• A thief dies when a wall collapses on him during a robbery. The blame shifts from one person to another, including a merchant, a bricklayer, a dancer, a goldsmith, and the merchant’s father.
• The disciple is chosen for execution because he has gained weight and fits the stake. He regrets staying in the kingdom and ignoring his guru’s advice.
• The guru returns to save his disciple. He tricks the king and minister into believing they will be reborn as rulers if they are executed first, leading to their downfall.
• After the king and minister’s death, the people make the guru and disciple the new leaders. They bring wisdom and fairness to the kingdom.

Detailed Summary

Once upon a time, there was a strange kingdom where the king and his minister were foolish. They decided to run their kingdom differently from others. They ordered that people should work at night and sleep during the day. Anyone who disobeyed would be punished with death. The people, afraid of punishment, followed these odd rules.

One day, a wise guru and his disciple came to this kingdom. They were surprised to see no one around during the day. Even the animals slept. At night, the city came alive. When they went to buy food, they discovered that everything cost the same—just one duddu. The disciple was thrilled because food was so cheap, but the guru warned him that living among fools was risky. Despite the guru’s advice to leave, the disciple decided to stay and enjoy the cheap food. The guru left, saying, “You’ll regret this decision.”

Time passed, and the disciple grew fat from eating too much. One day, a thief broke into a merchant’s house, but the weak wall collapsed and killed him. The thief’s brother complained to the king, blaming the merchant for the poor wall. The king decided to deliver justice in his own foolish way. The blame passed from the merchant to the bricklayer who built the wall, then to a dancing girl who distracted the bricklayer, and finally to a goldsmith who delayed the girl, forcing her to walk by the bricklayer. Eventually, the blame returned to the merchant whose father had commissioned the jewellery long ago.

The king decided the merchant must be punished but found him too thin for the execution stake. He ordered his servants to find a fat man instead. The disciple, now plump, was chosen. Realizing his life was in danger, he prayed to his guru for help. The guru, with his wisdom and magical powers, returned to save him.

Try yourself:

What led to the downfall of the king and his minister in the Kingdom of Fools?

• A.The king and minister were overthrown by a rebellion.
• B.The guru and disciple challenged them to a duel.
• C.The king and minister believed they would be reborn as rulers if they were executed first.
• D.The people of the kingdom refused to follow their foolish rules.

View Solution

The guru devised a clever plan. He told the king that whoever was executed first on the stake would be reborn as the king in their next life, and the second would become the minister. The greedy king and minister, eager to retain their positions, decided to take the guru and disciple’s places. That night, the foolish king and minister were executed.

The people were left without rulers and begged the guru and his disciple to govern them. The guru agreed on the condition that the strange laws would be abolished. From then on, the kingdom returned to normal, with people working during the day and sleeping at night. Prices were no longer absurd, and the guru and his disciple ruled wisely.

Theme & Message

Theme 

The story highlights the contrast between wisdom and foolishness, showing how foolish leaders can create chaos. It also emphasizes the importance of good sense and logical decisions in governance.

Message 

1. Wisdom wins over foolishness: The guru’s cleverness saves the day, proving that smart thinking can solve even the toughest problems.
2. Foolishness is dangerous: Living among fools is risky because their actions are unpredictable and harmful.
3. Leaders need logic: Good rulers make fair and sensible decisions to ensure justice and stability.
4. Greed leads to trouble: The king and minister’s greed for power causes their downfall.
5. Be practical and adapt: The guru’s ability to adapt and bring change shows the value of flexibility in life.

Difficult Words

1. Accuse – To say that someone has done something wrong or illegal.
2. Bailiff – A law officer who ensures that court decisions are followed.
3. Bricklayer – Someone whose job is to build things with bricks.
4. Burglar – A person who illegally enters buildings to steal things.
5. Clamour – To demand something loudly.
6. Compensate – To give someone something, usually money, for loss or damage.
7. Complicate – To make something more difficult to understand or deal with.
8. Criminal – A person who has done something against the law.
9. Decisively – Doing something in a way that shows confidence and clear choices.
10. Decree – An official order by someone in power.
11. Delight – A strong feeling of happiness.
12. Distracted – Not able to pay attention because you’re thinking of something else.
13. Execution – The act of killing someone as a legal punishment.
14. Fragile – Easily broken or damaged.
15. Goldsmith – A person who makes things out of gold.
16. Guilty – Having done something wrong or illegal.
17. Highness – A title used for someone of royal rank.
18. Impaling – To stick a sharp object through something.
19. Impatient – Not willing to wait for something or someone.
20. Injustice – When things aren’t fair or just.

Key Points of the Story 

• R. K. Laxman‘s “Iswaran the Storyteller” focuses on Mahendra, a junior supervisor at a company that hires out supervisors for different construction sites, along with his cook, Iswaran, who travels with him. Mahendra’s storytelling is significantly shaped by the Tamil writers he admires.
• Through Iswaran’s stories, Mahendra’s understanding of reality and fiction starts to blur. Iswaran shares exciting tales, such as subduing a wild elephant with a small stick and encountering a female ghost on a full-moon night. At first, Mahendra doubts the existence of ghosts, but his beliefs begin to change after he hears strange noises outside his window one evening.
• Feeling unsettled, he turns to Iswaran, who supports his fears about the place being haunted. Mahendra quickly rushes to his office to resign, determined to leave the haunted location the very next day!

R.K. Laxman

Detailed Summary 

The story revolves around Mahendra, a young junior supervisor working for a company that provides supervisors for construction sites like factories, bridges, and dams. Mahendra’s job requires him to frequently move to different job sites as directed by his head office. As a bachelor with simple needs, he is adaptable to various challenging conditions at these locations. However, Mahendra has one valuable asset—his cook and companion, Iswaran.

Iswaran not only cooks for Mahendra but also takes care of household chores, such as washing clothes and engaging in late-night conversations. He is a talented storyteller, spinning tales on various subjects. His stories often include suspense and surprise, making him a source of entertainment for Mahendra, who enjoys listening to him.

What makes Iswaran unique is his extraordinary ability to find fresh vegetables and ingredients in remote areas with no shops nearby. He consistently prepares delicious meals for Mahendra, leaving him both impressed and satisfied. One day, Iswaran asks, “Can I make something special for dinner tonight, sir? Today is an auspicious day, and we prepare various delicacies to honour our ancestors.”

Try yourself:What is Iswaran’s special ability in the story?

• A.Cooking sweets
• B.Reading books
• C.Telling jokes
• D.Telling entertaining and dramatic stories

View Solution

Mahendra enjoys the special dinner, but Iswaran takes this opportunity to introduce a supernatural element to the story. He reveals that the area where their factory is located was once a burial ground, stating, “I knew on the first day when I saw a human skull on the path. I still come across many skulls and bones.” Iswaran claims to have encountered ghosts, including a particularly terrifying one—“an ugly creature with matted hair and a shrivelled face, like a skeleton holding a foetus.” Sceptical, Mahendra dismisses these stories as mere imagination and advises Iswaran to seek medical help. However, these tales leave Mahendra feeling uneasy, and he begins to avoid looking out of his window during full moons, fearing he might see the ghost. One fateful night, Mahendra is awakened by a strange moan near his window.

Initially, he thinks it is a cat but soon realises the sound is more unsettling. Gathering his courage, he looks out and sees a dark figure holding a bundle in the moonlight. Overwhelmed by fear, Mahendra retreats to his bed, convinced it is a figment of his imagination. The next morning, Iswaran greets Mahendra with his lunch and bag, casually mentioning that he heard the moaning from Mahendra’s room. Iswaran gleefully reveals that Mahendra had seen the female ghost with a foetus the previous night. Terrified and shaken, Mahendra rushes to his office and submits his resignation, deciding to leave the haunted place the very next day!

Theme/Message 

Theme

• The story looks at the theme of storytelling, showing how Iswaran’s engaging tales influence Mahendra’s views on ghosts. This ultimately leads to Mahendra’s fear affecting how well he does his job.
• It also points out Mahendra’s belief that ghosts are just imagined, cautioning against letting superstitions guide our choices.

Message

• The story indicates that letting our fears take over can disrupt our lives, as seen with Mahendra, whose work suffers because of his fear of ghosts.
• Iswaran’s captivating storytelling encourages Mahendra to face his beliefs, especially after a frightening experience that makes him reconsider the existence of ghosts.

Difficult Words

1. Supervisor: A person responsible for overseeing and managing the work of others.
2. Construction: The process of building or making something, typically related to buildings, bridges, and other structures.
3. Circuit house: A government guest house or rest house used for travellers or government officials.
4. Makeshift: A temporary and often improvised solution or substitute.
5. Canvas tent: A tent made of canvas, a heavy-duty fabric, typically used for camping or temporary shelter.
6. Anecdotes: Short, interesting, and often amusing stories about real incidents or people.
7. Conjure: To bring something into existence as if by magic or to make something appear.
8. Depredations: Acts of plundering or causing damage and destruction.
9. Mahout: An elephant rider or trainer.
10. Paralysis: A loss of the ability to move or feel a part of the body, often due to injury or illness.
11. Supernatural: Beyond what is natural or explainable by the laws of nature; related to the mystical or occult.
12. Figment: Something invented or imagined, typically a product of one’s mind.
13. Unease: A feeling of discomfort, anxiety, or restlessness.
14. Auto-suggestion: A psychological phenomenon where a person suggests something to themselves, often unconsciously, leading to behavioural changes.
15. Subconscious: The part of the mind that contains thoughts, feelings, or memories not currently in conscious awareness.
16. Ghastly: Extremely frightening, horrifying, or unpleasant.
17. Foetus: An unborn or developing offspring of a mammal in the womb.
18. Resolution: A firm decision or determination to do something or achieve a goal.