Text Book Solutions All Class

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Why did the writer’s grandfather buy Toto from the Tonga driver?   [2025]
Ans: The writer’s grandfather bought Toto from the tonga driver to enhance his private zoo collection.

Q2. Where did they keep Toto after bringing him?   [2025]
Ans: Toto was kept in a small closet located in the writer’s bedroom.

Q3. What were the other animals that stayed with the monkey in the grandfather’s zoo?  [2024]
Ans: In the grandfather’s zoo, there were several animals that lived together harmoniously. These included a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, a squirrel, and the writer’s pet goat.

Q4. Who was the companion of Toto in the writer’s grandfather’s house?  [2023]
Ans: The family donkey, Nana, was Toto’s companion in the writer’s grandfather’s house.

Q5. What did Toto take from the lunch table?  [2022]
Ans: Toto took a dish full of rice from the lunch table.
Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Where was Toto transferred from the author’s bedroom? Did he remain peaceful there?  [2025]
Ans: Toto was moved to a big cage located in the servants’ quarters, where he shared space with other animals from Grandfather’s private zoo. This included a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, a tame squirrel, and a pet goat. However, Toto’s behaviour was disruptive; he did not allow the other animals to sleep peacefully at night.
Q2. How did Toto get along with other animals?  [2025]
Ans: Toto did not get along well with other animals. He often troubled Nana, the family donkey, by fastening himself onto her long ears with his sharp teeth. This behaviour prevented other animals from sleeping peacefully.
Q3. Why did Toto throw a plate at Grandmother?  [2025]
Ans: One day, Toto spotted a large plate of pulao on the dining table and began to eat it. When Grandmother entered and saw him eating the rice, she screamed. Toto, upset by her reaction, threw the plate at her, causing it to shatter into pieces.
Q4. Why was Toto sold back to the tonga-driver? [2024]
Ans: Grandfather realised that Toto could not be kept in the house for long. The family struggled with the constant loss of dishes, clothes, curtains, and wallpaper due to Toto’s mischief. Ultimately, Grandfather decided to sell Toto back to the tonga-driver for just three rupees.
Q5. How does Toto come to Grandfather’s private zoo? OR Why did the author’s Grandfather decide to buy Toto? [2023]
Ans: Grandfather had a love for pets and noticed a red monkey tied to a feeding trough by a tonga-driver. Feeling that the monkey seemed out of place, he decided to buy him for five rupees. This addition was meant to enhance his private zoo, which already housed various birds and animals.
Q6. Why did Grandfather hide Toto for some time when he brought him home? [2022]
OR 
Why was Toto’s entry into Grandfather’s Zoo kept a secret?
Ans: Grandfather, who loved pets, knew that bringing a new animal home would upset Grandmother. To avoid her fussing, he decided to hide Toto for a while and keep his arrival a secret until Grandmother was in a better mood.
Q7. Where was Toto kept immediately after Grandfather got him? Why? [2022]
Ans: Toto was kept in a closet that opened into the narrator’s bedroom wall. He was tied securely to a peg fixed into the wall. This arrangement was made to keep him secret from Grandmother, who always created a fuss whenever a new pet was brought into the house.
Q8. What destruction was caused by Toto to the narrator’s room? [2021]
Ans: Toto caused significant damage in the narrator’s room. He tore off the ornamental paper from the walls, leaving them exposed. Additionally, he wrenched the peg from the wall to which he was tied, and he shredded the narrator’s school blazer, leaving it in tatters.
Q9. How did Grandfather decide to carry Toto to Saharanpur? Why? [2021]
Ans: Grandfather decided to carry Toto to Saharanpur in a big black canvas kit bag because Toto was a very mischievous monkey. If he had not been zipped up in the bag, he would have certainly caused trouble. Additionally, carrying animals without permission was against the rules of the railway authorities.
Q10. How did Grandfather try to keep the presence of his travelling-mate a secret?  [2020]
OR 
Who was Grandfather’s traveling mate to Saharanpur? How did he try to keep his presence a secret?
Ans: Toto was Grandfather’s travelling companion to Saharanpur. To keep his presence a secret, Grandfather placed him in a large canvas kit bag with some straw at the bottom. The canvas was too thick for Toto to bite through, and the bag was tightly closed, preventing any escape. Despite his efforts to get out, which caused the bag to roll or jump, Toto remained hidden until they reached Saharanpur. However, while Grandfather was showing his ticket, Toto unexpectedly poked his head out, surprising the ticket-collector.
Q11. Why did Grandfather get annoyed at the Saharanpur station?  [2019]
Ans: Grandfather became annoyed at Saharanpur station because the ticket collector insisted on referring to Toto as a dog. Despite Grandfather’s attempts to explain that Toto was a monkey and not a quadruped, the ticket collector maintained his stance. Consequently, Grandfather was forced to pay three rupees as fare for Toto.
Q12. Why did Grandfather show his tortoise to the ticket collector? [2018]
Ans: Grandfather became annoyed when the ticket collector insisted that Toto, his monkey, was a dog and demanded a fare. Despite Grandfather’s attempts to explain that Toto was not a dog, the collector charged him three rupees. To retaliate, Grandfather took out his tortoise from his pocket and asked how much he needed to pay for it. The ticket collector examined the tortoise and, after poking it, declared there was no charge, as it was not a dog.
Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Describe Toto’s bath ritual. 
OR 
How did Toto take a bath during winter? How did he learn to bathe in that manner?  [2024]
Ans: Toto enjoyed a warm bath on chilly winter evenings. His grandmother provided a large bowl of warm water for him. He would first check the water’s temperature with his hand, then step in gradually, placing one foot after the other, just as he had seen the narrator do. Once comfortable, he would rub soap all over his body using his hands or feet. When the water cooled down, he would quickly get out and rush to the kitchen fire to dry himself.

If anyone laughed at him during his bath, Toto would feel hurt and stop bathing. One day, he nearly boiled himself when he climbed into a large kettle left on the fire. He found the water warm enough for a bath and got in, but as the water began to boil, he had to hop up and down until his grandmother rescued him, half-boiled.
Q2. Describe the situation where grandfather found himself at the Saharanpur railway station. [2023]
Ans: Toto had not yet been revealed to Grandmother. The following day, Grandfather needed to visit Saharanpur to collect his pension and decided to take Toto with him. He placed Toto in a large black canvas bag, which was too sturdy for the monkey to bite through. Toto stayed in the bag throughout the journey. Upon reaching the station, as the ticket collector checked Grandfather’s ticket, Toto unexpectedly poked his head out of the bag and smiled at the collector. The collector, surprised, insisted that Grandfather had a dog and that he needed to pay for it. Despite Grandfather’s attempts to explain that Toto was a monkey, the collector remained firm and charged an additional three rupees.

In a bid to turn the situation to his advantage, Grandfather then showed the collector his pet tortoise, asking what fare was required for it. The collector examined the tortoise and, after confirming it was not a dog, declared that no charge was necessary.
Q3. Why does Grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur, and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?  [2022]
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’s mischievous behaviour made it risky. To ensure Toto wouldn’t escape or disturb other passengers, Grandfather packed him securely in a large, black canvas kit bag.

The train journey to Saharanpur was mostly uneventful until Toto poked his head out of the bag and grinned at the ticket collector. The collector, surprised, insisted that Grandfather pay for Toto, claiming he had a dog with him. Despite Grandfather’s attempts to explain that Toto was a monkey and not a dog, the ticket collector insisted on classifying him as such, leading to a fare of three rupees.

In a light-hearted response, Grandfather then took out their pet tortoise and asked the ticket collector what the fare would be for it. The collector examined the tortoise and, after some thought, declared there would be no charge since it was not a dog.
Q4. What ruckus did Toto create at lunchtime one day?  [2021]
Or 
How did Toto get on Grandmother’s nerves at lunchtime one day?
Ans: During one lunchtime, a large dish of pulao was placed at the centre of the dining table. When the family entered, they were shocked to find Toto, the monkey, stuffing himself with rice. This startled Grandmother, who screamed, prompting Toto to throw a plate at her in self-defence. One of the narrator’s aunts rushed to help, only to receive a glass of water in her face from Toto.

When Grandfather arrived, Toto seized the pulao dish and escaped through the window. The family later discovered him in a jackfruit tree, where he spent the afternoon finishing every grain of rice. To spite Grandmother for her earlier scream, Toto threw the empty dish down from the tree, chattering with delight as it shattered into pieces.
Q5. Grandfather possessed the values of childlike simplicity. Do you agree/disagree? Give reasons. [2020]
Ans: Grandfather owned a private zoo 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. This secrecy highlights his innocent nature. For instance, when Toto damaged the narrator’s school blazer, Grandfather found it amusing and remarked on Toto’s cleverness, demonstrating his playful spirit. Additionally, when he hid Toto in a bag during a train journey and produced a tortoise to avoid extra charges, it further illustrates his childlike simplicity. Such actions confirm that, despite his age, Grandfather retained a youthful and innocent outlook on life.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is the third reason for the child lagging behind? [2025]
Ans: The child lagged behind again because he stopped to watch little insects and worms along the footpath, which were coming out to enjoy the sunshine.

Q2: What did the child start gathering after entering the grove? [2024]
Ans: After entering the grove, the child started gathering the falling petals in his hands.

Q3: Write the meaning of “capers”? [2024]
Ans: “Capers” here means running or moving in a playful manner.

Q4: How did they reach the village fair? [2023]
Ans: They reached the village fair by walking through the narrow, winding footpath through a mustard field.

Q5: Why did the child not go near the snake charmer? [2021]
Ans: The child did not go near the snake charmer because his parents had warned him not to listen to such coarse music.

Q6: Finally, what did the child request from his parents? [2020]
Ans: Finally, the child requested to go on the round-about ride.

Q7: What were the ultimate words uttered by the child after getting lost? [2020]
Ans: After getting lost, the child kept repeating “I want my mother, I want my father.” 

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Was the fair popular with people in general? Give reasons.
OR
Was the festival of spring an attraction for the people?  [2025]

Ans: The fair was certainly very popular with people in general because they had left their daily routine work, dressed up in their best, and had come to enjoy the spring festival. They were with their families and crowded the stalls and rides displayed at the fair.

Q2. Parents were in a hurry to reach the fair, but the child was delaying them. How?   [2025]

Ans: The child was getting tempted by the many distractions on the way to the fair. Sometimes he would stop by the toy shops while at other times he would start running after butterflies. The parents had to pause frequently and call him to walk beside them.

Q3. How can you say that the child was scared of his father?  [2025]

Ans: The child was tempted by many things, but he asked for them only in slow murmurs. This shows that he was scared of his father and could not express his demands as rightfully as some other children do.

Q4. How did the mother distract the child’s mind from the toy seller? [2023]

Ans: The child’s mother drew his attention to the flowering mustard field to distract his mind from the toy seller. Here he saw colourful dragonflies with gaudy purple wings, black bees, and butterflies. He gazed at them as they flew in the air.

Q5. How did the child enjoy the beauty of nature on his way to the fair? [2022]

Ans: On his way to the fair, the child saw a flowering mustard field. He stopped there to watch the little insects and worms that were coming out from their hiding places. He then tried to gather the petals of falling flowers and ran gaily in circles around a banyan tree.

Q6. Why did the child feel both repelled and fascinated by the fair? [2022]

Ans: The child was amazed to see a huge crowd of people at the fair. This left him confused and a bit afraid. However, the natural sights, stalls of eatables, rides, games and toys at the fair fascinated him.

Q7. What did the child see at the sweetmeat shop? How did he react to this sight? [2021]

Ans: At the sweetmeat shop on the entrance of the fair, the child saw an architecture of many-coloured sweets that made his eyes open wide and left his mouth filled with water. He longed to have his favourite burfi but instinctively knew that his parents would not buy him any. So, he moved on without waiting for an answer.

Q8. How did balloons fascinate the child? Was he able to buy any? Why/Why not? [2020]

Ans: The sight of many-coloured balloons flying in the air from the balloon sellers pole blew the child over and his heart was filled with an overwhelming desire to possess all those balloons. But alas, just like the burfi and the flowers, he could not dare to ask his parents to buy him balloons for fear of getting a ‘no’ from them on the pretext that he was too old to play with balloons.

Q9. How did the sight of a snake-charmer leave the child spellbound? [2019]

Ans: As the child walked away from the balloon-seller, his eyes caught the sight of a snake-charmer playing on a flute to a snake. He was fascinated by the swinging hood of the snake swinging gracefully like the neck of a swan. The music of the flute equally mesmerized both the snake and the boy.

Q10. What plea did the child finally make to his parents? Was his plea heard? [2019]

Ans: The child finally pleaded with his parents to let him go on a ride on the roundabout. Sadly, this plea was not heard because his parents weren’t standing behind him at that time. He had been separated from them and hence they could not hear him.

Q11. The fair lost all its charm and attraction for the child. When did this happen?  [2018]
OR 
How was the child separated from his parents?

Ans: Tempted by the sight of a sweetmeat seller, a balloon-seller, a flower-seller, a snake-charmer and finally the roundabout in motion, the child failed to keep pace with his parents and got separated. This separation filled him with panic and he lost interest in the fair.

Q12. What happened when the lost child reached the temple door?  [2017]

Ans: On reaching the temple door, the lost child got caught between the legs of the crowd that was jostling with each other to get into the shrine. The child got knocked down and would have got trampled if the ‘kind man’ had not rescued him after hearing his loud cry.

Q13. Who rescued the lost child? What did he offer to buy?  [2017]

Ans: A kind man in the shrine heard the child’s cry and lifted him in his arms. To pacify the wailing child, he offered to buy all those things that he had asked for from his parents – horse ride, a multi-coloured balloon, garland, snake-charmers show, and a sweetmeat.

Q14. Why did the man offer to buy things for the child? [2017]

Ans: The child kept weeping inconsolably in the arms of the man who had rescued him from getting trampled at the shrine. The man offered to buy him things in order to pacify the child, to make him feel secure, and to ask him about his parents and home.

Q15. What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents? [2016]

Ans: The lost child was fortunate enough to have been picked up by a kind and affectionate soul. This man must have gone out of his way to trace the lost child’s mother and father and succeeded in reuniting him with his parents.

Q16. Why did the parents forbid the child from listening to the snake charmer’s music? [2016]

Ans: They refused the flute’s music to the child because they considered it coarse music. The child suppressed his feelings and kept on moving.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. What were the things that the boy wanted to possess when he was with his parents?   [2025]
Ans: The child went to a village fair with his parents. He saw several stalls of sweets and toys. At first. he liked a beautiful toy. He asked his parents to buy him that toy. But his father called him away from that shop. Then he tried to catch a butterfly. But he did not succeed. After that, he saw a sweets-seller. He wanted to have some burfi. But his father rejected his demand. Then he saw someone selling garlands of gulmohur flowers. The child wanted to buy a garland. But this demand was also rejected. After that, he wanted to buy a balloon. His father did not buy it for him. Then the child saw a juggler. He wanted to stop and hear the music of his flute. But he feared his father. So he went on. In the end, he wanted to have a ride in a roundabout. But his parents were nowhere to be seen.

Q2. Describe the condition of the child after he had lost his parents at the fair. [2024]
Or
Describe the changes that occurred in the child in the spring festival.
Ans: The child went to the fair along with his parents. He was very happy. He was attracted by the colourful and beautiful things. He saw balloons, flower garlands, toys and sweets. He saw a juggler showing tricks. He also saw a roundabout. But he was sad because his parents rejected all his demands. They did not purchase anything for him. He could not enjoy the juggler’s tricks. Then he wanted to have a ride on the roundabout Ile turned to ask his parents. But he found them missing. He was separated from them. Now a sudden change came in the child. He started crying for his parents. A kind man tried to console him. But the child lost interest in everything. He wanted to join his parents again. He cried, “I want my mother. I want my father!” 

Q3. The man who had rescued the child was compassionate and kind. Discuss. [2022]
Or
What values of humanity are reflected through the character of the kind man?
Ans: The man who had rescued the child had a heart full of goodness. He did not ignore the painful shrieks of the boy calling for his parents. Risking his own safety, he bent down in the crowd to rescue the child from getting trampled. He forgot his own purpose of visiting the shrine did his best to comfort and soothe the scared boy. He talked to him very kindly and inquired about his parents. When he did not get any response from the child, he did not lose patience. Instead, he tried to make him feel at ease b offering him the little things that children love. The man sincerely tried to pacify the child so that he could help him to find his parents. His character thus reflects the human values of kindness, compassion, care and love.

Q4. The child was denied everything by his parents. Why then did his love for them not lessen in any way? [2021]
Ans: The child had come to the fair with his parents to have fun and to enjoy the festive spirit like others. Although he wanted to have many things at the fair, he knew that he could not have them because his parents disliked those things. Although he was denied everything that he asked for, his love for them did not lessen. He enjoyed the natural beauty and satisfied himself by simply looking at the things he liked but could not have. He accompanied them obediently and did not throw any tantrums or compel them in any way to buy him sweets, garlands, balloons etc. His deep love for them can be seen when he gets separated from them. He misses them terribly and feels lonely. At that time his only concern is to get them back.

Q5. Compare the child’s behaviour before and after he lost his parents. [2020]
Ans: Before losing his parents, the child is in a happy, cheerful and playful mood. He gets attracted to many things on the way but follows his parents’ call whenever they ask him to. He is amazed by the beauty of nature and enjoys it in his innocent way. He feels secure in the presence of his parents and so he does not even wait for their response when he demands things from them. However, on getting separated, he is filled with fear and panic. He cries inconsolably and gets lost in a large crowd of people all around. He refuses to accept even those things that he had wanted a little while ago. Everything else loses value in his eyes in the absence of his parents. His laughter and happiness are replaced by insecurity and fear.

Q6. “A child longs for toys, sweets and other things but not at the cost of his parents.” Comment.  [2019]
Ans. When the child realised that he had been separated from his parents, he started crying. Tears rolled down his cheeks. His face was full of fear. He was panicked and ran here and there. His yellow turban got untied. His clothes became muddy. He ran towards the shrine in search of his parents. There was a thick crowd. Before he could be trampled under their feet, a kind-hearted person picked him up in his arms. He asked him how he got there and where his parents were. The child wept more bitterly and cried for his parents.

Q7. When the child got lost in the fair a stranger helped him and tried to solve his problem. What do you feel about the behaviour of the stranger?  [2019]
Ans. The stranger was certainly a kind-hearted man. He saved the child from being trampled under the feet. He loved children very much. He lifted the lost child in his lap and offered him all those things which the child desired to have earlier. He also offered the child to go on the roundabout. Obviously, such persons are rare and their responsibility gets increased in the fair. The stranger showed the love of parents in his behaviour towards the lost child. He tried to assure the child that he should not be afraid of anything in the fair. He will find the parents and hand over the lost child to him. The stranger also knew that the lost child could not live with his parents because he was weeping bitterly for his parents. Still, he tried to make the lost child happy. With his kind behaviour, the stranger proved that everybody has immense love for children.

Q8. You have gone to a fair. Your parents refuse to buy certain things for you. How will you react?  [2018]
Ans. In such a situation, I would react with understanding and acceptance. While it’s natural to feel a bit disappointed initially, I would remind myself of the bigger picture. My parents’ decisions are based on their care and consideration for me.

I trust my parents’ judgment wholeheartedly. They have a better perspective on what is truly beneficial for me. Their choices are influenced by a variety of factors, including our family’s financial responsibilities and my well-being. They have the responsibility of managing household expenses and ensuring that I’m safe and happy.

Rather than dwelling on what I couldn’t get, I would focus on the gratitude I have for my parents’ love and efforts. I know they always have my best interests at heart. This experience would also teach me important lessons about patience, understanding, and appreciating the value of things beyond their material aspect.

Q9. You are taken to a fair by your parents. How will you behave with your parents? Explain with reference to the lesson ‘The Lost Child’.  [2017]
Ans. When our parents take us to a fair, we should always try to follow their instructions. We should walk along with them so that we may not get lost in the fair. Besides, we must keep the mobile number and address of our house in the pocket. If we are lost in the fair, we should not eat things or sweets offered by other people because they might be kidnappers and criminals. If we are lost in the fair, we should take help from the police. Our parents have immense love for us. In the fair, we should not pressurise our parents to buy unnecessary things. Our act may humiliate our parents. It is our duty to keep them happy. We should not become a burden on our parents. We should always keep in mind the hard work they do for us.

Q.1. Sergei’s anger had vanished and he now began to feel a little sorry and ashamed of himself for having set a spoiled, drunken, perhaps sick man to work at menial labour in the cold. An hour later Olga came in and announced that the wood had all been chopped.

(i) Why was Sergei angry in the first place?

Because Lushkoff had told him several lies to him to get money.

(ii) What job had Sergei given to the beggar?

To chop the woods.

(iii) Who was Olga?

Sergei’s cook

(iv) What is the irony in the above lines?

It was Olga who actually used to chop all the woods for Lushkoff.

Q.2. What reasons does Lushkoff give to Sergei for telling lies?

Lushkoff said that he was sent away from a Russian choir for drunkenness. He couldn’t get along without lying. No one would give him anything if he told the truth. Hence, he had nothing else to do but lie.

Q.3. What job did Sergei assign to Lushkoff that changed his life?

After moving to another house, Sergei sent for Lushkoff. He asked him to carry a letter to his friend’s house for the work of copying. From that day onwards, Lushkoff never looked back.

Q.4. Describe Lushkoff’s first attempt to work at Sergei’s.

Lushkoff irresolutely pulled a billet of wood towards him, set it up between his feet, and tapped it feebly with the axe. The billet wavered and fell down. He again pulled it to him, blew on his freezing hands, and tapped it with his axe cautiously, as if afraid of hitting his overshoe or of cutting off his finger; the stick of wood again fell to the ground.

Q.5. Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” Why does he say so? Is he justified in saying this?

Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” He says this to Lushkoff because he thinks that Lushkoff changes his ways because of the roasting given by him. Sergei offers a job of chopping woods to the beggar Lushkoff and later on assigns him several tasks/jobs. Lushkoff starts earning. Eventually, he becomes a notary and earns thirty-five roubles a month. Sergei thinks that all this happens because of him. However, he is not justified in thinking so, because in reality, it was Olga, his cook, who compelled Lushkoff to change his ways through her harsh words and noble deeds. She puts herself in misery and cried before Lushkoff while yelling at him and chopping woods for him. This brings a positive change in his heart. So actually, Olga’s words take effect, not Sergei’s.

Q.6. “KIND sir, have pity; turn your attention to a poor, hungry man! For three days I have had nothing to eat; I haven’t five copecks for a lodging, I swear it before God. For eight years I was a village schoolteacher and then I lost my place through intrigues. I fell a victim to calumny. It is a year now since I have had anything to do.”

(i) Who is the speaker in the above lines?

Lushkoff (the beggar)

(ii) What does the speaker try to do in the above lines?

The speaker tries to beg and persuade Sergei to give him money.

(iii) Does the speaker get the help that he asks for? Why?

No, because Sergei realises that the speaker is lying to get money.

(iv) Pick out the word from the extract which means the same as ‘defamation’.

Calumny

Q.7. “I wouldn’t refuse to do that, but in these days even skilled wood-cutters find themselves sitting without bread.” – What does this say about Lushkoff?

The given lines tell that Lushkoff is not a willing worker. He tries to avoid working to the extent possible. However, he gets trapped in his own words to eventually work for Sergei.

Q.8. “Here’s for your pains. I see you are sober and have no objection to work.” Why did Sergei say this to Lushkoff?

Sergei said these words to Lushkoff because the latter was now no longer a beggar or a drunkard. He worked hard to earn himself a living and now had no objection to work.

Q.9. What advice does Sergei give Lushkoff after hearing his reasons for begging?

Sergei advices Lushkoff to work instead of begging. He says that there is plenty of work out there and he should earn himself a living. He should not lead his life by begging.

Q.10. Give a pen-portrait of Olga (Sergei’s cook) in about 100-150 words.

Olga, Sergei’s cook, was a grounded and nice-hearted woman. She was loyal and hardworking as she served Sergei for several years. She was a woman full of sympathy, empathy and emotions for others. This is evident from the fact that it was she who turned Lushkoff from a beggar to a respected and earning individual. She did so through her harsh words and noble deeds. She would sit down opposite him and grow sad, look into his face and weep and tell him that there was no pleasure for him and that he would burn in hell. She shed tears and suffered misery while chopping woods for him. Even Lushkoff couldn’t figure out why he stopped drinking at the sight of her and changed. She brought a change in his heart and set him right.

Q.1. My first year of high school felt awkward. After leaving junior high at the head of my class with all the seniority the upper grade levels could afford me, it felt strange starting over as a freshman. The school was twice as big as my old school, and to make matters worse, my closest friends were sent to a different high school. I felt very isolated. I missed my old teachers so much that I would go back and visit them.

(i) Why was the narrator feeling awkward?

The narrator was feeling awkward as it was his first day in high school and he was alone.

(ii) Why did the narrator feel strange?

He was feeling strange because he was new at the high school and was unsure of what would happen there.

(iii) Why was the author sent to a new school?

He was sent to a new high school as he had completed his junior school.

(iv) How would his old teachers encourage him?

His old teachers encouraged him to participate in school activities and make new friends there.

Q.2. What did the author and his mother do on seeing the fire?

On seeing the fire, both of them got worried and rushed here and there. The author requested the neighbors to call the firemen. His mother rushed into the house and tried to save the important documents and letters and pictures of her husband, who had died.

Q.3. The author felt isolated and sad in his new school. Why?

The author felt sad and isolated in high school because all his friends from junior school had moved to some other schools and he was all alone and was unsure of what would happen there.

Q.4. How did his old teachers encourage and advice the narrator?

The narrator was still haunted by the memories of his old school. He missed his friends and old teachers badly. The teachers would encourage and advise him to adjust according to the environment and make new friends at high school.

Q.5. Describe the reaction of the author and his mother on seeing the fire?

One day while doing his homework, the author noticed smoke coming out of his house. The whole house was filled with smoke because of fire. He and his mother rushed out. The fire spread quickly. He requested the neighbors to call the firemen. His mother went inside the house and came out with a metal box that had their important documents in it. She threw the box there and rushed back again. The author was terrified on seeing this. But he also knew that his mother had gone inside to save the memories of his father who had died when he was very young. The author tried to run after his mother but the fireman stopped him from doing so. Another fireman brought his mother out of the house safely. Both of them got worried on seeing their house on fire because they had lost everything.

Q.6. My mother. then ran out of the house carrying a small metal box full of important documents. She dropped the case on the lawn and, in a crazed state, ran back into the house. I knew what she was after. My father had died when I was young, and I was certain that she was not going to let his pictures and letters go up in flames. They were the only things that she had to remember him by. Still I screamed at her, “Mom! No!”

(i) What happened to the author’s house?

The author’s house caught fire and everything was destroyed.

(ii) Why did the author love his cat so much?

He had rescued the cat when it was a kitten and brought it home. Gradually he got attached to the cat.

(iii) Why did his mother run out of the house?

His mother ran out of the house carrying a metal box which had some important documents. She wanted to save the important things from the fire.

(iv) What things did she want to save from the fire?

She wanted to save the letters and pictures of her husband who had died. She had only those things as a memory.

Q.7. Why did his mother rush back to the house?

She had already carried a metal box which had all the important documents. But she rushed back again to save the memories of her late husband from getting destroyed in the fire.

Q.8. What did the author notice when he was sitting in the dining room?

The author, while doing his homework, noticed the smoke pouring in through the seams of the ceiling. Soon the room was filled with smoke. He along with his mother rushed out to save their lives.

Q.9. What did the author get from his new schoolmates?

Everyone in the new high school got to know about the fire incident that happened with the narrator. His schoolmates helped him in every possible way . They provided him books, bag, food and clothes.

Q.10. How did the author’s friends help him in rebuilding his life?

The author’s friends played a vital role in rebuilding his life which was destroyed because his house caught fire. The author had already lost his father when he was very young. His mother looked after him. They lost everything in that fire. The author joined a new high school but did not feel good there as he missed his old friends and teachers. He kept visiting his old teachers who, in return, would encourage him to be active in his new school. After the fire incident, when he went to school, he found everybody behaving strangely. But to his surprise, his schoolmates had arranged every necessary item that he needed. They had come to know about his situation so they wanted to help him in every possible way. The author felt happy again and lost his feelings of isolation and insecurity and was happy once again.

Q.1. You have looked after me so lovingly and I have not cooperated with you. I have been depressed and gloomy. The last leaf has shown me how wicked I have been.

(i) Who said this to whom?

Johnsy said these words to Sue.

(ii) Why had she been depressed and gloomy?

She had been depressed and gloomy thinking about her illness to be her approaching death.

(iii) What character of the speaker is reflected here?

Johnsy is simple and honest who realizes her mistakes and admits it without any tantrums.

(iv) What lesson did she learn after that?

She learnt that wanting to die is a sin. She realized that Sue had been extremely worried about her and she is her true friend.

Q.2. How did Johnsy associate herself with the falling leaf?

It was autumn and the ivy creeper leaves were falling gradually. She would stare at the falling leaves and started back counting. She associated her falling health with the leaves. She believed that she would die when the last leaf fell.

Q.3. When and why was the doctor’s report encouraging about Johnsy’s condition?

The doctor gave an encouraging report about Johnsy’s condition after examining her a day after the storm. She believed that the report was encouraging because she had regained her will to live.

Q.4. What saved Johnsy’s life?

The last leaf painted by Mr. Behrman on the wall opposite Johnsy’s window saved her life. She felt that she had been wicked. The last leaf gave her hope to live and realize that wanting to die is a sin.

Q.5. How did Behrman saved Johnsy’s life?

Behrman saved Johnsy’s life indirectly by inspiring her to change her perspective on life. His act of painting the last leaf was symbolic and emotionally significant, helping Johnsy realize the value of life and the beauty of hope. However, it was Johnsy’s own decision to embrace life and fight her illness that ultimately saved her. Behrman’s sacrifice and the symbolic gesture of the painted leaf played a crucial role in this realization.

Q.6. He was a sixty year old painter. His lifelong dream, was to paint a masterpiece but that had remained a dream. Sue poured out her worries to Behrman.

(i) Who is being talked about here?

The person being talked about here is Mr. Behrman, sixty year old man, who lived on the ground floor of the same building where Sue and Johnsy lived.

(ii) What worried Sue?

Sue was worried because Johnsy had pneumonia and despite of good treatment, she did not show any sign of improvement.

(iii) Why do you think he listened to Sue?

Mr. Behrman listened to Sue because he was a compassionate and helpful person. He was large hearted and a good neighbour.

(iv) What was his lifelong dream? Why had it remained unfulfilled so far?

Mr. Behrman’s lifelong wish was to paint a masterpiece. It had remained unfulfilled so far because he had not found any inspiration or motivation to paint the masterpiece.

Q.7. Why did Sue pour out her worries on Mr. Behrman?

Sue poured out her worries to Behrman because she was alarmed by the deteriorating condition of her friend. She wanted to seek guidance and support from an elderly well-wisher. She considered that an elderly experience of life would be of great help.

Q.8. How did Sue try to encourage Johnsy?

Sue tried to encourage Johnsy by telling her that she won’t die and she had to live for the sake of her friends. She further pleaded with Johnsy to spare a thought for her as she could not live without her.

Q.9. Which items were found near Mr. Behrman when he died? What did it signify?

A ladder and a lighted lantern were discovered near Behrman’s bed when he died. There were also some brushes and green and yellow paints on the floor near the ladder. This signified that the last green and fresh leaf had been painted by Mr. Behrman all through the stormy night.

Q.10. Sue is a true and faithful friend. Comment.

Sue was a true and faithful friend. As Johnsy fell ill, Sue made every effort to nurse her back to health. She exhibited the values of sincerity and commitment towards her friend by calling the doctor who would visit them daily to review Johnsy’s condition. She tried to lift Johnsy’s spirit by talking to her cheerfully about clothes and fashion. She whistled to pep up Johnsy. She would sit beside and paint so that she did not feel lonely and she could earn for herself and Johnsy. She tried to comfort her by reassuring that the ivy creeper leaves has nothing to do with her illness.

Q.1. “For the next two days, Prashant sat huddled with his friend’s family in the open on the rooftops. They froze in the cold and incessant rain; the rain water washed away Prashant’s tears. The only thought that flashed through his mind was whether his family had survived the fury of the super cyclone. Was he to be bereaved once again?
(i) What had Prashant done for the next two days?

Prashant sat huddled with his friend’s family in the open on the rooftops for the next two days.

(ii) What happened to Prashant and his friend’s family?

They froze in the cold and incessant rain. They sat on the rooftops.

(iii) What washed away Prashant’s tears?

Incessant rain washed away Prashant’s tears.

(iv) What was the only thought that flashed through Prashant’s mind?

The only thought that flashed through Prashant’s mind was whether his family had survived the fury of the cyclone.

Q.2. What happened when Prashant had gone to spend a day with his friend?

Seven years after his mother’s death, Prashant had gone to the block headquarters of Ersama, a small town in coastal Orissa, some eighteen kilometers from his village. He went there to spend a day with his friend. Then suddenly in the evening a dark and menacing storm started. Strong winds had started beating the houses with a fury. Prashant had never witnessed such a storm. Heavy rain filled the darkness and old trees had uprooted and fell to the earth.

Q.3. How did Prashant and his friend’s family take refuge during the cyclone?

For the next two days, Prashant and his friend’s family sat huddled in the open on the rooftop. They got frozen in the rain. Two coconut trees had fallen on the roof, this was a blessing in disguise because these coconuts kept the family from starving in the following days.

Q.4. What made Prashant move after two days?

Prashant was caught in the storm for two days, during which the only thought in his mind was about his family and their survival. Two days later, when the rain ceased and the water slowly began to recede, Prashant started out to look for his family without any further delay.

Q.5. What did Prashant decide after looking at the weird situation of the town?

After this furious and devastating cyclone, there was a lot of destruction and huge loss of life and property. As Prashant looked at the desperate situation in the town, he decided to step in as a leader of this village. He started working on it. He organised a group of youths and elders to pressurise the merchant once again to part with his rice. This time they succeeded and returned triumphantly. They brought food for everyone through the receding waters. They collected the branches of the fallen trees to light up a fire to cook the rice. This was for the first time when the survivors had filled their bellies. Then Prashant organised a team to clean the shelter of filth, urine, vomit and floating carcasses. They also cared for the wounded people. Not only food, but Prashant also took care of the people. He arranged various shelters for the children and women. He could feel the pain of the wounded and the separated ones. So he gave them moral support.

Q.6. “ On 27october 1999, seven years after his mother’s death, Prashant had gone to the block headquarters of Ersama, a small town in coastal Orissa, some eighteen kilometers from his village, to spend the day with a friend. In the evening, a dark and menacing storm quickly gathered. Winds beat against the houses with a speed and fury that Prashant had never witnessed before.

(i) When did Prashant go to the block headquarters of Ersama?

Prashant went to the headquarters seven years after his mother’s death on 27 october,1999.

(ii) Why did Prashant go to Ersama?

Prashant went to Ersama to a friend’s house to spend a day with him.

(iii) How far was the town from his village?

The town was some eighteen kilometers away from his village.

(iv) What happened in the evening?

In the evening a dark menacing storm gathered, winds beat against the houses with speed and fury.

Q.7. Describe the furious storm.

On 27 October 1999, a devastating cyclone hit Orissa and killed thousands of people. Strong wind beat against the houses and heavy and incessant rain filled the darkness. Ancient trees had uprooted and crashed to the earth. People screamed as their houses had washed away. The angry lashes of water swirled in the houses, it was neck deep. The wind velocity was 350km per hour. The surge of the ocean continued for next thirty six hours.

Q.8. What thought flashed through Prashant’s mind?

When Prashant and his friend’s family were caught in the furious storm, the only thought that flashed through Prashant’s mind was that whether his family had survived that storm. Was he to be bereaved again? He wanted to rush to his family and find them to be safe. After losing his mother, he didn’t want to be alone again.

Q.9. What scenes Prashant had to witness as he waded through the waters?

As he waded through the water, he witnessed the scenes which grew more and more macabre. There were human bodies-men, women and children. There were carcasses of dogs, goats and cattle which the current swept against him as he moved. He could not see even a single house standing. Everything was smashed to earth and destroyed.

Q.10. “Adversities bring out the heroes”. Describe Prashant’s character with reference to the chapter. What values make an efficient and popular leader?

Orissa was hit by a super cyclone in 1999. This storm changed the whole town and there was a great loss in terms of life and property. During this adversity Prashant came up as a hero and became the survivor. He was himself separated from his family but he collected courage and hope, finally he met them in a camp and got relieved. Looking at the weird situation he decided to get a grip over himself. Eighty six lives were lost, ninety six houses have been washed away. There was shortage of food for the people. He decide to become a volunteer and bring a change. He oraganised a group of youths and elders to arrange food and bring relief to the victims. He collected the orphaned children and tell the women to rake care of them. Then an NGO was also started by some efforts where women were working. He himself played cricket with the children. This was how Prashant worked for all those who had broken up or lost someone in their lives. Prashant came out to be a hero for all those whom he helped to survive. His determination, hardships and love and care for others made him a popular and an efficient leader.

Multiple ChoiceQuestions

Q1: Who came to live with the Prince in the story, The Happy Prince?
(a) A sparrow
(b) A stork
(c) A swallow
(d) A swan
Ans:  (c)
Sol: One night a little swallow flew over the city of the Happy Prince, he was travelling to Egypt and needed a place to rest so he took shelter under the Prince’s statue.

Q2: What did the swallow notice while flying over the city?
(a) Many waste things
(b) Many poor people
(c) Many people and their plight
(d) The plight of the poor and greed of the rich
Ans:  (d)

Q3: Who noticed the dull state of the Prince’s statue in the story, The Happy Prince?
(a) The Art Professor
(b) The Town Clerk
(c) The Town Councillor
(d) The bird
Ans:  (c)

Q4: What did the Prince tell the swallow to give to the seamstress In the story, The Happy Prince?
(a) The ruby of his sword’s hilt
(b) The thin leaves of gold from his body
(c) The lead from his heart
(d) The sapphire eyes of his
Ans:  (a)
Sol: The seamstress was penniless and didn’t have any money to buy oranges for her son, who was very ill. She was left only with river water. Looking at the helpless state of the seamstress,  the Prince told the swallow to give her the ruby from his sword’s hilt.

Q5: The colour of the lips of the writer was red like ________.
(a) Cherry
(b) Rose
(c) Apple
(d) Pomegranate
Ans:  (d)

Q6: What was the profession of the woman who was sitting in her cottage with prickled hands?
(a) Charwoman
(b) Cake-making
(c) Seamstress
(d) None of these
Ans:  (c)

Q7: What moved Swallow’s heart?
(a) Happy Prince
(b) Happy Prince’s kindness
(c) All of these
(d) Happy Prince’s assets
Ans:  (b)

Q8: The little swallow got the ________ bedroom.
(a) diamond
(b) silver
(c) muddy
(d) gold
Ans:  (d)

Q9: Shining sapphire stones were placed in the ________ of the happy prince.
(a) nose
(b) forehead
(c) sword
(d) eyes
Ans:  (d)

Q10: What was the Prince gilded over with In the story, The Happy Prince?
(a) Thin leaves of silver
(b) Thin leaves of copper
(c) Thin leaves of lead
(d) Thin leaves of gold
Ans:  (d)
Sol: The Happy Prince was gilded all over with gold.

Fill in the blanks.

a) The statue of the Happy Prince stood on a tall ________________. column

b) The Swallow’s friends went away to _____________ six weeks earlier. Egypt

c) The Swallow gave the _____________ to the seamstress. ruby

d) The Swallow plucked the ____________ from the Happy Prince’s eyes. sapphires

e) The Happy Prince requested the swallow to pluck out the gold leaves from his

______________. coat

Very Short AnswerQuestions

Q 1: Describe the statue of the Happy Prince.
Ans: The statue stood high above the city on a tall column. The Happy Prince statue is adorned with gold leaf, precious stones, and sapphire eyes, symbolizing opulence. Despite its grand appearance, it becomes a symbol of compassion and selflessness in the story.

Q2: Did the swallow belong to the city? How can you tell? Where was it going?

Ans: The swallow did not belong to the city; this is evident from its initial dialogue with the Prince where it mentions that it is on its way to Egypt for the winter. The swallow was going to Egypt for the winter, indicating its migratory nature and its lack of belonging to any particular place.

Q3: Where did the bird decide to stay for the night? Why?
Ans: The bird decided to stay near the statue of the prince, because it was located on a tall column and the bird felt he would get plenty of fresh air there.

Q4: Why did the swallow agree to deliver the ruby even though he wanted to join his friends in Egypt?
Ans: The Prince looked so sad that the little swallow felt sorry for him and agreed to stay one night and be his messenger.

Q5: What were the things that the swallow saw on his journey to deliver the ruby?
Ans: During his journey, the swallow saw scenes of poverty, including a hungry playwright, a sick matchgirl, a poor seamstress, and a starving child, motivating him to aid those in need with the Happy Prince’s treasures.

Short Answer Questions

Q 1: Why did the bird think he had a ‘golden bedroom’?
Ans: 

The bird thought he had a “golden bedroom” because he found shelter inside the hollow of the Happy Prince’s gold-covered body. The gold leaf from the statue’s body provided a warm and luxurious shelter for the swallow during the cold nights.

Q 2: Why was the bird not able to sleep peacefully that first night?
Ans: Just as the bird was about to sleep, he was disturbed by three tear drops that fell from the eyes of the statue. When he saw the tears running down the cheeks of the statue, he looked so beautiful in the moonlight that the bird was filled with pity and could not sleep.

Q3: Why was the statue of the Happy Prince weeping?
Ans: The statue of the Happy Prince was weeping because he could see the suffering and poverty of the people in his city from his elevated position. He felt compassion for them and wanted to help alleviate their suffering, but as a statue, he was unable to do so directly.

Q4: Why did the swallow delay his departure for the second time?
Ans: The swallow delayed his departure for the second time because he saw a poor seamstress who was cold and hungry. Feeling compassion for her, he decided to stay and help her by giving her the ruby from the Happy Prince’s sword hilt.

Q5: What did the Prince expect the young playwright to do with the sapphire? Did the swallow willingly agree to the Prince’s request?
Ans: The Prince expected the young playwright to sell the sapphire and use the money to buy food and firewood for his family, as they were suffering from poverty and hunger. Yes, the swallow willingly agreed to the Prince’s request to take the sapphire to the playwright after hearing about the family’s plight and feeling compassion for them.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: What are the two most precious things that the Angels find in the city?
Ans: The two most precious things that the Angels pick up from the city are the dead swallow and the lead heart of the Happy Prince. They picked these two because both the bird and the statue had gone beyond their selfish interest and lost their lives serving the poor and down-trodden. The bird had cancelled his plans to migrate to warmer climes for the winter, staying back to help deliver valuables as directed by the statue, to those who were in dire need.
After the statue gave away his sapphire eyes and became blind, he did not have the heart to fly away from his friend. Instead, he died in his attempt to keep him company. Similarly, the statue had selflessly given away all the valuables that covered his body to help the poor and hungry people in the city. It made him extremely sad to see their misery, so he chose to give them everything he had. When at last his friend the swallow died, he was completely broken, and his heart cracked into two. The angels valued their sacrifice and charitable acts, and chose them as the most precious things.

Q2: Comment on the title of the story. Was the prince really happy?
Ans: The title of the story, “The Happy Prince,” is somewhat ironic because although the Happy Prince is adorned with gold and jewels and appears happy on the outside, he actually experiences deep sadness and compassion for the suffering of his city’s inhabitants. Despite his outward appearance of happiness, his true happiness comes from his selfless acts of kindness and sacrifice to alleviate the suffering of others. So, while he may not have been happy in the conventional sense, his actions and character ultimately embody the true essence of happiness.

Q3: Why is the frost called a ‘dreadfully hard frost’?
Ans: The frost has been called hard because the snow had hardened due to the cold. Further, it also refers to the swallow who had wanted to migrate to a warmer climate in Egypt, he had stayed back, at first unwillingly, to help the poor people by delivering the ruby, sapphire and gold leaf that had covered the statue of the Prince. Later, once the Prince was left without eyes to see, he decided to stay to keep him company. In the process, he succumbed to the cold weather and lost his life. On finding his friend dead, the statue broke, revealing his leaden heart. Thus, the death of these two selfless heroes cast a gloomy atmosphere.

Q4: Why did the courtiers call the prince the ‘Happy Prince’? Was he really happy? What does he see all around him?
Ans: The prince had been called a Happy Prince when he had been alive. At that time, he lived a sheltered and privileged life, with no inkling of the suffering faced by the common people. After his death, when his statue was placed on a high column overlooking the city, he was able to see the misery and unhappiness of the people. The poverty and ugliness all around made him extremely unhappy. Therefore, with the help of the swallow, he tried to compensate for the neglect which he had shown his subjects while he had been alive. Thus, he was not happy looking at the misery of the people, but by giving away all his valuables and helping the poor people, his sadness would have been somewhat abated.

Q5: How do the councillors and Mayor react on seeing the broken statue?
Ans: The councillors and Mayor called the statue shabby because all the gold and precious stones no longer decorated it. They felt that without these embellishments, the statue looked like that of a beggar. Moreover, they felt that the dead swallow at its feet added to the shabby condition of the statue. Thus, since the statue was no longer beautiful or useful, it should be pulled down and melted in the furnace. However, its lead heart did not melt, which was finally thrown onto the garbage heap with the dead swallow’s body.

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: In the Kingdom of Fools, who were considered fools?

1. The guru and his disciple
2. The king and the minister
3. The rich merchant and the goldsmith
4. The thief and his brother

Ans: B. The king and the minister

Q2: Why did the guru and his disciple decide to leave the Kingdom of Fools?

1. They were afraid of the king
2. They were not getting enough to eat
3. They realized it was a kingdom of fools
4. They missed their hometown

Ans: C. They realized it was a kingdom of fools

Q3: What did the guru and his disciple eat every day?

1. Bananas and ghee
2. Rice and wheat
3. Fruits and vegetables
4. Meat and bread

Ans: A. Bananas and ghee

Q4: Why did the thief break into the rich merchant’s house?

1. To find food
2. To seek revenge
3. To steal valuables
4. By mistake

Ans: C. To steal valuables

Q5: Who was ultimately executed on the stake in the story?

1. The rich merchant
2. The guru and his disciple
3. The goldsmith
4. The king and his minister

Ans: B. The guru and his disciple

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The people in the Kingdom of Fools obeyed the king and minister due to fear of __________.

Ans: death

Q2: The disciple stayed in the kingdom because he enjoyed having good and __________ food.

Ans: cheap

Q3: The thief broke into the rich merchant’s house and got killed when a wall __________ on him.

Ans: fell

Q4: The dancing girl’s distraction led to the poor bricklayer building a __________ wall.

Ans: bad

Q5: The guru and his disciple were executed on the stake meant for __________.

Ans: criminals

True or False

Q1: The people in the Kingdom of Fools were awake during the day.

Ans: False

Q2: The guru and his disciple decided to stay in the kingdom due to fear of the king.

Ans: False

Q3: The rich merchant was held responsible for the thief’s death due to a collapsing wall.

Ans: True

Q4: The goldsmith was hiding in the king’s palace when accused of wrongdoing.

Ans: False

Q5: The rich merchant’s father was ultimately found guilty of the crimes.

Ans: True

Match the FollowingColumn AColumn B1. The guru and his disciplea. Ultimately executed on the stake 2. The rich merchantb. Accused of murder3. The goldsmithc. Distracted the bricklayer 4. The dancing girld. Built a weak wall 5. The king and his ministere. Obeyed the king and minister 

Ans:
1 – e, 2 – b, 3 – d, 4 – c, 5 – a

Multiple Choice Questions 

Q1: Which art helped Iswaran to bring down the beast? 
(a) boxing
(b) wrestling
(c) ju-jitsu
(d) yoga  
Ans: (c)

Q2: Where did the school boys hide themselves to see the mad elephant?
(a) on trees
(b) in their houses
(c) in their classrooms
(d) in the Headmaster’s room
Ans: (c)

Q3: What happened to the elephant when Iswaran hit the third toenail of the elephant?
(a) grunted loudly and collapsed on the
(b) ran away from their ground
(c) caught Iswaran in his trunk and threw him
(d) made friendship with Iswaran away
Ans: (a)

Q4: From where was Iswaran watching this incident
(a) from a room
(b) from the cupboard
(c) from a tree
(d) from the rooftop
Ans: (d)

Q5: Why did the people run helter-skelter in panic?
(a) to see the tiger
(b) to see a giant
(c) to see a giant
(d) none of these 
Ans: (b) 
Q6: In Iswaran’s story, from where did the tusker escape?
(a) cage
(b) timber yard
(c) forest
(d) circus
Ans: (b) 

Q7: What was the special feature of his stories?
(a) light humour
(b) satire on the system
(c) tragic ending
(d) suspense and a surprise ending
Ans: (d)

Q8: What was Mahindra’s marital status?
(a) married
(b) widower
(c) engaged and going to be married soon
(d) bachelor
Ans: (d)

Q9: How did Iswaran say the elephant was revived?
(a) He said he gave the elephant an injection.
(b) He said he gave the elephant artificial respiration.
(c) He said a veterinary doctor was called there.
(d) He said a man from the zoo helped to revive the elephant.
Ans: (c) 

Q10: What kind of books did Iswaran usually read?
(a) Some popular Tamil religious book.
(b) Some popular Tamil love story.
(c) Some popular Tamil thriller.
(d) Some popular Tamil folk songs.
Ans: (c)

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who is Mahendra in the given story?
Ans: Mahendra was a junior supervisor in a firm that offered to hire supervisors at various types of construction sites: factories, bridges, dams, and so on. Mahendra’s job was to keep an eye on the activities at the work site. He had to keep moving from place to place every now and then as ordered by his head office. He was a bachelor. His needs were simple and he was able to adjust himself to all kinds of odd conditions.

Q2: What harm does the elephant cause in the story narrated by Iswaran?

Ans: The elephant escaped from the timber yard and began to roam about, stamping on bushes, tearing up wild creepers and breaking branches at will. It breaked the fences down like matchsticks, smashed all the stalls selling fruits, mud pots and clothes. The elephant entered a school ground breaking through the brick wall, pulling out the football goal-post, tearing down the volleyball net, kicking and flattening the drum kept for water, and uprooting the shrubs.

Q3: What happens to Mahendra after hearing Iswaran’s ghost story?
Ans: Mahendra went to bed with a certain unease. Every night he peered into the darkness outside through the window next to his bed, trying to make sure that there was no movement of dark shapes in the vicinity. He had always liked to admire the milk-white landscape on full-moon nights. But then on, he avoided looking out of his window altogether when the moon was full.

Q4: Explain the daily routine of Mahendra and Iswaran.
Ans: Mahendra would be up early in the morning and leave for work after breakfast, carrying some prepared food with him. Meanwhile, Iswaran would tidy up the shed, wash the clothes, and have a leisurely bath, pouring several buckets of water over his head, muttering a prayer all the while. It would be lunchtime by then. After eating, he would read for a while before dozing off. The book was usually some popular Tamil thriller running to hundreds of pages. Its imaginative descriptions and narrative flourishes would hold Iswaran in thrall. His own descriptions were greatly influenced by the Tamil authors that he read. When he was narrating even the smallest of incidents, he would try to work in suspense and a surprise ending into the account.

Q5: How was Iswaran useful to Mahendra?
Ans: Iswaran was quite attached to Mahendra and followed him uncomplainingly wherever he was posted. He cooked food for Mahendra, washed his clothes, and chatted away with his master at night. He could weave out endless stories and anecdotes on varied subjects. Iswaran also had an amazing capacity to produce vegetables and cooking ingredients, seemingly out of nowhere.

Q6: How does Iswaran describe the female ghost to Mahendra?
Ans: Iswaran says that he is brave but he is afraid of one horrible ghost of a woman which appears off and on at midnight during the full moon. It is an ugly creature with matted hair and a shriveled face, like a skeleton holding a fetus in its arms.

Q7: Why did the elephant collapse?
Ans: Iswaran mustering all his force, whacked its third toenail which, temporarily paralyzes the nervous system. The elephant looked stunned for a moment; then it shivered from head to foot and collapsed.

Q8: Explain, in brief, why Mahendra resigns from the job and leaves the haunted place.
Ans: On an auspicious day — according to tradition people prepare various delicacies to feed the spirits of ancestors, Iswaran made a delicious dinner. That night Mahendra enjoyed the dinner and complimented Iswaran on his culinary skills. Iswaran unexpectedly, launched into a most garish account involving the supernatural. He says that the area in which they were staying was once a burial ground. And he describes one horrible ghost of a woman which appears off and on at midnight during the full moon. It is an ugly creature with matted hair and a shriveled face, like a skeleton holding a fetus in its arms.

This made Mahendra shiver and one night, Mahendra was woken up from his sleep by a low moan close to his window. At first, he put it down to a cat. But the sound was too guttural for a cat. Lowering himself to the level of the windowsill he looked out at the white sheet of moonlight outside. There was a dark cloudy form clutching a bundle. Mahendra broke into a cold sweat and fell back on the pillow.
The next day Iswaran remembered the female ghost and said that he came running after hearing the sound of moaning that was coming from Mahendra’s room before Iswaran finished the sentence Mahendra’s spine chilled and he hurried to the office to resign.

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: Why was Toto sold by the narrator’s grandfather?
(a) The grandfather detested it.
(b) The monkey was mischievous.
(c) The monkey was not keeping well.
(d) The monkey was trying to escape.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The monkey was difficult to handle. The narrator’s middle-class family could not bear the frequent damages of utensils and other household items that Toto caused. 

Q2: How much fare was collected by the ticket collector for Toto’s travel?
(a) Seven rupees
(b) One rupee
(c) Three rupees
(d) Ten rupees
Ans: (c)
Sol: Toto was classified as a dog by the ticket-collector and he charged three rupees from the narrator’s grandfather.

Q3: Where did the writer’s Grandfather live?
(a) In Mumbai
(b) In Saharanapur
(c) In Dehradun
(d) In Delhi
Ans: (c)

Q4: Who was Toto?
(a) A dog
(b) A monkey
(c) A lamb
(d) A boy
Ans: (b)
Sol: Toto was a pretty monkey. Grandfather decided to add Toto to his private zoo.

Q5: Which other animal accompanied narrator’s grandfather and Toto to Saharanpur?
(a) A cat
(b) A rabbit
(c) A tortoise
(d) A tame squirrel
Ans: (c)
Sol: The grandfather was carrying a small tortoise in his pocket while traveling to Saharanpur.

Q6: How was Toto taken to Saharanpur?
(a) In a canvas kit-bag
(b) In a little cage
(c) In a basket
(d) In a big black plastic bag
Ans: (d)

Q7: How did Toto prove to other animals?
(a) Careful
(b) Friendly
(c) Soothing
(d) Troublesome
Ans: (d)

Q8: What did Toto tear into shreds?
(a) The author’s school bag
(b) The author’s pant
(c) The author’s school blazer
(d) All of these
Ans: (c)

Q9: Who brought Toto to the narrator’s house?
(a) Author’s grandfather
(b) Author’s grandmother
(c) Author’s mother
(d) Author’s father
Ans: (a)
Sol: Toto was purchased by the writer’s grandfather as he decided to add the little animal to his private zoo.

Q10: What did Toto do with the writer’s school blazer?
(a) He tore it into shreds
(b) He threw it out of the window
(c) He made it into his bedding
(d) He wore it on his back
Ans:  (a)

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: How much did Grandfather pay for Toto?
Ans: Five rupees.

Q2: What did Toto do to the walls of the closet?
Ans: He damaged the ornamental paper, exposing naked brick.

Q3: Why was Toto considered clever by Grandfather?
Ans: He could have tied the torn pieces of the blazer into a rope.

Q4: What did Toto do when he was put in the kettle?
Ans: He almost boiled himself alive.

Q5: Why did Grandfather sell Toto back to the tonga-driver?
Ans: Toto caused too much damage and was too mischievous.

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What did Grandfather buy Toto for?
Ans: Grandfather bought Toto for five rupees from a tonga-driver. He saw Toto tied to a feeding-trough and thought he would make a nice pet for his private zoo.

Q2: How did Toto behave when he was first kept in the closet?
Ans: When Toto was kept in the closet, he managed to escape and caused a lot of trouble. He pulled the peg from the wall, tore my school blazer, and made a mess of the walls that were covered with paper.

Q3: What happened when Toto was taken on the train?
Ans: When Toto was taken on the train, he poked his head out of the bag and smiled at the ticket-collector. The collector thought Toto was a dog and asked Grandfather to pay three rupees for him.

Q4: Why did Toto and Nana, the donkey, not get along?
Ans: Toto and Nana did not get along because Toto would bite Nana’s ears, which made Nana uncomfortable. Nana would try to keep away from Toto.

Q5: How did the ticket-collector mistake Toto for a dog?

Ans: The ticket-collector mistook Toto for a dog when he poked his head out of the bag and smiled at him. The collector thought that because Toto was in a bag and looked playful, he must be a dog. So, he charged Grandfather three rupees for Toto’s fare.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Describe the character of Toto and how his behavior reflects his mischievous nature. Provide specific examples from his interactions with the family and other animals.

Ans: Toto, the little monkey, is a lively character whose actions vividly illustrate his mischievous nature. His personality can be dissected through various interactions he has with his surroundings, particularly with the family members and other animals in the household. Here are five significant pointers that highlight Toto’s character:

• Physical Description and Initial Impressions: Toto is depicted with bright, sparkling eyes and a playful demeanor. His appearance, with a tail that acts almost like a third hand, suggests agility and cleverness. This physicality sets the stage for his mischievous behavior, as his quick fingers and sharp teeth make him adept at getting into trouble.
• Destruction of Property: One of the most telling examples of Toto’s mischief is when he is left alone in a closet and manages to tear up the ornamental paper on the walls and shred a school blazer. This incident not only showcases his playful destructiveness but also foreshadows the chaos he would bring into the household.
• Interactions with Grandmother: Toto’s interactions often lead to humorous chaos, especially when he throws a plate at Grandmother after she screams at him. This reaction indicates not just his playfulness but also a disregard for boundaries, which illustrates a deeper mischief in his character.
• Adventures During Bath Time: Toto’s bath time is another example of his mischievousness. He tests the water’s temperature with his hands and gets into a kettle, nearly boiling himself. This incident reflects his curiosity and playful nature, but it also highlights the potential danger of his antics, which often put him at risk.
• Final Outcome and Return to the Tonga-Driver: Ultimately, Toto’s behavior leads to his return to the tonga-driver, indicating that despite the fun and laughter he brings, his mischief is unsustainable. The family recognizes that they cannot afford the constant destruction and chaos he causes, emphasizing the consequences of his actions.

Through these examples, Toto is shown to be a clever and mischievous character whose actions, while often entertaining, have a significant impact on the household dynamics. His playful yet destructive nature leaves a lasting impression on both his family and the reader.

Q2: Discuss the theme of companionship as depicted in the relationship between Toto and the other pets in the household. How does Toto’s behavior affect these relationships?

Ans: The theme of companionship is central to the narrative, particularly in the context of Toto’s interactions with other pets in the household. Toto’s behavior significantly influences these relationships, often leading to conflict rather than harmony. Here are five key points to consider:

• Initial Acceptance: When Toto is first introduced into the household, he is placed in a cage with other pets, including a tortoise, rabbits, and a goat. Initially, there is a sense of potential companionship as these animals coexist. However, Toto’s mischievous nature soon disrupts this peace, showing how his behavior affects group dynamics.
• Disruption of Sleep: Toto’s inability to let other pets sleep at night showcases his restless energy. The fact that he does not allow his companions to rest reflects a lack of consideration for their needs, indicating that his playful nature can lead to disturbances in communal living.
• Conflict with Nana the Donkey: The relationship between Toto and Nana is particularly telling. Their interactions are marked by conflict, especially when Toto bites Nana’s ears. This incident not only affects their relationship but also illustrates how Toto’s playful yet aggressive behavior can create tension among companions.
• Seeking Attention: Toto’s antics often lead him to seek attention from family members, sometimes at the expense of other animals. His constant need for interaction and playfulness can overshadow the presence of other pets, creating feelings of jealousy or neglect among them.
• Resolution and Separation: Ultimately, the family’s decision to return Toto to the tonga-driver highlights the consequences of his behavior on relationships within the household. While he brings joy and laughter, the ongoing disruptions lead to a realization that true companionship requires a balance of personalities and behaviors that Toto is unable to maintain.

The narrative illustrates that while companionship among pets can lead to joy and laughter, it also requires mutual respect and understanding. Toto’s disruptive nature ultimately leads to his separation from the family, emphasizing the complex dynamics of companionship and the challenges of integrating a spirited individual into a harmonious group.