Text Book Solutions All Class

Q.1. How did the little girl start understanding her father?
Or
Narrate in about 100 words the story ‘The Little Girl’.
Ans. 

• Kezia was a little girl who was very afraid of her father. To her, he looked like a giant, and he spoke very loudly in the house, which made her avoid him.
• One day, she tore up an important speech written by her father. He became very angry and beat her with a stick. Kezia started crying and wondered why God had made fathers.

The Little Girl wondered why god made fathers

• One day, Kezia’s mother was ill and taken to the hospital, leaving her alone at home. At night, Kezia had a bad dream and cried out in fear. Her father took her to his bed, and as she lay beside him, she realized that her father was not a bad person. 
• He had to work hard and had little time to play with her. She understood that it was her mistake to tear up the speech. Now, Kezia felt her father was large-hearted.

Q.2. Kezia slept one night with her father and changed her opinion about him. What was her opinion about her father before? What change did take place?
Ans. 

• ​Earlier, Kezia thought her father was a cruel man. She always avoided him and saw that her neighbor, Mr. Macdonald, loved his children, but her father never showed affection.
• One day, Kezia’s mother was taken to the hospital, leaving her alone in her room. At night, Kezia had a nightmare and cried out in fear. Her father took her to his bed, and as she slept beside him, he asked her to rub her feet against his legs to warm them. She felt sorry for him, realizing that he worked hard and was too tired to play with her. She understood that it was her mistake to tear up the speech. Now, Kezia saw her father as not a hard-hearted man.

Little girl saw through a gap Macdonalds playing “Tag” in the evening 

Q.3. Relate in your own words the pin-cushion incident.
Ans. 

• The little girl wanted to gift a pin-cushion to her father on his birthday. She took a piece of yellow silk, stitched its three sides, and left the fourth side for filling. However, she did not know what to fill it with, so she found some sheets of paper and tore them into pieces to stuff the cushion. 
• ​Unfortunately, those papers contained an important speech written by her father. When he discovered that Kezia had torn the papers, he became very angry and hit her hands with a ruler. 

Q.4. Write a short character-sketch of Kezia’s father.
Ans. 

• ​Kezia’s father had big hands, a large neck, and a loud voice. In the beginning, he appeared to be very strict and cruel. He never spoke kindly to his daughter or played with her.
• When Kezia accidentally tore his speech, he beat her harshly. However, he was not truly cruel at heart. One night, when Kezia had a nightmare, her father carried her to his room and let her sleep beside him. Kezia then realized how much her father loved her. Though he worked hard and was often too tired to play, he cared deeply for her, and in the end, she understood his love.

Little girl’s father stretched out and mother reading

Q.5. Write a short note on the relationship between Kezia and her father.
Ans. 

• The relationship between Kezia and her father was a delicate one. He was a conventional disciplinarian and as the head of the family, he asserted his authority over everyone, including his little girl. 
• He often scolded her for her sad looks and for stuttering. She was made to take off his shoes and put them outside when he returned home from the office in the evening. 
• He even punished her when she mistakenly tore his important papers. He did not give her even one chance to explain herself and failed to see her loving intention behind the mistake.
• As a consequence of her father’s overly strict behaviour, Kezia developed a strong fear for him. She preferred to stay out of his sight and was relaxed only during his absence from the house. She compared him to be a giant – a dreadful creature for little children. After being beaten by him with a ruler, she even questioned the purpose of God in making fathers.
• However, this dry relationship undergoes a drastic change towards the end of the story. Father displays his soft corner when Kezia is alone and gets scared by her nightmare. He carries her in his arms to his room, tucks her comfortably in his bed, lies down close to her and gives her the assurance that children seek from parents. 
• This protective, caring and considerate side of her father arouses her sympathy for him. She realises that he has a big heart which is full of love for her.

Q.6. How did Kezia once earn her father’s wrath? What punishment did she get for her mistake? Was it justified? What light does this incident throw on her father’s character?
Ans. 

• Kezia once earned her father’s wrath for tearing his speech for the Port Authority to stuff a pin-cushion she was making for him as a birthday present. When he discovered that Kezia was the culprit, he punished her by beating her little pink palms with a ruler to teach her not to touch what did not belong to her.
• I think it was a very harsh punishment for an innocent mistake of a fond little daughter. It is true that the papers were extremely important for him and their loss must have caused him a lot of inconveniences but he should have understood and appreciated the fact that Kezia was making a birthday present for him. Gentle but firm words would have sufficed to teach the sensitive Kezia that she should not touch things that do not belong to her. But Father instead chose to beat her little pink palms with a ruler. That was much too cruel on his part.
  This incident shows that he was a very cruel and insensitive father who demanded a very high standard of discipline from his daughter and could not tolerate any disobedience.

Q.7. How do you interpret the behavior of Kezia’s mother towards her?
Ans. 

• The behaviour of Kezia’s mother towards her is unlike the expected role played by mothers in households. Perhaps, her husband’s strict nature does not leave enough room for her to pay the desired attention to her daughter. 
• The story reveals that her relationship with her daughter is distant. She treats the little girl in accordance with her husband’s expectations. 
• She orders her to take off her father’s shoes and put them outside as this would indicate obedience. On Sunday afternoons, she spends time engrossed in a newspaper sitting with her husband instead of talking to her daughter. 
• When Kezia mistakenly tears the papers of her father, she drags her downstairs to face the wrath of Father. She does not try to soothe her when Father scolds and beats her. 
• Neither does she defend her or try to protect her in any way. That is why Kezia turns to her grandmother to fulfil her need for motherly care and affection.

Q.8. Why did Kezia feel drawn towards her grandmother?
Ans. 

• Failing to get any expression of affection from her parents, especially her father, Kezia feels drawn to her grandmother. She turns to her to fulfill her need for love and protection. Grandmother too showers abundant love upon the little girl. She keeps trying to build her bond with her parents. She advises Kezia to talk to her parents when they would be relaxing in the drawing-room on Sunday afternoons. 
• Again, she tells Kezia about Father’s birthday and suggests that she should make a pin-cushion for him as a present. When Father beats Kezia, it is a grandmother who consoles and comforts her by covering her with her shawl and allowing the child to cling to her soft body. 
• Earlier too, whenever Kezia would get scared by her nightmares, grandmother would take her in her own bed. Hence, her affinity and support make Kezia look up to her for everything.

Q.9. Kezia decides that there are “different kinds of fathers.” What kind of father was Mr. Macdonald and how was he different from Kezia’s father?
Ans: 

• Mr. Macdonald, Kezia’s next-door neighbour, had five children and Kezia would often see them playing in their garden.
• One day, when Kezia looked through the gap in the fence she saw the Macdonalds playing the game ‘tag’. It was evening, and Mr. Macdonald had just returned from work but unlike her father, he looked happy and energetic. 
• He was having a good time with the hose on him and he tried to catch them laughing two girls time with his children – baby Mao was on his shoulders, was hanging on to his coat pockets and the party ran around the flower beds, shaking with laughter. 
• Mr. Macdonald’s sons turned. This happy scene made Kezia conclude that there were different sorts of fathers. Mr. Macdonald was so different from her own father. 
• He was not at all strict, was always happy and thoroughly enjoyed the company of his children.
  In contrast, her own father was often in an angry mood and remained much too busy in his work. 
• She dreaded him and avoided his company as much as she could. Whenever she was with him, he would get upset because out of fear she would stammer and fumble and look silly.
• His strict discipline and his domineering nature would often make Kezia wonder what God made fathers for.

Q.10.  How does Kezia begin to see her father as a human being who needs her sympathy?
Ans. 

• Kezia was used to being scolded by her father and sometimes even got punishment for her little mistakes. She lived in awe of him, for he would often find fault with her manners, behaviour, speech, her general timidity, and silliness. Little wonder then that she would tremble, stutter and look clumsy in front of him. He would often find her looking wretched as if she was on the verge of committing suicide.
• However, a nightmare one night made Kezia discover the tender, caring and loving side of her father. Since her mother and grandmother were away to a hospital, Alice, the Cook, had put her to sleep but she was bothered by her usual nightmare of a butcher with a knife and a rope, and a dreadful smile. 
• When her father heard her shrieking, he came to her room, lifted her in his arms and took her to his room. He comforted her and tucked her up nicely and slept next to her. He told her to rub her feet against his to warm them. She snuggled her head under his arm and held tightly to his shirt. 
• At that moment, she discovered that her father was very much a human being and needed her sympathy. He was big, hard, snug and reassuring but there was no one to look after him. These thoughts filled her heart with love and affection for him.

Q.11. Every father has a love for his child whether he expresses his love or not. Comment on the basis of the story “The Little Girl”.
Ans. 

• ​Fathers are not alike. Some play with their children while others love and care for them. They show their love to them by working hard and giving them all the facilities as well as for instructions. 
• Though they never express their love they have a deep love for their child. Kezia’s father belongs to the second type. He did not believe in showing off his affection for his daughter. He believed in showing his love by making her future more secure. When she tore his papers unknowingly, he beat her harshly. 
• But in the end, we find him a very loving and caring father. Thus it is true that every father loves his child’s but the way of love is different from one person to another. Most of the fathers live their dreams with their children. Their strictness is also a kind of love.

Q.12. Father who seems hard from outside is not so from within. Comment on this statement with reference to Kezia’s father in ‘The Little Girl’.
Ans. 

• Parents’ contribution in shaping and framing the life of their kids cannot be compared with anything. The values, courage, and virtues are all implanted by parents at a young age. 
• The early years of a child’s life are very delicate, his future is made or marred at this age. 
• For cultivating good qualities, for making their kids better than them, they have to chide, scold or show their strictness but, in reality, a spring of love remains behind it. 
• As in the story ‘The little girl’, Kezia’s father appears strict to her and she makes her opinion about him as a strict and hard-hearted father but when she realizes the warmth of love she understands the love of her father.
  

Q.13. How can you say that punishments given by parents hold love for you?
Ans. 

• Parents are very fond of their children. They always desire to see them on the top. If they punish them, it does not mean that they want to hurt them. 
• Kezia had stuffed the pin-cushion with the papers that contained important speech, which was great damage for her father. 
• If her father beat her, he only wanted to teach her that she should value the important things in life. 
• So his punishment had a lesson for Kezia and before doing any work, she would think twice whether the work that she was going to do was right or wrong.
  

Q.14. “That night there was a hue and cry in the house.” Why did her father get agitated?
Ans. 

• One day, when Kezia was kept indoors due to cold, her grandmother suggested that she make a pin-cushion for her father. 
• She stitched three sides of the cushion and went to her mother’s bedroom to look for scraps with which she could fill the cushion.
• On the bed-table, she discovered a great many sheets of fine paper, gathered them up, tore them into tiny pieces and stuffed her case and then sewed up the fourth side.
• That night there was a huge hue and cry in the house because those papers were very important. It was a great speech for the Port Authority. 
• So her parents were in search of those sheets. This was the reason that her father got agitated and punished her with a ruler.

Q15: Do you think Kezia deserved the beating she received for her mistake? What does this incident reveal about her father’s character?

Ans: 

• Kezia accidentally used her father’s important speech papers to make a pin-cushion for his birthday gift. When her father discovered this, he punished her by beating her little hands with a ruler, intending to teach her not to touch what wasn’t hers.
• In my opinion, the punishment was too severe for a mistake made innocently by a loving daughter trying to please her father. 
• While the papers were crucial to him and their loss must have caused inconvenience, her father could have listened to Kezia’s explanation and appreciated her good intentions. 
• A gentle reprimand would have been enough to teach sensitive Kezia about respecting others’ belongings.
• This incident reveals that Kezia’s father was insensitive and strict, expecting high levels of discipline from his daughter and showing little tolerance for disobedience.

Q1. How does Evelyn hear music?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie has a profound love for music, despite losing her hearing completely at the age of eleven. Determined to lead a normal life and play the xylophone, she faced discouragement from her teachers, who viewed her deafness as a barrier. However, renowned percussionist Ron Forbes recognised her potential and trained her to perceive music through vibrations rather than sound.

Forbes created two drums tuned to different notes, guiding Evelyn to feel the higher frequencies in her upper body and the lower ones below her waist. This innovative approach opened her mind and body to the subtle nuances of music. Evelyn describes how music flows through her, resonating in her skin, cheekbones, and even her hair. When she plays, she senses the vibrations travelling from the stick into her fingertips.

By removing her shoes on stage, she allows the vibrations to travel from her bare feet up through her legs. Through this unique method, Evelyn has trained her body to respond to various musical sounds, demonstrating that one can experience music in many ways, even without traditional hearing.

Q2. If you work hard and know where you are going, you’ll get there,” remarks Evelyn Glennie. What does it reveal about her character?

Ans: Evelyn’s statement reflects her determination, hard work, and clear goals. These traits have helped her bravely overcome her deafness. Despite losing her hearing at the age of eight, she refused to let it hinder her success. Evelyn was committed to living a normal life and pursued her passion for music relentlessly.

With the encouragement of Ron Forbes, she gained confidence and successfully auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she received top awards. Her dedication and work ethic allowed her to excel, often working harder than classical musicians to elevate percussion in orchestras. Evelyn firmly believes that with hard work and focus, any goal is achievable.

Through her efforts, she transitioned from playing in orchestras to becoming a solo artist, gaining international recognition for her skill with various instruments. She faced her disability with courage and determination, inspiring many who face their own challenges. Evelyn’s unwavering commitment to music and her remarkable achievements serve as a beacon of hope for others.

Q3. Suppose you are Ron Forbes. You have come to know that Evelyn Glennie has been awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious ‘Soloist of the Year Award’. Write a letter to Evelyn in about 150 words.

Ans:

(Address)

(Date)

Dear Evelyn,

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on receiving the ‘Soloist of the Year Award’ from the Royal Philharmonic Society. This prestigious accolade is a testament to your incredible talent and dedication. I am truly proud of your remarkable achievement.

Your hard work and passion for music inspire many. I fondly remember the day you connected with the drums I made for you, marking the beginning of your extraordinary journey. You have shown the world that no dream is too big when one has the courage and determination to overcome challenges.

You have become a role model for those with disabilities, proving that with faith in oneself, anything is possible. I wish you continued success and hope you reach even greater heights in your career. May you always keep the flame of enthusiasm alive!

With deep affection,

Ron Forbes

Q4. Suppose you are Evelyn Glennie. The doctor has diagnosed that your hearing is completely lost. Write a diary entry in about 150 words about how you feel and what you plan to do.

Ans:

(Day and Date)

Dear Diary

(Time)

Today is a very sad day for me. The doctor has informed me that I can no longer hear due to complete nerve damage. My headmistress and teachers have suggested using hearing aids and attending a school for the deaf. It pains me to think that I am not like other children. While I understand I will need to rely on hearing aids, I refuse to let this handicap define me. I have seen many people achieve great things despite their disabilities, including the inspiring Helen Keller.

I will continue to pursue my passion for music and work hard to overcome this challenge. I believe that determination can help me conquer any obstacle. I will not accept defeat; I will show that it is possible to find solutions to problems by staying focused on my goals. I pray for strength and moral courage to help me reach my dream of attending the Royal Academy of Music. Although it seems lofty, I know it is not impossible. Amen!

Evelyn

Q5. Write a note on the origin of the Shehnai.

Ans: In the past, a musical instrument called the pungi was played in royal palaces. However, Emperor Aurangzeb found its sound unpleasant and banned it from the royal residence. A barber, who came from a family of musicians and had access to the palace, decided to improve the instrument’s tonal quality. He selected a pipe with a naturally hollow stem that was longer and wider than the pungi and carved seven holes into it. This modification produced a rich and melodious sound.

The barber showcased this new instrument to the king and his courtiers, who were greatly impressed. Since it was first played in the Shah’s chamber and created by a nai (barber), it was named shehnai. Another tale suggests that the shehnai was invented by an Iranian doctor named Haquim Bu Ali Saina, and the instrument was named after him.

Q6. What are the recurring themes of Bismillah Khan’s music and how did they originate?

Ans: Bismillah Khan’s musical journey began in Benaras, where he learned the shehnai from his uncle, All Bux. He practised in the temples of Balaji and Mangla Maiya, as well as on the banks of the Ganga. This serene environment allowed him to immerse himself in his craft, leading to the creation of new ragas that were previously thought impossible for the shehnai.

Two key themes emerged from his experiences. The first theme was influenced by the ethos of the temple, which deeply resonated in his music. The second theme was inspired by the flowing waters of the Ganga, reflecting the connection between people and nature. These themes became essential elements of Bismillah Khan’s musical expression.

Q7. Why is Benaras so important to Bismillah Khan?

Ans: Bismillah Khan, affectionately known as Khansaab, has travelled extensively and received numerous honours worldwide, including an auditorium named after him in Tehran. Despite his travels, he holds a deep affection for Benaras and Dumraon, which he considers the most beautiful towns. His love for Benaras is particularly tied to the Ganga, where he practised the shehnai in solitude during his youth. When a student in the USA invited him to lead a shehnai school, he expressed his desire to recreate the essence of Benaras, questioning if the Ganga could also be brought there. He once remarked, “Whenever I am in Mumbai, I think only of Varanasi and the holy Ganga.”

Q8. Write a note on the life and achievements of Bismillah Khan as a ‘shehnai vaadak’. What values of life do you derive from his story?

Ans: Bismillah Khan‘s life as a shehnai vaadak reflects values of dedication, simplicity, and patriotism. His musical journey began at the tender age of three and lasted until he was ninety, transitioning from temple performances to international acclaim. Born into a family of musicians, he developed a passion for the shehnai early on. He started learning from his uncle, Ali Bux, at a Vishnu temple, where he sang traditional scriptures like ‘Bhojpuri chaita’.

His big break came in 1938 with All India Radio in Lucknow, where he became a popular shehnai player. On 15 August 1947, he became the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai, performing Raag Kafi at the Red Fort, attended by leaders including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Bismillah Khan’s performances were memorable both in India and abroad. His first international trip was to Afghanistan, where he impressed King Zahir Shah, who gifted him exquisite Persian carpets. He also performed at prestigious venues like the Lincoln Centre Hall in the USA and participated in events like the Cannes and Montreal expos. Despite opportunities in film, he found them lacking in authenticity.

Deeply devoted to India, Bismillah Khan declined offers to settle abroad, valuing the country’s rich musical heritage. His life teaches us the importance of dedication and the pursuit of excellence.

Q9. What important lesson does the life of Bismillah Khan teach us?

Ans: Bismillah Khan teaches us a significant lesson about life: success comes through hard work and dedication. Born into a family of musicians, he developed a passion for music early on. His maternal uncle, a talented Shehnai player, greatly influenced him. Bismillah practised diligently by the Ganges, which helped him refine his skills. His commitment paid off when he received the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.

Q10. What does it reveal about his sentiments towards India?

Ans: Bismillah Khan, in The Sound of Music, displayed deep patriotic feelings. He had a strong love for his birthplace, Dumraon in Bihar, and for Benaras, where he trained to play the shehnai. His connection with the Ganga was profound; the river inspired him to create new raagas that were previously thought impossible for the shehnai. Bismillah Khan’s love for India and the Ganga was so strong that he declined an opportunity to settle in America to lead a shehnai school. He missed Benaras whenever he was in Mumbai or elsewhere, and he cherished his roots in Dumraon. Bismillah Khan held Hindustani music in high regard, viewing it as India’s richest cultural heritage. He believed in passing this musical tradition to future generations, urging Indians to teach music to their children. He took pride in the fact that even people from the West were captivated by Indian music.

Q11. You have now read about two musicians, Evelyn Glennie, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Do you think that they both worked hard? Where did they want to go?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan are two renowned musicians whose dedication and hard work have led them to remarkable achievements. Evelyn Glennie, an internationally acclaimed multi-percussionist, overcame her deafness through relentless effort. Instead of giving up, she learned to perceive music through vibrations in her body. Her determination allowed her to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she earned prestigious awards and elevated percussion to a prominent position in the music world.

Similarly, Bismillah Khan dedicated himself to the shehnai, transforming it into a respected classical instrument. He worked tirelessly, expanding its repertoire by creating new raagas and performing in temples and on the banks of the Ganges. His commitment led to international recognition and numerous awards. Both musicians exemplify how hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary success.

Q12. Write a note on some of the most memorable performances of Ustad Bismillah Khan as described in the feature “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan”.

Ans: During his illustrious career spanning over 80 years, Bismillah Khan delivered numerous memorable performances, with several standing out as key milestones. His early performance of the Bhojpuri ‘chaita’ at the Bihari ji temple at just five years old showcased the talent of a future maestro. For each recital, he received a 1.25 kg laddu from the local king as a reward.

At 14, he impressed Ustad Faiyaz Khan during the Allahabad Music Conference, who encouraged him to work hard. In 1938, Bismillah Khan received a significant opportunity to perform on All India Radio in Lucknow, which marked a turning point in his career.

On 15th August 1947, he became the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai from the Red Fort, playing Raag Kafi to an audience that included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. His first international performance in Afghanistan earned him great acclaim, and he received gifts from King Zahir Shah.

Bismillah Khan also contributed music to films, including Vijay Bhatt’s “Gunj Uthi Shehnai” and Srinivas’s Kannada film “Samadhi Apanna”. His international performances included prestigious venues such as the Lincoln Centre Hall in the USA, the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair.

Q13. “Music has no religion.” How did Bismillah Khan’s Shehnai prove it?

Ans: Music is the voice of the soul, transcending religious boundaries. It serves as a source of inspiration for all. Bismillah Khan, a renowned musician from the Muslim community, played the Shehnai in temples, demonstrating that music is universal. He had a deep connection to the holy city of Benaras and the sacred river Ganga, which inspired him throughout his life.

From a young age, Bismillah Khan was passionate about music. At just five years old, he visited the Bihariji temple in Dumraon to sing Bhojpuri Chaita. His love for music was so profound that when a student from the USA invited him to start a Shehnai school, he declined, stating he could not replicate the essence of the Ganga in a foreign land.

Q14. Describe the life and character of Ustad Bismillah Khan with emphasis on values of his character you should imbibe.

Ans: Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned Shehnai player, born in a village in Bihar. Coming from a family of musicians, he elevated the Shehnai to global fame. The Indian government honoured him with the prestigious Bharat Ratna. A true patriot, he declined offers to settle abroad, showing his love for his homeland. His passion for the Shehnai was nurtured under his maternal uncle, Ali Bux, as he practised by the serene banks of the Ganga.

His life serves as an inspiration, teaching students to embrace open-mindedness and to learn values from various religions. Ustad Bismillah Khan’s dedication and commitment to his art exemplify the importance of cultural heritage and unity.

Q15. Why did Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi and how it was improved and called Shehnai?

Ans: Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal palace due to its shrill and unpleasant sound. However, a barber from a family of musicians sought to improve the instrument. He selected a longer and broader pipe with a natural hollow stem and added seven holes along its body. When he played it, the sound was soft and melodious, impressing the king and his court.

Since this new instrument was first played in the Shah’s chambers by a nai (barber), it was named the Shehnai. Over time, the sound of the shehnai became associated with auspicious occasions, making it a staple at weddings and in temples across North India.

Q16. How was Bismillah Khan associated with the film world?

Ans: Film director Vijay Bhatt was captivated by Bismillah Khan’s performance at a festival and named his film Gunj Uthi Shehnai after the instrument. The film was a major success, and one of Bismillah’s songs, “Dil ka khilona hai toot gaya”, became very popular. Despite this success, Bismillah Khan’s contributions to film music were limited to just two films: Vijay Bhatt’s Gunj Uthi Shehnai and Vikram Srinivas’s Sanadhi Apanna. He expressed his discomfort with the artificiality and glamour of the film industry, stating he could not reconcile with it.

Q1. Discuss the title of the poem “The Road Not Taken”. Is it appropriate for the poem?

Ans: The title of the poem The Road Not Taken reflects a significant choice made by a person in a wooded area. The traveller wishes to explore both paths but understands that he cannot take both at once. He selects the road that is less travelled, and years later, he believes that this decision has profoundly influenced his life.

Q2. Why does the poet say he shall tell people “this with a sigh”? Why do you think the final stanza starts with a sigh?

Ans: The poet finds himself at a fork in the road and chooses the path that seems less travelled. He wishes he could explore the other road another day but is uncertain if his choice was the right one. If someone were to ask him about his decision, he would likely respond with a sigh. This sigh could represent two feelings: it may express happiness and contentment for making a successful choice, or it could signify regret for missing out on a better opportunity.

Q3. Bring out the symbolism in the poem “The Road Not Taken”.

Ans: The poem explores more than just the choice between two paths in a wood. The narrator’s decision represents a symbol for any significant choice in life, where options seem equally appealing. It is only after many years that we can truly assess our decisions based on their outcomes. If we achieve success, we view the choice as correct; however, if we face failure and regret, we may question whether it was the right path.

Q4. The road is used as a metaphor for life in this poem. Can you think of another metaphor and explain why that has been used to describe life.

Ans: A puzzle serves as a fitting metaphor for life. Just like a puzzle, life involves constantly solving problems and making decisions. Once one issue is resolved, another often arises, creating a cycle of doubt and questioning. As we navigate through life, we continuously seek solutions, much like piecing together a puzzle. Therefore, life can be seen as a puzzle that we are always trying to complete.

Q5. “Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear. –Robert Frost chose a road that was less travelled by. What does this choice show about his character? –Do you think people should regret their choices or decisions once they have been made? Why not?

Ans: Robert Frost’s choice illustrates that he is an adventurous person who prefers to explore less common paths. He carefully considers his options before making decisions, showing a willingness to face life’s challenges. By opting for the less travelled road, he acknowledges that this choice will shape his future. He understands that he cannot go back and that his life would have been different had he chosen the other path.

I believe people should not regret their choices once made. Firstly, life offers countless opportunities, so there is no need for regret. Secondly, it is impossible for anyone to do everything due to the constraints of time and space. Instead of dwelling on past decisions, it is more important to move forward without looking back. The rightness or wrongness of a choice will reveal itself over time. Lastly, we must take responsibility for our decisions and the paths we choose in life.

Q6. Bring out the contrast and similarities between the two roads mentioned in the poem.

Ans: The poem describes two roads that diverge in a yellow wood. Both roads seem equally appealing to the traveller, who is unsure which to choose. One road appears more worn and popular, suggesting it might be easier to travel. However, both paths are covered in leaves, indicating that neither has been used recently. Once a road is chosen, the other remains unexplored. In later reflection, the traveller may feel a sense of regret about not taking the other road, questioning whether the right choice was made.

Q7. Describe the two roads the author finds.

Ans: During his walk, the poet encountered a point where the path diverged. He faced a choice between two roads and had to select just one. He paused to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The poet examined one road as far as he could see until it disappeared into the undergrowth. He noticed that the other road appeared more grassy and seemed less travelled. However, after walking a short distance, he realised that the first road was also quite grassy.

Q8. What is the moral presented by the poet in the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’?

Ans: This inspirational poem by Robert Frost explores the theme of choice. The traveller encounters a fork in the road and wishes to take both paths, which is impossible. One road is described as grassy and less travelled, yet he observes that both roads appear similar. This reflects the common human dilemma of believing the grass is greener on the other side.

The poem encourages readers to carve their own path in life rather than following others. It highlights the importance of independent thinking and making decisions. Frost does not preach about choices; instead, he acknowledges that making a choice is unavoidable, and the true impact of that choice can only be understood through experience. There is no absolute right or wrong in choices; they are relative.

Ultimately, whatever path one chooses, it should be approached with determination and enthusiasm, as one cannot go back and relive that moment.

Q1. How did the chance discovery of a paper book leave Margie and Tommy stunned?

Mergie studying in her room

Ans: In the year 2157, Margie and Tommy are friends living in a world dominated by automation and technology. Instead of attending traditional schools, children learn from a mechanical teacher that customises lessons based on their individual needs.

One day, Tommy discovers an old, dusty paper book in his attic. He excitedly shares this find with Margie, and they are both amazed, as they have never seen a book without a screen. They find it fascinating that:

• The book has fixed text on pages that must be flipped manually.
• Ancient schools were large buildings where many children studied together.
• Students learned the same subjects and participated in the same activities.
• Real human teachers taught them using actual books.

Margie reflects on how much fun it must have been for children in the past to learn together, which contrasts sharply with her own experience of studying alone with a mechanical teacher.

Q2. What are the main features of the mechanical teachers and the schoolrooms that Margie and Tommy have in the story?

Ans: In the year 2157, Margie and Tommy attend a unique form of education featuring:

• Home-based schoolrooms: Their classrooms are located in their own homes, eliminating the need for a separate school building.
• Mechanical teachers: Each student learns with a mechanical teacher that provides lessons and assessments.
• Individualised learning: Students study alone, with the mechanical teacher adjusting the pace based on their age and progress.
• Assessment process: Homework is submitted through a slot in the mechanical teacher for grading.
• Technical support: If the mechanical teacher breaks down, engineers are available for repairs, although this can take time.

This system represents a significant shift from traditional education, focusing on technology and individual learning.

Q3. Why did Margie hate school? Why did she think the old kind of school must have been fun?

Ans: Margie hated school because it lacked fun and excitement. Her daily schedule was strict, requiring her to study at set times throughout the week, except on weekends. She had no classmates to interact with or seek help from, which made learning feel isolating. Additionally, her mechanical teacher sometimes malfunctioned, leading to challenging tests that she often struggled to pass. This constant disappointment made her wish for a break, but the advanced technology of 2157 offered her no respite.

Margie believed that the old kind of school must have been enjoyable because it was a lively environment. In those schools, children from the neighbourhood gathered together, laughing and playing. They learned in the same room, taught by human teachers, which allowed them to support one another with homework and share experiences. This sense of community and camaraderie in the old schools contrasted sharply with her own solitary learning experience.

Q4. Suppose you are Margie. Write a diary entry dated 17th May 2157 about Tommy’s real book that he found in his attic.

Ans: Tuesday, 17th May 2157, 10.00 p.m.

Dear Diary,

Today has been amazing! I saw a real, hard-bound printed book for the first time. Tommy discovered it while cleaning his grandfather’s attic. Here are some details:

• The book has around 200 pages that are yellow and crinkly from age.
• Reading it is different; the words are fixed on the pages, unlike my telebooks that scroll.
• It tells about a school from two centuries ago, which was a dedicated building for teaching.
• Students of the same age learned together in a classroom.
• Teachers were real people, not machines!

It’s fascinating to think about how much fun it must have been for children back then—playing, laughing, and helping each other with lessons. I wish I could travel back in time and experience one of those schools!

Q5. Do you agree with Margie that schools today are more fun than the school in the story? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: There is no doubt that today’s schools are more fun than the schools discussed in the story.

• In the story, Margie has a mechanical teacher that lacks emotions and understanding.
• This robot-like teacher teaches based on fixed instructions, ignoring each child’s unique needs.
• Modern schools, in contrast, focus on the overall development of children.
• They provide training in areas such as leadership, sports, politics, and science.
• Students learn to adapt, meet new people, and thrive in diverse environments.
• Today’s classrooms promote unity and inclusion, bringing together students of all backgrounds.
• These activities foster a sense of belonging, helping to prevent feelings of loneliness or exclusion.

Q6. Will the existing schools and teachers become totally irrelevant in future ‘schools’? Give a reasoned answer.

Ans: Schools will undoubtedly change over the centuries. The future of education will be:

• Highly computerized and mechanical.
• Without a separate building for schools.
• Utilising mechanical teachers, like large screens capable of accessing vast amounts of information.
• Personalised to each student’s age and ability.

However, it is an exaggeration to claim that traditional schools and teachers will become completely irrelevant. Key points include:

• Future schools will still require a human element.
• The institution of schools and the role of teachers may persist.
• Human involvement in education is essential and cannot be entirely replaced.

Q7. Describe the characteristics of old schools. How did they arouse so much interest in Margie and Tommy?

Ans: The characteristics of old schools were quite different from those of Margie and Tommy’s mechanical school:

• Each school had its own unique buildings.
• Students from the entire town attended, creating a sense of community.
• Everyone learned the same subjects and had similar homework, making it easier to help each other.
• Teachers were real people, and students used paper books.

This sense of excitement and adventure in old schools intrigued Margie. She learned about them from Tommy, and compared to her mechanical teacher, these schools seemed almost magical. The idea of children learning together and supporting one another fascinated her.

Q.1. What was the profession of Gerrard? How did he manage his work?

Gerrard was a playwright. He managed his work from his cottage and managing the actors at the theaters.

Q.2. How did Gerrard react on seeing the intruder?

Gerrard reacted very calmly on seeing the intruder. He did not express any anxiety or concern or even get afraid of him.

Q.3. Why did Gerrard tell the intruder ‘you will not kill me for a very good reason’?

Gerrard told the intruder ‘you will not kill me for a very good reason’ because he had planned to present himself as a murderer who is wanted by the law.

Q.4. The way Gerrard behaved when the intruder entered his cottage presented that he was amused to see him. Do you think that he was really amused, or he was pretending?

The way Gerrard behaved when the intruder entered his cottage presented that he was amused to see him. No, Gerrard was not really amused but was pretending to be amused. He did not want to give away to the intruder that he was afraid of him. He continued to plan how he would be able to get rid of the intruder. When the intruder threatened to kill him with his pistol, he declared himself a fugitive who was wanted for a murder and the police was on his track and were on their way to arrest him.

Q.5. What was the intention of the intruder when he entered Gerrard’s cottage?

The intruder had been following Gerrard for over a period. He had seen him in Aylesbury and had listened to the conversation of other two people who were talking about Gerrard. He could gather that he was a queer man. He also found out that Gerrard used to place his orders on phone, disappear suddenly and reappear similarly. He had planned to enter Gerrard’s cottage, enter conversation to know how he used to work and adopt his identity after killing him. He was wanted for a murder and was on the run. By taking Gerrard’s identity, he wanted to lead a free and fearless life.

Q.6. What does the intruder threaten?

He threatens that he will make Gerrard crawl.

Q.7. What was Gerrard doing when the intruder entered his cottage?

Gerrard was packing his bag and was preparing to leave to go out and work on a play when the intruder entered his cottage.

Q.8. What was the intention of the intruder when he trespassed into the cottage?

The intention of the intruder was to kill Gerrard and take his identity when he trespassed into the cottage.

Q.9. What does Gerrard start telling?

He starts telling the story of his life.

Q.10.What does Gerrard want?

He wants to change his position. 

Reference to Context Questions

Q1: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Why, this is a surprise, Mr— er—
(a) Who speaks these words and to whom?
Ans: Vincent Gerrard speaks these words to the Intruder.

(b) Where are they at the time?
Ans: They are in Gerrard’s cottage, in his sitting room, at the time. The Intruder, who is carrying a revolver has just entered Gerrard’s cottage.

(c) What is the speaker’s tone at the time?
Ans: The speaker is speaking in a very pleasant tone.

(d) What does this tell you about the speaker?
Ans: The speaker is a level-headed person. He should have been afraid of the Intruder who was holding a gun, but he was talking in a normal, pleasant manner.

Q2: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
I’m glad you ’re pleased to see me. I don’t think you ’ll be pleased for long. Put those paws up!
(a) Who is speaking these lines and to whom? Where is the conversation taking place?
Ans: The Intruder is speaking to Gerrard. The conversation is taking place in Gerrard’s lonely cottage situated in the wilds of Essex.

(b) Why is ‘the speaker’ so sure that ‘his listener’ won’t be pleased for long?
Ans: The speaker is sure that his listener, Gerrard, will not be pleased for long because the speaker plans to kill him and steal his identity.

(c) What does ‘paws’ mean here? Why does the Intruder use the expression?
Ans: ‘Paws’ here stands for ‘hands’. The Intruder wants to convey to Gerrard that he is an American gangster.

(d) Why is the speaker asking the listener ‘to put those paws up’?
Ans: The Intruder asks Gerrard to put his ‘paws up’ to threaten and intimidate him. He wants to ensure that Gerrard is not able to use his hands for self-defence.

Q3: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Thanks a lot. You ’ll soon stop being smart. I’ll make you crawl. I want td know a few things, see.
(a) Who is the speaker? Why is he thanking the listener?
Ans: The Intruder is the speaker here. He is thanking the listener, Gerrard, as the latter had helped him while he was fumbling for a word and Gerrard had suggested the word ‘nonchalant’.

(b) Why does the speaker think that the listener is trying to be smart?
Ans: The Intruder feels that Gerrard is trying to be smart because instead of displaying any signs of fear, he acts casual and helps the Intruder complete his sentence when the former fails to find the right word.

(c) Why does the speaker expect the listener to soon stop being smart?
Ans: The speaker feels that Gerrard will be frightened out of his wits the moment he discloses his intention of killing him and will then forget all the witty retorts that he had been making till then.

(d) What does the speaker mean by ‘I’ll make you crawl’?
Ans: The speaker means that he would bring the listener down on his knees and make him beg for mercy.

Q4: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
At last a sympathetic audience!
(a) Who speaks these words? To whom?
Ans: Gerrard, the protagonist of the play, speaks these words. He is speaking to the Intruder.

(b) Why does he say it?
Ans: He wants to throw the Intruder off course by showing him that he does not feel threatened by his presence.

(c) Is he sarcastic or serious?
Ans: He is certainly sarcastic because he knows that the Intruder wants to gather information about him only to misuse it and he plans to give incorrect information.

(d) Why does the listener wish to know the story of the speaker’s life?
Ans: The listener is a criminal who resembles Gerrard and wishes to impersonate him. So he wants to know more about him.

Q5: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
I’m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me. A question of inflection; your voice is unfamiliar.
(a) Who is the speaker and who does he speak to?
Ans: The speaker is Gerrard. He is speaking to the Intruder.

(b) What had the listener asked the speaker?
Ans: The listener had asked the speaker if he lived in the cottage all by himself.

(c) What does ‘inflection’ mean here? What logic does the speaker give for misinterpreting the inflection of his voice?
Ans: ‘Inflection’ here means ‘tone of voice’. Gerrard says that since the Intruder’s voice was unfamiliar, he couldn’t know whether he was asking a question or telling something.

(d) What do these lines tell us about the speaker?
Ans: These lines show that the speaker is a very cool-headed man who can think of many ways to elude a question.

Q6: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
That, ’s a lie. You ’re not dealing with a fool. I’m as smart as you and smarter, and I know you run a car. Better be careful, wise guy!
(a) Who is the speaker? Which Tie’ is he talking about?
Ans: The Intruder is the speaker here. He is talking about the Tie’ that Gerrard told him about not running a car.

(b) Why did the speaker think he was smarter than the listener?
Ans: The Intruder considered himself smarter because to succeed in his plan of taking on Gerrard’s identity, he had already gathered as much information about Gerrard as he could from the local people.

(c) Why did he warn the listener to be careful?
Ans: The Intruder wanted to make it clear that Gerrard could not be fool him by telling a lie.

(d) What does the extract reveal about the Intruder?
Ans: The extract reveals that the Intruder is over-confident about his abilities and that he also under-estimates Gerrard, who is not afraid of him.

Q7: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
You seem to have taken a considerable amount of trouble. Since you know so much about me, won’t you say something about yourself? You have been so modest.
(a) Who speaks these words and to whom?
Ans: Gerrard speaks these words to the Intruder.

(b) What is his tone when he speaks these words?
Ans: He is being sarcastic at the time.

(c) Why does he want to know more about the Intruder?
Ans: He wants to find out more about the Intruder to see if he can get the better of him. He also wants to keep him talking till he receives his telephone call.

(d) What light does this throw on the speaker’s character?
Ans: The speaker is a quick-thinking person, who does not give way to fear but is looking for a way out of the situation he finds himself in.

Q8: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
I could tell you plenty. You think you ’re smart, but I’m the top of the class round here. I’ve got brains and I use them. That’s how I’ve got where have.
(a) Who speaks these words to whom and in what context?
Ans: These words are spoken by the Intruder to Gerrard. He utters these words when Gerrard asks him to tell him something about himself

(b) Why does the speaker say “I could tell you plenty”?
Ans: The Intruder says so because he is over-confident and thinks that he is smart enough to get the better of Gerrard.

(c) What does he mean by ‘the top of the class round here’?
Ans: The Intruder means to say that no one else is as smart as he is and thatbGerrard, too, is no match for him.

(d) What is his tone at the moment?
Ans: There is a ring of pride in his words and his ego makes him over-estimate himself and his abilities.

Q9: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
My speciality’s jewel robbery. Your car will do me a treat. It’s certainly a dandy bus.
(a) What does the speaker do? Why does he call it his ‘speciality’?
Ans: The speaker is a criminal who robs jewellery. He calls it his speciality because robbing jewellery was a pursuit or skill to which he had devoted much time and effort and in which he was an expert.

(b) What does he call ‘a dandy bus’? What does he mean?
Ans: He calls Gerrard’s car a dandy bus. He means to say that it is a splendid or outstanding car. It will be useful for him and will suit his purpose very well.

(c) What do his words tell you about the speaker?
Ans: The speaker has made his plans carefully and has found out information about the listener.

(d) What does the speaker intend to do?
Ans: The speaker uses his brains by planning and committing crimes without getting caught by the police. He now intends to kill Gerrard and assume his identity to escape the law further.

Q10: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

I’m not taking it for fun. I’ve been hunted long enough. I’m wanted for murder already, and they can’t hang me twice.
(a) What ‘step’ is the speaker talking about taking? Why is he taking it?
Ans: The speaker is talking about taking the ‘step’ of murdering Gerrard. He claims that he is not taking the step for fun but because of his need to escape the police.

(b) By whom has the speaker been hunted? Why?
Ans: The speaker has been hunted by the police because he is a criminal. He killed a policeman when something went wrong with the job that he did in the town quite a while ago, but since then he is dodging the police.

(c) Why does he say “they can’t hang me twice”?
Ans: The Intruder has just told Gerrard that he had murdered one man, and that he would not shy away from murdering him too. This is because the police could not hang him twice for two murders.

(d) What light do these lines reflect on the speaker’s state of mind?
Ans: The lines reveal that the Intruder does not have any conscience to prick him. He is in a desperate situation now as he fears the punishment he is likely to get if captured.

Q11; Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
I’ve got freedom to gain. As for myself I’m a poor hunted rat. As Vincent Charles Gerrard I’m free to go places and do nothing. I can eat well and sleep and without having to be ready to beat it at the sight of a cop.
(a) Why is the speaker a ‘hunted rat’?
Ans: The Intruder is being chased by the police for having killed a policeman. The fear of being arrested by the police keeps him on the run and he feels that his condition is as miserable as that of a rat being chased.

(b) Why has he chosen to take on Gerrard’s identity?
Ans: He has chosen to take on Gerrard’s identity because the have a similar height and build and because Gerrard, being a loner, does not meet many people who may catch him out.

(c) Why does the speaker have to run at the sight of a cop?
Ans: Having killed a cop, the Intruder lives in constant fear of being caught by the police. So, he has to run at the sight of a cop in order to avoid being caught.

(d) What advantage will the speaker have once he impersonates Gerrard?
Ans: As Gerrard the Intruder will be able to dodge the police. This way he will be able to live in peace and without any fear of the cops.

Q12: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
It brought me to Aylesbury. That’s where I saw you in the car. Two other people saw you and started to talk.
I listened. It looks like you ’re a bit queer — kind of a mystery man.
(a) What is ‘it’? Where did it bring him?
Ans: ‘It’ here refers to the speaker’s dodging the police. While escaping the police he reached Aylesbury.

(b) What did the speaker overhear about the listener? From whom?
Ans: He overheard two men discuss Gerrard. They referred to him as being strange and a mystery man about whom nothing much was known.

(c) What made the two men conclude that the listener was a mystery man?
Ans: The two men concluded Gerrard was a mystery man because they did not know much about him. He kept to himself and ordered his supplies on the phone. He did not meet even the tradespeople who delivered the orders. He sometimes went away suddenly and came back just the same.

(d) How did this suit the Intruder’s purpose?
Ans: This suited the Intruder’s purpose as no one knew Gerrard well enough to recognise him if the Intruder took on his identity. Also, the Intruder would be able to come and go suddenly as Gerrard did.

Q13: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Don’t be a fool. If you shoot, you ’ll hang for sure. If not as yourself then as Vincent Charles Gerrard.
(a) Why did the speaker say that the listener will be hanged?
Ans: The speaker said that even if he shot him and took on the speaker’s identity, the listener would be hanged as Gerrard because he was wanted by the police.

(b) What surprise did the speaker give to the listener?
Ans: Gerrard surprised the Intruder by telling him that he was also a criminal and wanted for murder.

(c) What proof does the speaker give the listener about his being a criminal?
Ans: Gerrard told the Intruder that he did not meet any trades people and was a bit of a mystery man here today and gone tomorrow because he was a criminal on the run.

(d) What do you think was the speaker’s tone as he spoke to the listener?
Ans: The speaker’s tone was serious and confidential. The listener was taken in by the speaker.

Q14: This is your big surprise. I said you wouldn’t kill me and I was right. Why do you think I am here today and gone tomorrow, never see tradespeople? You say my habits would suit you. You are a crook. Do you think I am a Sunday-school teacher?
(a) What was the big surprise given by the speaker?
Ans: Gerrard told that the Intruder that he too lived under the threat of being arrested as he too was involved in crime. The Intruder was naturally surprised at this revelation since he was not aware about this aspect of his victim.

(b) What was the speaker right about? Why was he right?
Ans: Gerrard, the speaker here, was right about the statement that he had made earlier that the Intruder wouldn’t kill him. He was right because the Intruder intended to kill an ordinary person and impersonate him to evade the police. But Gerrard turned out to be a criminal like him. So, killing and impersonating a criminal would not serve the Intruder’s purpose,

(c) Explain the phrase Sunday school teacher? What does the speaker imply by his words?
Ans: A Sunday school teacher is not just an instructor but is also the responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the students. As such, the Sunday school teacher is an important member of the church and one of high moral standing. By saying he is not a Sunday school teacher, the speaker implies he is a crook.

(d) What light does it throw on the character of the speaker and the listener?
Ans: The speaker is a quick-thinking cool-headed person, who has retained his presence of mind and lays a trap for the Intruder. He is able to convince the listener. On the other hand, the listener is a gullible person and is taken in by Gerrard’s words.

Q15: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
“I said it with bullets and got away ”.
(a) Who says this?
Ans: Gerrard, the protagonist of the play ‘If I Were You’, says this.

(b) What does it mean?
Ans: Gerrard means that he committed a murder with a gun for his escape because things had gone wrong.

(c) Is it the truth? What is the speaker’s reason for saying this?
Ans: No, it is not the truth. The speaker has concocted a story to befool the Intruder. He shows himself to be a wanted criminal on run from the police so that the Intruder should give up his plan of killing him and taking up his identity.

(d) How was he in imminent danger from the police?
Ans: One of his men had been caught by the police with some documents.

Q16: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
I have got a man posted on the main road. He’ll ring up if he sees the police, but I don’t want to leave… (telephone bell rings,) Come on! They ’re after us. Through here straight to the garage.
(a) Whose call had Gerrard been expecting?
Ans: Gerrard had told the person he was speaking to in the beginning to tell someone to call him at once. So, he had been expecting that call.

(b) Whose call had told the Intruder he was expecting?
Ans: He told the Intruder he was expecting trouble, and had posted a man on the look out who would tell him if the police were coming.

(c) What did he show the Intruder to convince him that he was going to run away?
Ans: He showed him the packed bag and disguise outfit; false moustaches and what not to show he was ready . to run away.

(d) What is his tone like as he says these words?
Ans: He says these words in a tone of urgency.

Q17: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
For God’s sake clear that muddled head of yours and let’s go. Come with me in the car. I can use you. If you find it’s a frame, you’ve got me in a car, and you still have your gun.
(a) What does the speaker call the listener’s head “muddled”?
Ans: The Intruder, who has come to Gerrard’s house to kill him and steal his identity, is told by Gerrard that he, too, is a criminal on the run. The Intruder is thus looking confused.

(b) Where does the speaker invite the other person?
Ans: The speaker Gerrard is inviting the other person to accompany him in the car and help him escape

(c) What assurance does he give the listener?
Ans: He tells the Intruder that he has the gun so he can over-power him whenever he feels he has been trapped.

(d) What is in the speaker’s mind?
Ans: The speaker wants to get the Intruder into a trap where he can hand him over to the police.

Q.1. Read the following passages and answer the questions
“No motion has she now, no force.
She neither hears nor sees
Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course
With rocks and stones and trees.”
(i) Name the poem and the poet.

The poem is ‘ A Slumber did my spirit seal’ and the poet is William Wordsworth.

(ii) Why does the beloved has no motion and no force?

The beloved has no motion and no force because she is dead and no more alive.

(iii) What kind of motion does his beloved have now?

She seemed a thing that could not feel any touch.

(iv) What changes have come in his beloved now?

His beloved has become eternal now, nothing can affect her in any way.

Q.2. How much does the poet love his beloved? How can we say that?

The poet loves his beloved a lot because he is filled with grief after her death and he has written a poem in the memory of his beloved.

Q.3. What does the poet feel about his beloved? Is he contented?

The poet has a great love for his beloved. He feels great peace that she has been taken care by the nature. He knows that the world is selfish, so he is contented with the situation.

Q.4. What is the state of mind of the poet when he comes to know that his beloved is no more?

When the poet comes to know that his beloved one has died , he was filled with grief and pain. He loved her so much that he lost his state of mind, he was in a state of extreme loss where he could not feel anything except the company of the nature.

Q.5. How does the poet imagine his beloved to be, after death?

The poet knows that his beloved has died and is no more with him. He is a nature lover and so believes that his beloved has not died but has become immortal and has immersed in the nature. He feels her presence around himself. He could not separate himself from her but feels that she has got relieved from the selfish world. He is in a deep grief and he thinks that she has become immortal because she has not got affected with the passage of time.

Q.6. Read the following passages and answer the questions
“A slumber did my spirit seal.
I had no human fears.
She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.”
(i) What is the poet talking about in these lines?

The poet is talking about his beloved who has died.

(ii) What does the poet mean by slumber?

The poet means in a deep sleep by slumber.

(iii) Who is she in the above lines?

She is the poet’s beloved in the above lines.

(iv) Why does the poet have no fears?

The poet has no fears now because he feels that his beloved has become immortal.

Q.7. What does William Wordsworth talking about in the poem?

William Wordsworth is talking about his beloved who has died. He is a nature lover, who finds relief in the company of nature. But his heart is filled with grief.

Q.8. How does the poet react to his beloved one’s death?

He says that a slumber did his spirit seal, which means that the death of his beloved one has closed his soul. So he has become busy with the nature and thinks that she is still alive.

Q.9. Which lines of the poem shows that the beloved is no more with the poet?

The beloved has died. This is evident from the following lines, “No motion has she now, no force. She neither hears nor sees.” She shows no movement.

Q.10. The poet has lost his beloved because of which he feels lonely and a great shock. Explain his state of mind.

The poet is a nature lover, he finds relief in the company of nature. Here, in the poem, he is talking about his beloved and her death has filled him with grief and pain. He considers the world as selfish and so he feels contented that his beloved has gone in the lap of nature. He thinks that she is busy with the nature and she is surrounding him. He finds her dead as she is not moving and she can not hear or see anything. He is in a lost state of mind. He feels that she is rather busy in movement with the earth like rocks, stones and trees. He misses her but feels her presence.

Reference to Context Questions

Q1: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
A slumber did my spirit seal
I had no human fears.
She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.
(a) What was the poet’s state of mind when Lucy was alive?
Ans: When Lucy was alive the poet was in a state of spiritual peace as he did not even think about her aging or dying.

(b) What was the ‘human fear’ he did not have?
Ans: It blinded him to the reality that eventually all things that are born perish or die one day.

(c) Why did he not have this fear?
Ans: The poet could not imagine that she was a human being and subject to suffering and death.

(d) How does the poet imagine her to be, after death?
Ans: The poet imagines her to now be a part of nature.

Q2: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
A slumber did my spirit seal-
I had no human fears.
She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.
(a) Who does ‘she’ refer to?
Ans: The poet does not disclose in the poem the identity of the girl. But because the poem is one of the Lucy Poems, she refers to Lucy, the girl Wordsworth loved.

(b) What could she not feel?
Ans: She could not feel the touch of earthly years.

(c) Explain “the touch of earthly years”.
Ans: By “the touch of earthly years”, the poet means the ravages of time or the process of aging.

(d) Why does the poet say that his loved one is rolling round in the way of the earth?
Ans: The poet says that his beloved is a part of Nature she is also moving round with the earth.

Q3: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
No motion has she now, no force –
She neither hears nor sees,
Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course
With rocks and stones and trees.
(a) What happened to the poet’s beloved?
Ans: The poet’s beloved was dead.

(b) Where is she now?
Ans: After her death she has become one with Nature.

(c) How does she become an inseparable part of nature?
Ans: She has become an integral part of nature as she is buried and has become one with the earth.

(d) Explain: she is in “earth’s diurnal course with rocks and stones and trees”?
Ans: She is now a participant in the daily routine of the earth and rolls with it along with the rocks and trees and other things of Nature.

Q4: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
No motion has she now, no force –
She neither hears nor sees,
Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course
With rocks and stones and trees.
(a) What does the word ‘slumber’ refer to?
Ans: The word ‘slumber’ refers to a deep sleep. Here it refers to death.

(b) How will time not affect the poet’s beloved?
Ans: The poet’s beloved is dead and therefore has become immortal.

(c) ‘No motion has she now, no force.’ Why is ‘she’ motionless?
Ans: ‘She’ is the poet’s beloved who is no longer alive. Therefore she is motionless.

(d) What is the central theme of the poem?
Ans: The poet wants to convey the idea that though death separates our loved ones from us but they always remain around us in the form of nature.

Q.1. In which town does the author stay?

He stays in Kathmandu.

Q.2. What is the restriction about entry at Pashupatinath?

Only Hindus are allowed to enter here.

Q.3. Where does a monkey jump?

A monkeys jumps onto a Shivalinga.

Q.4. Why does everyone bow and make away?

Everyone bows and makes way for a princess of the Nepalese royal house. 

Q.5. What did the writer describe about Pashupatinath Temple?

The writer described that Pashupatinath Temple is the main shrine of Hindus in Nepal. It is devoted to lord Shiva. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple. There was an atmosphere of utter confusion as animals along with people were there on the temple ground.

Q.6. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca Cola.” What does ‘all this’ refer to?

The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca Cola.” All this refers to the bar or marzipan and a corn on the cob roasted on a charcoal brazier (rubbed with salt, chili powder and lemon) and a couple of love story comics, and a Reader’s Digest.

Q.7. Name five kinds of flutes.

Five kinds of flutes as mentioned by the writer are the (1) reed neh, (2) the recorder, (3) the Japanese shakuhachi, (4) the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, (5) the clear or breathy flutes of South America.

Q.8. What is the proclamation at the entrance of Pashupatinath temple? Was it implemented strictly?

The proclamation at the entrance of Pashupatinath temple was ‘Entrance for the Hindus only’. It was implemented strictly as the westerners who were in saffron clothes were prohibited to enter the temple before they could prove that they were Hindus.

Q.9. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers?

The author notes that all the hawkers in the market and streets around the temple were shouting about the wares to attract the customers. They described about their wares and shouted at the pitch of their voice to gain attention. However, the flute seller did not shout or called attention of the customer by calling or describing about his stuff. He played on different flutes displaying his acumen in playing the instrument. He had different varieties of flutes and he picked one after the other and played some beautiful tune on it. This was his way of calling attention of his customers.

Q.10. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?

Pashupatinath temple is situated on the bank of Baghmati river. There is a small temple half protruding out from the stone platform on the river bank. People believe that there is a goddess in the temple. They say that when the temple emerges fully and becomes completely visible to the people, the goddess inside will escape and disappear. That day the evil period of the Kaliyug will come to an end on the earth. Thus, describing that it will be a dooms day for the world. All the people on this earth will perish.

Reference to Context Questions

Q1: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
I get a cheap room in the centre of town and sleep for hours. The next morning, with Mr. Shah’s son and nephew, I visit the two temples in Kathmandu that are most sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.
(a) Who does “I” refer to in the above lines?
Ans: I refers to the writer of the travelogue, Vikram Seth.

(b) Where is he at the time?
Ans: He is in a cheap room in a hotel in the centre of Kathmandu at the time.

(c) With whom does the author visit the two temples?
Ans: The author visits the two temples with Mr. Shah’s son and his nephew.

(d) Which two temples in Kathmandu does he visit? With which religions are they associated?
Ans: He visits the two famous temples of Kathmandu – the Pashupatinath, sacred to the Hindus and the Baudhnath Stupa, sacred to the Buddhists.

Q2: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
There are so many worshippers that some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside by others pushing their way to the front.
(a) Which place of worship is the narrator describing here?
Ans: The narrator is describing Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath temple, which is sacred to the Hindus.

(b) How do devotees behave inside the temple?
Ans: The devotees at the temple push and jostle with others as they try to move ahead and get the priest’s attention. In this attempt, some people are elbowed aside.

(c) Why do you think some people are pushing their way to the front?
Ans: Some people are pushing their way to the front to get a clear view of the deity and also to make their offerings through the priest.

(d) What sort of an atmosphere is being created by the crowd in the temple?
Ans: The crowd in the temple is indisciplined and unorganized. They are creating chaos and confusion with their unruly behaviour, which is robbing the temple of its sanctity.

Q3: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
A princess of the Nepalese royal house appears; everyone bows and makes way. By the main gate, a party of saffron-clad Westerners struggle for permission to enter.
(a) Which place is being talked about in the above extract?
Ans: The writer is talking about the Pashupatinath Temple at Kathmandu.

(b) How had the crowd of worshippers been behaving before the princess appeared? How is their behaviour different now?
Ans: The crowd of worshippers were trying to get the priest’s attention and were jostling with each other and were elbowing others aside to push their way to the front, but as soon as the princess appeared, the worshippers bowed and made way for her.

(c) How are the Westerners trying to convince the policeman they are Hindus? Why?
Ans: The Westerners were dressed in saffron and were claiming to be Hindus because only Hindus can enter the Pashupatinath temple.

(d) Which river flows next to the temple?
Ans: The river Bagmati flows next to the temple.

Q4: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
By the main gate, a party of saffron-clad Westerners struggle for permission to enter.
(a) Which place is the author talking about here?
Ans: The author is talking of the famous Hindu shrine – the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

(b) Who are the saffron-clad Westerners at the main gate?
Ans: The saffron-clad Westerners at the main gate are a group of tourists.

(c) Why do they struggle for permission to enter?
Ans: They struggle for permission to enter because the temple allows entry only to Hindus.

(d) What does this show about the cultural practices of this place?
Ans: It shows that the authorities who look after this shrine are very rigid about maintaining the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship. They do not want it to be treated like a tourist spot.

Q5: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
A fight breaks out between two monkeys. One chases the other, who jumps onto a shivalinga, then runs screaming around the temples and down to the river, the holy Bagmati, that flows below.
(a) What are the two monkeys doing?
Ans: The two monkeys are fighting each other and chasing each other.

(b) Where are the two monkeys?
Ans: The two monkeys are running around the shivalingas and then down to the river.

(c) What is the atmosphere at Pashupatinath Temple?
Ans: At Pashupatinath there is an atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’ as crowds of worshippers and animals jostle and elbow each other.

(d) What is the belief about the shrine that half protrudes from the stone platform on the river bank?
Ans: People believe when the shrine emerges fully, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of the Kaliyug will end on earth.

Q6: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
A corpse is being cremated on its banks; washerwomen are at their work and children bathe. From a balcony a basket of flowers and leaves, old offerings now wilted, is dropped into the river.
(a) Which river is referred to in this extract?
Ans: The river Bagmati that flows through Kathmandu and on the banks of which Pashupatinath temple is situated is referred to here.

(b) What is the significance of this river?
Ans: The river Bagmati is significant as it is considered sacred by the Hindus. They worship it like a pious deity.

(c) How is the river being polluted and by whom?
Ans: A basket of withered away flowers, leaves and old offerings is thrown into the river from the balcony of the Pashupatinath temple. Corpse are cremated on its banks, washerwomen wash clothes in the river and children bathe in it.

(d) What light does this polluting of the river throw on the people?
Ans: Throwing of refuse into the sacred Bagmati river, or polluting it by bathing or washing clothes reflects that these people lack concern for environment. They pollute the very river which they consider to be sacred.

Q7: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
There are no crowds: this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around.
(a) Which place is being talked about here?
Ans: The writer is talking about the Baudhnath stupa here.

(b) How does this contrast with the other place of worship?
Ans: While the Baudhnath Stupa is a quiet, still place, the crowded noisy Pashupatinath temple is a place of feverish activity.

(c) Who owns the shops on the ‘busy streets around’?
Ans: Many of the shops outside are owned by Tibetan immigrants.

(d) What did the shops sell?
Ans: They sold felt bags, Tibetan prints, silver jewellery etc.

Q8: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, religious, with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets; with fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards; shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate; or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques.
(a) Explain the meaning of the word “mercenary”.
Ans: The word “mercenary” means interested only in the amount of money that you can be made from a situation even at the expense of ethics. This implies sales in the shops of Kathmandu are not always above board.

(b) How does the author describe the streets of Kathmandu?
Ans: The streets of Kathmandu are the narrowest and busiest streets that he has ever seen.

(c) What are the things that the author buys?
Ans: The author buys a bar of marzipan, a com-on-the-cob roasted in a charcoal brazier on the pavement (rubbed with salt, chilli powder and lemon), a couple of love story comics, and a Reader’s Digest.

(d) Which things are sold in the market of Kathmandu?
Ans: Nepalese antiques, Western cosmetics and film rolls are sold there.

Q9: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Go home, I tell myself: move directly towards home. I enter a Nepal Airlines office and buy a ticket for tomorrow’s flight.
(a) What route had the writer thought of taking?
Ans: The writer had thought of going by bus and train to Patna, then sailing up the Ganges past Benaras to Allahabad, then up the Yamuna, past Agra to Delhi.

(b) Why did he change his plan?
Ans: The writer was tired as he had been travelling for many days. He was also homesick and wanted to travel home straight.

(c) How did he plan to travel now?
Ans: He planned to fly by Nepal Airlines from Kathmandu to Delhi.

(d) When is he leaving Kathmandu?
Ans: He is leaving Kathmandu the next day.

Q10: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
In his hand is a pole with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude in all directions, like the quills of a porcupine. They are of bamboo: there are cross-flutes and recorders. From time to time, he stands the pole on the ground, selects a flute and plays for a few minutes.
(a) What attracts the writer in the market?
Ans: A flute seller and the music being played by him attracts the writer.

(b) How is he different from other hawkers?
Ans: He plays on the flute to entertain people. He does not cry out to attract buyers.

(c) Why does he sometimes break off playing flute?
Ans: The flute seller sometimes breaks off playing his flute in order to talk to the fruit seller.

(d) What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?
Ans: The flute seller’s stock of flutes protruding in all directions from an attachment on the pole was looking like the quills of a porcupine.

Q11: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
I find it difficult to tear myself away from the square.
(a) Which square does the writer refer to?
Ans: The writer, Vikram Seth, refers to the square near his hotel in Kathmandu.

(b) What was the writer doing in the square?
Ans: The writer was tired and homesick and was going back to his hotel after having bought his air ticket to fly back to India the next day.

(c) Why does ‘he’ find it difficult to tear himself away from the square?
Ans: ‘He’ finds it difficult to tear himself from the square because he is mesmerised by the sweet notes of the flute-music being played there by the flute seller

(d) Explain the expression ‘tear myself away’. Why does the writer use the expression?
Ans: ‘Tear myself away’ means to separate forcibly. Hence the expression shows the effort on the part of the narrator to pull himself away from the enthralling music of the flute.

Q12: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
It weaves its own associations. Yet to hear any flute is, it seems to me, to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind, to be moved by music closest in its phrases and sentences to the human voice. Its motive force too is living breath: it too needs to pause and breathe before it can go on.
(a) What does ‘it’ refer to?
Ans: ‘It’ refers to the sounds produced by different flutes.

(b) How does ‘it’ weave its own associations?
Ans: The expression means that each kind of flute produces a different and a unique type of music associated with some particular place

(c) Why is its music closest to the human voice?
Ans: The music of the flute is closest to the human voice because pauses and breaths are needed to produce musical notes of the flute in the same manner in which words, phrases and sentences are uttered in human voice.

(d) Why does it draw the author in the ‘commonality of all mankind’?
Ans: The flute draws the author in the “commonality of all mankind” because this instrument is found in all cultures and is played in a similar manner. Hence, it seems to connect the whole mankind.

Q.1. Do we need to kill trees in the present scenario?

No, we don’t need to kill trees in the present scenario, rather we should protect trees as we see the threat of global warming and drifting seasons, erratic rainfall etc.

Q.2. What do you understand by the lines ‘Rising out of it, feeding upon its crust, absorbing years of sunlight, air, water’.

The tree is rising out of the earth, feeding upon its crust, absorbing years of sunlight, air, water’ thus growing on the generosity of the nature. However, it slowly steals nourishment from earth, food from sunlight through photosynthesis and air to gain strength and vigor.

Q.3. What are the circumstances that compelled the poet to write such a poem?

The development of countries leads to construct industries and factories for development of mankind. Rising population also brings extra pressure on nature. Thus these were the circumstances that compelled the poet to write such a poem.

Q.4.What is the contemplation of the poet when he says, ‘Not so much pain will do it’?

The contemplation of the poet when he says, ‘Not so much pain will do it’ is that little sufferings would not deter the tree from re-sprouting as like human it recovers from small pains and sours.

Q.5. Do you think, the poet is describing the way to kill a tree, or there is something else in his mind?

Although the poet is describing the way to kill a tree, but in his mind he is thinking about the nature. The nature wants us to be friend with the trees as they resurrect the nature. Killing a tree would deprive us of oxygen, shade, greenery and protection of soil from erosion.

Q.6. Why does the poet write such a poem?

The poet writes such a poem to compare the killing of a tree with that of a human being. As little wounds to a man don’t kill him similarly, small strokes of axe wouldn’t kill a tree.

Q.7. Justify the title of the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’.

‘The tile of the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ is very appropriate as the poet tries to bring in a relationship between the tree and human being. He says that as a man grows on the love, affection of his parents, similarly tree grows on the love and affection of mother earth and father nature. With such strength, it is not easy to kill a tree. We need brutal force to kill a tree as a single jab of knife or hacking and chopping would anything. To drain out the strength of the tree, one needs to expose its roots to the harsh scorching sun light and the rough air.

Q.8. Is this poem ironical or is it a satire on modernization?

This poem is not only ironical, but it also is a satire on modernization. It is ironical as we keep on talking about saving tree and growing more trees but simultaneously we keep felling them to construct buildings to house growing population and setting up industries to help modernization. All over the world we are propagating to save trees and on the other hand don’t even blink an eye when trees are felled to help clear lands in the name of construction or development. Let’s be clear whether we want to save environment, or we want to go for development. We need to bring a balance between the two or develop such ways and means to modernize without compromising on nature.

Q.9. What will be the effect of hacking and the chopping on the tree?

The hacking and chopping of the tree would make the tree bleed i.e. secret a liquid but this pain will be relieved soon and the bleeding bark will heal itself.

Q.10. How can the tree get back to its former size?

The bleeding bark will be heated and from the place closer to the ground, there will be new twigs arising out of it, new boughs will take place which will make the plant grow to its former size.

Reference to Context Questions

Q1: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
It takes much time to kill a tree,
Not a simple jab of the knife
Will do it. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,
Rising out of it, feeding
Upon its crust, absorbing
Years of sunlight, air, water,
And out of its leprous hide
Sprouting leaves.
(a) Why does it take so much time to kill a tree?
Ans: It takes much time to kill because killing a tree is not a simple or easy task.

(b) What does it consume?
Ans: The tree consumes nutrients from the soil.

(c) What does a tree absorb?
Ans: It absorbs sunlight, air and water

(d) Explain “leprous hide”.
Ans: Leprous hide means the disfigured and irregular bark of the tree which seems as if it is diseased or suffering from leprosy.

Q2: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
It takes much time to kill a tree,
Not a simple jab of the knife
Will do it. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,
Rising out of it, feeding
Upon its crust, absorbing
Years of sunlight, air, water,
And out of its leprous hide ‘
Sprouting leaves.
(a) What kind of task is it to kill a tree?
Ans: It is very difficult task to kill a tree and it takes much time

(b) Why can a “simple jab of the knife” not kill a tree?
Ans: The tree is too strong to be killed by a simple jab of the knife as it is firmly held by the earth for so many years and its roots are safe.

(c) How is the task of cutting a tree represented in the poem?
Ans: The task of cutting a tree is represented as a killing or murder of a tree.

(d) What happens if the branches of a tree are cut off?
Ans: The branches that are cut off are replaced by new boughs, which will grow into their former size.

Q3: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
So hack and chop
But this alone won’t do it.
Not so much pain will do it.
The bleeding bark will heal
And from close to the ground
Will rise curled green twigs,
Miniature boughs
Which if unchecked will expand again
To former size.
(a) Why does the poet say ‘killing’ a tree rather than cutting it?
Ans: The tree has been personified and hence the word ‘killing’ instead of ‘cutting’ has been used.

(b) “But this alone won’t do it..- What does ‘this’ refer to here? What does ‘it’ refer to?
Ans: The word ‘this’ refers to hacking and chopping of the tree. ‘It’ refers to the killing of a tree

(c) What does the phrase ‘bleeding bark’ mean?
Ans: “Bleeding bark” refers to the area on the tree trunk where it has been hit with the axe, It bleeds because the wood cutter has wounded the tree by cutting and chopping it. The area is oozing sap.

(d) What are processes suggested to do it?
Ans: The root of the tree has to be roped, tied and pulled out entirely from the earth-cave till the root of the tree is exposed. It will then shrivel, choke and die.

Q4: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
So hack and chop
But this alone won’t do it.
Not so much pain will do it.
The bleeding bark will heal
And from close to the ground
Will rise curled green twigs,
Miniature boughs
Which if unchecked will expand again
To former size.
(a) Explain “hack and chop”?
Ans: Hack or chop means to cut off something, usually with a sharp instrument or weapon.

(b) What do you mean by ‘not so much pain will do it’?
Ans: It means that hacking and chopping of the tree will cause it pain but will not kill it.

(c) Where will the curling green twigs rise from?
Ans: After hacking and chopping the curling green twigs will rise from the remaining part of tree that is close to the ground.

(d) What finally kills the tree?
Ans: Uprooting the tree and exposing its roots to heat and scorching and choking them kills the tree.

Q5: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
No,
The root is to be pulled out – 
Out of the anchoring earth;
It is to be roped, tied,
And pulled out-snapped out
Or pulled out entirely,
Out from the earth-cave,
And the strength of the tree exposed
The source, white and wet,
The most sensitive, hidden
For years inside the earth.
(a) What does the poet mean by the word “No”?
Ans: The poet says “No” in the beginning of the third stanza suggesting that a simple jab of knife will not kill a tree. It will grow again.

(b) Why should the root be pulled out?
Ans: Pulling out its root is the only way of killing a tree.

(c) What is the meaning of “anchoring earth”?
Ans: Anchoring earth’ implies that the trees are held secure with the help of the roots in the earth. So long as the roots are firmly held by the earth, the tree is safe and cannot be killed by a simple jab of a knife.

(d) What is the condition of the root of the tree?
Ans: The root of the tree looks wet and white.

Q6: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
No,
The root is to be pulled out –
Out of the anchoring earth;
It is to be roped, tied,
And pulled out-snapped out
Or pulled out entirely,
Out from the earth-cave,
And the strength of the tree exposed
The source, white and wet,
The most sensitive, hidden
For years inside the earth.
(a) Where does the strength of the tree lie?
Ans: The real strength of a tree lies in its roots.

(b) How does the earth protect the tree?
Ans: The earth protects the tree by giving it nourishment and allowing its root to spread under the earth.

(c) What role do the sun and air play in killing a tree?
Ans: The sun and the air play a vital role in killing a tree by scorching and choking the root.

(d) Explain the meaning of “earth cave”?
Ans: ‘Earth-cave’ suggests the space created in the earth by uprooting a tree. When the roots are pulled out of the earth, the large hollow where the roots were hidden, is exposed.

Q7: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Then the matter
Of scorching and choking
In sun and air,
Browning, hardening,
Twisting, withering,
And then it is done.
(a) How do the roots look like when they are pulled out?
Ans: When the roots are pulled out, they are white and wet.

(b) What happens to the tree after it is pulled out?
Ans: The root gets scorched and choked after it is pulled out. It becomes brown, hardens and withers.

(c) What happens to the tree after withering?
Ans: It is killed after withering.

(d) “And then it is done” – What is done?
Ans: The act of killing a tree completely is accomplished; the tree is killed.

Q8: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Then the matter
Of scorching and choking
In sun and air,
Browning, hardening,
Twisting, withering,
And then it is done.
(a) “Then the matter..” What does ‘Then’ refer to?
Ans: ‘Then’ here refers to what happens to the root after it is exposed,

(b) What role do the sun and air play in killing a tree?
Ans: The sun and the air play a vital role in killing a tree by scorching and choking the root after it is pulled out.

(c) “The strength of the tree exposed.” Explain.
Ans: The root, which is the strength of a tree, must be pulled out of its cave, in order to kill the tree.

(d) What will happen if the miniature boughs are left unchecked?
Ans: If the miniature boughs are left unchecked, they will expand to their former size.

Q.1. Read the following passages and answer the questions:

Santosh’s parents were affluent landowners who could afford to send their children to the best schools, even to the country’s capital, New Delhi, which was quite close by. But, in line with the prevailing custom in the family, Santosh had to make do with the local village school. So, she decided to fight the system in her own quiet way when the right moment arrived. And the right moment came when she turned sixteen. At sixteen, most of the girls in her village used to get married. Santosh was also under pressure from her parents to do the same.

(i) Why was Santosh sent to the local village school despite being from an affluent family?

Santosh was sent to the local village school despite being from an affluent family because it was the prevailing custom not to send girls out of the village.

(ii) Why was Santosh waiting to turn sixteen?

Santosh was waiting to turn sixteen, because she had decided to fight the system in her own quiet way when the right moment arrived.

(iii) What was the normal custom of the society?

The normal custom of the society was to marry a girl child when she turned sixteen.

(iv) What was the pressure of parents on Santosh?

Parents pressurized Santosh to get married on the turn of sixteen but she was adamant to study further and thus refused to get married.

Q.2. What did the holy man assume the family would ask as a blessing?

The holy man assumed that the family would ask for the birth of a boy as a blessing. But the grandmother who was standing next to the pregnant woman asked the holy man to bless her to give birth to a girl child.

Q.3. How was Santosh’s upbringing?

Santosh was brought up in the same manner as the other girls of the society. Though they were affluent, they made her study in the village school and wanted her to marry at the turn of sixteen.

Q.4. What reason did Santosh give her parents to avoid getting married at the age of sixteen?

Santosh vehemently refused to get married at the age of sixteen and told her parents that she wanted to study further. If they forced her and did not allow her for further education, she would never get married in life.

Q.5. Do you think that Santosh had a nature in accordance with her name?

No, Santosh didn’t have a nature in accordance with her name. Santosh means contentment. But she was not contented right from her childhood. She went against the norms of the society and wore shorts whereas other girls wore traditional dresses. She resented when she was admitted to village school. She rebelled when she was asked to get married at sixteen and told that she would never get married if not allowed to study further. She took admission in Delhi and completed her high school. She then joined Maharani College against her parents wishes. She got herself admitted to Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi without informing her parents.

Q.6. Read the following passages and answer the questions:
The only woman in the world who has scaled Mt Everest twice was born in a society where the birth of a son was regarded as a blessing, and a daughter, though not considered a curse, was not generally welcome. When her mother was expecting Santosh, a travelling ‘holy man’, giving her his blessing, assumed that she wanted a son. But, to everyone’s surprise, the unborn child’s grandmother, who was standing close by, told him that they did not want a son. The ‘holy man’ was also surprised! Nevertheless, he gave the requested blessing … and as destiny would have it, the blessing seemed to work.

(i) What are the records that Santosh has made while scaling the Mt. Everest?

Santosh became only woman in the world who has scaled Mt. Everest twice. She also became the youngest woman to scale it.

(ii)In which society was Santosh born?

Santosh was born in a society where birth of a daughter, if not considered a curse, is not welcomed.

(iii)Why was the holy man surprised?

The requested blessing that worked was that Santosh’s mother should bear a girl child and not a boy. The blessing worked and Santosh was born in the family.

(iv)What was the requested blessing that worked?

The requested blessing that worked was that Santosh’s mother should bear a girl child and not a boy. The blessing worked and Santosh was born in the family.

Q.7. What is the normal custom of the society about the birth of a girl child?

The birth of a girl child was considered a curse. Only the boys were welcomed in the society. However, Santosh’s family didn’t consider it a curse as was the normal custom of the society.

Q.8. Why did the grandmother ask for a different blessing than one would normally ask for?

The grandmother asked for a different blessing than one would normally ask for because she already had five grandsons and didn’t want another grandson, so she asked for a girl child.

Q.9. How did Santosh think of becoming a mountaineer?

Santosh joined Maharani College in Jaipur and was staying in Kasturba Hostel. The hostel faced the Aravalli Hills. She used to see people climbing and disappearing. She tried to find out personally and met the mountaineers there who encouraged her to become a mountaineer.

Q.10. How did Santosh manage to pursue her mountaineering career?

Santosh, after meeting the mountaineers on the Aravalli hills who encouraged her to take mountaineering as a career, she got herself enrolled in Nehru Institute of Mountaineering without informing her parents. She had to join the institute on 21st May after her final exams in the college. The exams were to get over by April end. However, they got over only on 19th May. She straightway went to Uttarkashi. She wrote a letter of apology to her father as she had joined the Institute without his permission.

Reference to Context

Q1: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
There is something disarming about Maria Sharapova, something at odds with her ready smile and glamorous attire. And that something in her lifted her on Monday, 22 August 2005, to the world number one position in women’s tennis. All this happened in almost no time.
(a) What contrast does Maria present?
Ans: Maria Sharapova has a charming manner and is quick to smile. This spontaneous behaviour is at odds with her glamorous attire.

(b) What position did Maria achieve in 2005?
Ans: She became world number one in women’s tennis.

(c) How long had it taken her to reach this position?
Ans: It had taken her merely four years to reach this position.

(d) Where had Maria come from? How old was she then?
Ans: Maria had come to the USA from Siberia at the age of nine.

Q2: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
However, the rapid ascent in a fiercely competitive world began nine years before with a level of sacrifice few children would be prepared to endure.
(a) What does the phrase “rapid ascent” refer to?
Ans: The phrase “rapid ascent” refers to the short period of time in which Maria Sharapova achieved so much success.

(b) What had happened nine years ago?
Ans: Nine years ago, Maria came to the USA from Siberia to receive training in tennis.

(c) What sacrifice did Maria have to make?
Ans: Maria came to the USA with her father while her mother had to stay back in Russia.

(d) What lesson did this teach the young Maria?
Ans: Maria learnt that tennis excellence would only come at a price, and she would need to pay that price.

Q3: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States. That trip to Florida with her father Yuri launched her on the path to success and stardom. But it also required a heart-wrenching two-year separation from her mother, Yelena.
(a) How old was Maria when she came to the United States?
Ans: Maria Sharapova came to the United States when she was just nine years old.

(b) From where did she make the journey to Florida, and why?
Ans: She came to Florida from the frozen plains in Russia with the purpose of taking training in tennis.

(c) What was the ‘heart-wrenching’ thing about the journey?
Ans: The ‘heart-wrenching’ thing was that she had to part from her mother for two years.

(d) Why could her mother not accompany her?
Ans: Her mother could not accompany her because of visa restrictions.

Q4: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
“I used to be so lonely, ” Maria Sharapova recalls. “I missed my mother terribly. My father was working as much as he could to keep my tennis training going. So, he couldn’t see me either. ”
(a) What does the word ‘recalls’ in the passage imply?
Ans: The word ‘recalls’ implies that Maria is sharing her memories with someone.

(b) Why was Maria lonely at the time?
Ans: Maria was staying at the tennis academy at the time. She was only nine years old and did not speak English, so she could not communicate with the others. That is why she felt very lonely.

(c) Why did Maria’s father have to work so hard?
Ans: ‘ Maria’s father worked hard to earn enough money to pay the fees at the tennis training academy in Florida. ‘

(d) Where was Maria’s mother at the time? How long did it take for her to arrive in the USA?
Ans: Maria’s mother was still in Russia at the time due to visa restrictions. She joined her husband and Maria after two years.

Q5: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Instead of letting that depress me, I became more quietly determined and mentally tough.
(a) Where was the speaker at the time?
Ans: The speaker, Maria Sharapova, was at the tennis academy in Florida.

(b) What was ‘that’ which could not depress her?
Ans: The senior trainees in the tennis training academy in Florida bullied and tormented Maria. They would wake her up late at night and order her to tidy up the room and clean it.

(c) What was the impact of ‘that’ on her?
Ans: The bullying of her seniors made her more determined and mentally strong.

(d) What does the extract reveal about the speaker’s character?
Ans: The extract reveals that the speaker had the ability to face difficult situations boldly and not yield to adverse circumstances.

Q6: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
The straight looks and the answers she gives when asked about her ambition make it amply clear that she considers the sacrifices to be worth it. “I am very, very competitive. I work hard at what I do. It’s my job. ” This is her mantra for success.
(a) How does Maria show she is not a sentimental person?
Ans: Maria shows she is not sentimental by not talking too much about her struggle and sacrifice.

(b) What does the writer mean by “straight looks”?
Ans: The writer means that as she talks about herself, Maria looks boldly and steadily, and does not show much emotion or sentimentality.

(c) What helped Maria win the women’s singles crown at Wimbledon in 2004?
Ans: Her ambition and desire to succeed, her toughness and her competitive spirit helped Maria win the women’s singles crown at Wimbledon in 2004.

(d) Why does the writer say there is no room for sentiment in her life?
Ans: Sentiment would make her softer and less competitive.

Q7: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
“I’m Russian. It’s true that the U.S. is a big part of my life. But I have Russian citizenship. My blood is totally Russian. I will play the Olympics for Russia if they want me. ”
(a) What light does this statement throw on Maria’s character?
Ans: Maria Sharapova takes immense pride in her nationality.

(b) What does she say about the US?
Ans: Maria acknowledges the contribution of the USA, where she took training in tennis and became the world number one tennis player.

(c) Why does the speaker say, ‘My blood is totally Russian’?
Ans: Maria claims this because she was born to Russian parents in Russia. She did spend a large part of her life in the USA, but she proudly declares her Russian identity.

(d) Given a chance, what would Maria like to do for Russia?
Ans: Being a Russian and proud of her nationality, Maria would like to represent Russia in the Olympics and make them proud, if given an opportunity.

Q8: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Few would grudge her the riches she is now reaping.
(a) How is she ‘reaping’ the ‘riches’?
Ans: Maria has been declared the number one in women’s tennis. She earns a good deal of money from her game.

(b) Why would few grudge her the riches?
Ans: Everybody is aware of the fact that Maria has reached the top by making a lot of sacrifices and by working extremely hard. Hence, the riches that she is earning from her game are well deserved, and everybody readily agrees on this.

(c) Why has the word ‘reaping’ been used for riches?
Ans: The word ‘reaping’ has been used metaphorically. Just as reaping the harvest is the reward for the hard work of the farmer, similarly, earning money is the reward for Maria Sharapova’s labour and sacrifice.

(d) What, according to her, is the biggest motivation for her to do well?
Ans: The biggest motivation for Maria to do well is to become the World number one in tennis.

Q9: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Tennis is a business and a sport, but the most important thing is to become number one in the world.
(a) Why does Maria call tennis “a business”?
Ans: For Maria, playing tennis as a professional game requires following rules and regulations and hard work, just as running a business does. Also, as in business, tennis too brings profits in terms of name, fame and money.

(b) According to Maria, why is tennis also a ‘sport’ in addition to being a business?
Ans: Maria calls tennis a sport, in addition to being a business, as it gives excitement and thrill, just like other sporting events do. Every match is filled with expectations and anxiety, both among the players and the spectators.

(c) What light does the extract throw on Maria’s personality?
Ans: The extract shows that Maria is very practical and pragmatic in her views. She does not deny that winning at tennis is monetarily rewarding.

(d) Why did Maria wish to become number one in the world?
Ans: Maria’s childhood dream was to become the number one tennis player in the world. She worked very hard and made a lot of sacrifices to train herself for this feat.

Q10: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Like any number of teenage sensations, Maria Sharapova lists fashion, singing and dancing as her hobbies. She loves reading the novels of Arthur Conan Doyle. Her fondness for sophisticated evening gowns appears at odds with her love of pancakes with chocolate spread and fizzy orange drinks.
(a) What are Maria’s hobbies?
Ans: Maria’s hobbies include fashion, singing and dancing.

(b) What does Maria like to read?
Ans: Maria likes to read the novels of Arthur Conan Doyle.

(c) What contrast does Maria present in her tastes?
Ans: While Maria lists fashion as her hobby and likes to wear sophisticated evening gowns, she is also fond of junk food like pancakes with chocolate spread and fizzy orange drinks.

(d) What light does this throw on Maria’s character?
Ans: She combines the sophistication of a fashionista with the simplicity of a teenager.