MIJBIL, THE OTTER BY Gavin Maxwell

                                                    

Introduction:

Gavin Maxwell lived in a cottage in Camusfearna, in the West Highlands in Scotland. He was fond of keeping pets. After the death of his pet dog Jennie, he was too sad to think of a dog again. The author was in Basra city of Iraq on a visit. There, one of his friends presented him an otter. He took his otter to England where he had a flat of his own. He had some interesting experiences during his air journey from Basra to Paris and London.

SUMMARY—

Early in 1956, Gavin Maxwell went to Southern Iraq. He decided to keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog as the place, he was living in Camusfearna, was ringed by water. The author’s friend suggested that he should get one from ‘The Tigris Marshes’ as there were plenty of otters there.

They went to Basra to collect their mail but the author’s mail had not arrived. When his mail finally arrived, he went to his room and found two Arabs there. They had brought an otter for him.

The otter which looked more like a dragon, completely changed his life. He was covered with mud, which took months to shed. The author named it Mijbil. Aloof at first, he soon started taking an interest in his surroundings. He enjoyed playing with water in the bath tub.

Mijbil soon started answering to his name. He would play for hours with a rubber ball. He would often lie on his back and juggle with small objects between his paws. The author feared how he would fly with Mijbil to England as the British Airlines would not allow animals. Finally, he booked a flight to Paris and from there to London. Mijbil had to travel in a box.

Mijbil was not used to that and tried to get out by tearing the inner lining. In the process, he had cut himself badly and was covered with blood. The author had to take him on the flight in that very way. He took air hostess in his confidence and she advised him to keep Mijbil on his knee.

Soon Mijbil disappeared from his box and created a commotion in the plane as people thought it was a rat. Mijbil and the author stayed in London for a month. Mijbil played for hours with toys like ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber, fruits, etc. The author used to exercise Mijbil on a lead outside.

Mijbil would often take the author towards a primary school and gallop on its outer wall, much to the amusement of the pupils and distraction of the teacher. People wondered what kind of animal he was. Some thought it was a seal, others a squirrel or walrus, a hippo, a leopard etc.

The author, however, awarded the highest marks to a labourer who stared at Mijbil and demanded to know exactly what it supposed to be.

                                             SHORT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS ( 2 MARKS)

Q1. What guesses did the Londoners make about Mijbil?

Ans. The Londoners made a variety of guesses as to what kind of creature Mijbil was i.e., a baby seal, a squirrel, walrus, a hippo, a beaver, a bear cub, a leopard or a brontosaurus.

Q2.  Give an example from the text to show that Mijbil is an intelligent animal.

Ans. Mijbil’s behaviour and reactions to the circumstances throw light on the trait of intelligence in the otters in general. They have basic congeniality. And it is portrayed in his behaviour that it took him mere a day to shed his inhibitions and familiarize himself with the new surroundings. Mijbil’s intelligence and sense of logic is reflected in his turning on the tap to get a flow of water.

Q3. When did Gavin Maxwell decide to have an otter as a pet?

Ans : When Gavin Maxwell was in southern Iraq, he thought that he should keep an otter as a pet instead of a dog. The place where he was living was suitable for that experiment.

Q4.  Why did Gavin Maxwell stay in Basra for five days?

Ans :

Gavin Maxwell went to Basra to the Consulate General to collect and answer his mail from Europe. His mail did not arrive in time. He cabled to England, and when three days later, no response was received, he tried to telephone. But the exchange was closed for a religious holiday. His mail arrived five days later. So, he had to wait for a few days.

Q5. Why was Mijbil put in a box by Maxwell? Why was there silence in the box?

Ans :  The author had to come back to London. The British Airways did not allow the author to fly with an animal. So he had to go by another airline. This airline insisted that Mij should be packed in a box. When the author came, he found that there was complete silence in the box. He got scared. He saw blood coming out of the box. When he opened the box, he found Mij badly wounded. Mij had tried to come out of the box.

Q6. Why was the author not allowed to take a flight of the British airline?

Ans : The British Airways had a rule that the passengers could not fly with their pets. Mijbil was an otter. The author could not be allowed to fly with Mijbil as the rules did not permit it.

Q7. What routine did Mij follow every day while on the walk in London?

Ans : While on the walk in London, Mijbil had developed certain compulsive habits. In the street, it placed its feet squarely on the centre of each paving block. It used to touch every seventh upright of the iron railings.

Q8. How did Mij invite the attention of the teachers and the students of a primary school in London?

Ans : There was a primary school opposite to Maxwell’s house. It was a single storey building. It had a wall of thirty yards. It was only two feet in height. Mij used to jump and run over it with full speed. This always distracted the teachers and the students of the school.

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The Book that Saved the Earth

                                                                       INTRODUCTION—

 This play is set in the 25th century at the museum of Ancient History. A historian tells the students how the Earth had been invaded by Martians in the 21st century, but was saved by a book of nursery rhymes.

                                                                         SUMMARY—

This play is set in the twenty-fifth century at the museum of Ancient History. A historian tells the students how the Earth had been invaded by Martians in the twenty-first century, but was saved by a book of nursery rhymes.

The ruler of Mars, ‘Think-Tank’ was an arrogant fool. He planned to invade Earth. He confided his plan to Noodle and instructed him to gather information of where his crew was on the Earth. Noodle found out that they, i.e., Captain Omega, Lieutenant Iota and Sergeant Oop were in the Centerville Public Library. They were trying to identify the objects there, but as they had never seen books, could not identify them. Think-Tank thought that the books were a kind of crude refreshment—may be sandwiches. Iota and Omega were ordered to eat them.

Then Think-Tank guessed that it was a communication satellite. He ordered them to take vitamins to help them transcribe the code.

Omega managed to read some of the nursery rhymes like—’The Cat and the Fiddle’, ‘Mistress Mary’ and ‘Humpty-Dumpty’. Think-Tank interpreted the dreams in his own way and concluded that the earthlings were more powerful than them and that they were planning to attack them.

Think-Tank got scared and decided to migrate to Alpha Century, which was one hundred million miles away from Mars. Noodle who had become friendly with the people on the Earth, took over as the leader. In that way, a book of nursery rhymes was able to save the world.

     SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS ( 2 MARKS)

Q1.What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the books?

Ans : Noodle tells Think-Tank that books are like sandwiches. They are means of communication. These sandwiches are not for ear communication but for eye communication. The Earthlings do not listen to the sandwiches. They open them and watch them. Noodle reads out the nursery rhymes to Think-Tank from Mother Goose.

Q2. How did one old book of nursery rhymes save the world from a Martian invasion?

Ans : The Martians under the leadership of Think-Tank decided to invade the Earth. They found an old book of nursery rhymes Mother Goose. Think-Tank interpreted the rhymes in his own way. He got frightened. He concluded that the people on the Earth were more powerful and advanced than he was. He called his crew members back. Hence, the old book of nursery rhymes saved the world from a Martian invasion.

Q3. How did Think-Tank interpret the rhymes of the book ‘Mother Goose’?

Ans : Think-Tank was an arrogant fool ruling the planet Mars. After taking the vitamins they were able to read the rhymes in the book Mother Goose. He interpreted the rhymes in his own way. He concluded that the people on the Earth were more powerful and more advanced than he was.

Q4. How did the people on the Earth help the Martian people?

Ans: After the departure of Think-Tank from the Mars, Noodle was elected as the ruler of the Mars. He was an intelligent and wonderful person. The earthlings resumed contact with the Martians. They became friends and taught the Martians how to read. The people on both the planets exchanged their views and values. They established a model library in the capital city of Marsopolis.

Q5.  What ‘high levels of civilisation’ have earthlings reached, according to Think-Tank?

Ans :According to Think-Tank, the people of the Earth had made advancement in all the fields of life. They had reached the ‘high levels of civilisation’. They had taught their domesticated animals musical culture and space techniques.

Q6. Which book saved the Earth from Martian invasion and how?

Ans: Mother Goose, a nursery rhymes book, saved the Earth from the Martian invasion. Think-Tank interpreted the rhymes in his own way. He got frightened and decided to vacate the planet.

Q7. Why did Think-Tank send his crew on the Earth?

Ans : Think-Tank intended to invade the Earth. He wanted to control the Earth and put it under his rulership. He was an arrogant ruler who was hungry for power. So he sent his crew on the Earth.

Q8.  Where was the crew on the Earth? What did they find there?

Ans : The crew led by captain Omega landed on the Earth with his team. They found themselves in the Centerville Public Library amidst thousands of books. They thought the books to be sandwiches.

Q9. Why did Think-Tank decide to call the crew back?

Ans : When Think-Tank listened the nursery rhymes read out by Noodle, he concluded that the people on the Earth were more powerful and advanced. He called his crew back and gave up the idea of invading the planet.

Q10. Why did Think-Tank decide to evacuate the Martian Planet?

Ans : Think-Tank was so frightened after the wrong interpretation of the rhymes book that he not only called the crew back but decided to leave the Martian planet too. He concluded that the people on the Earth were more powerful and advanced. He thought that they might attack his planet and kill him. So, he decided to leave the Martian planet forever and shift to some far away galaxy.

8-MARK QUESTIONS

Q11. Compare the contrast the characters of Think-Tank and Noodles. What values are reflected from their characters? Which value makes Noodles better than Think‑ Tank?

Ans : Think-Tank and Noodles are the two main characters in the play. Think-Tank is an arrogant fool ruling the planet. He is very strict and cannot hear anything against himself. He thinks that he is the most intelligent and powerful person in the universe. He is an arrogant and stupid person. He has little knowledge about the things.

Noodles, on the other hand, is an intelligent and sensible character. He knows how to tackle Think-Tank intelligently. He corrects him tactfully without offending him. Noodles has some good values in his character that make him better than arrogant Think-Tank.

Q12. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?

Ans : This is a fiction which is anticipated. Time has gone five centuries ahead and the twentieth century’s period is being taken as history. The place is Mars and the Martians are speaking about the life on the Earth. In this very funny and interesting play, the character of captain Think-Tank has been depicted as a dictator or almighty who thinks himself to be on the top. He never spares his subordinates and mentions their mistakes immediately.

Every time Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank, he corrects his mistakes also. There are many instances to highlight the same. When the team of Martians on the Earth is oblivious about the object ‘Books’, captain Think-Tank claims that the books are sandwiches. At this Noodle corrects Think-Tank with utter humility by mentioning that they were not sandwiches but a means of communication. Later also, he mentions the fact that the Martians on the Earth will attain extra intelligence if they eat the vitamins provided by the chemical department but Noodle modestly corrects him and gives him the right information.

At one place when Think-Tank declares that he is never wrong and tells them to eat the sandwiches, with all humility and humbleness, Noodle tells him that sandwiches are some sort of communication device. Thus, with subtle modesty and utter humility, Noodle corrects captain Think-Tank, though he avoided his best to do the same.

Q13. Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?

Ans : This is an era of machines. Machines have occupied almost all fields of life. Yes, books are also being replaced by electronic media to some extent. Mobile phones, computers and TVs are slowly eating away books. Not only children but even adults prefer electronic media. With the world developing at such a rapid rate, the use of electronic media has become indispensable and the young generation finds more fantasy in playing games than reading books. Also the concept of electronic books (Books on Computer) makes matter easier for adults and professionals. Books cannot be done away with. Our rich cultural heritage lies in these books that can be preserved for generations to come. Books are a treasure of history and one can learn a lot by inculcating the habit of reading.

Thus, books can never be done away with totally, though electronic media has replaced the traditional books to some extent.

Q14. Why are books referred to as man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.

Ans : It is said that books are the treasure of knowledge and information. The experiences of great scholars are transferred to us through books. Reading is not only a pleasant hobby but an excellent diversion. Our leisure is utilised and we don’t fall into bad company or habit. Books provide us with intellectual feast of knowledge and improve quality of our mind. Thus, books are the best companion of man.

I have read many books and I have liked them too. But my favourite book is ‘Angels and Demons’. It is written by Dan Brown and was the first in the series of four bestsellers, including ‘The Da Vinci Code’. The plot is based on an anti‑matter bomb ticking in the core of Vatican City amidst the elections for the Pope. It is a perfect blend of history and modern science. The research involved with the book is stupendous. The scene where the Camerlango stands upon the roof of the church is etched in my memory forever. It is a must-read masterpiece and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Q15. In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians? Can you think of any incidents where you misinterpreted a word or an action? How did you resolve the misunderstanding?

Ans : Think-Tank misinterprets innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians. He interprets the rhymes in a complete verbal manner without understanding their contextual meanings. The rhyme mistress Mary makes him ponder over the discovery of the Earth. He understood that silver crops and high explosives could be grown on the Earth. When he listens to the rhyme “Hey diddle, diddle” ....... he is alarmed and is surprised to find that the earthlings are more civilised. He concluded that they had mastered space technique and were planning interplanetary attack. He screamed when he heard “Humpty Dumpty had a great fall”........ He interprets, “Had a great fall to the fall of Mars.” He was so scared that he changed his plan to capture the Earth planet.

[The remaining part of the answer may differ from student to student as it is based on personal experience.]

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Bholi

INTRODUCTION— ‘Bholi’ is the story of Sulekha. She is a young girl neglected by all. Education transforms her. It inspires courage and confidence in her. She raises her voice for her rights.

SUMMARY—

The main character of this story is a simple girl, named Bholi. Her real name is Sulekha and she is the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. She fell out of her cot when she was ten months old and probably, a part of her brain was damaged. Pretty at the time of her birth, her body was disfigured and at the age of two, by an attack of smallpox. Only her eyes were saved. As late speaker, she could not speak clearly and so children made fun of her.

 Bholi was the weakest child, while her brother and sisters were healthy. Her sisters, who were good looking, were married off and her brothers were sent to the city to study. When a primary school was opened in their village, Bholi’s father who was a revenue officer, wanted her to study there. He sent Bholi to school even though her mother protested against it.

 Dressed in new clothes, she was sent to school. Happy to see other girls there, she hoped that one of them would become her friend. The teacher asked her, her name but Bholi was too scared to answer. The teacher smilingly encouraged her to speak. She also asked Bholi to come to the school daily. She gave her a book with many colourful pictures in it. She also told Bholi that she would soon be able to read it and everyone would treat her with respect. Bholi was filled with hope.

As the village progressed, the primary school became a high school.

When Bholi was of marriageable age, her father fixed her match with a person named Bishamber, as he had a big shop, house and a large bank balance. Nearly fifty years old, he also walked with a limp. Not only that, he was a widower and had grown up children.

Bholi was not consulted when this marriage was fixed. The day of her marriage came, and Bishamber arrived with a big baraat. He was pleased with the arrangements but when Bholi’s silken veil was removed, he was shocked to see her pock-marked face.

He refused to garland her, and said that the marriage would go through only if an additional five thousand rupees were given to him. Ramlal brought the money. When Bishamber was about to garland her, Bholi flung the garland into the fire. She very clearly told her father that she would not marry that man, who was not just only old and lame but also a mean and greedy person. She took a vow never to get married. She decided that she would become a teacher and serve her parents in their old age.

Short Answer Questions ( 2-mark Question)

Q. 1. Bholi’s heart was overflowing with a ‘new hope and a new life’. What does the phrase ‘the new hope and the new life’ means?

Ans: The phrase means Bholi’s heart was overflowing with a new hope and a new life when she took a vow to serve her parents in their old age and to teach the students in the same school where she had learnt a lot.

Q. 2. For what unusual reasons was Bholi sent to school?

Ans. The Tehsildar Sahib put the responsibility of sending the girls of the village on Ramlal, the revenue official as he was the representative of the village. Ramlal had not the courage to disobey him. He also felt that there was a little chance of Bholi’s getting married due to her ugly face and lack of sense.

Q3. Why was Sulekha nicknamed Bholi?

Ans: When Sulekha was 10 months old, she fell from the cot. Due to that accident, her head and some part of brain got damaged. She also stammered. She remained a backward child. Being simple, she was nicknamed Bholi.

Q4. Why did the other children make fun of Bholi?

Ans. Some part of Bholi’s brain had got damaged when she fell from a cot at the age of ten months. This made her a little backward and simpleton. She learnt to speak a little late and stammered a lot. Thus, the children made fun of her and mimicked her.

Q5. Why was Bholi’s father worried about her?

Ans. Bholi’s father was worried about the fact how he would marry her. Not only did Bholi looked ugly due to the pock marks but also she was like a dumb cow. To top it all, she used to stammer also which caused her father to be very much concerned about her marriage.

Q6. How does Bholi become her teacher’s masterpiece?

Ans. Bholi was definitely her teacher’s masterpiece because under her guidance, she overcame her handicap of stammering. The shy and reticent child bloomed into a bold and confident girl. She was a true masterpiece because she had the courage to revolt against a social evil of dowry and refused to marry the greedy Bishamber Nath.

Q7.Bholi was believed to be a ‘dumb cow‘. What turned her into a fearless, bold and confident girl?

Everyone called Sulekha as Bholi, the simpleton. She used to stammer and her face was disfigured by pock-marks. She was not wise and not beautiful. She was ill-treated by everyone. She was sent to school as she supposedly had no future. But her education changed her personality. Her teacher’s love and affection moulded her. She became confident and bold. She knew what was good or what was bad. Her father agreed to marry her to Bishamber. But she didn’t accept to marry the lame, old and greedy man. Education had, thus, turned Bholi into a fearless, bold and confident girl. She even chose her future rightly. She told her parents that she would serve them in old age. Thus she became an inspiration for all girls and she became a teacher in the same school from where she had studied. She took a very bold decision of rejecting Bishamber.

Q8. What was the role of the teacher in transforming Bholi from an innocent girl into a bold and confident person?

Ans. The teacher played a very important role in transforming the shy and dumb Bholi into a bold and confident girl. The teacher’s kind and encouraging words helped her to overcome her handicap of stammering. It was the teacher’s untiring efforts which helped her to become so bold that she had the courage to finally refuse to marry Bishamber Nath who was much older than her and was a very greedy and contemptible person.

The metamorphosis of the innocent Bholi to a bold and confident person was because of her teacher. The teacher had definitely created a masterpiece. Under her teacher’s guidance, she bloomed as a bold and confident person. The shy and reticent child like Bholi had transformed into a bold and confident girl. She was a true masterpiece because she had the courage to revolt against a social evil of dowry and refused to marry the greedy Bishamber Nath.

The Hack Driver by Sinclair Lewis

                                                       The Hack Driver by Sinclair Lewis

INTRODUCTION— 

The story ‘The Hack Driver’ is about a man named Oliver Lutkins. He was a cunning man who was a  witness in a case, but he ignored all the summons for appearing. A young lawyer was given the duty  to find this man in New Mullion. There he met a helpful hack driver. The driver took him around the  village in search of Lutkins but was unable to find him. Later on the lawyer came to know that the hack  driver was Oliver Lutkins himself. Hence the young lawyer became the laughing stock of all.

 SUMMARY—

 This story is about a junior assistant clerk. His job was to serve summons. As he hated this work, he  thought about running away to his own home town, and become a lawyer right away. One day, he was  asked to serve summons on a man, called Oliver Lutkins as he was a witness in a law suit.

On reaching New Mullion, he found that a delivery man (hack driver) was willing to help him find him  the person in quarry. He would charge two dollars an hour for that work, as it would be very difficult to  locate Lutkins. The hackman started talking to him and said that Lutkins never parted with his money.

 Wherever they went, he told the narrator to keep out of sight, while he enquired for Lutkins. They went  to Fritz’s where Lutkins played poker and from there to a barber and then a poolroom. They were not  able to find Lutkins.

 In the afternoon as the narrator was feeling hungry, he decided to buy lunch and offered to pay for the  hack driver’s lunch also. The driver got the lunch prepared by his wife and charged him half a dollar  for it.

 Finally, the hack driver took him to Lutkin’s house. When Lutkin’s mother heard that they had come to  serve summons on her son, she seized an iron rod and marched on them. She also threatened to burn  them if they did not go away. Although the narrator was frightened, they searched all over, but were  unable to locate Lutkins. The narrator returned to his city.

As the case was coming up for hearing the next day, he was asked to go back and somehow serve  sum

On reaching New Mullion, the narrator was shocked to find that the hack driver himself was Oliver  Lutkins. Lutkins and his mother laughed at him. Feeling insulted and humiliated, the narrator served  summons on Lutkins.

Short and Long Questions

Q. 1. Why was the lawyer not happy with his job?

The lawyer was not happy with the job because he was made to deliver summons, instead of preparing legal  briefs. For that task, he had to go to dirty and shadowy corners of the city. He also feared of being beaten up by  the witnesses.

Q2.  Who was Lutkins? Did the narrator serve the summons that day? Why?

Ans. Oliver Lutkins was a man from New Mullion who was to be served a summon to testify for a pending court  case. The narrator, the lawyer who was assigned the task, was cleverly tricked by Lutkins who exploited  the gullibility of former and helped him chase himself, thus subjecting him to ridicule by the village folk.  No, the lawyer could not serve the summons that day for its obvious reason.

Q3. Who was Oliver Lutkins? How did he try to fool the young lawyer?

Ans. Oliver Lutkins was a middle-aged person from New Mullion town. He was the prime witness in a law case.  When the lawyer was sent to his town to serve the summons, he fooled him by befriending him as such a hack  driver who was willing to help him. He takes him all around the town but they were unable to find Lutkins.

Q4.  Do you think Lutkins was right in befooling the lawyer and earning money by using unfair means? What  precautions should be taken to avoid a situation like the one in which the lawyer was placed? 

Ans. No, it is not right on Lutkins part in befooling the lawyer and earning money by using unfair means. Because it is  said “Honesty is the best Policy”. But this was not applicable on Lutkin’s part. He was very cunning and daring.  He was not scared to befool the employee of law. And playing with law is never a good thing. Oliver Lutkins  had taken undue advantage of the lawyer’s gullibility and taking him around the village, chasing himself.  He charged him two dollars an hour for that work. He not only charged him money for the ‘service’ but also  subjected him to immense ridicule by his mother and village folk. Such dishonest and unethical behaviour of  Lutkins can never be endorsed.  We the readers should remember that deceptive people are all around us. We should first judge a person  thoroughly and then only trust strangers. We should be beware of such people who are always on the prowl to  grab an opportunity to cheat and not be trusted by strangers. 

Q5. What really hurt the feelings of the narrator in the story, ‘The Hack Driver’? 

Ans. The narrator was really fed up of his job. As he hated his work, he thought about running away to his own  home town and become a lawyer right away. He was always under the impression that the country people were  honest, simple and helpful. Such impression made him gullible because he was easily befooled by the hack  driver who was himself Oliver Lutkins. He took him around the village chosing himself. He not only charged  him money for the ‘service’ but also subjected him to immense ridicule of his village folk and his mother. He felt  like a fool who was easily coaxed into believing that Lutkins was someone else whereas Lutkins was with him  the whole day.  He felt really shameful of his act and realised that he should have done his homework more carefully about  finding out the details of Oliver Lutkins before hand.

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The Necklace by Guy De Maupassant

The Necklace by Guy De Maupassant

INTRODUCTION

‘The Necklace’ is a story of a middle class lady named Matilda. She was born in a clerk family and was  married to a clerk named M Loisel. She was very pretty but was disatisfied in life because of her ‘poverty’.  Once she borrowed a necklace from her friend Madame Forestier and lost it in the party. To replace the  necklace, she had to live a very miserable life. The tale is about how her desire to have more, lead to her  ruin. 

SUMMARY—

 Matilda was a pretty lady, born in a poor family. She was married to a clerk. She suffered a lot of misery  as she felt that she had been born for better things. All day, she would be daydreaming of luxurious  houses, dainty dinners, elegant dresses and beautiful jewellery.

  One day, her husband came home very happy. He had an invitation to a Ball for both of them from the  Minister of Public Instruction. He thought his wife would be happy, but she only got angry and threw the  invitation card on the table. On being asked why she reacted in such a manner, she replied that she did  not have proper dress for the party. Her loving husband gave her all the money he had set aside to buy a  gun. 

When the dress was ready, Matilda’s husband saw that still she was not happy. On being asked the reason,  she said that she had no jewels. Exasperated, her husband asked her to wear fresh flowers. When she  refused to do so, in desperation he told her to borrow jewellery from her dear friend — Mrs. Forestier.  Matilda borrowed a diamond necklace from her. She was a great hit at the party. Everyone admired her.  She danced till 4 a.m. and then went home tired, but happy.

  

On reaching home, she decided to take a final look at herself. She was terribly shocked when she found  the necklace was missing. They looked everywhere for it, but it was nowhere to be found. They went to  the police and also put an advertisement in the papers. In the meantime, they wrote to Madame Forestier  that the clasp was broken and also that they would get the necklace repaired and return it.

When the necklace was not found, they decided to replace it with a similar necklace. They bought it for  forty thousand Francs, and had to take a loan for it.

  

In order to repay the loan, they took a rented room and turned away the maid. All the household work  was done by Matilda. Mr. Loisel took up overtime work to save money. This life continued for almost  ten long years, by the end of which Mrs. Loisel looked old and scruffy.

 One day she happened to meet Mrs. Forestier who still looked young. Matilda told her the whole story.  Shocked at the story, Mrs. Forestier told her a shocking truth i.e. the diamond necklace that she had lent  to Matilda had been made of artificial diamonds and was worth only five hundred francs.

Q1. Why was Matilda always unhappy after her marriage?

Ans. Matilda’s desire to belong to the rich and affluent section of society was responsible for her downfall. If she had  accepted her condition with a smile and without any complains, she would not have to live ten long years of her  life in such object poverty.

Q2. What was Loisel’s reaction to his wife’s desire for a new dress?

Ans. The Loisels had been invited to a party at the Minister’s residence. When Matilda told her husband that she  wanted a new dress to wear, first of all he asked her to wear whatever she possessed. When she got angry and  refused to go to the party at all, he finally agreed to let her buy a new one.

Q3. How did the Loisels react when they realised that the necklace had been lost?

  Ans. As soon as they realised that the necklace had been lost, their short-lived happiness degenerated into shock of the  worst nightmare. Matilda uttered a cry. Loisel, already half undressed, arose in dismay and went immediately  on foot in search of the necklace. 

Q4. Why was Matilda sad after the ball?

Ans. The night of the ball had been the realisation of a long cherished dream for Matilda, when she was the focus of  all the attention and every eye admired her. But the happiness was short-lived and degenerated into shock of  the worst nightmare when she discovered that the necklace was missing from her attire. Her mind was ridden  with forebodings of how she would face Madame Forestier and pay up for the loss.

Q5. What changes came into the life of the Loisels after borrowing money?

Ans. After borrowing money, a lot of changes came in the life of the Loisels. They had to do away with the maid  and Matilda had to do all the household chores. She had to carry down the refuse to the street and carry water  upstairs. She had to do all the shopping from the market after a lot of haggling. Her husband also had to work  hard. He worked in the evenings and sometimes even at night. Thus, their life changed drastically.

Q6. People should always try to live within their means. Aspirations have no limits but one should never  forget the ground realities. Elaborate on the basis of the chapter, “The Necklace”. ( 8 Marks)

It is very essential for a person to live a contented life. He should believe in simple living and high  thinking. Not everyone is born with a golden spoon in his mouth. With honesty and hardwork we can  always achieve our best. A person will never be happy if he keeps craving for what he doesn’t have. In  this way, he may ruin even his present.  This world is in deed made of materialistic things. But we should never run after that. In this story, Matilda  always ran behind her unlimited desires and wants. As a result, she had completely ruined her life. She  didn’t care for her loving middle-class husband. But she was running after her fantasies. She always  thought beyond her limits. For the minister’s party she could have gone in her simple clothes, but she  insisted on buying new dress for four hundred francs which her husband gave her. Then she longed for  jewellery, which she borrowed from her friend for the party. She borrowed a diamond necklace and lost  it. For repaying the diamond necklace to the friend, she had to sacrifice many years of her life, as well as  her husband’s whole income. She should have known that a person’s goodness and character makes one  beautiful and not the beautiful dresses and attire.

Q7. What was the cause of Matilda’s ruin? How could she have avoided it?  ( 8 Marks)

OR 

What could have happened to Matilda if she had confessed to her friend that she had lost her necklace?

 Ans. Matilda made a great mistake by borrowing a diamond necklace from her friend Madame Forestier to wear in  the party. It was a beautiful one. No doubt Matilda looked pretty and became a centre of attraction in the party.  Everybody admired her and her necklace. But all the happiness was very short-lived. Because on reaching home  after the party, she realized that her diamond necklace was lost. Mr. Loisel became nervous, he went back on  his foot to search for it on the track they had come from. He made a report to the police, he investigated from  all cab offices and even put an advertisment in newspapers, offering a reward. But all was in Vain. She and her  husband borrowed huge sum of money to replace the necklace which cost them thirty-six francs. In order to  repay the huge loan, they had to live a miserable life for ten long years.

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The Making of a Scientist

 The Making of a Scientist

                 By Robert W. Peterson

INTRODUCTION—

 The lesson is about the great scientist Richard H. Ebright. He had a habit of collecting butterflies, rock fossils and coins since he was a kid. He started scientific research on the study of butterflies. His curiosity and will to win for the right reasons made him a successful scientist.

SUMMARY—

‘The Making of a Scientist’ is the incredible story of Richard Ebright, a scientist who has done wonders in the field of science. He was the only child of his parents, who had a great fascination for butterflies, right from when he was very young. His mother always encouraged him and he soon had a wonderful collection of fossils, rocks, coins and butterflies. Guided by Dr. Urgu Hart, he started tagging Monarch butterflies, but when there was no feedback, he started losing interest. Right from the eighth grade, he started doing real experiments. He soon started winning award after award. He then realised the importance of cells and showed how a cell would divide and develop into normal butterfly wing-scales. He won the first prize at the International Fair. Then he got a new blue print of its DNA. DNA is the blueprint for life. Other than Science, Ebright was a good debater, canoeist as well as an expert photographer.

Short Answer Questions

Q. 1. What lesson did Ebright learn when he could not win a prize at the science fair?

                                                                                 OR

What lesson did Ebright learn when in the seventh grade he entered a country science fair?

Ans. When Ebright could not win a prize at the science fair, he learnt that winners do real experiment, they don’t simply display slides. Then he started conducting experiments. It was definitely a stepping stone towards his success. His competitive nature, his extra efforts and the will to win for the right reasons made him a successful scientist.

Q2. How did Ebright’s mother help him?

Ans. Ebright’s mother was a great help to him. She always encouraged his interest in learning and finding more. She took him out on trips. In fact, she also bought him a telescope, a microscope, cameras, mounting materials and other equipment that helped him in many ways.

Q. 3. How did Ebright’s mother help him to become a scientist?

Ans. Richard’s mother was a vigilant parent who keenly observed her child, identified his interests and inclinations and channelized his energies in the right direction. She very deftly kept him occupied with learning activities which was a constructive use of the leisure time. She bought him books to kindle his curiosity and thus provided the impetus towards scientific interests. She, thereby, played a significant role in ‘The Making of a Scientist’.

Q4. What experiments and projects did Ebright undertake?

Ans. Richard Ebright decided to conduct real experiments after he did not win anything in the science exhibition. He tried to find the cause of a viral disease that kills nearly all Monarch caterpillars every few years. After that, he also began his research into the discovery of an unknown insect Monarch.

 Q5. Why did Richard Ebright raise a flock of butterflies?

Ans. Richard Ebright as a child had developed a keen interest for collecting things like rocks, fossils, coins and butterflies. By the time he reached his second grade, he had collected all the twenty-five species of butterflies found in Pennsylvania. He also started tagging the Monarch’s at the behest of the author Dr. Tredrick A. Urgu Hart.

Q6. What were the factors which contributed in making Ebright a scientist?

Ans. Richard Ebright had some innate character traits that are the pre-requisites for the making of a scientist. He had, besides an intelligent mind, the curiosity to seek information, keen observing powers, perseverance, patience as well as self-discipline, which are the basic requirements for any scientific research. And the credit also goes to his mother for recognizing his inclinations and curiosity. She not only encouraged and supported him, but also provided the required stimulus through books and other materials.

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Footprints Without Feet By H. G. Wells

                                                                Footprints Without Feet

                                                                     By H. G. Wells

INTRODUCTION—

This story is about a scientist who discovered how to make himself invisible. As he was afraid of being discovered in London, where he had committed some crimes, he ran away to a remote village. However, he ran out of money and resorted to robbery, using his advantage of invisibility.

SUMMARY—

Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He carried on experiments for years to prove that human body could become invisible. He swallowed certain rare drugs and became an invisible person. He had a quarrel with his landlord. In revenge, he set fire to the house. He removed his clothes, became invisible and got away without being seen. He began to wander about the streets of London, without clothes, without money and invisible.

He happened to be in some mud. As a result, his footprints were left behind as he walked. Two boys were fascinated by the footprints without feet. They followed the foot-marks. However, Griffin easily dodged them.

It was mid-winter. The air was bitterly cold and he was without clothes. When the cold became unbearable, he slipped into a big London store. When the store was closed, he broke open boxes and found warm clothes for himself. On wearing them, he became a visible person. He found cold meat and coffee in the kitchen. Then he took sweets and wine. At last, he slept on a pile of quilts. When he woke up the next morning, the assistants had already arrived, he got nervous and began to run. They chased him. Then he quickly took off his clothes, became invisible and escaped from there.

This time he entered a theatre company. He made his way upstairs. Nobody could see him because he was invisible. A little later when he came out, he was wearing bandages round his forehead, dark glasses, false nose, big bushy six whiskers and a large hat. He attacked the shopkeeper from behind and robbed him of all that he could find.

Griffin was eager to get away from crowded London. He went to the village of Iping and booked two rooms at a local inn. His uncommon appearance attracted everybody’s attention. Mrs. Hall, the landlord’s wife made every possible effort to be friendly with him. But he told her frankly that he had come there to work in solitude and did not want to be disturbed. She was satisfied. She thought he was an eccentric scientist. Moreover, he had paid the rent in advance. When his stolen money was spent, he admitted that he had no ready cash. He said that he was expecting a cheque and then he would make the payment. Thus, he satisfied the landlord.

Griffin took off his clothes and became invisible. He entered the clergyman’s home with an intention to steal money from there. The clergyman and his wife woke up when they heard noises in the studyroom. The clergyman entered the room with a poker in his hand. To his surprise the room appeared to be empty. He and his wife searched everywhere, but there was no trace of the burglar. Yet the desk had been opened and the money had been stolen.

That morning the landlord and his wife got up early. They were surprised to find the scientist’s door wide open, because it was usually shut and locked and he did not allow anybody to enter his room. When they entered the room, they found the scientist missing. The clothes and bandages, that he always wore, were lying in the room. In the meantime, the invisible scientist entered the room. He attacked Mrs. Hall with the bedroom chair. She and her husband left the room in terror.

Mrs. Hall was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits. She held the strange scientist responsible for that. The neighbours felt that the trouble was caused by witchcraft. When they came to know of the burglary at the clergyman’s home, they suspected the strange scientist. Their suspicion was strengthened when he suddenly produced some ready cash because only a day before, he had admitted that he had no money.

They secretly sent for the village constable. When Mrs. Hall saw the scientist emerging from his empty room, she demanded explanation. The scientist became furious. He threw off his bandages, whiskers, spectacles and false nose. The space above his shoulders was now empty. The people in the bar were horrified to see a headless man.

In the meantime, Mr. Jaffers, the constable, arrived there. He was surprised to find that he had to arrest a headless man. He tried to get hold of the man who was becoming invisible. The constable was struggling with someone whom he could not see at all. Some people who tried to assist him also received blows from the invisible scientist. The constable was knocked unconscious. Griffin had shaken himself free. In their nervousness, people tried to hold him, but they did not know from where to catch him.

Short Questions and Answers

Q1. How did Griffin enjoy himself inside a big London store?

Ans. Griffin slipped into a big London store to save himself from the unbearable cold. He drank and wore warm clothes. He found cold meat, coffee and sweets there. At last, he slept on a pile of quilts and enjoyed himself.

Q2. What extraordinary things happened at the inn?

Ans. The landlord and his wife found the scientist's door open. The scientist was missing. Suddenly, Mrs. Hall heard a sniff and saw the hat on the bedpost leapt up. The chair in the room started moving automatically. These things made people furious.

 Q3. Why did Mrs. Hall find the scientist eccentric?

Ans. Mrs. Hall found the scientist eccentric because he had arrived at the inn in winter, which was an unusual time for any visitor to arrive there. His appearance was that of a stranger. He did not like to speak to Mrs. Hall, rather he wanted to be left alone undisturbed.

Q4. What did the Halls see in the scientist’s room?

Ans. On seeing the door of the scientist’s room open, the Halls went inside to investigate. They saw that the bed clothes were cold, his clothes and bandages were lying loose in the room. Suddenly, they heard a sniffing sound although they could no one in the room. The Halls got terrified and decided to leave the room.

  

Long Questions and Answers

Q1.Describe Jaffer’s fight with Griffin at the village of Iping.

Ans. Griffin entered the clergyman’s house with an intention to steal money. He opened the desk and stole the money. When people came to know about the burglary, they suspected the stranger. They secretly sent for the village constable, Mr. Jaffers to confirm their suppicion. The scientist became furious and threw off his bandages, whiskers, spectacles and false nose. Mr. Jaffers was surprised that he had to arrest a headless man. He tried to get hold of the man who was becoming more and more invisible. The constable was struggling with someone who could not be seen at all. Some people tried to assist him but received blows. The constable was knocked unconscious and Griffin escaped from there, and no one knew where to lay hands on him.

Q2. Griffin is a talented scientist but he misused his invention. The lesson we learn from his example is that the misuse of a scientific discovery can play havoc with humanity. Explain.

Ans. A true scientist works for the good of humanity. He wants to make man's life easier, more comfortable and enjoyable. He doesn't misuse his discoveries for personal gains or selfish ends. But Griffin, though a brilliant scientist, misuses his discovery. By his experiments, he has been able to make his body transparent and invisible. He uses his discovery to puzzle people, enters stores and shops unseen, robs people of their money or things and escapes. He sets fire to the house of his landlord. He steals food, sweets, wine etc. It shows that the misuse of a scientific discovery can disturb the peace of society. Such a scientist will use his invention for self-interest and for taking revenge upon the people around him, he won't honour the law and thus will become a lawless person.

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Announcement for Students.

Dear Students,

On Feb 22nd, I shall update ' Footprints Without Feet'  from 5th chapter onwards  at sharp 8 pm. Till then, all of you study Prose, Poetry and Long Answer ( 8 Marks) , which I have already uploaded on my blog.

Learn by heart all 2-mark questions and understand 8-Mark answers and write down value points.
For 8-mark questions, write in at least 3 paragraphs.  For Each paragraph write a heading and underline it. 

On Sunday Feb 23rd, I shall upload some sample formal letters and stories for your reference. 

For any urgent consultation, kindly call or whatsapp me on 8668212505. 

Good Luck,
Monotosh Dey

TEA FROM ASSAM

TEA FROM ASSAM

INTRODUCTION—

 This is a very short description of Assam, a Northern-Eastern State in India. This state is famous for its tea plantations. In this extract Pranjol, a youngster from Assam is Rajvir’s classmate at a school in Delhi. Pranjol’s father is a manager of a tea-garden in upper Assam and Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation.

 QUICK REVIEW—

‘Tea from Assam’ is an interesting story about tea, its history and significance. Two boys Rajvir and Pranjol are travelling to Assam. Rajvir tells Pranjol that over 8,00,000,000 cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the world. The train passes through green hills with a sea of tea bushes as far as can be seen. Rajvir is very excited but Pranjol, who has been brought up on a plantation, does not share his excitement. Rajvir then tells him about the various legends—Indian and Chinese—behind tea. He tells him how a Chinese emperor by chance discovered tea back in 2700 BC. Another story was about how ten tea plants grew out of eyelids of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist ascetic. These words ‘Chai’ and ‘Chini’ are Chinese words. It was only in the sixteenth century that tea came to Europe. By now, they had reached Marian junction where they got down and set off for Dhekiabari Tea Estate. On both sides of the road, there were tea bushes with women plucking tea leaves. Pranjol’s father told Rajvir that he would tell them many more things about tea plantation.

 Q1. Why was Rajvir excited to see the tea gardens?

OR

       What made Rajvir amazed on the way?

Ans. Rajvir found the view outside the train splendid and eye catching with a lot of greenery. It was his first visit to Assam and he was fascinated by the sprawling tea gardens, spreading like the green sea of neatly pruned bushes and found it more interesting to watch, than reading his book on detectives.

Q2. What legends are associated with the origin of tea?

Ans. According to Chinese legend, once a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water and gave a delicious flavour: According to the Indian legend, Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditation and threw them on the earth. Ten tea plants grew out of those eyelids. When he boiled them in water and drunk that water, it banished his sleep.

Q3.What is the Chinese legend regarding tea?

Ans. The Chinese legend about tea is that there was a Chinese emperor who had the habit of boiling water before drinking it. Once, a few twigs of the leaves burning under the pot fell into the water and gave it a delicious flavour. Those leaves were tea leaves.

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