Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 4 In the Kingdom of Fools English

November 22, 2014, 7:08 am

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Chapter 4 In the Kingdom of Fools Moments English NCERT Solutions

Page No: 27

Think About It

1. What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the Kingdom of Fools?

Answer

The two strange things that the guru and his disciple observe in the kingdom of fools are:
► Every sleeps during the day and carry out their work at night
► The cost to purchase anything from the market was the same, one duddu (one rupee).
Whether it was a measure of rice or a bunch of banana it cost the same

2. Why does the disciple’s decide to stay in the Kingdom of Fools? Is it a good idea?

Answer

The disciple decided to stay in the Kingdom of Fools because he was delighted that everything cost a single duddu and everything was very cheap. All that he wanted was good and very cheap food.

According to the Guru, staying there was not a good idea as they were all fools and so he felt this situation would not last long and was not sure about what they would do in the future.

3. Name all the people who are tried in the king’s court, and give the reasons for their trial.

Answer

Following people were tried in the king’s court:
► The merchant whose house was burgled: Because his house’s wall was weak and it fell
upon the burgular and killed him
► The bricklayer who built the wall: Because he built a wall which was weak and which
collapsed killing the burglar
► The dancing girl: Because she distracted the bricklayer with her jingling anklets by
walking up and down the road where bricklayer was laying the wall
► The goldsmith: Because he didn’t complete the dancing girl’s order on time and so she
had to go to the goldsmith a dozen times.
► The merchant whose house was burgled (second time): because his father persuaded the
goldsmith to finish his order first thereby delaying the dancing girl’s order. Since the
merchant’s father died, the merchant had to be executed in his father’s place
► The disciple: Because the merchant was too thin to be executed by the newly made stake
and a fat man was required to fit the stake. The disciple was very fat, hence he was
caught

4. Who is the real culprit according to the king? Why does he escape punishment?

Answer

The real culprit according to the king is the merchant because although his old father was the real murderer he was dead and someone had to be punishment in his place.

He escapes the punishment because he is too thin to be properly executed on the stake.

5. What are the Guru’s words of wisdom? When does the disciple remember them?'

Answer

The guru’swords of wisdom were that it was the city of fools. He advised the disciple to leave the city because he would not know what they would do next.
The disciple remembers this when he was going to be executed.

6. How does the guru mange to save his disciple’s life?

Answer

The guru tries to confuse the king by expressing his desire to be killed first. Then to further confuse the king he tells the story of becoming the king in the next incarnation. Apparently it may sound like a case of pure lie to save your dear one’s life. But if we go deeper consciously or unconsciously the sage is trying to save everybody’s life in the kingdom. Ultimately he is able to pull everybody out of the misery of living in the kingdom of fools.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 5 The Happy Prince English

November 22, 2014, 7:08 am

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Chapter 5 The Happy Prince Moments English NCERT Solutions

By Oscar Wilde

Page No: 36

Think About It

1. Why do the courtiers call the prince ‘the Happy Prince’? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?

Answer

The courtiers called the prince ‘the Happy Prince’ because he was always happy. When he was alive, he did not know what tears were for he lived in a palace where sorrow was not allowed to enter. However, when he died and was made into a statue, he was not happy and tears flowed down his eyes on seeing the state of his city. He could see all the misery and ugliness of the city around him.

2. Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress’ house?

Answer

The Happy Prince sent a ruby for the seamstress as she was extremely poor and could not feed her child who was suffering from fever.
The swallow, on being persuaded by the prince, went to the seamstress’s house. She had fallen asleep so the swallow kept the ruby on the table where the woman worked. He then flew round the bed fanning the boy’s forehead with his wings. This made the boy feel relaxed and he went to sleep.

3. For whom does the prince send the sapphires and why?

Answer

The Happy Prince sent the sapphires for two people: the young writer across the city and the matchgirl.
The young writer was trying to finish a play for the Director of the Theatre. However, he was too cold to write anymore, there was no fire in the grate and hunger had made him faint. He sent the sapphire to the young playwright so that he could sell it to the jeweller, buy firewood, and finish his play. On seeing the sapphire, the young man felt appreciated and believed that he could finish his play.
The Happy Prince then saw a little matchgirl who was standing in the square just below him. She had let her matches fall in the gutter because of which they were all spoiled. The prince knew that her father would beat her if she did not bring home some money. When the swallow slipped the jewel into the palm of the little girl’s hand, she ran home happy and laughing.

4. What does the swallow see when it flies over the city?

Answer

When the swallow flew over the city it saw the stark contrast of plenty and poverty. It saw rich men making merry oblivious to the plight of the poor down the lane. It saw the nadir of condition of poor when they are denied even a sound sleep by police patrolling the street.

5. Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?

Answer

Since the price had given away the two sapphires of his eyes, he had become blind. Therefore, the swallow decided to stay with the prince always. It can be inferred that the swallow was so touched by prince’s kindness that he decided to stay back rather than flying to Egypt and be with his friends. What this suggests is that kind hearted people always attract friends who will stay with them forever.

6. What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious?

Answer

The precious things mentioned in the story are the leaden heart of the happy prince and the dead bird. They are precious because both the happy prince and the swallow were very kind, generous and selfless. The prince could not bear to see the ugliness, misery and suffering in his city and so gave away all his precious stones and gold to make his people happy.

Similarly the swallow sacrificed his trip to Egypt and acted as the prince’s messenger carrying the precious stones and gold to the needy spreading happiness around. When the prince was blind he still loved him so much that he never left him even though it kept getting colder and colder with winter approaching. Finally when he could no longer bear the cold he died at the feet of the statue and the statue loved him so much that its leaden heart broke into two.

That is why when God asked one of the angels to bring him the two precious things in the garden the angel took the leaden heart and the dead bird and God said that in his garden of Paradise the little bird shall sing for ever more and in the city of gold the Happy Prince shall praise God.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 6 Weathring the Storm in Ersama English

November 22, 2014, 7:08 am

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Chapter 6 Weathering the Storm in Ersama Moments English NCERT Solutions

By Harsh Mander

Page No: 42

Think About It

1. What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?

Answer

The cyclone brought heavy rains and strong winds. As a result, majority of the houses had blown away and only the strong cement houses were spared. Dirty water covered the land as far as the eye could see. Many people lost their lives. There were floating human bodies and bloated animal carcasses all around. Even the strongest of the trees had been uprooted. The scenes were gruesome. Many people lost their relatives and many children had become orphans. There was shortage of food. People were sad and helpless and a pall
of gloom had descended on the people all around.

2. How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village?

Answer

Prashant helped the people of his village by first getting a grip over himself because he was initially shocked on witnessing the after effects of the cyclone. He decided to step in as the leader of his village. He organized a group of youths and elders to jointly pressurize the merchant to given rice for the people living in the shelter. He was successful in this task. His next task was to organize a team of youth volunteers to clean the shelter and to tend to the wounds of the people who had been injured because of the cyclone.
Prashant also brought a number of orphaned children together and constructed a polythene shelter for them. While women were mobilized to look after them, the men secured food and other essentials for the shelter. When he realised that the women were becoming too grief-stricken, he persuaded them to start working in the food-for-work programme, which was initiated by an NGO. He also organized sports events for children.

3. How have the people of the community helped one another? What role do the women of Kalikuda play during these days?

Answer

The people of the community got together and began to help one another under the leadership of young Prashant. Together they pressurised the merchant to part with his rice for the people in the shelter. They gathered branches from fallen trees and lit a fire, on which they cooked rice for all to eat.

When the military helicopter dropped some food parcels but did not return, the youth task force gathered empty utensils from the shelter and made the children lie in the sand with the utensils on their stomachs to communicate to the passing helicopters that they were hungry. The message went through and the helicopter made regular rounds of the shelter, airdropping food and other basic needs.

Women were mobilized to look after the orphans, while the men secured food and materials for the shelter. Inspite of being grief sticken the women started working in the food-for-work programme started by an NGO.

4. What do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows? Why alternatives do they consider?

Answer

The plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows was resisted because it was believed that in such institutions children will grow up without love and affection and widows would suffer from stigma and loneliness. Instead, Prashant and his group suggested that the children and widows should be resettled in their own community where they can get a homely environment. They suggested setting up of foster families
made up of childless widows and children without adult care.

Page No: 43

5. Do you think Prashant is good leader? Do you think young people can get together to help people during natural calamities?

Answer

Yes, Prashant is a very good leader. Though he himself was too grief-stricken, he got a hold of himself and decided to step in as the leader of the village. He carried out his role effectively and helped the people of his village in every possible manner.
Yes. Young people can definitely get together to help people during natural calamities and otherwise. They can use their strength and vigour to help people.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 7 The Last Leaf English

November 22, 2014, 7:07 am

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Chapter 7 The Last Leaf Moments English NCERT Solutions

By O. Henry

Page No: 48

Think About It

1. What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?

Answer

Johnsy was suffering from pneumonia. Only the willingness to live could cure her. She had made up her mind that she was not going to get well. The doctor said that if she did not want to live, then medicines would not help her.

2. Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?

Answer

Yes, I think the feeling of depression Johnsy is very common among teenagers. Because of the present lifestyle, teenagers are under constant pressure to outperform in every field. They are burdened with studies and the anxiety of future. They are also subjected to a lot of parental and peer pressure. Along with all this, they are also expected to behave in a certain manner as deemed appropriate by the society. Most of the times, they are unable to bear so much of stress and end up being depressed.

3. Behrman has a dream. What is it? Does it come true?

Answer

Behrman was a sixty year old painter. His lifelong dream was to paint a masterpiece. It does come true when he paints a leaf such that it looks extremely natural. He painted the last leaf left on a creeper.

4. What is Behrman’s masterpiece? What makes Sue say so?

Answer

Berhman’s masterpiece was the last leaf on the ivy creeper. Sue calls it masterpiece because this painting rekindled the willingness to survive in Johnsy’s heart and she was able to recover from her illness. Johnsy thought that she would die when the last leaf fell from the ivy creeper. But Berhman spent an entire night in a heavy storm to paint a fresh green leaf. Berhman suffered from pneumonia because of getting drenched while painting and eventually died. However, on seeing that leaf Johnsy thought it was real and got a feeling of self-belief. She realized she could get well if she wanted to and came out of her illness.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 8 A House is not a Home English

November 22, 2014, 7:38 am

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Chapter 8 A House is not a Home Moments English NCERT Solutions

By Zan Gaudioso

Page No:54

Think About It

1. What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does she do?

Answer

One Sunday afternoon, the author noticed a strange smell. Then he saw smoke pouring in through the seams of the ceiling and filling the room very quickly. They could barely see anything. By the time they ran out into the front yard, the roof was already engulfed in flames and was spreading very quickly.
His mother ran back into the house. She had brought out a small metal box full of important documents. She wanted to bring out important things from the house one by one. She was in a ‘crazed state’.

2. Why does he break down in tears after the fire?

Answer

After the fire, he broke down into tears because it suddenly struck him that he was suffering a big loss. He realized that his cat could not be seen anywhere. Then, everything hit him at once − the new school, the fire, and his cat. That was when he broke down and cried.

3. Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?

Answer

The author is deeply embarrassed the next day in school because when the fire broke out, he was still wearing the dress he had worn to church that morning but he had no shoes as he had lost them in the fire. So he had to borrow some tennis shoes from his aunt. He was totally embarrassed by everything. The clothes he was wearing looked weird, he had no books or homework, and his backpack was gone.
Words used in the lesson that show his fear and insecurity are “…outcast and geek…” , “…like a zombie.”, “…wanted to curl up and die.” , “Everything felt surreal”, “All the security…had all been ripped away”.

4. The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?

Answer

The author had great affection towards his cat. He cried inconsolably when he couldn’t find his cat after the fire. He would regularly go to the site of his house in the hope of finding the cat. He remembered how the cat would crawl into his pocket and fall asleep and missed her terribly.
The cat was so freaked by the fire and ran a mile away from the house. One woman found her and took her in. She located the author’s number on the cat’s collar. However, she couldn’t reach them as the phone had been disconnected because of the fire. The woman then made personal efforts to find the author and returned back the cat.

Page No: 56

5. What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and people, and comfort him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish and how does he start participating in life?

Answer

The schoolmates showed genuine concern for the author in spite of not knowing him well. They helped him by collecting supplies, books and clothes for him. People whom he had never spoken to before started coming to him and befriending him. They also called him to their houses. The author made new friends. He was overwhelmed by their love and cooperation. He realized that his new school and new people around him were good. He stopped focusing on his feeling of fear and insecurity and became confident that
everything will be alright.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 9 The Accidental Tourist English

November 22, 2014, 7:34 am

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Chapter 9 The Accidental Tourist Moments English NCERT Solutions

By Bill Bryson

Page No: 60

Think About It

1. Bill Bryson says, “I am, in short, easily confused.” What examples has he given to justify this?

Answer

Bill Bryson claimed that he was easily confused. Many times he went looking for the lavatory in a cinema and ended up standing in an alley on the wrong side of a self-locking door. He said that his specialty was returning to hotel desks two or three times a day and asking what his room number was. That is why he said that he was easily confused.

2. What happens when the zip on his carry-on bag gives way?

Answer

His fingers get hurt by the zip. He is bleeding profusely. All belongings in his bag are flying across the floor of the waiting hall of the airport. He seems to be making a mockery of himself and of civilized way of behaving at a particular place.

3. Why is his finger bleeding? What is his wife’s reaction?

Answer

His finger is hurt by getting stuck in the zip of his bag. His wife is astonished by the way he has created a mess all around himself.

4. How does Bill Bryson end up in a “crash position” in the aircraft?

Answer

Once on board a flight, Bryson leaned over to tie his shoelaces. At the same moment, someone in the seat in front of him threw his seat back into full recline and Bryson was pinned helplessly in the crash position.

5. Why are his teeth and gums navy blue?

Answer

On one occasion while on a plane, Bryson was writing some notes in his notebook and kept sucking on the end of his pen. The pen had leaked and his gums, teeth, tongue and chin were all coloured with navy blue ink.

6. Bill Bryson “ached to be suave”. Is he successful in his mission? List his ‘unsuave’ ways.

Answer

No, he is not successful in his mission. He would love just once in his life to rise from a dinner table without looking as if he had experienced an extremely localised seismic event, get in a car and close the door without leaving 14 inches of coat outside, wear light-coloured trousers without discovering at the end of the day that he had at various times sat on chewing gum, ice cream, cough syrup and motor oil.

7. Why do you think Bill Bryson’s wife says to the children, “Take the lids off the food for Daddy”?

Answer

Bill Bryson’s wife asked the children to take the lids off the food for Bill because if Bill had tried to do that himself, then he might have taken it off in such a manner that the lid would be flying away to some part of the plane and the food might spill all over the place.

8. What is the significance of the title?

Answer

The title is significant because it is about a man who travels and lot and is always confused. He gets into trouble because of his acts which are not deliberate. The story depicts humorous travel experiences – like being pinned in a crashed position, spilling drink on a co-passenger, his gums and teeth covered in ink, etc. – when the author accidently gets into trouble. Thus, the title is apt for this story.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 10 The Beggar English

November 22, 2014, 7:46 am

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Chapter 10 The Beggar Moments English NCERT Solutions

By Anton Chekhov

Page No: 67

Think About It

1. Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?

Answer

Lushkoff became a beggar by circumstance. Formerly, he sang in a Russian choir, but was sent away for drunkenness. This led him to beg.

2. What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?

Answer

Lushkoff said that since he was fired for being an alcoholic, he had to tell lies. And, if he told the truth no one would give him anything.

3. Is Lushkoff a willing worker? Why, then, does he agree to chop wood for Sergei?

Answer

No, Lushkoff is not a willing worker. He agrees to chop wood for Sergei not because he was hungry and wanted work but because of his pride and shame and since he had been trapped by his own words. His strength had been undermined by drinking too much vodka and he was unhealthy and did not feel the slightest inclination to do any work.

Page No: 68

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

Answer

When Sergei got Lushkoff to work for him the first time, he wasn’t a willing worker. But after chopping wood for Sergei and helping him move houses, Sergei noticed that Lushkoff had developed a willingness to work. On seeing this, Sergei felt content that his advice had brought Lushkoff on the right path and that he wouldn’t have to beg again for a living. If Sergei had not helped Lushkoff, he’s have lied on the streets begging.

5. Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?

Answer

Lushkoff was obliged to Sergei because if he had not come to Sergei, then he might still have been calling himself a teacher or a student. He would have been begging. By listening to Sergei, he had changed his ways. He was a notary and earned thirty five roubles a month.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 1 How I Taught My Granmother to Read English

November 22, 2014, 9:46 am

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Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother To Read Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By Sudha Murty

Page No:6

4.(a) The grandmother could relate to the central character of the story 'Kashi Yatre' as __________.
(i) both were old and uneducated
(ii) both had granddaughters who read to them
(iii) both had a strong desire to visit Kashi
(iv) both were determined to learn to read

Answer

(iii) both had a strong desire to visit Kashi

Page No: 7

(b) Why did the women at the temple discuss the latest episode of 'Kashi Yatre'?
(i) to pass their time
(ii) the writer, Triveni, was very popular
(iii) they could relate with the protagonist of the serial
(iv) women have a habit of discussing serials

Answer

(ii) the writer, Triveni, was very popular

(c) The granddaughter found her grandmother in tears on her return as__________.
(i) the grandmother had been unable to read the story 'Kashi Yatre' on her own
(ii) the grandmother had felt lonely
(iii) the grandmother wanted to accompany her granddaughter
(iv) she was sad she could not visit Kashi

Answer

(i) the grandmother had been unable to read the story 'Kashi Yatre' on her own

(d) Why did the grandmother touch her granddaughter's feet?
(i) As a mark of respect to her teacher
(ii) It was a custom in their family
(iii) Girls should be respected
(iv) She had read the story of 'Kashi Yatre' to her

Answer

(i) As a mark of respect to her teacher

5.(a) What made Triveni a popular writer?

Answer

Triveni was a popular writer because of her style of writing was very easy-to-understand and also convincing. Moreover, she used to write on the complex psychological problems in the lives of common people which was another reason of her popularity.

(b) Why did the grandmother depend on her granddaughter to know the story?

Answer

The Grandmother depended on her granddaughter to know the story for two reasons. The first one was that she did not go to school and hence she couldn't read. The second one that she was too embarrassed to ask anyone else.

(c) Pick out two sentences which state that the grandmother was desperate to know what happened in the story.

Answer

1) I waited eagerly to written.
2) I even taught off going to the village and asking you to read for me.

(d) Could the grandmother succeed in accomplishing her desire to read? How?

Answer

Yes, The grandmother succeed in accomplishing her desire to teach her to read as she wanted to be independent so she said a deadline for herself and with determination she learnt the Kannada alphabet when she was 62 years old.

(e) Which of the following traits would be relevant to the character of the narrator's grandmother?
(i) determined
(ii) selfish
(iii) emotional
(iv) mean
Give reasons for your choice.

Answer

(i) determined
Give reasons for your choice.
The grandmother was indomitable and sincere to learn the Kannada alphabet. She set Saraswati Poojaas the deadline to accomplish her resolution. “Avva was a wonderful student” as the narrator tells in the story. She not just used to do her homework with all her sincerity but even used to read, repeat, write and recite. She was determined to be independent and wanted to be literate. She always regretted not being educated and thus with the help of her granddaughter she learnt to read and write Kannada alphabet and even received the novel Kashi Yatre as a reward from her granddaughter.

Page No: 8

6.Here are some direct quotations from the story. Identify the speaker and write what each quotation suggests about the speaker. You can use the adjectives given in the box and may also add your own.

Answer

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Class 9th NCERT Solution: Ch 2 A Dog Named Duke English

November 22, 2014, 8:05 pm

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Chapter 2 A Dog Named Duke Literature Reader English NCERT Solution

By William D. Ellis

Page No: 18

4.(a) With reference to Hooper, the author says, "Every thing was going for him", What does it imply?
(i) He had everything that a man aspires for.
(ii) People admired him.
(iii) He did what he wanted.
(iv) He was capable of playing games.

Answer

(i) He had everything that a man aspires for.

(b) Duke never jumped on Chuck again because _____________.
(i) Duke was paralysed and unable to jump
(ii) Chuck was angry with Duke for jumping at him
(iii) Duke realized that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself
(iv) Marcy did not allow Duke to come near Chuck

Answer

(iii) Duke realised that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself.

(c) The author says that Duke 'knew his job'. The job was _____________.
(i) to look after Chuck
(ii) to get Chuck on his feet
(iii) to humour Chuck
(iv) to guard the house

Answer

(ii) to get Chuck on his feet

(d) "_______ even Duke's presence didn't reach Chuck ". Why?
(i) Duke was locked in his kennel and Chuck couldn't see him.
(ii) Duke hid himself behind the bed post.
(iii) Duke had come to know that Hooper was not well.
(iv) Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain.

Answer

(iv) Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain.

Page No: 19

5. (a) In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. Explain.

Answer

In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. Standing Six-foot-one, he’d played on the university
football team. He was already a hard-charging zone sales manager for a Chemical company.

(b) They said that they would create a desk job for Hooper at headquarters.
(i) Who are 'they'?
(ii) Why did they decide to do this?

Answer

(i) ‘They’ refer to the seniors of Hooper who were working for the same chemical company Hooper used to work for.

(ii) Hooper had met with an accident and was critically ill suffering from a subdural haemorrhage. He remained on the critical list for a month. After five weeks when the men from his office came to visit him, they told him that they would create a desk job for him at headquarters because they knew his left side was completely paralyzed and he would not be able to move around.

Answer

Duke was an extra-ordinary dog with special qualities, when chuck came from the hospital, Duke jumped on him and he knew instantly that he was never to jump on him again. From that movement he took up a post behind master’s bed around the cloak. Duke encouraged his master to get up by poking his nose under Chuck’s elbow and lifting it up. He also nudged, needled and snorted. Finally chuck and duke began walking together with Duke pulling at the leash and holding taught so that Chuck could be supported and he could be supported and he could take one step forward. What began as one step at a time culminated
in Chuck walking by himself.

(d) What problems did Chuck present when he returned to the company headquarters?

Answer

Chucks moving back to the company's headquarters presented several tough problems. Looking at the way he had fought to get back to his normal life, no one had the heart to tell him that he would not be able to handle his old job. Yet it was impossible to work as a salesman if you can't move about and can work for just one hour in a day.

(e) Why do you think Charles Hooper's appointment as Assistant National Sales Manager is considered to be a tribute to Duke?

Answer

Charles Hooper’s appointment as assistant national sales manager is considered to be a tribute to Duke because just as Duke helped chuck to walk again step by step Chuck’s appointment advanced the objectors of the company step by step.

6.Following dates were important in Charles Hooper's life in some way. Complete the table by relating the description with the correct dates.

January 4, March 1, June 1, October 12

Date	Description
	News spread that Hooper and Duke had made it to an intersection
	Hooper walked independently from the clinic to the branch office
	Hooper planned to start a full day's work at office
	Duke met with a fatal accident

Answer

Date	Description
June 1	News spread that Hooper and Duke had made it to an intersection
January 4	Hooper walked independently from the clinic to the branch office
March 1	Hooper planned to start a full day's work at office
October 12	Duke met with a fatal accident

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Class 9th NCERT Solution: Ch 3 The Man who knew too Much English

November 23, 2014, 12:32 am

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Chapter 3 The Man who knew too Much Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By Alexander Baron

Page No: 25

3. The 'Professor' knew too much. How did he prove himself? Fill up the space with suitable examples from the story, using the given clues:

(a) about muzzle velocity:

(b)after a thirty mile walk:

(d) the loud sound of a high flying invisible aeroplane:

(e) about hand grenades:

(f) during cook house duties:

Answer

(a) Once a Sergeant was describing the mechanism of a service rifle, “The muzzle velocity or speed at which the bullet leaves the rifle is well over two thousand feet per second.” On this, The Professor interrupted and corrected the Sergeant, “Two thousand, four hundred and forty feet per second.

(b) he Professor drilled with enthusiasm and on route marches he was not only miraculously tireless but also extremely hearty and enthusiastic. At the end of a thirty miles walk he would ask the others if they would like to sing a song much to the chagrin of his colleagues.

(c) The Professor's salute at the pay table was a model to behold. Whenever there were officers in sight he would swing his skinny arms and march to the canteen like a Guardsman.

(d) The soldiers used to pride themselves on aircraft recognition. Once, while all were out for a walk, they heard the drone of a plane flying overhead. The sun was glaring and none of them could see the plane. But The Professor didn’t need even a sight of the plane and announced, “That of course, is a North American Harvard Trainer. It can be unmistakably identified by the harsh engine note, due to the high tip speed of the airscrew.” The rest felt like louts and felt out of place with Private Quelch.

(e) One afternoon Corporal Turnbull was taking a session on hand grenades. The Corporal began by telling about how the outside of a grenade is divided up into a large number of fragments to assist segmentation. However, The Professor interrupted by pointing out with the exact number of fragments, which was 44, and went on suggesting that Corporal should have started his lecture by first explaining the five characteristics of the grenade. In reaction the Corporal let Quelch take the lecture. After The Professor was through and all had fallen in, Corporal Turnbull assigned Private Quelch, the permanent cookhouse duties. Of course, it was a joke for days afterwards; a joke and joy to talents.

(f) The Professor was assigned by Corporal Turnbull for 'permanent cook house duties'. One day while the narrator and his friend Trower were returning from the canteen to their own hut, they saw through the open door three cooks standing against the wall as if at bay. From within they heard the monotonous yet familiar voice of the Professor .He was criticizing the cooks for their abominably unscientific and unhygienic method of peeling potatoes. According to hims it was a sure waste of the vitamin value of the potatoes.

Page No: 26

4. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options.

(a)Private Quelch was nick-named 'Professor' because of _________.
(i) his appearance
(ii) his knowledge
(iii) his habit of reading
(iv) his habit of sermonising

Answer

(iv) his habit of sermonising

(b) One could hammer nails into Corporal Turnbull without his noticing it because ________.
(i) he was a strong and sturdy man
(ii) he was oblivious to his surroundings
(iii) he was a brave corporal
(iv) he was used to it

Answer

(i) he was a strong and sturdy man

(c) The author and his friend Trower fled from the scene as ____________.
(i) they had to catch a train
(ii) they could not stand Private Quelch exhibiting his knowledge
(iii) they felt they would have to lend a helping hand
(iv) they did not want to meet the cooks

Answer

(ii) they could not stand Private Quelch exhibiting his knowledge

5. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) What is a 'nickname'? Can you suggest another one for Private Quelch?

Answer

A nickname is a name that may be given to somebody in addition to the person's actual name. This nickname may represent the person's unique traits or his intellect.
'Mr. Knowledgeable' could be another one for Private Quelch as he had knowledge of all the things by heart.

(b) Private Quelch looked like a 'Professor' when the author first met him at the training depot. Why?

Answer

Private Quelch was a lanky, stooping man who frowned through horn rimmed spectacles and so was nick named 'Professor'.

(c) What does the dark, sun-dried appearance of the Sergeant suggest about him?

Answer

The Sergeant was as dark and sun-dried as raisins. He wore North-West Frontier Ribbons. He was to deliver a lecture on the mechanism of a service rifle. His appearance spoke much about him. He appeared to be a man who had dedicated his whole youth serving army. His ribbons reflected valour and gallantry.
He was not a man to be fooled around or impressed easily, a man not to be incited with anger.

(d) How was Private Quelch's knowledge exposed even further as the Sergeant's classes went on?

Answer

Quelch not only corrected sergeant’s knowledge of the rifle but he could answer all the questions directed
towards him. He was particularly very good with technical definitions.

Page No: 27

(e) What did the Professor mean by "intelligent reading"?

Answer

By "intelligent reading" the Professor means to do a thorough study and have all knowledge available on a particular subject. For instance, if one is studying about 'the mechanism of a service rifle', one must know every detail-technical definitions, the parts of the rifle, its uses and care, muzzle velocity everything by heart.

(f) What were the Professor's ambitions in the army?

Answer

Professor Quelch wanted to race ahead of allhis batch in getting commission. His first step was to get a stripe.

(g) Did Private Quelch's day to day practices take him closer towards his goal? How can you make out?

Answer

Quelch was highly ambitious, very diligent,brainy but his strategy to impress his instructors, backfired. In pursuit of showing off his own knowledge, he irritatedand tried to belittle his instructors. He rudely interruptedthem infront of the squad and exhibited his knowledge. No wonder he is relegated to the back quarters of the kitchen house.

(h) Describe Corporal Turnbull.

Answer

Corporal Turnbull had a great reputation ofbeing tough and was not the one to be rubbed the wrong way. The squad were in awe of him and it was believedthat one could hammer nails into him and the fellow would not even wince. He was young and had recently come from Dunkirk.

(i) How did Private Quelch manage to anger the Corporal?

Answer

Private Quelch was a much learned student. He loved to exhibit his knowledge and he cared little of how people around him responded. Once, when Corporal Turnbull was taking a lesson on hand grenade, The Professor went on correcting him on the number of segments that a hand grenade is divided into and also The Professor suggested him, as an expert on the subject, on how Corporal should have started his lecture. Turnbull, though a calm person on the exterior, was a man not to be trifled with. Although he did not react at first and patiently let Quelch take the lecture. However, he took his revenge in the end of the class by assigning Private Quelch permanent cookhouse duties. The episode, of course, was to become a popular joke among the whole platoon.

(j) Do you think Private Quelch learnt a lesson when he was chosen for cookhouse duties? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer

Private Quelch was conceited and satisfied inhis own cocoon. He was totally indifferent to what others thought about him. When he was relegated to cook house duties, he might have felt bad temporarily but he would never change. It is evident from his lecture in the cookhouse, that some thickheads are too thick to change.

6. At first, Private Quelch was a hero in the eyes of his fellow soilders. Support this observation with suitable examples from the story in about 100 words.

Answer

In the beginning of the training, when all interacted with Private Quelch, they thought him to be far intelligent than any ordinary fellow. However, it was only with the passage of time they came to know the other side of the truth. No doubt, The Professor was a rapacious reader and his intelligence was admirable and the knowledge he acquired was not ordinary; however, the fashion in which he exhibited his learning not just annoyed his mates but also let him down in front of his seniors. Not just this, Quelch became an object of mockery and was laughed at by fellow soldiers.
In the first lecture that the platoon had in musketry, The Professor pointed out the exact figure of the muzzle velocity at which a bullet leaves a rifle, two thousand, four hundred and forty feet per second.
Even during the training marches of the battalion, Private Quelch never ran out of enthusiasm and was tireless. He used to work hard; he had brains and was sure to get a commission before long. He would stay up late at nights reading borrowed training manuals. He was a hero in the eyes of every soldier. All admired him for his knowledge and the spirit he had. However, this all lived not long and soon all lived in terror of The Professor. He would publicly correct anyone who made a mistake. Quelch was so condescending that he was disliked by all.

7. Private Quelch knew 'too much'. Give reasons to prove that he was unable to win the admiration of his superior officers or his colleagues in about 100 words.

Answer

Although Private Quelch was far knowledgeable than his fellow soldiers, he was little admired and more disliked. He always exhibited his learning without being asked for and had uncanny habit of correcting any and everybody. He did not spare his seniors as well, who came to deliver lectures to the platoon. He did it first with the Sergeant who came to deliver a lecture on the mechanism of a service rifle and later in the class of Corporal Turnbull who was taking lesson on hand grenade. Although he always had been correct with the facts he gave, he was not appreciated for his condescending nature. He tried best to impress his seniors with his knowledge and know how, he forgot that they were his seniors after all and had much experience of life and far better knowledge of technicalities of any subject. The Sergeant though did not say much to The Profesor; Corporal Turnbull did not miss his chance and assigned Private Quelch permanent cook house duties to teach him lesson. Thus, the great knowledge that The Professor possessed doomed him and became the reason for him being disliked by all.

8.

(a) Write down the positive and negative traits of Private Quelch's character instances from the story.

	Positive traits	Instances from the story
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

	Negative traits	Instances from the story
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Answer

	Positive traits	Instances from the story
(i)	He was very hardworking.	He sat up reading books till late night.
(ii)	He was very confident.	He had the guts to interrupt his instructors like the sergeant and even Corporal Turnbull.
(iii)	He was blessed with an excellent memory.	He could remember technical definitions and other information very precisely.
(iv)	He appeared most enthusiastic and tireless.	He could think of a song, even after 30 miles of walk.

	Negative traits	Instances from the story
(i)	He was not pleasent in his looks.	He always had a frown, was lanky and stooped.
(ii)	He was very condescending to his team-mates.	He would pretend to help and show off in the bargain.
(iii)	He was tactless and ill-mannered.	He rudely interrupted his instructors and pretended to have superior knowledge than them.
(iv)	Quelch’s worst flaw was his tendency to overshadow others.	He needlessly tried to show his knowledge, belittle and humiliate others.

(c) Attempt a character sketch of Private Quelch using your notes in about 100 words.

Answer

Private Quelch, just another soldier in the platoon, who thought not so of himself; too much learned to be a student, he was called ‘The Professor’ by his mates.He had thorough knowledge about almost everything.He had an ambition to get commission in the army. He borrowed training and studied them till late in the night. He corrected the Sergeant and answered all his questions promptly and correctly. He gave an excellent lecture when asked by Corporal Turnbull. His salute at the pay table was a model to behold. The orderly officer praised him generously because Quelch kept his hut meticulously clean. He was tireless after long route marches and liked to sing. He surprised his colleagues by recognizing an aircraft by its harsh noise that others could not recognize.

Writing Task

9. You are the 'Professor'. Write a diary entry after your first day at the cookhouse, describing the events that led to this assignment, also express your thoughts and feelings about the events of the day in about 175 words.

Answer

Dear Diary
Sunday
23rd November 2014

Today was my first day in cookhouse. It was not so bad as It thought earlier. I felt greatly depressed and dejected when I was assigned permanent cook house duties for no fault of mine.Never in my mind I had imagined that I’ll be punished for my knowledge. I didn’t want to annoy the corporal by exhibiting my knowledge of the subject. My sole aim was to excel in my field because being an orphan I had struggled a lot and wanted to do something big in my life.However, I will do my every task perfectly. I saw that they were peeling off potatoes which was unhygenic and also noticed a thing that they did not use different khadais for different dishes and the quality of rice was also not so good. I will try to improve these things in after days. I will also try to get out of here and proceed to my ambition to get a stripe.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 4 Keeping It From Harold English

November 23, 2014, 6:49 am

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 5 Best Seller English

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Chapter 4 Keeping It From Harold Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By P.G. Wodehouse

Page No: 39

3. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.

(a) Mrs Bramble was a proud woman because __________.
(i) she was the wife of a famous boxer
(ii) she had motivated her husband
(iii) she was a good housewife
(iv) she was the mother of a child prodigy

Answer

(iv) she was the mother of a child prodigy

(b) "The very naming of Harold had caused a sacrifice on his part." The writer's tone here is __________________.
(i) admiring
(ii) assertive
(iii) satirical
(iv) gentle

Answer

(iv) gentle

(c) Harold had defied the laws of heredity by ______.
(i) becoming a sportsperson
(ii) being good at academics
(iii) being well-built and muscular
(iv) respecting his parents

Answer

(ii) being good at academics

Page No: 40

(d) Harold felt that he was deprived of the respect that his classmates would give him as _________.
(i) they did not know his father was the famous boxer, 'Young Porky'
(ii) his hero, Jimmy Murphy had not won the wrestling match
(iii) he had not got Phil Scott's autograph
(iv) Sid Simpson had lost the Lonsdale belt

Answer

(i) they did not know his father was the famous boxer, 'Young Porky'

4. Answer the following questions

(a) What was strange about the manner in which Mrs. Bramble addressed her son? What did he feel about it?

Answer

Mrs. Bramble always referred to herself in the third person and treated ten-year-old Harold as a baby. He
would feel irritated and wished that his mother would give him due credit of being a grown-up boy who had won prizes in spellings and dictation.

(b) Why was it necessary to keep Harold's father's profession a secret from him?

Answer

Harold’s father was a professional boxer but Harold was a scholarly child with a very gentle and sophisticated behaviour. Mr. Bramble and his wife considered that boxing was an inferior profession and it may become difficult for Harold to accept the image and qualities of his father as displayed by any professional boxer. Hence, they thought it was necessary to hide his father’s profession from him.

(c) When Mr. Bramble came to know that he was to become a father what were some of the names he decided upon? Why?

Answer

Mr. Bramble expressed a desire that the child should be named John after Mr. John L. Sullivan and if it was a girl, then she should be named Marie, after Miss Mary Lloyd.

(d) Describe Mr. Bramble as he has been described in the story.

Answer

Mr. Bramble was thirty one years old, of athletic built and weighed eight stone four. There was no one whom
he could not defeat in the twenty round contest of boxing. Very famous, his feats in the ring were well known. But by nature he was too timid and could never have his way with his wife. He was a very devoted and an overprotective father.

(e) Why was Mrs. Bramble upset when she came to hear that Bill had decided not to fight?

Answer

Although Mrs. Bramble did not like her husband's profession as a boxer, she didn't want him to quit because it earned them good money and made it possible for them to educate Harold. If he beat Murphy at the final match, he would win prize money of five hundred pounds .Even if he lost, he would still get a hundred and twenty, and this money would have been a blessing because it was enough to give Harold a better start in life.

(f) Who was Jerry Fisher? What did he say to try and convince Bill to change his mind?

Answer

Jerry Fisher was Bill’s trainer and he had been working hard at White Hart to train Bill for the boxing match, scheduled next week. Jerry tried to tempt Bill with the prize money and when he failed then he tried to emotionally blackmail him. If Bill withdrew, even Jerry’s career and reputation as a trainer would suffer. All the hard work they had put in together would go down the gutter.

(g) How did Harold come to know that his father was a boxer?

Answer

Jerry Fisher, Mrs. Bramble and her brother were trying to convince Bill not to back out from the fight. When Harold entered, Jerry Fisher told him the truth that his father was a professional boxer.

(h) Why was Harold upset that his father had not told him about his true identity? Give two reasons.

Answer

He was very upset with his father for not telling him his true identity for two reasons.

(i) Harold was very hurt to know that his parents kept such a secret from him.

(ii) Harold felt that he had missed the golden chance of winning respect and being the subject of envy of his classmates if they had known that his father was the famous boxer, ‘Young Porky’.

(i) Do you agree with Harold's parents decision of hiding from him the fact that his father was a boxer? Why/Why not?

Answer

I agree with Harold’s parents’ decision of hiding from him the fact that his father was a boxer. Parents always think for the well being and good caring of children. They considered that a professional boxer was looked upon as a low-profile entertainer, and most of the people in the society did not respect a boxer. Therefore, they had a very good intention about their plan to keep it away from harold.

5. The sequence of events has been jumbled up. Rearrange them and complete the given flowchart.

1) Major Percy and Bill come to the house.

2) Harold comes to know that his father is a boxer.

3) Bill tells his wife that he is doing it for Harold.

4) Jerry Fisher tries to convince Bill to reconsider.

5) Mrs. Bramble is amazed to think that she has brought such a prodigy as Harold into the world.

6) Harold wants to know what will happen to the money he had bet on Murphy losing.

7) Mrs. Bramble is informed that Bill had decided not to fight.

8) Mrs. Bramble resumes work of darning the sock.

9) Harold is alone with his mother in their home.

Answer

Here is the correct sequence:

(9) Harold is alone with his mother in their home.

(5) Mrs. Bramble is amazed to think that she has brought such a prodigy as Harold into the world.

(8) Mrs. Bramble resumes work of darning the sock.

(1) Major Percy and Bill come to the house.

(7) Mrs. Bramble is informed that Bill had decided not to fight.

(3) Bill tells his wife that he is doing it for Harold.

(4) Jerry Fisher tries to convince Bill to reconsider.

(2) Harold comes to know that his father is a boxer.

(6) Harold wants to know what will happen to the money he had bet on Murphy losing.

Page No: 41

6. Choose extracts from the story that illustrate the characters of these people in it.

Person	Extracts from the story	What this tells us about their characters
Mrs. Bramble	(Para 12) “Bill we must keep it from Harold”	She was not honest and open with her son; concerned mother
Mr. Bramble	(Para 33)
Percy	(Para 109)
Jerry Fisher	(Para 110)

Answer

Person	Extracts from the story	What this tells us about their characters
Mrs. Bramble	(Para 12) “Bill we must keep it from Harold”	She was not honest and open with her son; concerned mother
Mr. Bramble	(Para 33) “The scales have fallen from his eyes”	Mr. Bramble was a caring father; he chose his son over his profession
Percy	(Para 109) “My dear sir...a father’s feelings.”	A man who understood a father’s feelings well; a little dramatic
Jerry Fisher	(Para 110) “Tommy...’Young Porky’.”	Blunt; did not care about how his words might affect the relation of a father and his son.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 5 Best Seller English

November 23, 2014, 7:41 pm

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 6 The Brook English

≪ Previous: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 4 Keeping It From Harold English

Chapter 5 Best Seller Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By O. Henry

Page No: 51

3. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.

(a) The narrator says that John was "______ of the suff that heroes are not often lucky enough to be made of." His tone is sarcastic because __________.

(i) he hated John

(ii) he felt that John was a threat to him

(iii) John was not particularly good-looking

(iv) nobody liked John

Answer

(iii) John was not particularly good-looking

(b) Pescud felt that best-sellers were not realistic as____________.

(i) American farmers had nothing in common with European princesses

(ii) men generally married girls from a similar background

(iii) American men married girls who studied in America

(iv) American men did not know fencing and were beaten by the Swiss guards

Answer

(ii) men generally married girls from a similar background

(i) he is a bully

(ii) his manager was a bully

(iii) he was being bullied by his co-workers

(iv) he was doing very well at his job

Answer

(iv) he was doing very well at his job

Page No: 52

(d) The narrator says that life has no geographical bounds implying that __________.

(i) human beings are essentially the same everywhere

(ii) boundaries exist only on maps

(iii) one should work towards the good of mankind

(iv) he was happy to travel to other countries

Answer

(i) human beings are essentially the same everywhere

4. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) One day last summer the author was travelling to Pittsburg by chair car. What does he say about his co-passengers?

Answer

The compartment was full of affluent people, men and women, sitting in their chair-cars. Women were fashionably dressed in brown silk dresses with laces and veils. Men appeared to be travelling on account of
business.

(b) Who was the passenger of chair No.9? What did he suddenly do?

Answer

The passenger of Chair No. 9was a man from Pittsburgh named John, an old friend of writer.

He suddenly threw his book between his chair and window. The name of book was the 'The Rose Lady and Trevelyan', one of the bestselling novels of the present day.

Answer

Pescud believed that the stories about best-sellers were not realistic. The themes revolved around
romances between royals and commoners, fencing, imaginative encounters and all the stuff that never happens in real life. In real life, one would always select a prospective bride from a similar background.

(d) What does John say about himself since his last meeting with the author?

Answer

John, since his last meeting with the author was on the line of general prosperity. He had his salary doubled twice and had bought “a neat slice of real estate.” His company was to sell him some shares of stock the coming year. Much settled in life, he had even taken some time off to experience some romance of which he tells the author next.

(e) How did John's first meeting with Jessie's father go? What did the author tell him?

Answer

John’s first meeting with Jessie’s father was successful, since it set the tone for a possible alliance in
future. John not only made his proposal, stated his intentions in clear terms, but also made Jessie’s father
laugh with his anecdotes and stories.

(f) Why did John get off at Coketown?

Answer

Jessie had fancied some petunias in one of the windows and she wanted to plant them in her new house. So Pescud thought of dropping at Coketown to dig or get some cuttings of flowers for her.

(g) John is a hypocrite. Do you agree with this statement? Substantiate your answer.

Answer

Yes, I believe that John is a hypocrite. The word hypocrite means the person tries to shows what he is not. John is such type of man. He said that he did not believe in the romance portrayed in best sellers. He believed the stories too good to be true. However, his own story was fantastical. His wife, the only daughter of the oldest family in Virginia, met him, an ordinary travel salesman of a plate glass company, in a journey where he would have least expected to find his life partner. Their courtship also was too fantastical, and even after all the episode, the fashion in which Pescud criticised love stories of best sellers proves him to be a hypocrite.

(h) Describe John A. Pescud with reference to the following points:

Physical appearance ............................................................................................

His philosophy on behaviour ...............................................................................

His profession ......................................................................................................

His first impression of his wife ...........................................................................

His success ..........................................................................................................

Answer

Physical appearance: John was not particularly good looking

His philosophy on behaviour: A man should be decent and law abiding in her/his hometown

His profession: A travelling salesman for a plate glass company

His first impression of his wife: A very fine girl, whose job was to make this world prettier just by residing in it

His success: Much successful John had had his salary raised twice in the previous year and his company was to give him a few shares as well.

5. Complete the flow chart in the correct sequence as it happens in the story.

Hint: it begins from the time John Pescud first saw Jessie till the time they marry.

(1)	Jessie takes a sleeper to Louisville.
(2)	Pescud sees a girl (Jessie) reading a book in the train.
(3)	Pescud speaks to the girl (Jessie) for the first time.
(4)	Pescud follows her but finds it difficult to keep up.
(5)	Pescud goes to the village to find out about the mansion.
(6)	Jessie arrives at Virginia.
(7)	Pescud meets Jessie's father.
(8)	They get married a year later.
(9)	Pescud instantly gets attracted to the girl (Jessie)
(10)	Jessie informs Pescud that her father would not approve of them meeting.
(11)	They meet alone two days later.

Answer

(2)	Pescud sees a girl (Jessie) reading a book in the train.
(9)	Pescud instantly gets attracted to the girl (Jessie)
(1)	Jessie takes a sleeper to Louisville.
(4)	Pescud follows her but finds it difficult to keep up.
(6)	Jessie arrives at Virginia.
(5)	Pescud goes to the village to find out about the mansion
(3)	Pescud speaks to the girl (Jessie) for the first time.
(10)	Jessie informs Pescud that her father would not approve of them meeting.
(7)	Pescud meets Jessie's father.
(11)	They meet alone two days later
(8)	They get married a year later.

Page No: 53

6. Irony refers to the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of their literal meaning. Working in pairs, bring out the irony in the following:

(a) The title of the story, “The Best seller”.

Answer

The Best Seller is supposed to be most popular and likeable. But John Pescud throws the best seller “The Rose Lady and Trevelyan” to the floor of the chair car. He later says that all bestsellers have the same unrealistic romantic stories.

(b) Pescud's claim, “When people in real life marry, they generally hunt up somebody in their own station. A fellow usually picks out a girl who went to the same high-school and belonged to the same singing-society that he did.”

Answer

Pescud told the author that unlike the stories of the bestsellers, in real life people marry somebody in their own place. Someone who has been educated in a similar type of school and has grown up in a similar background. Yet the irony behind his claim is seen in his own life history. The moment he saw the unknown girl on the train, he fell in love with her, without much knowledge about her. He followed her to her destination and even after finding out that she lived in Elmcroft, Virginia, in a 50 room mansion, belonged to the oldest family in the state and her father was a descendent of the belted Earls he did not give up his pursuit. In spite of coming from totally different walks of life-he being an ordinary travelling salesman, their paths met and he went on to marry her.

Answer

Trevelyan is the hero of the bestseller novel “The Rose Lady and Trevelyan.” Pescud condemns such best sellers and makes fun of its unrealistic characters. But at the end of the story, the author calls Pescud a Trevelyan because he had behaved almost like the hero of the bestseller.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 6 The Brook English

November 24, 2014, 12:26 am

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 7 The Road Not Taken English

≪ Previous: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 5 Best Seller English

Chapter 6 The Brook Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By Lord Tennyson

Page No: 60

4. After reading the poem answer the following questions.

Answer

(b)

Answer

(c) A word or a combination of words, whose sounds seems to resemble the sound it denotes (for example: “hiss”, “buzz”, etc.) is called onomatopoeia. From the words that you have filled in the blurbs above, point out these words.

Answer

Bicker, Chatter, Babble

Page No: 61

5. The following is a flow chart showing the course of the brook. Can you fill in the blank spaces with help from the phrases given below?

Answer

6. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) The message of the poem is that the life of a brook is ___________.
(i) temporary
(ii) short-lived
(iii) eternal
(v) momentary

Answer

(iii) eternal

(b) The poet draws a parallelism between the journey of the brook with ___________.
(i) the life of a man
(ii) the death of man
(iii) the difficulties in a man's life
(iv) the endless talking of human beings

Answer

(i) the life of a man

(c) The poem is narrated in the first person by the brook. This figure of speech is ________.
(i) Personification
(ii) Metaphor
(iii) Simile
(iv) Transferred epithet

Answer

(i) Personification

(d) In the poem, below mentioned lines:
"And here and there a lusty trout ,
And here and there a grayling"
suggest that _____________.
(i) the brook is a source of life
(ii) people enjoy the brook
(iii) fishes survive because of water
(iv) the brook witnesses all kinds of scenes

Answer

(i) the brook is a source of life

Page No: 62

7. Answer the following questions.

(a) How does the brook ‘sparkle’?

Answer

The brook sparkles because of the sun’s rays which shine on its water. The sudden emergence or rush of the brook is shown to be in a sparkling motion.

(b) ‘Bicker’ means ‘to quarrel’. Why does the poet use this word here?

Answer

‘Bicker’ means a noisy discussion or an argument. The poet uses the word ‘bicker’ to describe the noisy flow of the brook as it flows through the valley as it sounds like quarrel.

(c) How many hills and bridges does it pass during is journey?

Answer

The brook passes thirty hills and fifty bridges during its journey.

(d) Where does it finally meet the river?

Answer

The brook finally meets the river near Phillip’s farm.

(e) Why has the word ‘chatter’ been repeated in the poem?

Answer

The word ‘chatter’ has been repeated in the poem because it represents the sound frequently made by the flowing brook. It seems that the brook talks about its journey that it has travelled throughout in a lively mood.

(f) With many a curve my banks I fret’- What does the poet mean by this statement?

Answer

The brook becomes tired occasionally as it has to curve and move round and round, again and again.

(g) ‘I wind about, and in and out.' What kind of a picture does this line create in your mind?

Answer

The brook does not flow in a straight line but veers and twists itself along its way. It creates a picture of flowing waters of the brook resembling a maze or whirlpool.

(h) Name the different things that can be found floating in the brook.

Answer

The different things that can be found floating in the river are pumice, flowers, wood chips, foamy flakes, bark of trees, twigs and leaves.

(i) What does the poet want to convey by using the words ‘steal’ and ‘slide’?

Answer

By using the words ‘steal’ and ‘slide’, the poet refers to smooth and noiseless movement of the brook.

(j) The poem has many examples of alliteration. List five examples.

Answer

Five examples of alliteration in the poem are:
‘Sudden sally’
‘Field and fallow’
‘Willow-weed’
‘Golden gravel’
‘Slip, slide’

(k) ‘I make the netted sunbeam dance.’ What does ‘the netted sunbeam’ mean? How does it dance?

Answer

The sunrays filtering through the leaves and bushes make a net-like pattern on shallow water-pools. They are reflected on the surface of water and appear to be dancing as the water flows.

(l) What is the ‘refrain’ in the poem? What effect does it create?

Answer

In the referred poem, the refrain is:
‘For men may come and men may go
But I go on for ever.’
The repetition of the refrain emphasises the transitory nature of man and the eternal nature of the brook.

8. Read the given lines and answer the questions
I chatter, chatter, as I flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

(a) Who does ‘I’ refer to in the given lines?
(b) How does it 'chatter'?
(c) Why has the poet used the word 'brimming'? What kind of a picture does it create?
(d) Explain the last two lines of the stanza.

Answer

(a) ‘I’ refers to the brook in the given lines.
(b) The brook chatters by flowing over the pebbles making a lot of meaningless noise.
(c) ‘Brimming’ means full to the brim or top. It creates an impression on our mind of the picture of a big river in flood.

(d) These lines tell us that men have a short span of life; man is mortal and human life is transient. The life of the brook, however, is continuous and will never end. Nature is immortal and can outlive man. That is why the brook says it will go on forever. The immortal nature of the brook is contrasted with the fleeting nature of man's life.

9. Identity the rhyme scheme of the poem.

Answer

The rhyme scheme is ab ab cd cd .....

10. The poem is full of images that come alive through skilful use of words. List out any two images that appeal to you the most, quoting the lines from the poem.

Answer

The first vivid image created by the poet is that
of the brook flowing through hills and valleys, under the
bridges and by the villages.
By thirty hills I hurry down
Or slip between the ridges
By twenty thorpes, a little town,
And half a hundred bridges.
The second striking image is that of serpent. Like flow of the brook, with flowers and fish floating on it. This image is most appealing because it is apt, colourful and poetic.

11. The brook appears to be a symbol for life. Pick out examples of parallelism between life and the brook.

Answer

The brook appears to be a symbol for life, which becomes the central theme of the poem. Various instances that can be seen in the poem which draw parallel between brook and life.
The brook is a small stream that is born in somemountain. It grows bigger and stronger in the course of its
journey. It makes so many types of sounds as it flows through the pebbles. Its movements are also varied. It slips and slides; it steals and winds its curves and flows. It chatters and babbles, it makes musical as well as harsh sounds. The brook’s birth and growth, chattering and babbling are very much similar to the activities of a human being. The brook represents life in general. Both have an origin, a middle stage and an end. Both struggle against various adversities, odds and keep moving towards their goal. Above all, the brook represents life. Men may come and men may go, but life goes on forever. The same rule applies in the case of the brook. It keeps flowing eternally, like life.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 7 The Road Not Taken English

November 24, 2014, 4:18 am

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 8 The Solitary Reaper English

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Chapter 7 The Road Not Taken Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By Robert Frost

Page No: 66

7. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) In the poem, a traveler comes to a fork in the road and needs to decide which way to go to continue his journey. Figuratively the choice of the road denotes ______________________.
(i) the tough choices people make the road of life
(ii) the time wasted on deciding what to do
(iii) life is like a forest
(iv) one must travel a lot to realize his dreams

Answer

(i) the tough choices people make the road of life

(b) The poet writes, 'Two roads diverged in a yellow wood.' The word diverged means
_______________.
(i) appeared
(ii) curved
(iii) branched off
(iv) continued on

Answer

(iii) branched off

(c) The tone of the speaker in the first stanza is that of ______________.
(i) excitement
(ii) anger
(iii) hesitation and thoughtfulness
(iv) sorrow

Answer

(iii) hesitation and thoughtfulness

8. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) Describe the two roads that the author finds.

Answer

One road was a beaten track. Many people had walked on it. It was lost in the small shrubs. The other road was grassy and unspoiled.

(ii) Which road does the speaker choose?

Answer

The poet chose the road that was less travelled because it had the better claim. It was grassy and not many people had used it.

(iii) Which road would you choose? Why?

Answer

I will chose the less travelled road because I want to judge myself test myself and check my capability. I like adventure and would want to explore new facets. I am always enthusiastic for venturing into something absolutely new, uncommon and unknown to the rest of the world.

(iv) Does the speaker seem happy about his decision?

Answer

There is a certain ambiguity here. The speaker seems happy and satisfied when he says - “And that has made all the difference.” However, the sigh just before this makes us question his happiness.

(v) The poet says “I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” What is ‘the difference’ that the poet mentions?

Answer

When the poet came to the cross roads, he had a choice. He could take the road travelled by many or he could take the road less travelled. He decided to take the road less travelled knowing fully well that once the choice was made, it was permanent and there was no turning back. That 'choice' he had made, according to him, has changed his life. It may have brought him success, happiness and fulfillment. The choice that he made at that time affected his future. That choice made all the difference to his life.

9. Find the rhyme scheme of the poem.

Answer

The rhyme scheme of Poem is a b a a b

Page No: 67

10. Fill in the blanks to complete the following paragraph that deals with the theme of the poem. Use the words given in the box below:

decision	sorry	foresee	choices
pleasant	direction	fork	trail
rewarding	chance	wonder	both

The poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost is about the ___________that one makes in life. It tells about a man who comes to a ______________in the road he is travelling upon. He feels ____________that he cannot travel ________paths as he must choose one. Frost uses this fork in the road to represent a point in the man’s life where he has to choose the ____________he wishes to take in life. As he thinks about his __________he looks down one path as far as he can see trying to ________________ what life will be like if he walks that path. He then gazes at the other _________and decides the outcome of going down that path would be just as ___________. At this point he concludes that the trail that has been less travelled on would be more _________ when he reaches the end of it. The man then decides that he will save the other path for another day, even though he knows that one path leads to another and that he won’t get a _____________ to go back. The man then says that he will be telling this story with a “sigh” someday in the future suggesting that he will ________what life would have been like if he had chosen the more walked path even though the path he chose has made all the difference.

Answer

The poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost is about the choicesthat one makes in life. It tells about a man who comes to a forkin the road he is travelling upon. He feels sorrythat he cannot travel bothpaths as he must choose one. Frost uses this fork in the road to represent a point in the man’s life where he has to choose the directionhe wishes to take in life. As he thinks about his decisionhe looks down one path as far as he can see trying to foreseewhat life will be like if he walks that path. He then gazes at the other trailand decides the outcome of going down that path would be just as pleasant. At this point he concludes that the trail that has been less travelled on would be more rewardingwhen he reaches the end of it. The man then decides that he will save the other path for another day, even though he knows that one path leads to another and that he won’t get a chanceto go back. The man then says that he will be telling this story with a “sigh” someday in the future suggesting that he will wonderwhat life would have been like if he had chosen the more walked path even though the path he chose has made all the difference.

11. Roads are fascinating as metaphors for life, change, journeys, partings, adventure, etc. or simply as roads. This is probably why they, and all their attendant images, have permeated art, literature and song. In the poem, Frost uses the fork in the road as a metaphor for the choices we make in life. Thus the roads are, in fact, two alternative ways of life. What other nouns could be used to represent life?

River
________________
________________
________________
________________

Answer

Stage
Flowers
Colours
Dream
Journey

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 8 The Solitary Reaper English

November 24, 2014, 4:53 am

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 9 Lord Ullin's Daughter English

≪ Previous: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 7 The Road Not Taken English

Chapter 8 The Solitary Reaper Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By William Wordsworth

Page No: 71

5. The poet could not understand the words of the song, yet he raised several possibilities about its theme. In the diagram below are some of these possibilities. Read the third stanza again, and find the phrase that matches each. Copy and complete the diagram, writing each phrase in the empty boxes. Work in pairs.

Answer

Page No: 72

6. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) The central idea of the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ is__________.
(i) well sung songs give us happiness
(ii) melodious sounds appeal to all
(iii) beautiful experience give us life-long pleasure
(iv) reapers can sing like birds

Answer

(iii) beautiful experience give us life-long pleasure

(b) In the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ to whom does the poet say ‘Stop here or gently pass’?
(i) to the people cutting corn
(ii) to himself
(iii) to the people who make noise
(iv) to all the passers by

Answer

(iv) to all the passers by

(c) The Solitary Reaper is a narrative poem set to music. This form of verse is called a__________.
(i) ballad
(ii) soliloquy
(iii) monologue
(iv) sonnet

Answer

(i) ballad

(d) The poet's lament in the poem 'The Solitary Reaper' is that __________
(i) he cannot understand the song
(ii) he did not know the lass
(iii) she stopped singing at once
(iv) he had to move away

Answer

(i) he cannot understand the song

(e) The setting of the poem is__________
(i) Arabia
(ii) Hebrides
(iii) Scotland
(iv) England

Answer

(iii) Scotland

Page no: 73

7.(a) Read the second stanza again, in which Wordsworth compares the solitary

reaper's song with the song of the nightingale and the cuckoo. On the basis of

your reading (and your imagination), copy and complete the table below. (Work

in groups of four, then have a brief class discussion.)

	Place	Heard by	Impact on listener
Solitary Reaper	Scottish Highlands	The poet	Holds him spellbound
Nightingale
Cuckoo

Answer

	Place	Heard by	Impact on listener
Solitary Reaper	Scottish Highlands	The poet	Holds him spellbound
Nightingale	Arabian sands	Travellers	reduces the tiredness of travellers
Cuckoo	Hebrides	People from far off lands	has far-reaching effect, heralds the coming of spring, end of winter

(b) Why do you think Wordsworth has chosen the song of the nightingale and the cuckoo for comparison with the solitary reaper’s song?

Answer

The nightingale and the cuckoo are known as song-birds. Many poets have written about their melodious notes and there is a reference to nightingale even in the Bible. So the poet has chosen their songs for comparison with the Solitary Reaper’s song.

8. In the sixth line of the first Stanza, we read:
“... and sings a melancholy strain...”
This “s” sound at the beginning of sings and strain has been repeated. Poets often do this. Do you know why? Do you know what this “poetic repetition” is called? Can you find instances of this in The Solitary Reaper?

Answer

Poets often repeat such sounds to make the effect more intense and ornamental. This “poetic repetition” is called alliteration.
In line 15 we find an instance of alliteration in “silence of the seas.” In line 18 we find alliteration in “perhaps the plaintive numbers flow.” Line 27 also has alliteration in “I saw her singing at her work.”

9. In the first Stanza, some words or phrases have been used to show that the girl working in the fields is alone. Which are those words and phrases? What effect do they create in the mind of the reader?

Answer

The words and phrases that have been used to show that the girl working in the fields is alone are ‘single in the field’, ‘solitary’, ‘singing by herself’.
The words and phrases create in the readers mind an image of a lonely Scottish maiden who is reaping and singing all alone in the field. While she is working, she is singing a sad melancholy song. The song is so intense that the poet asks the passersby to listen but to not disturb her.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 9 Lord Ullin's Daughter English

November 24, 2014, 6:59 pm

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solution: Ch 10 The Seven Ages English

≪ Previous: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 8 The Solitary Reaper English

Chapter 9 Lord Ullin's Daughter Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By Thomas Campbell

Page No: 77

5. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) Lord Ullin's daughter and her lover are trying to_____________.
(i) escape the wrath of her father
(ii) settle in a distant land
(iii) challenge the storm in the lake
(iv) trying to prove their love for each other

Answer

(i) escape the wrath of her father

(b) The boatman agrees to ferry them across because_________.
(i) he has fallen in love with Lord Ullin's daughter
(ii) he wants to avenge Lord Ullin
(iii) he has lost his love
(iv) he is sorry for the childlike innocence of the lady

Answer

(iv) he is sorry for the childlike innocence of the lady

(c) The mood changes in the poem. It transforms from _________.
(i) happiness to fear
(ii) anxiety to grief
(iii) fear to happiness
(iv) love to pain

Answer

(ii) anxiety to grief

(d) The shore of Lochgyle has been referred to as 'fatal shore!' The poetic device used here
is ________________.
(i) metaphor
(ii) simile
(iii) transferred epithet
(iv) onomatopoeia

Answer

(iii) transferred epithet

6. In pairs copy and complete the summary of the poem with suitable words/expressions.

A Scottish Chieftain and his beloved were (a) _____________from her wrathful father. As they reached the shores, the (b) ____________ told a boatman to (c) ____________ them across Lochgyle. He asked him to do it fast because if (d) ______________found them, they would kill him. The boatman (e) ________________to take them not for the
(f) _____________that the chieftain offered but for his (g) ____________. By this time, the storm had (h) _____________and a wild wind had started blowing. The sound of
(i) _______________could be heard close at hand. The lady urged the boatman
(j) _____________as she did not want to face an angry father.
Their boat left the (k) ______________and as it got caught in the stormy sea, Lord Ullin reached the deadly (l)_____________. His anger changed to wailing when he saw his daughter (m) ______________. He asked her to return back. But it was (n) __________ as the stormy sea claimed his daughter and her lover.

Answer

A Scottish Chieftain and his beloved were (a) fleeingfrom her wrathful father. As they reached the shores, the (b)chieftaintold a boatman to (c) ferrythem across Lochgyle. He asked him to do it fast because if (d) Lord Ullin’s menfound them, they would kill him. The boatman (e) agreedto take them not for the (f) silverthat the chieftain offered but for his(g)beautiful bride. By this time, the storm had (h) become more violentand a wild wind had started blowing. The sound of (i) Lord Ullin’s mencould be heard close at hand. The lady urged the boatman (j) to hurryas she did not want to face an angry father.
Their boat left the (k)stormy shoreand as it got caught in the stormy sea, Lord Ullin reached the deadly(l)shore. His anger changed to wailing when he saw his daughter (m) in danger. He asked her to return back. But it was (n) futileas the stormy sea claimed his daughter and her lover.

Page No: 78

7. Why does Lord Ullin’s daughter defy her father and elope with her lover? (Stanza 1)

Answer

Lord Ullin was against his daughter’s marriage with her lover, the chieftain. So, to marry her lover she defied her father and eloped with him.

8. Give two characteristics of the boatman who ferries the couple across the sea.

Answer

The boatman was brave and helpful.

9. “Imagery” refers to something that can be perceived through more than one of the senses. It uses figurative language to help form mental pictures. Campbell used vivid, diverse and powerful imagery to personify the menacing face of nature (for e.g. sea, sky, wind, land). Pick out expressions that convey the images of anger in the following stanzas:

Stanza 6	_______________________________
Stanza 7	‘Water-wraith was shrieking’
	_______________________________
Stanza 9	_______________________________
Stanza 10	_______________________________
	‘Stormy land’
Stanza 13	_______________________________
Stanza 14	_______________________________

Answer

Stanza 6	‘the waves are raging white’
Stanza 7	‘Water-wraith was shrieking’
	‘the scowl of heaven’
Stanza 9	‘raging of the skies’
Stanza 10	‘Stormy sea’
	‘Stormy land’
Stanza 13	‘Stormy water’
Stanza 14	‘the loud waves lashed the shore’

10. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow

“His horsemen hard behind us ride;
Should they our steps discover,
Then who will cheer my bonny bride
When they have slain her lover?”

(a) Who is ‘his’ in line 1? Who does ‘us’ refer to?
(b) Explain − ‘cheer my bonny bride’.
(c) Why would the lover be slain?

Answer

(a) Lord Ullin is ‘his’ here. ‘Us’ are the Scottish Chieftain and Lord Ullin’s daughter, his beloved.
(b) The Chieftain’s worry is that in case he is killed by Lord Ullin, his lonely beloved will have nobody to console and support her.
(c) The lover would be slain because Lord Ullin did not approve of the match and was angry at the chieftain for eloping with his daughter.

11. “The water-wraith was shrieking”. Is the symbolism in this line a premonition of what happens at the end? Give reasons for your answer. (Stanza 7)

Answer

Yes, the symbolism is a premonition of the tragic death of ill-fated lovers. It is a device of 'fore shadowing' The noisy waves were crying for blood. And they overtook them ultimately. So their shriek suggests in advance what happens at the end.

12. The poet uses words like ‘adown’, ‘rode’ which contain harsh consonants. Why do you think the poet has done this? (Stanza 8)

Answer

The use of harsh consonants creates an unpleasant effect. In the context of Lord Ullin’s men chasing his daughter and her lover, the use of harsh consonants in the words describing the situation is quite effective.

Page No: 79

13. In Stanza 10, the poet says −

The boat has left a stormy land,
A stormy sea before, her, --

(a) In both these lines, the word “stormy” assumes different connotations. What are they?
(b) The lady faces a dilemma here. What is it? What choice does she finally make?

Answer

(a) The land is ‘stormy’ because of the presence of the furious Lord Ullin. The sea is stormy because of the furious waves.
(b) Lord Ullin's daughter has to make a decision between choosing the 'stormy land' or the 'stormy sea' that is, the fury of her father or the tempestuous weather. Mortally afraid of her father's fury she chooses to venture into the stormy sea and run the risk of getting drowned in the stormy sea.

14.(a) “Lord Ullin reached that fatal shore” just as his daughter left it. Why is the shore called fatal?(Stanza 11)

Answer

The shore is called fatal as beyond the shore the sea was so turbulent that anyone embarking to sail through the sea would face death. The shore acted as the gateway to death. Lord Ullin’s daughter crossed the shore only to meet her tragic end.

(b) Why does Lord Ullin’s wrath change into wailing on seeing his daughter?

Answer

Lord Ullin noticed that the storm won’t spare his daughter. He feels helpless and guilty. His anger cools down and he starts moaning for his child.

15. “One lovely hand she stretch’d for aid.” Do you think Lord Ullin’s daughter wanted to reach out to her father? (Stanza 12) If yes, why?

Answer

Lord Ullin’s daughter wanted to reach out to her father as her father cried in grief for her return and even promised to forgive her lover if she returned back.

16. You are already familiar with the poetic device “alliteration”. The poet makes extensive use of the same throughout the poem. Pick out as many examples of alliteration as you can.
Example: fast-father’s; horsemen-hard

Answer

Examples of alliteration are:

Bonny bride

Hardy Highland Bonny bird

Human hand

Storm and shade

Water wild

Roar'd amidst the roar

Water-wraith

17. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?

Answer

The rhyme scheme is a-b,a-b, that is, alternating rhyme scheme. In the last paragraph the rhyme scheme changes to abcb.

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Class 9th NCERT Solution: Ch 10 The Seven Ages English

November 24, 2014, 10:35 pm

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Chapter 11 Oh, I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth English

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Chapter 10 The Seven Ages Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By William Shakespeare

Page No: 81

3. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice

(a) All the world is a stage is an extended metaphor for-
(i)The life shown in well known plays
(ii) Seeing the well known plays
(iii) Life of well known plays
(iv) Life of man that comes to an end

Answer

(iv) Life of man that comes to an end

(b) All ‘have their exits and their entrances' Exits and entrances refer to __________.
(i) Birth and death
(ii) Beginning and end of play
(iii) Coming and going of actors
(iv) The end of the Shakespearean era

Answer

(i) Birth and death

Page No: 82

(c) The seven roles that a man plays correspond to his___________.
(i) chronological age in life
(ii) desires
(iii) mental age in life
(iv) idea of a perfect life

Answer

(i) chronological age in life

4. Having read this extract, identify the stages of a person's life as Shakespeare has done. Write down these stages in your note book, and sum up the characteristics of each stage in two or three words. e.g.

Stage Characteristic feature

Infancy crying

Answer

Stage	Characteristic feature
Infancy	Crying, helpless
Childhood	Whining, bright, alert, active
Lover	sentimental, unhappy, poetic, tense
Soldier	quarrelsome, short tempered, foolishly looking for glory and fame in the jaws of death
Justice	Wise, mature, authoritative, responsible
Old age	getting weak and lean due to failing health, loss of manly voice
Extreme Old Age	Clueless ,dependent

6. Explain the meaning of the following

(a) __________all the men and women merely players
They have their exits and their entrances __________.

Answer

The quoted lines are from the poem “The Seven Ages” by William Shakespeare. The poet has compared the world to a stage and men and women with actors.All men and women appear on the stage of the world to play various roles. They are just stage artists. Their birth marks their appearance on the stage and death
denotes their departure.

(b) And then the lover
Sighing like furnace__________.

Answer

The lines are taken from the poem “The Seven Ages” by William Shakespeare. With the help of a simile, the poet explains that on attaining adolescence, men fall in love. The passion of love becomes active like heat generated in a furnace. However, this surging passion also declines after crossing a certain point of time. In this line, the poet hints at momentary nature of human affairs.

(c) a soldier,__________Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon’s mouth.

Answer

The quoted lines are from the poem “The Seven Ages” by William Shakespeare. The poet has compared a young man to a soldier who takes his responsibilities very seriously and strives relentlessly when dedicated to a cause. In his youth, man seeks instant fame and is ready to take risks. However, when one seeks instant fame, there is a big risk of their reputation getting tainted, just like a bubble that rises and bursts instantly.

7. Read the poem again and note down the metaphors and similes. Copy and complete the following chart.

Item	Metaphor	Simile
World	All the world's a stage
Men, women
school-boy
lover
soldier
reputation
voice

Which comparison(s) do you find most interesting? Why?

Answer

Item	Metaphor	Simile
World	All the world's a stage
Men, women	men and women merely players
school-boy		Creeping like snail
lover		sighing like a furnace
soldier	a bearded pard
reputation	bubble reputation
voice	big manly voice

According to me school boy comparison is really interesting one. Here, poet shows a boy carrying a schoolbag but at the same time walking slowly towards school. He don't want to go to school. This phase common in these days.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Chapter 11 Oh, I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth English

November 25, 2014, 12:41 am

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Chapter 11 Oh, I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By Pam Ayres

Page No: 85

3. On the basis of your reading of the poem, complete the following table.

Stages in the life of the poet (a) Youth	Activities eating toffees __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________	Consequences _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
(b) Adulthood	_____________________ _____________________ _____________________	gazing at the dentist in despair.

Answer

Stages in the life of the poet (a) Youth	Activities eating toffees chewing sweet sticky food picking and licking lollies and candies, eating large and small sherbet dabs. __________________	Consequences Paving way to cavities, caps and decay. __________________ __________________ __________________
(b) Adulthood	Going to the dentist due to tooth decay, amalgamation, drilling and fillings.	gazing at the dentist in despair.

Page No: 86

4. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) The title ‘Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth’ expresses ____________.
(i) regret
(ii) humour
(iii) longing
(iv) pleasure

Answer

(i) regret

(b) The conscience of the speaker pricks her as she has ______________.
(i) been careless
(ii) been ignorant
(iii) been fun loving
(iv) been rude

Answer

(i) been careless

(c) The speaker says that she has paved the way for cavities and decay by _________.
(i) eating the wrong food and not brushing
(ii) not listening to his mother
(iii) laughing at his mother’s false teeth
(iv) not listening to the dentist

Answer

(i)eating the wrong food and not brushing

(d) The tone of the narrator is one of ____________.
(i) joy
(ii) nostalgia
(iii) regret
(iv) sorrow

Answer

(iii) regret

5. Answer the following questions.

(a) “…But up-and-down brushin’
And pokin’ and fussin’
Didn’t seem worth the time- I could bite!”
What do these lines convey?

Answer

These lines shows that the poet not realise the importance of regular brushing and proper hygiene, when she was child. She did not care for her teeth daily. She thought it was useless and worthless to clean her teeth after eating anything.

(b) Why did the poet go to the dentist? How could she have avoided it?

Answer

The poet went to the dentist to get her teeth examined. She had developed cavities in her teeth due to unhealthy eating habits and irregular brushing of teeth.
She could have avoided it if she had taken proper care of her teeth by brushing them properly and regularly.

(c) “If you got a tooth, you got a friend.” What do you understand from the line?

Answer

A tooth is like a friend. As a lost friend can never be regained, a lost tooth can never grows again. It cannot be regained or made naturally.

(d) With reference to the poem, how can you look after your teeth?

Answer

(i) Brushing proper twice a day.
(ii) Rinsing after each meal, avoiding sweet and sticky food for better oral hygiene.
(iii) Regular dental checkup to maintain healthy teeth.

(e) Given an appropriate proverb that conveys the message that this poem carries.

Answer

Appropriate proverb that conveys the message that this poem carried is“Prevention is better than
cure."

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 12 Song of the Rain English

November 25, 2014, 3:52 am

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 14 The Bishop's Candlesticks English

≪ Previous: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Chapter 11 Oh, I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth English

Chapter 12 Song of the Rain Literature Reader English NCERT Solutions

By Kahlil Gibran

Page No: 91

4. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.

(a) The rain calls itself the 'dotted silver threads' as_________.
(i) the shimmering drops fall one after the other
(ii) it ties heaven and earth
(iii) it dots the earth with shimmering water
(iv) it decorates the fields

Answer

(i) the shimmering drops fall one after the other

(b) The tone and mood of the rain in the poem reflect its_________.
(i) love for the earth
(ii) desire to take revenge
(iii) merriment as it destroys
(iv) desire to look beautiful

Answer

(i) love for the earth

(c) "When I cry the hills laugh;
When I humble myself the flowers rejoice;
When I bow, all things are elated."
Cry, humbleand bowindicate different intensity with which the rain falls. Explain the three in context.

Answer

‘Cry’ means thunder and when it reverberates, the hills echo like laughter. When the rain falls lightly, itis very pleasing to the flowers. When rain gives way to rainbow, it is a delight to behold for everyone.

Page No: 92

(d) How do you think the rain quenches the thirst of the fields and cures clouds ailment?

Answer

The fields are needy, dry and parched. The clouds are bursting with moisture and when it fall down as rain, the clouds are relieved.

(e) Think about million little ways in which the rain embraces the trees. Mention a few of them.

Answer

Rain falls down in millions of droplets. Many times it takes the form of snow, sleet or hail.

(f) "...All can hear, but only
The sensitive can understand”
What does the poet want to convey?

Answer

According to the poet, everyone can hear its sound. But very few can sense or understand its blessed nature.Only a few like the poet are sensitive to the rain and are inspired by its every mood.

The poet, for example, appreciates its beauty and uses expressions like 'the sigh of the sea', 'the laughter of the field' and 'the tears from heaven' to describe the rain.

(g) (i) Notice the imagery built around 'sigh of the sea', 'laughter of the field' and 'tears of heaven'. Explain the three expressions in context of rain.

Answer

The poet has used vivid imagery throughout the poem to express the moods and nature of the Rain.

► When the poet calls the Rain “sigh of the sea”, there is a relief expressed in the lines. The sea is relieved and sighs that now that it has rained there will be fresh water brought to it by the rivers that run down the hills and mountains.
► The poet calls the Rain “a laughter of the field” because when it rains the fields are nourished and it is a sign that there will be fertility. So, it brings greenery and prosperity and raises the productivity. So, the fields are happy and they laugh and make merry.
► The Rain is also called “tears of heaven” as when those silver threads pour down from the sky’s tomb, it feels as if the heaven is crying, and those drops are delivered to the nature on the Earth by the hands of God.

(ii) How would you express rain as − an agent of floods?
− a source of water for dams?

Answer

► an agent of floods- When there are heavy rains, especially during rainy season, the rivers overflow and break leaves, there is water logging and the areas below the sea level are submerged causing floods.
► a source of water for dams- Rains cause the gullies in the mountains to fill with the water, these act as tributaries to a river. Thus, the more tributaries a river has, the more water it will carry. Thus, the dam on the river will have a healthy amount of water in its reservoir. So, there will be a healthy output of electricity.

(h) "I am like earthly life … "
Why does the poet call rain as earthly life?

Answer

Just like everything on earth is born and dies, so does rain. It is referred to as earthly life because it has beginning and comes to an end too. It begins at the bottom of the mad elements and ends under the lofted wings of death.

(i) Explain the ending of the song.

Answer

At the end of the poem, the rain declares affectionately that it is the sigh of the deep sea, the laughter of the colourful fields and the tears of the sky. When the rain falls in the sea, it (the sea) sighs. When the rain falls on the fields and quenches their thirst, the fields rejoice, become colourful and feel happy. When the cloud bursts, it becomes rain. The cloud dies and the drops of rain (tears of the heaven) fall on the earth.

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Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 14 The Bishop's Candlesticks English

November 25, 2014, 10:11 am

≫ Next: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 13 Villa For Sale English

≪ Previous: Class 9th NCERT Solutions: Ch 12 Song of the Rain English

Chapter 13 The Bishop's Candlesticks Literature Reader NCERT Solution

By Norman McKinnel

Page No:128

1.Copy and complete the following paragraph about the theme of the play in pairs:

The play deals with a _______________and __________________Bishop who is always
ready to lend a _________________hand to anyone in distress. A _________________
breaks into the Bishop’s house and is ___________________________and warmed. The benevolence of the Bishop somewhat _____________________the convict, but, when he
sees the silver candlesticks, he ____________________ them, and runs away. However, he is _______________________and brought back. He expects to go back to jail, but the Bishop informs the police they are a _______________________________. The convict is ___________________by this kindness of the Bishop and before he leaves he seeks the priest’s blessing.

Answer

The play deals with a kindand charitableBishop who is always ready to lend a helpinghand to anyone in distress. A convictbreaks into the Bishop’s house and is fedand warmed. The benevolence of the Bishop somewhat confoundsthe convict, but, when he sees the silver candlesticks, he stealsthem, and runs away. However, he is arrestedand brought back. He expects to go back to jail, but the Bishop informs the police they are a gift. The convict is movedby this kindness of the Bishop and before he leaves he seeks the priest’s blessing.

5.(a) Working in pairs give antonyms of the following words

kind- hearted	unscrupulous	forgiving	stern	benevolent	credulous
generous	pious	suspicious	sympathetic	understanding	wild
innocent	penitent	clever	brutal	cunning	caring
sentimental	trusting	protective	concerned	honourable	embittered

Answer

(i) Kind Hearted − nasty, unkind, cruel
(ii) Unscrupulous − ethical, moral, good
(iii) Forgiving − censure, charge, punish
(iv) Stern − cheerful, funny, lenient
(v) Benevolent − greedy, malevolent, mean, selfish
(vi) Credulous − skeptical, suspecting, suspicious
(vii) Generous − greedy, mean, miserly
(viii) Pious - atheist, impious, irreligious
(ix) Suspicious − innocent, trustworthy, trusty
(x) Sympathetic − callous, merciless, uncaring, unconcerned
(xi) Understanding − misunderstanding, intolerant
(xii) Wild − civilized, controlled, delicate, gentle
(xiii) Innocent − bad, blamable, corrupt
(xiv) Penitent − happy, unashamed
(xv) Clever − awkward, foolish, idiotic, ignorant,
(xvi) Brutal − generous, humane, kind, nice
(xvii) Cunning − gullible, kind, naive
(xviii) Caring − disregarding, ignoring, neglecting
(xix) Sentimental − hard-hearted, indifferent, pragmatic, unemotional
(xx) Trusting- disagree, dispute, reject, renounce
(21) Protective − attacking, harmful, hurtful, injurious
(22) Concerned − happy, undisturbed, unperturbed
(23) Honourable − not respectful, unhonourable
(24) Embittered − pleasant, content, genial

Page No: 129

(b) Select words from the above box to describe the characters in the play as revealed by the following lines from the play.

Lines from the play	Speaker	Quality revealed
1. “You told him she was feeling poorly, did you? And so my brother is to be kept out of bed, and go without his supper because you told him she was feeling poorly.”
2. __________ “take my comforter, it will keep you warm.”
3. “If people lie to me they are poorer, not I.”
4. “You are like a child. I can’t trust you out of my sight. No sooner my back is turned than you get that minx Marie to sell the silver salt-cellars.”
5. “My dear there is so much suffering in the world, and I can do so very little.”
6. “My mother gave them to me on − on her death bed just after you were born, and − and she asked me to keep them in remembrance of her, so I would like to keep them.”
7. “I am too old a bird to be caught with chaff.”
8. “You have your soul to lose, my son.”
9. “Give me food or I’ll stick my knife in you both and help myself.”
10. “__________they have made me what I am, they have made me a thief. God curse them all.”
11. “Why the devil are you kind to me? What do you want?”
12. “I − I − didn’t believe there was any good in the world…but somehow I − I − know you’re good, and − and it’s a queer thing to ask, but could you, would you bless me before I go?”

Answer

Lines from the play	Speaker	Quality revealed
1. “You told him she was feeling poorly, did you? And so my brother is to be kept out of bed, and go without his supper because you told him she was feeling poorly.”	Persome	Protective
2. __________ “take my comforter, it will keep you warm.”	Bishop	Kind hearted
3. “If people lie to me they are poorer, not I.”	Bishop	Innocent
4. “You are like a child. I can’t trust you out of my sight. No sooner my back is turned than you get that minx Marie to sell the silver salt-cellars.”	Persome	Caring
5. “My dear there is so much suffering in the world, and I can do so very little.”	Bishop	Sympathetic
6. “My mother gave them to me on −on her death bed just after you were born, and − and she asked me to keep them in remembrance of her, so I would like to keep them.”	Bishop	Sentimental
7. “I am too old a bird to be caught with chaff.”	Convict	Cunning
8. “You have your soul to lose, my son.”	Bishop	Pious
9. “Give me food or I’ll stick my knife in you both and help myself.”	Convict	Unscrupulous
10. “__________they have made me what I am, they have made me a thief. God curse them all.”	Convict	Embittered
11. “Why the devil are you kind to me? What do you want?”	Convict	Suspicious
12. “I − I − didn’t believe there was any good in the world…but somehow I − I − know you’re good, and − and it’s a queer thing to ask, but could you, would you bless me before I go?”	Convict	Penitent

Page No: 130

6. Answer the following questions briefly

(a) Do you think the Bishop was right in selling the salt-cellars? Why/why not?

Answer

No, the Bishop was not right in selling the salt-cellars. His own economic condition was not good and he should have asked for Persome’s opinion before he sold the cellars, which belonged to her too.
From another point of view the Bishop was right in selling the salt-cellars as he wanted to give the money he got from selling the cellars to Mere Gringoire who couldnot give rent to the landlord on time and was about to face eviction. The Bishop was very broadminded as he could empathise with the condition of Mere Gringoire and chosed to do away with the salt cellars. The Bishop felt that one could eat salt out of china as well.

(b) Why does Persome feel the people pretend to be sick?

Answer

Persome is protective and wishes to maintain the household. She is pained to see that the entire humanity is turning upon them for charity and benevolence. She feels people like Marie’s mother pretend to be sick and take undue advantage of the Bishop.

(c) Who was Jeanette? What was the cause of her death?

Answer

Jeanette was the convict’s wife. She died due to illness and starvation.

(d) The convict says, “I am too old a bird to be caught with chaff.” What does he mean by this statement?

Answer

The convict has suffered, he is embittered, he is experienced. So he couldn’t be tricked. He ordered the Bishop to stay put because he couldn’t trust anyone not to report to the police and get him arrested.

(e) Why was the convict sent to prison? What was the punishment given to him?

Answer

The convict was sent to prison for stealing a loaf of bread. He was sentenced to ten years in a prison hulk.

(f) Do you think the punishment given to the convict was justified? Why/ why not? Why is the convict eager to reach Paris?

Answer

The punishment given to the convict was not justified. It is too inhuman for someone who was caught stealing just to feed his sick wife. He was guilty of stealing only to feed his wife who was dying of starvation. But they showed him no mercy and treated him like a beast. They chained him like a wild animal, lashed him like a hound and fed him filth. He was covered with vermin and had to sleep on boards. This kind of treatment is inhuman and not justified.

The convict is eager to reach Paris because it was a big city and the Police would never be able to find him there.

(g) Before leaving, the convict asks the Bishop to bless him. What brought about this change in him?

Answer

The Bishop’s benevolent, kind and caring attitude had brought about a change in the convict. That is why before leaving for Paris, he asks the Bishop to bless him.

7. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow by choosing the
correct options.

A.Monseigneur the Bishop is a ------------ahem!’

(a) Why does Persome not complete the sentence?
(i) she used to stammer while speaking.
(ii) she was about to praise the Bishop.
(iii) she did not wish to criticise the Bishop in front of Marie.
(iv)she had a habit of passing such remarks.

Answer

(iii) She did not wish to criticise the Bishop in front of Marie.

(b) Why is she angry with the Bishop?
(i) The Bishop has sold her salt-cellars.
(ii) The Bishop has gone to visit Mere Gringoire.
(iii) He showed extra concern for Marie.
(iv) She disliked the Bishop.

Answer

(i) The Bishop has sold her salt-cellars.

Page No: 131

B. ‘She sent little Jean to Monseigneur to ask for help, and—’

(a) Who sent little Jean to the Bishop?
(i) Mere Gringoire
(ii) Marie
(iii) Persome
(iv) Marie's mother

Answer

(i) Mere Gringoire

(b) Why did she send Jean to the Bishop?
(i) so that he could pray for her
(ii) as she knew that he was a generous person
(iii) as she was a greedy woman
(iv) as she was a poor woman

Answer

(ii) as she knew that he was a generous person

C. ‘I offered to take her in here for a day or two, but she seemed to think it might distress you.”
The Bishop wanted to take Mere Grngoire in because _________.

(a) The Bishop wanted to take Mere Grngoire in because _________.
(i) she was sick
(ii) she had no money
(iii) she was unable to pay the rent of her house
(iv) she was a close friend of Persome

Answer

(iii) she was unable to pay the rent of her house

(b) Persome would be distressed on Mere Gringoire's being taken in because ________.
(i) she did not want to help anyone
(ii) she felt that Mere Gringoire was taking undue advantage of the Bishop
(iii) she was a self-centred person
(iv) she would be put to a great deal of inconvenience

Answer

(ii) she felt that Mere Gringoire was taking undue advantage of the Bishop

Page No: 133

9. Identify the situations which be termed as the turning points in the convict's life?

Answer

The Convict, when was caught and brought to the Bishop’s house, was asked to be released by the Bishop saying that he is a friend to him. The Bishop also gives him his mother’s only memory i.e. candle-sticks. This entire incidence makes convict believe that there still exists humanity. This is the turning point in the convict’s life.

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