1. Why is the Grand Central Station compared to a tree?

Ans: Like a tree, the station had many exits leading to Central Park, Times Square Street, the
Roosevelt Hotel lobby, Forty-sixth Street, etc. It thus seemed like a huge tree with its multiple roots
growing in all directions and going everywhere.

2. How did Charley reach the third level at the Grand Central Station?

Ans: Going down the first and second levels of the Grand Central Station from where the suburban
trains leave, Charley ducked into an arched doorway from where the corridor was angling left and
slanting downwards. Here he found the third level.

3. What is waking dream wish fulfillment?

Ans: Ridden with fear, insecurity and stress, mainly in the post-war world, some people tend to
create a world of dreams for themselves. They believe in the existence of this dream-world so
strongly that they can even ‘see’ it while awake.

4. What were the share-croppers protesting about?

Ans: The share-croppers were forced to grow only indigo on 15% of their fields and give the entire
lot to the British. Later, they were made to pay for their release from this contract as a cheaper
indigo was available in Germany now.

5. How was the battle of Champaran won?

Ans: The lawyers had initially decided to return home if Gandhi got arrested, but he appealed to
their conscience and they decided to court arrest with him. This unity and selflessness displayed by
them led to winning the battle of Champaran.

6. How did Kamala Das bring out her insecurity about losing her mother?

Ans: Kamal Das had feared losing her mother to death since childhood. The fear almost caused her
physical pain, an ‘ache’. Seeing her frail and aging mother beside her, she looks out of the car to
push her fears away.

7. How do the things donated to the elementary school classroom in a slum do a disservice to the
students there?

Ans: The pictures and maps reflect a world they can never be a part of. They are reminded
constantly of what they miss in life. It could tempt them to try unfair means to be a part of this
beautiful world.

8. How can these children’s lives change?

Ans: The men in power must offer real education to these children. They should get a chance to be
free from their existence in the unhealthy slum surroundings and be in the lap of nature, read books
and express themselves well.

9. Explain ‘victory with no survivors’.

Ans: Wars are fought to claim victory over the opposition. With modern means of warfare that cause
mass destruction and wipe away the population, it is possible to be victorious but one has no one
left to claim the victory over.

10. What led to Douglas saying, “…tender arms like Mother’s…now I must go to sleep.”?

Ans: After three desperate but failed attempts to reach the surface of the pool and save himself,
Douglas’ strength gave away finally. He was now losing consciousness and felt relaxed. It was a
feeling of peace with no struggle or fear.