GR 7 English Literature Resource Material

Grade : VII/Term I/ Subject
FOSTER Billabong High International School

Kapra , Hyderabad
Grade: VII
Subject: English Literature Term: I
Resource Material
Sno Chapter Page no
1. Poem – Eye of the Tiger by Jim Paterik 2-10
Poem – Carpet Weaver of Morocco by Carol

2. Rumens 11 - 23
Prose – Hearts and Hands by O. Henry

3. 24 - 35
Prose – Lion Whisperer

4. 36 - 41
42 – 59
5. Prose – The Little Prince
6. Prose - The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 60 - 71
7. Poem – The Confessions of a Born Spectator 72 - 79
8. Caged Bird (June Portion)
9. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari Chapter 1(June Portion)
Name of the student: Roll No:
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Topic: Poem – Eye of the Tiger
I. Concept Map – Summary
Eye of the Tiger, popularized as the theme song of Sylvester Stallone's movie Rocky III, is
known as one of the most motivational songs of modern times.
In "Eye of the Tiger," Jim Peterik uses imagery to compare the struggle of person to that of a
tiger and also repetition to let the reader know that a person should never give up on their
dreams.
The song is written in ballad form, which also enhances the main idea of not giving up by
showing the reader that dreams do come true. This song is composed and sang by American
Rock Band ‘Survivor’.
It is a motivational song with theme of focus, determination and never-ending zeal and hard
work to stay being focused on the survival of fittest.
II. Vocabulary
A. New Words
1. Passion 2. Glory 3. Thrill 4. Survivor 5. Stalks
6. Stack 7. Odds 8. Guts 9. Challenge 10. Rival
B. Meanings
1. Passion – any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for anything
2. Glory – high renown or honor won by notable achievements.
3. Thrill – a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.
4. Survivor – reference here is to a person who copes well with difficulties in their life.
5. Stalks – reference to walking stealthily and cautiously without the others noticing you.
6. Stack – a pile of objects, typically one that is neatly arranged
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7. Odds – the chances or likelihood of something happening or being the case.
8. Guts – used in reference to a feeling or reaction based on an instinctive emotional response,

reference to the slang word meaning courage.
9. Challenge – reference to hardships, a call to participate in a competitive situation.
10. Rival – competitor, a person who is competing for the same object or goal as another.
C. Synonyms
1. Passion – Fervor, Zeal, Ardor, Enthusiasm
2. Glory – Honor, Prestige, Stature
3. Thrill – Ecstasy, Excitement, Adventure, Delight.
4. Survivor – Fighter, Stayer, Toughie.
5. Stalk – stealthy walk, being sly.
6. Stack – Heap, Pile, Load, Mass
7. Odds – Likelihood, Probabilities, Chances
8. Gut – Instinctive, Intuitive, Unconscious effect
9. Challenge – task, competition, encounter, test.
10. Rival – Opponent, Competitor, Contender, Contestant
C. Antonyms
1. Survive X Perish
2. Thrill X Bore
3. Passion X Dispassion/apathy
4. Challenge X Concede/Surrender
5. Rival X Partner/Ally
II. Very Short Questions and Answers.
Q1. What does ‘eye of the tiger’ refers to?

Ans: ‘Eye of the tiger’ is an expression which refers to the impending death of the prey.
Q2. Who wrote the poem/song ‘Eye of the tiger’?

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Ans: ‘Eye of the tiger’ is a song by the American Rock Band ‘Survivor’. It is written by Jim
Peterik.
Q3. Why was the poem/song ‘Eye of the tiger’ written?

Ans: The song ‘Eye of the tiger’ was written as the theme song for the film Rocky III.
Q4. Comment on the title of the poem/song.

Ans: The title of the poem refers to the impending death of the prey. The total focus of the tiger
on the prey. It is used as a metaphor for fighting all odds to get to where one wants to be
without losing focus.
Q5. Explain the words/phrases in your own words: took my time, rising up to the challenge,
hanging tough, stack the odds, kill with the skill, had the guts.
Ans: Took my time – is reference to the time taken for the person to act or think on something;
Rising up to the challenge – is reference to keep your dignity and to not back down to giving
up and face the challenges, Hanging tough – is being ready for all hardships of life or bearing
all the hardships of life and not giving up; Stack the odds – refers to particular factors or
conditions that are not favorable to someone; Kill with the skill – is to fight something with all
the needed force, it means to gain something with all the needed efforts; Had the guts - you are
saying you are brave or have a lot of courage.
Q6. ‘Eye of the tiger’ is an idiom. What meaning does it convey?

Ans: ‘Eye of the tiger’ you are talking about someone who is focused, confident, and has the look
of being intense, somewhat cold but very fierce with a never say die attitude. ORIGIN:
The phrase refers to the fierceness and strength of the tiger.
Q7. What is the tone of the poem ‘Eye of the tiger’?

Ans: The songwriter uses inspiring words to get the listener up and ready. Also, the tone of
these words is inspiring and motivational suggesting to get ready for the competition.
Q8. Explain the phrase ‘goes in for the kill’ with reference to the actual mannerism of the animal
- ‘Tiger’.
Ans: The phrase ‘goes in for the kill’ refers to the actual habit of the tiger while hunting. It tends
to turn his ears backwards, showing the spot at the back of each ear. These spots are called the
“tiger’s eyes”. It means a person or animal who has seen the ‘eye of a tiger’ is face to face with a
tiger is going to be dead soon.
Q9. What is the metaphor used throughout the poem?

Ans: The metaphor used throughout the poem is the comparison of the tiger’s hunting skills to
that of the individual who is struggling to make a mark. As the tiger in the end hunts it prey
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similarly an individual who is struggling to make a mark will succeed too with the focus and
hard work.
Q10.What are the various poetic devices used in the song?

Ans: The writer of the song ‘Eye of the tiger’ has used extreme poetic devices to represent the
struggles of an individual to compete with all the hardships in life and succeed. Metaphor,
Imagery, Personification, Consonance, Masculine internal and end rhymes, idioms,
colloquialism etc., have been used.
Q11. Who was the actor who played the lead role in Rocky III movie?
Ans: Sylvester Stallone is the actor who played the lead role in Rocky III movie for which the
theme song was ‘Eye of the Tiger’.
Q12. What is ‘refrain’ used in the poem? What does ‘Refrain’ mean?
Ans: The refrain used in the poem is ‘Eye of the tiger’. When you add a refrain to a song, or to
a poem (particularly ballads), it is repeating a word, line, verse, stanza, line, or chorus to make
it sound more rhythmic. It is also used to lay emphasis on the theme or message used in the
poem.
IV. Short Question and Answers.
.
Q1. What is the plot of the story of Rocky III? How is it relevant to the poem ‘Eye of the tiger’
Ans: Rocky, the leading world champion, accepts a boxing challenge from Clubber Lang and
loses the match. He also ends up losing his credibility as a champion, and has to fight to get it
back. The ‘Eye of the tiger’ is an inspirational song to motivate a person to never give up on their
dreams. In "Eye of the Tiger," Jim Peterik uses imagery to compare the struggle of person to that
of a tiger. The song is written in ballad form, which also enhances the main idea of not giving up
by showing the reader that dreams do come true.
Q2. What is the message of this poem? Describe in your own words.
Ans: The message of “Eye of the Tiger” is to stay persistent because there are many problems
one has to face. However, giving up is not the solution rather rising up to the challenge and
fighting back is the only way to survive. It represents the adrenaline of survival and fighting a
challenger. The songwriter is telling the reader to keep dignity and to not back down to
challenges. He uses a firm tone and says it as a statement and insisting on it being the truth
and fact of life.
Q3. Interpret the poem in your own words.

Ans: I think that the song "The Eye of The Tiger" is basically meant to motivate to never stop
fighting for what you want. ("Risin up, back on the street") this line is referring to the plot of the
movie story or to the song writer; where something happened to the character of the song that
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caused him to fail. However, he's is not giving up and coming back to try again. The story line of
this song is a person that was put down/failed, but he overcome his depression and goes on to
achieve his goals against many odds. In the end he returns to his passion, and succeeds.
Q4. What is the main imagery used to highlight the theme of the song?
Ans: The main imagery used in the song is to make the reader envision a tiger hunting its prey.
The poet is comparing the hardship of a person trying to reach his goals to that of a tiger
hunting for food. Jim Peterik combines the two different worlds of humans and animals by
using the word 'street' referencing the person, and 'kill' referencing the tiger. The fierceness and
focus of tiger are the inspiration which are used by the poet to show the challenges to survive in
this world.
Q5. Explain the plot of Rocky III to through light on the summary of the song.
Ans: The Plot of the Rocky III is the summary of the song. In the movie, Rocky Balboa is shown
resting on his laurels, living the good life, doing American Express commercials and photo-ops
and slacking off his training regimen. In stark contrast were scenes of the ominous Mr. T,
training hard, sweating, bleeding and pouring out every last ounce of effort to become the
boxing champion of the world. After the death of Rocky's trainer, played by Burgess Meredith,
Rocky's friend (and former rival) Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers, implores Rocky to get
back "The Eye of The Tiger," meaning his edge and his hunger to be the champ.
Q6. Describe how popular is this song.

Ans: This song has become very popular among people in physical therapy, marathon runners,
weightlifters, and just about anyone facing a challenge. It thus highlights the motivation and
inspiration that the song is passing on as a message to its readers.
Q7. Enumerate the various poetic devices used in the poem with examples.
Ans: The below are the various poetic devices from the poem:
 Personification – ‘Don’t’ lose your grip On the dreams of the past, you must fight
just to keep them alive’ here dreams are personified and the need to hold them tight
and keep them alive is mentioned.
 Metaphor - The ‘eye of the tiger is the thrill of the fight’, a man watching his "victims"
 Euphemism: Here ‘took my time’ is the poetic device of Euphemism where poet is
delicately telling to the readers that he was down/depressed and acted badly.
 Colloquialism: Risin’, Hangin, Stayin, Had the guts, Lose your grip are the words used as
slangs. They are not used widely throughout English-speaking populations. So, poetic
device of colloquialism is used.
 Hyperbole – You must fight just to keep them alive; he doesn’t really have to fight, it just requires a
little effort;. risin’ up, straight to the to he made it to top quickly, but didn’t go there directly – all these
lines are showing the exaggeration of a situation.
 Symbolism/Idiom – “Eye of the tiger” signifies the use of both reference of idiom and symbolism in the poem.
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“They stack the odds”- is reference to the challenges created by someone. The songwriter
uses it to make it
more realistic and relatable with that idiom.
 Consonance refers to repetitive sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or
phrase. Lines 11,15, 19 and 27 have used this poetic device.
 Alliteration – hangin, hungry; had the gut, got the glory uses alliteration.
 Imagery - “Face to face, out in the heat.” describes facing your enemy and the
environment. Makes listener understand where they are and what it’s like in the intensity
of survival.
 Rhyme - "For the kill with skill to survive" Masculine internal rhyme is used.
Q8. What is the mood of the song ‘Eye of the tiger’?

Ans: The overall mood of “The Eye of the Tiger” is inspirational and confident The whole phrase
is telling you to not give up on your dreams and the songwriter is using a polite urging tone to
convey this.
Q9. Describe the theme of the Song in your own words.

Ans: You must fight just to keep them alive." Not only must dreams be fought for, but life itself.
Survival is by definition continuing to live, and when The Fittest Survive, competition is
necessary. Competition should be healthy and pave way to mutual existence and accepting
defeat as a learning lesson to keep on improving. Giving up after a fall is not at all an option.
Getting up and get going is the motto of the life.
Q10. Why has this song become so quintessential?

Ans: Eye of the Tiger, popularized as the theme song of Sylvester Stallone's Rocky III, is known
as one of the most motivational songs of modern times. The song is played in movies,
montages, sporting events, and anything else with which people want to motivate others.
Without a doubt the song has become the quintessential track of its artist, Survivor.
The song has the all the necessary elements to inspire and motivate the dejected and
demotivated people to get up and get going. The world doesn’t need winners, nor does it need
cheer leaders. However, it quite essentially needs people who can bring each other up after a fall
and help each other in moving forward. The song has helped many achieve that kinder spirit
making it popular.
Worksheet
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Poem: Eye Of The Tiger

I. Objective Bits
1. Complete the lyrics: "Risin' up, back on the street / Did my ______, took my chances."
(A) Time ( )
(B) Duties
2. The correct lyrics are, "Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet / Just a man and
his will to survive." ( )
(A) True
(B) False
3. Complete the lyrics: "So many times, it happens too fast / You trade your ________ for
glory." ( )
(A) Soul
(B) Passion
(C) Cash
4. Complete the lyrics: "Don't lose your grip on the _______ of the past / You must fight
just to keep them alive." ( )
(A) Memories
(B) Dreams
5. Complete the lyrics: "It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight / Risin' up to
the challenge of our ______." ( )
(A) Rival
(B) Enemy
6. Complete the lyrics: "And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the ________ / And
he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger." ( )
(A) Day
(B) Night
(C)Evening
7. The correct lyrics are, "Face to face, out in the heat / Stayin' tough, hangin' strong."
( )
(A) True
(B) False
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8. Complete the lyrics: "They stack the odds till we take to the street / For the kill with
the _______ to survive." ( )
(A) Guts
(B) Strength
(C) Skill
9. Complete the lyrics: "Risin' up, straight to the _____ / Had the guts, got the glory."
10. The correct lyrics are, "Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop / Just a man and
his will to survive." ( )
(A) True
(B) False
11. "Eye of the Tiger" is the theme song to which of these films? ( )
(A) Rambo II
(B) The Karate Kid
(C) Rocky III
12. "Eye of the Tiger" is a song sung by American Rock Band________ ( )

(A) Beatles
(B) The Jackson Five
(C) Survivor
13. "Eye of the Tiger" was released as a single from their __________ album. ( )
(A) First
(B) Third
14. "Eye of the Tiger" was written by guitarist _______________ and Keyboardist
__________________ from the ‘Survivor’ Band.
15. "Eye of the Tiger" refers to ___________________. ( )

(A) What the tiger’s soon to be prey last sees prior to being killed.
(B) Impending death of the prey.
(C) Both (A) and (B)
16. The spot at the back of each ear of the tiger is called ____________________.
17. When a tiger is ready to kill its play, he would by habit ________________. ( )
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(A) drop his ears

(B) flap his ears
(C) turn his ears backwards.
18. "Eye of the Tiger" is a ___________________ in literature genre. ( )

(A) Poem
(B) Song
(C) Couplet
19. "Eye of the Tiger" is a __________________________ song. ( )

(A) Romantic
(B) Motivational and inspiring
(C) Sad.
20. “Eye Of The Tiger” is an Idiom. Refer the class kit and write the message that is
conveyed through this Idiom which is also the theme of the Song.
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II. Color the given image of the Tiger and write a paragraph on “The Tiger”.
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__________________________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Poem – Carpet Weaver of Morocco by Carol Rumens
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“Carpet-weavers, Morocco” by Carol Rumens is a poem that vividly describes the looming of a
carpet, a work done by children.
In this poem, the carpet isn’t just a commercial product, but also a religious symbol; it is
used for praying and connects daily life, commerce and religion, in the Islamic culture.
Various steps and techniques used in weaving are mentioned. The journey of carpet and the
carpet weavers is discussed.
The poem presents the idea of social injustice and child labor in third world countries
through the use of metaphors, similes, and visual imagery.
II. Vocabulary
A. New Words
1. Loom 2. Braids 3. Chime 4. Flickering 5. Knots
6. Veins 7. Assorted 8. Weave 9. Lace 10. Heaped
B. Meanings
1. Weave - To make (cloth) by interlacing the threads of the weft and the warp on a loom. (or) To
interlace (threads, for example) into cloth.
2. Loom - An apparatus for making thread or yarn into cloth by weaving strands together at
right angles; To interlace (threads, for example) into cloth; to loom - to come into view
3. Braids - a length of hair made up of three or more interlaced strands.
4. Assorted – of various sorts put together
5. Lace – fasten or tighten (a shoe or garment) by tying the laces.
6. Heaped – direct a great deal of praise, abuse, criticism, etc. at (someone or something).
7. Chime – make melodious ringing sounds, also referred here as being in agreement with same
kind of strokes/movement of hands producing sounds.
8. Raised – elevated to a higher position or level; lifted.
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9. Flickering - make small, quick movements.
10. Freeze - an act of holding or being held at a fixed level or in a fixed state
Note – Meanings are with the reference to the use in poem.
C. Synonyms
1. Braids – Plait, Pigtails, Tresses, Ponytails
2. Loom – Interlace, Intertwine, interweave, Entwine
3. To Loom - Appear, Emerge, Show, Reveal
4. Assorted – Mixed, Varied, Miscellaneous, Varying
5. Lace – Fasten, Do up, Tie up, Secure
6. Chime – Ring, Peal, Toll, Sound
7. Heaped – Shower on, Lavish on, Bestow on, Load on
8. Raised – Elevated, Up-Stretched, Higher
9. Flickering – Flutter, Quiver, Vibrate, Tremble
10. Freeze – Restricted, Fixed, Suspension, Hold
C. Antonyms
1. Assorted X Identical
2. Flicker X Steady
3. Servant X Master
4. Deep X Shallow
5. Freeze X Unfreeze
II. Questions and Answers.
Q1. Who Wrote the Poem “Carpet Weavers of Morocco”?

Ans: Carol Rumens wrote this poem sharing her experience about the life of carpet weavers of
Morocco.
Q2. Who are ‘the children’ introduced in line 1?

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Ans: The Children introduced in line 1 of the poem are the children of Morocco who are carpet
weavers.
Q3. What is the design on the carpet woven by the children?

Ans: The children are weaving “The garden of Islam”. The motif is reference to the design pattern
which is taking shape on the carpet. The children are weaving a mosque surrounded by
beautiful garden full of rose veins.
Q4. What is the theme of the poem “Carpet Weavers of Morocco”?
Ans: The theme of the poem “Carpet Weavers of Morocco” is about Social Injustice and Child
labor-exploitation
Q5. What is child labour?

Ans: Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives
children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally,
physically, socially or morally harmful.
Q6. Describe ILO and its contribution with respect to the problem of child labour.
Ans: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a ‘United Nations’ agency concerned with
promoting decent work and social justice around the world. It frames universally applicable
rules and regulations for smooth functioning of labour organsiation and safety of human
resources involved in such organizations. ILO investigates child labour, and supports efforts by
countries around the world to end child labour and exploitation.
Q7. What is the tone and theme of the poem ‘Carpet Weavers of Morocco?
Ans: The tone is Satirical and the theme is the ironical fact about the child labor and
exploitation in Morocco and brings to light the bigger problem all across the world regarding
child labor and exploitation.
Q8. What is the age limit described by ILO considered under the preview of child labour?
Ans: According to ILO and the international treaties a child is anyone under the age of 18 years
old. Any child who is under the age of 18 and is forced to work is a punishable offense in the
law.
Q9. List few of the main causes of child labour?

Ans: Poverty, Illiteracy, low aspirations, high cost of education, increasing demand of unskilled
labour, over population, early marriages etch are few main causes of child labour.
Q10.What are the various poetic devices used in the poem?

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Ans: The writer of the poem ‘Carpet Weavers of Morocco’ has used many poetic devices to
represent the struggles of the children of Morocco to endure with all the hardships in life and
work in order to earn for food and basic necessities of life. Visual Imageries, Metaphors,
Personification, Controversial Simile and change of tense poetic form have been used in the
poem to describe the children weaving carpets.
Q11. Describe the main idea of the poem in your own words.
Ans: The main idea of the poem is basically about the issues of child labour in Morocco. In
Morocco most carpets are made by children who actually should be in school but their parents
can't afford it. The poem describes about these children and their life around the workshops of
weaving houses around Morocco.
Q12. Explain the message conveyed by the poet in the following line: “The Children are at the
loom of another world”; “Their assorted heights would make a melodious chime’; “As the garden
of Islam grows, the bench will be raised”
Ans: “The Children are at the loom of another world” vividly describes the looming of a
carpet, a work done by children; it refers to a whole other new world than that of the regular
children. However, it also conveys the idea that they are facing the challenges imposed by
developing countries, “another world” where in they have to face the hardships of life and have
to work in order to survive to earn for their basic necessities of life.
“Their assorted heights would make a melodious chime’ Rumens is able to create a very
effective image of the children weaving by using a metaphor. The use of the words “assorted
heights” conveys the idea that the children are of different stature and ages. It also shows that
they are united and joined together by work by comparing them to a “melodious chime”,
because by working all together they will create a melodious music, in other words a beautiful
carpet.
“As the garden of Islam grows, the bench will be raised” as the garden of Islam grows is
reference to the design pattern which is taking shape on the carpet. The children are weaving a
mosque surrounded by beautiful garden full of rose veins. ‘The bench will be raise’ is reference
to the reference of up stretched or elevated position of the bench on which the children are
working. As the work of weaving progresses into a beautiful carpet the benches have to be
raised in order to make space for the carpet to fall on the other side; giving room for the children
to continue their work without clustering the space. Also refers to the high expectations of the
merchants in expecting beautiful designs for the carpets which will be used for prayers.
Q13. Identify and explain the figure of speech used in following line: ‘They watch their flickering knots
like television’.
Ans: The use of the words ‘flickering Knots’ illustrates both how quick and skilled the children are with
their hands. This is because they have probably been working in the loom’s for almost their whole lives
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to contribute to their families’ income therefore meaning they are fast and skilled. And comparing the
childhood of these children to the rest of the world children who contrary to this are happily watching
televisions is a use of controversial simile.
Q14. Bring out the significance of the above stanza in your own words.
Ans: The second stanza implies a comparison between the children weaving carpets in Morocco
and those who might spend their time watching television. The comparison is achieved through
a direct simile, like television, and also through the word flickering, which simultaneously
suggests the carpet-weavers’ deft skill and the movement of images on a TV screen. The
comparison helps us consider who is spending their time more productively; watching television
is a passive activity whereas weaving is an active one, ending with the creation of something of
which one may be proud. The carpet’s motif is the garden of Islam, which reminds us that the
children are part of a wider community; their work is important and will be appreciated once it
is finished.
Q15. What realization dawns on the reader about this gross human tragedy implied in this
poem?
Ans: Carol Rumens uses imagery throughout the poem in order to show how the carpet woven
by these children is a way of connecting the Islamic culture together; the carpet is not only a
commercial product but also a religious symbol. Nevertheless, no matter how beautiful the
carpet turns out to be and how important it is to the culture, the poet emphasizes that it is a
creation of uneducated children, whose future still seems bleak because they are forced to
work. The social evils of the society like child labor, forced work, unfair wages, exploitation and
the reality of underdeveloped countries and majority of the related social-economic issues like
poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, unfair wages and demands for unskilled labour, over
population etch are subtly highlighted.
Q16. Explain the significance of tenses and change of tenses used in the poem by Carol
Rumens.
Ans: The Tense throughout the poem changes. The first four lines the tense is in the present
and the poet describes what she sees. The tense then changes in the next 5 lines from lto future
and then in the tenth line it goes back to present. The change of tenses in the poem is reference
for the readers to be able to recognize the amount of unfairness that children in Morocco have
been going though in the past, present and what it will be like in the future. Through the three
tenses the social injustice suffered by the children working in the looms in Morocco has stayed
the same and will not change.
Q17. Discuss how Carol Rumens uses language and imagery to create an effective poem.
Ans: In the poem ”Carpet Weavers, Morocco”, Carol Rumens portrays the illusion of beauty
radiated by the Moroccan children and their masterpieces, as seen from her point of view as a
foreign English woman. Through the effective use of language and imagery, she impresses upon
the reader the hopes and dreams of the children, whilst at the same time unveiling the dismal
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and hopeless situation in which they are trapped. There is a constant sense of irony and
injustice in the poem, which successfully draws sympathy and pity from the readers.
Q18. ‘The Children are at the loom of another world.’ The beginning line of the poem is kind
of statement with much emphasize on multiple reference. Elicit your answer with proper
explanation.
Ans: The opening line of the first stanza, ‘The children are at the loom of another world’ brings
to mind the image of children weaving. Literally, the loom is the machine at which the children
weave their carpets, with ‘another world’ clarifying the difference of nationality between the poet
and the children. However, ‘loom’ is also used to symbolize the omnipresence of the adult world,
which can be viewed as the ‘other world’. The children’s employers hold control over their daily
lives by employing them, the children are not allowed to experience an ordinary, carefree
childhood. ‘Another world’ also suggests that the children do not belong in the carpet-weaving
factory-they are meant to be in a world where they can grow, learn and have fun .
Q19. ‘As the garden of Islam grows, the bench will be raised. Then they will lace the dark-
rose veins of the tree-tops.’ What is the poet trying to convey through this lines.
Ans: ‘Garden of Islam’ brings to mind the image of paradise or heaven. ‘The bench will be
raised’ seems to suggest that the children are lifted into heaven, to be with God. ‘Lacing the
dark-rose veins of the treetop’ hints at a divine power-since the children now stand with God,
they have a similar ability of giving life, ‘veins’, to what would have been lifeless. However, the
irony is again being established by the poet through the realization of fact that the more energy
the children put into the carpets the more beautiful they become, and the more exquisite the
carpets are the less likely they will be able to leave the factory as their employers would be more
reluctant to release them.
Q20. What is the poet is trying to refer or bring to light before the readers through this poem?
Ans: Rumens tries to extract sympathy from the readers in the third stanza. The image of a
carpet being tossed into ‘the merchant’s truck’ undermines the hard work the children have
done. The realisation that the children will never get to see their masterpieces again, nor
pray upon them is heart breaking. To think that their achievements are for the benefit of others,
gives a solemn atmosphere. It is also ironic they will not be able to pray upon their own
creations and instead must be content that their hard work will allow for other worshippers to
send their prayers to God and have them answered as suggested in the lines of poem ‘Deep
and soft, it will give when heaped with prayer.’ The children receive nothing from their work
except a nominal amount, which provides the reader with a startling contrast to the
children’s desire for freedom.
Q21. Highlight the irony of the phrase ‘School of days’ from the poem.
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Ans: Sympathy and pity reaches a climax in the last stanza as the first line ‘the children are
hard at work in the school days’. It establishes the difference between these children’s days at
Morocco and those of ordinary children in the rest of the world. It is once again ironic that they
phrase ‘school of days’ should be mentioned when it is clear that the children are not
receiving an education. Unlike ordinary privileged children, they are forced to work, to bear the
responsibility of being breadwinners.
Q22. ‘From the fingers the colours of all-that-will-be fly and freeze into the frame of all-
that-was’. What figure of speech is used in these lines and explain its meaning.
Ans: The figure of speech used is alliteration and repetition of ‘f’ in ”fingers, ‘fly’, ‘freeze’
and ‘frame’. It suggests the monotonous life that the carpet-weavers lead-each day they work
towards producing spectacular carpets, only to see their work being taken away. Each day they
wish for their carpets to give them a reliable future, but at the same time, each carpet woven is
another of moment of their future gone. ‘Future’ and ‘freedom’ also begin with ‘f’ but their
omitted presence signifies their absence in the children’s lives.
Worksheet
Poem: Carpet Weavers of Morocco
I. Objective Bits
1. Complete the lyrics: "Their braids are ___________________________, their dresses are
bright." ( )
(A) Oiled and greased
(B) Oiled and black
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2. Identify the figure of speech used in following lines: "They watch their flickering knots
like television”. ( )
(A) Metaphor
(B) Simile
3. The design on the carpet is of _____________________________motif. ( )

(A) Temple border
(B) The garden of Islam.
4. A loom is a ____________________. ( )
(A) A device used to weave thread into cloth.
(B) A play toy.
5. The theme of the poem “Carpet Weavers of Morocco” is about ________ ( )

(A) Social Injustice and Child labour-exploitation
(B) Beautiful carpets of Morocco.
6. “Carpet Weavers of Morocco” is written by ________________ ( )

(A) Carol Rumens
(B) Sarojini Naidu
7. ‘Their assorted heights’ in the poem is reference to _________________ ( )

(A) Children of varied heights.
(B) Children of varied age and height.
8. “Carpet Weavers of Morocco” has ____________________________ tone. ( )

(A) Melodious
(B) Satirical
9. Which place is being mentioned in the poem. ( )

(A) Moscow
(B) Morocco
10. Children under the age of 18 and forced to work is considered ____. ( )
(A) Child Labour.
(B) Child Right.
II. Observe the map and answer the questions given below. Highlight the country of
Morocco.
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1. Name the continent ___________________________________________.

2. Name few neighboring countries of Morocco.
3. Research and write 10 sentences about the country of Morocco.
III. Complete the tabular organizer listing the causes of child labour. List the various effects
and solutions for the same in the class kit itself. (CW 2 pgno 6)
IV. Writing Skills: Describe in your own words the various solutions to tackle child labour
issues in India. (Word limit 200 words)
20
V. Connect the dots and finish the picture and color them. Write five differences you had
observed in both the pictures and list them. (Hint: You can use ideas from the theme of the
Poem – Carpet Weavers of Morocco)
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______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
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VII. Observe the picture given and write the appropriate reference from the poem using
the help box under the related picture.
Their braids are oiled and black - Their assorted heights would make a melodious chime
The loom of another world - From their fingers the colours of all-that-will-be fly and freeze
1. ____________________________________________ 2. ____________________________________________
3. ________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________
VII. Extra Reading: Suggested poem for comparison:
 The Chimney-Sweeper by William Blake
23
Topic: Prose – Hearts and Hands by O. Henry
William Sydney Porter (1862-1910), best known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American
short story writer. The following story takes place during a time of American westward
expansion, when living out west was seen as adventurous compared to the already
established east coast.
The author develops the characters of the handcuffed men. Henry's short story, ''Hearts
and Hands,'' Miss Fairchild is a high-class lady who meets an old friend, who is in
handcuffs, from her past.
She easily believes that her old friend, Mr. Easton, is the Marshal when the man he's
handcuffed to claims himself to be the prisoner.
However, in the end reality hits hard when the readers know that Mr. Easton is actually the
prisoner. The kind-hearted Marshal went ahead to save Mr. Easton from embarrassment and
saved the situation for Easton to make him little comfortable in his already miserable state.
II. Vocabulary
A. New Words
1. Influx 2. Countenanc 3. Rouse 4. Shrewd 5. Marshal
6. Counterfeiting 7. Vacant 8. Sidle 9. Acquainted 10. Pen
B. Meanings
1. Influx - an arrival of a large number of people or things
2. “B. & M. Express” - is likely a reference to the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, an
American railroad company in the west from the late 19th century.
3. Countenance - a person's face or facial expression
4. Vacant - empty or unoccupied
5. Rouse - to cause to be active or excited
6. Shrewd - sharp or perceptive

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7. Marshal - Marshal is a federal or municipal law officer.
8. Pen - Slang for a penitentiary jail or prison
9. Counterfeiting - refers to the illegal practice of manufacturing fake money.
10. Irrelevant - not connected with or related to something
11. Sidle - to walk in a quiet or cautious way
C. Synonyms
1. Influx – Arrival, Invasion, Flood, Incursion
2. Bewildered – Befuddled, Bemused, Dazed, Puzzled
3. Forestalled – Anticipated, Expected, Envisioned, Foresaw
4. Ruffled – Disheveled, Messy, Tangled, Unkempt
5. Tinge – Hint, Touch, Dash, Trace
6. Proclaimed – Announced, Declared, Stated, Decreed
7. Embarrassment – Discomfiture, Awkwardness, Humiliation, Mortification
8. Growled – Roared, Snarled, Howled, Rumbled
9. Petition – Request, Appeal, Entreaty, Requisition
10. Acquainted – Familiar, Conversant, Accustomed, Aware
C. Antonyms
1. Disinterest X Interest
2. Agree X Disagree
3. Understand X Misunderstand
4. Unfortunate X Fortunate
5. Ruffle X Smooth
6. Influx X Efflux
7. Embarrassment X Confidence
8. Counterfeit X Genuine
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9. Sidle X March/Stomp/Stride
10. Irrelevant X Relevant
II. Very Short Questions and Answers.
Q1. In Hearts and Hands, where does Miss Fairchild encounter Mr. Easton?
Ans: In Hearts and Hands, Miss Fairchild encounters Mr. Easton on the B & M train.
Q2. In Hearts and Hands, where are the two handcuffed men going?
Ans: In Hearts and Hands, the two handcuffed men are going towards Leavenworth Prison.
Q3. How many years of punishment did the prisoner get for counterfeiting?
Ans: The prisoner was given seven years of imprisonment for counterfeiting.
Q4. In Hearts and Hands, why does Mr. Easton seem embarrassed when he encounters Miss
Fairchild?
Ans:
Q4. In Hearts and Hands, Mr. Easton seems to be embarrassed when he encounters Miss
Fairchild as he is handcuffed to the Marshal.
Q5. What are the themes used in this short story of O. Henry?
Ans: O. Henry has beautifully portrayed the themes of Kindness, Freedom, Stereotypes and
perception and Misleading nature of appearances.
Q6. What is the primary purpose of "Hearts and Hands" by O. Henry?

Ans: In "Hearts and Hands," O. Henry is showing us how easy it is for appearances to be
deceptive.
Q7. What literary devices are used in "Hearts and Hands" by O. Henry?
Ans: The most important literary device used in the story is irony. The whole situation is
profoundly ironic, leading to the surprise ending. In other words, there is situational irony.
Q8. Who are the main characters in this story?

Ans: The main characters in this story are the Marshal, Mr. Easton and Miss Fairchild.
Q9. Describe the first appearance of Mr. Easton as in the story.
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Ans: Mr. Easton was described as one among the newcomers who was handsome with a bold,
frank countenance and manner.
Q10. Describe the first appearance of the Marshal as in the story.

Ans: The Marshal was described as a ruffled, glum-faced, heavily built and roughly dressed
man.
Q11. Describe the first appearance of Miss Fairchild as in the story.

Ans: Miss Fairchild was described as a very pretty young woman dressed in elegant taste and
surrounded by all the luxurious comforts of an experienced traveler.
Q12. “why — Oh! Didn’t you catch on? Say — did you ever know an officer to handcuff a
prisoner to his right hand?”. What does this ending line from the story imply?
Ans: This last line of the story is a conversation between two onlookers in the same coach as the
characters of the story. It was obvious from the situation that the person who introduced
himself as the prisoner was the real Marshal. It is implied that any person who is a Marshal
would use his right hand to wield a weapon. Hence would never handcuff a person to his right
hand as contrary to the situation here.
III. Short Question and Answers.

Q1. Who are the main characters in this story? Describe each of these characters.
Ans: The main characters are the Marshal, Mr. Easton, and Miss Fairchild. Miss Fairchild is a
snob and a member of the upper-class. Mr. Easton is a criminal who appears to be of the upper-
class to Miss Fairchild, and the Marshal is a kind man who tries to avoid embarrassing the
other two characters.
Q2. Why does Miss Fairchild assume that the Marshal is the prisoner? Explain.
Ans: She assumes that the Marshal is the prisoner because in her mind, someone like Mr.
Easton, who is of her social class, could never commit a crime.
Q3. Why does the Marshal go out of his way to help Miss Fairchild and Mr. Easton avoid
embarrassment? Would you have done this if you were in the Marshal's position?
Ans: The Marshal is a kind man who doesn't want anyone to feel embarrassed. He didn't have
any ulterior motives. Simply, he did this out of the kindness of his heart. Answers will vary for
the second part of this question.
Q4. In this story, Miss Fairchild is a young unmarried woman in the late 1800s. How is life
different for unmarried women today compared to back then?
Ans: The women were more sheltered back then in those days. They were raised in protection
and with manners and etiquette to get them rich suitable suiters for marriage. They were not
financially independent and were to abide by all the rules and regulations of the society.
27
However, today women are more independent. They are educated according to their choice of
interest and are at freedom to chose their choice of work and are financially more independent.
Q5. What did the two passengers who had overheard the conversation notice that Miss Fairchild
hadn't noticed? Why do you think she missed this detail?
Ans: These two passengers notice that the handcuffs were on the wrong hand for Mr. Easton to
be the marshal which Miss Fairchild had missed to notice. It might be due to many reasons.
Miss Fairchild knew Mr. Easton before and from that acquaintance it would not be possible for
her to think badly about Mr. Easton. Miss Fairchild also seems to be biased on looks and
riches. The glum faced Marshal gave her a false appearance of being the culprit here. She was
deceived by appearance and might be prejudiced due to preconceived stereotypes and
perceptions.
Q6. Kindness and class are two important themes in this story. What are some other themes?
Explain.
Ans: Other themes include making assumptions and appearances. Miss Fairchild made an
assumption solely based on the appearances of the two men. The general stereotypes and
perspective aspects also are one of the major themes. Assuming that every one who goes to
prison is guilty is one such stereo type. The perspective of a human being in understanding the
other person in a bad situation with more empathy and sympathy also matters here. The elite
Miss Fairchild is horrified when she sees handcuffs on Mr. Easton making her own assumptions
even though she knew him in past. However, she was not able to think about him in a good way
and never thought there would be another side to the story until the Marshal volunteered
himself to be the criminal to stop the embarrassment of the man he had handcuffed.
Q7. How does the "glum-faced" man's actions contribute to the development of a theme of the
story "Hearts and Hands" by O. Henry?
Ans: When one reads about the "glum-faced" man, one thinks that he is the prisoner, and the
well-dressed one is the officer. Miss Fairchild though not sure in the beginning for once is
bewildered assuming Mr. Easton to be the criminal. Mr. Easton is embarrassed because he
doesn't want Miss Fairchild to see how far down in the world he's fallen. When she previously
knew him back East, Mr. Easton was a member of the social elite. But now, he's nothing more
than a common criminal on his way to the penitentiary. The officer, thus sensing the
embarrassment of the situation volunteers to help out ease the situation. The "glum-faced man"
is also roughly built and shabbily dressed, thus playing into the stereotypical criminal was
easily believed. This kind and generous act thus played a major role in the development of the
theme of the story. Showing a little empathy and kindness towards the guilty was not going to
do any harm to anyone, knowing this and helping Mr. Easton ease out a little bit
from his already miserable situation was the best thing the glum-faced man had done.
Q8. How could Mr. Easton be described from the short story "Hearts and Hands"?
Ans: Mr. Easton comes across to the casual observer as a very smart, affable kind of a guy. He
presents a face to the world of a man whose manners and clothes are equally impeccable. He
projects an aura of confidence, one that allows him to convince other people that he's someone
28
he's really not. But beneath that superficially charming exterior beats the heart of a serial
criminal. Judging by the crimes he's committed, Easton is a thoroughly dishonest man, a
fraudster who thinks it perfectly acceptable to engage in counterfeiting to get the money he
needs to pursue a lavish lifestyle.Easton believes it's so important to keep up with the smart set
that he's prepared to break the law to get his hands on the requisite cash; this indicates a
certain shallowness on Easton's part.
Q9. What is the conflict and twist to the short story "Heart and Hands"?
Ans: O. Henry is a short story writer famous for his ironic "twists" at the end of his stories. In
"Hearts and Hands," the conflict and twist revolve around two men who are handcuffed to one
another on a train in Denver. One of them is young and handsome, the other is older and glum-
looking. The conflict in the story is when Miss Fairchild recognizes the younger man and
hesitates to talk to him seeing the handcuffs the glum faced man saves the situation out of
kindness.
Both Mr. Easton and Miss Fairchild have high vanity and leading to conflict of thoughts. Miss
Fairchild in not able to think positive about the man she knew from her past experience as one
among the amicable social elite group and Mr. Easton being guilty not able to face it truthfully
when he encountered someone from his past. He played along to keep the false prestige. The
twist of the short story is the general audience in the train able to know the irony of situation
which went past ignorance of Miss Fairchild.
Q10. What is the significance of hands in the story hearts and hands?
Ans: Though the hands of the two men were handcuffed representing a contrasting relation of a
prisoner and an officer, the hearts went alike. The marshal came forward to save his prisoner
from the embarrassing situation by lying to the woman.
Mr. Easton is as quick-thinking as the real marshal. He's also quite the opportunist. He doesn't
flinch to lie and continues to lie to Miss Fairchild once the marshal gets the ball rolling. He lays
out an explanation as to why he has moved to the West and why he won't be able to see her in
the future. He even picks up on the hint from the marshal when he asks to go to the smoke
room quickly. He immediately accepts the request claiming that he cannot deny a man asking
for a smoke because, ''It's the one friend of the unfortunate.''
The real marshal is a selfless man. He sees the horror on Miss Fairchild's face when she first
sees the handcuffs on Mr. Easton and speaks up. He calls Easton ''Marshal'' to detour her
thoughts. Later, after he sees that she seems interested in Mr. Easton, he cuts the conversation
short without revealing the truth to save her from embarrassment. The ''heart'' part of the title
is dedicated to him. The ''hand'' part is about Mr. Easton. O. Henry's known for writing about
good people, irony, and symbolism. This story has all three.
29
Worksheet
Topic: Prose – Hearts and Hands by O. Henry
I. Based on your reading of the short story ‘Hearts and Hands’ choose the correct answer
for the given questions.
1.In Hearts and Hands, where does Miss Fairchild encounter Mr. Easton? ( )
(A) In Central Park
(B) In church
(C) On a train
(D) On a cruise ship
2. In Hearts and Hands, why does Mr. Easton seem embarrassed when he encounters Miss
Fairchild? ( )
(A) His clothes are ragged.
(B) He knows that he has been aging rapidly.
(C) He has been drenched in a rainstorm.
(D) He is handcuffed to another man.
3. In Hearts and Hands, where are the two handcuffed men going? ( )

(A) Leavenworth
(B) Rikers Island
(C) San Quentin
(D) Las Vegas
4. In Hearts and Hands by O. Henry, what does the real marshal gain by lying about Mr.
Easton's identity to Miss Fairchild? ( )
(A) He gains acquaintance with a high-class lady.
(B) He gains nothing from doing this.
(C) He gains a favor from Mr. Easton.
(D) He gains a fair share of money promised to him by Mr. Easton.
5. In Hearts and Hands by O. Henry, what is the main theme of the story? ( )
(A) Guilt
(B) Jealousy
(C) Kindness
(D) Forgiveness
6. In Hearts and Hands by O. Henry, Miss Fairchild believes that _____ is the marshal. ( )
(A) Mr. Easton
(B) the rough man
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(C) a man in the aisle

(D) neither of the men
7. Why do the men sit next to the young woman? ( )
(A) There are no other seats available.

(B) They want to sit somewhere they can smoke.
(C) The young man wanted to chat with the young woman.
(D) That is the seat they had reserved at the station.
8. Where are the two men going after they get off the train? ( )
(A) Washington
(B) Denver
(C) The West
(D) Leavenworth prison
9. Why has Miss. Fairchild been in Denver? ( )

(A) She’s been visiting friends.
(B) She’s been working.
(C) She’s been on vacation.
(D) She’s been studying.
10. How best would you describe Fairchild’s feelings in the passage below? ( )
The glad look in the girl’s eyes changed to a bewildered horror. The glow faded from her cheeks.
Her lips parted in a vague, relaxing distress.
(A) Uneasy
(B) Disappointed
(C) Tired
(D) None of the above
11. How best would you describe Easton’s life in Washington according to the passage
below? ( )
Money has a way of taking wings unto itself, and you know it takes money to keep step with our
crowd in Washington.
(A) Easton was feeling depressed in Washington.
(B) Easton was making a lot of money in Washington.
(C) Easton was living beyond his means in Washington.
(D) Easton was making a lot of friends in Washington.
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12. The following passage is an example of what literary device? “But people always
misunderstand things and remain stupid--" ( )
(A) Hyperbole
(B) Irony
(C) An oxymoron
(D) A simile
13. 8. What is the main theme of the story? ( )

(A) Always try to do your best.
(B) Follow your dreams.
(C) Breaking the law is wrong.
(D) Things are not always what they seem.
14. Which can the reader BEST conclude about Easton? ( )

(A) Easton is a thoughtful Marshall.
(B) Easton is really interested in Ms. Fairchild.
(C) Easton is a con artist.
(D) Easton is guilty of monetary greed.
15. What can the reader BEST conclude about the “glum-faced man” with Easton? ( )
(A) He pitied the foolish Easton.
(B) He dreaded going to the prison in Leavenworth.
(C) He was intrigued by Miss Fairchild.
(D) He was fond of (liked) Easton.
16. Which statement is NOT a possible interpretation for the story? ( )

(A) Miss Fairchild knew Easton's secret.
(B) Easton was okay with lying to Miss Fairchild.
(C) Easton regrets committing a crime
(D) Marshall being a cop was very unjust.
17. THEME is ... ( )

(A) The central idea or message in a story.
(B) Directly stated in the story.
(C) Not directly stated in the story.
(D) A universal truth or lesson about life.
18. Which of the following best describes the glum-faced man?

(A) He was a criminal convicted of counterfeiting
(B) He was addicted to tobacco
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(C) Although he was rough-looking, he was actually a kind man

(D) He was famous in the west
19. The title "Hearts and Hands" probably refers to... ( )

(A) Miss Fairchild's surrendering her heart into Mr. Easton Hands.
(B) The Marshall's good-heartedness while bound by the hand to a criminal.
(C) Miss Fairchild's cruel interactions towards Mr. Easton.
(D) Falling in love with someone you don’t really know.
20. Which of the following statements best explains the theme of Hearts and Hands. ( )
(A) Crime does not pay
(B) The law is sometimes forgiving
(C) The love of money will lead to awkward situations
(D) Appearances can be deceiving
Click all the options that apply.
21. O. Henry stories mostly contain... ( )

(A) Hidden Identities.
(B) Fancy, rich people who have amazing lives where nothing goes wrong.
(C) Normal people who break the law.
(D) Surprise Endings.
22. O. Henry used elements of his past in his stories. True or False. ( )
(A) True (B) False
23. Which of the following is NOT a theme for this story? ( )

(A) Friendship.
(B) Love can conquer all obstacles.
(C) Friendships can change through the years.
(D)Sometimes all people need is a little kindness.
24. What does the word “forestall” mean as used in? ( )

(A) to distract
(B) to watch.
(C) to joke.
(D) to interrupt.
25. What can the reader infer about Easton’s character based on the interaction between
him and Miss Fairchild? ( )
A. He is a charming young man who values the importance of money, which was likely the thing
that got him into trouble.
B. He is a timid, awkward man who, if he were not interrupted, would have told Miss Fairchild
the truth and pleaded for help.
33
C. He is in love with Miss Fairchild and went out west to make money so he could marry her,
but became a marshal when he failed.
D. He is dishonest and deceptive, as shown by how easily he lies to Miss Fairchild and pulls the
unwilling marshal into the lie too.
26. Which of the following best explains the main idea of the passage? ( )
(A) Crime does not pay.
(B) Elegant manners and courtesy often make difficult situations easier to handle.
(C) The law is sometimes forgiving.
(D) Appearances can be deceiving.
27. This story is an excellent example of which of the following literary techniques? ( )
(A) A romance
(B) A surprise ending
(C) Regional style
(D) Development of suspense
28. Which one of the following choices best describes the past relationship between Miss
Fairchild and Mr. Easton? ( )
(A) Mr. Easton and the ambassador fought a duel over Miss Fairchild.
(B) There was more than friendship between them.
(C) Mr. Easton and Miss Fairchild moved in high social circles.
(D) They had been engaged to be married.
29. Which of the following best describes the glum-faced man? ( )

(A) The man was a criminal convicted of counterfeiting.
(B) Many passengers knew him since he was a well-known figure in the West.
(C) Although he appeared rough, he was sensitive and perceptive.
(D) He did not like Miss Fairchild or Mr. Easton.
30. What impression does the author seek to create in this stow? ( )
(A) Mr. Easton is the marshal and he is taking his prisoner to Leavenworth.
(B) Mr. Easton and Miss Fairchild will resume their engagement.
(C) Mr. Easton is actually the prisoner.
(D) Miss Fairchild finds the marshal attractive.
II. Writing Skills: Imagine and Explore – Imagine you are travelling on a train and happen
to look out of the window and are fascinated by what you notice. Describe what you see in
20 sentences about your thoughts and feelings.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
III. Draw a neat graphic organizer or a mind map to describe about each of the characters
from the short story of O. Henry ‘Hearts and Hands’. Use descriptive adjectives.
35
Topic: Prose – Lion Whisperer
Kevin Rene Richardson, known as "The Lion Whisperer", is a South African YouTube
personality and self-taught sanctuary owner who works with African lions.
The Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to provide a self-sustaining African

carnivore sanctuary for the purposes of wild species preservation.
Through education, outreach and funding, our mission is to bring awareness to the rapid
decline of large carnivores in Africa due to habitat loss, human-predator conflict, the illegal
bush meat trade, unscrupulous hunting, disease, and illegal trade.
This prose lesson shows the journey of Kevin Richardson from a normal gym instructor to
one of the most confident self-taught animal behaviorist/conservationists. It highlights the
plight of abuse and exploitation of humans intervening with the wild and also brings in a
sincere request to young readers to know the facts be informed and grow into responsible
kind world citizens and respect nature and wildlife.
II. Vocabulary
A. New Words
1. Sustaining 2. Predator 3. Malicious 4. Dissuaded 5. Calibre
6. Gnawing 7. Sobriquet 8. Mesmerized 9. Conservation 10. Flouted
B. Meanings
1. Sustaining - to support something or keep it going; strengthen or support physically or

mentally
2. Predator - an animal that naturally preys on others; also reference to a person who ruthlessly
exploits others.
3. Malicious - characterized by malice or hatred; intending or intended to do harm.
4. Dissuaded - persuade (someone) not to take a particular course of action.
5. Calibre - the quality of someone's character or the level of their ability.

36
6. Gnawing - persistently worrying or distressing
7. Sobriquet - a person's nickname.
8. Flouted - openly disregard (a rule, law, or convention).
9. Mesmerized - capture the complete attention of (someone); transfix.
10. Conservation - preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and of

wildlife.
C. Synonyms
1. Turf – Lawn, Grass, Pasture, Meadow
2. Reciprocate – Respond, Counter, Reply, Share
3. Onlooker – Bystander, Viewer, Spectator, Observer
4. Profound – Deep, Thoughtful, Philosophical, Reflective
5. Tumbling – Plummeting, Dipping, Falling, Dropping
6. Flout – Disobey, Break, Ignore, Defy
7. Unique – Exclusive, Inimitable, Exceptional, Sole
8. Trophy – Award, Medal, Crown, Title
9. Conservation – Upkeep, Preservation, Maintenance, Protection
10. Sanctuary – Preserve, Reservation, National Park, Natural facility
C. Antonyms
1. Tame X Untame
2. Post-Operative X Pre-Operative
3. Mesmerize X Repulse/Disenchant
4. Daredevilry X Cowardice
5. Trained X Untrained
6. Common X Uncommon
7. Unique X Ordinary
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8. Exceptional X Usual
9. Commercial X Non-Profit
10. Abolish X Create
II. Questions and Answers.
Q1. Who was Kevin Richardson?

Ans: Kevin Richardson is a world-renowned wildlife conservationist and filmmaker, recognised
by his persona as the 'Lion Whisperer'.
Q2. Where was Kevin Richardson born?

Ans: Kevin was born on the 8th October 1974 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He spent his
childhood in the suburb of Orange Grove, far from the African bushveld he would grow to love.
Q3. What is his qualification and profession before becoming an animal-behaviorist?

Ans: Kevin studied physiology and worked with post-operative patients.
Q4. What are the names of the cubs that Kevin took care of first?
Ans: Kevin met two six-month-old cubs, Tau and Napoleon at his friend Rodney Fuhr’s Lion
Park whom he first took care of.
Q4. What was the source of income of Kevin for maintaining the conservation parks?
Ans: Kevin and his team worked with the animals for the commercial filming industry and made
documentaries to generate income to fund the park. Supervised safari tours around the parks
and paid videos and photographers of this majestic animals were one other source of income. As
Kevin’s work and his fame grew international few big companies opened up branding
advertisement opportunities and funding.
Q5. Was the facility that Kevin maintained only protected Lions?
Ans: Kevin while working in the facility took care of thirty-two lions, fifteen hyenas, and four
black leopards.
Q6. Who helped Kevin build a permanent and more spacious facility for the wild animals under
his protection?
Ans: Kevin with his association with Gerald Howell, could finally find a permanent borne for his
animals at a farm near Dinokeng Game Reserve. He made spacious enclosures for his animals
where they could roam freely in the forest under his supervision.
Q7. How was Kevin different from other trained animal behaviourists?
Ans: Kevin was not a trained animal behaviourist, he could adapt to the job very well. He flouted
common practices of using sticks and chains, and used love, understanding, and trust to bond
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with the animals. He had a unique ability to understand the individual personalities of each lion
in the park and treated them like his children.
Q8. How can the lions or wild animals be mastered according to Kevin?
Ans: Kevin dismissed the word or concept of wild animal being mastered by humans. He rather
insisted that these animals should be befriended. He did not accept the traditional notion that
lions should be mastered and dominated. He believed in building and developing a relationship
with these animals based on love and respect over a period of time.
Q9. Describe how Richardson developed a bond with the cubs.

Ans: Richardson has a unique and special bond with the cubs. He was scratched, punctured
and bitten by them while raising them but never in a malicious way. These lions and animals
that Richardson protected were with him since their birth. So, it was completely different from
that of professional zoologists who interacting with wild animals they had not raised.
Q10. The Lion Whisperers unique relationship with the lions attracted international attention.
Comment.
Ans: Richardson had a unique ability to understand the individual personalities of each lion in
the park and treated them like his children. His practices were uncommon then other animal
behaviourists and was much more than a caretaker’s responsibility. He bonded with thess
animals as if they were children, making them his family.
Q11. Why did Richardson feel the need to protect the animal and give them a proper home?
Ans: Richardson had very closely seen the exploitation and abuse of these ferocious yet
magnificent animals. Due to the loss of habitat, human-predator conflict, the illegal bush meat
trade, unscrupulous hunting, disease, cub-petting and taming for entertainment and their
illegal trade there were growing number of cases in these animals being extinct. Richardson
found his calling to protect in his own way at least a growing number of this animals and give
them a proper home. He felt this work close to his heart and reach out the world to extend their
support in protecting and conserving the wildlife across the world.
Q12. What proved to be a challenge for Kevin and his crew while filming Letsatsi? What were the
other challenges they had to face other than filming?
Ans: The film Letsatsi was about the life of a young white lion. Making of this film was quite a
challenge for Kevin and his crew. The film was about Letsatsi’s struggle and how he manages to
fight all odds. For the film, Kevin took up the role of the lion wrangler, and it was a challenge of
all sorts for him. All the lions belonged to South Africa. They were so used to the wild and living
freely that it was a challenge for Kevin and his crew to give the lions directions. Things got worse
for the team given the bad weather. The delay in taming the lions for the film had an indirect
effect on the costs, and let to an increase in the production costs. It took four years to complete
this movie.
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Worksheet
Topic: Prose – Lion Whisperer
I. Based on your observation of the video clipping in the PowerPoint presentation, answer
the following questions by choosing the correct options:
Questions:
Q1. The lions are afraid of Kevin. ( )

(A) True
(B) False
Q2. Kevin and the lions are equals. ( )

(A) True
(B) False
Q3. The lions attack Kevin in the video. ( )

(A) True
(B) False
Q4. What is it that Kevin doesn't carry? ( )

(A) A stick
(B) A stun gun
(C)Both a stick and a stun gun
Q5. Who is naughty? ( )

(A) The lion
(B) Kevin
(C) The reporter
Q6. What does Kevin do to be equal with the lions? ( )
(A) He looks them in the eye and lies down with them.
(B) He runs with them.
(C) He chases them.
Q7. Why does the lion jump on Kevin? ( )
(A) To play with him.

(B) To eat him.
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(C) To hurt him.
II. Based on your reading of the story ‘The Lion Whisperer’ given in the class kit, answer
the following questions by choosing the correct options:
1. What is the ‘Sobriquet’ given to Kevin Richardson? ( )

(A) The Lion Whisperer (B) The animal whisperer.
2. Kevin’s lions are more like his pets. They have accepted him as their ___________.( )
(A) Family (B) Human Friend
3. The Lion Park maintained by his friend Rodney Fur was a Cub World where visitors. ( )
(A) could hold and fondle lion cubs. (B) Could buy lion cubs.
4. ________________ was the movie which was co-produced by Kevin whose funds he used
for maintaining his sanctuary. ( )
(A) The Lion King (B) White Lion
5. The dangers of letting the lions live in the wild were: ( )

(A) The animals being sold to circuses and zoos.
(B) end up as trophies in commercial lion hunts.
(C) Both (A) and (B).
6. ‘White Lion’ movie was completed in ____________________ years after a lot of hardships.()
(A) Four years (B) Six years
7. Kevin was totally against ________________________ and ___________________ that is popular

in South Africa. ( )
(A) Cub-petting and hunting of lions (B) movies on animals and maintaining of
Sanctuaries.
8. Kevin is ready to give up all his lions if ___________________ practices are abolished. ( )
(A) cruel animal hunting (B) cub petting.
9. Which grade was Kevin when he first saw a lion. ( )

(A) Fifth grade (B) First grade.
10. Kevin’s school took him to the ___________________ Zoo as part of their field trip. ( )
(A) Johannesburg (B) Dinokeng Game Reserve
I.
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Topic: Prose – The Little Prince
The Story begins with the memories of the Aviator. The Aviator knows the little prince.
The Aviator and the little prince start a conversation leading into a detailed story of the little
prince and his journey to many planets, asteroids and meeting with the inhabitants and their
peculiar characteristics.
How the little prince learns various life lesson meeting all these people and how the aviator
forms a lasting friendship with the little prince is the conclusion of the story.
The Aviator returning to his routine life and asking the readers to let him know about the
little prince if they meet him and inform him about his whereabouts is the end of the story.
It’s a vivid and varied fantasy genre bringing into focus the world of children and adults into
limelight.
II. Vocabulary
A. New Words
1. Primeval 2. Awestruck 3. Portrait 4. Apparition 5. Fatigue
6. Overpowering 7. Absurd 8. Cumbersome 9. Indulgently 10. Acquaintance
B. Meanings
1. Primeval - of the earliest time in history.
2. Awestruck - filled with or revealing awe or wonder.
3. Portrait - a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one

depicting only the face or head and shoulders; a representation or impression of someone or
something in language or on film or television.
4. Apparition - a remarkable or unexpected appearance of someone or something; a ghost or

ghostlike image of a person.
5. Fatigue - extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.

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6. Overpowering - extremely strong or intense; overwhelming; defeat or overcome with superior

strength.
7. Absurd - wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate
8. Cumbersome - large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use; unwieldy; slow or
complicated and therefore inefficient.
9. Indulgent - having or indicating a readiness or over-readiness to be generous to or lenient

with someone.
10. Acquaintance - a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend.
C. Synonyms
1. Primeval – Ancient, Primitive, Primal, Earliest
2. Awestruck – Impressed, Overwhelmed, Enthralled, Captivated
3. Portrait – Picture, Description, Portrayal, Depiction
4. Apparition – Ghost, Spirit, Specter, Phantom
5. Fatigue – Lethargy, Exhaustion, Weariness, Tiredness
6. Overpowering – Incontrollable, Uncontrollable, Overwhelming, Overriding
7. Absurd – Illogical, Irrational, Silly, Ridiculous
8. Cumbersome – Awkward, Difficult, Obstinate, Stubborn
9. Indulgently – Permissively, Leniently, Kindly, Tolerantly
10. Acquaintance – Associate, Friend, Colleague, Contact
C. Antonyms
1. Discouraged X Encouraged
2. Awaken X Asleep
3. Dangerous X Safe
4. Cumbersome X Manageable/Convenient
5. Rejected X Accepted
6. Exhausted X Energetic
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7. Carefully X Recklessly
8. Astounded X Nonplussed/Unsurprised
9. Concentrated X Distracted
10. Seriousness X Jovialness
II. Chapter Wise Very Short Objective Bit Question and Answers:
CHAPTER 1
1. Who is the narrator of The Little Prince?

Ans: The pilot.
2. What is the subject of the drawing in Chapter 1?

Ans: A boa constrictor
3. What did the adults think the child’s drawing looked like?
Ans: A hat
4. What did the child ask the adults when he showed them the picture?
Ans: Does this picture frighten you?
5. How many drawings did the child make?

Ans: Two
6. The six-year-old child gave up being an artist and chose to become what?
Ans: A pilot
7. In the first line of Chapter 1, the narrator mentions a book he once saw. What was the name
of that book?
Ans: True Stories from Nature
8. The pilot tells us that throughout his life, when he met a clear-sighted adult he would always
show them what?
Ans: Drawing number one
9. What does the narrator think of adults?

Ans: They don’t have much imagination.
10. What should a person who flies planes study, according to the narrator?
Ans: Geography.
11. How old was the narrator of this book when he gave up his magnificent painting career?
Ans: Six years old.
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12. The pilot (as a child) drew an animal eating another animal. What was being eaten?
Ans: An elephant
Chapter 2.
1. Where does the plane crash happen?

Ans: The Desert of Sahara.
2. The morning after the plane crash, when the narrator wakes up, who is standing there? Ans:
The little prince.
3. What is the pilot asked to draw by the little prince?

Ans: A sheep
4. What is the first picture that the narrator actually draws for the little prince?
Ans: A boa constrictor from the outside.
5. The pilot has to make quite a few drawings before the little prince is satisfied. What picture
satisfies him?
Ans: The box with air holes.
6. When the plane crashes in Chapter 2, how many people are in it?
Ans: Just one.
7. After the plane crash, what does the pilot do?

Ans: Starts to fix the engine of the plane.
8. Who says, “Where I live everything is very small”?

Ans: The little prince
9. Why does the pilot get so cross with the little prince in Chapter 2?
Ans: The pilot is trying to fix his engine and the little prince keeps asking him about
inconsequential things.
10. How far are the pilot and the little prince from civilization in Chapter 2?
Ans: A thousand miles.
11. How is a drawing of a sheep different from a drawing of a ram?

Ans: A ram has horns.
12. When the pilot and the little prince first meet, what time of day is it?
Ans: Sunrise
Chapter 3
1. When the little prince sees the airplane for the first time, what does he say?
Ans: He asks what that object is.
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2. How does the little prince reveal that he might be from another planet?
Ans: He asks the pilot, “Which is your planet?”
3. The pilot gives the little prince something that the little prince greatly treasures and which he
keeps it in his pocket. What is it?
Ans: The pilot’s drawing of a sheep in a box with air holes.
4. How many people were on the plane when it crashes?

Ans: Only one
5. What is the setting in which the pilot and the little prince meet?
Ans: The desert
6. Why is it hard to learn where the little prince came from?

Ans: He never seems to hear the questions asked of him.
7. Why does the little prince laugh at the notion of the airplane falling from the sky?
Ans: Because he also fell from the sky.
8. How small is the planet where the prince comes from, as described in Chapter 3?
Ans: So small a sheep doesn’t need to be tied up.
9. In Chapter 3, what does he little prince like about the box that the pilot has drawn?
Ans: At night the sheep can use it as a house.
10. Why does the pilot decide not to draw his airplane in the book?
Ans: It is much too complicated.
11. Why does the laughter of the little prince annoy the pilot so much?
Ans: The pilot likes his misfortunes to be taken seriously.
12. The little prince is proud of his flower. What is the pilot proud of?
Ans: The fact that he can fly an airplane.
Chapter 4
1. How big is the little prince’s planet, as described in chapter 4?

Ans: Scarcely any larger than a house.
2. What name does a human scholar give the little prince’s planet?
Ans: Asteroid B-612.
3. Who is the scholar that discovers the little prince’s planet?

Ans: A Turkish astronomer who sees it only once through his telescope.
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4. What does the discoverer of the little prince’s planet do in order to be taken seriously?
Ans: He wears European clothing.
5. According to the pilot in Chapter 4, what are grownups mostly interested in?
Ans: Things that can be counted, like money and years of age.
6. The pilot reveals that after he becomes friends with the little prince, he starts doing
something again. What is it?
Ans: Drawing
Chapter 5
1. What is a Baobab?
Ans: A very dangerous plant that can tear a tiny planet apart.
2. What is the little prince’s plan to safeguard his planet from baobabs?
Ans: To bring sheep to his planet, so they can eat young baobab bushes.
3. There is one drawing in Chapter 5 that the pilot is very proud of. Which one is it?
Ans: A planet with three baobabs on it.
4. Why does the little prince weed his planet every morning?
Ans: To keep the dangerous plants (baobabs) from taking root.
5. There are good and bad plants in the little prince’s plant. What sees are mentioned as good
ones?
Ans: Roses and radishes.
6. What was the soil of the little prince’s planet infested with?
Ans: Terrible invisible seeds.
Chapter 6
1. What does the little prince love to watch?

Ans: The sunset
2. How many times in one day does the sun set on the little prince’s planet?
Ans: 44 times
3. What does the little prince do so that he can see the maximum number of sunsets on his
planet?
Ans: He moves his chair a few steps.
4. Why does the little prince think he can watch a sunset anytime?
Ans: Because on his small planet, he can.
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5. What is the little prince feeling much of the time?

Ans: The little prince often feels sad.
6. According to the author, what time is it in the United States when the sun is setting over
France?
Ans: Noon.
Chapter 7
1. In the desert, what is the pilot’s primary worry?

Ans: That he has very little drinking water left.
2. What is the pilot working on that he thinks will help him get out of the desert?
Ans: The engine of his plane
3. Why does the little prince become enraged at the pilot in Chapter 7?
Ans: Because the pilot doesn’t consider the little prince’s problem with his flower as a matter of
consequence.
4. What does the little prince call the red-faced gentleman who is the businessman?
Ans: He is not a man—he is a mushroom!
5. What does Antoine de Saint-Exupery call The Land of Tears?

Ans: A secret place
6. On the fifth day that the pilot and the little prince are together, the secret of the little prince’s
life is revealed. What is that secret?
Ans: The little prince is afraid that his flower will be eaten by the sheep.
Chapter 8
1. What time of day does the prince’s beautiful flower first bloom?
Ans: Exactly at sunrise.
2. What does the prince do for the flower?

Ans: Waters her, puts a screen by her in the day and a glass glove over her at night
3. How many thorns does the prince’s unique flower have?

Ans: Four
4. The prince’s flower has a personality. What is it?

Ans: She is vain and demanding
5. What does the prince’s flower have a horror of?

Ans: Drafts
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6. How many petals do the ordinary flowers on the prince’s planet have?
Ans: One ring of petals.
Chapter 9
1. On his planet what does the little prince heat his breakfast on?
Ans: Either one of his two active volcanoes
2. When he begins having problems with his flower, the prince makes a very big decision. What
is it?
Ans: To leave his planet.
3. When the flower realizes the little prince is leaving, what does she ask for?
Ans: His forgiveness.
4. When the little prince leaves his planet, he says goodbye to the flower and goes to put her
glass globe on. Why does she say that she doesn’t need the protection anymore?
Ans: Because the flower wants to become acquainted with the butterflies.
5. Why is the flower not afraid of large animals?

Ans: She believes her claws, her thorns, will protect her.
6. When the little prince leaves his planet, does he plan to ever return?
Ans: No, he has no plans to return to his planet.
Chapter 10
1. How many asteroid planets does the little prince visit in total?
Ans: Six
2. What does the king of the first asteroid planet the prince visits call the prince?
Ans: His subject.
3. On the first asteroid planet he visits, why can’t the prince sit down?
Ans: The king’s ermine robe is covering the entire planet.
4. What does the king of the first asteroid planet the prince visits believe he rules over?
Ans: Everything.
5. What does the little prince ask the king of the first asteroid planet the prince visits to do for
him?
Ans: Order a sunset.
6. When the little prince decides to leave the king of the first asteroid planet the prince visits,
what does the king do? Orders the prince to be his ambassador.
Chapter 11
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1. What does the conceited man want?

Ans: To be admired.
2. What does the conceited man want to be admired as?

Ans: The handsomest, the best dressed, the richest, and the most intelligent man on the
planet.
3. What does the conceited man ask the little prince to do?
Ans: Clap his hands.
4. How long is the little prince willing to applaud the conceited man?
Ans: Five minutes
5. What does the conceited man use his hat for?

Ans: To salute.
6. How many people live on the conceited man’s planet?

Ans: Only one
Chapter 12
1. What is the tippler doing?

Ans: Drinking to forget.
2. What is the tippler surrounded by?

Ans: Empty bottles and full bottles.
3. What is the tippler ashamed of?

Ans: People who use alcohol or other substances to cover up their problems.
4. What is another word that the translator might have used instead of tippler?
Ans: Boozer, alcoholic, or lush
5. The visit to the planet of the tippler plunged the little prince into what?
Ans: Deep dejection.
Chapter 13
1. What is the businessman doing when the prince first comes across him?
Ans: Counting the stars
2. What does the little prince point out to the businessman when he first meets him?
Ans: “Your cigarette has gone out.”
3. What does the businessman think he owns?

Ans: The stars
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4. The little prince is not impressed with what the businessman owns. What reason does he give
for his disdain?
Ans: That the businessman is of no use to the things he owns.
5. What does the little prince tell the businessman he owns?

Ans: A flower and three volcanoes.
6. How many times in the 54 years the businessman has inhabited his planet has he been
disturbed?
Ans: Three. The little prince is the third disturbance.
Chapter 14
1. What is unique about the fifth planet, the lamplighter’s planet?

Ans: It is the smallest.
2. What is on the lamplighter’s planet?

Ans: A street lamp and a lamplighter.
3. The lamplighter says a day on his planet is how long?

Ans: One minute
4. On the lamplighter’s planet, how many strides does it take to circle the planet?
Ans: three strides
5. Of all the people the little prince meets on the asteroids, which one does he think he could be
friends with?
Ans: The lamplighter.
6. What does the lamplighter love to do most, which he is never able to do?
Ans: Rest.
Chapter 15
1. How would the geographer best be described?

Ans: A scholar who knows the location of all the seas, rivers, towns, mountains and deserts.
2. What does the little prince think is so odd about the geographer?
Ans: That he knows nothing of his own planet.
3. Why does the geographer think someone who drinks too much is not a reliable source? Ans:
Because he would see double and report two mountains where there was only one.
4. Why does the geographer refuse to record the little prince’s flower?
Ans: The geographer says that a flower is ephemeral.
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5. How does the geographer define ephemeral?

Ans: “In danger of speedy disappearance.”
6. Where does the geographer advise the little prince to visit next?
Ans: Earth, because it has a good reputation.
Chapter 16
1. How many people, approximately, does the narrator say live on the earth?
Ans: 2,000,000,000
2. What is the army of lamplighters on earth compared to?

Ans: A ballet or opera
3. Which does the narrator say there are more of on earth, geographers or conceited men? Ans:
Conceited men.
4. How many kings are on earth, according to the pilot?

Ans: 111
5. There would be two lamplighters who would be able to rest for most of the year. Where do
they live?
Ans: At the North and South pole.
6. What word is used to describe the great pageant of the lamplighters around the world, taking
turns to bring light into the darkness?
Ans: Magnificent
Chapter 17
1. If all humanity were to stand upright and crowd together how much space would they take
up, according to Chapter XVII?
Ans: One public square twenty miles long and twenty miles wide.
2. When the little prince arrives on the earth, why doesn’t he see ant people?
Ans: He lands in the Sahara desert.
3. What is the first creature the little prince meets on earth?

Ans: The golden snake
4. How does the little prince feel when he first arrives on the earth?
Ans: Lonely.
5. What does the first creature the prince meets on earth say he is more powerful than?
Ans: The finger of a king.
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6. What does the first creature the prince meets on earth offer the little prince?
Ans: To send him back from whence he came.
Chapter 18
1. After arriving on the earth and meeting his first earth creature, what does the little prince do?
Ans: He crosses the desert.
2. Describe the flower which the little prince meets in the desert.
Ans: It is a flower with three petals, a flower of no actual account.
3. What does the flower in the desert know of men?

Ans: She once saw a caravan passing. She believes they were the only men in existence.
4. How many men does the flower think there are on earth?
Ans: Six or seven.
5. Why does the flower in the desert think men are hard to find?
Ans: The wind blows them away.
6. How many flowers does the little prince meet in the desert?
Ans: Only one.
1. When he Chapter 19
emerges from the desert, where does the little prince go?
Ans: He climbs a high mountain.
2. On his own planet, what does the little prince use the extinct volcano for?
Ans: A footstool.
3. When the little prince is up on the high peak in Chapter XIX, who does he speak with?
Ans: An echo.
4. What does the little prince hope to see from the high peak in Chapter XIX?
Ans: “The whole planet at one glance and all the people…”
5. From his perch on the mountain, what does the little prince think of the world?
Ans: That it is all together dry, pointed, harsh, and forbidding.
6. On the little prince’s planet, who would speak first, himself or his flower?
Ans: His flower is always the first to speak.
Chapter 20
1. The little prince walks through sand, rock and snow and at last comes to a road. Where does
the road lead them?
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Ans: A garden
2. The little prince discovers a rose garden. What is it about this rose garden that makes him so
sad?
Ans: He realizes that his flower is not the only one of her kind in the universe.
3. How many roses are in the garden that the little prince discovers?
Ans: Five thousands.
4. In the rose garden, the little prince has to face a difficult fact about himself. What is it? Ans:
That the things he thought were so rare and valuable are quite common and small.
5. What do the flowers in the rose garden remind him of?

Ans:They all look like his flower.
6. In the rose garden, when the little prince realizes the truth of his life and of the things he
loves, what does he do?
Ans: He lies down in the grass and cries.
Chapter 21
1. Where does the little prince find the fox?

Ans: Under the apple tree.
2. The little prince wants the fox to play with him. What does the fox say?
Ans: “I cannot play with you. I am not tamed.”
3. What does the little prince tell the fox he is looking for?
Ans: Friends.
4. How does the fox define the word “tame”? It means to establish ties. 5. Why is the fox so
interested in the little prince’s planet?
Ans: There are no hunters there.
6. Why does the fox want to be tamed?

Ans: His life is very boring and monotonous. Being tamed will be like the sun shining on his
life.
Chapter 22
1. What is the job of the railway switchman?

Ans: To sort out travelers, in bundles of thousands.
2. What does the railway switchmen think of children?

Ans: Only children are flattening their noses against the windowpanes. They are lucky.
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3. According to the switchman, what are the adults in the trains pursuing?
Ans: Nothing at all.
4. When the little prince watches the trains, he remembers something the fox said. What does
he remember?
Ans: “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
5. What do the children on the trains waste their time over?

Ans: A rag doll.
6. How does the author use light imagery in the chapter about trains?
Ans: The trains are brilliantly lit as they thunder by.
Chapter 23
1. How many thirst-quenching pills would one need in order to feel full of liquid, according to
Chapter XXIII?
Ans: One pill a week.
2. What is the selling point which the pill merchant offers the little prince?
Ans: The pills save a tremendous amount of time.
3. How much time per week can a person save by taking the thirst quenching pills?
Ans: Fifty-three minutes each week.
4. Who does the allegorical character of the pill merchant represent?

Ans: People who sell us things we don’t need.
5. The imagery of water is used in The Little Prince to represent the life-giving force, whether it
is physical or spiritual. What then does this thirst-quenching pill represent?
Ans: The way we falsely feed our thirst with things that do not give us life.
6. Is the little prince interested in buying the pills?

Ans: No, he would rather use the time to walk towards a spring of fresh water.
Chapter 24
1. How many days have the pilot and little prince been together when the pilot drinks the last of
his water supply?
Ans: Eight days.
2. Who is dying of thirst in the desert?

Ans: Both the pilot and the little prince. The pilot’s thirst is physical and the little prince
needs spiritual awakening.
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3. What does the little prince decide that they should look for to quench their thirst in Chapter
XXIV?
Ans: A well.
4. Night falls and the pilot and little prince are walking in the dark. What do they think of the
desert in the moonlight?
Ans: The desert is beautiful.
5. What does the little prince believe that the desert hides?
Ans: A well.
6. What moves the pilot so much about the little prince whom he carries in his arms across the
dark desert?
Ans: His loyalty to a flower—the image of a rose that shines through his whole being.
Chapter 25
1. At what time of day does the pilot find the well?

Ans: At daybreak.
2. Why does the pilot think he is dreaming when he finds the well?
Ans: It does not look like other wells of the Sahara. It is like the well in a village.
3. What sound does the well in the desert make?

Ans: It moans, like an old weathervane which the wind has long since forgotten.
4. Who hoists the bucket up from the bottom of the well to the surface?
Ans: The pilot.
5. Who drinks from the well first? The little prince.

Ans: This is the water he was thirsty for.
6. What is the final drawing which the little prince requests from the pilot?
Ans: A muzzle for the little prince’s sheep.
Chapter 26
1. What structure is near the well?

Ans: The ruin of an old stone wall.
2. Where must the snake bite the little prince?

Ans: The exact spot where the little prince arrived on earth.
3. What does the little prince ask about the poison which the snake has within it?
Ans: You have good poison? You are sure it will not make me suffer long?
4. When the pilot sees the snake in Chapter XXVI, what does he do?
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Ans: Goes for his revolver.
5. What color is the muffler which the little prince wears around his neck?
Ans:Golden.
6. What does the little prince know about the pilot’s engine in Chapter XXVI?
Ans: That the pilot has fixed it.
Chapter 27
1. How many years have gone by before the pilot tells his story?
Ans: Six years.
2. What does the pilot regret most about his drawing of the sheep’s muzzle?
Ans: He forgot to add the leather strap to it. It can never be fastened on the sheep.
3. Does the pilot wonder about the little prince and the flower and the sheep?
Ans: Yes, the pilot often thinks of them when he looks up at the stars.
4. What is the moral of The Little Prince?

Ans: (answers will vary—possibilities include the following: To keep our childlike wonder, and
not know everything for sure, allows us to fully live. To love is to risk loss and grief. But it is
worth it.
5. Does the pilot ever find his way out of the desert?
Ans: Yes, he fixes his engine.
6. If one is ever in the African desert and sees a little man with golden hair, what should one
do?
Ans: Send word to the pilot that he has come back.
Worksheet
Topic: Prose – The Little Prince
I. Read the extract given in CW 5 pg no 20 and 21. Answer the questions by choosing the
correct answer from the given options.
1. Who is the narrator of The Little Prince? ( )

(A) the pilot (B) The Little Prince.
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2. What is the subject of the drawing mentioned in the starting of the extract given in
your class kit? ( )
(A) a sheep (B) a boa constrictor
3. What did the adults think the child’s drawing looked like? ( )
(A) a hat (B) a boa constrictor
4. What did the child ask the adults when he showed them the picture? ( )
(A) Do you know what is this is? (B) Does this picture frighten you?
5. The six-year-old child gave up being an artist and chose to become what? ( )
(A) A pilot (B) A Naval Officer
6. In the first line of extract, the narrator mentions a book he once saw. What was the
name of that book? ( )
(A) Gulliver’s Travel (B) True Stories from Nature
7. What does the narrator think of adults? ( )

(A) They don’t have much imagination. (B) They are Silly.
8. What should a person who flies planes study, according to the narrator? ( )
(A) Geography. (B) The Atlas
9. How old was the narrator of this book when he gave up his magnificent painting
career? ( )
(A) Ten years old (B) Six years old
10. The pilot (as a child) drew an animal eating another animal. What was being eaten? (A)
a boa constrictor (B) an elephant ( )
11. Where does the plane crash happen? ( )
(A) The Desert of Sahara. (B) The Mohave Desert.
12. The morning after the plane crash, when the narrator wakes up, who is standing
there? ( )
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(A) The Little Prince. (B) The Happy Prince.
13. What is the pilot asked to draw by the little prince? ( )

(A) a Ram (B) a sheep
14. What is the first picture that the narrator actually draws for the little prince? ( )
(A) A boa constrictor from the outside. (B) a sheep
15. The pilot has to make quite a few drawings before the little prince is satisfied. What
picture satisfies him? ( )
(A) The sheep’s picture. (B) The box with air holes.
16. When the plane crashes in the desert, how many people are in it? ( )
(A) Three people. (B) Just one.
17. After the plane crash, what does the pilot do? ( )
(A) Start searching for help. (B) Starts to fix the engine of the plane.
18. Who says, “Where I live everything is very small”? the little prince ( )
(A) The pilot (B) The Little Prince.
19. How is a drawing of a sheep different from a drawing of a ram? ( )

(A) A ram has horns. (B) A ram is very small.
20. How far are the pilot and the little prince from civilization in the extract? ( )
(A) A thousand miles away. (B) Very near to a village.
Topic: Prose – The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson is the Author and illustrator of the children’s fantasy book Alice in
the wonderland. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is the seventh chapter from this book.
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Alice is the protagonist of the story. She is the main character and everything evolves around
her. We follow her during her trip through Wonderland and know what she is thinking.
Every time Alice meets a new character in the wonderland and is being confronted with
strange rules and behavior. Yet she learns some new life lessons from the characters.
At the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, the strange encounter of Alice with the Mad Hatter, the
March Hare and the Dormouse is a realization which teaches her the value of concept of
time and time passed or wasted and kind of morality of life lessons are learned.
II. Vocabulary
A. New Words
1. Indignantly 2. Severity 3. Hastily 4. Uneasily 5. Meekly
6. Contemptuously 7. Mournfully 8. Bawled 9. Alarmed 10. Savage
B. Meanings
1. Indignantly - in a manner indicating anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair.
2. Severity - the fact or condition of being severe.
3. Hastily - with excessive speed or urgency; hurriedly.
4. Uneasily - in a way that shows anxiety or discomfort; in a way that is awkward or

incongruous.
5. Meekly - in a quiet, gentle, and submissive manner.
6. Contemptuously - in a scornful way that shows disdain
7. Mournful - feeling, expressing, or inducing sadness, regret, or grief.
8. Bawled - shout or call out noisily and unrestrainedly; weep or cry noisily
9. Alarmed - make (someone) feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger.
10. Savage - (of an animal or force of nature) fierce, violent, and uncontrolled; (of something bad
or negative) very great; severe
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C. Synonyms
1. Indignantly – Crossly, Huffily, Irately, Angrily
2. Severity – Harshness, Sternness, Strictness, Cruelty
3. Hastily – Hurriedly, Quickly, Fastly, Speedily
4. Uneasily – Agitatedly, Apprehensively, Awkwardly, Nervously
5. Meekly – Humbly, Docilely, Modestly, Gently
6. Contemptuously – Scornfully, Derisively, Disdainfully, Sneeringly
7. Mournfully – Despondently, Sadly, Sorrowfully, Desolately
8. Bawled – Sobbed, Cried, Wailed, Roared
9. Alarmed – Startled, Shocked, Distressed, Upset
10. Savage – Vicious, Fierce, Ferocious, Unrestrained
C. Antonyms
1. Whisper X Shout
2. Readily X Hesitantly
3. Personal X Public
4. Encouraging X Discouraging
5. Comfortable X Uncomfortable
6. Crowded X Deserted
7. Interrupted X Uninterrupted
8. Thoughtfully X Thoughtlessly
9. Cautious X Incautious
10. Impatiently X Patiently
II. Question and Answers
Q1. From which children’s literature is this chapter ‘The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ taken?
Ans: ‘The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ is chapter 7 from the children’s fantasy literature book Alice
in the Wonderland.
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Q2. Who is the author of the book ‘Alice in the Wonderland’?

Ans: Charles Lutwidge Dodgson is the Author and illustrator of the children’s fantasy book Alice
in the wonderland.
Q3. Describe the importance of the chapter ‘The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ in the book in your own
words.
Ans: Though the tea party challenges Alice's understanding of the fundamental concept of time,
the Mad Hatter's answerless riddle reaffirms Wonderland's unusual sense of order. The riddle
seems to have no answer and exists solely to perpetuate confusion and disorder. It’s like in the
real world, however, unaware and confused we are we should never give up on our confidence
and play by the rules of the society is the lesson being given to young readers. Being more
attentive and keener while learning and not acting bashfully because of innocence is the moral.
Q4. What does the Mad Hatter say that Alice needs, causing her to scold him for being rude?
Ans: The Mad Hatter tells Alice that she needs a haircut, causing her to scold him for being
rude.
Q5. Where does the March Hare put his broken watch?
Ans: The March Hare puts his broken watch in his tea.
Q6. At what are the Mad Hatter and March Hare stuck?
Ans: The Mad Hatter and March Hare are stuck at Six o'clock permanently in the perpetual tea-
time.
Q7. What story did the Dormouse tell a being awakened from its sleep?
Ans: After being awakened by the Mad Hatter and March Hare, the Dormouse tells a story of
three sisters who live in a treacle well.
Q8. As Alice leaves the tea party, where are the Mad Hatter and March Hare trying to put the
Dormouse?
Ans: As Alice leaves the tea party, where are the Mad Hatter and March Hare trying to put the
Dormouse into a teapot.
Q9. Describe in your own words about Alice, The Mad Hatter, The March Hare and the
Dormouse.
Ans: Alice - The seven-year-old protagonist of the story. Alice believes that the world is orderly
and stable, and she has an insatiable curiosity about her surroundings. Wonderland challenges
and frustrates her perceptions of the world.
The Mad Hatter - A small, impolite hatter who lives in perpetual tea-time. The Mad Hatter
enjoys frustrating Alice.
The March Hare - The Mad Hatter’s tea-time companion. The March Hare takes great pleasure
in frustrating Alice.
The Dormouse - The Mad Hatter and March Hare’s companion. The Dormouse sits at the tea
table and drifts in and out of sleep.
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Q10. What does the Tea Party symbolize in Alice in Wonderland?

Ans: The social significance of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party despite all the rules normally
associated at a tea party and the pleasant socializing also associated with it, the tea party
is nothing but a function of chaos in 'Alice in Wonderland'! It symbolizes the routine and
monotonous life of adults when compared to that of children and strikes hard on the reality
where the children have to adapt to the same world eventually.
Q11. What is the meaning of the Mad Hatter in the story of Alice in the Wonderland?
Ans: A character in Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. The Mad Hatter, who wears a tall hat,
holds a tea party with Alice, the March Hare and the Dormouse. The expression 'as mad as
a hatter', meaning completely crazy, was already common when Carroll wrote the book.
Q12. What is Alice in Wonderland a metaphor for?

Ans: In “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,” the act of going down a rabbit hole is a metaphor
for exploring the new and unknown. ... She quickly learns that the rabbit hole is a one-way trip
into Wonderland, and it doesn't provide an exit back to the real world.
Q13. What is the main message of Alice in Wonderland?

Ans: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland represents the child's struggle to survive in the
confusing world of adults. To understand our adult world, Alice has to overcome the open-
mindedness that is characteristic for children. Apparently, adults need rules to live by but
children can be themselves and learn the better way of life till they can.
Q14. What is the Mad Hatter's personality?

Ans: Like most of the characters in Alice In Wonderland the Mad Hatter uses a lot of nonsense
and is silly yet he is considered to be Alice's best friend. His personality is very unusual and
unique he's has very random yet intelligent personality. He's also very fun, outgoing, and
slightly insane. It is noted that The Mad Hatter failed to respect time. So, he was caught in an
endless loop of sticking to same time. It was too late for him to realize.
Q15. What does Alice in Wonderland symbolize?

Ans: On a more abstract level, the garden may simply represent the experience of desire, in that
Alice focuses her energy and emotion on trying to attain it. The two symbolic meanings work
together to underscore Alice's desire to hold onto her feelings of childlike innocence that she
must give up as she matures.
Q16. What does the March hare symbolize?

Ans: The phrase is an allusion that can be used to refer to any other animal or human who
behaves in the excitable and unpredictable manner the character does.
Q17. Why does the Mad Hatter have 10/6 on his hat?
Ans: Lewis Carroll has explained the meaning of the tag in his 'Nursery Alice': The Hatter used
to carry about hats to sell: and even the one that he's got on his head is meant to be sold. You
see it's got its price marked on it – a “10” and a “6” – that means “ten shillings and sixpence.”
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Q18. What is the symbolism of the Cheshire Cat?

Ans: The Cheshire Cat is sometimes interpreted as a guiding spirit for Alice, as it is he who
directs her toward the March Hare's house and the mad tea party, which eventually leads her to
her final destination, the garden.
Q19. What is the answer for the riddle ‘Why is a raven compared to a writing desk?’
Ans: The answer to the riddle is a pun-because it starts with high notes. But, in the story the
riddle has no answer.
Q20. What is the symbolism of Dormouse?

Ans: The Symbolizes the tiny and insignificant abused by the larger and more powerful Hatter
and March Hare. Dormouse is another member of the tea party and witness. He constantly falls
asleep and is mistreated by the Hare and the Hatter. Victorian children apparently actually had
pet dormice, and kept them in old teapots filled with grass or hay.
III. Give a short summary of the chapter ‘The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’
Ans: Chapter 7: A Mad Tea-Party
• Alice sees a large table set out under a tree in front of the house. The March Hare and the
Mad Hatter are having tea at it and a Dormouse is sitting between them, fast asleep. Alice
sits down in a chair, although the Hare and Hatter tell her there’s no room.
• The Hare offers her some wine, but there is only tea. When she protests that it isn’t civil
to offer wine when there isn’t any, he replies that it wasn’t very civil of her to sit down
uninvited. The Hatter tells her she needs a haircut and asks the riddle “why is a raven
like a writing-desk?” Alice says that she believes she can guess that, and the others begin
to ridicule her by starting a discussion about semantics.
• The Hatter asks her what day of the month it is. His watch doesn’t tell the time but the
day of the month, and the Hatter claims that it is two days wrong. Alice thinks it odd to
have a watch that tells the day of the month but not the hour.
• Then the Hatter asks if she has come up with an answer to the riddle. She hasn’t, and the
Hatter and the Hare say they don’t know the answer either. Alice tells them they shouldn’t
waste time by asking riddles with no answers.
• The Hare replies that Time is a him and not an it. The Hatter tells Alice that if she were on
good terms with him, he would do whatever she liked with the clock. The Hatter tells her
that he quarreled with Time last March when he was singing “Twinkle, twinkle, little bat”
at a concert given by the Queen of Hearts, and now it is forever six o’clock. As this is
teatime, they must always have tea and thus they never have time to wash the cups, so
they just keep moving around the table to a new set of places.
• Alice, the Hare and the Hatter wake the Dormouse and ask him to tell them a story. He
tells them a story about the sisters Elsie, Lacie and Tillie who lived at the bottom of a
treacle well and learned to draw things starting with an M. Alice keeps interrupting the
story so the others make rude remarks to her. Finally, she becomes really offended and
walks away.
• Alice notices a tree with a door in it, and when she enters it, she finds herself in the long
hallway with the glass table. She takes the key and unlocks the door, eats from the
mushroom to make herself smaller and is finally able to enter the beautiful garden.
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Worksheet
Prose ‘The Mat Hatter’s Party’

I. Multiple Choice Questions/True or False/Fill in the blanks.
1. What does the Mad Hatter say that Alice needs, causing her to scold him for being
rude?
a) A bath ( )
b) A haircut
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c) A spanking
d) A new face
2. Where does the March Hare put his broken watch? ( )

a) In his pocket
b) In a drawer
c) In his tea
d) In his coat
3.The Mad Hatter and March Hare exist in a perpetual tea-time, with the hour
permanently fixed at ___. ( )
a) Three o'clock
b) Four o'clock
c) Five o'clock
d) Six o'clock
4. After being awakened by the Mad Hatter and March Hare, the Dormouse tells a story of
three sisters who live ___. ( )
a) In a shoe
b) In a tree
c) In a treacle well
d) Under a table
5. As Alice leaves the tea party, where are the Mad Hatter and March Hare trying to put
the Dormouse? ( )
a) Into a shoe
b) Into a teapot
c) Into their pockets
d) Into a closet
6. Who is NOT a guest at the Tea Party? ( )

a) Dormouse
b) White Rabbit
c) March Hare
d) Mad Hatter
7. What do the guests say when Alice arrives at the party?
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_____________________________________________________________________________________________
8. What did the March Hare do when the Hatter gave him the watch? ( )
a) dipped it into his tea
b) put it away
c) asked Alice to fix it
9. What did the Dormouse do through most of the Tea Party?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
10. State whether True or False: The Queen accused the Hatter of helping time while
singing "Twinkle, Twinkle". ( )
11. Which of the following were characters in the Dormouse's story? ( )

a) Elsie
b) Tillie
c) Lacie
d) all of the above
12. Why did the Hatter decided everyone needed to move on? ( )
a) his watch chimed
b) he wanted a clean cup
c) he wanted more bread
d) The March Hare suggested it
13. Fill in the Blank: The Dormouse said that the sisters learned to draw a lot of things
that begin with an
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
14. When Alice entered the door in the tree, where did she find herself? ( )
a) the Queen's garden
b) her own garden
c) the Duchess's house
d) the hall of doors
15. When Alice was finally able to unlock the small door and enter the garden, what did
she find? ( )
a) bright flowers and a fountain
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b) a gathering of her new friends

c) her parents and her sister
d) None of the above
16. Who was sitting at the table? ( )

a) Mad Hatter
b) March Hare
c) Dormouse
d) All of the above
17. Did Alice get any cake? ( )

a) Yes, a big slice.
b) No, there wasn't any.
c) No, she wasn't hungry.
d) They didn’t offer her anything.
18. Why was the Mad Hatter's watch broken? ( )

a) The March Hare had put some butter on it.
b) The March Hare had put some jam on it.
c) The Mad Hatter had dropped it on the floor.
d) All of the above
19. How did the Mad Hatter wake the Dormouse? ( )

a) He put some jam on his nose.
b) He poured a bucket of water.
c) He shouted at the top of his voice
d) All of the above
20. Who did the Mad Hatter have an argument with? ( )

a) the March Hare
b) Time
c) Alice
d) the Queen
21. What was the result of their argument? ( )

a) It was always breakfast time.
b) It was always teatime.
c) It was always lunch time.
d) All of the above
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22. Who related a story? ( )

a) Alice
b) the Dormouse
c) the Mad Hatter
d) the March Hare
23. Where did the people in the Dormouse's story live? ( )

a) in a cottage
b) in a forest
c) in a jam well
d) in a big house
24. What happens when they finish their tea? ( )

a) They move round the table and start again.
b) They have a nap.
c) They start fighting.
d) They clear up the table.
25. The children in the story drew things whose name begin with the letter… ( )
a) J
b) C
c) V
d) M
26. Where did the Mad Hatter and the March Hare put the Dormouse? ( )
a) in bed
b) in the teapot
c) under the table
d) in the kettle
27. Where did the tiny gold key take her to? ( )
a) a beautiful garden
b) a tea party
c) home
d) a huge forest
28. What did she do to go through the door? ( )

a) She bent down.
b) She ate a piece of mushroom.
c) She ate some jam.
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d) She did not manage to get in.
29. Which adjectives best describes the tea party? ( )

a) strange
b) fun
c) boring
d) entertaining
30. Alice is the wonderland is a _________________________________________ genre literature.
II. Color the below given images/scenes from the story ‘The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ and
write a few lines about each of the characters.
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Topic: Poem – The Confessions of a Born Spectator

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Frederick Ogden Nash was an American poet, whose first poem was published in 1930 in
New Yorker magazine.
Confessions of a Born Spectator is one such satirical yet humorous poem those themes is to
delicately bring in the message of good sportsmen behavior and highlighting the many
aspects of sports and the important qualities of sportsman.
In the poem 'Confessions of a Born Spectator', Ogden Nash talks about how people choose
different sports in their lives or decide to become athletes. While admiring the talents of
athletes and sportsmen, the poet confesses that he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor
an athlete.
Ultimately the narrator is glad that he himself is not an athlete.
II. Vocabulary
A. New Words
1. Jockey 2. Gaudy 3. Pomp 4. Maim 5. Romp
6. Zealous 7. Heroic 8. Prudence 9. Twixt 10. Gnarled
B. Meanings
Vocabulary:
1. Jockey – horse rider
2. Prize ring – enclosed area in which boxing matches are fought
3. Tackle – approach
4. Gaudy pomp – showy dress
5. Maim – injure
6. Romp – play in a rough and noisy way
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7. Limp – weak
8. Bashful – shy and reluctant
9. Lashes – beats with a whip
10. Steed – a large, strong horse
11. Anew - in a new or different and typically more positive way. Here reference to repeating
once again.
C. Synonyms
1. Jockey - Rider, Equestrian, Steeplechaser, Showjumper
2. Gaudy - Garish, Flashy, Extravagant, Kitschy
3. Pomp – Splendor, Spectacle, Show, Display
4. Maim – Injure, Hurt, Damage, Harm
5. Romp – Frolic, Page-turner, Thriller, Chiller
6. Zealous – Enthusiastic, Keen, Ardent, Fervent
7. Heroic – Daring, Gallant, Valiant, Brave
8. Prudence – Forethought, Judiciousness, Farsightedness, Carefulness
9. Physique - Build, Figure, Form, Body
10. Gnarled – Knotted, twisted, Bent, Crooked
C. Antonyms
1. Infant X Adult
2. Prudence X Folly/Recklessness
3. Pompous X Modest
4. Gaudy X Drab
5. Zealous X Apathetic
6. Heroic X Villainous
7. Gnarled X Straight
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8. Rough X Gentle
9. Pleased X Displeased
10. Fun X Serious
II. Question and Answers
Q1. Who wrote the peom ‘The Confessions of a Born Spectator’?

Ans: Frederick Ogden Nash wrote the poem ‘The Confessions of a Born Spectator’
Q2. What are the different sports that come to light in the first four lines of the poem?
Ans: Horse Riding, Basketball, Hockey, Wrestling, Boxing are the different sports that come to
light in the first four lines of the poem.
Q3. What is the poet glad about? Whom does he admire?

Ans: The poet is glad that he is not an athlete and he has admiration and respect for athletes.
Q4. “Who takes field in gaudy pomp, and maim each other as they romp.” Explain the lines in
your own words.
Ans: The spectator, no doubt, admires athletes, who sweat for money or for pleasure. He
admires all those who appear on the playground in showy dresses, and then romp and injure
each other. He frankly admits that his own spirit is weak and shy. So he is contented with only
watching the heroic performance of other people.
Q5. How do sportsmen tend to play and what are the repercussions of their play?
Ans: The Sportsmen, as a rule plays a very rough game and don’t have any consideration for the
feelings of one another. If they need to exchange the of position with one of the athletes or world
champions to win, they have to win at any cost. This leads to severe injuries and foul play too
sometimes in the game. A simple and good sportsmanship is replaced by an aggressive, self-
centered greed to win and sometimes the sports rivalry takes into real enmity between the
players too.
Q6. What Struggle is the poet referring to?

Ans: The poet is referring to the struggle of the temptation of the sports or athletics, the fun,
fame related to it. But then whenever there is a conflict in the mind of the spectator between
carefulness and self-centeredness, his carefulness always wins and he never opts for
participation in any game or sports knowing the repercussions of a ego-centric sportsmanship.
Q7. What attitude of the officials come to light through the lines “Is there a doctor in the
stands?”
Ans: The Poet sees one boxer giving a powerful punch on the already injured eye of his
opponent. Some other sportsman suffers grievous injury like bone fracture. At such a critical
moment, the person organizing the game remains cold and callous. He is not moved by the
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suffering of the athlete. He would calmly enquire if there is a doctor in the pavilion to give
medical aid.
Q8. Why is the poet grateful for his modest physique?

Ans: The poet is grateful to god for not giving him the physique of an athlete after seeing all the
cold and callousness of the gamers in the sports who act with rather impulse than good
sportsmanship. The spectator, however, feels deeply moved, and he thanks God for not giving
him a very athletic body, thus, choosing to be an mere spectator and being happy for the same.
Q9. What is the poet ready to do for the athletes and what is he not ready to do for them?
Ans: The Poet addressing athletes, he says that he will gladly drink for their health and dine
with them, but he will never compete with them in the playground. He will not even mind
spending a large sum on buying a ticket to watch their frisking and jumping. Then he will get
great comfort to think that he, unlike the players, is only a spectator.
Q10. “Buy tickets worth their weight in radium” – Identify and explain the figure of speech.
Ans: “Buy tickets worth their weight in radium” – the figure of speech used is Metaphor (I) The
poet prefers to buy tickets worth their radium because he entertains himself on their heroic
deeds. And also (II) Radium is a metal which is found in less quantity in the earth crust and so
he compares their play with the radium. He means to say the athletes and their game is very
precious. Radium is a very costly material. Likewise the cost of the tickets for a sport or game is
costly.
Q11. Why does the poet feel glad that he does not play any game?
Ans: The poet’s own spirit is weak and shy. So, he feels glad that he did not play any game.
Q12. Do you think the narrator is heroic? Why?

Ans: Yes, I think the narrator is heroic. He frankly admits that he doesn’t want to take any risks
like the players.
Q13. The poet is satisfied just watching the heroic deeds of others. What could be the reason?
Ans: The poet is allergic of injuries. He does not want to play any rough game. So he is satisfied
just watching heroic deeds of others.
Q14. The poet does not wish to exchange position with the runners. Why?
Ans: The poet is born spectator. He derives satisfaction from watching the talents of the
runners. So, he does not wish to exchange position with the runners.
Q15. Are the athletes’ conscious of the feelings of others? Why do you say so?
Ans: No, the athletes are not conscious of the feelings of others. When anyone is injured in the
field, they do not care but continues to perform their tasks.
75
Q16. Why would the referee ask whether there was a doctor in the stands? What stands is he
referring to?
Ans: One of the athletes might have been injured. So, the referee would ask whether there was
a doctor in the stands. He is referring to the pavilion stands.
Q17. Why does the poet prefer to buy tickets worth their weight in radium? Bring out the
significance of the metal referred to here.
Ans: Radium is a very costly material. Likewise, the cost of the tickets for a sport or game is
costly.
Q18. How does the poet establish the victory of common sense over ego?
Ans: The poet is a determined spectator. His own spirit is weak and shy. So he confesses that he
is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. He admires the talents of sportsmen and
athletes. He decides to be reasonable and careful rather than merely self-centered to play. He
draws great comfort from the thought that he is just a spectator and not a contender for the
prize money in any contest. He also sometimes regrets that zealous athletes play rough games
without caring for the feelings of their sporting rivals. He feels that good sense and caution win
over ego.
Q19. The poet does not wish to exchange places with the athletes. How does he justify his view?
Ans: The poet is a determined spectator. His own spirit is weak and shy. So, he confesses that
he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. He admires the talents of sportsmen
and athletes who sweat for money or for pleasure. He derives satisfaction from watching the
talents of all athletes, but does not wish to exchange places with them. The exchange of position
with one of the athletes may please his ego. So whenever there is a conflict in the mind of the
spectator between carefulness and self-centeredness, his carefulness always wins and he never
opts for participation in any games or sports.
Q20. According to the poet what contributes most to the injuries sustained by the athletes?
Ans: The poet is a determined spectator. His own spirit is weak and shy. So, he confesses that
he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. He admires the talents of sportsmen
and athletes. He knows that the athletes play rough. They do not care for their opponents. They
are self-centered and over enthusiastic which make them indifferent to the feelings of others.
Even the umpires and referees are not moved by the injury suffered by the athletes. The
spectator finds himself unfit for such roughness and callousness. He is proud of the fact that he
is only a spectator and not an athlete.
76
Worksheet
Poem: Confessions of a born Spectator.

I. Read the poem again and complete the summary using the words given in the box.
thanksgiving exchange glad confesses physiques

zealous satisfied aims admires
In the poem ‘Confessions of a Born Spectator,’ Ogden Nash talks about how people choose
different sports in their lives or decide to become athletes. While admiring the talents of athletes
and sportsmen, the poet (i) ___________________that he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor
an athlete. Children have different (ii) _______________ and wish to play various games. Each
child has in mind something in particular, but the narrator is (iii) __________________ he is not
one of the players. Though the narrator (iv) ___________________ the talents of all athletes, he
derives satisfaction from watching them, but does not wish to (v)________________ places with
them. He also sometimes regrets that (vi) ________________ athletes play rough games without
caring for the feelings of their sporting rivals. He feels that good sense and caution win over ego.
The narrator wholeheartedly offers (vii) ___________________the modest
(viii) _____________________ of athletes. Ultimately the narrator is (ix) _________________ that he
himself is not an athlete.
II. Read the given lines and answer the questions that follow in a sentence or two.
a. With all my heart I do admire
Athletes who sweat for fun or hire
i. Whom does the poet admire?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. For what reasons do the athletes sweat?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
b. Well, ego it might be pleased enough
But zealous athletes play so rough…
i. What pleases the ego?
77
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Why are athletes often rough during play?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
c. When officialdom demands
Is there a doctor in the stands?
i. Why are doctors called from stands by the sponsors?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. Why does the poet make such an observation?
The poet is moved by the injuries of the athletes. But the umpires and referees don’t have such
an emotional feeling.
d. ‘When snaps the knee and cracks the wrist’- Identify and explain the use of the literary device in
this line.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
III. Read the poem and complete the table with suitable rhyming words.
Example- Enter Center

Hockey
Admire
Romp
Deeds
Score
Please
Wrist
Demands
Stadium
IV. Underline the alliterated words in the following lines.
78
i. For this most modest physiques:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ii. They do not ever in their dealings
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
V. Find out the rhyme scheme of the given stanza.
One infant grows up and becomes a jockey
Another plays basketball or hockey
This one the prize ring hates to enter
That one becomes a tackle or center…
Rhyme Scheme:
VI. Writing Skills:
1. Your friend competes with you in academics and sports. Think of the situation wherein
you would not be affected by his/her victory and the ways in which you would encourage
your friend to succeed. Write a small Encouragement Note to your friend.
2. Answer the following questions in a short paragraph of about 100–150 words each. You
may add your own ideas to support your point of view.
a. Why do accidents usually happen in the playground? Give your own examples and explain.
b. Everybody is special and everybody is a hero. Each one has a story to tell. In the light of this
observation, present your views. See the audio-visual aid and write your answer.
c. What sort of encouragement should an athlete in India be given? Give a few suggestions. (The
inclusion of differently abled athletes has to be kept in mind too)
V. Try to solve the exercises given in CW 7 bit 1, 2 and 3 based on the resource sent that
is audio visual aid and PowerPoint presentation with the Poetic Analysis.
79
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Grade : VII/Term I/ Subject

FOSTER Billabong High International School

1. Poem – Eye of the Tiger by Jim Paterik 2-10

Poem – Carpet Weaver of Morocco by Carol

Prose – Hearts and Hands by O. Henry

Prose – Lion Whisperer

6. Prose - The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 60 - 71

7. Poem – The Confessions of a Born Spectator 72 - 79

8. Caged Bird (June Portion)

9. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari Chapter 1(June Portion)

Name of the student: Roll No:

Topic: Poem – Eye of the Tiger

I. Concept Map – Summary

1. Passion 2. Glory 3. Thrill 4. Survivor 5. Stalks

6. Stack 7. Odds 8. Guts 9. Challenge 10. Rival

2. Glory – high renown or honor won by notable achievements.

3. Thrill – a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.

6. Stack – a pile of objects, typically one that is neatly arranged

7. Odds – the chances or likelihood of something happening or being the case.

8. Guts – used in reference to a feeling or reaction based on an instinctive emotional response,

9. Challenge – reference to hardships, a call to participate in a competitive situation.

1. Passion – Fervor, Zeal, Ardor, Enthusiasm

2. Glory – Honor, Prestige, Stature

3. Thrill – Ecstasy, Excitement, Adventure, Delight.

4. Survivor – Fighter, Stayer, Toughie.

5. Stalk – stealthy walk, being sly.

6. Stack – Heap, Pile, Load, Mass

7. Odds – Likelihood, Probabilities, Chances

8. Gut – Instinctive, Intuitive, Unconscious effect

9. Challenge – task, competition, encounter, test.

10. Rival – Opponent, Competitor, Contender, Contestant

II. Very Short Questions and Answers.

Q1. What does ‘eye of the tiger’ refers to?

Q2. Who wrote the poem/song ‘Eye of the tiger’?

Q3. Why was the poem/song ‘Eye of the tiger’ written?

Q4. Comment on the title of the poem/song.

Q6. ‘Eye of the tiger’ is an idiom. What meaning does it convey?

Q7. What is the tone of the poem ‘Eye of the tiger’?

Q9. What is the metaphor used throughout the poem?

Q10.What are the various poetic devices used in the song?

Q3. Interpret the poem in your own words.

Q6. Describe how popular is this song.

Q8. What is the mood of the song ‘Eye of the tiger’?

Q9. Describe the theme of the Song in your own words.

Q10. Why has this song become so quintessential?

Poem: Eye Of The Tiger

12. "Eye of the Tiger" is a song sung by American Rock Band________ ( )

15. "Eye of the Tiger" refers to ___________________. ( )

(A) drop his ears

18. "Eye of the Tiger" is a ___________________ in literature genre. ( )

19. "Eye of the Tiger" is a __________________________ song. ( )

Topic: Poem – Carpet Weaver of Morocco by Carol Rumens

I. Concept Map – Summary

1. Loom 2. Braids 3. Chime 4. Flickering 5. Knots

6. Veins 7. Assorted 8. Weave 9. Lace 10. Heaped

3. Braids - a length of hair made up of three or more interlaced strands.

4. Assorted – of various sorts put together

5. Lace – fasten or tighten (a shoe or garment) by tying the laces.

8. Raised – elevated to a higher position or level; lifted.

9. Flickering - make small, quick movements.

Note – Meanings are with the reference to the use in poem.

1. Braids – Plait, Pigtails, Tresses, Ponytails

2. Loom – Interlace, Intertwine, interweave, Entwine