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+1 English NOTE - His First Flight

Unit -1
Glimpses of Greatness

1 . Some are born great; some achieve greatness; some have greatness thrust upon them.
-- William Shakespeare (Twelfth Night). Is greatness an innate trait? Is it acquired by
the successful or thrust upon them? Discuss.
The concept of greatness is multifaceted and can be interpreted in various ways. While some
individuals may possess innate qualities or talents that contribute to their greatness, it is
important to acknowledge that greatness is not solely determined by birthright. Rather, it can be
acquired through hard work, perseverance, and personal development.
In many cases, greatness is achieved by those who diligently pursue their goals, utilizing their
strengths and overcoming obstacles. History is replete with examples of individuals who started
with humble beginnings but rose to greatness through determination and dedication. They
harness their potential, cultivate their skills, and seize opportunities that come their way.
Through continuous learning, they enhance their abilities and become influential figures in their
respective fields.
However, there are instances where greatness is thrust upon individuals unexpectedly. These
individuals may find themselves in extraordinary circumstances or face unexpected challenges
that require them to step up and display remarkable qualities. They may not have actively
pursued greatness, but circumstances demand that they rise to the occasion and demonstrate
exceptional leadership, courage, or resilience.
Ultimately, greatness is a combination of innate qualities and acquired attributes. While some
individuals may possess inherent traits that contribute to their potential for greatness, it is
through their efforts, perseverance, and response to circumstances that they truly achieve it. By
nurturing their abilities, seizing opportunities, and embracing challenges, individuals can cultivate
greatness and leave a lasting impact on the world.

His First Flight

An Analysis
In the short story "His First Flight" by Liam O'Flaherty, the author explores themes of fear,
courage, and the journey of self-discovery. The story follows a young seagull who is left behind
by his siblings as they venture out to learn how to fly. Initially, the young seagull is afraid to take
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flight, feeling uncertain and overwhelmed by the vastness of the sea below. Despite his parents'
encouragement and threats, he remains rooted to his ledge, refusing to fly.
The protagonist's hunger becomes a driving force, pushing him to face his fears. His desperate
pleas for food catch his mother's attention, and she brings him a piece of fish. In his eagerness to
reach it, the young seagull dives off the ledge and, to his surprise, discovers his ability to fly.
Overcoming his initial fear, he soars through the sky, joining his family in their joyful flight.
The story can be seen as an allegory for personal growth and overcoming obstacles. It highlights
the importance of facing fears and taking risks in order to discover one's potential. The young
seagull's journey from fear to triumph demonstrates the transformative power of stepping out of
one's comfort zone. Additionally, the story emphasizes the role of parental guidance and support
in nurturing and encouraging a young individual's development.
This story provides an opportunity to explore themes of courage, self-discovery, and the
significance of overcoming obstacles. It encourages readers to reflect on their own fears and
challenges, and to consider how facing them can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
The story also prompts discussions about the role of family, mentors, and support systems in
one's journey towards self-realization. Overall, "His First Flight" offers valuable lessons and
insights into the human experience, making it a thought-provoking piece for analysis and
discussion.

1.Why could the seagull not succeed in its attempt to fly?

The seagull initially could not succeed in its attempt to fly because it was overwhelmed by fear
and lacked confidence in its own wings. The great expanse of the sea below the ledge and the
height of the precipice created a sense of danger and doubt in the seagull's mind, making it
believe that its wings would not be able to support its flight.

2.Do you think that the young seagull's parents were cruel? Can you justify the attitude
of the parents?
The young seagull's parents can be seen as tough but not necessarily cruel. They scolded and
threatened the young seagull, hoping to motivate it to overcome its fear and take flight. While
their methods may seem harsh, their intention was to teach the young seagull an essential
survival skill and encourage its independence. Their actions can be interpreted as a form of
tough love, pushing their offspring out of their comfort zone to prepare them for the challenges
of life.

3.How did the young bird finally make it's first flight?
The young bird finally made its first flight when hunger became more powerful than fear.
Desperate for food, the seagull's instinct to survive overcame its apprehension. When the
seagull's mother brought a piece of fish near the ledge, the young bird, driven by hunger, made a
desperate dive for the food and found itself flying instead of falling. This accidental plunge into
flight allowed the seagull to realize its ability to soar and navigate the skies.

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4.What is the theme of the story His First Flight?

The theme of the story "His First Flight" revolves around overcoming fear, taking risks, and
embracing personal growth. It explores the transformative power of facing one's fears and
stepping outside of one's comfort zone. The story highlights the importance of perseverance and
self-belief in the face of challenges, as well as the guidance and support provided by parents or
mentors in enabling personal development.

5.What is the message of the story?

The message of the story "His First Flight" can be understood as encouraging individuals,
particularly young readers, to confront their fears, embrace new experiences, and trust in their
abilities. It emphasizes that growth and self-discovery often occur when one is willing to take
risks and push beyond their perceived limitations. The story encourages readers to seek guidance
from mentors or loved ones who can provide support and motivation during times of
uncertainty. Ultimately, the message encourages readers to have faith in their own potential and
embrace the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

6 . In the story His First Flight, we see a young seagull who was afraid to make his first
flight. Later it's parents goaded it into action and thereby equipped it to change the
challenges of life. Do you have any such experience in life? Narrate your experience of
guidance from parents in eighty words.
I vividly recall a moment during my teenage years when I was hesitant to take on a leadership
role in a school project. I doubted my abilities and feared the responsibility that came with it.
However, my parents, seeing my potential, gently pushed me forward. They provided
unwavering support, guiding me through the process, and instilling confidence in my capabilities.
Their encouragement and belief in me enabled me to overcome my doubts and embrace the
challenge, ultimately leading to personal growth and success. Their guidance taught me the
importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing opportunities for growth.

7 . "Failure is Fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. "says Winston Churchill.
Failure is indeed a stepping stone to success. The young seagull's story teaches us this.
Prepare a write-up highlighting this view, based on your reading of the story His First
Flight
The story "His First Flight" exemplifies the notion that failure is not the end but a stepping
stone to success. In the narrative, the young seagull's initial fear and failure to fly could have
deterred him from ever taking flight. However, as hunger overcame his fear, he found the
courage to make a desperate dive, which unexpectedly led to soaring through the skies.
This tale conveys the message that failure should not be feared but embraced as an opportunity
for growth. It teaches us that setbacks and challenges are part of the learning process. Just like
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the young seagull, we may stumble and face doubts along our journey. But it is through
persistence, resilience, and the willingness to confront our fears that we find the courage to
continue.
Winston Churchill's quote echoes the story's theme, emphasizing that it is not failure itself that
defines us, but rather our ability to persevere and keep moving forward. Each failure brings
valuable lessons and experiences that propel us closer to success.

Therefore, let the young seagull's story inspire us to embrace failure as a catalyst for growth,
develop resilience, and have faith in our abilities. Remember, it is not the fear of failure that
matters, but the courage to rise after each fall and continue on the path towards success.

8 . Liam O' Flaherty's His First Flight makes the reader think about the kind of support
given by parents to make their children self-reliant and self - confident. After reading the
story you decide to communicate your feelings to your friend. Draft an e-mail to your
friend about it.

Subject: Inspiring Lessons from "His First Flight"

Dear [Friend's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I recently came across a short story that left a lasting impression
on me and made me reflect on the role of parental support in fostering self-reliance and self-
confidence in children. The story is called "His First Flight" by Liam O'Flaherty.
In this captivating tale, we witness a young seagull struggling with fear and self-doubt as it
hesitates to take its first flight. The young seagull's parents initially scold and threaten it, which
might seem harsh at first glance. However, as the story unfolds, we realize that their actions were
aimed at nurturing the seagull's independence and preparing it for life's challenges.
This story made me ponder the importance of parental guidance in our own lives. It highlighted
how sometimes our loved ones might push us outside our comfort zones, encouraging us to
confront our fears and take risks. It is through such experiences that we learn resilience, develop
self-confidence, and discover our own capabilities.
I believe this story beautifully emphasizes the significance of support from parents or mentors in
shaping our journey towards self-reliance. It reminded me of how fortunate we are to have
parents who believe in us and provide guidance, even when it might seem tough at times.
I thought of sharing this story with you because it left me inspired and encouraged me to
appreciate the guidance and support we receive from our parents. It reminded me to embrace
challenges, face my fears, and grow into a more confident individual.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this story and how it resonated with you. Feel free to
share any similar experiences or insights you have encountered in your own life.

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Take care, and looking forward to your response!

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

9 . The story His First Flight is an account of a mother's belief in her child. She was
even ready to let her children starve to make his realize his inborn talents. But now a
days parents pamper their children by fulfilling all their needs and they don't let them
know the value of anything. Compare the nature of mother seagull with modern day
parents
The story "His First Flight" portrays a mother seagull's unwavering belief in her child and her
determination to help him realize his potential. She was willing to take drastic measures, such as
threatening to let him starve, to motivate him to overcome his fears and take flight. This stands
in stark contrast to the nature of some modern-day parents.
In today's society, there is a growing trend of parents pampering their children and fulfilling their
every need. This over indulgence often shields children from experiencing the challenges and
hardships of life. Consequently, they may grow up without a true understanding of the value of
things, lacking resilience and the ability to face adversity.
The mother seagull's approach reflects a more traditional parenting style that focuses on
nurturing independence and self-reliance. While modern parents may have good intentions in
providing for their children's needs, there is a risk of unintentionally hindering their growth and
development.
It is essential for parents to strike a balance between providing for their children's needs and
instilling a sense of responsibility, perseverance, and self-awareness. A supportive environment
that allows children to explore their talents, face challenges, and learn from failures can help
them develop into well-rounded individuals.
In conclusion, the nature of the mother seagull in the story highlights the importance of guiding
children towards self-discovery and fostering independence. It prompts us to reflect on the
parenting approaches of today and the potential impact they may have on children's growth and
self-awareness.

10 . At the end of the story His First Flight, the young seagull successfully faced the
challenges of its life. Have you ever faced challenges in your life ? How did you
overcome.? Narrate any one incident
In my life, I have encountered numerous challenges that have tested my resilience and
determination. One incident that stands out is when I decided to participate in a public speaking
competition. As someone who struggled with stage fright and lacked confidence in expressing
myself, it was a daunting task.
Preparing for the competition, I faced moments of self-doubt and fear of failure. However, I
refused to let these challenges hold me back. I sought guidance from my teachers and practiced

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relentlessly. I pushed myself outside my comfort zone by delivering speeches in front of friends
and family, gradually building my confidence.
On the day of the competition, my nerves were still present, but I reminded myself of the effort
I had put into preparation. When my turn arrived, I took a deep breath and stepped onto the
stage. Despite the initial jitters, I delivered my speech with passion and conviction, overcoming
my fears in the process.
While I did not win the competition, the experience taught me invaluable lessons about
perseverance and pushing through challenges. It showed me that embracing fears and working
hard can lead to personal growth and success.
This incident reinforced the belief that facing challenges head-on and refusing to succumb to
self-doubt can ultimately lead to personal triumph. It taught me the importance of perseverance,
preparation, and having

11 . Narrate an incident in your life which has helped you realize that the motivation and
guidance from your family are essential in achieving success
There was a time in my life when I faced a significant academic setback. I had been struggling
with a particular subject and had performed poorly in a crucial exam. The disappointment and
frustration were overwhelming, and I started doubting my abilities.
During this challenging period, my family played a pivotal role in providing me with the
necessary motivation and guidance. They understood my feelings of defeat but never allowed me
to dwell on them. Instead, they offered unwavering support and encouragement.
My parents sat down with me, discussing strategies to improve my understanding of the subject
and outlining a study plan. They even enlisted the help of a tutor to assist me further. Their
belief in my capabilities and their continuous presence by my side helped me regain my
confidence.
With their guidance, I adopted a more structured approach to studying, seeking clarification
whenever I faced difficulties. Their motivation became the driving force behind my efforts to
succeed. Slowly but steadily, my performance began to improve, and I regained my academic
footing.
This incident made me realize the immense value of my family's support in achieving success.
Their belief in me instilled the necessary motivation to persevere, even in the face of setbacks.
Their guidance helped me develop resilience and taught me that setbacks are temporary, and
with determination and support, I could overcome any obstacle.
From that point forward, I understood that the unconditional support and guidance of my family
were invaluable assets that could propel me towards achieving my goals. It reinforced the
importance of leaning on their wisdom and encouragement during challenging times and
highlighted the profound impact they have on my journey to success.

12 . Write a brief note on the symbols used in the story

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In the story "His First Flight," several symbols are used to convey deeper meanings and enhance
the reader's understanding. These symbols add depth and richness to the narrative. Here are
some of the key symbols in the story:
1. Flight: Flight serves as the central symbol in the story, representing courage, independence,
and personal growth. The young seagull's first flight signifies his transformation from fear and
hesitancy to confidence and self-discovery.
2. The Ledge: The ledge where the young seagull initially remains represents a place of comfort
and security. It symbolizes the seagull's fear of venturing into the unknown and taking risks.
3. The Sea: The vast expanse of the sea beneath the ledge symbolizes the challenges and
uncertainties of life. It represents the fear and hesitation the young seagull experiences before he
takes his first flight.
4. The Parents: The parents symbolize guidance, support, and tough love. They play a crucial
role in pushing their young one to overcome his fears and take flight, representing the nurturing
and sometimes strict nature of parental figures.
5. Food: Food symbolizes sustenance and reward. The seagull's hunger and search for food
highlight his desire to survive and thrive. The offering of scraps of dog-fish by the family at the
end symbolizes celebration and recognition of the young seagull's achievement.
These symbols deepen the story's meaning by illustrating themes of courage, growth, parental
guidance, and the rewards of facing challenges. They allow readers to engage with the story on a
symbolic level, extracting deeper insights and emotions from the narrative.

13 . At the ledge of the cliff, the seagull and his sister engage in a conversation. Write the
likely conversation ( at least six exchanges)
Seagull: (looking nervous) I don't think I can do it, sister. It's too high and too far down.
Sister: Don't be scared, brother. We've seen our brothers fly. We can do it too.
Seagull: But what if our wings can't support us? What if we fall?
Sister: Our wings are strong enough. Trust yourself. We were born to fly.
Seagull: I wish I had your confidence. I'm just not ready yet.
Sister: You'll never be ready if you don't take that first leap. Trust me, it's exhilarating.
Seagull: (hesitant) Maybe... but what if something goes wrong?
Sister: We've seen our parents guide and teach us. They believe in us. We have to believe in
ourselves too.
Seagull: (pausing) I want to believe, but I'm so afraid.
Sister: Fear is natural, but courage is overcoming that fear. Together, we can conquer it.
Seagull: (gaining some confidence) You're right. We can do this. Let's take flight together.
Sister: That's the spirit! Trust your wings and let's soar into the sky.

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Liam O'Flaherty
Liam O'Flaherty was an Irish author and one of the leading figures of the Irish literary
renaissance. Born on August 28, 1896, in the Aran Islands, O'Flaherty had a deep connection to
the rugged landscape and seascapes of Ireland, which often served as settings in his works. He
was known for his realistic portrayals of rural life and his exploration of social and political
themes. O'Flaherty's writing style was characterized by its simplicity, vivid descriptions, and his
ability to capture the essence of human emotions. His works, including novels, short stories, and
plays, often tackled themes of hardship, resilience, and the complexities of human nature.
O'Flaherty's contributions to Irish literature continue to be celebrated and studied today.
communities and the complexities of navigating cultural hybridity. Piri Thomas's impact as an
author resonates with readers by shedding light on the human condition and advocating for
social change.

Prepared By hssMozhi Team

Supervised By Reshma Prabhakaran , HSST English , Govt HSS , Bharathannoor , Tvm

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