The House on Elm Street by Nadia Bush | Poem Questions and Answers

Answer the questions - The House on Elm Street | by Nadia Bush | Poem

A. Read the given lines and answer the questions given below.

Stanza 1

1. It sat alone.

What happened there is still today unknown.

It is a very mysterious place,

And inside you can tell it has a ton of space,

But at the same time it is bare to the bone.

a. What does ‘It’ refer to?

‘It’ refers to the mysterious house.

b. Pick out the line that indicates the size of the house?

“And inside you can tell it has a ton of space”.

Where is the house?

The house is located on Elm street.

Describe the inside of the house.

It stood all alone with a ton of space inside but bare to the bone

What is unknown to the poet?

What happened inside the house is unknown to the poet,

Is the house fully furnished?

No, the house is bare to the bone i.e. minimally furnished.

Why is the house a mysterious place?

No one knows what is happening inside the house. So it is a mysterious place.

Find out the rhyming words in the above stanza.

alone - unknown - bone
place - space

What is the rhyme scheme mentioned in the above stanza?

a a b b a

Stanza 2

2. I drive past the house almost every day.

The house seems to be a bit brighter.

On this warm summer day in May.

It plays with your mind.

a. To whom does ‘I’ refer to?

'I' refers to the poetess Nadia Bush.

b. Pick out the alliterated words in the 2nd line.

Be-bit-brighter- /b/ is alliterated.

When does the poet drive past the house?

The poet drives past the house every day.

What is the season mentioned here?

The summer season is mentioned here.

What does the poet feel about the house?

The poet feels that this house is one of a kind.

What plays with our mind?

The mystery of the house plays with our mind.

Find out the rhyming words in the above stanza.

day - May mind - kind

What is the rhyme scheme mentioned in the above stanza?

a b a c c

Stanza 3

3. It never grows leaves,

Not in the winter, spring, summer or fall.

It just sits there never getting small or ever growing tall

a. What does ‘it’ refer to?

‘It’ refers to the tree.

b. In what way the tree is a mystery?

The tree never grows leaves. The tree neither grows tall nor gets smaller. So, the tree is a mystery.

What is beside the house?

A tree is beside the house.

Are all the major seasons mentioned here?

Yes, all the four seasons are mentioned here.

Does the poet know the tree’s mystery?

No, she doesn’t know.

Pick out the alliterated words in the 4^th line.

getting-growing- /g/ is alliterated.

Find out the rhyming words in the above stanza.

tree - be fall - tall

What is the rhyme scheme mentioned in the above stanza?

a b c c a

Stanza 4

4. Rumors are constantly being made,

And each day the house just begins to fade.

What happened inside that house?

a. Does the house remain the same every day?

No, the house does not remain the same every day. It begins to fade each day.

b. How does the poet consider the house to be a mystery?

The poet couldn’t understand the happenings of the house. Thus she considers the house to be a mystery.

What happened to the house everyday?

. The house begins to fade every day.

What rumours may be made about the house?

There may be a ghost in the house or there may be some anti-social persons using the house.

What is the rhyme scheme mentioned in the above stanza?

a a b

Stanza 5

5. What happened inside that house?

I really don’t know

I guess it will always be a mystery

a. Does the poet know what happened in the house?

No, the poet does not know what happened in the house.

b. What is the mystery about the house?

No one knows and understands what is happening inside the house. It seems to be a mystery.

Stanza 6

6. At night the house seems to be alive,

Lights flicker on and off. '  ' '

I am often tempted to go to the house,

To just take a look and see what it is really about,

But fear takes over me.

a. When does the house seem to alive?

The house seems to be alive at night.

b. What happened in the house at night?

The lights in the house flicker on and off.

c. Does the house tempt the poet to enter into it?

Yes, the house tempts the poetess to enter into it.

d. Does the poet go to the house?

No, the poet does not go to the house.

e. What stopped the poet from going to the house?

It is her fear that stopped the poetess from going into the house.

B. Answer the following in a paragraph.

1. Where is the house located? Why is it a mysterious place?

Poem : THE HOUSE ON ELM STREET

Poetess : Nadia Bush

Theme : Mystery

Poem outline : A house on Elm street - no one knows - what happened - mysterious - tempts the poet to enter - tree without leaves - never getting small - or ever grows small

The house is located on Elm street. The Poetess Nadia Bush pictures a photographic view of a mysterious house. It is a dark scary house. It stood all alone with a ton of space inside but bare to the bone. During nights, lights flicker on and off inside the house. The house looks brighter in the hot summer. But nobody knows till today what happens inside the house. The house remains a mysterious place. It tempts the poetess to enter it. She is curious to know what happens in the house. Due to fear, she does not go into the house. Beside the house there is a tree without leaves. The tree neither grows tall nor gets smaller. She is astonished to see the tree without leaves all through the seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn). The poetess metaphorically tells us that our life in this world is a mystery. We can't go deep inside to know the purpose or mystery behind our life.

2. How is the mystery depicted in the poem?

The mystery is depicted in the poem in the following way.

• A lonely house which is located on the Elm Street seems to be very mysterious.
• During nights, lights flicker on and off causing fear in the minds of the passers by.
• During summer the house looks bright. It remains in the poet’s mind.
• The barren tree beside the house is another mystery. It neither grows nor gets small.
• A question on the house and the tree lingering in the poetess’ mind is unanswered.
• Each day the house starts to fade but rumours about the house continue.
• Thus the house is a mystery as the poet doesn’t know the reality.

Essay

• Introduction
• House on Elm Street
• Mystery of the house
• Mysterious Tree
• Conclusion

Introduction

‘The House on Elm Street’ is written by Nadia Bush. She used this poem for her English class because she was told to write a ‘dark’ poem. She decided to write about a house that no one knows what happened inside.

House on Elm Street:

The house is located on Elm street. The Poetess Nadia Bush presents a photographic view of a mysterious house_.lt is a dark scary house. It stood all alone with a ton of space inside but bare to the bone.

Mystery of the house:

During nights, lights flicker on and off inside the house. The house looks brighter in the hot summer. The brightness of the house begins to fade. And also the rumours about the house continue. But nobody knows what happens inside the house. The house remains a mysterious place. It tempts the poetess to enter it. She is curious to know what happens in the house. Due to fear, she did not go into the house.

Mysterious Tree:

Beside the house there is a tree without leaves. The tree neither grows tall nor gets smaller. She is astonished to see the tree without leaves all through the seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn). The poetess is astonished at this sight.

Conclusion

She doesn’t understand the happenings inside the house. So the poet assumes that the house on Elm street is a mystery. Here the poetess metaphorically tells us that our life in this world is a mystery. We can't go deep inside to know the purpose or mystery behind our life.

“The most beautiful thing we experience is the mysterious.

It is the source of all true art and science”

C. Rhyming Words and Rhyme Scheme

Read the poem and write the rhyming words and rhyme scheme for the given stanzas.

D. Figures of Speech

Identify the poetic lines where the following figures of speech are employed and complete the tabular column.

Synecdoche:

Stanza-1 / line - 5: But at the same time it is bare to the bone.

("bare to the bone" is a synecdoche as it refers to the house which is mysterious. No one can understand what is happening inside that house.)

Paradox:

Stanza-4 / line - 4: It just sits there, never getting small or ever growing tall

Onomatopoeia:

Stanza-2 / line - 2: Lights flicker on and off.

(flicker - imitates the sound)

Rhetorical Questions:

Stanza-4 / line - 5: How could this be?

Stanza-5 / line - 3: What happened inside that house?

Stanza-5 / line - 5: I guess it will always be a mystery.

(These two are rhetorical questions that are asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer)

The Dying Detective Q&A | Arthur Conan Doyle | Prose Analysis and Essay

Answer the questions - The Dying Detective | by Arthur Conan Doyle | Prose

A. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

1. Who was Mrs. Hudson? Why was she worried?

Mrs. Hudson was the landlady of Sherlock Holmes. She was worried about his illness because Holmes did not take food or drink for three days.

2. Why didn’t Holmes let Watson examine him?

Holmes pretended that he didn’t have confidence in Dr. Watson. So he didn’t let Watson examine him. (or) Holmes thought that Watson was ignorant of the deadly disease. So he didn’t let Watson examine him.

3. Why did Holmes warn Watson against touching his things? What was Watson’s reaction?

Holmes did not like anyone touching his things. So he warned Watson against touching his things. Eventually, Watson sat in silent dejection.

4. What did Watson find on the table near the mantlepiece?

Watson found a small black and white ivory box with a sliding lid on the table near the mantlepiece.

5. Who is Mr. Culverton Smith?

Mr. Culverton Smith is a planter. He lives in Sumatra island. He is the culprit. He killed his nephew Victor Savage, in order to retain the property.

6. What did Holmes ask Watson to do before leaving his room?

Holmes asked Watson to place some letters and paper on the table within his reach. He asked to place the ivory box and slide the lid a bit with tongs. He asked Watson to light the lamp and leave it half on.

7. What instructions did Holmes give Watson to get Mr. Smith?

Holmes asked Watson to tell Smith that Holmes was dying and to persuade Smith to come. Watson should return before the arrival of Smith.

8. Why did Holmes want Smith to treat him?

Holmes thought that Smith was the only man in London who knew well about the deadly disease. So he wanted Smith to treat him.

9. According to Smith how did Holmes get the disease?

Smith thought that Holmes got the contagious disease by touching the poisoned sharp spring, kept inside the ivory box which he had sent to Holmes by post.

10. Who arrested Smith? What were the charges against him?

Inspector Morton arrested Smith. He arrested Smith on the charges of murdering his nephew, Victor Savage and his attempt to kill Holmes in the same way.

B. Answer the following questions in a paragraph of about 100-150 words.

1. How did Holmes trap Mr. Culverton Smith to confess the murder?

2. How did Watson help his friend to arrest the criminal?

Prose : The Dying Detective

Author : Arthur Conan Doyle

Theme : Punishment, may be delayed but sure

Characters : Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Mr. Culverton Smith, Inspector-Morton of Scotland Yard, landlady-Mrs. Hudson

Outline : Sherlock Holmes - famous detective - London - Dr.Watson - friend - pretended as if infected with deadly disease - to get Smith - for treating illness - wanted Smith’s confession - Inspector Morton - arrested Smith for his crime.

Sherlock Holmes was a famous detective in London. Dr. Watson, friend and assistant of Holmes was the narrator of this story. Once, Holmes pretended as if he were infected with a deadly disease. He didn’t take food or drink for three days. So he was weak. Dr. Watson wanted to treat Holmes. But Holmes didn’t want Watson to know that he was not ill. He sent Watson to get Culverton Smith for treating his illness. Watson had to persuade Smith to come and meet Holmes. Mr. Culverton Smith was a planter. He was the culprit, who had killed his nephew Victor Savage to retain the property. To capture Smith, Holmes pretended to be ill. While Holmes and Smith were discussing, Smith confessed that he had killed his nephew and also sent an infected ivory box to kill Holmes in the same way. Holmes asked Smith to turn up the gas light. It was a signal for Inspector Morton who was waiting in the next room with Dr. Watson. Morton came in and arrested Smith for his crime.

ESSAY

• Introduction
• Dying detective -- Holmes
• Instructions given to Watson
• Culverton Smith-the villain
• Holmes’ deception
• Conclusion

Introduction:

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer, best known for his fictional detective character, Sherlock Holmes. This story is narrated by the character, Dr. Watson, a friend of Holmes.

Dying detective -- Holmes:

Sherlock Holmes was a famous detective in London. Dr. Watson was his friend. Once, Holmes pretended as if he were infected with Tarpaunli fever or black Formosa plague, a deadly disease from Sumatra. He didn’t take food or drink for three days. So he was listless. Dr. Watson wanted to treat his illness. But Holmes didn’t want Watson to know that he was not ill. He pretended to be ill just to get Smith there.

Instructions given to Watson:

He sent Watson to get Culverton Smith for treating his illness. Holmes instructed Watson to tell Smith exactly how he was suffering from the illness. Watson had to persuade Smith to come and meet Holmes.

Culverton Smith-the villain:

Mr. Culverton Smith was a planter from Sumatra. He was the culprit. He had killed his nephew Victor Savage in order to usurp the property. He came to visit London in order to know the consequences of his plot of killing Holmes. But Holmes wanted Smith’s confession for his crime of murdering his nephew Victor. In order to capture Smith, Holmes pretended to be ill.

Holmes’ deception:

While Holmes and Smith were discussing, Watson overheard them from the next room. As they were discussing, Smith confessed that he had killed his nephew, Victor and also sent an infected ivory box to kill Holmes in the same way. Holmes asked Smith to turn up the gas light which was a signal for Inspector Morton. Inspector Morton came in and arrested Smith for his crime.

Conclusion:

This mystery is also called “The Adventure of the Dying Detective.” Arthur Conan Doyle created these two characters Sherlock Holmes and Watson as if they were real ones.

Moral: “Don't believe everything you see”

Answer the questions - A day in 2889 of an American Journalist | by Jules Verne | Supplementary/Story

Answer the questions - A day in 2889 of an American Journalist

by Jules Verne | Supplementary/Story

A. Answer the following questions in two or three lines.

1. Why did Francis Bennett wake up with a bad temper?

   Francis Bennet woke up with a bad temper as he felt a little lonely. Bennet’s wife had been away in France for the past eight days.

2. What was a mechanized dressing room?

   A mechanized dressing room was a machine that could wash, shave. Also it shod and dressed a person in under two minutes.

3. How was food served to him?

   Bennett was one of the subscribers to the society for supplying food to the home. He got his lunch from there through a network of pneumatic tubes.

4. Why was Bennett curious about astronomy?

   Astronomy had become a recent topic of interest because of, all the new discoveries made •in the stellar world. He wished to feed the public with interesting astronomical news.

5. Why did he visit Niagara?

   Francis Bennett went to Niagara for his accumulator works.

6. How did Bennett travel?

   Bennett travelled to Niagara in an aero-car with an aero-coachman. The aero-car was capable of gaining speed of about four hundred miles an hour.

7. Give three instances of how mechanization has changed life at home in 2889?

   In the year 2889, Bennett uses his phonotelephote to talk to his wife who is a several hundred miles away from him. He gets ready in his mechanized dressing room in two minutes. He gets his lunch from a pneumatic tube in his office.

8. How is advertising in this age different from what we have today?

   Advertisements are projected on clouds by a thousand projectors from a gallery. They are so large that they can be seen all over a whole country.

B. Identify the character/speaker.

1. ‘As soon as he woke up, he switched on his phonotelephote.’ - Narrator
2. ‘Well, Cash, what have you got?’ - Francis Bennett
3. ‘Phototelegrams from Mercury, Venus and Mars, Sir.’ - Cash to Bennett
4. ‘Interesting! And Jupiter?’ - Francis Bennett to Cash
5. ‘Not yet, Mr.Bennett.’ - Cash
6. ‘No, it’s the inhabitants.’ - Corley to Bennett
7. ‘Where are we going, Sir?’ - Aero-coachman to Bennett
8. ‘Then, Sir, I shall really have discovered the absolute.’ - The young inventor to Bennett
9. ‘Are you saying you’re going to be able to construct a human being?’ - Francis Bennett to the young inventor
10. ‘I’m going to start this moment.’ - Edith (Bennett’s wife) to Bennett

C. Choose the best answer.

1. Bennette’s wife was in France.

   i) Germany ii) Australia iii) France iv) Holland

2. The data from the stellar world was gathered by astronomical reporters.

   i)Bennette ii) astronomical reporters iii) the computer iv) telephote

3. The food was being delivered through pneumatic tubes.

   i) pneumatic ii) shallow iii) hollow iv) virtual

4. The wayfarers were carried to one place to another by the moving pavement.

   i) bullet train ii) jet iii) moving pavement iv) heli-taxi

D. Fill in the story map given below.

Title:

A day in 2889 of an American Journalist

Setting:

• The story is set in the office block of the managing Editor of the newspaper Earth Herald.
• Later it is set in the reporting room, advertising room, dining room, Niagara, waiting room of the Earth Herald and the audition room.

Characters:

1. Francis Bennett - the director of the Earth Herald
2. Edith - Bennett's wife.
3. Aero coachman
4. Cash - One of the ten Astronomical reporters
5. Corley - One of the ten Astronomical reporters
6. The young inventor and the second inventor

Problem:

• i. Bennett wakes up with a bad temper and feels lonely.
• ii. Astronomical reporters don't get any signals from Jupiter and the moon
• iii. Bennett has to reject bad petitions and choose good ones.

Your Views:

• This futuristic story by Jules Verne is simply amazing.
• It reveals the author's power of imagination.
• The story takes the readers into this new world and enables them to experience a life where machines are prominent
• Every invention mentioned here is inspiring.

PARAGRAPH QUESTIONS

Lesson: A DAY IN 2889 OF AN AMERICAN JOURNALIST

Author: Jules Verne

Theme: The future in the hands of technology.

Characters: Francis Bennett, Edith, Cash, Corley, the second inventor, the aero-coachman.

Prose outline: Story set on 2889 - Francis Bennett - director - Earth Herald - leading newspaper - phonotelephote - mechanized dressing room - astronomical news - advertisements on clouds - lunch via pneumatic tubes - travel to Niagara - an aero-car - inventors

This story is set on July 25, 2889. Francis Bennett, director of the Earth Herald, the world’s most leading newspaper, had woken up with a bad temper. He felt a little lonely. His wife had been away to France for the past eight days. He switched on his phonotelephote and hearing his wife’s voice, he put on a smile. His mechanized dressing room dressed him from top to toe. In his office, he inquired the astronomical reporters about the latest news. He wished to feed the public with interesting astronomical news. Inordinate advertisements were projected on clouds by a thousand projectors from a gallery. Bennett got his lunch through a network of pneumatic tubes. Then he travelled to Niagara for his accumulator works. He took an aero-car with an aero-coachman. After his return, he listened to many petitions. He supported the idea of an inventor who thought of reducing the final three elements into one and another idea of moving the town of Saaf to the shore using rails. He then learned about his wife’s plan to return. Finally he ended the day by taking mechanized a bath before going to bed.

ESSAY

• Introduction
• Phonotelephote and the mechanized dressing room
• Astronomy- the trending topic
• Advertisements and Lunch service
• Two innovative petitions
• Conclusion

Introduction:

‘A day in 2889 of an American Journalist’ written in 1889 by Jules Verne, gives us a glimpse of the futuristic world in which people rely on machines for almost everything. The story is set on July 25 of 2889.

Phonotelephote and the mechanized dressing room:

Francis Bennett, director of the Earth Herald, the world’s most leading newspaper, had woken up with a bad temper. He felt a little lonely in the absence of his wife. His wife had been away in France for the past eight days. He switched on his phonotelephote and hearing his wife’s voice, he put on a smile. His mechanized dressing room dressed him from top to toe.

Astronomy - the trending topic:

In his office, he inquired the astronomical reporters about the latest news. He wished to feed the public with interesting astronomical news. He was excited to bring out the interesting discoveries made in the new planet Gandini to the public.

Advertisements and lunch services:

Inordinate advertisements were projected on clouds by a thousand projectors from a gallery. Bennett was one of the subscribers to the society for supplying food to the home. He got his lunch from there through a network of pneumatic tubes. Then Bennett travelled to Niagara for his accumulator works. He took an aero-car with an aero-coachman who was waiting near his window. The aero-car is capable of gaining speed of about four hundred miles an hour.

Innovative petitions:

After his return, he listened to many petitions. He supported the idea of an inventor who thought of reducing the final three elements into one and another idea of moving the town of Saaf to the shore using rails.

Conclusion:

At last Bennet learned about his wife’s plan to return. Finally he decided to take a bath. Thus the story ends. The innovations in this story, seem to be a magic, Unbelievable Everything is made possible in the future with the help of technology.

‘Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic’

The Story of the Aged Mother by Matsuo Basho: Q&A and Analysis

Answer the questions - The Story of the Aged Mother | by Matsuo Basho

A. Rearrange the sentences given below in the correct sequence.

1. The son made up his mind to take back his mother home.
2. A farmer decided to leave his old mother on top of a mountain.
3. The governor realized his mistake and abolished the law.
4. Once in Shining, a cruel ruler declared that all old people must be put to death.
5. Using the clever idea of his mother, the farmer made a rope of ashes.
6. When the farmer bade farewell, she advised him to return home with the aid of twigs.
7. Filled with dread, he hid his mother in his home.
8. The mother dropped the small twigs as markers on the way to help her son return.

Answer

1. Once in Shining, a cruel ruler declared that all old people must be put to death.
2. A farmer decided to leave his old mother on the top of a mountain.
3. The mother dropped the small twigs as markers on the way to help her son to return.
4. When the farmer bade farewell, she advised him to return home with the aid of twigs.
5. The son made up his mind to take back his mother home.
6. Filled with dread, he hid his mother in his home.
7. Using the clever idea of his mother, the farmer made a rope of ashes.
8. The governor realized his mistake and abolished the law.

B. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

1. What was the cruel announcement made by the leader?

The cruel announcement made by the leader was to put to death all the aged people in his province, Shining.

2. Why was the farmer filled with sorrow?

The announcement to kill all the aged people filled the farmer with sorrow. Because he loved his elderly mother very much.

3. What were the things carried by the farmer to the summit of the mountain?

The farmer earned some unwhitened rice and a gourd filled with cool and sweet water.

4. Why did the mother become anxious as they climbed up the mountain?

The road which they travelled had a lot of confusions. The mother thought that her son would miss the way while returning home. So she became anxious.

5. What did the mother drop along the way?

The mother dropped tiny piles of twigs along the narrow path.

6. What was the advice given by his mother for the safe return of her son?

His mother advised him to look carefully and follow the path where she dropped the piles of twigs.

7. Why did the farmer’s burden seem to be light on his way back home?

The farmer’s burden seemed to be light because his mother’s attempts for his safe return and his decision to return with her gave him moral strength.

8. Where did the farmer hide his mother?

The farmer hid his mother under the kitchen floor of his small hut.

9. How did the farmer make the rope of ashes? On whose suggestion did he do it?

The farmer’s mother suggested him an idea of burning a twisted straw stretched on a flat stone on a windless night to make the rope of ashes.

10. How did the Governor realize his mistake?

The rope of ashes was prepared with the idea of the farmer’s elderly mother. When the Governor knew it, he understood the importance of elders and realised his mistake.

C. Answer each of the following in a paragraph of 120 to 150 words.

1. Narrate the circumstances that led to the abandoning of the aged in Shining.

Lesson : The Aged Mother

Author : Matsuo Basho

Theme : Circumstances led to abandoning of the aged

Characters : The aged mother, her son and the cruel governor of the country

Outline : Shining - governor - despotic ruler - all the aged - be put to death - useless - circumstances - not favourable for the aged - cowardly shrinking - barbarous days - common to kill - abandoned - no man’s land - mountain tops

The country Shining was ruled by a governor. He was a despotic ruler. Though he is a warrior, he was very cruel. Once, he declared that all the aged people must be put to death. He thought that they were useless. And also he thought that the unhealthy and old people would drain away the wealth doing nothing for the development of his country. The circumstances were not favourable for the aged people. He sent this inhuman proclamation to the people of his country. As those days were barbarous, it was common to kill the aged people mercilessly. The rulers did not care about old people. Some kind people abandoned the aged people in no man’s land or in mountain tops such as Obatsuyama, the mountain of the “abandoning of the aged”. Since it was the common practice, the aged people suffered a lot in the province of shining.

Circumstances don’t make the man, they reveal him.

2. Describe the farmer’s painful journey up the mountain.

Lesson : The Aged Mother

Author : Matsuo Basho

Theme : The farmer’s painful journey up the mountain

Characters : The aged mother, her son and the cruel governor of the country

Outline : A farmer - loved - elderly mother leave her on a mountain - journey up - earned rice and water - lifted his mother - his back - road - lost his way - climbing blindly upward - summit

The country Shining was ruled by a governor. Once, he declared that all the aged people must be put to death. A farmer loved his elderly mother very much. He decided to leave her on a mountain. His journey up the mountain was very painful both physically and mentally. He carried some unwhitened rice and a gourd filled with cool and sweet water for her. He lifted his mother to his back and trudged up the mountain. Moreover, the road was long and steep. It was narrow. It was crossed and re-crossed by many paths made by the hunters and woodcutters. He lost his way at times. But he went climbing blindly upward until he reached the bare summit, ‘Obatsuyama’ the mountain of the “abandoning of the aged”.

The journey of love never ends.

3. ‘The old are wise’. Prove this with reference to the story ‘The Aged Mother.

Lesson : The Aged Mother

Author : Matsuo Basho

Theme : Unbounded love of mother

Characters : The aged mother, her son and the cruel governor of the country

Outline : Praises - aged people - ‘The old are wise’ - is proved - proclamation of the cruel decree - painful journey up the mountain - care and concern of the mother - withdrawal of the cruel decree

‘The aged mother’ is a story which appreciates the importance of aged people. The proverb ‘The old are wise’ is proved in this story. The country Shining was ruled by a governor. Once, he declared that all the aged people must be put to death. A farmer loved his elderly mother very much. He decided to leave her on a mountain. The road which they travelled had lot of confusions. So she snapped twigs from the brushes and dropped them along the narrow path as markers. Thus using her intelligence, she ensured her son’s safe return. But he did not want to leave her lovable mother. So they returned and he hid her at his home. Later the governor ordered the people to present him a rope of ashes. The unselfish mother suggested him an idea of burning a twisted straw on a windless night. Seeing the rope of ashes, the governor praised him. Knowing the wisdom of the old mother, he proclaimed that Shining needed the wisdom of the aged than the strength of the youth. At last, he abolished the order to kill the aged people of his country.

Knowledge comes from learning, wisdom comes from living.

ESSAY

• Introduction
• Proclamation of the cruel decree
• Painful journey up the mountain
• Care and concern of the mother
• Withdrawal of the cruel decree
• Conclusion

---

Introduction:

‘The aged mother’ is a story which appreciates the importance of aged people. The proverb ‘The old are wise’ is proved in this story.

Proclamation of the cruel decree:

The country Shining was ruled by a governor. He was a despotic ruler. Though he is a warrior, he was very cruel. Once, he declared that all the aged people must be put to death. The circumstances were not favourable for the aged people, since the governor was a despotic ruler.

Painful journey up the mountain:

A young man lifted his mother to his back and trudged up the mountain. Moreover, the road was long and steep. It was narrow. He lost his way at times. But he went climbing blindly upward until he reached the bare summit

Care and concern of the mother:

So she picked up twigs from the bushes and dropped them along the narrow path as markers.

Thus using her intelligence, she ensured her son’s safe return. But he did not want to leave her lovable mother. So they returned and he hid her at his home.

Withdrawal of the cruel decree:

Later the governor ordered the people to present him a rope of ashes. The unselfish mother suggested her son to make a rope by burning a twisted straw on a windless night. Seeing the rope of ashes, the governor praised him. Knowing the wisdom of the old mother, he abolished the order to kill the aged people of his country.

Conclusion:

Hence, everyone should love and respect the aged people. They are the treasure of a country.

Moral: “Old is Gold”

D. Identify the character/speaker.

1. He gave orders for the aged to be put to death.- The despotic leader/the Governor
2. He considered the order to be the kindest mode of death.- The farmer
3. She quietly dropped some twigs on the way.- The Aged mother
4. Let not thine eyes be blinded.- The Aged mother to his son
5. Together we will follow the path , together we will die.- The son/ the Farmer
6. I will think. I will think.- The Aged mother to his son
7. The truth must be told.- The son/ the Farmer
8. He listened and meditated in silence.- The despotic leader/the Governor
9. Shining needs more than the strength of the youth.- The despotic leader/the Governor
10. With the crown of snow there cometh wisdom.- The despotic leader/the Governor

E. Choose the appropriate answer and fill in the blanks.

1. Shining was governed by a cruel leader.

1. strict
2. kind
3. cruel
4. diplomatic.

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2. The unwhitened rice was the principal food for the poor.

1. wheat
2. brown rice
3. unwhitened rice
4. millet.

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3. The road was crossed and re-crossed by many path made by the hunters and woodcutters.

1. hunters and woodcutters
2. robbers and thieves
3. vendors and tradesmen
4. wildlife photographers and trekkers

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4. Gathering fallen pine he made a soft cushion and tenderly lifted his old mother onto it.

1. dry leaves
2. fallen pine
3. broken twigs
4. flowers

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5. The governor demanded that his subjects should present him with a rope of ashes.

1. basket of fruits
2. rope of ashes
3. flesh of animals
4. bag of silverwares

Zigzag by Asha Nehemiah: Complete Q&A and Story Analysis | 10th English Supplementary

Answer the questions - Zigzag | by Asha Nehemiah | Supplementary/Story

1. ‘Even though I clearly said no!’

   - Dr.Ashok T.Krishnan to his wife

2. ‘The one that spits deadly poison straight into its opponent’s eyes.’

   - Maya to her parents

3. ‘Remember the tiny penknife he gave me last year’.

   - Maya to her parents (he-Dr.Somu)

4. ‘It’s Somu’s thoughtless ways that reduce me to tears’

   - Mrs. Krishnan to her husband

5. ‘Come in, Zigzag, come in dear!’

   - Visu to Zigzag

B. Read the story again and write how these characters reacted in these situations:

1. You’re both quite mistaken.

Dr. Krishnan explained that Zigzag was a most harmless, unsnarl and lovable bird.

Mrs. Krishnan informed that most of Somu’s favourite possessions which had been given to them were absolute nuisances

2. It’s Somu’s thoughtless ways that reduce me to tears.

Mrs. Krishnan said that it was not a right time to keep a bird with them when she was preparing paintings for the forthcoming exhibition.

Dr. Krishnan said that they were sure to love Zigzag since it could talk and sing in about twenty-one different languages mostly African languages.

3. Just wait till zigzag settles down in this new home.

Visu comforted the children that they could have a great time listening to Zigzag.

Aravind and Maya Arvind and Maya were disappointed with Zigzag when the bird stubbornly refused to talk a single word.

4. Zigzag hardly never sleeps.

Somu asked Dr. Krishnan to handover Zigzag to his old cook Mr. Visu.

Dr.Krishnan did not want to keep Zigzag with him. He immediately wanted to find out somu’s servant, Visu.

5. You are an absolute treasure

Dr.Krishnan After understanding the real nature and skill of the bird he was thoroughly satisfied with its performance and wanted to keep the bird with him.

Zigzag did not bother about the sudden change of Dr. Krishnan ’s attitude and it began to eat the toffee.

C. Complete the given tabular column.

• Mrs. Krishnan was not happy about the arrival of zigzag.
• She was worried about her paintings and the forthcoming art exhibition.
• Zigzag perched on the curtain rod and it dropped one wizened eyelid in another solemn wink as he sank his beak into a plump guava
• When their maid switched on the fan it was raining papayas and bananas in that room. Even some fruits and nuts hit on the maid’s cheek and forehead.
• Mrs. Krishnan was annoyed and called Mr.Krishnan to inform Dr.Somu about the choatic situations created by the snoring of Zigzag.
• The reply was that Zigzag never snored and hardly ever slept
• When Zigzag entered the clinic he saw an unruly situation in the clinic. Through his clear and commanding voice, he brought pin-drop silence in the room
• After the family knew that zigzag must be kept busy they decided to keep Zigzag at their home and clinic

D. Answer the following question in one or two sentences:

1. Why did Dr. Ashok’s cousin call him ?

   Dr.Ashok’s cousin called him to take care of his pet bird Zigzag as he left for Alaska.

2. Mention atleast two expressions which shows that Mrs. Krishnan was not willing to have Zigzag at home?

   Mrs.Krishnan angrily told her husband that most of Somu’s favourite possessions were absolute nuisances. Then she spoke against Somu’s insect eating plant.

3. What other various pets did Somu have?

   Somu had a big fighting beetle and an African snake.

4. What was Mrs.Krishnan busy with?

   Mrs.Krishnan was busy with painting the pictures for the forthcoming exhibition.

5. What commotion did the boomerang cause in the neighborhood?

   The boomerang caused a great commotion. It ruined all the T.V. aerials, several cars and it also hit the watchman.

6. What happened when Somu left Zigzag with the Krishnans?

   Zigzag was cool and unmoved with grumpy expression. It created a great nuisance with its loud snoring.

7. How did Zigzag communicate with the Krishnans?

   Zigzag communicated with the Krishnans by dropping one wizened eyelid in another solemn wink.

8. What was the e-mail message sent to Somu by Dr.Krishnan?

   The e-mail message to Somu by Dr.Krishnan was a request to send instructions to stop Zigzag’s snoring.

9. What did Aravind confess?

   Arvind confessed that he was interested to go to school, as he could not put up with Zigzag’s snoring.

10. Why did Mrs. Jhunjhunwalla buy the painting?

    Mrs. Jhunjhunwalla chose to buy the painting because she liked the new technique of painting, especially the ‘streaky orangey bits’.

E. Answer the following questions in about 100 - 150 words:

1. Write in your own words the various commotions caused by zigzag at Dr. Krishnan’s residence.

Lesson: Zigzag

Author: Asha Nehemiah

Theme: Commotions caused by Zigzag

Characters: Dr.Krishnan’s family, Visu and the pet bird

Outline: Visu - brought - Zigzag - Dr. Krishnan’s house - Zigzag - deposited - blades of fan - slept - snored loudly - spoiled Mrs. Krishnan’s painting - commotion

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Visu, the old cook of Dr.somu brought the pet bird Zigzag to Dr. Krishnan’s house. Arvind brought some fruits and nuts for Zigzag. It picked up and deposited them on the chandliers and the blades of the fan. Then, the bird perched on the curtain rod while tasting a big guava and also it slept there.The moment it slept, it snored loudly. The snoring of the Zigzag pounded the eardrums of Krishnan’s family members and their neighbours. The neighbours often rang up Mrs.Krishnan and enquired about the snoring sound, as they wanted peace. The art critic Mrs.Jhunjhunwala commented Zigzag’s snoring as Mrs.Krishnan’s voice. When their maid servant, Lakshmi switched on the fan, it was raining papayas and bananas in that room. A guava landed on her cheek and a walnut hit her forehead. One slice of over-ripe papaya splattered orange pulp on Mrs. Krishnan’s painting. She got angry with Zigzag. Thus it created a great commotion in Krishnan’s house.

ESSAY

• Introduction
• Zigzag’s arrival
• Snoring Zigzag
• Flying bananas
• Collapse of painting
• Conclusion

Introduction: Asha Nehemiah shows humour, fantasy mystery and adventure as strong elements in her work. In this story, she humorously pictured the atrocities of a pet bird named Zigzag.

Zigzag’s arrival: Visu, the old cook of Dr.somu brought the pet bird Zigzag to Dr. Krishnan’s house. He praised its qualities and skills. But Zigzag was cool and unmoved with an expression of grumpiness. In order to change the mood of Zigzag, Arvind brought some fruits and nuts. Zigzag picked up the fruits and nuts and deposited them on the chandliers and the blades of the fan.

Snoring Zigzag: Later, the bird perched on the curtain rod while tasting a big guava and also it slept there. The moment it slept, it snored loudly. The snoring of the Zigzag pounded the eardrums of Krishnan’s family members and their neighbours. The neighbours often rang up Mrs.Krishnan and enquired about the snoring sound, as they wanted peace. The art critic Mrs.Jhunjhunwala commented Zigzag’s snoring as Mrs.Krishnan’s voice.

Flying bananas: When their maid servant, Lakshmi switched on the fan, it was raining papayas and bananas in that room. A guava landed on her cheek and a walnut hit her forehead.

Collapse of painting: One slice of over-ripe papaya splattered orange pulp on Mrs. Krishnan’s painting. She got angry with zigzag.

Conclusion: Thus it created a great commotion in Krishnan’s house.

Moral: He never causes the commotion, He himself is a commotion

2. What was the turn of events when Zigzag was taken to the clinic.

Lesson: Zigzag

Author: Asha Nehemiah

Theme: Zigzag in Dr.Krishnan’s clinic

Characters: Dr.Krishnan’s family, Visu and the pet bird

Outline: Dr. Krishnan’s family - refused to keep Zigzag - loud snoring - perched - reception table - asked - silence - training of zigzag - comforted - the crying children - created laughter

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Dr. Krishnan’s family refused to keep zigzag in their house due to its loud snoring. So Dr. Krishnan decided to take it to his clinic. When zigzag entered the clinic, it perched on the nurse’s reception table at once. Krishnan warned zigzag not to sleep in the clinic, but Zigzag began to control the patients in a commanding way. It asked everybody to be in order and there was absolute silence. Dr. Krishnan was surprised to see the sudden change of the bird. He understood the training of zigzag and its dutiful nature. Zigzag’s bored behaviour was totally changed. Zigzag kindly comforted the crying children and scolded the naughty kids. Zigzag’s recitation of French poetry created laughter among the children. The clinic was so calm with its command. It was a ‘treasure’ and ‘great help’ in the clinic.

ESSAY

• About the author
• Zigzag’s entry into the clinic
• Maintain silence in the clinic
• Entertain kids in the clinic
• Conclusion

About the author: Asha Nehemiah shows humour, fantasy mystery and adventure as strong elements in her work. In this story, she pictured how the pet bird bhaved well in Dr.Krishnan’s clinic.

Zigzag’s entry into the clinic: Dr. Krishnan’s family refused to keep Zigzag in their house due to its loud snoring. So Dr. Krishnan decided to take it to his clinic. When Zigzag entered the clinic, it perched on the nurse’s reception table at once. Krishnan warned Zigzag not to sleep in the clinic.

Maintain silence in the clinic: Zigzag began to control the patients in a commanding way. It asked everybody to be in order and there was absolute silence. Dr. Krishnan was surprised to see the sudden change in the bird. He understood the training of Zigzag and its dutiful nature. Zigzag’s bored behaviour was totally changed.

Entertain kids in the clinic: Zigzag kindly comforted the crying children and scolded the naughty kids. Zigzag’s recitation of French poetry caused laughter among the children.

Conclusion: The clinic was so calm with its command. Since it was trained by two doctors, it knew its duty in the clinic. Thus, it was a ‘treasure’ and ‘great help’ to Dr.Krishnan in his clinic.

Moral: When you own a bird, happiness is all around.

3. Narrate the story Zigzag in a own words.

Lesson: Zigzag

Author: Asha Nehemiah

Theme: A pet bird’s attrocities

Characters: Dr.Krishnan’s family, Visu and the pet bird

Outline: Dr. Somu requested - Dr.Krishnan - take care - harmless bird - Zigzag - deposited - blades of fan - slept - snored loudly - spoiled Mrs. Krishnan’s painting - took to his clinic - changed - wanted to keep

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Dr. Somu requested his cousin Dr.Krishnan to take care of his pet bird, Zigzag, as he left for Alaska. According to Dr.Krishnan,’Zigzag was the most lovable, unusual, and harmless bird. But Mrs. Krishnan was not happy with the arrival of the new pet. Dr.Somu sent Zigzag through Visu, his old cook. Zigzag was cool and unmoved with an expression of grumpiness. Arvind brought some fruits and nuts for it. Zigzag picked up and deposited them on the chandliers and the blades of the fan. Then, the bird perched on the curtain rod and slept there.The moment it slept, it snored loudly. The snoring of the Zigzag pounded the eardrums of Krishnan’s family members and their neighbours. The neighbours often rang up Mrs.Krishnan and enquired about the snoring sound, as they wanted peace. When their maid servant, Lakshmi switched on the fan, it was raining papayas and bananas. One slice of over-ripe papaya splattered orange pulp on Mrs. Krishnan’s painting. She got angry with zigzag. So Dr.Krishnan took it to his clinic. Zigzag talked to all the patients in the clinic. It brought a radical'change in the noisy clinic. There was an absolute silence. Surprisingly Mrs.Krishnan’s ruined painting was sold for 5,000. Hence Dr. Krishnan’s family wanted to keep zigzag with them.

Listening Exercise Answers for 'The Night the Ghost Got In' by James Grover Thurber

Listening - The Night the Ghost Got In | by James Grover Thurber

E. Listen to the story and answer the following.

1. The rich man was from....

a. Nagaland

b. Thailand

c. Finland

Ans: Thailand

2. Where did Chulong catch the bird?

Chulong caught the bird in a bush in his garden.

3. Why did Chulong catch the bird?

Chulong caught the bird in order to become richer by selling it for a big amount.

4. What will happen to the bird in imprisonment?

If the bird is kept in imprisonment, it will lose its beauty and its sweet voice.

5. What did the bird suggest Chulong, in exchange for its freedom?

The bird suggested Chulong to teach him 3 important rules of life, in exchange for its freedom

6. Does Chulong want to earn money honestly?

No, he was a greedy man, he wanted to earn more money through dishonest way.

7. What were Chulongs plans for the the bird?

Chulong’s first plan was to sell the beautiful bird for a huge amount. His second plan was to kill it and to eat its meat.

8. Who is wise according to you?

According to me, the bird is wiser than Chulong.

9. Is the bird a crow?

No, the bird is not a crow.

10. What are the three rules given by the bird?

(i) Never believe everything others say.

(ii) Never be sad about something you do not have.

(iii) Never throw away what you have in your hand.

The Night the Ghost Got In: Questions and Answers | James Grover Thurber

Answer the questions - The Night the Ghost Got In | by James Grover Thurber

A. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

1. 1. Why was the narrator sorry to have paid attention to the footsteps?

   The narrator was sorry because his imagination of considering his Grandfather as a ghost

2. 2. Why did Herman and the author slam the doors?

   Herman and the author slammed the door because of their fear of the ghost.

3. 3. What woke up the mother?

   Slamming of the doors by the narrator and his brother woke up their mother.

4. 4. What do you understand by the mother’s act of throwing the shoe?

   Author’s mother did not want to take risk by getting down. At the same time, she wanted the police to come there. So, she threw the shoe at neighbour’s home to seek help.

5. 5. Why do you think Mrs. Bodwell wanted to sell the house?

   Mrs. Bodell wanted to sell the house because she was disturbed often.

6. 6. How did the cops manage to enter the locked house?

   The cops broke the front door. Thus they manged to enter the locked house.

7. 7. Why were the policeman prevented from entering grandfather's room?

   Grandfather mistook the police as General Meade’s men who were retreating. With that thinking, he harmed them. So, the police were prevented.to enter grandfather’s room.

8. 8. Who used the zither and how?

   The narrator’s pet Guinea pig used the zither. It used to sleep on it.

9. 9. Mention the things that the grandfather imagined.

   Grandfather imagined that the cops were General Meade’s men. He thought that they were beginning to retreat and even desert

B. Answer the following questions in about 100-150 words.

1. Describe the funny incident that caused the confusion in the house.

Prose : THE NIGHT THE GHOST GOT IN

Author : James Grover Thurber

Theme : Chaos in the house

Characters : The narrator’s family, Mrs. Bodwell, Joe, Reporter, Herman

Outline : Narrator - strange sound - thought - burglar or ghost - Mother - seek help -Bodwell - called police- Grandfather misunderstood - General Meade’s men - shot - grand father - walked - for water

It was about a quarter past one o’ clock in the morning. The narrator was in the bathroom. He heard a strange sound. He was scared. He thought it was a burglar or a ghost. So, he went to his brother, Herman’s room. They came out and looked downstairs. Nothing was there. They heard the footsteps circling the dining-room table like a man running and it started up the stairs towards them. So they rushed to their rooms and slammed the doors. The narrator’s mother was aroused by the sound. They thought that there was a burglar in the house. So she threw her shoe at their neighbour, Mr.Bodwell’s window to seek help. Mr. Bodwell called the police. When the police broke into the door, the narrator’s grandfather mistook them as General Meade’s men who were retreating. So he grabbed the gun from them and shot at the police. The police left the house empty handed finally. Next morning, grandfather told that he came to the dining room for water, the previous night. These are the incidents that caused the confusion in the house.

ESSAY

• Introduction
• A strange sound
• Call for the police
• Entry of the police
• Mystery behind the chaos
• Conclusion

Introduction

James Grover Tburber was an American cartoonist, best known for his cartoons and short stories. This lesson clearly tells that too much of imagination will, mislead the situation. Though the theme is trivial, the story provokes all elements of a horror drama.

A strange sound

It was about a quarter past one o’ clock in the morning. The narrator was in the bathroom. He heard a strange sound. He was scared. He thought it was a burglar or a ghost. So, he went to his brother Herman’s room. They came out and looked downstairs. Nothing was there. They heard the footsteps circling the dining-room table like a man running and it started up the stairs towards them. So they rushed to their rooms and slammed the doors.

Call for the police

Their mother was aroused by the sound. They thought that there was a burglar in the house. So she threw her shoe at their neighbour Mr.Bodwell’s window to seek help. Mr. Bodwell called the police.

Entry of the police

When the police broke open the door, the narrator’s grandfather mistook them as General Meade’s men who were retreating. So he grabbed the gun from them and shot at the police. The police left the house empty handed finally.

Mystery behind the chaos

The next morning grandfather told that he had walked in the kitchen to have some water the previous night.

Conclusion

It finally becomes clear that the narrator mistook his grandfather walking in the dark for a burglar and then a ghost. Their imagination rewarded them a sleepless night of chaotic activities.

Moral: What you see can be a lie; what you hear can be a lie;
what you investigate is real/true

2. Narrate the extensive search operation made by the policemen in the house.

Prose : THE NIGHT THE GHOST GOT IN

Author : James Grover Thurber

Theme : Supernatural

Characters : Mr. Bodwell, Mrs. Bodwell, Joe, Reporter, Herman

Prose outline : police broke - opened - main door- search - operation - ruined - spilled - objects - drawers- furniture- ransacked - tom - suitcase- zither - Guinea pig - sleep-Chaos -grandfather misunderstood - deserters of general Meade’s army- grab -shot - Pitty - old man- great disappointment- cops - empty handed

The narrator and his family heard a strange sound at his home. They thought that there was a burglar in the house. They called for the police with the help of their neighbour. The police broke open the main door. During the search, the police ruined the whole house. They spilled all the things from the drawers, the windows were shut up and pulled down, furniture fell with dull thumps. The floor was ransacked and clothes were tom. While pulling a suitcase, they found a zither. Five or six policemen sprang for the attic door, where the narrator’s grandfather was sleeping. Chaos came when Grandfather mistook the police as General Meade’s men who were retreating. He managed to grab a gun from the police and shot at them. It led to crack the rafters. Smoke filled the attic. They all finally got downstairs and locked the door against the grandfather. It was a pity that the police could not get the gun from the old man. With great disappointment, the cops left the home empty handed.

ESSAY

• Introduction
• Search of the police
• Chaos in the attic
• Disappointed policemen
• Conclusion