CLASS: IX NOTES OF LESSONS

Date of Issue:
SUBJECT 1. The Lost Child 29/06/2022
ENGLISH

I. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

The poor child struggled to thrust a way between their feet but, knocked to and fro by their brutal
movements, he might have been trampled underfoot, had he not shrieked at the highest pitch of his
voice, “Father, Mother!” A man in the surging crowd heard his cry and, stooping with great difficulty,
lifted him up in his arms.

1. Why did the child shriek?

Ans: The child shrieked “Father, Mother!” because he was terribly scared about getting lost.

2. Why would the child have got trampled?

Ans: The child could have got trampled because the shrine was crowded and he was so small that
people did not realise his presence around their feet.

3. What word in the extract means ‘bending low’?

Ans: Stooping.

4. Name the author of the lesson.

Ans: Mulk Raj Anand.

II.Answer in 40- 50 words

1. How does the author introduce the lesson?

Ans: The author introduces the lesson with the spring season when rural India celebrates the occasion
with fun, fair and festivities. The story begins with a picture of colourfully dressed people who are
walking, riding or being carried along the road. The atmosphere is full of joy and laughter.

2. His mother, melted by the free spirit of the day, was tender and giving him her finger to hold, said,
"look child, what is before you!" Explain.

Ans: The tender heart of the mother melts when her son is upset for having been refused a toy by his
father. To pacify him, divert his attention, and to enjoy the day whole-heartedly, she tells her son to
look at the beautiful mustard fields that were in full bloom.

3. What difference do you notice in the child’s behaviour before and after he gets
lost?
Ans: In the initial stages of the story, we see a happy little child, enjoying the scenes and sights all
around him. He desires to own some of the things he sees, but gets easily distracted by his mother
who encourages her son to enjoy the beauties of nature. He is very afraid of his father. However, after
he gets lost, he is seen to be in a state of panic, and does not get pacified by any of the things he was
enticed with, by his saviour. All that he wanted now, was to be in the secure hands of his dear parents.

III. Answer in 100-120 words.

1.When does the child realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been
described?
Answer: The child was attracted by many things on his way to the fair. Being drawn towards them, he
often lagged behind but he would try to catch up with his parents whenever they would call out to
him. However, things took a sad turn when he got so engrossed by the sweetmeat-seller,
balloon-seller, garlands, and the snake charmer’s flute that he kept moving without waiting for his
parent’s reply. Finally, he could not resist the roundabout and turned back for his parents’ response to
his plea for a ride. At this point, he realised that he had lost his way since his parents were nowhere to
be found. A deep cry of anxiety and insecurity choked his throat. Tears rolled down from his eyes. His
flushed face convulsed with fear. Panic-stricken, he ran in all directions. Not knowing where to go and
what to do, he cried for his mother and father.