Why do you think Kisa Gotami understood this only the second time? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?
Earlier, only her pain was seen by her.For the second time, she went from door to door, it was understood by her that everyone was dealing with the loss of a beloved one. There was no house in the town where death had not taken any family member of the house. At some point or other, everyone have experienced the death of their loved ones.She was helped by Buddha to understand all this, as he told her to bring mustard seeds from a house full of quantity where death had never knocked at the door. In this way she understood that death is common for all human beings.
How do you usually understand the idea of ‘selfishness’? Do you agree with Kisa Gotami that she was being ‘selfish in her grief ’?
When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house to house. What does she ask for? Does she get it? Why not?
What does Kisa Gotami understand the second time that she failed to understand the first time? Was this what the Buddha wanted her to understand?
Kisa Gotami again goes from house to house after she speaks with the Buddha. What does she ask for, the second time around? Does she get it? Why not?
Where in the classroom does Wanda sit and why?
What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
What ‘experiment’ did Maxwell think Camusfearna would be suitable for?
What did Lencho hope for?
Where did the ceremonies take place ? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstones?
What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.
Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?
Do you keep a diary? Given below under ‘A’ are some terms we use to describe a written record of personal experience. Can you match them with their descriptions under ‘B’? (You may
look up the terms in a dictionary if you wish.)
A B
(i) Journal – A book with a separate space or page for each day, in which you write down your and feelings or what has happened on that day
(ii) Diary – A full record of a journey, a period of time, or an event, written every day
(iii) Log – A record of a person’s own life and experiences (usually, a famous person)
(iv) Memoir(s) – A written record of events with times and dates, usually official
Where does Wanda live? What kind of a place do you think it is?
What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
Who won the drawing contest? What had the winner drawn?
How is Wanda seen as different by the other girls? How do they treat her? you know?
What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
Have you ever planned something entirely on your own, without taking grown- ups into your confidence? What did you plan, and how? Did you carry out your plan?
Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement?
What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?