The Lake Isle of Innisfree Class 9 English: Summary, NCERT Q&A, and MCQs

   May 19, 2026      

About the Poem: The Lake Isle of Innisfree

"The Lake Isle of Innisfree" is a beautifully lyric poem written by the famous Irish poet William Butler Yeats (W.B. Yeats) in 1888. It was first published in 1890 and remains one of his most celebrated works.The poem explores the theme of escapism, nature, and inner peace. Living in the crowded, noisy, and industrialized city of London, the poet feels deeply homesick for Ireland. He remembers his childhood days spent at Innisfree—an uninhabited, quiet island located on Lough Gill in County Sligo, Ireland. The poem captures the universal human desire to escape the frantic pace of modern city life and find tranquility in the lap of nature. 


About the Poet: W.B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats (W.B. Yeats) was a highly celebrated Irish poet, dramatist, and prose writer, widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century.


 Theme of the poem: Real peace and tranquility come from living a simple life in harmony with nature, which ultimately rejuvenates the human spirit against the exhausting demands of modern civilization.


Stanza 1 Words Arise:

Get up / stand up.

Cabin: A small, simple house typically made of wood.

Clay and wattles: Traditional building materials. 

Nine bean-rows: A small vegetable garden plot where the poet plans to grow beans for survival.

Hive: A structure where bees live and store honey.

Glade: An open, cleared space in a forest or woods.

Bee-loud: A descriptive word created by Yeats meaning filled with the loud buzzing sound of bees.


Stanza 2 Words

Dropping slow: Falling slowly or trickling down (describing how peace or morning mist arrives).

Veils of the morning: The morning mist or fog that covers the landscape like a thin cloth or veil.

Cricket: A small, jumping insect known for making a rhythmic chirping sound.

Glimmer: A faint, flickering, or unsteady light (describing the midnight stars).

Glow: A steady, warm light (describing the purple light of the afternoon sun).

Linnet: A small, brown and grey songbird common in Europe.


Stanza 3 Words

Night and day: Continuously; all the time.

Lapping: The gentle, rhythmic sound of water washing or splashing softly against the shore.

Pavements grey: The grey, concrete sidewalks of a city (symbolizing the dull, lifeless nature of urban areas).

Core: The innermost, central, or deepest part of something.

Heart's core: The very depths of one's feelings and soul.



Thinking about the Poem (NCERT Solutions)


I. Answer the following questions:


1. What kind of place is Innisfree? Think about:

  • (i) the three things the poet wants to do when he goes back there (Stanza I);

  • (ii) what he hears and sees there and its effect on him (Stanza II);

  • (iii) what he hears in his "heart's core" even when he is away from Innisfree (Stanza III).

Answer: Innisfree is a peaceful, beautiful, and completely natural island. It is a quiet place untouched by the chaotic rush of modern city life.

  • (i) When the poet goes back to Innisfree, he wants to build a small cabin made of clay and wattles, plant nine rows of beans, and keep a hive for honeybees to live alone in the open glade.

  • (ii) He sees the morning mist falling like a veil, the midnight stars flickering, and a purple glow over the landscape in the afternoon. He hears crickets chirping and the wings of linnet birds flying in the evening. These sights and sounds bring him a deep sense of peace and tranquility.

  • (iii) Even when he is standing on the grey pavements of London, far away from the island, he hears the low sounds of the lake water gently lapping against the shore of Innisfree deep within his heart's core.



2. By now you may have concluded that Innisfree is a simple, natural place, full of beauty and peace. How does the poet contrast it with where he now stands? (Read Stanza III.)

Answer: The poet sharply contrasts the natural beauty of Innisfree with the dull reality of London where he currently stands. While Innisfree is filled with vibrant colors (purple glows), soothing sounds (lapping water, crickets chirping), and fresh air, the city is described as having "pavements grey." The grey pavements symbolize a lifeless, cold, and artificial environment, highlighting the loneliness and monotony of urban life compared to the lively peace of nature.


3. Do you think Innisfree is only a place, or a state of mind? Does the poet actually miss the place of his boyhood days?

Answer: Innisfree is both a real physical place and a state of mind. Historically, it is a real island in Ireland where W.B. Yeats spent his childhood days, and he genuinely misses it, as shown by his vivid memories of the lake water and the birds.

However, it also acts as a state of mind. Innisfree represents an ideal haven of perfect peace, innocence, and isolation. Whenever the poet feels exhausted by the materialistic city life, he retreats into this mental sanctuary by listening to the quiet rhythms of nature inside his soul.


II. Look at the words the poet uses to paint images in your mind.


1. "Look at the words the poet uses... 'bee-loud glade'. What image do these words evoke?"

Answer: The phrase "bee-loud glade" evokes a vivid auditory and visual image of a sunlit, open space in a green forest that is alive with the constant, soothing buzzing sound of honeybees. It creates a picture of a flourishing, undisturbed natural habitat full of peace and life.


2. "What do these words mean to you: 'veils of the morning', 'cricket sings', 'linnet's wings'?"

Answer:  "Veils of the morning": This metaphor beautifully pictures the early morning mist or fog covering the landscape, which lifts slowly like a bride's thin veil revealing the beauty of the day.

  • "Cricket sings": This represents the comforting, rhythmic chirping sound of insects in the grass, highlighting the profound calmness of nature where even small sounds stand out.

  • "Linnet's wings": This creates a dynamic visual of small songbirds fluttering across the evening sky, bringing a sense of lightness, freedom, and harmony to the twilight hours.



Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each)


Q1. What does the word "core" mean in the phrase "heart's core"?

Ans: The word "core" means the innermost, deepest, or central part of something.



Q2. Where does the poet hear the sound of the lake water? 

Ans: The poet hears the sound of the lake water deep within his "heart's core."



Q3. What is the poet standing on when he hears the lake water lapping?

Ans: The poet is standing on the roadway or the "pavements grey" of the city.



Q4. What does the phrase "pavements grey" contrast with in the poem? 

Ans: It contrasts the dull, artificial, and crowded city life of London with the colorful and peaceful natural setting of Innisfree.



Q5. When does the poet hear the sounds of Innisfree calling him?

Ans: He hears it "night and day," meaning continuously and all the time.



Q6. What specific sound from Innisfree echoes in the poet's soul?

Ans: The low sound of the lake water gently lapping against the shore.



Q7. What does the poet's ability to hear Innisfree in his "heart's core" reveal about his relationship with the island?

Ans: It reveals that he has a deep-rooted, permanent spiritual connection to his childhood home that city life cannot erase.



Q8. Why does the poet want to stand up and go to Innisfree immediately?

Ans: Because the peaceful call of the lake water is constantly echoing in his heart, making him feel homesick in the city.


Here are 8 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with answers and explanations to complete the final section of your blog post:



Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)


Q1. What does the poet hear in the "heart's core" while standing in London? 

A) The sound of traffic

B) The singing of the linnet

C) The low sounds of lake water lapping

D) The chirping of crickets

Ans: C) The low sounds of lake water lapping 


Q2. Where is the poet standing when he hears the call of Innisfree?

A) In an open forest glade

B) On the roadway or pavements grey

C) Inside a small wooden cabin

D) Near a beehive

Ans: B) On the roadway or pavements grey 



Q3. The word "core" in the poem stands for:

A) The outer layer

B) A distant memory

C) The innermost, deepest part

D) A physical surface

Ans: C) The innermost, deepest part 



Q4. How frequently does the poet hear the lake water lapping against the shore? 

A) Only during midnight

B) Night and day

C) Only when he closes his eyes

D) Once a year

Ans: B) Night and day 



Q5. What does the phrase "pavements grey" symbolize? 

A) The colorful beauty of nature

B) The dull, lifeless, and artificial nature of city life

C) A peaceful rainy day

D) A well-constructed highway

Ans: B) The dull, lifeless, and artificial nature of city life



Q6. What dynamic movement brings life to the evenings at Innisfree?

A) The buzzing of honeybees

B) The building of the clay cabin

C) The flight of the linnet's wings

D) The falling of the morning veil

Ans: C) The flight of the linnet's wings 



Q7. What is the central theme of "The Lake Isle of Innisfree"? 

A) The benefits of modern industrialization

B) A desire to escape city life and find peace in nature

C) The importance of agricultural farming

D) A study of different bird species

Ans: B) A desire to escape city life and find peace in nature 



Q8. Why does the poet want to build a cabin out of "clay and wattles"? 

A) Because he wants to live a simple, self-sufficient life in harmony with nature

B) Because he cannot afford modern building materials

C) Because it protects him best from severe weather

D) Because he wants to build a large mansion

Ans: A) Because he wants to live a simple, self-sufficient life in harmony with nature




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• May 19, 2026 0 $type={blogger}

English Poem 'Amanda' for class 10.

   May 19, 2026      

 ABOUT THE POET:

Robin Klein is a highly celebrated, prolific Australian author and poet, widely known for her deeply relatable, humorous, and perceptive contributions to children’s and Young Adult (YA) literature. If you are encountering her in a literature class (such as CBSE Class 9), you likely know her as the author of the popular poem Amanda!, which brilliantly captures the inner friction between a nagging parent and a daydreaming chidden. He was born on February 28, 1936, in Kempsey. Australia.



ABOUT THE POEM:

The poem depicts a young girl named Amanda who is constantly being corrected by her mother for typical teenage habits—like biting her nails, hunching her shoulders, neglecting her homework, and leaving her room messy. To escape this continuous nagging, Amanda retreats into her own vibrant imagination. She dreams of living a completely free and solitary life, picturing herself as: a Mermaid drifting peacefully in a calm, green sea. an Orphan walking freely in the streets, making patterns in the soft dust with her bare feet. Rapunzel living alone in a high, peaceful tower where she never has to let down her hair for anyone.


The Core Message of the Poem

The primary message of the poem revolves around the need for freedom, understanding, and space in a child's upbringing. It highlights the friction that arises when parents overly restrict their children in the name of discipline and proper etiquette.




Thinking About the Poem: Questions & Answers


Q1. How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?

Ans: Amanda is likely a young girl in her early teens (around 13-14 years old). We can infer this because she is being constantly corrected for typical teenage habits such as biting her nails, hunching her shoulders, neglecting her homework, leaving her room untidy, and dealing with acne (pimples).

Q2. Who do you think is speaking to her?

Ans: The speaker is most likely Amanda’s mother. The constant monitoring of her manners, hygiene, chores (like cleaning her shoes and room), and the final scolding about her "sulking" are characteristic of an over-protective and nagging parent.

Q3. Why are Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 given in parentheses?

Ans: Stanzas 2, 4, and 6 are placed in parentheses because they represent Amanda’s inner thoughts and private daydreams. While her mother is speaking out loud in the other stanzas, these parenthetical lines show Amanda completely tuning out the scolding and retreating into her own imagination to find peace.

Q4. Who is the speaker in Stanzas 2, 4, and 6? Does she listen to the speaker in Stanzas 1, 3, and 5?

Ans: The speaker in stanzas 2, 4, and 6 is Amanda herself, expressing her secret fantasies. No, she does not listen to the speaker (her mother) in stanzas 1, 3, and 5. Instead of paying attention to the instructions, she completely detaches herself from reality to escape the nagging.

Q5. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?

Ans: If Amanda were a mermaid, she would live alone in a calm, blissful emerald-green sea. She would spend her time drifting away peacefully and carelessly with the gentle flow of the water.

Q6. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?

Ans: No, Amanda is not an orphan; she has a mother who is constantly guiding her. She wishes to be an orphan because she is exhausted by her mother’s continuous control. To her, an orphan represents absolute freedom—the liberty to wander the streets aimlessly, walk barefoot, and make patterns quietly in the soft dust without any rules.

Q7. Do you know the story of Rapunzel? Why does she want to be Rapunzel?

Ans: Rapunzel is a fairy tale character who was locked away in a high, isolated tower by a witch. Amanda wants to be Rapunzel because she craves the absolute peace and tranquility of living high up in a tower, completely away from everyone. However, unlike the original Rapunzel, Amanda states she will never let down her bright hair, because she does not want anyone coming up to disturb her privacy.

Q8. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?

Ans: Amanda yearns for personal freedom, silence, space, and a break from constant supervision. The poem reveals that Amanda is a highly imaginative, sensitive, and dreamy girl who feels suffocated by the strict restrictions placed on her. She values independence so deeply that she would rather imagine herself as an orphan or an isolated mythical being than live under constant surveillance.

Q9. Read the last stanza. Is Amanda sulking or is she moody?

Ans: Amanda is neither genuinely sulking nor moody; she is simply exhausted and mentally checked out. Because she has stopped responding to her mother's nagging and has withdrawn into her thoughts, her mother misinterprets this silence as "sulking" and bad behavior, worrying about what other people might think.



1-Mark Important Questions & Answers


Q1. Who is the poet of the poem 'Amanda!'? 

Ans: The poet of the poem is Robin Klein.



Q2. What is Amanda doing to her nails in the first stanza?

Ans: Amanda is biting her nails.



Q3. Where does Amanda imagine herself to be as a mermaid? 

Ans: She imagines herself drifting peacefully in a calm, emerald-green sea.



Q4. Why does Amanda wish to be an orphan? 

Ans: She wishes to be an orphan to enjoy absolute freedom and walk the streets without any constant nagging or restrictions.



Q5. What does Amanda's mother ask her to clean? 

Ans: Her mother asks her to clean her room and her shoes.



Q6. What problem on Amanda's face does her mother warn her about? 

Ans: Her mother warns her about her acne (pimples), telling her not to eat chocolate.



Q7. What character from a fairy tale does Amanda want to be?

Ans: Amanda wants to be Rapunzel so she can live alone in a quiet, isolated tower.



Q8. Why does the mother call Amanda "moody" at the end of the poem? 

Ans: Because Amanda stops responding and completely withdraws into her daydreams, which her mother mistakes for sulking.



Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)


Q1. Who is the poet of the poem "Amanda!"? 

A) Leslie Norris

B) Robert Frost

C) Robin Klein

D) Walt Whitman

  • Answer: C) Robin Klein

Q2. What does Amanda imagine herself doing as a mermaid?

A) Swimming fast to catch fish

B) Drifting blissfully and peacefully in the green sea

C) Playing with other sea creatures

D) Building castles out of sand

  • Answer: B) Drifting blissfully and peacefully in the green sea

Q3. Why does Amanda want to be an orphan?

A) She wants to live without her family

B) She hates her home environment

C) She yearns for the absolute freedom to wander barefoot in silence

D) She doesn't want to go to school

  • Answer: C) She yearns for the absolute freedom to wander barefoot in silence

Q4. Which fairy tale character does Amanda compare herself to in her daydreams?

A) Cinderella

B) Rapunzel

C) Sleeping Beauty

D) Snow White

  • Answer: B) Rapunzel

Q5. What does Amanda promise never to do if she were Rapunzel?

A) Escape from the tower

B) Talk to the witch

C) Let down her bright hair

D) Clean her room

  • Answer: C) Let down her bright hair

Q6. What food item does the speaker tell Amanda not to eat because of her acne?

A) Ice cream

B) Pizza

C) Chocolate

D) Cake

  • Answer: C) Chocolate

Q7. Why are certain stanzas (2, 4, and 6) placed inside parentheses ( )?

A) To show they are unimportant lines

B) To highlight Amanda's inner thoughts and vivid daydreams

C) To indicate that they are spoken by the mother

D) To mark the chorus of the poem

  • Answer: B) To highlight Amanda's inner thoughts and vivid daydreams

Q8. What does the speaker think Amanda is doing at the end of the poem?

A) Ignoring her instructions completely

B) Sleeping peacefully

C) Sulking and being moody

D) Planning to run away

  • Answer: C) Sulking and being moody

  

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• May 19, 2026 0 $type={blogger}

Class 10 English: Coorg (Glimpses of India) Complete Guide & Important Questions

   May 16, 2026      

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:    

Lokesh Abrol is a multifaceted personality—a renowned medical doctor by profession, an active social worker, and a passionate traveler who loves writing. In his beautifully crafted travelogue "Coorg", he uses his keen sense of observation to vividly capture the essence of the region. His writing style is engaging and highly descriptive, bringing to life the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and wildlife of this beautiful place.


ABOUT THE LASSON

"Coorg" is a fascinating travelogue from Chapter 7, Glimpses of India. The lesson takes us on a journey to Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, famously known as the "Scotland of India." It beautifully highlights the region’s rolling hills, evergreen rainforests, spice plantations, and coffee estates. The narrative also celebrates the fierce independence and legendary bravery of the Coorgi people, alongside the diverse wildlife thriving in the Kaveri river ecosystem.


THINKING ABOUT THE TEXT (NCERT EXERCISE)


Q.1. Where is Coorg? 


Ans— Coorg, or Kodagu, is the smallest district of Karnataka. It is beautifully situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore.


Q.2. What is the story about the Kodavu people’s descent? 


Ans— There are two distinct stories regarding their descent:

  • Greek Origin: According to one legend, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast. When their return became impractical, they settled here and married locals. Their martial traditions, marriage rituals, and religious customs reflect this heritage.

  • Arab Origin: The theory of Arab origin draws support from the kuppia, the traditional long, black coat with an embroidered waist belt worn by the Kodavus. It closely resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

Q.3. What are some of the things you now know about:

  • (i) the people of Coorg? 

  • Ans— They are fiercely independent, brave, and hospitable people consisting of martial men and beautiful women. They are proud of their traditions of courage and are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.

  • (ii) the main crop of Coorg?

  • Ans— Coffee is the main crop of Coorg. During the season, the air carries the refreshing aroma of coffee, and coffee estates dot the landscape.

  • (iii) the sports it offers to tourists? 

  • Ans— Coorg offers high-energy adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking, as well as numerous scenic trekking trails.

  • (iv) the animals you are likely to see in Coorg? 

  • Ans— You are likely to see Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender lorises, wild elephants, kingfishers, and a large freshwater fish called the Mahaseer.

  • (v) its distance from Bangalore, and how to get there? 

  • Ans— Coorg is around 250–260 km away from Bangalore. By road, there are two routes: one via Mysore (the most frequented route) and the other via Neelamangal, Kunigal, and Chanrayanapatna.



SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2 MARKS EACH)


Q.1. Where is Coorg situated? What kind of place is it?

Ans— Coorg, or Kodagu, is the smallest district of Karnataka, situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is a beautiful land of rolling hills, famous for its evergreen rainforests, rich spices, and vast coffee plantations.


Q.2. What is the story regarding the Greek origin of the Kodavu people?

Ans— According to local legend, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled in Coorg when their return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals, and their distinct culture is still visible in their martial traditions, marriage rituals, and religious customs.


Q.3. What is 'Kuppia' and how does it link the Coorgis to Arabs?

Ans— 'Kuppia' is the traditional long, black coat worn by the Kodavus, which features an embroidered waist belt. It closely resembles the 'Kuffia' worn by the Arabs and the Kurds, suggesting that the Coorgi people might have Arab origins.



Q.4. Describe the wildlife found in and around the Kaveri river in Coorg.

Ans— The fresh waters of the Kaveri river abound with Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish. Visitors can also spot kingfishers diving for their catch, while squirrels and langurs playfully drop half-eaten fruit into the clear water. Elephants thoroughly enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts.



 (4-5 MARKS EACH)


Q.5. Why is Coorg a popular destination for adventure sports and nature lovers?


Ans— Coorg is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. The rugged landscape offers numerous high-energy adventure sports such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. For those who prefer walking, the region is full of scenic trekking trails.

Additionally, a climb up the Brahmagiri hills rewards visitors with a stunning panoramic view of the entire mist-covered valley of Coorg. Nearby attractions, like the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama reached via a rope bridge and the large Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe, add immense value for travelers looking to explore nature and culture.


Q.6. Comment on the culture, bravery, and traditions of the people of Coorg.

Ans— The people of Coorg are fiercely independent and known for their legendary bravery and warm hospitality. They are a race of martial men and beautiful women with a proud tradition of courage. This is why the Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Furthermore, the Kodavus are the only citizens in India permitted to carry firearms without a license, highlighting the deep trust and honor associated with their community.



MCQ WITH ANSWER


1. Coorg is famously known as the:

  • A) Switzerland of India

  • B) Scotland of India

  • C) Paradise of Lakes

  • D) Land of Waterfalls

    Ans— B) Scotland of India

2. Which is the main crop grown extensively in Coorg?

  • A) Tea

  • B) Rice

  • C) Coffee

  • D) Spices

    Ans— C) Coffee

3. The traditional long black coat worn by the Kodavus is called:

  • A) Kuffia

  • B) Kuppia

  • C) Kurta

  • D) Kabai

    Ans— B) Kuppia

4. According to the text, the Coorgi people are possibly of which descent?

  • A) French or Italian

  • B) Greek or Arab

  • C) British or Portuguese

  • D) German or Dutch

    Ans— B) Greek or Arab

5. Which river obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg?

  • A) Krishna

  • B) Godavari

  • C) Kaveri

  • D) Narmada

    Ans— C) Kaveri

6. Who was General Cariappa?

  • A) A famous writer from Coorg

  • B) The first Chief of the Indian Army

  • C) A local political leader

  • D) The king of Kodagu

    Ans— B) The first Chief of the Indian Army

7. What is the name of the large freshwater fish found in the waters of Coorg?

  • A) Rohu

  • B) Mahaseer

  • C) Catfish

  • D) Salmon

    Ans— B) Mahaseer

8. Which island can be reached in Coorg by crossing a rope bridge?

  • A) Bylakuppe

  • B) Mangalore

  • C) Nisargadhama

  • D) Mysore

    Ans— C) Nisargadhama


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• May 16, 2026 0 $type={blogger}

The Adventure of Toto, Class 9, NCERT Question Answer

   May 16, 2026      

ABOUT THE LESSON

 In "The Adventure of Toto" by Ruskin Bond, the narrator describes the humorous yet chaotic experiences of his grandfather, an animal lover who buys a mischievous monkey named Toto for five rupees. Toto’s bright eyes and pearly teeth hide a wildly destructive nature; he shreds curtains, tears wallpaper, and even nearly boils himself alive.

The text highlights the central theme that wild animals are often unsuitable as domestic pets. Despite Grandfather's patience and affection, Toto’s frequent tantrums and the financial loss he causes—through broken dishes and ruined clothes—eventually force the family to realize that he cannot be tamed. The story concludes with Toto being sold back to his original owner, underscoring the necessity of letting wild creatures live in their natural or appropriate environments.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ruskin Bond is an eminent Indian author of British descent, widely regarded as one of the most beloved icons of contemporary Indian literature. Born in 1934 in Kasauli, he has spent most of his life in the serene hills of Mussoorie, which serves as the primary setting for much of his work.

Bond is celebrated for his simple yet evocative prose, often exploring themes of nature, childhood, and the quiet beauty of rural life. His contribution to literature has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan. His writing remains a staple in Indian school curricula, captivating readers with its warmth, wit, and deep empathy for both humans and animals.


1. How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo?

Ans- Grandfather saw Toto tied to a tonga-driver's feeding trough. The monkey looked so out of place and miserable there that Grandfather, who had a penchant for collecting unusual pets for his private zoo, decided to buy him for the sum of five rupees.


2. "Toto was a pretty monkey." In what sense is Toto pretty?

Ans--Toto's "prettiness" refers to his physical features that made him look bright and lively: He had bright eyes that sparkled with mischief beneath deep-set eyebrows. His pearly white teeth were often displayed in a smile that frightened elderly Anglo-Indian ladies. His long tail added to his good looks and served as a "third hand," allowing him to hang from branches and scoop up delicacies.



3. How does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog ?

Ans---Toto was too mischievous to stay home; he kept other pets awake and his presence was a secret from Grandmother. Grandfather carried him in a black canvas kit-bag with straw at the bottom. It was strong enough to prevent Toto from biting through or escaping. At Saharanpur station, Toto poked his head out and grinned at the ticket collector, who classified him as a "dog," forcing Grandfather to pay a three-rupee far.


4. How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learned to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?

Ans--Toto takes a bath by first testing the temperature of the water with his hand, then stepping into the tub—one foot first, then the other—until he is neck-deep in water. Once comfortable, he rubs himself all over with soap. 

    He learned this by watching the narrator (the author) performing the same routine. This shows Toto’s keen ability to imitate human behavior. 

    Toto once found a large kitchen kettle left on the fire to boil for tea. Finding the water warm enough for a bath, he got inside, but as the water began to heat up, he was unable to escape. He was saved only when Grandmother arrived and pulled him out of the kettle, just as he was hopping up and down in the near-boiling water.



5. Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long”?

Ans--Despite Grandfather’s affection for animals, Toto proved to be a heavy liability. He was destructively mischievous, frequently tearing clothes, curtains, and expensive wallpaper. He broke dishes and caused continuous financial loss to the family, which was not wealthy. His presence caused unrest among the other animals in the private zoo. Ultimately, the family realized that his wild instincts outweighed his charm as a pet.



2- marks Question Answer:


1. Why did the author decide to buy Toto ?

Grandfather decided to buy Toto because he felt a deep sense of empathy for the animal. According to the text, he saw the "pretty" monkey kept tied to a tonga-driver's feeding trough, where it looked extremely out of place and miserable. Grandfather, being an avid animal lover with a penchant for adding unusual specimens to his private zoo, felt that the monkey deserved a better home and decided to purchase him for five rupees.


2. Why could not Toto and Nana become friends ?


Ans--Toto and Nana could not become friends because of Toto's persistent mischief and his habit of teasing the other animals. On Toto's first night in the stable, Grandfather found him clinging to Nana’s long ears with his sharp little teeth. Toto’s constant physical harassment and refusal to let the poor donkey eat or rest in peace meant that they "never became friends." Their relationship remained one of the aggressor and the victim, as Toto’s wild instincts were incompatible with Nana’s calm, domestic nature.


3.How does Toto become a problem to grandfather while going to Saharanpur ?


Ans-- Toto’s mischievous nature made him impossible to leave home secretly or with other pets. During the journey, he poked his head out of the bag and grinned at the ticket collector.  The startled official classified Toto as a "dog" because there was no specific fare category for monkeys in the railway rules. As a result, Grandfather was forced to pay a three-rupee fine as a fare for Toto's travel.


4. How did Toto manage to escape from the closet where he was hidden?

Ans— Toto was temporarily hidden in a small closet opening into the narrator’s bedroom wall. To escape, he used his sheer strength and mischievous nature to wrench the peg out of the socket in the wall, tore down the ornamental wallpaper, and shredded the narrator's school blazer into tiny pieces. 


5. Why was Toto’s presence in the house kept a secret from Grandmother?

Ans— Grandmother always fussed and got upset whenever Grandfather brought home a new bird or animal. To avoid her anger and another argument, Grandfather and the narrator decided to keep Toto’s arrival a secret until she was in a particularly good and pleasant mood.



EXTRA QUESTION -ANSWERS (1 mark each)


1. From whom did Grandfather buy Toto and for how much?

Ans— Grandfather bought Toto from a tonga-driver for the sum of five rupees.


2. Why did Grandfather decide to buy the monkey?

Ans— Grandfather decided to buy Toto because the monkey looked miserable tied to a feeding trough, and he wanted to add him to his private zoo.


3. What served as a "third hand" for Toto?

Ans— Toto’s long tail served as a third hand, helping him hang from branches and reach for delicacies.


4. Why was Toto’s presence kept a secret from Grandmother?

Ans— It was kept a secret because Grandmother always fussed and got upset whenever Grandfather brought home a new bird or animal.


5. Where was Toto hidden on his first day in the house?

Ans— He was hidden in a small closet opening into the narrator’s bedroom wall.


6. Who was Nana?

Ans— Nana was the family’s domestic donkey who lived in the stable.


7. How did Grandfather carry Toto to Saharanpur?

Ans— Grandfather carried Toto inside a big, black canvas kit-bag with some straw at the bottom.


8. How much fare did Grandfather have to pay for Toto at the railway station?

Ans— Grandfather had to pay a fare of three rupees for Toto.


9. Why did the ticket collector classify Toto as a dog?

Ans— The ticket collector classified Toto as a dog because there was no specific category or fare rule for monkeys in the railway guidelines.


10. Who finally rescued Toto when he almost boiled himself alive in the kettle?

Ans— Grandmother rescued Toto just as he was hopping up and down in the heating water.




 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 



1. What was the price Grandfather paid to buy Toto from the tonga-driver?

  • A) Three rupees

  • B) Five rupees

  • C) Ten rupees

  • D) Two rupees

    Ans— B) Five rupees

2. Toto’s bright eyes sparkled with mischief beneath deep-set:

  • A) Wrinkles

  • B) Eyebrows

  • C) Lashes

  • D) Cheeks

    Ans— B) Eyebrows

3. What did Toto do to the narrator's school blazer when he was hidden in the closet?

  • A) He hid it under the bed

  • B) He wore it

  • C) He shredded it into tiny pieces

  • D) He threw it out the window

    Ans— C) He shredded it into tiny pieces

4. Why was Toto carried to Saharanpur inside a black canvas kit-bag?

  • A) To keep him warm

  • B) So that he could sleep peacefully

  • C) Because he was too lazy to walk

  • D) To prevent him from escaping or biting through

    Ans— D) To prevent him from escaping or biting through

5. How much extra fare did the ticket collector charge Grandfather for Toto?

  • A) Five rupees

  • B) Three rupees

  • C) Four rupees

  • D) One rupee

    Ans— B) Three rupees

6. The ticket collector classified Toto as a:

  • A) Monkey

  • B) Cat

  • C) Dog

  • D) Bird

    Ans— C) Dog


7. Who was Nana in the story?

        A) The family dog

  • B) The narrator's grandmother

  • C) The family's domestic donkey

  • D) Another mischievous monkey

    Ans— C) The family's domestic donkey

8. From whom did Toto learn the habit of testing the water temperature before taking a bath?

  • A) Grandfather

  • B) Grandmother

  • C) The narrator

  • D) The tonga-driver

    Ans— C) The narrator

9. What did Grandmother do when she found Toto hopping up and down in the large kitchen kettle?

  • A) She laughed at him

  • B) She pulled him out of the kettle

  • C) She gave him soap

  • D) She turned off the stove

    Ans— B) She pulled him out of the kettle

10. At the end of the story, to whom did Grandfather sell Toto back?

  • A) A zoo keeper

  • B) A circus manager

  • C) The original tonga-driver

  • D) One of his neighbors

    Ans— C) The original tonga-driver

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• May 16, 2026 0 $type={blogger}
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