The Cyclone Chapter Notes | English Class 4 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction

The chapter "The Cyclone" is an interesting story about a girl named Dorothy who lives with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas. Their life is simple but hard because the land around them is dull and grey. One day, a big storm called a cyclone arrives, which lifts their house and takes Dorothy to a new and colorful place. This story is about how she faces this unexpected event and meets new people in a strange land. It teaches us about bravery and how surprises can lead to amazing adventures.

Key Points

This story is about Dorothy’s unexpected adventure caused by a cyclone.

• Dorothy lives with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in a small house in Kansas.
• The land around their house is grey, and the grass is not green.
• They have a cyclone cellar to stay safe during storms.
• Dorothy has a little black dog named Toto.
• Uncle Henry and Aunt Em are tired and serious because of hard work and weather.
• A cyclone comes, and the house lifts off with Dorothy inside.
• The house lands in a colorful, beautiful country after the storm.
• Strange people called Munchkins welcome Dorothy and thank her for killing a wicked witch.

Explanation

Dorothy lives in a small house in Kansas with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. The house has only one room with a rusty stove, a cupboard, a table, three or four chairs, and two beds. There is a trapdoor that opens to a cyclone cellar, a small underground space where the family can go to stay safe during a storm. 

Outside, the land is grey, and even the grass looks faded because of the harsh weather. Aunt Em was once young and full of energy, but the strong sun and wind have made her thin and sad. She no longer smiles, and her eyes have lost their brightness. 

Uncle Henry works hard every day from morning to night and looks serious with his grey beard and rough boots. He rarely talks or laughs because of his tiring life. Dorothy has a little black dog named Toto, who has soft, silky hair and small, twinkling black eyes that make him look cheerful.

One day, Uncle Henry and Dorothy notice the sky turning greyer than usual. Uncle Henry realizes a cyclone is coming and decides to check on the animals, while Aunt Em opens the trapdoor to the cellar. Dorothy tries to get Toto, but he runs under the bed to hide. As she reaches for him, she loses her balance and falls. 

Suddenly, the house starts shaking and lifts off into the cyclone. The wind howls loudly, and it becomes very dark, but Dorothy feels safe and comfortable. She wonders if she will be hurt when the house falls again. After a while, she crawls to her bed, lies down, and falls asleep. As time passes and nothing bad happens, she stops worrying and waits calmly. The house is carried far away, moving as lightly as a feather.

After a long time, the house lands with a big crash. Dorothy wakes up feeling a strong shock and wonders what happened and where she is. She sees that the house is no longer moving, and bright sunlight comes through the window. Everything inside is scattered. She jumps out of bed with Toto following her and opens the door. 

Outside, she finds herself in a beautiful country filled with colorful trees, flowers, and bright scenery, which she has never seen before. Soon, a group of strange people called Munchkins come toward her.

They bow and welcome her, calling her a noble sorceress. They thank her for killing the Wicked Witch of the East, whose death has set them free from being controlled. Dorothy is confused and says she didn’t kill anyone, but the Munchkins explain that her house falling on the witch did it. 

They show her the witch’s legs sticking out from under the house. Dorothy feels worried and asks what to do, but the Munchkins say there is nothing to be done. They tell her the witch had kept them in bondage for many years, and now they are free and grateful to her.

Message

The story teaches us that unexpected events can lead to new and exciting adventures. It shows how staying calm and brave can help us handle difficult situations. Dorothy’s journey proves that even scary moments can bring good outcomes and new friendships.

New Words with Meanings

• Cyclone: A powerful storm with strong, spinning winds.
• Cellar: A room under the ground used for safety or storage.
• Stern: Looking serious and strict.
• Merry: Full of happiness and joy.
• Wail: A long, sad, or loud sound.
• Marvellous: Extremely beautiful or amazing.
• Sorceress: A woman thought to have magical powers.
• Bondage: Being kept as a slave or unable to be free.
• Grateful: Feeling thankful for something kind.