Class 8 English Question Answers - A Day in the Country

Short Type Questions

Q1: What do these lines reveal to you about Terenty's character?
Ans: Terenty is shown as a caring and compassionate person. Despite the approaching storm and the villagers seeking shelter, he shows concern for Fyokla's brother and immediately agrees to help. He demonstrates tenderness towards Fyokla and is willing to go out of his way to assist others.

Q2: What does 'ready to drop' mean here?
 Ans: "Ready to drop" means that Fyokla is exhausted and on the verge of collapsing due to the fast pace at which Terenty is walking. She is struggling to keep up with him and is physically drained.

Q3: What does 'one cloud runs against the other' mean here? What does it tell you about Terenty?
Ans: "One cloud runs against the other" is a metaphor used by Terenty to explain the phenomenon of thunder. It suggests that thunder is caused by the collision or interaction of clouds. This shows that Terenty possesses a simple and imaginative understanding of natural phenomena and is capable of explaining them in a relatable way to children.

Q4: Which 'lesson' is Terenty talking about here?
Ans: Terenty refers to the lesson learned by the ants whose anthill was damaged by the rain. He tells them that the ants will survive and recover once the sun warms them. It implies that nature teaches lessons through its processes and events, and the ants will adapt and rebuild their anthill.

Q5: What does this tell you about the children?
Ans: The children, Danilka and Fyokla, exhibit curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. They are eager to understand the workings of the world around them, as seen in their interest in the train's movement. They are open to learning and ask questions to satisfy their curiosity.

Long Type Questions

Q1: What do you think was bothering Danilka?
Ans: Danilka is bothered by the overwhelming experiences and impressions he had during the day. The storm, the encounter with bees and ants, the sight of fishes in the river, and the wisdom shared by Terenty all weigh on his mind. He longs to share his thoughts and emotions with someone, but there is no one who can comprehend or understand him fully.

Q2: Why does she call them the 'inexhaustible wanderers'?
Ans: Fyokla refers to Terenty and Danilka as the 'inexhaustible wanderers' because they seem tireless in their exploration and observation of the natural world. They walk endlessly, talking about the beauty of the Earth and engaging in conversations about various natural phenomena. They are in constant motion, driven by their curiosity and thirst for knowledge, which makes them seem tireless and inexhaustible.

Q3: What does this text reveal about Terenty's character?
Ans: The text portrays Terenty as a kind-hearted, knowledgeable, and selfless individual. He cares deeply for others, as shown by his immediate response to Fyokla's plea for help and his willingness to aid her brother. He possesses a deep understanding of nature and imparts his wisdom to those around him. Terenty is also shown to be humble and content, finding joy in simple pleasures and the beauty of the Earth.

Q4: What role does nature play in the text?
Ans: Nature plays a significant role in the text, acting as a backdrop to the events and influencing the characters' emotions. The approaching storm, rain, thunder, and lightning create a sense of tension and urgency. The descriptions of the environment, such as the washed trees, the scurrying ants, and the huddled bees, highlight the interconnectedness and resilience of nature. The characters find solace and wisdom in observing and understanding the natural world around them.

Q5: How does Terenty's perspective on thunder differ from Fyokla's initial fear?
Ans: Fyokla initially perceives thunder as a menacing and fearful phenomenon, evident from her fear of the approaching storm. In contrast, Terenty explains thunder using a metaphor of clouds colliding, which presents a more benign and imaginative interpretation. Terenty's perspective suggests a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature's workings, which helps alleviate Fyokla's fear and replaces it with curiosity and wonder.