Class 8 English Question Answers - Music Finds Satchmo

Short Type Questions

Q1: What is the significance of 'this time' in the given text?
Ans: The phrase 'this time' in the given text signifies a specific moment or instance that is being referred to. It suggests that on previous occasions, the speaker would have eagerly consumed the plate of beans without any hesitation or reservations. However, at the present moment, due to the speaker's state of mind and circumstances, they pushed the plate of beans away instead.

Q2: What does the phrase 'hot foot it back' mean in the context of the text?
Ans: The phrase 'hot foot it back' means to quickly return or rush back to a place. In the context of the text, it implies that when the boys heard the mess call, signaling the time for meals, they hurriedly returned to the Waifs' Home from wherever they were, regardless of the task they were engaged in or the distance they had to cover.

Q3: What did Mr. Davis sense about Louis Armstrong?
Ans: Mr. Davis sensed in Louis Armstrong a natural sense of rhythm and an innate ability to keep time. He recognized Louis' talent for drumming and his ability to maintain a steady beat. This understanding led Mr. Davis to change Louis from playing the tambourine to the drums, as he believed Louis possessed the rhythmic skills he was looking for in a drummer.

Q4: Why were the boys in the band 'glad to walk in the street'?
Ans: The boys in the band were 'glad to walk in the street' because it provided them with a sense of freedom and an opportunity to showcase their musical talents. Walking in the street during parades or performances allowed them to be seen and appreciated by the public, which boosted their confidence and pride in their musical abilities.

Q5: Why did the crowd gather on the sidewalks during the parade?
Ans: The crowd gathered on the sidewalks during the parade because they were aware that Mayann's son, Louis Armstrong, would be part of the band. The community had likely heard about Louis' musical talents and were excited to witness him performing in the band. They eagerly awaited the parade to catch a glimpse of him and show their support.

Long Type Questions

Q1: Describe Louis Armstrong's initial experiences upon arriving at the Waifs Home for Boys?
Ans: Louis Armstrong's initial experiences at the Waifs Home for Boys were filled with fear and uncertainty. He woke up frightened, wondering what would happen to him and where he would be sent. The door was opened by a man carrying keys, who informed Louis that he was being sent to the Waifs Home. In the yard, he saw a wagon waiting with other youngsters. The Home was an old building located in the country, and the first thing Louis noticed were the large trees and the pleasant smell of honeysuckles. The boys in the Home greeted him, but Louis was too depressed to respond. During meals, he pushed away the food instead of eating, reflecting his troubled state of mind.

Q2: How did Louis Armstrong's relationship with Mr. Davis evolve over time? Explain with examples.
Ans: Louis Armstrong's relationship with Mr. Davis evolved over time. Initially, Mr. Davis had a negative perception of Louis based on his background and neighborhood. He believed that Louis, coming from Liberty and Perdido Streets, must be tough and worthless. This made Louis scared of Mr. Davis. However, as time passed, Mr. Davis began to lighten up on his hatred towards Louis. They started to have subtle interactions, with Mr. Davis occasionally catching Louis' eye and giving him a slight smile of approval. These small gestures made Louis happy and improved his relationship with Mr. Davis, ultimately leading to the opportunity to join the brass band.

Q3: Discuss Louis Armstrong's reaction to being offered a tambourine instead of the cornet in the brass band. How did Mr. Davis recognize Louis' talent?
Ans: When offered a tambourine instead of the cornet in the brass band, Louis Armstrong initially felt disappointed. However, Mr. Davis sensed something special about Louis. As Louis started to whip the tambourine in rhythm with the band, Mr. Davis was impressed by his natural sense of beat and timing. Recognizing Louis' potential, Mr. Davis immediately changed his role in the band to playing the drums. It was Louis' inherent ability to keep time and his rhythmic skills that Mr. Davis sensed and acted upon, enabling Louis to find his true place in the band.

Q4: Describe the impact of Louis Armstrong's popularity and the money he received from the crowd on his life at the Home.
Ans: Louis Armstrong's popularity and the money he received from the crowd had a significant impact on his life at the Home. The crowd's generosity allowed Louis to collect enough funds to buy new uniforms and instruments for everyone in the band, improving their overall musical experience. This increased Louis' popularity among his peers at the Home, and he became known as a musician and band leader. Moreover, as a result of his success, Mr. Davis granted Louis permission to visit his mother in town. This gesture of gratitude and recognition showed Louis that his efforts and talents were appreciated, boosting his morale and sense of belonging at the Home.

Q5: Explain the significance of Mr. Davis granting Louis permission to visit Mayann in town and its connection to gratitude. 
Ans: Mr. Davis granting Louis permission to visit Mayann in town was a way to show gratitude and appreciation for Louis' contributions to the band's success. Louis had managed to raise enough money to buy new uniforms and instruments for the band, significantly improving their musical experience. Granting him permission to visit his mother was a reward and recognition of his efforts. Mr. Davis, along with Mr. and Mrs. Jones, likely felt that this was the best way to express their thanks and acknowledge Louis' hard work. Allowing him to visit Mayann, his mother, was a meaningful gesture that showed Louis he was valued and gave him an opportunity to connect with his family and the community outside the Home.