Class 9 English Chapter 3 Question Answers - The Little Girl

Q1: Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
Ans: Kezia was afraid of her father because he was strict, had a heavy face, and never played with her, making him a fearsome figure in her eyes.

Q2: What was the morning routine of Kezia and her father?
Ans: Kezia's father used to visit her room before going to the office, give her a casual kiss, and she would respond with "Goodbye, father." This routine left Kezia relieved yet apprehensive due to her fear of him.

Q3: What was the nightmare that Kezia had?
Ans: Kezia's recurring nightmare was about a smiling butcher holding a knife and a rope, who approached her. She would cry out for her grandmother in fear.

Q4: Why was Kezia scared when her mother and grandmother were not at home?
Ans: When her mother and grandmother were absent, Kezia experienced her nightmare again, intensifying her fear of being alone with her frightening thoughts.

Q5: Who was Mr MacDonald? How was he different from Kezia’s father?
Ans: Mr MacDonald was Kezia's neighbor with a happy family of five children. Unlike Kezia's father, he was gentle and played with his kids, creating a loving and warm atmosphere at home.

Q6: How did Kezia’s grandmother console her after she was punished by her father?
Ans: Kezia's grandmother comforted her by wrapping her in a shawl after her father's punishment, offering her a hanky, and sending her to bed.

Q7: Why did Kezia always stutter while talking to her father?
Ans: Kezia stuttered when speaking to her father due to her nervousness and fear in his presence.

Q8: What did Kezia usually find when she wanted to interact with her parents?
Ans: Kezia's attempts to interact with her parents often led her to her mother reading books and her father sleeping soundly and snoring in the drawing room.

Q9: How did Kezia make a pin-cushion for her father?
Ans: Following her grandmother's advice, Kezia crafted a pin-cushion from yellow silk and filled it with torn sheets of paper, unaware that these papers contained her father's important speech.

Q10: Why was Kezia punished by her father?
Ans: Kezia was punished by her father because she unknowingly used important papers containing his speech for the Port Authority to fill the pin-cushion she made as a birthday gift for him.

Q11: What orders were passed to Kezia in the evening when father returned home from the office?
Ans: When her father returned home, he ordered Kezia to bring tea to the drawing room, asked about the newspaper, and instructed her to fetch his slippers in his loud voice.

Q12: Why was Kezia punished by her father? Do you think Kezia deserved this? What should father have done instead?
Ans: Kezia was punished by her father because she unintentionally tore up important papers to fill a pin-cushion she was making as a gift. No, Kezia did not deserve such harsh punishment as her intentions were innocent. Instead of using physical punishment, her father could have taken the opportunity to explain the importance of not touching things without permission and could have guided her on how to make amends.

Q13: Why did Kezia like Mr. Macdonald and hate her father?
Ans: Kezia disliked her father due to his harsh demeanor and strictness, which made her afraid of him. On the other hand, she liked Mr. Macdonald because he was a cheerful and caring neighbor who played and interacted lovingly with his children. His warm behavior contrasted with her father's, leading her to have different feelings towards the two.

Q14: How did Kezia’s attitude towards her father change? What brought them closer?
Ans: Kezia's attitude towards her father changed when he showed care and concern for her during a night of distress caused by a nightmare. Her father's loving actions, such as comforting her and keeping her warm, made her realize his true nature and brought them closer together.

Q15: You are Kezia. Describe the change of heart after the night when the father took care of you.
Ans: Diary, something amazing happened last night. I had that scary nightmare again, the one with the butcher. But this time, Papa heard me crying and came to my room. He held me and took me to his room. He made me feel warm and safe, like a real father should.
I realized then that he's not just strict and stern. He cares about me, too. Maybe he doesn't show it like Mr. Macdonald does, but I know it's there. Maybe he has a hard time expressing his love, like I have a hard time speaking in front of him. I think I misjudged him, Diary. I feel closer to him now, and I want to understand him better.

Q16: Do you think Kezia’s father was a bad father? Why/Why not?
Ans: No, I don't think Papa is a bad father. He might seem strict and harsh, but deep down, he cares about me. I used to be scared of him, but after that night when he comforted me, I realized he has a different way of showing love. Maybe he doesn't know how to play like Mr. Macdonald, but he tries in his own way. He punished me because he wanted to teach me something, not because he wanted to hurt me. He's not a bad father, just different.

Q17: Do you think Kezia was at fault when she tore up the important papers of her father? Why/Why not?
Ans: Yes, I do think I was at fault when I tore up Papa's important papers. I didn't mean to, but I should have asked for permission before using them. I got carried away with my idea and didn't think about the consequences. I should have known better. It was a big mistake, and I understand now why he was so upset. I'll be more careful next time and always ask before touching anything important.