Class 9 Exam  >  Class 9 Notes  >  English Class 9  >  NCERT Solutions - The Happy Prince

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 5 - The Happy Prince

Page No. 36

Think About It

Q1. Why do the courtiers call the prince ‘the Happy Prince’? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?
Ans: 
The courtiers called the prince ‘the Happy Prince’ because he was always happy. When he was alive, he did not know what tears were because he lived in a palace where sorrow was not allowed to enter. However, when he died and was made into a statue, he was not happy and tears flowed down his eyes when he saw the suffering in his city.  He could see all the suffering of the city around him.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 5 - The Happy Prince

Q2. Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress’ house?
Ans: The Happy Prince sent a ruby for the seamstress as she was extremely poor and could not feed her child who was suffering from fever. The swallow, after being persuaded by the Prince, went to the seamstress’s house. She had fallen asleep, so the swallow placed the ruby on the table where the woman worked. He then flew round the bed, fanning the boy’s forehead with his wings. This soothed the boy and helped him sleep.

Q3. For whom does the prince send the sapphires and why?
Ans: The Happy Prince sent sapphires to help two people in need: a young writer and a little matchgirl. The writer, too cold and hungry to finish his play for the Theatre Director, received a sapphire to sell for firewood and food. This gift revived his spirits, and he felt encouraged to complete his work. Next, the Happy Prince noticed a matchgirl who had dropped her matches in the gutter, spoiling them. Knowing she’d be punished without money, he sent a sapphire to her as well. When the swallow placed it in her hand, she ran home happily, relieved and laughing.


Q4. What does the swallow see when it flies over the city?
Ans: When the swallow flew over the city, it saw the stark contrast of plenty and poverty. It saw rich men making merry oblivious to the plight of the poor down the lane. It saw the nadir of the condition of the poor when they were denied even a sound sleep by police patrolling the street.

Q5. Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?
Ans: After the Prince gave away the sapphires from his eyes, he became blind, and the swallow decided to stay with him permanently. This shows how deeply moved the swallow was by the Prince’s kindness; rather than flying to Egypt to join his friends, he chose to stay by the Prince's side.

Q6. What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious? 
Ans: In the story, the two precious things are the Prince's leaden heart and the dead swallow, both valued for their kindness and selflessness. The Prince, despite being dead, felt sad about the suffering in his city and gave away his riches to help the poor, prioritizing their well-being over his own. The swallow showed kindness by delivering the Prince's messages and chose to stay with him, even knowing he would face difficulties in winter.

When the swallow died at the Prince’s feet, the Prince’s heart broke from sorrow. When God asked for the most precious things in the city, an angel brought the leaden heart and the dead bird. God promised that the swallow would sing in His garden of Paradise, while the Happy Prince would praise him in his city of gold.

The document NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 5 - The Happy Prince is a part of the Class 9 Course English Class 9.
All you need of Class 9 at this link: Class 9
115 videos|620 docs|82 tests

Top Courses for Class 9

FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 5 - The Happy Prince

1. What is the central theme of "The Happy Prince"?
Ans. The central theme of "The Happy Prince" is the importance of compassion and selflessness. The story illustrates how true happiness comes from helping others and making sacrifices for the well-being of those in need. The Happy Prince, despite being a statue, realizes the suffering of the poor and chooses to give away his riches to alleviate their hardships.
2. How does the character of the Swallow contribute to the story?
Ans. The Swallow plays a crucial role in "The Happy Prince" as he becomes the Prince's companion and helps him fulfill his mission of helping the needy. Initially, the Swallow is focused on his own desires, but as he interacts with the Prince, he learns about empathy and sacrifice. His decision to stay and assist the Prince reflects the theme of friendship and the impact of small acts of kindness.
3. What does the Happy Prince symbolize in the story?
Ans. The Happy Prince symbolizes the idea of true nobility and the spirit of giving. Although he appears to be a beautiful and wealthy statue, his heart is filled with sorrow for the suffering around him. His willingness to part with his precious jewels and gold leaf represents the notion that material wealth is meaningless when it cannot be used to bring joy and relief to others.
4. How does the story address the issue of social inequality?
Ans. "The Happy Prince" highlights social inequality by contrasting the opulence of the Prince's former life with the dire conditions faced by the impoverished citizens of the city. Through the Prince's observations and the stories of the suffering individuals he helps, the narrative sheds light on the disparities between the rich and the poor, urging readers to recognize and act against such injustices.
5. What is the significance of the ending of "The Happy Prince"?
Ans. The ending of "The Happy Prince" is significant as it conveys a message of hope and redemption. After the Prince and the Swallow sacrifice themselves for the sake of others, they are rewarded in the afterlife, symbolizing that acts of kindness and love are never forgotten. This conclusion reinforces the story's moral that true happiness lies in selflessness and caring for those less fortunate.
115 videos|620 docs|82 tests
Download as PDF
Explore Courses for Class 9 exam

Top Courses for Class 9

Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev
Related Searches

Important questions

,

MCQs

,

Sample Paper

,

Exam

,

Semester Notes

,

Objective type Questions

,

ppt

,

Viva Questions

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Summary

,

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 5 - The Happy Prince

,

mock tests for examination

,

Free

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 5 - The Happy Prince

,

practice quizzes

,

pdf

,

video lectures

,

study material

,

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 5 - The Happy Prince

,

past year papers

,

Extra Questions

;