Class 9 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - Moments

Q1. Why did the Swallow cry when the Happy Prince asked him to pluck out one of the sapphires?

Ans: The swallow cried when the Prince asked him to pluck out one of the sapphires because he knew it would cause the Prince to go blind. The Prince was already suffering greatly, yet he was willing to sacrifice his own sight to help the poor and needy.

Q2. Where was the swallo going? Why did he decide not go there?

Ans: The little swallow was heading to Egypt to meet his friends. However, upon seeing the sadness of the Happy Prince, he chose to stay and act as his messenger. In the end, the swallow sacrificed his life helping the Prince in his mission to aid the poor.

Q3. What were the drops of the rain actully? Why did they fall?

Ans: The drops of rain were actually the tears of the Happy Prince. He was deeply sad about the widespread poverty and suffering he saw around him. Although he had once lived a life filled with happiness, he could not understand that many people were sick and crying due to their misery.

Q4. Describe the statue of the Happy Prince as described in the beginning of the story?

Ans: The statue of the Happy Prince stood high on a tall column, adorned with thin leaves of gold. His eyes were made of two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby was embedded in the hilt of his sword. This beautiful statue was a striking figure overlooking the city.

Q5. How did the Happy Prince help the poor children in the city?

Ans: The Happy Prince helped the poor children in the city by ordering the swallow to remove his golden leaves and precious jewels. The swallow took these valuable items and distributed them among the needy. As a result, the children received food and warmth, allowing them to laugh and play once more.

Q6. In the story “The Happy Prince” what are the two most precious things? What makes them so precious?

Ans: The two most precious things in the story are the leaden heart of the Happy Prince and the dead swallow. The leaden heart is precious because it weeps for the poor and helps them by giving away its riches, such as sapphires, gold leaves, and a ruby. The dead swallow is valuable as it sacrifices its life to assist the prince in his noble cause, showing great compassion and loyalty.

Q7. How did the Happy Prince help the seamstress?

Ans: The Happy Prince instructed the swallow to retrieve the ruby from his sword and deliver it to a seamstress. Her son was ill with a fever, and she had no means to help him. The swallow took the ruby and placed it on the table beside her thimble, providing the much-needed assistance.

Q8. How did the prince and the swallow enable the playwright to finish his work?

Ans: The playwright was very poor and struggled to afford food and firewood, making it hard for him to write his play. The Prince, feeling sympathy for him, decided to help by sending sapphires through the swallow. The swallow plucked out one of the Prince's eyes, a beautiful sapphire, and delivered it to the playwright. This act provided the playwright with the means to buy firewood and continue his work.

Q9. What were the drops of the rain actually? Why did they fall?

Ans: The drops of rain were actually tears from the Happy Prince. He wept upon witnessing the misery and suffering of the people in his city.

Q10. Why was the “Happy Prince” not really happy?

Ans: The Happy Prince was not truly happy because, when he was alive, he was unaware of tears and sorrow. After his death, he could see the ugliness and misery of the city from his high perch. This new awareness caused him to weep, revealing that he was not happy at all.

Q11. Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?

Ans: The little swallow chose to stay with the Happy Prince because he felt sorry for him. The Prince looked so sad that the swallow agreed to remain for one more night and act as his messenger. He took the large ruby from the Prince's sword and flew off to deliver it to a poor woman in need.

Q12. What is the moral of the story The Happy Prince?

Ans: The moral of the story is that we should help the poor and the needy. The Happy Prince exemplified this by giving away his jewels to those in need. Additionally, the swallow demonstrated love and sacrifice through his actions, highlighting the importance of compassion.

Q13. What happened when the little swallow was getting ready to sleep?

Ans: As the little swallow prepared to sleep, a large drop of water fell on him. This was not rain, but the tears of the Prince, who was saddened by the misery and suffering of the people.

Q14. What did the Happy Prince ask the swallow to do for helping the young man in the garret?

Ans: The Happy Prince asked the swallow to pluck out one of his sapphire eyes and deliver it to a young man living in a garret. This man was very poor and struggling to write due to hunger. The Prince believed that the sapphire would help the young man buy firewood and complete his play.

Q15. How did the little swallow carry out the wishes of the Happy Prince?

Ans: The swallow initially wanted to travel to Egypt with his friends. However, after resting at the base of the Happy Prince for one night, he chose to delay his journey. The Prince asked the swallow to deliver a ruby to a needy playwright and another to a seamstress. When the Prince gave away a sapphire from his eye to a match girl, he became blind. This act inspired the swallow to stay and assist those in need, just like the Prince. Ultimately, the swallow died while fulfilling the wishes of the Happy Prince, dedicating himself to helping the less fortunate.