The Lost Child Summary Class 9 English Moments Chapter 1

Key Points of the Story 

• "The Lost Child" narrates the tale of a child who gets separated from his parents at a fair. Despite being enticed by various attractions like sweets and toys, his primary desire is to be reunited with his parents. He experiences fear and desperation upon realising he's lost. 
• A compassionate stranger offers him treats and distractions, but the child's only wish is to find his family. This story reflects the innocence and dependence of children on their parents for security and happiness. 
• Mulk Raj Anand's narrative underscores the profound bond between children and their caregivers. Through the child's unwavering longing for his parents, the story emphasises the emotional connection that supersedes material desires.

Detailed Summary 

As they walked, they reached a place where a sweet-seller was selling treats, and the child wanted a 'burfi', but he knew his parents wouldn't buy it. He also saw a flower-seller and colourful balloons, but he knew his parents wouldn't get them for him. There was a snake-charmer playing a flute, but his parents had forbidden him from listening to such music. Later, he spotted a roundabout in full swing and asked his parents if he could ride it, but they were gone.

Panicked, he cried and ran around, not knowing where to go. He went to a temple crying for his parents, and a man in the crowd heard him and picked him up. The man tried to cheer him up by taking him to the roundabout, the snake-charmer, the balloon-seller, the flower-seller, and the sweet-shop, tried to comfort him with various attractions, but the child only wanted his parents. 

He lost interest in everything he had wanted before and just wanted to be with his parents. The story teaches us that a child can't be happy without their parents.

Theme/Message

Theme 

• The story explores what happens when a lost child yearns for his parents, realising their true importance as he searches desperately for them. Initially, the child is fascinated by many things at the fair and desires to have them all. 
• However, parents often can't fulfil these wishes due to financial constraints or concerns for the child's well-being.  As a result, this might upset the child. 
• But when separated from his parents, the child comprehends their value and feels a deep longing for them, crying out for their presence above all else.

Message 

• The story emphasises how children love their parents unconditionally, as seen when a lost child is satisfied with his father's actions, understanding that his dad won't give in to his every desire. However, he regrets his decision to stray when he becomes scared and longs for his parents, forgetting about the attractions at the fair. This highlights the importance of parents in our lives.
• In childhood, we desire many things we encounter daily, but often fail to appreciate the true value of our parents, taking them for granted. It's only when they're absent that we realise their significance and yearn for their presence. This realisation dawns on the child when he gets lost at the fair. Despite being tempted by various things, he only desires his parents' company, showing the depth of parental love.

Word Meanings

1. lanes = narrow roads 
2. alleys = narrow passages 
3. emerged = to come out of place 
4. gaily = cheerfully or brightly
5. clad = dressed 
6. brimming = to be so full of a liquid 
7. Lagged behind = to go too slowly 
8. fascinated = attracted 
9. lingering = to stay for a time 
10. receding = to move backwards 
11. suppress = to put an end to by force 
12. tyrant = cruel ruler 
13. tender = have a tender heart 
14. bustling = moving here and there
15. gaudy = too bright 
16. flapping = to swing
17. abreast = side by side 
18. teeming = full of 
19. grove = a group of trees
20. whirlpool = a place in a river or the sea where strong currents are moving in circles
21. repelled = pushed away
22. Murmured = a low sound
23. overwhelming = very great
24. possess = to have 
25. farther = more distant in  space 
26. shrieked = to give a sudden shout 
27. dizzy = unable to balance