A. Answer these questions briefly.
1.
Ans: Fyokla was looking for Terenty because her brother Danilka had gotten his hand stuck in a tree and she needed his help.
2.
Ans: No one answers Fyokla's question because they are preoccupied with the approaching storm and seek shelter in their huts.
3.
Ans: Terenty's statement, "Don't be afraid! It is not from spite that it thunders," shows that he has a reassuring and understanding nature. He tries to alleviate Fyokla's fear and suggests that thunder is a natural phenomenon, not intended to harm or frighten.
4.
Ans: The immediate reaction of Danilka when he sees Terenty is relief and a sickly smile. He is glad that Terenty has come to help him and is concerned about the thunder and his injured hand.
5.
Ans: The rain has a damaging effect on the ant heap. The downpour floods the ant heap, causing the insects to scurry around in the mud, trying to save their drowned companions.
6.
Ans: When Terenty sees the sleeping children in the barn, he makes the sign of the cross over them and puts bread under their heads, showing his care and love for them.
B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
1.
a.
Ans: The child referred to is Fyokla, the little girl of six who is looking for Terenty.
b.
Ans: The child is in a state of anxiety and fear, as indicated by her pale appearance, wide-open eyes, and trembling lips.
c.
Ans: Fyokla wants to know where Terenty is because her brother Danilka has had an accident, and she needs his help.
2.
a.
Ans: The "party" refers to Terenty, Fyokla, and Danilka.
b.
Ans: They are in the copse, possibly seeking shelter from the approaching storm.
c.
Ans: The road is "darkened" because the clouds have covered the sun, making the surroundings gloomy and devoid of light.
3.
a.
Ans: The speaker is Terenty.
b.
Ans: The "they" referred to here are the bees that have been flooded by the rain.
c.
Ans: The speaker calls them "rogues" humorously, implying that the bees got into trouble due to their own actions.
C. Answer these questions.
1.
Ans: The scene between eight and nine o'clock in the morning is described as a dark and ominous one. A dark mass is moving across the sky, with flashes of lightning and distant rumbling. The wind picks up, bending the trees and stirring up dust. The atmosphere is tense as a storm is about to begin.
2.
Ans: Danilka appears to be too concerned about his arm stuck in the tree. His sister, Fyokla, is urgently searching for Terenty, the cobbler, to help him. Danilka's actions suggest that he is worried and in distress about his predicament, and he relies on Terenty to rescue him.
3.
Ans: Terenty seems to possess knowledge about bees. He explains to the children that the bees they see huddled together on a tree branch are a swarm. He also shares a method to make a swarm settle by sprinkling water on them. This indicates that Terenty has some understanding of bees' behavior and how to handle them.
4.
Ans: The children are puzzled about how an engine can move and drag heavy weights without the help of horses. Terenty takes it upon himself to explain the concept to them, mentioning that steam is responsible for powering the engine. He may not provide a detailed technical explanation, but he attempts to shed light on the mechanism behind the engine's movement.
5.
Ans: Fyokla is described as being different from her brother, Danilka. She is a little girl of six, while Danilka is eight. Fyokla is portrayed as pale, with wide-open eyes and trembling lips, indicating her vulnerability and fragility. In contrast, Danilka is described as a little fellow with red hair and a pale sickly face. The physical differences between the two siblings suggest that Fyokla is more delicate and perhaps less resilient compared to her brother.
6.
Ans: The writer appreciates the villagers, including Terenty, for their wisdom and knowledge derived from their close connection with nature. The writer mentions that the villagers, including Terenty, have learned from the fields, wood, and riverbank rather than from books. Their understanding of the natural world, the plants, animals, and weather, impresses the writer and indicates their deep appreciation and observation of nature.
7.
Ans: The line "The grass and the trees are fed by the rain, as we are by bread" suggests the interdependence of nature and humans. Just as the rain nourishes and sustains the grass and trees, providing them with the essential elements they need to grow, humans rely on bread as a staple food for sustenance. It highlights the fundamental connection between humans and the natural world, emphasizing that both depend on certain elements for their well-being.
8.
Ans: The statement that there is no secret in Nature which baffles Terenty refers to his extensive knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Terenty is portrayed as someone who has acquired wisdom and insights through direct observation and experience. His familiarity with the names of wildflowers, animals, and stones, as well as his understanding of herbs and ability to predict weather, demonstrate his comprehensive understanding of the natural world. Terenty's knowledge implies that he has unraveled the mysteries of nature and can explain its workings without being confounded by its secrets.
9.
Ans: The relationship between Danilka and Terenty is depicted as caring and affectionate. When Fyokla informs Terenty about Danilka's accident, Terenty immediately shows concern and agrees to help. He addresses Fyokla with tenderness and rushes to assist Danilka, even though it means interrupting his own activities. This suggests that there is a bond between Danilka and Terenty, with Terenty taking on a protective and nurturing role towards the young boy.
10.
Ans: Terenty helped the orphans, specifically Fyokla and Danilka, because Fyokla came to him seeking help for her brother's accident. Despite the approaching storm and the inconvenience it may cause him, Terenty immediately agrees to accompany Fyokla and assist in rescuing Danilka. He demonstrates compassion and a willingness to help those in need, even at his own expense.
11.
Ans: Yes, Terenty is portrayed as being completely in tune with nature. Throughout the text, he shows a deep understanding of natural phenomena and imparts his knowledge to the children. For example, he explains the thunder to Fyokla, assuring her that it is not a result of spite but rather the collision of clouds. He also identifies various plants, animals, and stones, and shares his wisdom on herbs and their healing properties. Terenty's knowledge of the natural world reflects his close connection with and reverence for nature.
12.
Ans: Terenty is an elderly cobbler who possesses several notable characteristics. He is described as tall, with a thin, pockmarked face, long legs, and bare feet. Despite his appearance, he exhibits a gentle and caring nature, as seen in his interaction with Fyokla and Danilka. Terenty is selfless and quick to offer assistance, as demonstrated by his immediate response to Fyokla's plea for help. He possesses a profound understanding of nature and imparts his wisdom to others, particularly Danilka, with whom he shares a special bond. Terenty's love and compassion extend beyond humans, as he also shows concern for the well-being of ants and bees. He is an empathetic and knowledgeable character who embodies kindness and a deep connection with the natural world.
