NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 1 - The Lost Child

Page No.6 

Think About It

Q1: What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?

Ans:  On his way to the fair the child sees toys, a flowering mustard field, dragonflies, butterflies, doves, a huge crowd of people entering the fair, sweet shops, garlands of Gulmohar, rainbow-colored balloons, a snake charmer, and a roundabout swing.

He lags because he is captivated by the things he sees on his way to the fair. His parents constantly watch him so that he does not get lost in the crowd. He would stop at the shops with a wish to buy them and sometimes would be amazed at the beauty of nature. That's why he lags behind.

Q2: In the fair, he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?

Ans:  The child has numerous desires at the fair, including a desire for toys, various candies, a garland, multicolored balloons, and an intense longing to experience the merry-go-round. He continues to move forward without pausing, as whenever he stops to admire things, his parents issue a warning, saying, "Come here, my child, come!"

Q3: When does he realize that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?
Ans:  When he saw the roundabout in a full swing, he made a bold request to his parents to take a ride on it. But, there was no reply. When he turned to look at his parents, there was no one. That is when he realized that he had lost his way.

His anxiety and insecurity have been described in a very heart-warming way. When he realizes that he has lost his way, a deep cry rises within his dry throat and with a sudden jerk of his body, he runs from where he stood. His face is convulsed with fear, and his eyes are full of hot and fierce tears. He runs in search of his parents in all directions crying, “Mother, Father”.

Q4: Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier?
Ans:  The lost child loses interest in the things that he had wanted earlier because he was panic-stricken on being separated from his parents.  All he wanted was to be united with them. All the things that attracted him in the fair no longer appeal to him and now the only thing that matters is finding his parents.

Q5: What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents?
Ans:  While he was lost, his parents would also have searched for him when they would have realized that he was not with them.  

In the end, the parents, who continuously kept checking to see that he was with them right from the beginning of their journey may have suddenly realized that he was missing and came looking for the lost child.  The kind and understanding man who tried to console the little boy by offering him various things at the fair may have also asked him for some description of his parents and helped him to be reunited with them.

Talk About It

Q1: How to ensure not to get lost?
Ans: It is very common for children to get lost in fairs and crowds. Hardly a day passes when no child gets lost. It is the duty of both the parents and the children to ensure not get lost. The parents need to be vigilant and more careful in crowded places. Before entering a crowded place the parents should fix a point where the child should wait in case of getting lost. They should make the child memorize the home address and telephone numbers. They should put or pin up a note on the pocket of the child with full details. They should attend to the needs of the child and never leave him behind, in case he happens to stand at some shop.

On the other hand, the child should hold the hands of his parents in a crowded place. He should keep an eye on his parents so as not to lose sight of them. In case of any emergency, the help of police, help centers and media can be taken.