Class 10 Exam  >  Class 10 Notes  >  English Class 10  >  Short Answer Question: Madam Rides the Bus

Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

Q1. How careful and painstakingly elaborate plans did Valli have to make for her first journey and how did she save money for it?
Ans: Valli made careful and painstaking plans for her first bus journey. Saving a total of sixty paise for the round trip was challenging. She collected every stray coin she found, resisting the urge to buy peppermints, toys, and balloons. Even at the village fair, she suppressed her strong desire to ride the merry-go-round, knowing it was essential to save for her journey.

Q2. What was the next problem after Valli had enough money?
Ans: After saving enough money, Valli faced her next challenge, how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge. She found a simple solution. Every day after lunch, her mother would take a nap from around one to four o'clock. Valli used this time to embark on her little adventures.

Q3. Why didn’t Valli accept a free drink from the bus conductor? What does this act show about her character?
Ans: The bus conductor offered to bring Valli a cold drink, but she declined, stating she didn't have enough money. When he insisted it would be free, she firmly replied, ‘Please, no.’ This response highlights Valli's strong sense of pride and self-respect.

Q4. What dampened Valli’s enthusiasm during the return journey?
Ans: During her return journey, Valli saw a young cow lying dead by the side of the road. This was the same lovable and beautiful cow she had seen earlier. Now, it looked horrifying as it lay there, with a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes and blood smeared across its body. The sight deeply affected her, dampening her enthusiasm, and she stopped looking outside the bus.

Q5. Why didn’t Valli get off the bus when the bus stopped at the town?
Ans: Valli's destination, the nearest town to her village, had arrived. Although everyone else got off the bus, Valli chose to stay on. When the conductor reminded her that her stop had come, she replied that she was returning on the same bus. She handed him thirty more coins and requested a ticket, simply wanting to enjoy another bus ride.

Q6. Why did Valli smile to herself? Did her mother and aunt have any chance of knowing the secret of her smile?
Ans: Valli smiled to herself because she felt a sense of accomplishment. She had successfully taken a bus journey without her mother and aunt knowing. They believed that many things were happening outside their awareness, unaware that this “chit of a girl” had achieved something significant. Valli's smile was a secret, and there was little chance of it being discovered.

Q7. What details did Valli pick up about the bus journey? How did she pick up these details?
Ans: Valli picked up detailed information about the bus journey through careful observation and listening. She learned that she needed sixty paise for a round trip and that the bus ride would take ninety minutes from her village to the town and back. By attentively listening to the conversations of passengers and villagers, she gathered these important details.

Q8. During her journey, Valli absorbed the natural beauty and clapped her hands in happiness on seeing a young cow running very fast. What does this reveal about Valli?
Ans: Valli's reaction to the young cow running quickly on the road shows her joyful nature. She clapped her hands and laughed, indicating that she found great delight in the simple beauty of her surroundings. Overall, Valli can be described as a curious, bold, and mature girl who embraces the world with enthusiasm.

Q9. Give two reasons why Valli found the elderly woman on the bus, repulsive.
Ans: Valli found the elderly woman repulsive for two main reasons. Firstly, the woman had large holes in her earlobes, which Valli found unappealing. Secondly, the woman wore ugly earrings that further contributed to Valli's negative impression. Additionally, the smell of betel nut the woman was chewing added to Valli's discomfort.

Q10. Why did Valli not get off the bus when it stopped at the bus stand?
Ans: Valli chose not to get off the bus because her main goal was to enjoy the bus ride. She lacked the money to buy anything from the shops in town and felt too afraid to explore a place that was unfamiliar to her.

Q11. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?
Ans: The conductor refers to Valli as ‘madam’ because he is a jovial and worldly-wise man. He recognizes her innocent behavior and uses the term playfully to make her feel special. Despite being only eight years old, he calls her ‘madam’ to keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable, ensuring she does not feel unhappy.

Q12. Write down the conductor’s advice to Valli.
Ans: The conductor advised Valli to sit down for her safety. He explained that standing repeatedly could lead to her falling and getting hurt, especially when the bus makes a sharp turn. He reassured her that sitting would make her more comfortable.

Q13. How did Valli manage to leave the house?
Ans: Valli planned her escape by knowing that her mother would take a nap from 1 pm to 4 pm every day. During these hours, Valli would often go on her excursions outside the village. She used this time wisely to slip out without her mother's knowledge.

Q14. What type of person was the conductor?
Ans: The conductor was a wise man who knew how to interact with passengers. He had a fondness for jokes and often cheerfully spoke to Valli, asking her questions in a playful tone.

Q15. What did Valli’s mother say about the things happening without our knowledge?
Ans: Valli's mother remarked that many things occur around us and in the world beyond our immediate perception. She expressed that it is impossible to know everything, and even when we are aware of something, we often struggle to understand it fully.

Q16. What was the favorite pastime of Valli?
Ans: Valli, an eight-year-old girl, loved to stand in the front doorway of her house. From this spot, she enjoyed watching the activities happening in the street outside. Although she had no playmates nearby, this simple pastime was just as enjoyable for her as the games other children played. Observing the street provided her with many new experiences.

Q17. What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?
Ans: The most fascinating thing for Valli was the bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town. Each hour, it passed through her street, bringing a new set of passengers that filled her with joy. Watching the bus sparked a tiny wish within her: to ride it just once. This desire grew stronger as she observed the faces of those who boarded or alighted, igniting her dreams and hopes.

Q18. What was the tiny wish that crept into Valli’s head?
Ans: The sight of the bus was the most fascinating thing for Valli. Day after day, she watched it pass by, and a tiny wish crept into her head: she wanted to ride on that bus at least once. This wish grew stronger, transforming into an overwhelming desire that filled her thoughts.

Q19. Why did Valli listen to the conversations? What did she get from them? 
Ans: Valli listened to conversations because she was eager to learn about the bus journey from her village to the nearest town. She had a strong desire to experience this ride. By paying attention to her neighbors and asking a few discreet questions, she gathered important details about the trip. She learned that the town was six miles away, the fare was thirty paise, and the journey took about forty-five minutes. This information helped her plan her adventure effectively.

Q20. How did Valli board the bus? When did she say, ‘I can get on by myself’?  
Ans: When Valli saw the bus, she shouted, ‘Stop the bus! Stop the bus!’ and raised her tiny hand to signal it. The bus slowed down and eventually stopped. She informed the conductor that she wanted to go to town and attempted to hand him her money. Noticing she was just a child, the conductor reached out to help her board. However, Valli confidently replied, ‘I can get on by myself’ and insisted she did not need assistance.

Q21. Why was Valli overcome with shyness and avoided everyone’s eyes? 
Ans: Valli felt overwhelmed with shyness because it was a quiet time of day, with only six or seven passengers on the bus. They were all looking at her and laughing with the conductor, which made her uncomfortable. To cope with her embarrassment, Valli quickly walked to an empty seat and sat down, trying to avoid everyone’s gaze.

Q22. What did Valli see when she peered over the blind?         
Ans: When Valli peered over the canvas blind, she discovered that her view was blocked. Standing on her seat, she looked outside and saw the bus travelling along the bank of a canal. The road was narrow, with palm trees and grassland on one side, and in the distance, she could see mountains and a bright blue sky. On the other side, there was a deep ditch followed by acres of green fields stretching as far as her eyes could see.

Q23. Why didn’t Valli like the remark of the elderly man? What did she say to him?
Ans: An elderly man noticed Valli standing on the bus and kindly suggested she sit down, expressing his concern for her safety. However, Valli was annoyed by his remark, as she disliked being referred to as a ‘child’. She firmly replied that she was not a child and had paid thirty paise like everyone else.

Q24. How did Valli react when the conductor called her “a very grown-up madam?”
Ans: The bus conductor playfully called Valli “a very grown-up madam”, which made her react with annoyance. She firmly stated that she was not a madam and reminded him that he had not yet given her a ticket. The conductor, mimicking her tone, replied, “I’ll remember.” This caused everyone to laugh, and eventually, Valli joined in the laughter as well.

Q25. Why did Valli laugh until there were tears in her eyes?
Ans: Valli found it hilarious when she saw a young cow running swiftly in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus. As the bus slowed down, the driver repeatedly sounded the horn. However, the more he honked, the more frightened the cow became, causing it to gallop even faster in front of the bus. This amusing scene made Valli laugh uncontrollably until tears streamed down her face.

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FAQs on Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

1. What is the main theme of "Madam Rides the Bus"?
Ans.The main theme of "Madam Rides the Bus" is the quest for freedom and independence. The story revolves around a young girl named Valli who yearns to explore the world beyond her small village, showcasing her desire to break free from societal norms and limitations.
2. Who is the protagonist of the story and what does she represent?
Ans.The protagonist of the story is Valli, a curious and adventurous young girl. She represents youthful innocence and the desire for exploration, symbolizing the struggle between childhood and the longing for independence.
3. How does Valli's character develop throughout the story?
Ans.Valli's character develops from a naive girl to a confident individual who takes the bold step of riding the bus alone. Her journey reflects her growing self-awareness and determination to seek experiences beyond her familiar environment.
4. What role does the bus play in the story?
Ans.The bus in the story represents a means of escape and adventure for Valli. It serves as a symbol of freedom and the opportunities that lie beyond her village, highlighting her desire to explore the world and experience life.
5. What message does the author convey through Valli's experience on the bus?
Ans.The author conveys the message that seeking independence and adventure is a natural part of growing up. Valli's experience reflects the importance of taking risks to discover oneself and the world, encouraging readers to embrace their curiosity and aspirations.
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