Class 9 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - Moments

Q1. Write a note on the theme of the story ‘The Lost Child’.

Ans: The story 'The Lost Child' explores themes of child psychology and attachment. It highlights how a child's natural curiosity and desire for attractive things are closely linked to their parents' presence.

The child is excited at a fair, drawn to various attractions such as: Balloons, Sweets, Garlands of gulmohur, Roundabout rides.

• When the child realises their parents are missing, their joy turns to fear and sadness.
• A kind stranger offers to buy the child sweets and toys, but the child only wants their parents.

This illustrates that a child's happiness is deeply rooted in the presence of their loved ones, making material attractions meaningless in their absence.

Q2. Give a description of the festival of spring.

Fair for Spring Festival

Ans: The festival of spring was a vibrant celebration in a village, where many people gathered for a fair. Attendees were dressed in new clothes, arriving on foot, in bullock carts, or on horses. The atmosphere was filled with joy.

A little boy was particularly excited to attend the fair with his parents. The fairground was lined with numerous shops selling: Toys, Sweets, Balloons, Garlands of gulmohur flowers.

Although the child eagerly wanted to buy balloons and sweets, his parents dismissed his requests. Jugglers entertained the crowd, and the area near the temple was bustling with people enjoying rides on a roundabout. The boy also wished to ride, but his excitement faded when he realised his parents were missing.

Q3. What were the things that the boy wanted to possess when he was with his parents?

Ans: The child visited a village fair with his parents and desired several things:

• He first wanted a beautiful toy but was called away by his father.
• Next, he tried to catch a butterfly but was unsuccessful.
• He saw a sweets-seller and longed for some burfi, yet his father denied his request.
• Then, he noticed a vendor selling garlands of gulmohur flowers and wished to buy one, but this demand was also rejected.
• He spotted a balloon seller and desired a balloon, but his father did not buy it for him.
• He was drawn to a juggler and wanted to stop to listen to the flute music, but he feared his father's disapproval.
• Finally, he wished to ride on a roundabout, but he could not find his parents.

Q4. How did the festival of spring bring out the latent joy in human nature?

Ans: The festival of spring signifies the arrival of sunshine after a long, cold winter. During this time, nature awakens, and the vibrant life around us brings joy to the human heart. Key aspects of the festival include:

• People from various places gather to celebrate, creating a lively atmosphere.
• Brightly coloured clothing, especially in shades of yellow, dominates the scene.
• Festivities include enjoying sweets, flowers, swings, and games.
• Families take a break from their daily routines to enjoy the festival together.
• Many express gratitude to God by visiting shrines.

Thus, the festival of spring serves as a powerful reminder of the latent joy within human nature, allowing it to flourish and be expressed.

Q5. What values of humanity are reflected through the character of the kind man?

Ans: The man who rescued the child demonstrated a heart full of goodness. He did not ignore the child's painful cries for his parents. Despite the risk to his own safety, he bent down in the crowd to save the boy from being trampled.

His actions included:

• Forgetting his own purpose for visiting the shrine.
• Comforting and soothing the frightened child.
• Speaking kindly and asking about the child's parents.
• Remaining patient when the child did not respond.
• Offering small things that children love to ease the boy's fear.

Through these actions, the man's character reflects the human values of kindness, compassion, care, and love.

Q6. When does the child realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?

Ans: The child became distracted by many attractions on his way to the fair. He often lagged behind but tried to catch up with his parents when they called him. However, he became so captivated by the sweetmeat-seller, balloon-seller, garlands, and the snake charmer's flute that he moved on without waiting for his parents' response. When he turned back to ask for a ride on the roundabout, he realised he had lost his way, as his parents were nowhere to be seen.

At that moment, a deep cry of anxiety and insecurity choked him. Tears streamed down his face, and his flushed expression showed his fear. In a state of panic, he ran in all directions, unsure of where to go or what to do, calling out for his mother and father.

Q7. “A child longs for toys, sweets and other things but not at the cost of his parents.” Comment.

Ans: When the child realised he was separated from his parents, he began to cry. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and his face was filled with fear. In a panic, he ran in all directions, causing his yellow turban to come undone and his clothes to get muddy. He rushed towards the shrine, desperately searching for his parents.

As he navigated through the thick crowd, he feared being trampled. Just then, a kind-hearted person picked him up and asked how he ended up there and where his parents were. The child, overwhelmed with emotion, cried even more, pleading for his parents.

Q8. When children are taken to a fair, they ask their parents to buy them many things. Should their parents do so? Explain with reference to the lesson The Lost Child.

Ans: Children are the joy of our homes, and their happiness is essential. When parents take their children to a fair, they face the challenge of managing their many requests. Here are some key points to consider:

• Children's Demands: Children often have limitless desires, especially in exciting places like fairs.
• Parental Responsibility: Parents should try to meet their children's wishes within reason while ensuring their safety.
• Safety First: Parents must keep a close eye on their children to prevent them from getting lost. This includes holding their hands tightly and not allowing them to wander off.
• Health Considerations: Parents should be cautious about what their children eat at fairs, choosing options that are safe for their health.
• Encouraging Enjoyment: While it's important to set limits, children should also be given opportunities to enjoy the fair experience.

In summary, while parents should be mindful of their children's requests at fairs, they must balance fulfilling those desires with ensuring their safety and well-being.

Q9. You have gone to a fair. Your parents refuse to buy certain things for you. How will you react? 

Ans: In such a situation, I would react with understanding and acceptance. Although I might feel a bit disappointed at first, I would remind myself of the bigger picture:

• My parents' decisions stem from their care and consideration for me.
• I trust their judgment, as they have a better perspective on what is truly beneficial for me.
• They consider various factors, including our family's financial responsibilities and my well-being.
• They manage household expenses while ensuring I am safe and happy.

Instead of focusing on what I couldn't have, I would:

• Appreciate the love and efforts my parents put into my upbringing.
• Recognise that they always have my best interests at heart.
• Learn important lessons about patience, understanding, and valuing things beyond their material aspect.

Q10. You are taken to a fair by your parents. How will you behave with your parents? Explain with reference to the lesson ‘The Lost Child’.

Ans: When parents take us to a fair, we should:

• Follow their instructions closely to avoid getting lost.
• Stay close to them while walking around the fair.
• Keep important information, like our mobile number and home address, in our pocket.

If we do get lost, we should:

• Not eat any sweets or treats offered by strangers.
• Call out for our parents calmly.

Being responsible and aware helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the fair.