Class 8 English Question Answers - Monsters on Maple Street

Short Type Questions

Q1: What time is it and what is the setting of the scene?
Ans: It is 6:44 p.m. on a late September evening on Maple Street, USA.

Q2: What causes the power outage in the neighborhood?
Ans: The cause of the power outage is unknown, but it is suspected to be related to a meteor that passed by.

Q3: Why does Steve's car not start?
Ans: Despite having a full tank of gas, Steve's car does not start for unknown reasons.

Q4: According to Tommy, why do "they" not want anyone to leave?
Ans: Tommy believes that whoever was in the flying object that passed overhead does not want them to leave, and they have shut off everything to prevent their departure.

Q5: What accusation does Charlie make against Steve?
Ans: Charlie accuses Steve of being involved with the monsters from outer space, suggesting that he communicates with them through a radio set in his basement.

Long Type Questions

Q1: Describe the reactions of the characters when the power goes out. 
Ans: 

• Steve and Don speculate that it could be a meteor but didn't hear any crash.
• Mrs. Brand is concerned about the close encounter and the power outage affecting her cooking.
• Emily notices the phone is not working and expresses frustration.
• Les Goodman mentions the electricity being off.
• Charlie mentions that his power motor isn't working, and Mrs. Goodman adds that the television has gone dead.

Q2: How does Tommy's knowledge about the situation add to the growing tension among the characters?
Ans: 

• Tommy suggests that the reason for the power outage and strange events might be related to the ship or beings from outer space.
• The other characters dismiss Tommy's claims as fictional or exaggerated, but his words plant a seed of doubt and fear in their minds.
• Tommy's insistence that they should not leave and his mention of people sent ahead of the ship increase the paranoia and suspicion among the characters.
• The tension rises as the characters start questioning each other's motives and potential non-human identities.

Q3: Discuss the mob mentality that emerges among the characters and its impact on their behavior. 
Ans: 

• As fear and suspicion grow, the characters start forming a mob, driven by paranoia and a desire to find a scapegoat.
• They begin accusing each other, demanding answers, and attempting to confront those they suspect.
• Les Goodman becomes the target of their accusations when his car starts by itself.
• The mob mentality overrides reason and leads to aggression and an atmosphere of hostility.
• The characters lose their trust in one another and become willing to believe the worst about their neighbors, feeding into the chaos and fear.

Q4: How does Steve try to diffuse the situation and appeal to reason?
Ans: 

• Steve urges the crowd to stop acting like a mob and consider the consequences of their actions.
• He argues against jumping to conclusions and scapegoating their neighbors.
• Steve points out that their fear and suspicion will only cause them to turn against each other and tear the community apart.
• He warns against becoming consumed by paranoia and suggests that they find a peaceful resolution to their fears.
• Steve tries to bring rationality and perspective to the chaotic situation, urging the others to resist the temptation to accuse without evidence.

Q5: Analyze the impact of Charlie's accusation against Tommy and its consequences. 
Ans: 

• Charlie accuses Tommy of being the one who doesn't belong and is responsible for the strange events.
• The crowd's attention shifts towards Tommy, causing fear and discomfort for the young boy.
• The accusation deepens the rift among the neighbors and intensifies the paranoia.
• Tommy's innocence and vulnerability contrast sharply with the growing hostility around him.
• This turning point reveals how easily accusations can be made, highlighting the destructive power of fear and the willingness of people to turn on each other in times of crisis.