NCERT Class 10 English ‘First Flight’: Selected Questions and Answers – One Day Series
Embarking on a journey through the rich tapestry of prose and poetry in the NCERT Class 10 English textbook, ‘First Flight,’ the “One Day Series” offers a meticulously curated selection of questions and answers designed to enhance comprehension and facilitate revision. This series is tailored for students seeking to deepen their understanding of the diverse themes, characters, and narrative styles encapsulated within this esteemed collection. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming exam or simply wish to revisit the literary gems found in ‘First Flight,’ this series serves as an essential companion, providing insightful analyses and detailed explanations to foster a profound appreciation of the text. Join us as we explore the nuanced layers of each story and poem, unlocking the treasures of literature that await within ‘First Flight.’
Chapter 1: A Letter to God
Q1: Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like ‘new coins’?
A1: Lencho referred to the raindrops as ‘new coins’ because, for a farmer like him, rain was valuable and brought prosperity by ensuring a good harvest. This analogy highlights how crucial rain was to his livelihood, akin to the wealth that new coins represent.
Q2: How did Lencho react after the hailstorm?
A2: After the hailstorm, Lencho was devastated to see the destruction of his crops, which he had hoped would provide his family with financial security. Despite this, his unwavering faith in God remained intact, leading him to write a letter to God, requesting financial help.
Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Q1: What did freedom mean to Nelson Mandela?
A1: For Nelson Mandela, freedom meant the opportunity for people of all races to live together in harmony and equality. It was not just a personal freedom but also a broader social and political freedom, allowing for a democratic and free society where everyone had the right to live with dignity.
Q2: Describe the significance of Mandela’s inauguration day.
A2: Mandela’s inauguration day was significant because it marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy in South Africa. It represented hope, healing, and the fulfillment of the long-held dream of millions of South Africans for freedom and equality. Mandela’s leadership ushered in a government based on justice and respect for all people.
Chapter 3: Two Stories about Flying
Part I: His First Flight
Q1: What lesson does the young seagull learn?
A1: The young seagull learns the lesson of courage and self-belief. Despite his initial fear of flying, the encouragement from his family and his hunger push him to take the leap, teaching him that overcoming fear is necessary for growth and independence.
Part II: The Black Aeroplane
Q1: Who do you think the mysterious pilot was, and why?
A1: The mysterious pilot could be interpreted as a guardian angel or the protagonist’s intuition guiding him safely through the storm. This interpretation stems from the pilot’s sudden appearance in dire circumstances and his disappearance without a trace, suggesting a supernatural or psychological helper rather than a real person.
Chapter 4: From the Diary of Anne Frank
Q1: Why does Anne decide to keep a diary?
A1: Anne decides to keep a diary because she feels she doesn’t have a true friend to confide in. She hopes the diary, which she names Kitty, will serve as a trusted friend to whom she can express her thoughts and feelings freely.
Q2: What does Anne’s diary reveal about her character?
A2: Anne’s diary reveals that she is introspective, intelligent, and perceptive, with a keen observation of human nature and a mature understanding of her complex emotions. Despite the hardships she faces, her writing often reflects her optimism, wit, and resilience.
Chapter 5: The Hundred Dresses – I
Q1: Why is Wanda considered different by her classmates?
A1: Wanda is considered different by her classmates because she comes from a poor Polish immigrant family and wears the same faded blue dress to school every day. Her claim of having a hundred dresses at home also sets her apart and becomes a point of teasing among her classmates.
Q2: What is the moral lesson of “The Hundred Dresses”?
A2: The moral lesson of “The Hundred Dresses” is the importance of empathy, kindness, and the harmful effects of bullying and prejudice. It teaches the value of standing up for others and recognizing the impact of our words and actions on people around us.
Chapter 6: The Hundred Dresses – II
Q1: How do Peggy and Maddie react to finding out the truth about Wanda’s hundred dresses?
A1: Peggy and Maddie are filled with remorse and guilt when they learn the truth about Wanda’s hundred dresses. They realize that Wanda was a talented artist who drew beautiful dresses and that their teasing had hurt her feelings deeply. They wish they had acted differently and seek to make amends, though Wanda has moved away.
Q2: What does Maddie decide to do to make amends for her actions?
A2: Maddie decides that she will never stand by and allow someone to be bullied again. She resolves to speak up if she ever witnesses someone being teased or hurt, reflecting her growth and the lesson she learned from the incident with Wanda.
Chapter 7: Glimpses of India
Part I: A Baker from Goa
Q1: What does the presence of the baker in the Goan village signify?
A1: The presence of the baker in the Goan village signifies the enduring Portuguese influence on the Goan culture, especially in their cuisine. Bakers and their bread are an integral part of Goan life, representing a tradition that has become a cherished part of their daily routine and festivities.
Q2: How is the traditional Goan society depicted through the character of the baker?
A2: The traditional Goan society is depicted as warm, communal, and rich in cultural heritage through the baker’s character. The baker is not just a provider of bread but also a symbol of the Goan community’s connection to their history and the joy found in simple, daily pleasures.
Part II: Coorg
Q1: What makes Coorg a unique place according to the author?
A1: According to the author, Coorg is unique because of its splendid natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and the brave and hospitable people who inhabit it. Its landscape, characterized by hills, rainforests, and coffee plantations, along with its rich history and cultural heritage, makes it a special place in India.
Q2: Describe the lifestyle and characteristics of the people of Coorg.
A2: The people of Coorg are described as fiercely independent, brave, and hospitable. They have a strong martial tradition, with many joining the Indian Army. Their lifestyle is closely connected to the natural environment of Coorg, living amidst dense forests and on plantations, showcasing their respect for nature and tradition.
Part III: Tea from Assam
Q1: What aspects of tea cultivation and its history in Assam are highlighted in the story?
A1: The story highlights that Assam is one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world, with tea being an integral part of its landscape and economy. It mentions the discovery of tea by the British and how it has since become a staple drink worldwide. The lush tea gardens and the process of tea cultivation are vividly described to showcase the importance of tea in Assam.
Q2: How do the protagonists’ views on tea change by the end of the story?
A2: By the end of the story, the protagonists, who initially took tea for granted, gain a deeper appreciation for it. They learn about the complex process of tea cultivation, its history, and its significance to Assam, leading to a newfound respect and a richer understanding of their daily beverage.
Chapter 8: Mijbil the Otter
Q1: Why does the author decide to bring an otter as a pet?
A1: The author decides to bring an otter as a pet because he is fascinated by the idea of having an unconventional companion. Inspired by a friend’s suggestion and intrigued by the charm of these creatures, he chooses Mijbil, an otter from Iraq, to be his new pet, seeking a unique bond and companionship.
Q2: Describe the challenges the author faces in transporting Mijbil to London.
A2: Transporting Mijbil to London poses several challenges for the author, including the lack of knowledge about otters as pets, the difficulty in securing a comfortable and safe mode of transport, and Mijbil’s distress and destructive behavior during the flight. The author’s perseverance and the eventual acceptance of Mijbil by the airline and fellow passengers highlight the challenges of traveling with an exotic pet.
Chapter 9: Madam Rides the Bus
Q1: What is the central theme of “Madam Rides the Bus”?
A1: The central theme of “Madam Rides the Bus” is the journey of self-discovery and the joy of experiencing something new. The story follows the young protagonist, Valli, who is fascinated by the world outside her window and embarks on a bus journey to experience it firsthand. It highlights themes of curiosity, independence, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
Q2: How does Valli’s bus journey change her perspective?
A2: Valli’s bus journey offers her a glimpse into the world beyond her familiar surroundings, satisfying her curiosity and giving her a sense of accomplishment and independence. However, it also exposes her to the realities of life, such as the sight of a dead cow, hinting at her loss of innocence and the complexities of the adult world. The experience enriches her but also subtly alters her understanding of life.
Chapter 10: The Sermon at Benares
Q1: What is the significance of The Sermon at Benares in Gautama Buddha’s teachings?
A1: The Sermon at Benares is significant as it marks the first teaching given by Gautama Buddha after he attained enlightenment. It encapsulates the core of his teachings—The Four Noble Truths, focusing on the reality of suffering, its cause, the end of suffering, and the path leading to the end of suffering. This sermon lays the foundation of Buddhism and its philosophy.
Q2: How does Buddha explain the concept of death and suffering to Kisa Gotami?
A2: Buddha explains the concept of death and suffering to Kisa Gotami by highlighting that suffering is a universal truth that touches all lives. He illustrates this through the task of finding a mustard seed from a household untouched by death, which she cannot complete, as death is a common fate for all. This teaches her the inevitability of death and the importance of accepting loss as part of life’s natural order.
Chapter 11: The Proposal
Q1: What is the main conflict in “The Proposal,” and how is it resolved?
A1: The main conflict in “The Proposal” revolves around a land dispute between two neighboring families, which almost derails the marriage proposal between Ivan Lomov and Natalya Stepanovna. The conflict escalates due to misunderstandings and tempers flaring over trivial matters. It is humorously resolved when the prospect of losing the opportunity for the marriage forces the characters to reconcile, highlighting the absurdity of their quarrel and the underlying affection between Ivan and Natalya.
Q2: What does “The Proposal” reveal about human nature and societal norms?
A2: “The Proposal” satirizes human nature and societal norms, particularly focusing on the petty disputes that can dominate human relationships and the societal pressure to marry. It reveals the often irrational behavior driven by pride and property, contrasting it with the universal desire for companionship and love. The play humorously critiques the way societal expectations can influence personal decisions and relationships.
Chapter 11: The Proposal
Q1: Describe the characters involved in “The Proposal” and their main characteristics.
A1: “The Proposal” features three main characters:
- Ivan Vassiliyitch Lomov: A hypochondriac neighbor to the Chubukovs, he comes to propose to Natalya but gets involved in petty arguments. He is nervous, easily agitated, and very concerned about his health.
- Natalya Stepanovna: The daughter of Chubukov, she is equally prone to argumentation and is very passionate about her family’s properties. She is quick-tempered and assertive but also shows deep emotions.
- Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov: Natalya’s father, he is initially thrilled about Lomov’s proposal for his daughter but gets caught up in the disputes. He is boisterous, argumentative, and somewhat greedy.
Q2: What causes the arguments between Lomov and Natalya Stepanovna?
A2: The arguments between Lomov and Natalya Stepanovna begin with a dispute over the ownership of the Oxen Meadows, a piece of land both families claim. The argument escalates when they debate the superiority of their respective hunting dogs. These disputes reflect their stubbornness, pride, and the absurdity of letting trivial matters overshadow deeper feelings and relationships.
Q3: How does the play “The Proposal” end?
A3: The play ends on a humorous note with Lomov and Natalya Stepanovna finally getting engaged, despite their heated arguments. After Lomov faints from exhaustion and stress, Chubukov and Natalya, realizing the silliness of their disputes, hastily agree to the marriage. The play concludes with Natalya worrying about Lomov’s health in a sudden shift of concern, while Chubukov looks forward to getting rid of his daughter.
Q4: What themes are explored in “The Proposal”?
A4: “The Proposal” explores themes of love, marriage, property disputes, and the absurdity of human nature. Chekhov humorously reveals how material concerns and petty squabbles can complicate simple matters of the heart, suggesting that societal and personal priorities may often be misplaced. The play also comments on the dynamics of matchmaking and marriage in society, highlighting the tension between personal desires and social expectations.
Q5: How does Anton Chekhov use humor in “The Proposal”?
A5: Anton Chekhov uses humor in “The Proposal” through exaggeration, irony, and the absurdity of the characters’ situations. The exaggerated reactions of the characters to minor disputes, the irony of arguing over trivial matters while discussing marriage, and the absurdity of the situations they find themselves in all contribute to the comedic effect of the play. Chekhov masterfully turns a critique of societal norms into a light-hearted comedy, using humor to reflect on human nature and relationships.
These questions and answers provide a deeper look into “The Proposal,” highlighting its key aspects and themes. Chekhov’s play, while humorous, offers meaningful insights into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.