Question 1. In such a fast-moving world when we hear so many incidents happening with people, do you think Valli did right by not telling her mother about the bus journey?
Answer: No, I don’t think that Valli did the right thing in travelling alone to the town without informing her mother. By doing this, she put herself in a vulnerable position as she could have easily been a victim of child abuse had she come in contact with the wrong people. In fact, she was lucky to return home safely.
Children should always travel along with their parents or elders as they are easy targets for criminals. We hear a lot of instances of crime committed against children these days like kidnapping, child abuse, molestation etc. Valli could have expressed her desire to travel on the bus to her mother. I am sure that her mother would have fulfilled her wish by taking her on a bus ride.
Question 2. The people and surroundings are a great book to learn. Valli in the lesson ‘Madam Rides The Bus’ learns a lot from others. Mention the traits of her character which help her to learn from her surroundings.
Answer: Valli dreamt of riding on the bus. Her eagerness to fulfill her dream fired her curiosity. This curiosity led her to listen to the conversations of people going on the bus ride and asking discreet questions so that she could gather as much information as she could regarding the bus journey.
On the bus journey, Valli acted confidently and behaved matured. She did not consider herself to be any less than an adult. She was focused on fulfilling her dream and did not get tempted to go outside the bus and explore the town when the bus reached the town.
On the return journey, she learnt about death when she came to terms with the dead cow. This made her aware of the fact that death is a part of life and should be accepted as it is a natural phenomenon. Thus, the bus journey made her learn a lot of things.
Question 3. Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing something different and great. Which characteristics of Valli help her achieve the wonder of visiting the town at such a tender age? Answer: In today’s era, age is no more a barrier. Children are doing wonders at a very young age. The same goes with Valli. At the age of 8 years, Valli was able to pursue her dream all alone by travelling in the bus to town. She was no different from others, except that she had certain characteristics that made her fulfil her dreams. Valli was a very confident and bold girl. She had a knowledge of proper planning and execution. She controlled her wishes to save money for the bus ride. Also, she was a very good observer and learner. All these qualities made her realise the dream of visiting the town. Hence, one should always remember that there is no age to learn and experience new things.
Mijbil the Otter
Values:-
❖ Compassion: The narrator's care for Mijbil demonstrates empathy and kindness toward animals ❖ Adaptability: Mijbil ability to adjust to new environments shows resilience ❖ Connection to Nature: The story emphasizes the beauty of the natural world and the importance of respecting and understanding it.
Theme:-
The story emphasizes the beauty and complexity of the natural world, portraying the otter's playful spirit as a reflection of its wildness. Mijbil ability to adapt to new environments demonstrates resilience and the capacity to thrive despite challenges. The deep bond between Mijbil and the narrator highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from companionship, transcending species.
Character Sketch:-
❖ Gavin Maxwell: The narrator and the author, he is a naturalist who forms a deep bond with Mijbil. ❖ Mijbil the Otter:Mijbil is a playful and intelligent otter who becomes Maxwell's companion. ❖ The Narrator's Friends and Family: While they are not central figures, they occasionally provide context to Maxwell’s life ❖ Various Local Characters: These include individuals Maxwell encounters in his journey, Message:- The chapter "Mijbil the Otter" conveys themes of connection, companionship, empathy, respect for nature, and freedom. It encourages a deep respect for the natural world and highlights the emotional bonds that can exist between species.
Answer the following
1.How does Mij's behavior challenge our understanding of the emotional capabilities of animals, and what implications does this have for how we treat wildlife and domestic pets? Ans :- Mij’s behavior challenges our view of animal emotions, suggesting they experience feelings like empathy and joy. This encourages more humane treatment of pets and emphasizes ethical conservation practices for wildlife, recognizing their emotional and social needs. Overall, it highlights the importance of empathy and respect in our interactions with all animals. 2.In what ways does Mij's relationship with his human companion illustrate the importance of empathy and connection between different species, and how can this understanding influence conservation efforts? Ans :-.Mij’s relationship with his human companion illustrates the importance of empathy and connection between species, showing how these bonds enhance well-being for both. This understanding can influence conservation efforts by fostering protective attitudes toward wildlife. When people recognize animals' emotional lives, they may become more motivated to support conservation initiatives, ultimately promoting biodiversity and animal welfare. Empathy can thus be a powerful catalyst for positive change in conservation practices.
Home work Question 4. What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer from the text that you have read.
Answer: Valli was a determined, confident and brave girl. She was also a good planner and executioner. She sacrificed a lot of things to achieve her dream. For example, she curbed the temptation to buy sweets and ride on the merry-go-round in the fair so that she could save money for the bus ride. Sacrificing all these things at such a tender age is very difficult for a child. She also behaved confidently on the bus and did not get bobbed down in the presence of elders.
When the bus reached the town, Valli did not succumb to the temptation of going out to explore the town or having a drink. She did this as she had a limited amount of money which she wanted to ‘ save for her return journey. So, Valli used her money wisely. When the conductor offered her a drink, she showed good manners in refusing to have it.
