What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and people, and comfort him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish and how does he start participating in life?
The schoolmates were genuinely connected to the author in spite of not knowing him well. They helped the author by collecting supplies, books and the clothes. He started making new friends and also went to their houses. He realized that people around him were good and very supportive. He was overwhelmed by their love and cooperation. The feeling of fear and insecurity got disappeared and confidence took over. Everything seemed to be okay now.
What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I”? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?
Why does he break down in tears after the fire?
What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does she do?
The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?
Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?
What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?
How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo?
In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?
What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the Kingdom of Fools?
Why do the courtiers call the prince ‘the Happy Prince’? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?
What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?
What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?
Bill Bryson says, “I am, in short, easily confused.” What examples has he given to justify this?
Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?
In the fair he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?
How does the guru manage to save his disciple’s life?
What does the swallow see when it flies over the city?
When does he realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?
What are the Guru’s words of wisdom? When does the disciple remember them?
Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress’ house?
In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?
How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?
Why do you think Bill Bryson’s wife says to the children, “Take the lids off the food for Daddy”?
Bill Bryson “ached to be suave”. Is he successful in his mis- sion? List his ‘unsuave’ ways.
During their conversation Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?