What is Johnsy’s illness? What can cure her, the medicine or the willingness to live?

Who is the real culprit according to the king? Why does he escape punishment?

Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?

Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy has is common among teenagers?

Has Lushkoff become a beggar by circumstance or by choice?

How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?

Can you think of some other ending for the story?

What reasons does he give to Sergei for his telling lies?

Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long”?

How does the guru manage to save his disciple’s life?

Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?

Lushkoff is earning thirty five roubles a month. How is he obliged to Sergei for this?

Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?

What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious?

In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?

During their conversation Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff?

Why does he break down in tears after the fire?

Name all the people who are tried in the king’s court, and give the reasons for their trial.

Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?

Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier?

Sergei says, “I am happy that my words have taken effect.” 5Why does he say so? Is he right in saying this?