A Truly Beautiful Mind - Theme, Summary, Q&A - Class IX Beehive

Theme of 'A Truly Beautiful Mind

Great men are not born with special signs. In their childhood days they are also like common children, and their likes and dislikes are very much similar to them. Their parents also take care of them as normally parents do. Gradually, these children develop some specific virtues and become great when they grow up.

Short Summary

Einstein as a little boy: This story is about a genius-Albert Einstein, who was born on 14 March 1879 in the German city of Ulm. His mother thought him to be a freak. His head seemed too large. He was not talking till he was two and a half. He played by himself and loved mechanical toys. He learnt to play the violin at six. Once, his headmaster told his father that he would never be a success at anything.

Einstein's desire: Einstein was good at studies but left school for good as he always clashed with teachers. He wished to continue his education in Switzerland. He was highly gifted in Mathematics and Physics. He decided to study at the University of Zurich after schooling. He found his fellow student Mileva Maric a 'clever creature'.

His work and marriage: At the age of 21, Einstein worked as a technical assistant and finally secured the job of a technical expert. His famous paper of 1905 was 'Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity'. While he was solving problems in Physics, his private life was unravelling. He wanted to marry Mileva. And finally he married her. But they could not live together, and finally the couple divorced in 1919. Later, Albert married his cousin the same year.

Noble Prize for Physics: Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity in 1915. The newspapers proclaimed his work as a scientific revolution. He received the Noble Prize for Physics in 1921 and was lauded by the press worldwide.

Emigration to the U.S.: Einstein emigrated to the U.S. in 1933, when the Nazis came to power in Germany. Five years later, the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin had American physicists in an uproar. Many of them fled, as Einstein had, and they were afraid that the Nazis could build and use an atomic bomb.

Einstein's letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt: Einstein wrote a letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American President and warned him that a single nuclear bomb would cause mass destruction. But the Americans secretly developed an atomic bomb and dropped them on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

Einstein's sorrow: Einstein was deeply shaken by the destruction caused by the atomic bombs. He proposed to the United Nations to form a world government. But his letter made no impact. Over the next decade, he got involved in politics to end the arms buildup and campaigned for peace and democracy.

Einstein's death: Einstein died in 1955, and the world celebrated him as a visionary and world citizen.

REFERENCE TO CONTEXT

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: 

1. Einstein did not know what to do with other children, and his playmates called him "Brother Boring." So the youngster played by himself much of the time. He especially loved mechanical toys. (Page 46)

Questions:

(a) What did Einstein's playmates and friends call him?

(b) Why did Einstein's friends and playmates called him so?

(c) Did Einstein show any indication of his future greatness?

(d) What was Albert's interest?

Answers

(a) Einstein's friends and playmates called him 'Brother Boring'.

(b) Einstein didn't know what to do with other children. So, his friends and playmates called him 'Brother Boring'.

(c) No, Einstein didn't show anything that he would become so great and famous in future. 

(d) Albert's interest was to play alone, especially with mechanical toys 

2. A headmaster once told his father that what Einstein chose as a profession wouldn't matter because "he'll never make a success at anything." Einstein began learning to play the violin at the age of six, because his mother wanted him to. (Page 47)

Questions:

(a) Who said 'Albert would never make a success at anything? 

(b) Should he have said such words to him?

(c) Did Einstein indeed never make a success at anything?

(d) What did Einstein's mother want him to become? 

Answers:

(a) A headmaster told him such words

(b) He should not have said such discouraging words to him.

(c) No, he became a famous physicist and won the Nobel Prize for physics 

(d) Einstein mother wanted him to become a good violinist 

3. He went to high school in Munich, where Einstein's family had moved when he was 15 months regimentation old, and scored good marks in almost every subject. Einstein hated the schools and often clashed with his teachers. At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled there that he left the school for good.(Page 47)

Questions:

(a) Why did Einstein go to high school in Munich? 

(b) How did Einstein do in high school?

(c) Did he like the rule and regulations of the school? 

(d) Why did he leave his school?

Answers:

(a) Because Einstein's family had been living in Munich

(b) In high school, he scored good marks in almost every subject 

(c) No, he didn't like the rule and regulations of the school 

(d) He felt stifled by the school's rigidity and regimentation, and hence he left the school.

4. Einstein was highly gifted in mathematics and interested in physics and after finishing school. he decided to study at a university in Zurich. But science wasn't the only thing that appealed to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache. (Page 47)

Questions:

(a) What were his favourite subjects?

(b) Where did he decide to study after finishing school?

(c) Apart from science, what appealed to Einstein? 

(d) Who was that young man with a Walrus moustache?

Answers:

(a) Mathematics and Physics

(b) After finishing school, he decided to study at a university in Zurich 

(c) Apart from the science he loved a fellow student Mileva Maric

(d) He was Albert Einstein.

5. Einstein saw in her an ally against the "philistines"- those people in his family and at the university with whom he was constantly at odds. The couple fell in love Letters survive in which they put their affection into words, mixing science with tenderness. (Page 45)

Questions:

(a) Who does 'her' refer to here?

(b) Why did Einstien like her?

(c) Did Einstein like the philistines? 

(d) How did people come to know that Einstein fell in love with Mileva Maric?

Answers:

(a) Here, 'her ' refers to Mileva Maric.

(b) Because she was dead against the philistines.

(c) No, he was constantly at odds with the philistines. 

(d) People found the letters where they put their affection into words.

6. He worked as a teaching assistant, gave private lessons and finally secured a job in 1902 as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern. While he was supposed to be assessing other people's inventions, Einstein was actually developing his own ideas in secret. (Page 48)

Questions:

(a) What was Einstein's first job?

b) What job did he finally secure in 1902? 

(c) What was he supposed to do in the patent office?

(d) What was he actually doing while carrying out his job?

Answers:

(a) Einstein first worked as a teaching assistant. 

(b) He became a technical expert in the patent office in Bern in 1902.

(c) He was supposed to assess other people's inventions.

(d) He was secretly developing his own ideas while carrying out his job.

7. One of the famous papers of 1905 was Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, according to which time and distance are not absolute. Indeed, two perfectly accurate clocks will not continue to show the same time if they come together again after a journey if one of them has been moving very fast relative to the other. (Page 48)

Questions:

(a) What is not absolute, according to Einstein? 

(b) Name an article written by Einstein in 1905.

(c) In what case will the two perfectly accurate clocks not continue to show the same time? 

(d) Name the lesson from which this extract has been taken.

Answers:

(a) According to Einstein, time and distance are not absolute. 

(b) Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity.

(c) If they come together again after a journey and one of them has been moving very fast relative to the other. 

(d) A Truly Beautiful Mind.

8. Albert had wanted to marry Mileva right after finishing his studies, but his mother was against it She thought Mileva, who was three years older than her son, was too old for him. She was also bothered by Mileva's intelligence. (Page 49)

Questions:

(a) Whom did Einstein want to marry? 

(b) When did he want to marry her?

(c) Who was against his desire to marry her? 

(d) Why was she against it?

Answers:

(a) Einstein wanted to marry Mileva.

(b) He wanted to marry her right after finishing his studies. 

(c) Her mother was against his desire to marry her.

(d) She was against it because Mileva, she thought, was older and more intelligent than him  

9. The pair finally married in January 1903 and had two sons. But a few years later, the marriage faltered. Mileva, meanwhile, was losing her intellectual ambition and becoming an unhappy housewife. After years of constant fighting, the couple finally divorced in 1919. Einstein married his cousin Elsa the same year.

Questions:

(a) When did Einstein marry Mileva? 

(b) How was Einstein's life after marriage?

(c) Did Mileva become a happy housewife? 

(d) Whom did Einstein marry after divorcing Mileva?

Answers:

(a) Einstein married Mileva in January 1903 

(b) Einstein's life was not good with Mileva, and they finally divorced. 

(c) No, Mileva led a miserable, unhappy life as a housewife.

(d) Einstein married his cousin Elsa in the same year. 

10. In 1915, he had published his General Theory of Relativity, which provided a new interpretation of gravity An eclipse of the sun in 1919 brought proof that it was accurate. Einstein had correctly calculated in advance the extent to which the light from fixed stars would be deflected through the sun's gravitational field. (Page 49)

Questions: 

(a) What had he published in 1015?

(b) What is interpreted in the General Theory of Relativity? 

(c) What proved that Einstein's theory was accurate?

(d) What had Einstein correctly calculated in advance?

Answers: 

(a) In 1915, he had published his General Theory of Relativity.

(b) Gravity is interpreted in the General Theory of Relativity

c) An eclipse in 1919 proved that his theory of relativity was accurate. 

(d) He had correctly calculated in advance the extent to which the light from fixed stores would be deflected through the sun's gravitational field.

11. "A single bomb of this type... exploded in a port, might very well destroy the whole port some of the surrounding territory." (Page 50)

Questions:

(a) What types of the bomb has been referred to here? 

(b) Who said the above statement and to whom? 

(c) When was the above statement said?

(d) Did his words have any effect? 

Answers:

(a) Atomic bomb has been referred to here. 

b) The above statement was said by Einstein to the American president. 

(c) This statement was said by Einstein on 2 August 1939. 

(d) No, his words did not have any effect.

12. Einstien was deeply shaken by the extent of the destruction. This time he wrote a public missive to the United Nations. to the United Nations. In it, he proposed the formation of a world government. Unlike the letter to Roosevelt, this one made no impact.  (Page 50)

Questions:

(a) How did the massive destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki influence Einstein? 

(b) What did he do in response to it?

(c) What was proposed by him?

(d) Did his proposal have a favourable outcome?

Answers:

(a) Einstein was deeply moved by the extent of the destruction. 

(b) In response to the massive destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he wrote a public letter to the United Nations.

(c) He proposed the formation of a world government. 

(d) No, his proposal did not have any positive results.

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

Talking About The Test (Page 50)

Q1. Here are some headings for paragraphs in the text. Write the number(s) of the paragraph(s) for each title against the heading. The first one is done for you. 

(i) Einstein's equation - 9

(ii) Einstein meets his future wife 

(iii) The making of a violinist

(iv) Mileva and Einstein's mother 

(v) A letter that launched the arms race

(vi) A desk drawer full of ideas 

(vii) Marriage and divorce

Ans. (i)-9 (ii)-7 (iii)-3 (iv)-10 (v)-15 (vi)-8 (vii)-11

Q2. Who had these opinions about Einstein?

(i) He was boring.

(ii) He was stupid and would never succeed in life.

(iii) He was a freak. 

Ans. 

(i) His playmates.

(ii) A headmaster. 

(iii) His mother. 

Q3. Explain what the reasons for the following are:

(i) Einstein leaving the school in Munich for good.

(ii) Einstein wanting to study in Switzerland rather than in Munich. 

(iii) Einstein seeing in Mileva an ally.

(iv) What do these tell you about Einstein?

Ans. 

(i) Einstein left the school in Munich because he did not like the discipline of the school. He hated the school's regimentation and often clashed with teachers.

(ii) Albert's parents moved to Milan and left their son with relatives. After prolonged discussion, Einstein got his wish to continue his education in German- speaking Switzerland. Actually, it was more liberal than Munich.

(iii) Einstein saw in Mileva Maric an ally against the "Philistines"-those people in his family and at the university with whom he was constantly at odds. He found that she was a "clever creature".

(iv) These tell that Einstein was a genius and had the capabilities to achieve his targets. Moreover, he had his own view of life. He liked freedom too much.

Q4. What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office? Why?

Ans. Einstein called his desk drawer at the patent office the "bureau of theoretical physics". Einstein was actually developing his own ideas in secret and his drawer had all the evidences which could reveal the secret.

Q5. Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt?

Ans. With the emergence of Nazis in Germany, Einstein emigrated to the United States. It was the fact that the Nazis had the ability to develop the atomic bomb. It could destroy the whole world. So he warned Franklin D. Roosevelt in his letter.

Q6. How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? 

Ans. The atomic bomb devastated the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was deeply shaken by the extent of the destruction and wrote a public missive to the United Nations.

Q7. Why does the world remember Einstein as a 'world citizen"?

Ans. The world remembers Einstein as a "world citizen' because he believed in universal peace. When there was the rat race for becoming atomic power, he was worried about the aftermaths of the bomb. He was really a world citizen who was concerned with humanity.

Q8. Here are some facts from Einstein's life. Arrange them in chronological order.

[] Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity.

[] He is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

[] Einstein writes a letter to U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and warns against Germany's building of an atomic bomb.

[] Einstein attends a high school in Munich.

[] Einstein's family moves to Milan. 

[] Einstein is born in the German city of Ulm.

[] Einstein joins a University in Zurich, where he meets Mileva.

[] Einstein dies.

[] He provides a new interpretation of gravity.

[] Tired of the school's regimentation, Einstein withdraws from school.
[] He works in a patent office as a technical expert. 

[] When Hitler comes to power, Einstein leaves Germany for the United States.

Ans.
[1] Einstein is born in the German city of Ulm.

[2] Einstein attends a high school in Munich.

[3] Einstein's family moves to Milan. 

[4] Tired of the school's regimentation, Einstein withdraws from school. 

[5] Einstein joins a University in Zurich where he meets Mileva.

[6] He works in a patent office as a technical expert. also

[7] Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity.

[8] He provides a new interpretation of gravitation. 

[9] He is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

[10] When Hitler comes to power, Einstein leaves Germany for the United States. 

[11] Einstein writes a letter to U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt and warns against Germany's building of an atomic bomb, hy 

[12] Einstein dies

THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE (Page 51)

Q.1. Here are some sentences from the story. Choose the word from the brackets which can be substituted for the italicised words in the sentences.

1. A few years later, the marriage faltered (failed, broke, became weak)

2. Einstein was constantly at odds with people at the university. (on bad terms, in disagreement, unhappy)

3. The newspapers proclaimed his work as "a scientific revolution". (declared, praised, showed)

4. Einstein got ever more involved in politics, agitating for an end to the anns build up. (campaigning, fighting, supporting)

5. At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled that he left the school for good. (permanently, for his benefit, for a short time)

6. Five years later, the discovery of nuclear fission in Berlin had American physicists in an uproar. (in a state of commotion, full of criticism, in a desperate state)

7. Science wasn't the only thing that appealed to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache. (interested, challenged, worried)

Ans.

1. failed

2. in disagreement

3. declared

4. campaigning

5. permanently 6. in a state of commotion

7. interested.

Q.II. Study the following sentences:

• Einstein became a gifted amateur violinist, maintaining this skill throughout deb his life.
• Letters survive in which they put their affection into words, mixing science with tenderness.

The parts in italics in the above sentences begin with ing verbs, and are called participial phrases. Participial phrases say something more about the person or thing talked about or the idea expressed by the sentence as a whole. For example:

-Einstein became a gifted amateur violinist. He maintained this skill throughout his life.

Complete the sentences below by filling in the blanks with suitable participial clauses. The information that has to be used in the phrases is provided as a sentence in brackets.

1. ....................the firefighters finally put out the fire. (They worked round the clock.) 
2. She watched the sunset above the mountain, .................... (She noticed the colours blending softly into one another.)
3. The excited horse pawed the ground rapidly, ............. (While it neighed continually.)
4. ................, I found myself in Bangalore, instead of Benaras. (I had taken the wrong train.)
5. ................. I was desperate to get to the bathroom. (I had not bathed for two days)
6. The stone steps, ............... needed to be replaced. (They were worn down).
7. The actor received hundreds of letters from his fans, (They asked him to send them his photograph.) 

Ans.

1. Working round the clock the firefighters finally put out the fire.
2. Noticing the colours blending softly into one another she watched the sunset above the mountain.
3. Neighing continually the excited horse pawed the ground rapidly.
4. Having taken the wrong train I found myself in Bangalore instead of Benaras 
5. Having not bathed for two days I was desperate to get to the bathroom. 
6. The stone steps being worn down needed to be replaced.
7. The actor received hundreds of letters from his fans asking him to send them his photograph.

WRITING NEWSPAPER REPORTS (Page 53)

Here are some notes which you could use to write a report.

21 August 2005----original handwritten manuscript of Albert Einstein unearthed ------by student Rowdy Boeynik in the University of Netherlands -------- Boeynik researching papers ------- papers belonging to an old friend of Einstein--------fingerprints of Einstein on these papers---------16 page document dated 1924-------Einstein's work on his last theory---- behaviour of atoms at low temperature ------- now known as the Bose-Einstein condensation -------- the manuscript to be kept at Leyden University where Einstein got the Nobel Prize.

Q. Write a report which has four paragraphs, one each on:

• what was unearthed.
• who unearthed it and when
• what the document contained
• where it will be kept.

Your report could begin like this:

Ans. 

Student Unearths Einstein Manuscript 

21 August 2023. An original handwritten Albert Einstein manuscript has been un- earthed at a University of Netherlands. A student named Rowdy Boeynik was researching on the papers belonging to his old companion Einstein.

The document contained papers of Ein- stein's work on the last theory-Behav- iour of Atoms at Low Temperature. Now- adays it is known as the Bose-Einstein Condensation.

The manuscript will be kept at Leyden University where Einstein got the Nobel Prize.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS SOLVED

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION

Q1. Why didn't Einstein's playmates like him? 

Ans. When Einstein was two-and-a-half years old, he still wasn't talking. When he finally learnt to speak, he spoke everything twice. His playmates called him 'Brother Boring'. So Einstein played by himself much of the time.

Q2. What was the headmaster's opinion about Einstein?

Ans. During childhood, Einstein was sent to school. There he failed to show any sign of progress in his studies. The headmaster too had a poor opinion about him. He told Einstein's father that he would never make a success at anything.

Q3. Why did Einstein leave school for good? 

Ans. Einstein was not a bad pupil. He went to High School in Munich. When he was 15 months old, his family had moved there. He scored good marks in almost every subject. But he hated the school's regimentation. He often clashed with his teachers. At the age of 15, he felt so stifled that he left school forever.

Q4. Why did Einstein have special interest in Mileva Maric?

Ans. Einstein found Mileva Maric a "clever creature". This young Serb had come to Switzerland because the university in Zurich was one of the few in Europe where women could get degrees. Einstein saw in her an ally against the "philistines" those people in his family and at the university with whom he was constantly at odds. That is why Einstein had a special interest in her.

Q5. What was Einstein's Theory of Relativity? 

Ans. According to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, time and distance are not absolute. In fact, two perfectly accurate clocks will not continue to show the same time if they come together again after a journey if one of them had been moving very fast relative to the other.

Q6. Why was Einstein's mother against his marriage with Mileva? 

Ans. Albert wanted to marry Mileva right after finishing his studies. But his mother was against it. She thought Mileva, who was three years older than Einstein, looks too old for him. She was also bothered by Mileva's intelligence. Einstein's mother said, "she is a book like you" So Einstein put the wedding off.

Q7. Did Einstein show any indication of his future greatness?

Ans. No, Einstein did not show any extraordinary traits in his childhood. He showed no indication that he was destined for greatness. His mother thought Albert was a freak. To her, his head seemed too large. He didn't talk till the age of two and a half. When learnt to speak, he uttered everything twice. His playmates called him "Brother Boring."

Q8. Was Einstein a bad pupil?

Ans. No, Einstein was not a bad pupil. He went to high school in Munich and scored good marks in almost every subject. He started learning violin at the age of six. He became a gifted amateur violinist. But he hated the school's regimentation. He often clashed with his teachers.

Q9. Why did Einstein wish to continue his education in German speaking Switzerland?

Ans. Einstein didn't like regimentation widely spread in schools in Germany. He felt stifled there. He wished to continue his education in German speaking Switzerland which was more liberal city than Munich. After finishing school, he studied at a university in Zurich.

Q10. Why did he call his desk drawer at work the 'bureau of theoretical physics"?

Ans. Einstein got a job as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern. While assessing other people's inventions, he actually developed his own ideas in secret. He worked very hard. He jokingly called his desk drawer at work the "Bureau of theoretical physics".

Q11. Why did Einstein's marriage with Mileva fail?

Ans. Before marriage Einstein was fascinated by Mileva. He thought her as his ally against the 'Philistines'. The couple fell in love and in spite of his mother's objection, they ultimately married. But after a few years later, the marriage faltered. Mileva lost her intellectual ambition. She became an unhappy wife. After years of constant fighting, the couple finally divorced in 1919.

Q12. Why did newspapers proclaim Einstein's work as 'a scientific revolution'?

Ans. In 1915, Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity. It gave a new interpretation of gravity. An eclipse of the sun in 1919 proved its correctness. He had correctly calculated in advance the extent to which the light from fixed stars would be deflected through the sun's gravitational fields. The newspaper hailed his work as 'a scientific revolution'.

Class 9 - Beehive - Chapter 3 - The Little Girl - by Katherine Mansfield, NCERT Solution

 

Introduction

Famous author Katherine Mansfield Beauchamp was bred and born in colonial New Zealand. When she relocated to the UK at the age of 19, she began writing under the pen name Katherine Mansfield. She connected with well-known UK authors, like D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf. Tragically, she was given a TB diagnosis in 1917 and died at the age of 34. Mansfield made substantial contributions to the short story form with her distinctive literary style, which frequently resembled poetry. Her works are well renowned for their emphasis on psychological tensions and for the oblique narration that frequently resembles Anton Chekhov's plays. During the last years of her life, Mansfield was a prolific writer, but a significant portion of her work remained unpublished until after her death.

Summary

Katherine Mansfield's story, "The Little Girl," depicts the relationship between a young girl named Kezia and her overbearing father. His stern behaviour shakes her faith in him and herself, causing her to strongly dislike him. She fears him and feels relieved when he leaves for work each morning. Despite trying to talk nicely to her parents on Sundays, she finds them preoccupied and uninterested.

One day, Kezia's grandmother suggests that she make a pin cushion for her father's birthday. Kezia innocently uses some papers she found on her mother's table to stuff the cushion, not realizing their importance. When her father's important speech goes missing, Kezia is blamed and punished severely. The beating leaves deep scars on her mind; from then on, she avoids her father.

One day, Kezia observes her neighbours, the Macdonald family, playing and having fun with their father. She realizes that not all fathers are alike and that her father is extremely strict compared to Mr Macdonald, who is playful and jolly. However, when her mother falls ill, and Kezia is left alone in the house, her father's caring side is revealed when he comforts her during a nightmare. Kezia realizes that her father has a big heart full of warmth and care.

Theme

The Little Girl revolves around a child's perspective on her father, emphasizing how children take time to understand their elders' actions. Initially, they may view their parents with negativity and fear, but as they grow older, their attitude shifts, and they begin to notice their once-strict parents' soft and caring heart. The story explores this change process in children's perception of their parents.

Another central theme is control, specifically the male's domination over the female. Mansfield depicts Kezia's father as the sole male authority figure in the household, leaving Kezia, her mother, and the servants answerable to him. Kezia fears her father, stutters when speaking to him, and lacks a loving or close bond with him. Even though she is a child, Kezia has duties to fulfil as soon as her father arrives home, just like her mother and the servants. The female characters in the story lack independence and must cater to Kezia's father's every need or whim.

Character sketch of Kezia 'the little girl'

Kezia, the protagonist of the story "The Little Girl," is a young and emotional girl deeply affected by her father's strict nature. Although her exact age is unknown, it can be assumed that she is young, possibly around four or five, based on the story's title and her behaviour.

To Kezia, her father is a large, loud, and frightening figure whom she fears and tries to avoid. She stammers in his presence, which is typical behaviour for a young girl, and sees him as the boss of the family who must be served properly all the time. As a result, she feels relieved when he leaves for work every morning.

Despite her fear, Kezia is obedient and follows her mother's orders to take off her father's boots. However, sometimes her fear of her father is so great that she even wishes there were no fathers in the world. She is envious of other children, such as the Macdonalds' children, who are pampered by their father.

Kezia is also innocent but impulsive. She makes a pin cushion for her father's birthday present but uses his important papers as stuffing for the pin cushion without seeking permission. When she tears the papers, she gets into serious trouble.

However, one night when Kezia is alone with her father, she observes his affection for her and is comforted by him when she has a nightmare. She realizes her love for him and admires his hard work, which leads to a change in her attitude towards him. From being resentful and frightened, she becomes an understanding and affectionate daughter.

Character sketch of Kezia's Father

In the story, Kezia's father shows two contrasting personalities. Initially, he is depicted as a strict, authoritarian figure who demands complete obedience from his family members. Katherine Mansfield does not mention his name, and he is referred to only as Kezia's father. This portrayal could be because Kezia perceives him this way.

Kezia's father is physically imposing and intimidating, with a loud voice and spectacles. To the little girl, he is a giant who looks at her terrifyingly, making her fear him. He is often preoccupied with his work, and although he is tired and sleeps soundly on Sundays when Kezia goes to talk to him, he still kisses her goodbye before leaving for work each morning.

He expects everyone in the household to cater to his needs and is authoritative, giving orders as soon as he returns home. He makes Kezia take off his shoes for him and expects his wife to bring him his slippers and check for the newspaper. He is not very perceptive and does not realize that Kezia is afraid of him, mocking her stutter instead of comforting her.

However, his positive side is shown when he takes care of Kezia in the absence of the women of the household. He carries her to his bed and asks her to rub her feet with his legs to make them warm. This reveals his love for his daughter, and he shows a softer, caring side that contrasts with his earlier strictness.

Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

1. Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
   
   
   Kezia was scared of her father because he was a distant and intimidating figure to her.
   
   
2. Who were the people in Kezia's family?
   
   
   Kezia's family consisted of four members: her strict father, her distant and stern mother, her loving and tender-hearted grandmother, and Kezia herself, the youngest of them all.
   
   
3. What was Kezia’s father’s routine (i) before going to his office? (ii) after coming back from his office? (iii) on Sundays?
   
   
   Every morning, before heading to work, Kezia's father would stop by her room to give her a quick kiss before leaving. In the evenings, he would return and loudly demand his tea, newspaper, and slippers to be brought to the drawing room. Kezia was expected to assist him in removing his shoes and exchange a few words with him.
   
   
4. What was Kezia’s routine when Father returned from office?
   
   
   Upon Father's arrival home from work, Kezia's mother would instruct her to come downstairs and remove Father's shoes, and then take them outside. Father would engage Kezia in conversation, to which she would often stutter in her replies. He would then ask her to place his teacup back on the table, and Kezia would seize the opportunity to leave his presence.
   
   
5. What was Father’s and Kezia’s morning routine?
   
   
   Kezia's father would visit her room and quickly give her a kiss before heading to the office. Kezia would respond with a simple "Goodbye, Father." However, due to her fear of him, she always felt a sense of relief once he had left.
   
   
6. Why did Kezia go slowly towards the drawing room when mother asked her to come downstairs?
   
   
   Kezia was intimidated by her strict father who often scolded her without showing any affection towards his little daughter. She felt so frightened of him that when asked to come downstairs to take off his shoes, she moved towards the drawing-room very slowly.
   
   
7. Why was Father often irritated with Kezia?
   
   
   Kezia's father was often irked by her nervous stuttering, and terrified expression when speaking to him. Her demeanour of wretchedness in his presence made him feel as if she was on the brink of suicide.
   
   
8. What was unusual about Kezia’s stuttering?
   
   
   Kezia could speak fluently to everyone in her household except for her father. When she was in his imposing presence, she could hardly speak and would stutter while attempting to communicate with him.
   
   
9. Why did Kezia stutter while speaking to Father?
   
   
   Kezia's father had a loud and dominating personality, and he often reprimanded her for her behaviour and appearance. His constant criticism and scolding shattered her self-confidence, and his imposing size frightened her. Despite Kezia's efforts to please him, she became tongue-tied and stuttered when she tried to talk to him, which only worsened her fear of him.
   
   
10. Why did Kezia feel that her father was like a giant?
    
    
    Kezia thought her father was like a giant because of his big hands and neck. She noticed that his mouth looked large when he yawned. His voice was loud, and he frequently barked orders. His stern and unfeeling demeanour made Kezia feel like he was a giant.

Class IX - Beehive - Poem - The Road Not Taken by Rober Frost

Complete Poem Text

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence;

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Summary

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is a well-known poem that describes the speaker's decision to take a less traveled path through a yellow wood. The speaker comes to a fork in the road and must choose between two paths. The first stanza describes the speaker's internal conflict as he reflects on both roads. He notices that both roads are equally worn and desirable and he cannot travel both. He looks down one path as far as he can, but it disappears into the undergrowth.

The second stanza describes the speaker's decision to take the road less traveled, despite the other road having perhaps a better claim because it is grassy and less worn. However, the speaker realizes that the passing of travelers has worn both roads about the same. In the third stanza, the speaker reflects that both roads were equally untraveled that morning and were covered in black leaves. He decides to keep the first road for another day, but doubts if he will ever come back.

The final stanza reflects on the speaker's decision and the impact it has had on his life. The speaker imagines telling the story of his decision with a sigh many years in the future. He claims that choosing the road less traveled has made all the difference in his life.

In conclusion, the poem is about making a difficult decision and choosing a unique path that leads to a different outcome. The poem reflects on the idea that life is full of choices and the impact those choices can have on one's life.

Thinking About the Poem

Question 1. Where does the traveller find himself? What problem does he face?

Answer:

The traveller in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" finds himself at a fork in the road in a yellow wood. The problem that the traveler faces is the decision of which road to take as both roads appear equally desirable and worn. The speaker must choose between two paths and reflect on the potential consequences of each choice. The decision of which road to take symbolizes the many choices one must make in life and the impact they can have on one's future.

Question 2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you.

(i) a yellow wood

(ii) it was grassy and wanted wear

(iii) the passing there

(iv) leaves no step had trodden black

(v) how way leads on to way

Answer:

(i) A Yellow Wood: The phrase "a yellow wood" in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" is a description of the forest the speaker finds himself in. The color yellow often symbolizes change or decay, suggesting that the wood may be autumnal in nature. The yellow wood serves as the setting for the speaker's internal conflict as he decides which road to take. The use of the color yellow also adds a sense of warmth and richness to the description of the forest, emphasizing the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

In this context, the yellow wood represents a place of transition, where the speaker must make an important choice. The image of the yellow wood is also a metaphor for the speaker's life journey, suggesting that the decision he makes will have a lasting impact on his future. Overall, the phrase "a yellow wood" is a vivid and evocative description that contributes to the overall tone and meaning of the poem.

(ii) ‘It was grassy and wanted wear: The line "it was grassy and wanted wear" from Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" refers to one of the roads the speaker is considering taking. The line is describing the physical appearance of the road and suggesting that it is more appealing to take because it is grassy and has less wear and tear than the other road. The phrase "wanted wear" suggests that the road is in a more natural state, with grass growing and less evidence of heavy use.

In the context of the poem, the line serves to highlight the speaker's internal conflict as he decides which road to take. On one hand, the speaker is drawn to the less traveled road because it appears to offer a unique and different experience. On the other hand, he is considering taking the more worn road because it seems to have a better claim. The line "it was grassy and wanted wear" adds to the description of the choices the speaker faces and the impact they may have on his life.

(iii)’the passing there’: The phrase "the passing there" in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" refers to the travelers who have walked along one of the roads the speaker is considering taking. The phrase is used to describe the effect that the travelers have had on the appearance of the road. The road has been worn down by the passing of travelers and appears to be more traveled than the other road.

In this context, "the passing there" is a metaphor for the experiences and events that shape one's life journey. The road represents the path of life, and the passing of travelers suggests that life is influenced by the choices and actions of others. The speaker's internal conflict as he decides which road to take is symbolic of the many decisions one must make in life and the impact those choices can have on one's future.

(iv) leaves no step had trodden black: The expression "leaves no step had trodden black" in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" is a description of the condition of the roads the speaker is considering taking. The expression means that neither road has been traveled recently, as the leaves covering the road have not been disturbed or crushed by the steps of travelers. The image of the undisturbed leaves suggests a sense of serenity and untouched beauty.

In the context of the poem, the expression serves to highlight the idea that both roads are equally desirable and untraveled. The speaker is faced with the decision of which road to take and the uncertainty of what may lie ahead. The expression "leaves no step had trodden black" adds to the tension of the speaker's internal conflict and the weight of his decision.

(v) how way leads on to way: The expression "how way leads on to way" in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" is a reference to the idea that the choices we make in life often lead to further choices and decisions. The phrase suggests that the road we choose, whether literally or metaphorically, can have a profound impact on the direction of our lives and determine the paths we take in the future.

In the context of the poem, the speaker is reflecting on the idea that the road he takes will shape his life journey, leading him to new experiences, opportunities, and challenges. The expression "how way leads on to way" highlights the idea that the road we choose can have a lasting impact and that each decision we make can lead to a chain of events and consequences.

Question 3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them
(i) in stanzas two and three?
(ii) in the last two lines of the poem?

Answer:

(i) in stanzas two and three: In stanzas two and three of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," the poet describes the two roads as being "just as fair" and "worn them really about the same." At first glance, there doesn't seem to be a significant difference between the two roads as the speaker describes them. Both roads appear to be equally desirable and well-worn, with the only notable difference being that one road is "grassy and wanted wear."

However, the speaker's ultimate decision to take the road "less traveled by" suggests that there may be more to the two roads than meets the eye. The idea that one road is "less traveled by" implies that there may be a difference in terms of their popularity or level of familiarity, even though the speaker does not explicitly state this.

The speaker's choice to take the road "less traveled by" also suggests that he values uniqueness or individuality and is drawn to the idea of exploring a path that is less traveled.

(ii) in the last two lines of the poem: In the last two lines of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," the poet writes "I took the one less travelled by,/And that has made all the difference." Here, the speaker is reflecting on the impact of his decision to take the road "less traveled by."

In this context, the difference between the two roads is clear: one road is less traveled, and the other is more frequently used. The speaker's decision to take the road "less traveled by" is described as having "made all the difference" in his life journey, suggesting that this choice had a profound impact on his experiences and outcome.

These lines suggest that taking a unique and less traveled path in life can bring new opportunities, experiences, and perspectives that might not have been possible if the speaker had taken the more well-trodden road.

Question 4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?) 

Answer:

The last two lines of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" can be interpreted in a few different ways, but in general, the speaker seems to accept and embrace his choice to take the road "less traveled by."

The lines "I took the one less travelled by,/And that has made all the difference" suggest that the speaker is content with his decision and views it as having positively impacted his life journey. This interpretation is supported by the tone of the poem, which is generally reflective and contemplative, rather than regretful or melancholic.

It's also worth considering that the poem is written in the first person and the speaker is looking back on his life journey. This perspective allows the speaker to reflect on the impact of his decision, but it's possible that the speaker's view of his choice may have changed over time.

In conclusion, while the last two lines of the poem can be interpreted in different ways, the overall tone of the poem and the positive language used in the final lines suggest that the speaker is satisfied with his decision to take the road "less traveled by" and does not regret it.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What was the poet’s dilemma?

Answer:

The poet in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost faces a dilemma of choosing between two roads in a yellow wood, both appealing in their own way. He ultimately decides to take the road less traveled, reflecting the uncertainty and difficult choices in life.

Question 2. What was the poet’s opinion about both the roads?

Answer:

The poet in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost views both roads as equally attractive and desirable. He has a difficult time choosing between them and ultimately decides to take the road less traveled.

Question 3. What do the roads represent?

Answer:

The two roads in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost represent the choices and paths one can take in life. The decision to take one road over the other symbolizes the impact of the choices we make and the significance of taking a unique path.

Question 4. Did the poet take his decision haphazardly?

Answer:

No, the poet did not take his decision haphazardly in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. He stands and ponders for a while before choosing the road less travelled, reflecting on the careful consideration and thought put into his choice.

Question 5. Why did the poet choose that road?

Answer:

The poet chose the road less travelled in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost because he wanted to forge his own path and have a unique experience. He believed that taking the road less travelled would make all the difference in his journey.

Question 6. What is the message of the poem?

Answer:

The message of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is about the power of choices and the impact they have on our lives. The poem encourages readers to think about the significance of the choices they make and to choose the path less travelled, as it can make all the difference in their journey.

Question 7. Did the poet make the right choice?

Answer:

The poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost does not explicitly state if the poet made the right choice or not. The message is more focused on the idea that life is full of choices and the impact they have on our journey, rather than determining the "right" or "wrong" choice.

Question 8. Why did the poet take the ‘other’ road? Why did the ‘other’ road have a better claim than the first road?

Answer:

The poet took the "other" road in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost because it was less traveled and had a grassy appearance, indicating it may have been less worn. The "other" road had a better claim because it offered a chance for a unique journey, as opposed to the more traveled first road.

Question 9. Describe the conditions of both the roads that lay open before the poet on that morning.

Answer:

The two roads both lay open before the poet on that morning in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, with leaves untouched and not yet trodden black. Both roads were equally fair and looked well-worn, but the poet chose the road less travelled.

Question 10. Was the poet certain to come back on the road he had left for another day?

Answer:

In "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, the poet expresses doubt about whether he will ever come back to the first road he left for another day. The poem suggests uncertainty about the future and the potential consequences of one's choices.

Question 11. How does the outcome of our life depends on the choice we make to reach our destinations?

Answer:

The outcome of our lives can be greatly influenced by the choices we make to reach our destinations. In "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, the poet's decision to take the road less traveled has made all the difference in his journey. Our choices shape the path we take and ultimately determine the experiences and memories we create along the way.

Long Answer Type

Question 1. In the poem “The Road Not Taken,” what do the woods symbolise?

Answer:

In "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, the woods symbolise the multitude of choices and paths available in life. The poet finds himself at a fork in the road, where two roads diverge in a yellow wood, representing the different directions one can take in life. The decision to take the road less travelled, rather than the more conventional path, symbolises the choice to forge one's own path and not conform to societal norms. The woods in the poem represent the various options and possibilities available in life, and the roads symbolise the paths we choose to follow. The poem highlights the importance of making a deliberate choice and taking ownership of our life's journey rather than blindly following a path chosen by others.

Question 2. According to the poem, how does the poet feel about his or her decision in the end?

Answer:

The poet does not express regret or disappointment about the choice made in the poem "The Road Not Taken." Instead, the last two lines "And that has made all the difference," suggest a sense of satisfaction with the choice made. The poet feels that taking the road less travelled, the "other" road, has added meaning and significance to their journey. This idea of the value of taking a unique path, even if it's uncertain, is the central message of the poem. The poem encourages readers to embrace individuality and make choices that define their own path in life, rather than blindly following the path of others.

Question 3. What is the theme or the message of the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’?

Answer:

The theme of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" is the idea of choice and its consequences. The poem presents a speaker who finds himself at a fork in the road, with two paths to choose from. The speaker reflects on the choice he must make and decides to take the road less traveled by, despite the fact that both roads appear to be equally appealing and well-trodden. Through the poem, Frost suggests that life is full of choices and that the outcome of our lives depends on the choices we make. The message is that sometimes, taking the road less traveled by can lead to experiences that are unique and fulfilling, and can ultimately make all the difference. This theme of individuality and self-discovery is a central motif in Frost's work and underscores the idea that we are each responsible for shaping our own lives.

Question 4. How does one way lead on to another? Is it easier to come back to the path we have left for another day?

Answer:

In "The Road Not Taken," the idea of "way leading on to way" refers to how our choices and actions can shape and determine the path of our lives. It implies that every decision we make leads to a chain of events, shaping our future and leading us down a certain path. The poet acknowledges that once a choice is made, it is difficult to come back to the path that was left behind. This idea suggests that our choices have a profound impact on the direction of our lives and that it is not always easy to reverse the consequences of our decisions. The message is that the choices we make have a lasting impact and should be made carefully and thoughtfully.

FAQs on the Poem Road Not Taken

1. What is the title of the poem and who is the author?
   
   The title of the poem is "The Road Not Taken" and the author is Robert Frost.
   
   
2. What is the poem about?
   
   The poem is about a traveler who comes to a fork in the road and has to make a decision on which path to take.
   
   
3. What is the central theme of the poem?
   
   The central theme of the poem is the idea of choice and decision-making. It explores the consequences of the choices we make in life and how they shape our future.
   
   
4. What is the meaning behind the line "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by"?
   
   This line represents the speaker's decision to take a less popular or unconventional path in life. It symbolizes the idea of taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
   
   
5. What is the significance of the title "The Road Not Taken"?
   
   The title refers to the path that the speaker did not take. It highlights the idea of missed opportunities and the choices we make in life that lead us down a certain path.
   
   
6. Is the poem meant to be taken literally or metaphorically?
   
   The poem is meant to be taken both literally and metaphorically. While it describes a physical journey, it also represents a larger metaphor for life and the choices we make.
   
   
   
7. What is the overall tone of the poem?
   
   The overall tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative. The speaker is looking back on a past decision and considering its impact on his life.
   
   
   
8. What is the message of the poem?
   
   The message of the poem is that the choices we make in life have consequences and shape our future. It encourages readers to take risks and choose the less popular path, as it can lead to unexpected opportunities and experiences.