Tag: CBSE class 10-“Supplementary”  English textbook

Introduction

The old sailor is portrayed as one of the wedding guests in this poem by the poet, who then begins to recount his tale. He began by describing how their ship sailed out of the harbour joyfully but later encountered difficulties and despair prevailed. He shot and killed a bird. Due to his sin, he was cursed.

Summary

One wedding guest was stopped by an elderly sailor as they were both heading to the wedding feast. He was eager to share his tale with him. The guest was compelled to wait back and hear the sailor’s tale because of his insistence.

The mariner started his account of how their ship left the harbour on a positive note. After a brief period of trouble-free travel, a storm pushed their ship southward toward snow and mist. The ship became stuck in a barren area surrounded by enormous amounts of ice. The ice cracked with tremendous noises.

A flying albatross appeared at this time through the fog. It was regarded as a great soul and a divine messenger. When it arrived, the snow split and made way for the ship, which resumed sailing.

The crew fed the holy bird, which travelled with the ship. The ship was forced out of the cursed country of snow and mist by a favourable south wind. The sailors thanked the bird for being a sign of good things to come.

The sailor’s expression abruptly changed to sadness, which the wedding guest saw. In response to his question, the sailor said that he had shot the bird with his crossbow on the spur of the moment.

His fellow sailors cursed and accused him of murdering the sacred bird, but eventually, they came to believe that he was justified in doing so because it was that bird that had caused the fog and mist.

The ship continued to go smoothly in the direction of the north for a while. The wind abruptly died, and the ship came to a complete halt.

Albatross over Ocean

About the author

“Samuel Taylor Coleridge”, an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, co-founded the Romantic Movement with his friend “William Wordsworth”

Conclusion

The poem illustrates how one must deal with the consequences of bad deeds. As a result, we must avoid sin. But if that occurs, we must also confess our sins. The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner is a cautionary tale about the consequences of recklessness and the power of redemption. The Mariner’s journey is a metaphor for life, and his story serves as a reminder that we must be mindful of our actions and take responsibility for our mistakes. The Mariner’s experience teaches us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption and a chance to start anew.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) How did the Ancient Mariner stop the Wedding-Guest?

Ans: The Wedding-Guest was stopped by the Ancient Mariner because of his odd look and dazzling eye. Additionally, he grabbed his hand and gave him a bright-eyed stare. The Wedding Guest immediately stopped due to a kind of magical charm cast by these.

(b) Was the Wedding-Guest happy to be stopped? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: The wedding guest was not at all pleased to stop. As the next relative of the bridegroom, he requested that the Ancient Mariner release him. He had to be there for the wedding. Second, the party had begun and the guests had arrived. However, the Wedding-Guest was forced to listen when the Ancient Mariner gave him his sparkling eyes and turned to face him.

 (c) Describe the Ancient Mariner.

Ans: With his long, grey beard and sparkling eyes, the Ancient Mariner had a highly unusual and off-putting appearance. He wore interesting clothing and had skinny hands. This gave him a “weird and eerie” appearance. The Wedding Guest was under some sort of magical spell as a result of his personality. He had no choice but to follow the Mariner’s orders.

(d) How does the Mariner describe the movement of the ship as it sails away from the land? 

Ans: The ship was joyfully cheered when it left the harbor, according to The Mariner, who records its movements. It steered beneath the lighthouse, hill, and church. The ship eventually succumbed to the powerful storm after some time. It sailed as though a terrible enemy was following it. Its prow dipped, and its masts stooped low.

(e) What kind of weather did the sailors enjoy at the beginning of their journey? How has it been expressed in the poem?

Ans: The phrase “Merrily did we drop/below the kirk” can be interpreted as the sailors experiencing good weather at the start of their voyage. The sun shone brightly before setting into the right-hand sea. When a sea storm arrived, the weather altered. The ship was seized by this. Then the weather started to deteriorate further.

(f) How did the sailors reach the land of mist and snow?

Ans: The sea storm took the sailors to the region of mist and snow. It was so oppressive that it seized control of the ship and drove it to the region of mist and snow.

(g) How does the mariner express the fact that the ship was surrounded by icebergs?

Ans: The Mariner explains this fact by saying that the ice came floating by at mast height. There was ice all around the ship that appeared to be green. He continues by saying that there was ice everywhere. This ice hissed, raged, howled, and cracked.

(h) How do we know that the Albatross was not afraid of the humans? Why did the sailors hail it in God’s name?

Ans: The albatross once flew through the fog and boarded the ship. It came when sailors called it, and it ate food. As a result, it had no fear of people. Since it was the first live thing they had seen since they arrived at the ice-filled sea, the sailors hailed it in the name of God. There, the albatross appeared to be God’s messenger.

(i) What was the terrible deed done by the mariner? Why did you think he did it?

Ans: Mariner used his crossbow to kill the albatross. He shot it for a cause that he does not understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did the other crew members treat the Ancient Mariner?

Ans: He was initially criticized by the other sailors for killing the albatross. They quickly altered their minds, though, and began to honor the ancient mariner who had killed the bird that had brought in the fog and mist. 

2. What caused the Mariner to kill the albatross?

Ans:  The mariner killed the albatross because he thought it was a bad omen and the reason why their wind had dropped.

3. What happens next when the Mariners shoot the albatross?

Ans: The sailors are so furious with the Mariner for killing the albatross and permanently cursing their ship that they force him to wear the bird’s body around his neck to symbolize the burden he must bear for doing so.

4. What is the irony in the poem?

Ans: The irony is that the sailors are unable to drink the seawater despite the ship being surrounded by it. Coleridge’s use of sarcasm in this passage helps to highlight how terrible things are for the sailors.

Introduction 

This poem explains how a frog takes advantage of a nightingale to make money. It demonstrates how the frog’s poor instruction led to the nightingale’s death. The frog and the nightingale’s story is a lesson in humility and respect. The frog learned that it is important to be humble and to respect the talents of others, even if they are different from his own. 

Summary

Once upon a time, there was a clever frog that resided in “Bingle Bog”. From night till dawn, this frog croaked in a harsh voice. Even if the other creatures disliked his voice, they were forced to listen to him because all their shouts, cries, and protests were ignored.

Nightingale

After that, a nightingale visited the Bog one night. All the creatures of the Bog listened to her mesmerizing song. They repeatedly asked her to sing. Because she was unfamiliar with such cheers, the nightingale continued to sing.

The nightingale was set to start singing the following night when the jealous frog informed her that he owned the tree. He presented himself as a well-known “music critic”. The nightingale asked the frog to comment on her song since she was impressed by the frog’s credentials and unsure of her abilities.

She was informed by the “cunning frog” that she needed experience and that he would charge her to teach her. Excited and happy, the nightingale started practicing under the frog. He started charging everyone who came to hear the nightingale an entrance fee. She was forced to practice non-stop for several hours 

The “melodic nature” of the nightingale’s voice soon started to fade. She was made even more miserable by the frog’s harsh warning. The bird tried to follow the frog’s instructions when he instructed her to blow air into her lungs and sing, but she burst a vein and died.

About the author

“Vikram Seth is an Indian novelist and poet”. He has published six books of poetry and three novels. His most prominent work is “A suitable boy”. 

Conclusion

There is wisdom to be learned from the story of the frog and the nightingale. The frog realized the value of humility and the importance of appreciating the skills of others, no matter how unlike they may be from his own. The nightingale realized the value of considering various perspectives and appreciating the skills of others, even if they were less outstanding than her own. The story concludes with the frog and the nightingale having grown from their experiences and developed a respect for one another’s abilities.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1. How did the creatures of Single bog react to the nightingale’s singing?

Ans: The singing of the nightingale attracted the first favorable response from the animals of “Bingle Bog”. They flocked to the locations where they could hear the nightingale’s enchanting song. Birds and animals traveled long distances to listen to her lovely song.

2. Which are the different ways in which the frog asserts his importance?

Ans: The frog claims his significance as a critic of art and music. He further emphasizes his significance by controlling and ruling over the “Bingle Bog”. Additionally, he promises her that if she receives training from him, her singing would reach new heights.

3. Why is the frog’s joy both sweet and bitter?

Ans: The nightingale was drawing large crowds to the concert, and the frog was profiting from them. This gave him great satisfaction. Such crowds had never come to hear him sing, so his joy was poisoned by jealousy. The frog was jealous of the nightingale, which made him bitter.

4. Why was the frog angry?

Ans: The nightingale didn’t sing beautifully to help the frog get more money, therefore he was upset about it. Second, she was starting to sound “uninspired.” Her singing was suddenly “bouncing, zipping, and trilling”.

5. How did the frog become the unrivaled king of the bog again?

Ans: After the nightingale died, the frog reclaimed his throne as the undisputed ruler of the bog. No bird or animal could now sing as well as him. Second, he frightened everyone present there.

6. Bring out the irony in the frog’s statement – ‘Your song must be your own.

Ans: The irony in the frog’s statements is that initially, when he first met the nightingale, she expressed her satisfaction that the song was her original composition, he rebuked her, telling her it was nothing to talk about, and afterward, “when the bird has passed away, he claims that the poor bird should have known that he should have sung her song in her way”.

7. Do you think the end is justified?

Ans: The poem encourages us to believe in our abilities. It exposes the greedy side of society and warns us to protect ourselves from such individuals. Although the innocent bird dies in the end, I believe that it still sends a strong message and cautions us not to get easily influenced by anyone.

8. Do you think the nightingale is ‘brainless’? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: The nightingale is not stupid, but she is innocent, modest, and dismissive. She lacks confidence and is easily defeated by the cunning frog. She accepts the frog’s offer to train her because she wanted to become a well-known singer.

9. Despite having a melodious voice and being a crowd-puller, the nightingale turns out to be a loser and dies. How far is she responsible for her downfall?

Ans: The nightingale is to blame for her demise since she relies on the wicked frog and cannot judge him. She dies as a result of her stupidity and innocence.

10. Do you agree with the Frog’s inference of Nightingale’s character? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: The frog’s assessment of the nightingale is correct. She was unable to determine the frog’s true intention, which led me to believe that she was stupid, foolish, and weak. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the frog’s method of introducing himself to the nightingale?

Ans: The frog declared himself as the sumac tree owner, . He claimed to be a brilliant writer and critic who contributes to the magazine Bog Trumpet 

2.Why is the nightingale referred to as foolish?

Ans: The nightingale made a mistake by listening to the frog’s words. She attempted to sound like him, but she eventually lost her lovely voice and passed away.

3.Comment on the frog’s personality.

Ans: The frog is portrayed in the poem as being highly cunning. He symbolizes those who are clever. He uses the nightingale to eliminate his opponent because he has a good understanding of the character of the bird. He lacks talent himself.

Introduction

This is a virtual reality (or “science fiction”) narrative. The protagonist of the tale spent a lot of money on a gaming PC, VR goggles, and a collection of pricey video games. “Computers, video games, virtual reality, three-dimensional modeling”, etc. are all discussed in “Virtually True.” All of this is woven into the Sebastian Shultz story regarding video games. 

Video Game

Summary

This story is “science fiction” and is about virtual reality. The narrator of the story purchased a computer and virtual reality accessories with several expensive games. The narrator learns of ‘Sebastian Shultz’s” miraculous recovery” while riding a train. Sebastian had been in a long-term coma. The narrator then recalls how he frequently played computer games and assisted in saving Sebastian. 

The narrator assumes that Sebastian’s memory must have been transmitted to the computer when he may have unintentionally smashed his head against the screen. Thus in this instance, the computer recalled everything. 

About the author

“Paul Stewart”, a children’s book author who was born in London in 1955, is best known for three series that he wrote with the illustrator “Chris Riddell”.

Conclusion

This story conveys a message about virtual reality, and as a result, no one can definitively identify what is genuine or what is virtually real. The storyline in question takes place in a virtual reality environment or in a science fiction setting. The story’s protagonist dropped a tonne of cash on a high-end gaming computer, virtual reality headset, and library of expensive video games.

Textbook Questions and Answers

1. According to the newspaper, what had happened to Sebastian Shultz?

Ans: Sebastian suffered severe injuries in a car accident and fell into a “coma”. He had been in a coma for a very long time, and physicians had given up on him. Sebastian then emerged from his coma as if by magic.

2. Dad’s nutty about computers.’ What evidence is there to support this statement?

Ans: Dad of the narrator purchases a computer with the most recent setup available. Additionally, he purchases all the required accessories and virtual reality equipment. He thinks that a computer never makes a mistake. These details demonstrate how obsessed the father was with technology.

3. In what way did the second game seem very real?

Ans: The title of the second game was “Dragon Quest”. The story involved saving a princess from a dragon. With her extremely long hair, the princess has “Rapunzel”l-like features. Everything in the game, from the princess’ long hair to the dragon’s fiery breath, has been well explained. It can be claimed that the second game has a highly realistic feel to it.

4. The last game has tanks, jeeps, helicopters, guns, and headings would you put this and the other games under?

Ans: It is possible to classify all of the games as adventures.

5. What was Michael’s theory about how Sebastian had entered the games?

Ans: Michael assumed that Sebastian must have accidentally touched the computer screen, causing all of the information from his brain to be stored in the computer’s memory. Sebastian was now able to participate in the contest.

6. Read and answer the following questions

‘That was my idea’ said Sebastian excitedly.’ If only it would go a bit faster.

(a) Where was Sebastian when he spoke these words?

Ans: Sebastian was playing a game called “Jailbreak” at that time.

(b) What was his idea, and what was he referring to?

Ans: Sebastian was talking about the speed of a helicopter when he said it. He thought a faster helicopter might be able to save him.

(c) Was the idea a good one, and did it eventually succeed? How?

Ans: It was a wise decision. Finally, Sebastian could be saved thanks to the helicopter.

7. Why did the news of the ‘miracle recovery’ shock Michael?

Ans: Michael was startled to hear about the miracle recovery’ because he had played a significant role in saving Sebastian from certain death.

8. Michael’s meeting with Sebastian Shultz had been a chance meeting. Where had it taken place and how?

Ans: In the middle of a video game, Michael encountered Sebastian. This was a rather unusual location for the meeting of two actual people.

9. What kind of computers fascinated Michael and his dad? Why?

Ans: The most recent computers that had all the necessary accessories attracted Michael and his father. They were eager to investigate the enormous potential that computers may provide.

10. Describe the first place where Michael was virtually transported.

Ans: “Wildwest” was the name of the game. He was in a typical “Wild West bar”. There were numerous cowboys to be seen inside the pub because of its swinging doors.

11. What help did Sebastian Shultz ask Michael for? How did he convey this message?

Ans: Sebastian wished that Michael would come to his rescue and save him. He used the printer to send his message.

12. Why did Michael fail in rescuing Sebastian Shultz the first time?

Ans: When Michael was attempting to avoid the bullets in the first game, Sebastian got hit by something. Sebastian most likely took a bullet to the head and collapsed. Michael couldn’t save Sebastian because of this.

13. The second attempt to rescue Sebastian Shultz too was disastrous. Give reasons.

Ans: Michael played a game of Dragonquest during the second attempt. Sebastian was injured while they attempted to escape the dragon when he slipped into a ditch. Consequently, the second effort was also a failure.

14. Narrate the accident that injured Sebastian Shultz.

Ans: Sebastian was hurt in a traffic collision.

15. How had Sebastian Shultz entered the games?

Ans: The narrator thinks that Sebastian must have hit his head on the computer screen. All of his brain’s information was thus transferred to the computer’s memory as a result. Sebastian may have joined the game in this manner.

Frequently Asked Question

1. How did Michael’s theory work?

Ans: Michael’s theory is that Sebastian must have played one of these psycho-drive games right before the accident, causing his memory to be stored on the computer. And Michael became involved in various initiatives to get that memory back.

2. Describe the video game “Wildwest”.

Ans: It was a game that took the player back to the “American Wild West”, when saloons predominated and “sheriffs” served as “lawmen”.

3. Why did the narrator value the video game Jailbreak?

Ans: It was significant because the narrator needed to play the game Shultz recommended to have any chance of success. 

Introduction

Patol Babu, Film Star was written by Bengali director Satyajit Ray. 52-year-old Patol Babu” was allowed to perform a very brief role as a” pedestrian” in a movie.

Summary

Patol Babu was a resident of “Calcutta” and a worker. But he lost his nine-year job as a result of the war. He then made numerous attempts at jobs and companies but failed. Patol Babu is a short-sighted, middle-aged man with a bald head. He used to perform in several neighbourhood plays and dramas when he was younger. He was forced to stop his hobbies, as a result, to pursue his career for the next few years. But unexpectedly, he was given the chance to play a small part in a movie being created by a well-known filmmaker. Patol Babu is quite happy to have received that opportunity since it has reignited his passion for performing.

When Patol Babu arrives at the location of the shooting, he learns that all he was given was a minor part. made him upset. But he thinks back to the priceless lessons he learned from his theatre mentor, who taught him that no role is small and that an artist should give every role they play their best. Patol Babu practises extensively before the shoot. He is so overjoyed and deeply satisfied with the work that he exits the location of the shoot before even receiving payment for the part.

About the author

“Satyajit Ray” is an Indian director who produced “Bengali- movies”. He is considered one of the best filmmakers of the “20th century”. Ray was the director of “36 movies”, including long and short films as well as “documentaries”

Satyajit Ray

Conclusion

Personal fulfilment at work is more significant than any other factor.  Because of his love of acting, Patol Babu decided to pursue a career in movies after realising that inner fulfilment could not be evaluated or weighted by money.

Textbook Questions and Answers 

1. What was the news that Nishikanto Ghosh gave to Patol Babu?

Ans: A neighbour of Patol Babu, Nishikanto Ghosh, informed him that Naresh Dutt, who worked in the film industry, was looking for an actor. Nishikanto believed that Patol Babu’s personality fit the description and that he also needed money. He then offered him his address so that he could contact him and explain the role.

2. How did Patol Babu react Why?

Ans: Patol Babu was shocked and in disbelief that a fifty-two-year-old nobody like him could be offered a role in a movie. He had a deep love for acting. He became so preoccupied with his thoughts that he was confused and made the wrong purchases at the market.

3. Why had Patol Babu lost his first job in Calcutta?

Ans: In “Calcutta”, Patol Babu had spent the previous nine years working with “Hudson and Kimberley”. The corporation suffered losses as a result of “W

1. To reduce costs, it suffered retrenchment, which caused Patol Babu to lose his way of employment.

4. How does Patol Babu reconcile to the dialogue given to him?

Ans: Patol Babu recalls the acting guru’s teachings. No role is small, and one should always play it to its greatest potential. Patol Babu decided to put everything he had into it.

5. Who was Mr. Pakrashi? How do his words help Patol Babu in enacting his role?

Ans; When Patol Babu first began acting on stage, Mr. Pakrashi served as his mentor. He had told Patol Babu that every role, no matter how small, was crucial. He had a responsibility as an actor to convey to the audience the emotions and expression of his character. These words made him understand how potent the word “oh” alone was. 

6. How do we know that Patol Babu was a meticulous man?

Ans: Patol Babu’s involvement in various activities demonstrates his meticulous nature. First of all, he arrived just in time for the shooting. He made an effort to learn as much as he could about the movie, including the director’s and star actor’s names. To have adequate time to prepare for his part, he asked to receive his dialogue in advance. He continued practicing even after being given a single word in the name of dialogue. He even kept track of the steps needed to time his crash with the star actor.

7. Why did Mr. Mullick turn down Patol Babu’s request for a rehearsal?

Ans: The significance of the position assigned to Patol Babu was known to Mr. Mullick. He turned down Patol Babu’s request since he did not want to waste time on practice.

8. What were the special touches that Patol Babu gave to his role to make it more authentic?

Ans: To make his dialogue as genuine as possible, Patol Babu practiced it in several ways. To appear like a distracted pedestrian, he wanted to hold a newspaper. These are a few instances of the unique touches Patol Babu added to his performance to give it a more genuine feel.

Patol Babu Extra Questions

1. What did Patol Babu find most exciting?

Ans: Patol Babu was a dedicated actor. In fact, at one point, people would buy tickets only to see him perform. However, he abandoned everything and relocated from Kanchrapara to Calcutta after receiving a job offer with higher pay.

2. Do you believe Patol Babu was content with his career?

Ans: No, because Patol Babu frequently changed occupations and career paths and had a difficult time making ends meet without succeeding in bettering his situation.

3. What was the role assigned to Patol Babu?

In the story “Patol Babu, Film Star” by Satyajit Ray, the role assigned to Patol Babu is that of a pedestrian who witnesses a robbery on a street. Patol Babu is a middle-aged man who used to act in stage plays in his youth, but he has not acted in many years. When he is offered the role of a pedestrian in the film, he initially feels disappointed, as he was hoping for a more substantial role. However, he eventually decides to give his best to the role and ends up impressing everyone with his performance, despite having only one line of dialogue in the scene.

4. What, in your opinion, makes Patol Babu a more admirable human being than a performer?

Ans: He considered his role to be more significant than the opportunity. He wanted to know what his dialogues were so that he could practice them. He frequently practiced his dialogues for a flawless delivery as a theater performer.