Thinking about the Text

I. Matching Emotions

  1. fear or terror – (iv) speaking to father
  2. glad sense of relief – ( ii) noise of the carriage grows fainter
  3. a “funny” feeling, perhaps of understanding – (vi) father comforts her and falls asleep

II. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

  1. Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
    Ans– Kezia was afraid of her father because he was strict, authoritative, and often scolded her.
  2. Who were the people in Kezia’s family?
    Ans– The people in Kezia’s family were her father, mother, and grandmother.
  3. What was Kezia’s father’s routine:
  • (i) before going to his office?
    He would come into Kezia’s room and give her a casual kiss.
  • (ii) after coming back from his office?
    Ans -He would demand tea, look for his newspaper, and ask for his slippers.
  • (iii) on Sundays?
    Ans-He would rest on the sofa and sleep soundly.
  1. In what ways did Kezia’s grandmother encourage her to get to know her father better?
    Ans-Kezia’s grandmother encouraged her to go down to the drawing-room to talk with her parents and suggested making a gift for her father.

III. Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two or three paragraphs each.

  1. Kezia’s efforts to please her father resulted in displeasing him very much. How did this happen?

Ans-Kezia’s efforts to please her father by making him a birthday gift ended in disaster because she unknowingly used important documents to stuff the pin-cushion she made. Her father’s anger and harsh punishment for this mistake left her feeling misunderstood and frightened. Despite her good intentions, her lack of understanding of the importance of the papers led to her father’s displeasure, highlighting the gap in their relationship and communication.

  1. Kezia decides that there are “different kinds of fathers”. What kind of father was Mr. Macdonald, and how was he different from Kezia’s father?

Ans-Mr. Macdonald was a playful and affectionate father who spent time with his children, playing games and engaging in fun activities. He was approachable and warm, creating a joyful and carefree environment for his children. In contrast, Kezia’s father was strict, authoritative, and distant. He rarely showed affection and maintained a stern demeanor, which made Kezia fearful and anxious around him. The difference in their parenting styles highlighted the lack of warmth and connection Kezia felt with her own father.

  1. How does Kezia begin to see her father as a human being who needs her sympathy?

Ans– Kezia begins to see her father as a human being who needs her sympathy when she observes his vulnerability and tiredness. After a particularly frightening nightmare, her father comforts her, and she realizes that he works hard and is often exhausted. This moment of tenderness and understanding helps her see beyond his strict exterior to the loving and caring person underneath. She recognizes that he is not as formidable as she once thought and that he too needs love and compassion.

Thinking about Language

  1. Use an appropriate word from the synonyms given above in the following sentences. Clues are given in brackets.

(i) She was thrilled by the news of her brother’s wedding. (very pleased)
(ii) I was delighted to be invited to the party. (extremely pleased and excited about)
(iii) She was overjoyed at the birth of her granddaughter. (extremely happy)
(iv) The coach was pleased with his performance. (satisfied about)
(v) She was very happy with her results. (happy about something that has

  1. Consult a dictionary and find out the meaning of big in the following sentences.

(i) You are a big girl now. – older

(ii) Today you are going to take the biggest decision of your career. – most important

(iii) Their project is full of big ideas. – ambitious

(iv) Cricket is a big game in our country. – popular

(v) I am a big fan of Lata Mangeskar. – enthusiastic

(vi) You have to cook a bit more as my friend is a big eater. – someone who eats a lot

(vii) What a big heart you’ve got, Father dear. – generous/kind

II. Verbs of Reporting

  1. Underline the verbs of reporting in the following sentences.

(i) He says he will enjoy the ride.

(ii) Father mentioned that he was going on a holiday.

(iii) No one told us that the shop was closed.

(iv) He answered that the price would go up.

(v) I wondered why he was screaming.

(vi) Ben told her to wake him up.

(vii) Ratan apologised for coming late to the party.

  1. Choose the appropriate verbs and fill in the blanks in the following sentences.

(i) “I am not afraid,” the woman replied.

(ii) “Leave me alone,” my mother shouted.

(iii) The children were complaining that the roads were crowded and noisy.

(iv) “Perhaps he isn’t a bad sort of a chap after all,” the master remarked.

(v) “Let’s go and look at the school ground,” the sports teacher suggested.

(vi) The traffic police ordered all the passers-by to keep off the road.

Speaking
Form pairs or groups and discuss the following questions.

  1. This story is not an Indian story. But do you think there are fathers, mothers
    and grandmothers like the ones portrayed in the story in our own country?
  2. Was Kezia’s father right to punish her? What kind of a person was he
    You might find some of these words useful in describing him:
    undemonstrative loving strict hard-working
    responsible unkind disciplinarian short-tempered
    affectionate caring indifferent

Speaking Activity

Discussion Points

1. This story is not an Indian story. But do you think there are fathers, mothers and grandmothers like the ones portrayed in the story in our own country?

Ans– Yes, despite the cultural differences, the family dynamics portrayed in the story can be seen in many Indian families. In many households, fathers can be strict and authoritative, mothers can be nurturing yet firm, and grandmothers can play a crucial role in providing emotional support to their grandchildren. This reflects the universal nature of familial relationships and the different roles each family member plays.

2. Was Kezia’s father right to punish her? What kind of a person was he?

Ans– Kezia’s father was strict and had high expectations, but his method of punishment was harsh and may not have been the best approach. He seemed to be undemonstrative and perhaps short-tempered, not fully understanding the impact of his actions on Kezia. However, it’s also clear that he cared for his family and wanted the best for them, as shown when he comforted Kezia during her nightmare.

Descriptive Words

Undemonstrative: Kezia’s father did not openly show affection, which made him seem distant and unapproachable.

Loving: Despite his strictness, his actions towards the end of the story show that he cared deeply for Kezia, especially when he comforted her during her nightmare.

Strict: He had rigid expectations and enforced them strictly, often without considering Kezia’s feelings.

Hard-working: His dedication to his job was evident, indicating a sense of responsibility towards providing for his family.

Responsible: He took his role as the head of the

4o

Writing

Has your life been different from or similar to that of Kezia when you were a
child? Has your perception about your parents changed now? Do you find any
change in your parents’ behaviour vis-à-vis yours? Who has become more
understanding? What steps would you like to take to build a relationship based
on understanding? Write three or four paragraphs (150–200 words) discussing
these issues from your own experience.

Reflecting on my own childhood, I find both similarities and differences with Kezia’s experiences. When I was a child, I sometimes felt misunderstood by my parents, similar to Kezia. Their actions and decisions often seemed harsh or unfair. However, as I grew older, I began to understand the reasons behind their actions. They were often driven by concern and a desire to teach me important life lessons, much like Kezia’s father.

Now, my perception of my parents has changed significantly. I see them as individuals with their own struggles and challenges. Their behavior has also evolved, becoming more understanding and supportive as I’ve grown older. This mutual understanding has strengthened our relationship.

To build a relationship based on understanding, it’s essential to communicate openly and honestly. Taking the time to listen to each other and share feelings can bridge gaps and foster empathy. By acknowledging each other’s efforts and showing appreciation, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment. This approach not only enhances the parent-child relationship but also builds a foundation of trust and respect that lasts a lifetime.

Rain on the Roof(Poem)

Thinking about the Poem: Rain on the Roof by Coates Kinney

I. Answer the Questions

1. What do the following phrases mean to you? Discuss in class.

(i) Humid Shadows

  • Meaning: The phrase suggests a feeling of heaviness and dampness in the atmosphere. “Humid” describes a lot of moisture in the air, and “shadows” evoke the dark, overcast sky that often accompanies rainy weather.

(ii) Starry Spheres

  • Meaning: This phrase refers to the stars in the night sky. “Starry” describes something covered in stars, and “spheres” implies the round, celestial bodies that we see as stars.

(iii) What a Bliss

  • Meaning: “Bliss” means extreme happiness or joy. The poet expresses how wonderful it feels to be cozy and safe indoors while it rains outside.

(iv) A Thousand Dreamy Fancies into Busy Being Start

  • Meaning: The sound of the rain sparks many imaginative and creative thoughts. “Dreamy fancies” are imaginative ideas or daydreams, and “busy being” means these thoughts become active and lively.

(v) A Thousand Recollections Weave Their Air-Threads into Woof

  • Meaning: This phrase means that the sound of the rain brings back many memories. “Recollections” are memories, and “air-threads into woof” is a metaphor for how memories interlace to create a tapestry of thoughts.

2. What does the poet like to do when it rains?

Ans– The poet enjoys lying in bed, listening to the soft sound of the rain. It brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia, allowing him to reflect on past memories, particularly of his mother.

3. What is the single major memory that comes to the poet? Who are the “darling dreamers” he refers to?

Ans- The poet’s major memory is of his mother watching over him and his siblings as they slept. The “darling dreamers” refer to the poet and his siblings, who were cherished and cared for by their mother during their childhood.

4. Is the poet now a child? Is his mother still alive?

Ans– No, the poet is no longer a child. The poem reflects on his memories as an adult, and his mother is no longer alive, as indicated by the phrase “in years agone,” meaning “a long time ago.”

(II)1. When you were a young child, did your mother tuck you in, as the poet’s did?

Ans– The poet’s nostalgic reflection on his mother tucking him in brings a universal sense of warmth and comfort. When I was a child, my mother, too, would often tuck me in at night, creating a feeling of security and love, much like the poet’s experience. Those moments, filled with care and affection, are cherished memories that remain with us as we grow older.

2. Do you like rain? What do you do when it rains steadily or heavily as described in the poem?

Ans- Rain can evoke a variety of emotions. Some people find it calming, while others might find it gloomy. Personally, I enjoy the sound of steady rain, as it brings a sense of peace and tranquility. When it rains heavily, I like to stay indoors, perhaps with a good book or a warm cup of tea, listening to the rhythmic patter of the raindrops. The sound of rain can be soothing, making it a perfect time to relax and unwind.

3. Does everybody have a cozy bed to lie in when it rains? Look around you and describe how different kinds of people or animals spend time, seek shelter, etc., during rain.

Ans – Unfortunately, not everyone has the comfort of a cozy bed or a warm shelter during the rain. While some of us can enjoy the rain from the safety of our homes, there are many people and animals who must seek shelter wherever they can find it.

Homeless individuals may huddle under bridges, in doorways, or in temporary shelters, trying to stay dry. Animals, too, seek out dry spots—birds might hide in trees or under eaves, while street dogs might curl up in corners or under parked vehicles. The rain can be a challenge for those without proper shelter, highlighting the stark differences in how we experience weather based on our circumstances.