Word Meaning, Summary, Important Questions Of Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus
| Class 10
Hindi Meaning Of Difficult Words | Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus
1 | Curious | eager to know or learn something | जिज्ञासु | inquisitive, interested, analytical. |
2 | Curtly | rudely brief or abrupt | संक्षिप्ततया | crudely, harshly, discourteously. |
3 | Discreet questions | careful questions | चौकस प्रशन | attentive, considerate, noncommittal. |
4 | Glee | happiness and joy | आनंद | pleasure, enjoyment, delight |
5 | A chit of a girl | a small girl | एक छोटी लड़की | damsel, demoiselle, girl |
6 | A slang expression | informal words, often used within a close group | दुर्वचन | argot, jargon, lingo. |
7 | Absolutely | compulsive | निश्चित रूप से | definitely, Certainty, daubtless |
8 | Annoyed | angry | नाराज | disgruntled, indisposed, shirty |
9 | Betel | a chewing leaf | पान | drinkables, potation, draught |
10 | Blind | a partition | अंधा | visually impaired, unsighted, sightless |
11 | Bump | strike | चोट मारना | collision, crash, smash |
12 | Calculated | make a count | परिकलित | deliberate, premeditated, planned |
13 | Canvas | a coarse fabric | चित्रफलक | scrim, sailcloth, tarpaulin |
14 | Chatterbox | talkative | गप्पी | telltale, peddler, blab |
15 | Chewing | munching | चबाना | masticate, champ |
16 | Chimed in | spoke sweetly | सुर में सुर मिलाया | chip in, cut in, interpose |
17 | Clapped | beat | पटपटाना | bang, thump, cuff |
18 | Concerned | worried | चिंतित | anxious, uneasy, careful |
19 | Crawl | move slowly | मंदगति | drag, trail, slink |
20 | Dampening | making less | निस्र्त्साह करना | dishearten, daunt |
21 | Devoured | read quickly and eagerly (here) | धुन के साथ पढ़ना | gulp, bolt, cram down |
22 | Disapproval | refusal | अस्वीकार | spurn, Denegation, non acceptance |
23 | Displays | shows | प्रदर्शन | demonstration, release, presentation |
24 | Dith | pothole | दित | gutter, moat, trench |
25 | Drivel | silly nonsense | बेहूदा बात | poppycock, inanition, fatuity |
26 | Dumb | silent | गूंगा | mute, speechless, voiceless |
27 | Elaborate | detailed | विस्तृत | extensive, elaborate, comprehensive |
28 | Enthusiasm | courage | उत्सुकता | ardour, fervour, warmth |
29 | Excitement | ecstasy | उत्साह | stimulation, excitation, provocation |
30 | Excursions | picnics | पर्यटन | tourism, ramble, excursion |
31 | Fascinating | attractive | चित्त आकर्षण करनेवाला | delightful, Winsome, Elegant |
32 | Firmly | strongly | मजबूती से | sturdily, rootedly, serviceably |
33 | Frightened | fearful | डरा हुआ | afraid, scared, apprehensive |
34 | Galloped | ran | सरपट दौड़ा | race, canter, rush |
35 | Gap | difference | अंतराल | aperture, space, breach |
36 | Gaped | looked with wonder | ताकना | pore, scrutinize, see into |
37 | Glance | look | झलक | peep, flash, scintilla |
38 | Gleaming | shining | चमचमाता हुआ | shine, catch the light, glow |
39 | Glued | fixed | चिपके हुए | stick, paste, affix |
40 | Gobbling up | to swallow or eat hastily | भकोसना | scan, skim, speed-read |
41 | Gradually | slowly | आहिस्ता आहिस्ता | under one's breath, doggo, quietly |
42 | Hamlet | villlage | छोटा गांव | townlet, whistle-stop. |
43 | Haughtily | proudly | ग़रूर से | indifferent, snobbish, snooty. |
44 | Haunted | returned repeatedly to her mind; was impossible to forget | प्रेतवाधित | possessed, cursed, jinxed |
45 | Highway | main road | बड़ी सड़क | highroad, high street |
46 | Honked | sounded | भोंपू बजाना | beep, blare, blast. |
47 | Horrible | fearful | भयानक | Dangerous, dismal, dolfulness |
48 | Induction | entry | आगमन | inauguration, entrance, inaugural. |
49 | Irritably | with imitation | चिड़चिड़ापन | peevishly, pettishly |
50 | Jolly sort | happy | जॉली सॉर्ट | buoyant, carefree, cheerful |
51 | Kindle | set alight (fire), here, feelings | प्रज्वलित करना | Ignite, inflame, arson |
52 | Landscape | land scene | परिदृश्य | scenery, countryside, topography |
53 | Lobes | outer part of the ear | भाग | portion, section, piece |
54 | Longing | strong desires | तीव्र इच्छा | pining, craving, eagerness |
55 | Luxurious | comfortable | सुखभोगी | opulent, sumptuous, affluent |
56 | Merchandise | things for sale | बिक्री के लिए चीजें | traded goods, undersell, deal |
57 | Mimicking | copying | नकल करना | imitate, monkey, mock |
58 | Mystery | secret | रहस्य | enigma, arcanum, hugger-mugger |
59 | Nap | short sleep | झपकी | blink, doze, slumber |
60 | Nodded | shook head | सिर हिलाया | incline, dip, wag |
61 | Obstacles | hindrance | बाधाएं | barrier, hurdle, stumbling block |
62 | Overwhelming | strong | भारी | profuse, enormous, immense |
63 | Painstaking | painful | श्रमसाध्य | careful, meticulous, thorough |
64 | Pedestrain crossing | foothpath | पैदल पार पथ | zebra crossing, crossover |
65 | Peered over | looked over | पर काबू किया हुआ | squint, peep, pry |
66 | Pokes her nose | takes an interest in something that doesn’t concern her | उसकी नाक में दम कर दिया | gape, search, snoop. |
67 | Punched | made holes | छेद करना | hole, drill, dig through |
68 | Railroad crossing | an intersection where a railway line crosses a road or path | रेलमार्ग पारगमन | roundabout, crosswalk, road junction |
69 | Rattle | rattling sound | खड़खड़ाहट | clatter, bang, clang |
70 | Repulsive | hateful | घृणोत्पादक | revolting, disgusting, abhorrent |
71 | Resolutely stifled | suppressed/ controlled with determination | पूरी तरह से अस्तव्यस्त | assiduously, determinedly, diligently, |
72 | Roar | loud sound | चीख | squeak, howl, roarer |
73 | Scarcely | hastily | बिखरा हुआ | barely, only just, almost not |
74 | Shrugged | pulled shoulders back | घसीटना | scribble, drag, move up |
75 | Slack time | a time when there is not much work | निर्बल समय | baggy, easy, flaccid |
76 | Slip out | go out secretly | बाहर निकलना | bolt, decamp, disappear. |
77 | Sociable | amiable | मिलनसार | accommodating, communicative, affable |
78 | Speck | small sign | सूक्ष्म बिंदु | pinprick, spot, fleck |
79 | Spill over | fall | अधिप्लावन प्रभाव | deluge, Drain, inundate. |
80 | Spreadeagled | spread out | फैला हुआ | upright, knee-deep, prostrate. |
81 | Stare | look fixedly | एकटक देखना | gaze, gawk, glare |
82 | Startled | surprised | चौंकना | be amazed, give a start, tremble |
83 | Stretched | spread | तनी हुई | extend, straighten, unbend |
84 | Stripes | parallel lines | धारियाँ | line, strip, belt |
85 | Temptation | attraction | प्रलोभन | bait, seduction, inducement |
86 | Throughfare | a busy public road | मार्ग | way, door-way, communication |
87 | Thriftily | spend money carefully | किफ़ायत से | provident, prudent, canny |
88 | Tiny | small | छोटा है | pocket, fun-size, petite |
89 | Traversed | crossed, travelled | पार करना | pass, swim across, vert |
90 | Treat | offering service | उपचार करें | remedy, occupational therapy, recourse |
91 | Tremendous | great, high | अतिबृहत | huge, enormous, immense |
92 | Ugly | dirty | कुरूप | misshapen, featureless, ungainly |
93 | Various | many | विभिन्न | different, diverse, several |
94 | Ventured out | went cautiously, courageously | बाहर निकलना | adventure, risk, post |
95 | Windshield | windscreen | विंडशील्ड | windscreen, window, glass. |
96 | Wistfully | longingly | जोर से | contemplative, dreamy, forlorn. |
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About The Poet | Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus
INTRODUCTION
This is a sensitive story of an eight year old girl’s first bus journey into the world outside her village. The girl Valli, at a very tender age, tries to understand the mystery of life and death. The outside world for Valli is charming and fascinating but mysterious. She longs to experience it by herself. The talks of the village people about the town added fuel to the fire. She decides to go to the town all by herself without anybody’s support. She asked the bus conductor to take her to the town. She herself paid her fare. She wanted to devour everything with her eyes. She saw the canal, palm tree, grass land, distant mountain and the blue sky. She also saw great stretch of green field as far as the eye could see. She was overjoyed when she saw a cow running with her raised tail on the road ahead of the bus. While returning she noticed that the body of the same cow was crushed and bled. She was moved from within. Perhaps she was trying to understand the meaning of life and death in her own terms. She returned home in time. None of the family members could know about her adventurous journey.
Short Summary Of Chapter 9 Madam Rides the Bus
In English
SUMMARY
In this story which is translated from Tamil by K.S. Sundaram, the author tries to present a world as seen from a child’s perspective. The main character of this story is an eight year old girl who lives near a bus stop in a village. For major part of the day, she enjoys standing at her doorway, watching frenetic activities at the bus stop. Valli develops a desire to enjoy a ride on the bus but she needs to plan meticulously to realize her dream. She has to curtail her expenses so that she can save enough money for two-way fair. She also has to make the journey during the time when her mother takes afternoon nap. While on her journey, Valli does not want anybody’s help and wants to feel independent. She enjoys every bit of her journey to the town. But she is careful enough not to get off the bus in the unknown environs of the town. On her return journey, a sad accident spoils her mood and she just keeps to herself throughout the journey. She does not seem to be satisfied with one ride and wishes to make another attempt in future. She is also quite mischievous when she is sure that her mother did not know about her journey.
TITLE JUSTIFICATION
TITLE JUSTIFICATION
The title draws attention to how the bus conductor refers to the eight year old Valli during the bus ride. He calls her ‘Madam’ in mock respect. The girl Valli, at a very tender age, tries to understand the mystery of life and death. The outside world for Valli is charming and fascinating but mysterious. She longs to experience it by herself. The talks of the village people about the town added fuel to the
fire. She decides to go to the town all by herself without anybody’s support. She asked the bus conductor to take her to the town. She herself paid her fare. She wanted to be recognized as an adult who could take her own decisions. That is why she disliked the patronizing and mocking tone in which the conductor and the passengers talked to her. Sensing this, she became assertive and told them all that she could manage herself alone. Thus the title suitably brings out the core of the character of Valli who decides to ride a bus.
THEME
THEME
Through this translation the author explores the wish of a poor, village girl to ride a bus to town and experience the thrill of it. Valli wanted to explore the outside world which for Valli is charming and fascinating but also mysterious. She longs to experience it by herself. The talks of the village people about the town added fuel to the fire. She decides to go to the town all by herself without anybody’s support. She asked the bus conductor to take her to the town. She herself paid her fare. She wanted to devour everything with her eyes. She saw the canal, palm tree, grass land, distant mountain and the blue sky. Another theme that the author delves into, is a child’s response to death. During the bus ride Valli was overjoyed when she saw a cow running with her raised tail on the road ahead of the bus. While returning she noticed that the body of the same cow was crushed and bled. She was moved from within. The writer seems to suggest that the world has both aspects that can make us sad or happy. One has to come to terms with death also.
MESSAGE
MESSAGE
The message that the author conveys is that the world has both aspects that can make us sad or happy. One has to come to terms with death. During the bus ride Valli was overjoyed when she saw a cow running with her raised tail on the road ahead of the bus. While returning she noticed that the body of the same cow was crushed and bled. She was moved from within. The writer seems to suggest that the world does not promise us only happiness. Man has to learn and understand the nature of death too as it is an inseparable part of life.
CHARACTER SKETCH
CHARACTER SKETCH
- Valli
Eight year old Valli was a determined, confident and brave village girl. She was also a good planner and executioner. She sacrificed a lot of things to achieve her dream of riding a bus. For example, she curbed the temptation to buy sweets and riding on the merry-go round in the fair so that she could save money for the bus ride. Sacrificing all these things at such a tender age is very difficult for a child. She also behaved confidently in the bus and was not cowed down by the jokes of adults. She is assertive and knows her own mind.
When the bus reached the town, Valli did not succumb to the temptation of going out to explore the town or having a drink. She did this as she had a limited amount of money which she wanted to save for her return journey. So. Valli used her money wisely. When the conductor offered her a drink, she showed good manners in refusing to have it.
- Conductor
The conductor was a jolly kind fellow. On the bus journey to the town, the conductor tries to make fun of Valli because she behaves like an adult. Many a time, we see small children trying to behave like adult and many of us enjoy this sight. Valli acted confidently and behaved maturely. She did not consider herself to be any less than an adult. Her cold and cute responses to the conductor’s mocking questions show that she was assertive and believed in herself. He is amused by her confidence beyond her age. He kindly suggested her to explore the town. He also offered to buy her a drink since she had no money. Her assertive manner appeared amusing to the conductor so he mockingly called her ‘madam’ throughout the bus ride.
GLOSSARY
Wistfully-longingly;
Kindle-inspire;
Discreet- considerable;
Devour- cat greedily:
Startled- shocked:
Repulsive- revolting;
Curtly-showing displeasure
Thriftily- economically;
Merchandise- goods for sale,
Traverse- pass across;
Gobbling-eat quickly and greedily;
Spread eagled-spread out.
TYPE I: REFERENCE TO CONTEXT (VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS)
TYPE I: REFERENCE TO CONTEXT (VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS)
Read the extracts and answer the following questions:
- Day after day she watched the bus, and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there:
Questions
(i) Who is referred to as ‘she’?
(ii) Why did she watch the bus?
(iii) Where did the bus go everyday?
(iv) What is the tiny wish’ that grew in her?
Answers
(i) ‘She’ refers to Valliammai/Valli.
(ii) She watched the bus as she was fascinated by it.
(iii) The bus passed in front of her house and travelled to town and back.
(iv) The tiny wish that grew in her is to take a ride in the bus she watched fascinatingly every day.
- If one of her friends happened to ride the bus and tried to describe the sights of the town to her, Valli would be too jealous to listen and would shout, in English “proud! proud!”
Questions
(i) When would Valli be jealous?
(ii) How would she respond to her friend’s account of bus ride?
(iii) What did she really wish for?
(iv) Why would she not listen to her friend?
Answers
(i) She would be jealous when her friend narrated her bus ride to Valli.
(ii) She would say that he friend was being proud.
(iii) She wished to take a bus ride herself.
(iv) She would not listen to her friend as she was deprived of a bus ride which she wanted so much
- if she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise she could return home on the same bus. This meant that she could take the one-o’clock afternoon bus reach the town at one forty-five, and be back home by about two forty-five.
Questions
(i) Who is referred to as she’?
(ii) What is Valli thinking about?
(iii) what plan does she make?
(iv) How much was the one way fare?
Answers
(i) She refers to Vlliammai-Valli.
(ii) Vall is planning to take a bus ride.
(iii) She was planning that she could take the one o’clock afternoon bus, reach the town at one forty-five, and be back home by about two forty-five.
(iv) The one way fare was thirty paise.
- The conductor punched a ticket and handed it to her Just sit back and make yourself comfortable. Why should you stand when you’ve paid for a seat?” Because want to,” she answered, standing up again.
Questions
(i) Where is Valli?
(ii) What did the conductor do?
(iii) What advise did the conductor give Valli?
(iv) What retort did she give to the conductor’s advice?
Answers
(i) Valli is in a bus that is going to the town.
(ii) The conductor gave her a ticket.
(iii) The conductor advised her to take a seat and be comfortable.
(iv) To the conductor’s advice, she retorted that she was standing because she wanted to.
- But the more he honked, the more frightened the animal became and the faster it galloped – always right in front of the bus.
Questions
(i) Who is referred to as ” he”?
(ii) Which animal is being talked about here?
(iii) Where was the animal?
(iv) ln what state was the animal?
Answers
(i) The driver of the bus is referred to as he?
(ii) The animal being talked about here is a cow?
(iii) The animal was galloping right in front of the bus.
(iv) The animal was frightened.
- Greatly amused by the girl’s way of speaking, the conductor said, “But you weren’t afraid to come in the bus “Nothing to be afraid of about that she answered.
Questions
(i) Who is the girl?
(ii) Where is Valli?
(iii) What amused the conductor.
(iv) What has Val just said?
Answers
(i) The girl is Valli.
(ii) Valli is in the bus which is going to town.
(iii) Valli’s manner of speaking amend the conductor.
(iv) Valli just said that she was afraid of seeing the sights of the town alone.
- Won’t your mother be looking for you? the conductor ” asked when he gave the girl her ticket. No, no one will be looking for me she said
Questions
(i) Where is Valli?
(ii) Why did the conductor mention her mother?
(iii) What did the she reply to the conductor’s query?
(iv) What is the tone of her answer?
Answers
(i) Vallt is in the bus.
(ii) He mentioned the mother as he saw the girl travelling alone.
(iii) She said that no one would be looking for her.
(iv) The tone of her reply is cute and sharp.
- The bus moved on. The memory of the dead cow haunted her, dampening her enthusiasm. She no longer wanted to look out the window
Questions
(i) Who is her bere?
(ii) Where is the bus going?
(iii) What haunted the girl?
(iv) Why did she no longer want to look out of the window?
Answers
(i) ‘Her refers to Valli.
(ii) The bus is going to the town.
(iii) The memory of the dead cow haunted her.
(iv) She no longer wanted to look out of the window as her sprints were dampened by the haunting memory of a dead cow.
- “Yes, you’re right her mother said. “So many things in our midst and in the world outside. How can we possibly know about everything? And even when we do know about something we often can’t understand it completely, can we?
Questions
(i) Who is the mother talking to?
(ii) What observation does the mother make?
(iii) Who is hearing this conversation?
(iv) Whose mother is she?
Answers
(i) The mother is talking to one of the aunts.
(ii) The mother observes that there are so many things happening around and one can’t possibly know about them all.
(iii) Valli is hearing this conversation.
(iv) She is Valli’s mother.
- Valli smiled to herself. She didn’t want them to understand her smile. But, then, there wasn’t much chance of that, was there?
Questions
(i) Why is Valli smiling to herself?
(ii) Why did she not want them to understand her smile?
(iii) What chance is she talking about?
(iv) What kind of a person does she appear to be?
Answers
(i) Valli is smiling to herself as mother has unknowingly remarked that there are so many things happening around that one cant know about all of them.
(ii) She did not want them to understand her smile as unknown to her mother, Valli has just returned from a bus ride to town.
(iii) She is talking about the chance that her mother will ever come to know that valli had taken the bus to town all alone.
(iv) She appears to be a clever and mischievous person.
TYPE II: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (30-40 WORDS EACH)
Answer the following questions:
- What was Valli’s favorite pastime?
Ans. As Valli had no playmate of her age, so her favorite pastime was to stand in her doorway and watch the street. The street outside used to be full of activities which were enough to keep her amused and engaged. They were a source of continuous entertainment to her.
- What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
Ans. The bus was a source of unending joy for Valli. The bus used to bring a new set of passengers every-time it came from the town. The diversity of people, the activities were a treat to watch for Valli. Her strongest desire was to take a ride in the bus at least once
- What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
Ans. Valli tried to listen to her neighbors to get the desired information about the bus journey. She would ask some discrete questions to get more information She got the information about distance of the town from her village which was forty five miles and the total journey time it usually took.
- What do you think Valli was planning to do?
Ans. The bus that Valli watched everyday, was a source of unending joy for her. The bus used to bring a new set of passengers every-time it came from the town The diversity of people, and their activities were a treat to watch for Valli. Her strongest desire was to take a ride in the bus at least once. She was planning to take a bus ride.
- Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
Ans. Valli is trying to behave in a more mature manner than her age. She is trying to look overconfident and smart. The conductor is amused at her assertive behavior and in an effort to tease and mock at her. calls her ‘madam’.
- Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
Ans. Valli’s view was obstructed because of a canvas blind on the window and because of her small height as well she was unable to have a good view outside. She stood up on her seat to have a better view of the scenery outside. She could see a canal with palm trees, grasslands, distant mountains and blue sky as backdrop. On the other side there was a ditch followed by vast tract of greenery.
- What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
Ans. Valli doesn’t like to be called a child. She thinks that she is grown up. She says that she had paid her full fair the way adults do. This is typical behavior shown by many kids of Valli’s age.
- Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
Ans. The elderly woman had big ear lobes with even bigger holes. She was chewing betel nut and the
betel juice was about to seep out of her mouth. She appears quite unrefined and sloppy to Valli. That is why Valli did not like her sitting beside her.
- How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
Ans. Valli saved every coin that came her way. She made great sacrifices by controlling her normal childish urges of having candies, toys and joyrides. This must have been difficult for her. Kids find it very difficult to save a candy or to enjoy a toy.
- What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
Ans. When valli was riding to the town she saw a scared cow running for her life in the middle of the road. It was jumping with its tail up. The more incessantly bus driver honked the more furious its scamper became Valli could not control her laughter on seeing this hilarious sight.
- Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
Ans. Valli did not know anything about the town so she was afraid of getting lost. Moreover, her meticulous savings plan allowed her enough money to buy only tickets for her journey. Additionally, she had to return before her mother could find her missing.
- Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
Ans. Valli did not want to take an obligation from the conductor. This indicates that she has self-respect and is taught not to take anything from strangers. She may be a small child but she knows how to behave properly in the outside world.
- What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
Ans. Valli’s deepest desire was to enjoy a ride on the bus. Terms like overwhelming desire’, ‘wistfully’, etc. show that Valli was desperate to ride the bus which she saw going to the town and coming back to the village everyday.
- How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find village everyday. out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
Ans. Valli had to plan on two aspects. The first aspect was saving enough money to arrange for two-way fair The second aspect was to give a slip to her mother because a child of her age would not be allowed to go all alone. She came to know about the distance of the town and total time of journey. She also gathered information about the fair.
- Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?
Ans. The conductor is just trying to make fun of Valli because she is trying to behave like an adult. Many a time, we see small children trying to behave like adult and many of us enjoy this sight. Her assertive manner appeared amusing to the conductor so he jokingly called her “madam”.
- Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus.
Ans. Valli thoroughly enjoyed her ride. The way she was engrossed in the scenery outside the window shows that she was enjoying every moment of her ride. The most funny incident was of the cow running ahead of the bus. She also enjoyed the luxurious interiors of the bus.
- Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
Ans. On her way back, Valli witnessed a horrific incidence. The cow which was playful during the onward journey had died in an accident. Valli felt very sad at the plight of the cow. All her enthusiasm waned. Due to this, she did not like looking out of the window on her way back.
- What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge.”
Ans. While making this statement, Valli was trying to hide the fact about her bus ride. She was also feeling elated at making a successful attempt at her plan without being found out even by her mother.
- The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement?
Ans. There are many incidents in the story which show the world from an eight-year-old’s perspective. For example, for an adult the fair of the bus may be peanuts but for a small child it can be a fortune. Similarly, the way a child can enjoy as simple a thing as a six mile bus ride, can never be understood by most of the adults.
- How did Valli feel on seeing the dead cow on the road?
Ans. On seeing the dead cow on the road Valli was filled with sadness. She thought what had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little while ago when she was riding towards the town, had now suddenly lost its charm and its life and looked so horrible and frightening.
- How did Valli save money to travel by bus?
Ans. Valli had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her way. She resisted every temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons and ride on the merry go-round at the village fair to save money for her bus journey.
TYPE III: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (100-120 WORDS EACH)
Answer the following questions:
- In such a fast moving world when we hear so many incidents happening with people, do you think Valli did right by not telling her mother about the bus journey?
Ans. No. I don’t think that Valli did the right thing in travelling alone to the town without informing her mother. By doing this, she put herself in a vulnerable position as she could have easily been a victim of child abuse had she come in contact with wrong people. In fact, she was lucky to return home safely. Children should always travel along with their parents or elders as they are easy targets of criminals as they are innocent and unworldly. We hear a lot of instances of crime committed against children these days like kidnapping, child abuse, molestation, rape etc. Valli could have expressed her desire of travelling in the bus to her mother. She should not have taken such a big risk.
- Valli in the lesson ‘ Madam Rides The Bus’ learns a lot from others. Mention the traits of her character which help her to learn from her surroundings.
Ans. Valli dreamt of riding on the bus. Her eagerness to fulfil her dream fired her curiosity. This curiousness led her to listen to the conversations of people going on the bus ride and asking discreet questions so that she could gather as much information as she can regarding the bus journey.
On the bus journey, Valli acted confidently and behaved maturely. She did not consider herself to be any less than an adult. She was focused on fulfilling her dream and did not get tempted to go outside the bus and explore the town when the bus reached the town.
On the return journey, she learnt about death when she came to terms with the dead cow. This made her aware of the fact that death is a part of life and should be accepted as it is a natural phenomenon.
Thus, the bus journey made her learn a lot of things.
- Age is not a barrier when it comes to doing something different and great. Which characteristics of Valli help her achieve the wonder of visiting the town at such a tender age?
Ans. Age is certainly not a barrier for those who willing to try new things. Children are doing wonders at a very young age. Same is true of Valli, an eight year old girl. At an age of 8 years, Valli was able to pursue her dream all alone by travelling in the bus to town. She was no different from others, except that she had certain characteristics that made her fulfil her dreams. Valli was a very confident and an assertive girl. She had the ability of proper planning and execution. She controlled her wishes to save money for the bus ride. Also, she was a very good observer and learner. All these qualities made her realize the dream of visiting the town. Hence, one should always remember that there is no age to learn and experience new things.
- What kind of person is Valli? Illustrate your answer from the text that you have read.
Ans. Valli was a determined, confident and brave She was also a good planner and executioner. She sacrificed a lot of things to achieve her dream. For example, she curbed the temptation to buy sweets and riding on the merry-go-round in the fair so that she could save money for the bus ride. Sacrificing all these things at such a tender age is very difficult for a child. She also behaved confidently in the bus and did not get bobbed down in the presence of elders. When the bus reached the town, Valli did not succumb to the temptation of going out to explore the town or having a drink. She did this as she had a limited amount of money which she wanted to save for her return journey. So, Valli used her money wisely When the conductor offered her a drink, she showed good manners and great sense of self-respect and refused his kind offer.
- Valli is not only adventurous but intelligent and self respecting too. Comment.?
Ans. Valli was not only adventurous but self respecting too. She was also a good planner and executioner. She sacrificed a lot of things to achieve her dream. For example, she curbed the temptation to buy sweets and riding on the merry-go-round in the fair so that she could save money for the bus ride. Sacrificing all these things at such a tender age is very difficult for a child. She also behaved confidently in the bus and did not get bobbed down in the presence elders.
When the bus reached the town, Valli did not succumb to the temptation of going out to explore the town or having a drink. She did this as she had a limited amount of money which she wanted to save for her return journey. So, Valli used her money wisely. When the conductor offered her a drink, she showed good manners and great sense of self-respect and refused his kind offer. Her intelligence is obvious at various times in the story but especially in the end when she cleverly refrains from telling her mother of her adventure when her mother was asleep.
- Have you ever planned something entirely on. your own, without taking grown ups into your confidence? What did you plan and how? Did you carry out your plan?
Ans. It was during my summer vacations. I wanted to plan a special birthday for my mother. So, I roped in my younger sister in my plan to celebrate her birthday. We saved our pocket money and didn’t go for our weekly outings for some time. In this way, we were able to save five hundred rupees for the birthday party. Now, we had to arrange everything without our mother’s knowledge. On her birthday we pretended as if we didn’t remember her birthday at all. Instead we requested our father to take her to the market. In the meantime, we arranged everything like cake, decorations, flowers and even invited two of her best friends. When she came back she was surprised. It was the best birthday she ever had in her life.
- Have you made a journey that was unforgettable in some way? What made it memorable?
Ans. I have gone on many trips and excursions, but one journey which I can’t forget is my trip to the breathtakingly beautiful Valley of flowers and Badrinath. The scenery there was mesmerizing and as you leave Delhi, you enjoy cool fresh air and see breath taking lush green fields. The bus ride takes you on winding narrow roads, with river flowing on one side and mountains on the other side. Valley of flowers is full of wildflowers that cover the green meadows. The air is full of the scent of the colorful flowers. Then we went to Badrinath. Everywhere there are crowds of devotees, chanting holy names and moving up the hill. When I reached the shrine, it was enveloped in clouds. It is a very holy place for the Hindus. It was very cold there but the peace and calm of the place was vey restful. I still remember that wonderful trip.
- Are you concerned about traffic and road safety? What are you concerns? How would you make road travel safer and more enjoyable?
Ans. India has a wide network of roads. Everyday crores of Indians travel on these road by bus, car, cycle, cycle rickshaw, scooter, moped, truck, etc. Even pedestrians use these roads. As people don’t follow road safety rules, every year many people lose their lives due to fatal road accidents. It is also seen that 90 per cent of these fatal accidents involve youngsters who like to drive at very high speed, don’t wear helmets and seat belt, talk on mobiles while driving or love to do stunts inspired by movies. Despite many directions issued by the traffic police all their advice falls on deaf ears. It is our duty to follow all the rules and regulations and to keep safety measures in our mind while driving. Safe driving is best driving and the rules have been framed keeping our security in mind:
- Valli was mature and assertive beyond her age. Discuss
Ans. Valli was mature and assertive beyond her age. Valli dreamt of riding on the bus. Her eagerness to fulfill her dream fired her curiosity. This curiosity led her to listen to the conversations of people going on the bus ride and asking discreet questions so that she could gather as much information as she can regarding the bus journey. This shows that she is quite mature beyond her age.
On the bus journey, Valli acted confidently and behaved maturely. She did not consider herself to be any less than an adult. Her cold and curt responses to the conductor show that she was assertive and believed in herself. She refused all the help he offered her. Her maturity is also evident in the fact that she had enough restraint to save all her money for the bus ride and not give in to childish temptation. She knew her limits and did not venture out of the bus but spent her money to return home on time. She was focused on fulfilling her dream and did not get tempted to go outside the bus and explore the town when the bus reached the town.
- Describe the conductor’s behavior towards Valli.
Ans. On the bus journey to the town, the conductor is just trying to make fun of Valli because she is trying to behave like an adult. Many a time, we see small children trying to behave like adult and many of us enjoy this sight. Valli acted confidently and behaved maturely. She did not consider herself to be any less than an adult. Her cold and curt responses to the conductor’s mocking questions show that she was
assertive and believed in herself. He is amused by her confidence beyond her age. He kindly suggested her to explore the town. He also offered to buy her a drink since she had no money. Her assertive manner appeared amusing to the conductor, so he mockingly called her ‘madam’ throughout the bus ride.
- Comment on the irony in Valli’s response to the mother at the end of the story.
Ans. Valli took a bus ride in the afternoon during the time when her mother was asleep. She successfully returns home and finds that her mother is in conversation with one of her aunts. Her mother remarks, “So many things in our midst and in the world outside. How can we possibly know about something?” When Valli hears this she thinks smilingly that how true the statement was to her as her mother had no clue about Valli’s little adventure. Valli cleverly remarks “I was agreeing with you what you said about things happening without our knowledge”. While making this statement, Valli was trying to hide the fact about her bus ride. She was also feeling mentally elated and thrilled at having made a successful attempt at her plan without being found out even by her mother.
QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
- Why did the conductor wanted Valli to sit?
- What did Valli think of the elderly woman?
- What questions did the old woman ask Valli?
- How did Valli manage to travel by bus without the knowledge of her mother?
- What did Valli see when she reached home?