English

Cutie Pie

Extra and answers :-

Question (1):	How did the people react to see Cutie-Pie shown on T.V sets?
Answer: The people were very fascinated by the extraordinary appearance of this extra terrestrial creature. They called him "Cute" because of his admirable rainbow-like coloured feathers. They wanted to cuddle him, touch him, hold him.
Question (2):	Describe Cutie - Pie's appearance.
Answer: Cutie-Pie had a curved, cosy, rounded body. He had dark, liquid eyes. He had a gentle smiling mouth and bushy little hands, complete with thumbs. What was fascinating about him was his iridescent feathers down on his belly with radiant shimmering patterns.
Question (3):	How did Cutie Pie affect the commercial side of public life?
Answer: Cutie Pie became an instant celebrity. Commercial mileage was taken by his presence. Cutie Pie dolls were made to be sold. Colouring books, Tee-shirts, fan clubs, cereal cartons, cartoon serials, anything and everything had Cutie Pie represented on it.
Question (4):	What kind of a special place was created by the scientists to keep Ch-tsal?
Answer: Since Ch-tsal was an alien, he was kept in an air-tight sealed glass prison - a kind of scientific tomb with 180oF temperature, 98 percent humidity and an atmosphere of hydrogen, oxygen and careful proportions of a dozen exotic gases.
Question (5):	How did Ch-tsal get captured? Where was he captured from?
Answer: Ch-tsal was captured from the planet Quta-Pie, another planet. He merely chanced to be there, as he had gone to get initiated there. He went there as a boy, hoping to return, to his own planet as a man after having faced difficulties and dangers in strange places. Quta pie was a strange and hostile planet from where he was captured. Quentar was a spaceship which had gone to explore Quta-Pie. The spaceship was scooping samples of soil, rock and shale from Quta-Pie, when doing so, it accidentally scooped Ch-tsal who happened to be there and thus he was brought to earth.
Question (6):	Why couldnt Ch-tsal establish any kind of contact with his captors?
Answer: Ch-tsal couldnt establish any contact with his captors because he couldnt talk to them. He had no vocal chords and his race did not speak. He could only look past the goggle glasses into the eyes of his captors begging them to understand him. But they could not.
Question (7):	Why did Ch-tsal try so hard to grow his feathers and whiskers?
Answer: Ch-tsal groomed his feathers and whiskers because they were filters, temperature controllers, respirators and much more. His whiskers, were receivers, antennae, language-carriers, voice and his life-line. Through them alone, he could establish contact with his people.
Question (8):	How did Ch-tsal sustain himself though he underwent great physical miseries on earth?
Answer: Ch-tsal fought his miseries with courage. His five stomachs and numerous organic filters, allowed him to stomach the food and atmosphere supplied to him. He forced his mind and hands to entertain him. He slept most of the time and dreamed of his home.
Question (9):	What appalling reality did Ch-tsal wake up to on the nineteenth day, Earth time?
Answer: On the nineteenth day of his captivity, Ch-tsal saw that his jewelled feathers from his back and sides had fallen out in the night. These were his communication channels, respirators, temperature controllers, receive, antennae - his entire lifeline so to say. He now looked naked and hideous.
Question (10):	What important feature did Ch-tsal have which his mother also possessed?
Answer: Like his mother, Ch-tsal could also will his own individual, self-expressive loveliness. The beauty, the shape, the pattern and colour of his feathers could be created by will by him. To him, his feathers were what clothes were to humans.
Question (11):	How was Ch-tsal treated by people after his change?
Answer: After Ch-tsal's feathers and whiskers were shed, he looked naked and hideous and monster-like. Everyone pitied him. Then pity turned to disgust and soon everyone began to change to other channels on T.V. inorder to forget him. The birth of a panda, the Olympic games, a new girl singer with an exotic dress became their points of attraction. Cutie-Pie was soon forgotten.
Question (12):	What kind of a life did Ch-tsal live in the glass prison?
Answer: Ch-tsal looked hideous and was near to death. He had no feathers and whiskers. Without them he couldn't communicate. The glass walls prevented him from sending or receiving messages. He was completely powerless.
Question (13):	"Cutie Pie were words they flinched from". Who does "they" refer to? Why did they flich at the mention of these words?
Answer: "They" here refers to the scientists - jailors of Cutie Pie. They saw that Cutie-Pie had shed his feathers and whiskers. Besides, he looked hideous and was near to death. His sickness accused them of their incompetence. His survival was a challenge to their expertise.
Question (14):	How did Ch-tsal manage to escape from his glass prison?
Answer: One day, the scientists - jailors entered the glass prison to examine his food. They hastened from the prison to avoid the strange gases seeping into their masks. One of them pressed the button that closed the glass wall. The food bowl jammed the door, leaving a gap. Ch-tsal managed to escape through this gap.
Question (15):	How did Ch-tsal adjust to the outside atmosphere after his escape from the glass prison?
Answer: Ch-tsal found that he could breathe in the air. The temperature was pleasant. There was even a sun to warm his naked, decaying body and tingle his naked skin. He felt great ecstasy in the rain. He felt he was efficient in everything. He explored the facts and things of the earth around him and found them easy to handle.
Question (16):	Though Cutie-Pie escaped from the glass prison, he was not able to return to his planet immediately? Why?
Answer: Cutie-Pie was not able to return to his planet immediately because he had not grown his feathers and whiskers which had fallen. These were his life line, a kind of receivers antennae, machinery to take him off, or to establish a contact with his own people.
Question (17):	How did Ch-tsal find the infant Christopher Mary Winters?
Answer: Ch-tsal was very lonely, he wanted some company. He found Winters - a baby of six weeks and 3 days lying on a rug in the garden, warming in the sun. Winters was the same size as Ch-tsal and naked like him. He didnt have to feel ashamed of his own nakedness in Winter's company. The baby looked very happy as it kicked its legs about and drooled. Later, Ch-tsal realized that Winters was an ungrown specimen of the senior species of Earth.
Question (18):	How did Ch-tsal recognize "the big creature" to be the mother of baby Winters?
Answer: Ch-tsal after getting soaked in the rain, had started growing his feathers and whiskers which were his lifeline. He could now pick up the strong, thick waves of loving emotion that flowed between mother and baby. He recognized them and remembered them from his own childhood.
Question (19):	What did Cutie Pie learn from his interaction with Winters?
Answer: Cutie Pie learned what it was like for a human to plunge through a great wave, to hunt down animals in dark forests, to shoot an arrow and to know how it would hit its mark. He also learned of the glories of the battle, the terrors of defeat, the cold wickedness of snakes etc.
Question (20):	What information did Ch-tsal give Winters, lying down besides him?
Answer: Ch-tsal told Winters of the building of Crystal cities, of creatures in Caves, of the pioneer ships that opened up the galaxy, of the Venus invaders and how they were repulsed. He also told him of the five ways of knowing God, of the taste of a certain food that grew only when his planet's three moons were full.
Question (21):	What was the effect of Ch-tsal's friendly talks on Winters?
Answer: Winters was happier than ever with the friendly talks between him and Ch-tsal. He gurgled, bubbled, and chuckled. He laughed loudly and tugged at his mothers hair. He was a happy, contented baby with hair curling day by day.
Question (22):	What happened to Ch-tsal after he heard his mother one day?
Answer: One particular night, Ch-tsal heard his mother faintly and brokenly. He got so excited and ecstatic that he almost went mad. In the dewy moonlight of the woods, he became a firework, a bombshell, spinning, zooming and bouncing off tree trunks. He somersaulted, flashed and was filled with sheer joy and excitement.
Question (23):	What became of Cutie Pie after he established contact with his own planet? What is the proof of it?
Answer: Cutie Pie, heard his mother call out to him. He was wild with joy. One fine day, a spaceship landed in Hertz village and took off with Cutie Pie aboard. It became a real sensation. The landing of the spaceship was seen physically in the burnt grass in the roped-off area - a patch of burnt field with a furrow leading to a dimple like an exclamation mark (!) had been formed. This was the proof that Cutie Pie went away to his own planet.
Question (24):	How does Christopher's mother react when he tries to tell her of his meeting and friendship with Cutie Pie?
Answer: Christopher tells his mother about Cutie Pie but his mother only humours him saying, "Did he come, darling? I'm glad. Hold your mug properly". She does not believe him and tells him to finish his milk. When he tells that Cutie told him stories, she tells him 'you're sure you're not telling stories, darling? Christopher feels helpless that his mother cannot accept a simple truth that quite often in the night Cutie Pie visits him in his dreams and they tell each other stories and that this friendship will last all his life.
Question (25):	Imagine you are C.H. Winters. You have grown up and wish to share with someone, your secret friendship with Cutie Pie. Write a letter to your friend victor telling him about your experiences with Cutie Pie.
Answer: Hertz. 20.1.07 Dear Victor, Thank you for the lovely birthday card you sent me. As usual my birthday always brings back some memories which are very precious to me I wish to share them with you. I am sure you have heard about Cutie Pie the cute extra-terrestrial who was scooped from Quta Pie by our scientists. I was only two at that time. One night I felt something warm and cosy ticked next to me I was surprised to see Cutie Pie smiling at me 'We struck up an instant friendship. We communicated with our minds I spoke history of the humans. Cutie Pie told me his real name was Chtsal. He told me about his planet, the crystal cities, of creatures in caves, of the pioneer ships that opened up the galaxy, of the Venus invaders and how they were repulsed. He also told me about how his planet had 3 Suns and Moons and the taste of a certain food that grew only when his planets three moon were full. We grew fond of each other I realized he was hiding from humans as he met me only in the night. One night he disappeared. I soon gathered that he had returned to his planet Victor this may seem incredible to you, but trust me every year on my birthday he sends his love and greetings to me. I value that friendship as much as I value your. I hope you understand and believe me. Lots of love, Christopher.
Question (26):	You are a newspaper reporter writing about the mysterious landing of the village in Hertz Village and connecting this with disappearance of Cute Pie.
Answer: Spaceship land in Hertz village! 20.01.07 It is believed that a spaceship mysteriously landed in Hertz village last night. A patch of burnt field with a furrow leading to a dimple like an exclamation mark(!) hears testimony to the landing of the spaceship. Scientists believe that the spaceship was on a special mission to rescue Cutie Pie, the alien who created a sensation a few months ago. Readers will recall that Cutie Pie Had been scooped from Quta Pie and kept in a glass cage where the atmosphere of Quata Pie was created Cutie Pie had lost its beauty and feathers inside the cage and had managed to escape due to the carelessness of a couple of scientists. Thought efforts were mad Cutie Pie could not be traced. Some questions loom large How did Cutie Pie survive in Earth? Had the scientists misjudged that Cutie Pie belonged to Quta Pie? Did Cutie Pie communicate with someone on earth? So far these questions remain unanswered as no eye witnesses have come forward with any information. However, one thing remains certain. It was a failure of the scientists to provide a conducive atmosphere for Cutie Pie. They lost a golden chance to study the existence of life in other plant
Question (27):	Describe Cutie Pie's feeling about the Earth and his experiences after his escape from the glass prism.
Answer: The Earth astonished him and he could breathe the air and the temperature was pleasant! He loved the warm sun tingling his naked skin and the coolness of the night! He was ecstatic when it rained. It was like a balm on his tortured skin! He found everything in the earth very crude and simple. He could easily operate the knobs and handles. He found food, cacti in the extension of Mrs. Chatsworth's house. He made himself and carrying bag, cut himself a store of food and carried if off. He was in need of companionship to give him comfort. He met a cat who tried to attack and a dog who displayed a silly niceness. He was disgusted by the simple, crude thoughts these creatures possessed. At last he found a human body who was the prefect friend for him. He communicated with baby Christopher, regaling him with stories about his own planet. During the daytime he hid from human beings but at night he moved about stealthily. Soon his whiskers and feathers grew back. Finally his mother came in a spaceship and a delighted, rapturous Cutie escaped back home. THE LETTER
Question (1):	Describe the early morning scene, when Ali visited the post office.
Answer: The whole town was asleep at that time, more due to the cold and biting wind. Ali plodded on his way to the Post office, drawing his tattered clothes tighter, to shield his body. He heard the sound of grinding mills, singing of the women and the occasional barking of a dog.
Question (2):	Who was Ali? Where did he go every morning?
Answer: Ali was an old man, in the evening of his life. He was a good hunter in his youth and was now known as "Coachman Ali" by the post office officials. He used to go to the post office everyday, hoping to receive a letter from his only daughter Miriam who was married five years ago and was living in the Punjab regiment with her soldier husband.
Question (3):	How was Ali looked upon by the post office officials?
Answer: Ali had been visiting the post office every single day, at five in the morning, expecting a letter from his only daughter Miriam. The officials at the post office poked fun at him by sometimes calling out his name, making him jump, thinking it was a letter from his daughter. They also called him "a mad man" who worried them everyday sitting for hours at the post office.
Question (4):	What did Ali do in his youth? What made him leave his old ways?
Answer: In his youth, Ali was a very skilled Shikari. He could trace and obtain the earth-brownpartridge from a bush, even when the dogs had failed to detect it. Ali was also a very skilled points man. Besides being a shikari, he would often go out fishing with his friends. He left his old ways became he had now grown old and there was no one to bring his rewards to. He also realized how much pains the animal or bird was going through, being parted from its loved ones so reflecting on all this, he gave up hunting.
Question (5):	What view of life did Ali come to acquire and when?
Answer: Loneliness had come into Ali's life since his only daughter Miriam had married and gone away to Punjab where her husband was a soldier in the regiment. He began to admire the green cornfields and came to a conclusion on reflection - the whole universe was built up on love and that grief of separation was inescapable. He wept bitterly on contemplating this reality.
Question (6):	How does the author describe the postmaster?
Answer: The postmaster had a sad and inexpressive face like a pumpkin. There was no glimmer of animation in his features. He had the prominent features of village schoolmasters, clerks, postmaster etc.
Question (7):	What did the official at the post office have to say about Ali?
Answer: The postmaster thought that Ali was probably mad when informed that Ali used to visit the post office everyday since the past five years, waiting for one single letter. Another postman remarked that he had probably committed many sins and was paying for them now. Each of the others started narrating their experiences about madmen. The postmaster then said that madmen were strange people and lived in a world of their own making, somewhat like a poet.
Question (8):	Why did Ali go to the postmaster one fine day? How was he received by the postmaster?
Answer: Ali hadn't been to the post office for several days. One fine day, breathing with great difficulty he went straight to the postmaster. Ali requested him to note down his address in case his letter came when he was not there. The postmaster lost his temper and calling him a pest, asked him to go away. He coldly told Ali that no one was going to eat his letter. Ali felt every humiliated at that and with tears of helplessness turned away.
Question (9):	How did Ali react when the postmaster behaved very rudely with him?
Answer: When the postmaster called Ali a pest and spoke very rudely and coldly to him asking him to go away, Ali came out slowly and gazed at the Post office. His eyes were filled with tears of helplessness. His patience was exhausted. Yet he had hope that he would one day hear from Miriam. He felt totally broken from within.
Question (10):	The Postmaster says to Ali "What a pest you are brother!" Do you agree with this statement. Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Ali would go every single day to the post office for five years, waiting for a letter from his daughter. He does not disturb anyone, nor does he complain or say anything to displease anyone. Yet the officials there find his presence irritating and annoying and they do not tolerate his being there; make fun of him. This only shows their own lack of sensitivity and inhumanness.
Question (11):	What did Ali do to ensure that he would get his letter even after his death?
Answer: One day, Ali came after several days of absence, with heavy breathing and looking very sick to the post office. He went to the clerk and offered him five gold guineas to forward his daughter Miriam's letter to his grave. The clerk, Lakshmi Das was shocked at his words, but pocketed the money emotionlessly.
Question (12):	How did the postmaster shed his haughty temper?
Answer: The post master's daughter fell very ill and lived in another town. He was anxiously waiting for news of her. In the pile of letters, he saw an envelope of the colour and shape he was expecting. He snatched it, but on looking at it closely, he saw that it was addressed to Ali. He dropped it as if it had given him an electric shock. Thereafter his haughtiness left him.
Question (13):	What change came over the postmaster after he saw Ali's letter?
Answer: The postmaster was waiting to receive a letter from his own daughter who was sick in another town. One day, on seeing a letter of the colour and shape he was expecting, he snatched it, but saw that it was addressed to Ali. He dropped it as if it had given him an electric shock. This made him shed his haughty temper. He now understood Ali's feelings. His heart was full of sympathy for Ali who had waited patiently for five long years. He gave the letter to Lakshmi Das, the clerk to deliver it to Ali.
Question (14):	Describe the post master's encounter with Ali after his death.
Answer: The postmaster was anxiously waiting for news of his sick daughter who was living in another town. He was unable to sleep all night due to his anxiety. He came to the post office at 4 am hoping to receive some news of her. The day before, realization had dawned upon him, how unmerciful he had been towards Ali. At the stroke of 5 am, he heard a soft knock on the door. He saw Ali leaning against his stick, tears wet on his face; a soft look of kindliness. The postmaster also saw a strange light in Ali's eyes. It was so unearthly that the postmaster shrank back in fear and astonishment.
Question (15):	What was the postmaster's state of mind after Lakshmi Das told him about Ali's death?
Answer: The postmaster when told that Ali had died three months ago was shocked and perplexed. He was so sure he had seen Ali in his office at 5 am as usual, enquiring after Miriam's letter that he was filled with disbelief - had he really seen Ali or was it his imagination; or was it Lakshmi Das whom he had been talking to. He was too confused at his encounter with Ali.
Question (16):	How is the postmaster's mind revealed in the end?
Answer: The postmaster is a changed person in the end. He now understands Ali's anxiety and restlessness for news of his daughter. He is torn and tortured by doubt and remorse by what has happened to him. He is perplexed and confused whether he has seen Ali or not. He is filled with guilt at having treated Ali so unsympathetically.
Question (17):	The Author, Dhumketu carefully builds up an atmosphere of loneliness and grief in the story "The letter" . Bring out this element with instances from the text.
Answer: The atmosphere of loneliness is built around the person - coachman Ali. Like him, the streets he walks through are also lonely. It is "the grey sky of early dawn" when this old man in tattered clothes walks through the silent streets every morning at 5 am. The sounds which come from some houses "help him along his lonely way". Even the post office, which is his destination, is quiet and forlorn. The grief is also brought to the front when the author narrates how some clerks at the post office play a practical joke on the poor man by calling out his name as if there is a letter for him when in reality there isnt any. Also "although the hunter's instinct was in his very blood and bones" he gave up hunting thinking about "the bewildered terror of the young partridges bereft of their parents". His only daughter, who has been married and who lives with her soldier husband in the Punjab regiment has not written to him for the past five years. He realizes that the whole universe is based on love and the grief of separation is inevitable. He was indeed a very lonely man.
Question (18):	Tortured by doubt and remorse the postmaster sits in the glow of a charcoal sigri that night, waiting for the news of his daughter. As he sits, he writes his dairy. As the postmaster write a diary entry outlining your feelings about the day's events.
Answer: Date - 16.1.2005 Dear Diary I had never thought that the old coachman Ali would havent my mind after so many days. In fact I had quite forgotten about him and failed to notice his continuous absence for so many days. Strange indeed are the ways of God. Today, my daughter is -- in another town and I am anxiously waiting for news from her. I now wait for the mail anxiously, every morning and now understand the anxiety which Ali would have felt for the past five years, waiting for his daughters letter. How guilty I feel for having called him a " pest" and shunning him. I failed to see that it was a father, worried about his daughter, whose happiness was the only thing which could bring some cheer in his lonely life. How proud and arrogant I have been. How mercilessly and cruelly I have behaved. If only I could beg forgiveness from Ali! (Name of postmaster)
Question (19):	Describe the Postmaster's behaviour with Ali on the last day. How was the Postmaster a changed man at the end of the story?
Answer: The Postmaster was in a hurry and was rude and impatient with Ali. He called him ' a pest' when Ali pleaded with him to note down Miriam's name, the postmaster got angry and scolded him telling to 'get away'. However, towards the end of the story, the postmaster was, indeed, a changed man. He was anxiously waiting to hear from his daughter who lay ill in another town. Receiving Miriam's letter reawakened the father's heart in him. He now understood Ali's anxiety and reproached himself for his insensitive and harsh behavior towards Al
Question (20):	In the story, 'The letter' is the title appropriate. Substantiate your answer with instances from the story.
Answer: The story is about Coachman Ali, once a clever shikari, waiting for a letter from his daughter, Miriam, for five long years. His daughter had got married and left him. He then understands the meaning of love and separation and gives up hunting. He waits for a letter from Miriam with boundless faith and patience tolerating the insults and teasing of the clerks in the post office. It is the arrival of Miriam's which changes the insensitive Postmaster's heart. His encounter with Ali's ghost come to collect Miriam's letter, leaves him absolutely shocked. The postmasters attitude towards letters changes. He beings to perceive them as containing a warm beating heart. He discover the essential human worth of a letter. Hence the title is appropriate as it sensitizes the reader to the importance of a letter and the promise of happiness, hope and emotion it carries with it.
Question (21):	Imagine you are Laxmi Das and have returned home after placing Miriam's letter on Ali's grave. You are confused and troubled by the postmaster's remarks. You also introspect and feel ashamed for having accepted the 5 guineas from Ali to deliver Ali's letter to his grave. Make a dairy entry expressing your feelings.
Answer: Dt-20-05-07 I feel confused and ashamed. Today I felt strange emotions stirring within me as I walked with the Postmaster to Ali's grave. I felt guilty for having mercilessly teased him about his daughter's letter. Now I understand the conviction and faith that he carried in his heart. He knew a letter would come though after his death. I wish I had not accepted the five golden guineas from Ali. Oh God! Please forgive me! I am also curious about the post master's reaction. I am sure Postmaster was talking to Ali when I reached the Post Office in the morning. He looked as if he had seen a ghost! Had be seen one, indeed? Even when we returned from the grave he asked strange questions. He looked serious and was in deep thought. I feel awfully guilty for not recognizing Ali's emotions. Oh God! Let his soul rest in peace!
Question (22):	After the Postmaster comes back from Ali's grave with Laxmi das, he reflects and decides to write a letter to Miriam informing her about her father's demise, his own experience with Ali and his seeing Ali's vision. Write the letter for him in 200 words.
Answer: Sonpur 21-1-07 Dear Miriam, I am sorry to inform you of the demise of your father. I am the Postmaster and you would not know me, but I knew your father. He died waiting for your letter three months ago. He was a lonely and grief stricken man. For five long years, ever since your marriage, he came to the post office, everyday waiting for your letter which never came. He endured the post officer. Even I was convinced that he was' mad' on his last day he cam to the post office and tried to talk to me but I was rude and brushed him away. We did not see or think about him. When your letter arrived two days back I sent a clerk name Laxmi Dash to find him and waited personally to hand him the letter. I had a strange experience I saw a Ali coming to collect letter. Just then Laxmi Das came and informed that Ali had died three months ago! May be it was Ali's spirit which I saw and communicated with now I realize the pain and agony he went through. Laxmi Das also told me that he had requested him to leave your letter o his grave as he knew he as going to die. What hope and boundless faith he had. I am sure this letter will bring a lot of grief and sorrow to you. I am ashamed of my harsh and insensitive behaviour towards Ali. He is no more so I ask for your forgiveness. May God give you strength to bear this tragedy Your sincere well-wisher Ram Prakash, (Postmaster
Question (23):	Ali had been a clever Shikari substantiate this statement with suitable examples from the story 'The Letter' Do not exceed 75 words.
Answer: Ali was addicted to hunting. He could easily spot the earth brown partridge and the hare crouching which were invisible to other eyes. The minute he set his eyes on the animals they were as good as dead. His skill increased everyday and he was well know as a clever shikari
Question (24):	"The post office, one of the uninteresting buildings in the world, became his place of pilgrimage". In this line who is being talked about here and how had the post office become his place of pilgrimage.
Answer: Coachman Ail is being talked about here. He had been a clever shikari but had given up hunting after his daughter married and left him. For five long years he visited the post office everyday with the hope of getting a letter from Miriam. He always occupied a particular seat in the particular corner of the building. He prayed for a letter everyday but his prayers were not answered. But he had boundless faith and the post office because his place of pilgrimage.
Question (25):	One day, while Ali sits in the post office, he remembers his past and writes the experience of his past life. Make a diary entry of his thoughts and feelings
Answer: 21-1-07 Another day gone without a letter from Miriam. However, I'm sure I'm going to hear from my wonderful girl, may be not in my lifetime but after my end! How I love and care for her now I truly understand the meaning of love and separation. This is divine punishment for my ruthless killing of young and innocent creatures. Once I was so proud being such a good shikari. No partridge or hare could escape my keen gaze. Even when the dogs failed to see the hare cleverly hidden in the yellow brown scrub, I could catch sight of the hare's ears and in another moment it was ded. I also loved fishing and went out with my friends. But when Miriam left me my view of life changed. I just couldn't hunt anymore. I could not enjoy the sportsman's pleasure at the bewildered terror of the young partridges bereft of their parents. I realize that the whole universe in built up through love and the grief of separation is inescapable. I pray to god that I hear from Miriam soon. If my end comes before that I should make arrangements for the letter to reach my grave at least. May god bless my beloved child Miriam.

The Tribute

Extra Question and Answers :-

Question (1):	Describe Babuli's feelings when he hears his wife discussing the things they would buy with the money they would get after selling their share of the land.
Answer: Babuli thinks of the butcher. He feels his wife is insensitive and heartless. But finally, he also goes with her to the shops to estimate the costs of various commodities.
Question (2):	What were the changes Babuli noticed in the village home when he reached there?
Answer: When Babuli reached his village home no one came to receive him. There was the silence of a graveyard. His sister-in law and nephews did not rush out to greet him. His second brother and his wife were nowhere to be seen.
Question (3):	How much did the second brother offer Babuli to buy his share of land?
Answer: Babuli was offered Rs. 18,000/- to buy his share of land.
Question (4):	Quote two instances from the story highlighting his elder brother's sacrificing nature.
Answer: Even on a cold morning, he placed his blanket on Babuli and walked to the farm without a cover. He mortgaged his watch to send Babuli to the interview at Delhi.
Question (5):	What does the act of leaving his share to his elder brother reveal about Babuli's character?
Answer: Babuli was a sensitive person who had behaved in a selfish and immature manner. In good time, he realises his mistake and shows his love for his elder brother.
Question (6):	How does Babuli manage to come out of the cobwebs that had settled around him?
Answer: Babuli was caught in the strands of city life. He was preoccupied with his work and wife in the city. He had pushed back all thoughts of his brother and mother. But the letter from his brother woke up the dormant feelings. He was filled with shame on his way to the village. He felt as if everybody was accusing him of his behaviour. Past memories flooded his mind and he was reminded of his brother's unconditional sacrifices. Finally, he makes the decision to leave his share of property to his eldest brother as a tribute to his love.
Question (7):	Imagine you are Babuli's mother. Write a diary entry on the day of the partition after it is over.
Answer: 8.8.2000 It has been such a sad day. Today, the property was divided amongst the three children. I am glad my husband is not here to see this day. My heart was breaking when all the movables were brought outside to be divided. I feel most sorry for my eldest son. My eldest son has been a father to his brothers. Kind and sacrificing, he has only wanted their good in his heart. How could Babuli forget all his kind acts of love? My second son is, of course, selfish and totally in his wife's clutches. He has no feelings. But Babuli! How could he behave in such a way? He has become a 'City Babu' and forgotten all our love. Still, I hoped that he would be different. Will these walls of stone and brick actually separate the love the three brothers shared? Can the younger two forget their childhood and the happy moments they all spent together? God! give courage to my eldest son to bear this partition. He must feel totally devastated! God Bless him!
Question (8):	You are Babuli's wife. Write a letter to your sister about what happened in the village and your reaction to it.
Answer: Meeta, 7, Bhubaneshwar Orissa, 9.9.2000 Dear Seeta, I hope this letter finds you in good health. Remember I had mentioned the partition of the village property to you? I had dreams of buying so many things. Now, there has been a twist in the events. When Babuli set off to the village, I had many dreams in my heart. When he returned, I bombarded him with questions. He did not answer for a while. Then he broke the news that he had left his entire share to his elder brother! I was too stunned to speak. Slowly he talked to me, telling me things he had never done before - how his elder brother had been like a parent to him, how he had mortgaged his watch to send Babuli for an interview to Delhi! And how on cold winter nights he would put his own blanket on Babuli to make him comfortable, how he carried his bag for him when Babuli returned from his tuitions. His elder brother's love is unconditional, and he has never wanted anything in return. Never a request. Never a complaint. Just a pillar of strength! Babuli, overcome with feelings of shame and repentance, left his share of property to his elder brother as a tribute to his love. When Babuli stopped talking, tears flowed from my eyes. He held me and there was no need for words. I have forgotten the fridge, the scooter and the twenty thousand rupees. All I feel is the circle of love to which I been drawn after Babuli shared his feelings. Hope you appreciate my feelings. Write soon. Your sister Meeta
Question (9):	You are Babuli's elder brother. You have received Babuli's note and are replying to it. Write the letter.
Answer: Kabuli Sonepet Orissa 9.9.2000 Dear Babuli I was surprised to see your note. I know how much you love me and I never doubted it. It is your love, which has prompted you to do what you have done. But I cannot actually take your share. However, I will always look after your land and send you the returns regularly. Partition cannot affect our relationship. We are all one and will continue to remain so. You have always occupied a special spot in my heart and I cherish our relationship. Do come to the village often. Bring your wife too. My children miss you and talk about you often. My blessings remain with you. Hope you prosper in everything you do. I hope you understand my feelings and respect them. Write back. With love Kabuli
Question (10):	You are Babuli's elder brothers son. Make a diary entry on the day of the partition.
Answer: 8.8.2000 Today was a horrible day. The house has got partitioned. I felt so sad when I saw all the movables brought out. Even our toys were not spared. The last few weeks have been horrible with nobody talking to each other. I was so close to my cousins and Babuli uncle. Yet, today, we didn't even talk to each other. He used to laugh and joke with us. He was our favourite uncle. All that has changed. Everybody looked serious and behaved as if they were strangers to each other. The house has been deathly silent for so many days and I feel horrible! I cannot show or share my feelings. Mother will scold me if I do. Father has completely withdrawn into a shell. He barely talks. I know he is also suffering inside, but doesn't show it. Oh God! Can the family not get back together? Please perform a miracle so that we are reunited. Oh, please God, please!
Question (11):	Why was Babuli disturbed by the contents of his elder brother's letter?
Answer: Babuli was disturbed by the contents of his elder brothers letter because their father's lands in the village were to be partitioned between the three brothers.
Question (12):	Why was there an abominable silence in the village home when Babuli arrived?
Answer: The brothers and their families were all unhappy about the impending partition. Therefore, there was an abominable silence in the village home when Babuli arrived.
Question (13):	What does the reference to butcher symbolise?
Answer: Butcher symbolises cruelty, heartlessness and death.
Question (14):	What did Babuli do with his share?
Answer: Babuli gifted it to his elder brother as a sign of his gratitude for the many sacrifices made by him.
Question (15):	Why could Babuli not sleep the night before the partition?
Answer: Babuli did not sleep the night before the partition because he realised how ungrateful he had been and was remorseful.
Question (16):	Why did Babuli feel guilty when he saw the letter?
Answer: Babuli felt guilty when he saw the letter because he had neglected the family in the village and had not visited or written letters to them.
Question (17):	Cite examples to illustrate the elder brother's affection towards Babuli during his child hood.
Answer: The following incidents illustrate the elder brother's affection towards Babuli during his child hood: He escorted him back from tuitions. He got a special dish of fish made for him. He covered him with his own blanket.
Question (18):	In what way was Babuli ungrateful?
Answer: Babuli was ungrateful towards his elder brother. He got his education and job because of the sacrifices of his elder brother, but he had not paid his elder brother a visit for the past two years after his marriage. he had not taken back gifts to his brother or his family even after he began to earn. he had not written to his mother for the past two years after his marriage.
Question (19):	How did he feel when he saw his wife's reaction to the news of the partition?
Answer: Babuli felt unhappy and threatened. His wife was butchering his feelings.
Question (20):	What kind of a person was the second brother?
Answer: Babuli's second brother was money-minded and selfish. He paid heed thoughtlessly to his wife. He was ungrateful.
Question (21):	How did Babuli feel as he got into the bus?
Answer: Babuli realised the long duration of his absence from the village. He felt they were all reprimanding him for not having visited the village. In his confusion, he dropped the 'prasad'.
Question (22):	Perhaps a tear trickled down his cheek. Why did the elder brother behave in this manner?
Answer: The elder brother felt that with the placing of the wristwatch, he was snapping all ties with the past.
Question (23):	Compare and contrast Babuli's character with that of his second brother.
Answer: Though both the brothers are selfish, Babuli is more sensitive and a better human being. Babuli's love for his family lies dormant in his heart, but when he receives the letter about the partition, the floodgates of love open. He is ridden with guilt. He does not yield to his wife's pressure. The second brother, on the other hand, though living in the village, has become very hard-hearted and money-minded. He is also weak-natured and gives in to his wife's pressure. He is insensitive to the pain that his mother and elder brother are undergoing.
Question (24):	Describe Babuli's feelings when, after the partition, Babuli's brother shows him his share of the fields and how this influences the conclusion of the story.
Answer: Babuli's repentance is complete. He sees the fruits of his elder brother's labour in every crop and compares the dewdrops to the sweat of his elder brother. He realises that his only true wealth is his brother from whom he has harvested everything in life.
Question (25):	Imagine you are the elder brother's wife making a diary entry on the day Babuli has left his share to his elder brother and returned to Bhubaneswar.
Answer: 8.8.2000 Today, I feel ashamed of myself. After reading Babuli's letter, I feel so bad. My sister-in-law and I fought over a trivial matter that finally ended in this partition. I am older and I should have behaved in a more mature manner. I realise the depth of love that lies between the brothers. The same love lies dormant in the second brother and needs to be wakened. I must undo the wrong I have done. I will apologise to my sister-in-law, and talk about getting back together. I will beg for forgiveness from Ma. How sad she must be feeling! I know my husband is very hurt and sad, but he doesn't express anything. Babuli's letter has really opened my eyes. If he feels so much for his brother, who am I to come between them. We will look after Babuli's share of property and send him the returns. God, forgive me for my behaviour! My repentance will be complete when I get the family back together. How glad the children will feel! They love their cousins, but for my sake, they have stopped talking to them. God, give me the strength to rebuild the family, which means so much to my husband and my children!
Question (26):	Imagine you are Babuli's second brother and make a diary entry on the day after the partition.
Answer: I was surprised to know of Babuli's decision. I thought he had become a 'City Babu' and thought only about his share. Yet, his offering his share to elder brother has surprised me. I offered him money, but he refused to sell his share. It's strange how money holds no value for him. His love and respect for brother is so much that he could give up his entire share! And that too, despite sister-in-law's pressure! This has set me thinking. Was I right in what I did? I have followed what my wife advised. I was fed up of the petty quarrels between my wife and my sister-in-law. The partition of property seemed the only solution to be happy. Yet, can we really be happy without elder brother's love and encouragement? He has actually done so much for us. He has been like a parent. I know he is upset with the partition. He never expresses his feelings. Babuli has left me thinking. It is too late to patch up. Maybe I will ask for forgiveness from mother and brother. If we all try, we can reunite. I will have to talk to my wife. I hope I can convince her. God give me strength!
Question (27):	You are the second brother's wife and write a diary entry on the day of the partition.
Answer: 8.8.2000 I had been waiting for this day. At last, I have managed to have my way. My husband was so much under the influence of his elder brother, that it took me some time to bring him to my way of thinking. Anyway, I always felt that elder brother was partial towards Babuli. My heart filled with triumph and joy as the partition details were discussed. We got whatever we wanted. Only Babuli refused to sell his share. He is a stubborn man. How I hate my mother-in-law and sister-in-law! Now, the children are on my side and hate them too. With the land we have got, we can lead a happier and more comfortable life. I can start my life now without bothering about others. Thank you, God.