Chapter-3(The Selfish Giant)
Part-I
Comprehension check - Page.20
1.) Why is the Giant called selfish?
Ans. The giant didn't allow children to play in his garden. He had built a wall around the garden. He had also put a notice of warning at the garden. he thought of himself only. Therefore, he is called selfish.
2.) On the occasion the children said: "How happy we are there!"
Later they said: "How happy we were there!"
What are they referring to in both the cases?
Ans. In both the cases they are referring to the Giant's garden.
3.) (i) When spring came, it was still winter in the garden. What does winter stand for or indicate here?
Ans. Winter stands for many things. The flowers didn't blossom in the Giant's garden. The birds didn't sing there. There was no joy.
(ii) Winter has been presented like a story with its own characters and their activities. Describe the story in your own words.
Ans. Winter is shown in various characters. It has show Frost, North Wind, and Hail. The snow covered up the grass. The frost painted the trees silver. The North Wind roared all day. It blew the chimney-pots down. The Hail rettled on the castle proof.
4.) Was the Giant happy or sad over the state of the garden?
Ans. The Giant was not happy over the state of the garden. Various seasons brought no change in it. The Giant wanted those changes in the garden.
5.) What effect did the linnet's song have over Hail and the North Wind?
Ans. The Hail stopped dancing over his head. The North Wind stopped roaring.
Part-II
Comprehension check - Page.24
1.) (i) The Giant saw a most wonderful sight. What did he see?
Ans. He saw children sit in the branches of the trees. The trees had blossoms. They were waving their arms gently over children's heads. The birds were flying. They were chirping with joy. Flowers were laughing. It was a most wonderful sight.
(ii) What did he realise on seeing it?
Ans. The Giant's heart became soft. He called himself selfish. He came to know why there was always winter in his garden.
2.) Why was it still winter in one corner of the garden?
Ans. There was a child standing under a tree. He was weeping. So, it was still winter in one corner of the garden.
3.) Describe the first meeting of the little boy and the giant.
Ans. The little boy did not run after seeing the giant in the first meeting. He was weeping. The Giant took him gently. He put him in the tree. The tree broke at once into blossom. The birds came and sang. The little boy embraced the Giant. He also kissed him.
4.) Describe their second meeting after a long interval.
Ans. Giant saw the little boy wounded. In the second meeting the Giant got angry at it. He said that he would kill the person who had wounded the little boy. But the little boy said that his wounds were of love.
5.) The Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. What does this sentence indicate about the once selfish Giant?
Ans. This indicates that the Giant is no longer selfish and cruel. He has been blessed with Lord Christ himself. That's why, he is covered with white blossoms. White colour is a symbol of peace.
EXERCISE
Discuss the following topics in groups.
1.) The little child's hands and feet had marks of nails. Who does the child remind you of? Give a reason for your answer.
Ans. The child reminds us of Lord Christ. Lord Christ was put on a cross with nails of his palms and feet. The little boy had these nail marks.
2.) Is there something like this garden near where you live? Would you like one (without the Giant perhaps) and why? What would you do to keep it in good shape?
Ans. There is nothing like this Giant's garden near us. However, there is a good Children's Park. It has some of the things of the Giant's garden. These are trees, green grass, flowers etc. I would like the garden without the Giant.
Thank you very much from 'The Dream' side for giving the feedback.