In what way is the forest pool different from the one which Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert?
The forest pool which Ranji knew about was different from the one in the Rajputana desert in the following ways:
(i) The forest pool was clean and fresh water whereas the pool in Rajputana desert was muddy and dirty.
(ii) The pools of Rajputana desert were used as clothes washing spot by women. People used to bath their buffaloes as well. But the forest pool was clean, cold and inviting. So, Ranaji wanted to swim in that pool.
The other boy asked Ranji to ‘explain’ himself.
(i) What did he expect Ranji to say?
(ii) Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this question?
(i) The other boy, Suraj, expected Ranji to say ‘sorry’ and leave the pool immediately.
(ii) In my opinion, Suraj was wrong because the pool was not his personal property that he prevented Ranji from entering the pool. The forest belonged to everybody and therefore, the pool was common property.
Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a quarrel? Give a reason for your answer.
The other boy, Suraj, is the one who picks up the fights with Ranji. Ranji was very polite and calm in his behaviour, whereas, the other boy Suraj spoke in very unfriendly and ill manner. He asked Ranji to run away from the pool and threatens to beat him otherwise.
“Then we will have to continue the fight,” said the other.
(i) What made him say that?
(ii) Did the fight continue? If not, why not?
(i) Suraj spoke the words, “Then we will have to continue the fight,” to the other boy, Ranji. Because he did not like Ranji’s attitude who refused to accept defeat. So, Suraj deferred the fight for the next day.
(ii) No, the fight didn’t continue the next day. Though a day before both of them decided to fight none of them took up the issue the next day. Both Suraj and Ranji needed each other’s help, so they compromised.
What is it that Ranji finds difficult to explain at home?
Ranji found it difficult to explain the several cuts and bruises he had on his face and arms. From his bruises, it was sure that he had involved in a fight.
Ranji sees his adversary in the bazaar.
(i) What does he wish to do?
(ii) What does he actually do, and why?
(i) When Ranji saw his advisory in the bazaar, at first Ranji felt like turning away and look the other way. His second thought was to hit him with the lemonade bottle.
(ii) He actually stands his ground and only scowls at Suraj. Earlier he though of hitting him with the lemonade bottle, but then he didn’t so to avoid a fight in the bazaar.
Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight. Why does he go back to the pool, then?
Though Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight, the next day he goes to the pool unwillingly. Because he could not refuse the challenge and gain his self-respect.
Who was the better swimmer? How do you know it?
Ranji was the better swimmer. Because, when the other boy, Suraj mocked and made fun of him for not knowing swimming, Suraj dived straight into the water and flashed the water all over the surface. This amazed Suraj and then he asked Ranji to teach him too.
What surprises the warrior?
The warrior is surprised by Ranji’s diving skills. He was amazed how he dived underwater.
Now that they are at the pool, why don’t they continue the fight?
At the pool, the two contestants, Suraj and Ranji forgot to continue the fight because of their interest shifts to swimming and diving.
Ranji’s superiority over the other boy is obvious in the following :
Physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming under water, making a good point, willingness to help.
Underline the relevant phrases.
Physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming under water, making a good point, willingness to help.
What, according to you, makes the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes? Explain it as you have understood it.
Ranji and Suraj, two adversaries, turned into good friends in a few minutes due to the following reasons:
Both were tired of fighting. Both needed each other’s help, guidance, and support. Suraj wanted to learn diving from Ranji. While Ranji liked the idea of becoming a strong wrestler with the help of Suraj.
Is fighting the only way of resolving differences of opinion? What else can be done to reach a mutually acceptable settlement?
Fighting is not the only way to resolve a dispute. The best way to sort things out is to discuss the issues calmly. Everybody has different opinions and they have the right to put their point forward. So, instead of getting frustrated and heated, one must always try to discuss things out.
Have you ever been in a serious fight only to realize later that it was unnecessary and futile? Share your experience/views with others frankly and honestly.
The students must do by themselves.
Why do some of us find it necessary to prove that we are better than others? Will you be amused or annoyed to read the following sign at the back of the car in front of you?
I may Be going slow but I am ahead of you.
The students must do by themselves.