Chapter 8 

A House Is Not a Home


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1. What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother's reaction? What does she do?

Ans- One Sunday afternoon, the author notices smoke coming from the ceiling of their house and soon realizes that their house is on fire.
His mother reacts with panic and urgency. She runs back into the burning house to save important belongings, especially a small metal box containing family documents.

2. Why does he break down in tears after the fire?

Ans- The author breaks down in tears after the fire because he feels deep loss and helplessness. His house is destroyed, along with all his belongings, including his books, school supplies, and childhood memories. He also feels overwhelmed by the sudden change in his life and the uncertainty of what will happen next.

3. Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?

Ans- The author is deeply embarrassed the next day in school because he has lost everything in the fire, including his clothes, books, and school supplies. He has to attend school in borrowed clothes and feels out of place.
Words that show his fear and insecurity include:
“I was totally embarrassed.”
“I felt like I didn’t belong.”
“Everything felt strange.”
“I wanted to curl up and die.”
These expressions highlight his discomfort, anxiety, and sense of isolation.

4. The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?

Ans- The deep bond between the author and his cat is shown through their affectionate relationship. The cat would always stay close to him, following him around the house, and he loved cuddling and playing with it. After the fire, he feels heartbroken over losing not just his home but also his beloved pet.
The cat had run away in fear during the fire. It is later found and brought back by a kind woman who had been taking care of it. She sees a notice about the missing cat and returns it to the author, bringing him immense joy and comfort.

5. What Actions of the schoolmates change the author's understanding of life and people, and comfort him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish and how does he start participating in life?

Ans- The author’s schoolmates show kindness and support by bringing him school supplies, clothes, and books after the fire. They extend friendship, talk to him, and invite him to their homes, making him feel included and cared for.
Their generosity and warmth change his understanding of life and people, showing him that he is not alone. Their support helps him overcome his loneliness, and he starts to feel a sense of belonging again. Encouraged by their kindness, he regains confidence and starts participating in school activities and social life with a renewed sense of joy.

6. What is the meaning of  "My cat was back and so was I"? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?

Ans- The phrase "My cat was back and so was I" means that just as the cat returned, the author also felt like himself again.
No, the author had not physically gone anywhere, but after losing his home, belongings, and cat, he felt lost, disconnected, and emotionally numb. The return of his cat symbolized the return of his happiness, comfort, and normal life. It gave him a sense of belonging and helped him move forward with hope.



 


Type- Ankur Moni Nath