Chapter 7


 Madam Rides the Bus


Oral Comprehension Check

1. What was Valli's favourite pastime?

Ans: Valli's favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house and watching the happenings in the street outside.


2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?

Ans: The sight of the bus that passed through her street every hour, filled with new passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli. Her strongest desire was to take a ride on that bus, even if just once.


3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?

Ans: Valli found out that the town was six miles away from her village, the bus fare was thirty paise one way, and the journey took forty-five minutes. She learned all these details by carefully listening to the conversations of her neighbours and regular bus travellers, and by asking a few discreet questions.


4. What do you think Valli was planning to do?

Ans: Valli was planning to take a bus ride to the nearby town all by herself without informing her mother. She had saved money for the fare and planned to go during her mother’s afternoon nap.


5. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?

Ans: Valli saved every coin that came her way by resisting temptations to buy sweets, toys, or ride the merry-go-round at the village fair. It was not easy for her, especially at the fair, but she was determined and disciplined in her goal of saving sixty paise for the bus ride.


6. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?

Ans: Valli saw a young cow running wildly in front of the bus with its tail raised high. The driver honked repeatedly, but the cow kept running faster in fear. This scene was very funny to Valli, and she laughed so much that tears came to her eyes.


7. Why didn't she get off the bus at the bus station?

Ans: Valli didn’t get off the bus because she was afraid to explore the town alone. Her only purpose was to enjoy the bus ride itself, not to roam around the town.


8. Why didn't Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?

Ans: Valli refused the conductor’s offer to buy her a cold drink because she didn’t have any extra money and didn’t want to accept a treat. This shows that she was self-respecting, independent, and valued her dignity.


 12. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as 'madam'? 

Ans: The conductor refers to Valli as ‘madam’ in a teasing and playful manner because she behaves in a very serious, confident, and grown-up way, even though she is just an eight-year-old girl. Her boldness and independence amuse him.


13. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus.
Ans: Here are some lines that show Valli was enjoying her ride:

“Valli devoured everything with her eyes.”

“Oh, it was all so wonderful!”

“Valli clapped her hands with glee.”

“She laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes.”

These lines reflect her excitement and childlike joy during the journey.


14. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
Ans: Valli refuses to look out of the window on her way back because she sees the dead body of the cow that had earlier amused her. This sight shocks and saddens her. The fun and joy of the journey are replaced by a deep sense of loss, and she becomes quiet and thoughtful.


15. What does Valli mean when she says, "I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge."

Ans: Valli says this after returning home from her secret bus ride. When her mother and aunt are talking about how people don’t always know what’s happening around them, Valli responds with this sentence.
She means it ironically, knowing that she herself has done something without her mother's knowledge, but they are completely unaware of it.

16. 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:Yes, the author narrates the story through Valli's childlike perception, full of wonder, excitement, and innocence. Evidence includes:

The way Valli sees the trees “running past” and stopping beside the road shows her imaginative thinking.

Her excitement about the cow running in front of the bus and clapping with joy reflects a child’s natural delight.

Her fascination with the bus, the seats, the clock, and the outside scenery shows how she sees everything as new and magical.

Her feelings about the elderly woman’s earrings and betel juice also reflect childish honesty and bluntness.


Answer by Mrinmoee Doloi