Chapter 1
Glimpses of Green
1. "...house and grounds were of Grand father's domain. But the magnificent old banyan tree was mine." Why did the boy say so?
Answer: The boy said so because the house and grounds belonged to his grandfather, and he had authority over them. However, the old banyan tree was considered his own special place where he could spend time freely. It was his favorite spot for reading, playing, and observing nature. Since his grandfather was too old to climb the tree, the boy felt a sense of ownership and freedom there, making it his personal domain.
2. How did the squirrel become a friend of the boy?
Answer: The squirrel became a friend of the boy because the boy would often sit quietly in the banyan tree and did not try to harm or scare it. He would offer it pieces of cake and biscuits, which helped build trust between them. Over time, the squirrel grew bold and friendly, even taking food from the boy’s hands and running up his legs, showing their growing bond and friendship.
3. What did the friends of the squirrel think about his friendship with a human? What might have made them think so?
Answer: The friends and relatives of the squirrel thought he was foolish and headstrong for trusting a human. They probably believed that humans could not be trusted and might harm animals. Seeing the squirrel grow close to the boy, they might have worried for his safety and thought he was taking an unnecessary risk by forming a friendship with a human.
4. How was the banyan tree the noisiest place during the fig season?
Answer: The banyan tree was the noisiest place during the fig season because it was full of birds and animals that came to eat the ripe figs. Birds like bulbul, myna, crows, and parrots gathered in large numbers, chirping, squawking, and fluttering around. Their constant activity and sounds filled the tree with lively noise from morning till evening, making it the liveliest and noisiest spot in the garden.
5. How did the boy make the spring season exciting for himself?
Answer: The boy made the spring season exciting for himself by spending most of his time in the banyan tree. He built a platform on one of its branches, where he would lie on his back and read books, watch birds, and observe nature. The tree became his private world, full of adventure and discovery. His time with the squirrel and the peaceful surroundings made the spring season enjoyable and memorable for him.
6. What was the incident that triggered a long lasting excitement for the boy in summer?
Answer: The incident that triggered a long-lasting excitement for the boy in summer was the dramatic fight between a cobra and a mongoose under the banyan tree. The boy watched the entire fierce battle from his platform in the tree. He was thrilled and deeply fascinated by the courage and skill of the mongoose, as well as the tension of the fight. This real-life experience of watching nature so closely left a strong impression on him and became one of the most unforgettable memories of his summer.
7. How did the cobra regard his opponent? Were they warriors?
Answer: Yes, both the cobra and the mongoose were like warriors. The cobra regarded his opponent, the mongoose, with a mixture of caution and pride. He knew the mongoose was a brave and clever fighter. The cobra raised his hood, hissed, and tried to strike skillfully, showing his own strength and pride. Both animals fought fearlessly, respecting each other’s abilities, just like true warriors in a battle.
8. How did the mongoose manage to escape from the snake's bite?
Answer: The mongoose managed to escape from the snake’s bite by being quick, clever, and alert. Every time the cobra struck, the mongoose would jump to one side, dodge the attack, and come back swiftly to continue the fight. His movements were fast and well-timed, which helped him avoid the deadly fangs of the cobra. The mongoose’s agility and experience in fighting snakes helped him stay safe and finally win the battle.
9. The cobra was a good fighter. Pick out one of his fighting techniques.
Answer: One of the cobra’s fighting techniques was spreading his hood and swaying from side to side to confuse the mongoose. He would hiss loudly and strike with great speed and accuracy, aiming for the mongoose’s head. This technique showed his skill in defense as well as attack, making him a dangerous and experienced fighter.
10. The mongoose proved that he was clever. Can you cite any instance cleverness?
Answer: Yes, the mongoose proved his cleverness during the fight with the cobra. One clear instance was when he cleverly avoided every strike by jumping aside at just the right moment and quickly returning to attack. He didn’t rush but waited patiently for the right opportunity to strike. His ability to stay calm, observe the cobra’s moves, and respond wisely showed how clever and experienced he was as a fighter.
11. What were reactions of the the spectators when the cobra struck?
Answer: When the cobra struck, the spectators — the myna and the jungle crow — reacted with excitement and fear. They flapped their wings, flew up in alarm, and gave loud cries. They were deeply interested in the fight and kept watching closely, but each time the cobra made a sudden move, they flew away to avoid getting hurt. Their reactions showed both their curiosity and their caution during the intense battle.
12. How did the crow push itself into trouble?
Answer: The crow pushed itself into trouble by trying to interfere in the fight between the cobra and the mongoose. It dived at the cobra along with the myna, but mistimed its attack. While the myna flew away safely, the crow got too close. The cobra turned swiftly and struck the crow with great force, killing it. The crow’s overconfidence and poor timing led to its unfortunate end.
13. Why is the myna said to be wise?
Answer: The myna is said to be wise because it stayed alert and cautious during the fight. Though it was curious and excited like the crow, it did not get too close to the cobra. When danger came, the myna flew away safely and did not interfere again. Its decision to watch from a distance and avoid unnecessary risk showed its wisdom and presence of mind.
14. Who won the battle? What made the myna peer into the bushes?
Answer: The mongoose won the battle by killing the cobra with his quick and clever moves. After the fight ended, the myna, who had flown to safety during the fight, returned and peered into the bushes to see what had happened. It wanted to check the outcome of the fierce battle and confirm whether the cobra was truly defeated before coming down.
15. What prevented Grandfather from taming the mongoose?
Answer: Grandfather was very fond of the mongoose, but he did not try to tame it because he believed that a wild mongoose should be allowed to live freely. He respected the animal’s independence and natural instincts. Instead of keeping it as a pet, Grandfather let the mongoose stay in the garden on its own terms, showing his love for animals and his respect for their freedom.
16. Why would Grand-mother forgive the mongoose for stealing the eggs?
Answer: Grandmother would forgive the mongoose for stealing the eggs because he had once saved the family from a cobra. His brave act earned her trust and affection. Even though she was upset about the stolen eggs, she remembered his loyalty and bravery, which made her overlook his mischief.
17. Who was the new friend of the squirrel? How did they enjoy their friendship?
Answer: The new friend of the squirrel was the boy. They enjoyed their friendship by spending time together in the banyan tree. The boy would offer the squirrel food like cake and biscuits, and the squirrel grew so friendly that it even climbed onto the boy and ate from his hand. Their bond was built on trust, kindness, and shared time in the peaceful shade of the tree.
18. How did the boy come to know that the squirrel was building a nest?
Answer: The boy came to know that the squirrel was building a nest when he noticed it carrying thin twigs and dry grass into a hole in the tree. He watched the squirrel go back and forth busily, and realized it was preparing a safe and cozy place, likely for its young ones.
19.What was the wonder, that nature had kept for them in the nest?
Answer: The wonder that nature had kept for them in the nest was the sight of three tiny baby squirrels. After the nest was built, the boy discovered the baby squirrels inside it. Watching them grow and move about was a delightful and heartwarming experience for him, showing the beauty and surprise that nature offers.
