Chapter 8 

                                             THE ARAB AND HIS CAMEL


1. Describe the setting of the story “The Arab and His Camel.”


Answer:The story is set in a cold winter season in a desert. An Arab man is crossing the desert on his camel. At sunset, the cold wind begins to blow, and the Arab stops his journey and sets up a small tent by the roadside to protect himself from the cold night.


2. Why was the Arab crossing the desert with his camel?


Answer:The Arab was crossing the desert because it was part of his journey. In deserts, camels are commonly used for travel as they can survive harsh conditions. The camel carried the Arab through the dry and sandy land.


3. What did the Arab do at sunset and why?


Answer:At sunset, the Arab got down from his camel and put up his tent by the roadside. He did this because it was winter time and the cold wind was blowing, so he needed shelter for the night.


4. Why was the tent too small?


Answer:The tent was too small because it could not accommodate both the Arab and the camel inside. It was meant only for one person, so the Arab chose to sleep inside and left the camel outside.


5. Why did the Arab leave the camel outside the tent?


Answer:The Arab left the camel outside the tent because the tent was small and there was not enough space for both of them. He thought it was more important for him to stay warm inside.


6. How long did the camel stand outside the tent?


Answer:The camel stood outside the tent for two hours in the cold night before he spoke to his master and asked for permission to put his head and neck inside.


7. What problem did the camel face while standing outside?


Answer:The camel faced severe cold while standing outside the tent. The cold wind made him uncomfortable, and he could not bear the freezing temperature of the winter night.


8. What was the camel’s first request to the Arab?


Answer:The camel politely requested the Arab to allow him to put his head and neck inside the tent so that he could get some warmth and protect himself from the cold wind.


9. How did the Arab respond to the camel’s first request?


Answer:The Arab kindly agreed to the camel’s request and moved to one corner of the tent, allowing the camel to put his head and neck inside.


10. Why did the camel feel comfortable after putting his head inside?


Answer:The camel felt comfortable because his head and neck became warm inside the tent, while the cold wind outside no longer affected that part of his body.


11. What was the camel’s second request?


Answer:The camel requested permission to put his front legs inside the tent because they were still cold, even though his head and neck were warm.


12. How did the Arab react to the second request?


Answer:The Arab again said “yes” and moved further to a corner of the tent, allowing the camel to put his front legs inside.


13. What happened after an hour?


Answer:After an hour, half of the camel’s body was inside the tent and half was outside. The door remained open, and cold wind continued to enter the tent.


14. What problem did the camel mention at this stage?


Answer:The camel said that since half of his body was inside and half outside, he could not shut the door. As a result, cold wind was entering the tent and both of them might catch cold.


15. What was the camel’s final request?


Answer:The camel requested permission to enter the tent completely and shut the door to protect both himself and the Arab from the cold night.


16. Why did the Arab refuse the camel’s final request?


Answer:The Arab refused because he believed that the tent was too small for both of them to stay inside comfortably.


17. How did the camel react to the refusal?


Answer:The camel remained calm and clever. He replied politely but planned to take advantage of the situation.


18. What clever reply did the camel give?


Answer:The camel said that he knew the tent was too small for both of them and suggested that the Arab could walk out instead.


19. How did the camel force the Arab out?


Answer:The camel quickly entered the tent and pushed the Arab out without wasting any time, taking full control of the tent.


20. What did the camel say after pushing the Arab out?


Answer:The camel sarcastically thanked the Arab and asked him to close the door, saying it was a very cold night.


21. How did the Arab feel after being pushed out?


Answer:The Arab stood outside the tent speechless, shocked by the camel’s behavior and unable to say anything.


22. Why did the Arab stand speechless?


Answer:The Arab was speechless because he did not expect such behavior from his camel and realized his mistake too late.


23. Was the Arab kind to the camel? Explain.


Answer:The Arab was kind at first because he allowed the camel to put his head, neck, and legs inside the tent. However, his kindness lacked wisdom.


24. Was the camel right in pushing out his master?


Answer:No, the camel was not right. Although he was cold, pushing out his master was selfish and disrespectful.


25. What lesson does the story teach us?


Answer:The story teaches us that too much kindness without thinking can be harmful. We should be careful about whom we trust and set clear limits.


26. How does the camel represent cleverness?


Answer:The camel represents cleverness because he used polite words and patience to gradually enter the tent and finally take full control.


27. How does the Arab represent foolish kindness?


Answer:The Arab represents foolish kindness because he kept giving space without thinking about the consequences.


28. What role does the cold weather play in the story?


Answer:The cold weather creates the main problem and becomes the reason for the camel’s requests and the Arab’s decisions.


29. Why is the story considered a moral tale?


Answer:The story is a moral tale because it teaches an important lesson about wisdom, boundaries, and selfishness.


30. How does the camel use politeness as a tool?


Answer:The camel uses politeness to gain sympathy and trust, which helps him achieve his selfish goal.


31. What mistake did the Arab make?


Answer:The Arab’s mistake was not setting limits and allowing the camel to take advantage of his kindness.


32. What would have happened if the Arab had said “no” earlier?


Answer:If the Arab had said “no” earlier, he would have remained safe inside the tent and avoided being pushed out.


33. Why is the desert an important setting?


Answer:The desert highlights the harsh conditions and makes shelter essential for survival.


34. How does the camel change from helpless to powerful?


Answer:The camel starts as helpless in the cold but gradually becomes powerful by occupying the tent.


35. What does the tent symbolize?


Answer:The tent symbolizes personal space and boundaries.


36. Who behaved more selfishly in your opinion?


Answer:The camel behaved more selfishly because he pushed out his master after gaining his trust.


37. How is dialogue important in the story?


Answer:Dialogue helps show the camel’s cleverness and the Arab’s weakness.


38. Why is the camel calm throughout the story?


Answer:The camel stays calm because he has planned his actions carefully.


39. What warning does the story give to readers?


Answer:The story warns readers not to allow others to misuse kindness.


40. Why is this story suitable for children?


Answer:This story is suitable for children because it uses animals, simple language, and a clear moral lesson.

Answer by Mrinmoee