Chapter 2
Face the Problem
Q:1 Who was walking along the ghats of the Ganga, and what was the setting at that time?
Ans: Narendra was walking along the ghats of the Ganga in Benaras on a hot, humid afternoon. The place was quiet with very few people around, but a large number of monkeys were present on the trees and on the ground, jumping, chattering, and leaping. This setting created an atmosphere of both beauty and potential danger.
Q:2 How did the monkeys on the ghats behave, and what was their habit?
Ans: The monkeys on the ghats had developed a habit of feeding on the fruits and cereals brought by devotees. Over the years, some monkeys also learned to snatch food from visitors’ hands before they could offer it. They were active, noisy, and sometimes aggressive, which made them both amusing and frightening for people unaware of their habits.
Q:3 What happened when Narendra reached a lonely spot on the ghats?
Ans: As Narendra reached a lonely spot, a monkey suddenly approached him expecting food. The monkey’s sudden movement frightened him. When he turned to walk away, more monkeys noticed him and began to follow him, increasing his fear and sense of danger.
Q:4 How did Narendra react when more monkeys started chasing him?
Ans: Narendra, frightened by the increasing number of monkeys, first tried to walk faster. When they continued to chase him, scratching and screeching, he ran as fast as he could. His clothes were torn, tears ran down his cheeks, and he trembled with fear, realizing the seriousness of the situation.
Q:5 What stopped Narendra from running further, and what effect did it have on the monkeys?
Ans: A priest from a nearby temple shouted, “Hold your ground.” The voice was so commanding and forceful that Narendra stopped immediately. Remarkably, the monkeys also stopped in their tracks, showing the influence of authority and calmness in a tense situation.
Q:6 What instructions did the priest give to Narendra?
Ans: The priest instructed Narendra to face the monkeys instead of running away. He threw a stick to Narendra and told him to attack. Following the instructions, Narendra picked up the stick, stood firmly with raised hands, and stepped forward. The monkeys, frightened by his courage and the stick, ran away.
Q:7 What lesson did Narendra learn from this encounter?
Ans: Narendra learned the important life lesson: “Face the problem, don’t try to run away from it.” This experience taught him that courage, calmness, and facing difficulties directly can help overcome fear and challenges.
Q:8 Who was Narendra in later life, and why is he famous?
Ans: Narendra later became known as Swami Vivekananda, a great son of mother India. He is famous for his teachings on courage, spirituality, social reform, and service to mankind.
Q:9 How did the monkeys behave when Narendra first tried to ignore them?
Ans: Initially, a single monkey approached Narendra for food, but when he ignored it, the monkey followed him. Soon, other monkeys noticed this and joined in, forming a larger group and creating a frightening chase.
Q:10 Why were the monkeys aggressive towards people on the ghats?
Ans: The monkeys had grown accustomed to receiving food from devotees. Over time, some learned to snatch food forcefully from visitors’ hands, which made them appear aggressive, especially toward someone unaware of their habits like Narendra.
Q:11 How did Narendra feel while running from the monkeys?
Ans: He felt extreme fear and panic. His clothes were torn, scratches marked his body, and he trembled with terror. This shows that even brave people can feel fear when confronted unexpectedly by danger.
Q:12 How did the priest’s voice influence the situation?
Ans: The priest’s authoritative voice caused both Narendra and the monkeys to stop. This demonstrates the power of calm and confident authority in controlling chaotic situations.
Q:13 What qualities of Narendra can be observed from his reaction after the priest’s advice?
Ans: Narendra showed courage, obedience, quick thinking, and the ability to overcome fear. By following the priest’s instructions, he faced the monkeys confidently, which resolved the problem.
Q:14 What does this story teach about fear and courage?
Ans: The story teaches that fear is natural, but courage lies in facing difficulties rather than running away. Challenges can be overcome by calmness, focus, and the right guidance.
Q:15 What is meant by “Face the Problem” in the context of the story?
Ans: “Face the Problem” means confronting difficulties directly instead of avoiding them. Narendra faced the monkeys after advice, showing that challenges require courage and action.
Q: 17 What did the monkeys do after Narendra faced them with the stick?
Ans: The monkeys were frightened by Narendra’s bold stance and the raised stick. They ran away, leaving him unharmed. This illustrates that confidence and assertiveness can deter danger.
Q:18 How did the story portray the priest’s role?
Ans: The priest acted as a guide and mentor. His calm, authoritative instructions helped Narendra overcome fear. He symbolizes wisdom, guidance, and the importance of listening to experienced people in challenging situations.
Q:19 What lesson does the monkeys’ behavior teach about nature and habituation?
Ans: The monkeys’ habit of snatching food shows that animals can adapt behaviors based on repeated experiences. It also teaches humans to be cautious and observant in environments where wildlife is present.
Q:20 Explain the meaning of “trembling with fear” as used in the story.
Ans: “Trembling with fear” describes Narendra’s physical reaction to intense fear. His body shook involuntarily, indicating extreme anxiety, stress, and vulnerability in the face of danger.
Q:21 What role did the ghats of the Ganga play in the story?
Ans: The ghats provided the setting for the story, showing a typical busy environment with devotees and monkeys. The open and somewhat isolated space contributed to the intensity of Narendra’s encounter.
Q:22 Why did the monkeys follow Narendra initially?
Ans: A single monkey approached him for food and, when he ignored it, the monkey followed him. Other monkeys saw this and joined, likely assuming there was food or perceiving Narendra as a potential threat.
Q:23 What is the significance of Narendra picking up the stick?
Ans: Picking up the stick symbolizes taking responsibility, facing challenges directly, and showing assertiveness. It also allowed him to scare the monkeys away safely.
Q:24 How can this story inspire children?
Ans: It inspires children to face their fears, seek guidance when in trouble, and act courageously. It shows that fear can be overcome with calmness and the right approach.
Q:25 What does the word devotee mean in the story?
Ans: A devotee is a very religious person who comes to the ghats to offer food to the monkeys. It highlights their faith and routine of offering food as a religious act.
Q:26 Explain the meaning of the word chattering.
Ans: Chattering refers to the continuous high-pitched sounds or noises that the monkeys made while moving, which added to the frightening atmosphere for Narendra.
Q:27 What does the word snatch mean, and how is it used in the story?
Ans: Snatch means to take something quickly and forcefully. The monkeys often snatched food from visitors’ hands before it could be offered, showing their bold and mischievous behavior.
Q:28 How did the story illustrate the importance of guidance?
Ans: The priest’s guidance was crucial. Without it, Narendra might have continued running and gotten hurt. It shows that advice from experienced people can help solve problems effectively.
Q:29 What did Narendra learn about fear and facing challenges?
Ans: He learned that fear can be controlled by staying calm, listening to guidance, and acting boldly. Running away can make a situation worse, while facing challenges directly brings resolution.
Q:30 Why did the priest ask Narendra to “Hold your ground”?
Ans: The priest wanted Narendra to stop running, regain confidence, and face the problem. This command helped break the cycle of fear and panic and gave him control over the situation.
Q:31 How did the story describe Narendra’s physical appearance while being chased?
Ans: His clothes were torn, scratches marked his body, tears ran down his cheeks, and he trembled. This vivid description emphasizes the intensity of his fear and struggle.
Q:32 How did the environment contribute to Narendra’s fear?
Ans: The empty ghats, scattered trees, and sudden approach of a large group of monkeys created isolation and unpredictability, heightening Narendra’s fear.
Q:33 Why is Narendra considered a great son of India?
Ans: Narendra, later Swami Vivekananda, is considered great because of his wisdom, courage, and teachings. The story shows an early example of his courage and learning from experiences.
Q:34 What qualities did Narendra show after facing the monkeys?
Ans: He showed bravery, determination, obedience to guidance, calmness under pressure, and courage to confront danger.
Q:35 What lesson does the story teach about problem-solving?
Ans: The story teaches that facing a problem directly, rather than avoiding it, is the best way to solve it. Courage, strategy, and guidance are key to overcoming difficulties.
Q:36 Explain the meaning of the word priest in the story.
Ans: A priest is a religious person who guides devotees and maintains order at the temple. In the story, he also acts as a mentor and teacher for Narendra in a moment of crisis.
Q:37 How can humans learn from the behavior of animals, according to the story?
Ans: Humans can learn to observe patterns, anticipate behaviors, and respect nature. The monkeys’ habits show that repeated behavior can become predictable, and caution is important.
Q:38 What does the story tell about courage and wisdom?
Ans: The story shows that courage alone is not enough; listening to guidance and using wisdom is equally important to face danger successfully.
Q:39 How did Narendra feel after the monkeys ran away?
Ans: He likely felt relief, confidence, and a sense of achievement. This experience taught him the importance of courage and guidance, leaving a lasting impact on his life.
Q:40 How is fear described in the story?
Ans: Fear is described as both physical (trembling, scratches, tears) and mental (panic, dread). It emphasizes how fear can affect behavior and decision-making.
Q:41 Summarize the moral of the story in your own words.
Ans: The moral of the story is that one should face problems directly, rather than running away. Courage, calmness, guidance, and action are essential to overcome fear and succeed in difficult situations.
Answer by Mrinmoee
