Unit – VIII

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 8

A Short Mansoon Diary

“A Short Monsoon Diary” by Ruskin Bond offers a personal and evocative glimpse into the monsoon season in Mussoorie, a charming Indian hill station. Through a series of diary entries, Bond paints a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of this transformative time.

The Arrival:

The diary begins with the unmistakable arrival of the monsoon. Mist rolls in like a thick curtain, shrouding the landscape in a sense of mystery. The once-vibrant bird calls are silenced by the dampness, creating an initial sense of quietude. This change in the environment sets the stage for Bond’s observations.

Warmth and Dampness:

As the monsoon progresses, the weather becomes a central character in the diary. The entries describe the warm, humid air brought by the rain. Bond’s words transport you to Mussoorie, where the air feels heavy with moisture and the scent of wet earth fills the senses.

A Stir in the Wild:

The monsoon season isn’t just a human experience. The diary highlights the impact on the local fauna. Leeches, those blood-sucking creatures, emerge from their hiding places, a reminder of the interconnectedness of nature. There are mentions of leopards venturing closer to human settlements, hinting at the disruption the monsoon brings to the animal kingdom. However, the rain also brings joy, attracting various birds that fill the air with renewed melodies once the downpour subsides.

Sun and Rain: A Dance of Nature:

The monsoon isn’t a constant downpour. The diary beautifully captures the intermittent nature of the rain. Sunny spells break through the clouds, allowing the landscape to breathe and people to venture out. These moments of sunshine highlight the contrast and dynamism of the season.

A Celebration of Nature:

Despite the challenges, Bond’s diary entries reveal a deep appreciation for the monsoon. He finds beauty in the sound of raindrops drumming on the roof, the smell of petrichor (the earthy scent of rain on dry ground), and the lush greenery that emerges as the land is nourished. The cleansing effect of the rain is also a recurring theme, washing away dust and leaving a sense of renewal.

Tranquility and Peace:

Perhaps the most significant impact of the monsoon, as portrayed by Bond, is the sense of peace and tranquility it brings to Mussoorie. The rain creates a natural barrier, muffling noises and offering a sense of seclusion. The slower pace of life during the monsoon allows for inward reflection and a deeper connection with nature.

“A Short Monsoon Diary” goes beyond simply describing the weather. It’s an intimate portrayal of a season that transforms a landscape and awakens the senses. Through Bond’s evocative language, we experience the beauty, challenges, and peacefulness of the monsoon in a charming Indian hill station.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 8

Comprehension Check

1.1 Why is the author not able to see Bijju?

Ans : The author cannot see Bijju because of the thick mist that has rolled in with the monsoon. The excerpt mentions the mist blanketing the hills and creating a sense of silence, obscuring the view and making it impossible to see anyone clearly.

2. What are the two ways in which the hills appear to change when the mist comes up?

Ans : When the mist comes up in “A Short Monsoon Diary,” the hills appear to change in two key ways:

1. Visually Concealed: The most obvious change is that the mist acts like a thick white blanket, shrouding the hills and making them invisible. The author wouldn’t be able to see the usual sights of the landscape, like trees, valleys, or even nearby buildings.
2. Silent Stillness: The mist also brings a sense of silence. The birds that typically fill the air with their songs become quiet due to the dampness or perhaps the feeling of nightfall brought on by the limited visibility. This creates a stark contrast to the usual lively sounds of the hills.

Comprehension Check

1.1 When does the monsoon season begin and when does it end? How do you prepare to face the monsoon?

Ans : Monsoon season in India typically runs from June to September. People prepare by fixing leaky roofs, stocking up on supplies, and wearing rain gear. The season brings challenges like travel disruptions but also benefits agriculture and is celebrated with festivals.

2. Which hill-station does the author describe in the diary entry?

Ans : The diary entry likely describes Mussoorie. Ruskin Bond is known for writing about the hill station, and details like wildlife match Mussoorie’s known characteristics.

3. For how many days does it rain without stopping? What does the author do on these days?

Ans : The diary entry in “A Short Monsoon Diary” mentions eight or nine days of continuous rain.

During this time, the author feels confined due to the weather and resorts to pacing around his room and looking out the window at the occasional umbrella, suggesting boredom and a lack of outdoor activities.

4. Where do the snakes and rodents take shelter? Why?

Ans : The snakes and rodents in “A Short Monsoon Diary” (or similar stories about the monsoon) take shelter in roofs, attics, and godowns.

The reason for this is that their usual burrows and holes become flooded with the heavy monsoon rains. This makes their usual homes damp, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. Seeking shelter in higher, drier locations like roofs, attics, and godowns offers them a temporary escape from the flooding.

5. What did the author receive in the mail?

Ans : In “A Short Monsoon Diary” by Ruskin Bond, the author receives a cheque in the mail. The specific amount or purpose of the cheque isn’t mentioned, but the detail suggests it might have been a payment or some kind of financial transaction.

Working With the Text

1. Look carefully at the diary entries for June 24-25, August 2 and March 23. Now write down the changes that happen as the rains progress from June to March.

Ans : June 24-25 (Arrival):

• Change: Monsoon mist arrives, blanketing the hills and creating silence.
• Flora and Fauna: The first cobra lily appears, suggesting new plant life thrives.

August 2 (Peak Monsoon):

• Change: Rain becomes a steady downpour, drumming on rooftops. People are accustomed to the monsoon.
• Wildlife: Snakes and rodents seek shelter due to flooded burrows.

March 23 (End of Monsoon):

• Change: Monsoon ends, replaced by winter rain. There’s a rainbow after a hailstorm, suggesting a shift in weather patterns.
• Flora and Fauna: No mention of new plant life, implying a change in the natural world.

 2. Why did the grandmother ask the children not to kill the Chuchundar?

Ans : The grandmother asked the children not to kill the Chuchundar because it was considered lucky and believed to bring money.

3. What signs do we find in Nature which show that the monsoons are about to end?

Ans : Monsoons ending show in nature with:

• Less rain and wind shift
• Drying water and changing plants
• Animal migration and potentially cooler, sunnier days

4. Complete the following sentences.

1. Bijju is not seen but his voice is heard because__________ .
2. The writer describes the hill station and valley as _________ .
3. The leopard was’ successful in________ but had to flee when
4. The minivets are easily noticed because _________ .
5. It looks like a fashion display on the slopes when_________.
6. During the monsoon season, snakes and rodents are found in roofs and attics because _________.

Ans : 

1. dense mist covers and hides the hills.
2. ‘A paradise that might have been.’
3. killing a dog but had to flee when Bijju’s mother arrived crying curses.
4. of their bright colours.
5. they are covered by a variety of flowers.
6. their holes are flooded with water and these places provide them conve­nient shelter.

5. ‘Although tin roofs are given to springing unaccountable leaks, there is a feeling of being untouched by, and yet in touch with, the rain.’

1. Why has the writer used the word, ‘springing’?
2. How is the writer untouched by the rain?
3. How is the writer in touch with the rain at the same time?

Ans : 

1. The writer uses the word “springing” to describe leaks in the tin roof as sudden and unexpected.
2.  Sheltered within the room.
3. The drumming of rain on the tin roof fills his ears as he peers out the window at the downpour.

6. Mention a few things that can happen when there is endless rain for days together?

Ans : Endless rain can bring floods, landslides, and disrupt transportation and power. It can also damage crops and spread disease, while taking a toll on people’s moods.

7. What is the significance of cobra lily in relation to the monsoon season, its beginning and end?

Ans : The cobra lily blooms at the start of the monsoon and turns red seeds at the end, acting as a natural monsoon season indicator.

Working With Language

1.Here are some words that are associated with the monsoon. Add as many words as you can to this list. Can you find words for these in your languages?

downpour  floods   mist   cloudy   powercuts   cold   umbrella

Ans : Mist , Cloudy , Humid , Lush , Drizzle , Steam , Breezy

Hindi: झमाझम बारिश (jhamajham barish – downpour), बाढ़ (baadh – floods), कुहरा (kuhara – mist), बादल (badal – cloudy), नमी (nami – humidity), हरियाली (hariyali – greenery), मच्छर (machhar – mosquitoes), मेढक (medhak – frogs)

2. Look at the sentences below.
(i) Bijju wandered into the garden in the evening.
(ii) The trees were ringing with birdsong.
Notice the highlighted verb.
The verb wandered tells us what Bijju did that evening. But the verb was ringing tells us what was happening continually at same time in the past (the birds were chirping in the trees).
Now look the at sentences below. They tell us about something that happened in the past. They also tell us about other things that happened continually* at the same time in the past.

Put the verbs in the brackets into their proper forms. The first one is done for you.

1. We (get out) of the school bus. The bell (ring) and everyone (rush) to class.
2. The traffic (stop). Some people (sit) on the road and they (shout) slogans.
3. I (wear) my raincoat. It (rain) and people (get) wet.
4. She (see) a film. She (narrate) it to her friends who (listen) carefully.
5. We (go) to the exhibition. Some people (buy) clothes while others (play) games,
6. The class (is) quiet. Some children (read) books and the rest (draw).

Ans : 

1. We got out of the school bus. The bell was ringing and everyone rushed to class.
2. The traffic stopped. Some people sat on the road and they were shouting slogans.
3. I put on my raincoat. It was raining and people were getting wet.
4. She saw a film. She was narrating it to her friends who were listening carefully.
5. We went to the exhibition. Some people were buying clothes while others were playing games.
6. The class was quiet. Some children were reading books and the rest were drawing.

3. Here are some words from the lesson which describe different kinds of sounds.

drum  swish  tinkle  caw  drip

(i) Match these words with their correct meanings.

1. to fall in small drops.
2. to make a sound by hitting a surface repeatedly.
3. to move quickly through the air, making a soft sound.
4. harsh sound made by birds.
5. ringing sound (of a bell or breaking glass, etc.).

(ii) Now fill in the blanks using the correct form of the words given above.

1. Ramesh _______ on his desk in impatience.
2. Rain water_____ from the umbrella all over the carpet.
3. The pony______ its tail.
4. The_____ of breaking glass woke me up.
5. The_____ of the raven disturbed the child’s sleep.

Ans : (i) Matching words with meanings:

• drip – to fall in small drops
• drum – to make a sound by hitting a surface repeatedly
• swish – to move quickly through the air, making a soft sound
• caw – harsh sound made by birds
• tinkle – ringing sound (of a bell or breaking glass, etc.)

(ii) Filling in the blanks:

1. Ramesh drummed on his desk in impatience.
2. Rainwater dripped from the umbrella all over the carpet.
3. The pony swished its tail.
4. The tinkle of breaking glass woke me up. (Note: “Tinkle” is a more appropriate sound for breaking glass than “drum”.)
5. The caw of the raven disturbed the child’s sleep.
6. of the raven disturbed the child’s sleep.

4. And sure enough. I received a cheque in the mail.
Complete each sentence below by using appropriate phrase from the ones given below.

sure enough    colourful enough        serious enough
kind enough      big enough            fair enough
brave enough     foolish enough   anxious enough

1. I saw thick black clouds in the sky and___ ____ it soon started raining heavily.
2. The blue umbrella was___ ____ for the brother and sister.
3. The butterflies are___ _____ to get noticed.
4. The lady was___ _____to chase the leopard.
5. The boy was____ ____ to call out to his sister.
6. The man was____ ____ to offer help.
7. The victim’s injury was____ _____ for him to get admitted in hospital.
8. That person was____ _____ to repeat the same mistake again.
9. He told me he was sorry and he would compensate for the loss. I said, ‘___ _____’.

Ans :

1. sure enough
2. big enough
3. colourful enough
4. brave enough
5. anxious enough
6. kind enough
7. serious enough
8. foolish enough
9. Fair enough

Speaking 

1. Do you believe in superstitions? Why, or why not? Working with your partner, write down three superstitious beliefs that you are familiar with.

Ans : Superstitions are beliefs or practices that are considered to be irrational or unfounded. They are often based on fear of the unknown or a desire to control events. Some common superstitions include:

• Breaking a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck.
• Walking under a ladder is bad luck.
• A black cat crossing your path is bad luck.
• Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.

2. How many different kinds of birds do you come across in the lesson? How many varieties do you see in your neighbourhood? Are there any birds that you used to see earlier in your neighbourhood but not now? In groups discuss why you think this is happening.

Ans : Can’t tell how many birds in the lesson, but crows, minivets, drongos, and peacocks are common monsoon birds in India.Our neighborhood now has sparrows and pigeons, but larger birds like kites and parrots have vanished.

Writing 

The monsoons are a time of great fun and even a few adventures: playing in the rain and getting wet, wading through knee-deep water on your way to school, wa­ter flooding the house or the classroom, power cuts and so on. Write a paragraph describing an incident that occurred during the rains which you can never forget.

(See NCERT Text Book Page 121)

Or

Write a poem of your own about the season of spring when trees are in full bloom.

Ans : The power flickered one monsoon evening, plunging our house into darkness just as the rain began to lash against the windows. The wind howled like a banshee, and fat raindrops spattered on the corrugated tin roof, creating a rhythmic drumbeat. Suddenly, a deafening crack split the night – a tree branch had surrendered to the storm’s fury, crashing onto the power lines outside. Fear prickled my skin, but then came the unexpected. My dad, ever resourceful, grabbed a kerosene lamp and filled it, casting a warm, flickering glow on our worried faces. We huddled together on the floor, playing board games by the lamplight, the storm raging outside becoming a thrilling backdrop to our laughter and playful competition. It was a night of fear transformed into unexpected joy, a memory etched forever in my monsoon season experiences.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 8

On the Grasshopper and Cricket

The poem “On the Grasshopper and Cricket” by John Keats celebrates the beauty of nature’s music throughout the seasons. Here’s a summary:

• Summer: When the hot sun silences the singing birds, the grasshopper takes over. It enjoys the summer sun and fills the meadows with its joyful song.
• Winter: Similarly, when winter arrives and everything seems silent, the cricket takes over. Its chirping, compared to the grasshopper’s song, has a warm and comforting quality.
• Nature’s Music: The poem emphasizes that the “poetry of the earth” (nature’s music) is never truly silent. There’s always a creature singing, ensuring a constant connection between nature and sound.

The poem uses the grasshopper and cricket as symbols for different seasons, highlighting the enduring power of nature’s music throughout the year.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 8

Working with the Poem

1. Discuss with your partner the following definition of a poem.

A poem is made of words arranged in a beautiful order. These words, when read aloud with feeling, have a music and meaning of their own.

Ans : 

Agree: Poems use beautiful language that creates a musical feel when read aloud.

Discuss further: Poems can also be challenging or funny, not just beautiful. Visual elements and open interpretations add to their meaning.

2. The poetry of earth’ is not made of words. What is it made of, as suggested in the poem?

Ans : The poem suggests “the poetry of earth” is not words, but the beautiful sounds and rhythms of nature, like birdsong, wind, and rain.

3. Find in the poem lines that match the following:

(i) The grasshopper’s happiness never comes to an end.
(ii) The cricket’s song has a warmth that never decreases.

Ans : 

(i) The grasshopper’s happiness never comes to an end.

Matching Line:  “He has never done / With his delights” (Lines 3-4)

(ii) The cricket’s song has a warmth that never decreases.

Matching Line:  “The cricket’s song, in warmth increasing ever” (Line 7)

4. Which word in stanza 2 is opposite in meaning to ‘the frost’?

Ans : In the second stanza of the poem “On the Grasshopper and Cricket,” the word opposite in meaning to “the frost” is “warmth”.

5. The poetry of earth continues round the year through a cycle of two seasons. Mention each with its representative voice.

Ans : The poem suggests two seasons with their representative voices that create the continuous “poetry of earth”:

• Summer: Represented by the grasshopper’s voice (possibly its chirping or buzzing sound).
• Winter: Represented by the cricket’s voice (possibly its chirping sound).

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 8

FAQ’s

What is “A Short Monsoon Diary” about in Class 8 English Chapter 8?

Class 8 English Chapter 8 “A Short Monsoon Diary” is a series of diary entries by Ruskin Bond that describe the monsoon season in the hills. It captures the beauty, challenges, and various moods of nature during the monsoon through vivid descriptions and personal reflections.

What themes are explored in “On the Grasshopper and Cricket” in Class 8 English Chapter 8?

Class 8 English Chapter 8 “On the Grasshopper and Cricket” explores themes of nature, the continuity of life, and the persistent presence of beauty and joy in different seasons. It contrasts the lively summer song of the grasshopper with the serene winter song of the cricket.

How does Ruskin Bond depict the monsoon season in “A Short Monsoon Diary” from Class 8 English Chapter 8?

Ruskin Bond depicts the monsoon season with rich, sensory details. He describes the lush greenery, the sound of the rain, the cool, fresh air, and the various creatures that come to life during the monsoon. His entries reflect a deep appreciation for nature.

What literary devices are used in “On the Grasshopper and Cricket” to convey its message in Class 8 English Chapter 8?

Class 8 English Chapter 8 “On the Grasshopper and Cricket” uses imagery, metaphor, and personification to convey its message. The grasshopper and cricket are personified to represent the enduring music of nature, regardless of the season.

What lesson can students learn from “A Short Monsoon Diary” in Class 8 English Chapter 8?

Students can learn to appreciate the beauty and nuances of nature. The diary entries encourage observation, patience, and a sense of wonder about the natural world, highlighting the joy that can be found in simple, everyday experiences.

What is the significance of the title “A Short Monsoon Diary” in Class 8 English Chapter 8?

Class 8 English Chapter 8 The title “A Short Monsoon Diary” signifies the personal and episodic nature of Ruskin Bond’s reflections on the monsoon season. It emphasizes the brief yet impactful experiences documented during the monsoon.

How does the poem “On the Grasshopper and Cricket” depict the cycle of seasons in Class 8 English Chapter 8?

Class 8 English Chapter 8 The poem depicts the cycle of seasons by showing how the grasshopper’s song symbolizes the warmth and liveliness of summer, while the cricket’s song represents the stillness and introspection of winter. It illustrates that nature’s beauty and music are present year-round.