Madam Rides the Bus
Here’s a summary of the chapter “Madam Rides the Bus” from your 10th standard English subject:
Main Character: Valliammai (called Valli), an eight-year-old girl who lives in a village.
Valli’s Curiosity: Valli is a curious and adventurous girl. She spends a lot of time observing the world outside her house, especially the bus that passes by her village every half hour.
The Dream of a Bus Ride: Valli longs to experience a ride on the bus and explore the world beyond her village. She gathers information about the bus schedule and fares from conversations with neighbors.
Saving for the Fare: Valli secretly saves money from her daily allowance to pay for the bus ride.
The D-Day: Valli decides to take the bus ride without informing anyone in her family. She waits for the right moment and boards the bus when it arrives at her village stop.
The Journey: Valli enjoys the sights and sounds of the journey. She observes the different passengers, the changing scenery, and the thrill of being on her own adventure.
The Return: Valli ensures she gets back before anyone from her family notices her absence. She hides her experience for fear of getting scolded.
The Enduring Memory: Valli’s solo bus ride remains a cherished and empowering memory for her.
Key Themes:
- Curiosity and Adventure: The story highlights Valli’s desire to explore the world beyond her limited experience.
- Independence and Resourcefulness: Valli demonstrates her independence by planning and executing her bus ride without relying on anyone.
- The Power of Dreams: The story emphasizes the importance of determination and taking action to fulfill one’s desires.
Oral Comprehension Check
1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
Ans : Valli’s favorite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house and watching the happenings on the street outside. She loved observing the busy world go by, especially the bus that passed by her village every half hour. This constant stream of activity provided her with a sense of adventure and exploration, even though she wasn’t directly participating.
2. What was the source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
Ans : The sight of the bus traveling between her village and the nearest town, always filled with new passengers, brought endless joy to Valli. Her greatest desire was to ride that bus.
3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find these details?
Ans : Valli discovered that the bus journey to the town took 45 minutes and the one-way fare was 30 paise. She attentively listened to conversations between her neighbors and regular bus users, asking a few discreet questions. In this manner, she gathered various small details about the bus journey.
4. What do you think Valli was planning to do?
Ans : Valli planned to take the bus to the town and return on the same bus. The one-way fare was 30 paise, and the ride took forty-five minutes. By taking the bus at 1:00 pm, she calculated she would be back by 2:45 pm.
Oral Comprehension Check
1. Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
Ans : The conductor called Valli ‘madam’ because she acted like an adult woman. She declined his help and responded quickly to his questions, prompting him to address her as ‘madam’
2. Why does Valli stand up on the seat?
(or)
What does she see now?.
Ans :Valli stands up on the seat because she is short and the view out the window is blocked by a canvas blind that covers the lower part. By standing, she can peek over the blind and see outside.
3. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
Ans : She might directly tell him that “nobody here is a child” she “paid her thirty paise like everyone else”.
4. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
Ans : Valli likely avoided the elderly woman due to a mix of reasons: the woman’s appearance (large earlobes, betel nut), her social cues (chewing betel nut might signal disinterest), and Valli’s own focus on enjoying the new sights from the bus window.
Oral Comprehension Check
1. How did Valli save money for her first journey?\Was it easy for her?
Ans : Valli had painstakingly saved every stray coin that came her way by resisting the temptation to buy peppermints, toys, balloons, and other treats. It had been very difficult for her. Even at the village fair, she resisted the temptation to ride the merry-go-round. By doing so, she managed to save sixty paise for her first bus journey.
2. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
Ans : Valli saw a young cow with its tail high in the air, running quickly right in the middle of the road in front of the bus. The driver honked his horn repeatedly to get the cow to move away, but the more he honked, the more frightened the animal became, and the faster it galloped. This scene was very amusing to Valli, and she laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes.
3. Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
Ans : Valli didn’t get off the bus at the station because she planned a solo adventure.
4. Why didn’t Valli want go to the stall have a drink? What does this tell yo about her?
Ans : Valli had saved only sixty paise for the trip. She didn’t want to spend any money unnecessarily, as she needed to return on the same bus no matter what. When the conductor suggested she get down and have a drink, she refused. Even when he offered to bring one for her, she still declined. This showed that she was a well-mannered girl.
Thinking About The Text
1. What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this.
Ans : Valli’s deepest desire was to experience a ride on the bus and explore the world beyond her village. The story uses several words and phrases to convey this longing:
- Gradual Want
- Overwhelming Desire
- Gazing Longingly
- Fueling Her Desires
- Dreams and Hopes
2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare?
Ans : Over many days and months, Valli listened attentively to conversations between her neighbors and regular bus users, asking a few discreet questions here and there. She learned that the town was six miles from her village, the bus fare was thirty paise, and the trip took forty-five minutes. She realized that if she stayed on the bus and returned on the same bus, it would only cost her sixty paise. Valli painstakingly saved every penny she received, resisting all temptations to buy peppermints, toys, and even a ride on the merry-go-round at the annual village fair, in order to save sixty paise. It was a secret trip she had planned without her parents’ knowledge.
3. What kind of person is Valli? To answer this question, pick out the following sentences from the text and fill in the blanks. The words you fill in are the clues to your answer.
(i) “Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised_____ .
(ii) “Yes, I_______ go to town,” said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
(iii) “There’s nobody here_________ ,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
(iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can______ . You don’t have to help me. ”I’m not a child, I tell you,” she said, .
(v) “You needn’t bother about me. I_______ ,” Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope _______.”
Ans : Valli was a confident girl who did not see her age as a barrier to traveling alone to the town. She regarded herself as a grown-up and behaved accordingly.
- Determined
- Independent
- Confident
- Resourceful
- Mature
- Hope to see you again
4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘Madam’?
Ans :The conductor called Valli ‘Madam’ because she behaved like an adult and didn’t consider herself a child. She also refused his help, insisting she could manage on her own.
5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus.
Ans : Valli thoroughly enjoyed her bus ride, as the following lines from the text reveal. She saw many things along the way—a canal, palm trees, grasslands, and distant mountains. “Oh! It was all so wonderful,” she thought. Sometimes, the bus seemed about to gobble up another vehicle coming toward them or a pedestrian crossing the road, but it always passed smoothly, leaving all obstacles behind. She also saw a cow running very fast in front of the bus, which she found incredibly funny. Valli laughed so hard that tears flowed from her eyes.
6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
Ans : Valli refused to look out of the window on her way back because she saw the dead body of the cow that had been running towards the bus on her trip to town. This sight made her sad and frightened.
7. What does Valli means when she says… “I was just agreeing with you what you said about things happening without our knowledge”.
Ans : When making this statement, Valli was trying to hide the fact about her bus ride. She also felt elated at successfully executing her plan.
8. The author describes the things that Valli sees from an 8 years old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for his statement?
Ans : Yes, for example, when the author says, “she was fascinated by the bus” and “watching the bus fill with a new set of people each time was a source of unending joy for her.” The author emphasizes the color and appearance of the new bus, describing it as “like silver,” which appeals to a child’s attraction to colors. “The seats were soft and luxurious.” The descriptions the author gives when Valli looked outside are also typical of an 8-year-old: “The blue sky” and “acres and acres of green fields” show a child’s enthusiasm. A cow running in front of the bus fascinated the child, whereas the sight of a dead cow brought tears to her eyes, and she refused to look out the window on her return journey. This also aptly describes the behavior of an 8-year-old child.
Writing
1. Have you ever planned something entirely on.your own, without taking grown ups into your confidence? What did you plan and how? Did you carry out your plan?
Ans : During my summer vacation, I wanted to plan a special birthday for my mother. I enlisted the help of my younger sister in organizing a surprise celebration. We saved our pocket money and refrained from our usual outings for some time, managing to save five hundred rupees for the birthday party. Without our mother’s knowledge, we arranged everything meticulously. On her birthday, we acted as if we had forgotten, instead asking our father to take her to the market. Meanwhile, we set up everything: cake, decorations, flowers, and even invited two of her closest friends. When she returned, she was pleasantly surprised. It turned out to be the best birthday she had ever experienced.
2. Have you made a journey that was unforgettable in some way? What made it memorable?
Ans : I’ve been on numerous trips and excursions, but one journey that remains unforgettable is my visit to Hemkund and Badrinath. The scenery there was absolutely mesmerizing. As you depart from Delhi, you’re greeted with cool, fresh air and breathtaking lush green fields. The bus journey takes you along winding narrow roads, with rivers flowing on one side and mountains on the other. To reach Hemkund Sahib, one must trek 14 kilometers on foot. Everywhere, crowds of devotees chant holy names while ascending the hill.
Upon reaching the shrine, it was shrouded in clouds, creating a mystical atmosphere. The water in the holy tank was ice-cold; stepping into it instantly relieved all fatigue. Afterward, we traveled to Badrinath by bus, another beautiful place. There were numerous hot springs in the area, adding to its charm.
3. Are you concerned about traffic and road safety? What are you concerns? How would you make road travel safer and more enjoyable?
Ans : India boasts an extensive network of roads. Every day, millions of Indians travel on these roads using buses, cars, cycles, cycle rickshaws, scooters, mopeds, trucks, and more. Pedestrians also rely on these roads. Unfortunately, due to non-compliance with road safety rules, many lose their lives in fatal road accidents each year. Shockingly, 90 percent of these fatal accidents involve young people who tend to drive at high speeds, neglect wearing helmets and seat belts, use mobile phones while driving, or attempt movie-inspired stunts.
Despite numerous directives from traffic police, much of this advice goes unheeded. It is our responsibility to adhere to all rules and regulations and prioritize safety while driving. Safe driving is paramount, and these rules are established with our security in mind.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
This humorous poem by Ogden Nash tells the story of a cowardly dragon named Custard who lives with a little girl named Belinda and her various pets.
- Contrasting Characters: The poem establishes a contrast between the brave and fearless demeanor of Belinda and her pets (a kitten, a mouse, and a dog) and the timid nature of Custard.
- Custard’s Fear: Custard is constantly worried and seeks a safe cage for himself, unlike the other pets who are described as courageous and compared to strong animals like bears and tigers.
- Pirate Attack: The poem takes a turn when a pirate suddenly attacks Belinda’s house. While everyone else hides in fear, Custard surprisingly roars fiercely and breathes fire, driving the pirate away.
- Unexpected Hero: This act of bravery reveals Custard’s hidden courage, leaving everyone surprised. The poem ends with a touch of humor as the other pets, who previously mocked Custard, now downplay their own fear and claim they would have handled the situation.
Themes:
- Appearances can be deceiving: The poem challenges the idea of judging someone based on their appearance or reputation. Custard, despite seeming cowardly, becomes the unexpected hero.
- Inner Strength: The poem suggests that courage can lie within anyone, even those who might not appear brave on the surface.
- Humor: The poem uses humor to convey its message, with the contrast between Custard’s fear and his ultimate bravery creating a funny situation.
Thinking about the poem
1. Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.
Ans :
- Belinda: The little girl who owns the pets.
- Custard: The cowardly pet dragon.
- Ink: Belinda’s little black kitten.
- Blink: Belinda’s little grey mouse.
- Mustard: Belinda’s little yellow dog.
- Pirate: The villain who attacks Belinda’s house.
2. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called “cowardly dragon”?
Ans : Custard cried for a secure cage because it was easily frightened and considered itself a coward. It earned the nickname “cowardly dragon” because everyone else in the house was exceedingly brave. Belinda was as courageous as a barrel full of bears, Ink and Blink could chase lions, and Mustard was as brave as an angry tiger.
3. “Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful…” Why?
Ans : Tickling always works on those who are a bit more sensitive. So, Belinda mercilessly tickled the dragon, knowing it would have a strong effect on him. Despite being a dragon, he was easily disturbed by tickling, revealing his cowardly nature, which everyone found amusing.
4. The poet has employed many poetic devices in the poem. For example “Clashed his tail like iron in a dungeon” – the poetic device here is a simile. Can you, with your partner, list some more such poetic devices used in the poem?
Ans : “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” uses a variety of poetic devices to create a humorous and engaging story.
- Simile
- Metaphor
- Hyperbole
- Personification
- Repetition
- Rhyme
5. Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of the dragon.
Ans :
- Teeth: The poem mentions Custard having “big sharp teeth,” suggesting a potentially fierce appearance.
- Spikes: We learn he has “spikes on top of him,” implying a rough and intimidating exterior.
- Scales: The description mentions “scales underneath,” indicating a typical dragon-like characteristic.
- Fire and Smoke: The poem describes his mouth as “a fireplace” from which he breathes fire, and his nose as a “chimney” that releases smoke. These details paint a picture of a powerful fire-breathing creature.
- Sharp Claws: The final detail mentions “daggers on his toes,” hinting at sharp claws that could inflict harm.
6. Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem?
Ans : The poem follows an ‘aabb’ rhyme scheme.
7. Writers use words to give us a picture or image without actually saying what they mean. Can you trace some images used in the poem?
Ans : Writers often employ phrases and words that do not explicitly state their meaning but instead hint at it, encouraging readers to use their imagination to interpret the intended picture. Examples of such imagery in the poem include phrases like ‘mouth like a fireplace’, ‘chimney for a nose’, ‘brave as a barrel full of bears’, ‘brave as a tiger in a rage’, ‘went at the pirate like a robin at a worm’, and others. These expressions provoke our imagination to visualize vivid scenes and concepts.
8. Do you find ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ to be a serious or a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to support your answer.
Ans : “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is a light-hearted poem brimming with humor. The poem establishes a funny contrast between the brave pets and the cowardly dragon. Exaggerations, similes, and the simple rhyme scheme contribute to a playful and easy-to-read tone. The unexpected twist of the timid dragon becoming the hero is the highlight, creating amusement and subverting expectations. The poem’s language further reinforces the lightheartedness with informality and playful phrases. While it might touch on bravery, it does so in a humorous and lighthearted way.
9. This poem, in ballad form, tells a story. Have you come across any such modern song or lyric that tells a story? If you know one, tell it to the class. Collect such songs as a project.
Ans :
Song: “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” by Marianne Faithfull (1971)
Story: This song tells the tragic story of a young woman named Lucy Jordan who travels to New York City with dreams of becoming an actress. The lyrics paint a picture of her innocence, struggles, and eventual downfall in the harsh reality of the city.
Ballad Characteristics: The song incorporates several ballad elements:
- Storytelling: The song narrates a complete story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Simple Language: The lyrics use clear and concise language, making the story easy to understand.
- Repetition: Certain lines are repeated throughout the song, adding emphasis and emotional impact.
- Tragic Theme: The song tackles a tragic theme – the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life.
