A.1. Have you ever noticed how people differ in appearance and body structure? There are so many words that can be used to describe people on the basis of their height and weight.
Height:
- tall
- short
- dwarf (refers to a person of unusually small stature)
- giant (refers to a person of unusually large stature)
- tiny (can describe a person of very small height)
- elf (often associated with being small/slight, though primarily a mythical creature)
Weight/Build:
- slim
- plump
- thin
- obese
- lean
- stout
A.4. Work in pairs. Find out the meanings of the following words from your dictionary.
Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
(i) violent | Using or involving physical force intended to hurt or damage | हिंसक / उग्र |
(ii) wrecked | Damaged badly or destroyed, especially in an accident (like a ship) | नष्ट / बर्बाद |
(iii) weary | Very tired, especially from hard work or lack of sleep | थका हुआ / थकान महसूस करना |
(iv) victory | The act of winning a battle, game, or competition | जीत / विजय |
(v) giant | A being of very great size or strength; a huge person or thing | विशालकाय / दैत्य |
A.5. On the basis of your reading of the story, answer the following questions.
(i) Why was Gulliver frightened when he woke up?
Answer – Gulliver was frightened because he found himself tied down and surrounded by countless tiny men.
(ii) Why did the Lilliputians tie up Gulliver?
Answer – They tied him up because he was a giant compared to them and not a Lilliputian, so they made him a prisoner to control him.
(iii) How did Lemuel Gulliver reach Lilliput?
Answer – He reached Lilliput after his ship was wrecked by a storm, and he swam for many days before fainting on the seashore.
(iv) The emperor was wise and friendly. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Answer – Yes, because he listened carefully to Gulliver’s story and, instead of keeping him a prisoner, offered him friendship due to his bravery.
(v) Why was the emperor sad and worried?
Answer – The emperor was sad and worried because Lilliput had been attacked by their enemies, the Blefuscuns.
(vi) How did Gulliver become a national hero?
Answer – Gulliver became a national hero by capturing the entire fleet of Blefuscun warships, securing victory for Lilliput.
A.6. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
‘I saw this as the best opportunity to repay the emperor for his kindness and friendship?
(i) Which opportunity is being referred to here?
Answer – The opportunity refers to the time when the Lilliputians were attacked by their enemies, the Blefuscuns, and Gulliver was asked by the emperor to help them win the war.
(ii) How did Gulliver plan to pay back the emperor for his kindness?
Answer – Gulliver planned to help the Lilliputians by using his strength to capture the enemy warships. He crawled silently at night, tied ropes to each ship, and pulled them all together to defeat the enemy fleet.
(iii) What quality of Gulliver is reflected in the above lines?
Answer – The lines reflect Gulliver’s gratitude, bravery, and loyalty. He was thankful to the emperor and showed courage and cleverness in helping him during the war.
A.7. Look at the boxes given below.
Each box contains an event taken from the story. The order of these events is in a jumble. Write 1, 2, 3 … in the circles attached to the boxes as per the sequence in which they took place in the story.
Gulliver wakes up to find himself on a beach, his arms and legs tied up.
The emperor offers Gulliver his friendship.
Gulliver repays the emperor’s kindness by capturing the Blefuscun warships.
Gulliver is taken to the emperor.
Gulliver’s ship is caught in a storm.
Countless little men surround and walk over him.
One day the Blefuscuns declare war on Lilliput.
Luckily, Gulliver survives and manages to swim.
Answer – Here’s the correct sequence:
- 1 Gulliver’s ship is caught in a storm.
- 2 Luckily, Gulliver survives and manages to swim.
- 3 Gulliver wakes up to find himself on a beach, his arms and legs tied up.
- 4 Countless little men surround and walk over him.
- 5 Gulliver is taken to the emperor.
- 6 The emperor offers Gulliver his friendship.
- 7 One day the Blefuscuns declare war on Lilliput.
- 8 Gulliver repays the emperor’s kindness by capturing the Blefuscun warships.
A.8. Pick out words from the passage which mean the opposite of the following:
Answer – (i) giant → tiny (or “little”)
(ii) whispered → booming (voice), screamed
(iii) weak → strong
(iv) foolish → wise
(v) friend → prisoner, enemies
(vi) happy → sad, worried
A.9. Life Skills
It is very important to keep your nerves in tough situations/times in life. At the beginning of the story Gulliver finds himself in a difficult, unknown and unexpected situation. However, he reacts sensibly, with a great caution, and turns the situation in his favour.
Had you been in Gulliver’s place, how would you have reacted?
Can you narrate any one incident/difficult situation where you behaved in a composed manner, kept your nerves and handled the situation calmly?
Answer – How I’d React in Gulliver’s Place
Initially, I’d feel extreme fear and confusion. However, I would try to stay calm and observant, avoiding sudden movements. I’d attempt to communicate non-aggressively, aiming to understand the tiny beings’ intentions before acting.
An Incident Where I Stayed Composed
During a crucial school presentation, our digital slides unexpectedly crashed. Instead of panicking, I quickly switched to explaining our points verbally using the printed handouts we had as backup. I kept my voice steady and maintained eye contact, ensuring we finished the presentation smoothly despite the technical glitch.
A.10. Imagine you are Lemuel Gulliver. After an eventful stay at Lilliput, the time has come for you to return to your country. Just when you are about to leave, two of the emperor’s messengers hand over presents and a letter to you. Read the letter which is given below.
His Royal Highness
White Palace
Lilliput
September 5, 2014
Lemuel Gulliver
Lilliput Guest House Lilliput
Dear Lemuel
This letter comes to you to thank you for all that you have done for us. All the people of Lilliput wish to convey to you that we shall always remember your friendship.
Please accept our presents. These are an expression of our warm love for you.
Do visit us again.
Yours sincerely.
The Emperor
A.11. After reaching home, you also write a letter to the emperor, expressing your happiness on receiving the presents and the letter. Write the letter to the emperor in the space given below.
Lemuel Gulliver 14,
Hamilton Street
London England
September 15, 2024
The Emperor
White Palace Lilliput
Your Royal Highness,
It is with the greatest pleasure and deepest gratitude that I received your gracious letter and the magnificent presents upon my departure from Lilliput. They serve as cherished reminders of the extraordinary kindness and friendship I was fortunate enough to experience in your remarkable kingdom.
My time among the Lilliputians was an adventure beyond words, an experience that will forever be etched in my memory. I often recount tales of your wisdom, your courage, and the ingenuity of your people to all who will listen here in England. The trust you placed in me, particularly during the conflict with the Blefuscuns, was an honour I hold dear.
Please convey my heartfelt thanks to all the people of Lilliput for their warmth and acceptance. I sincerely hope that our paths may cross again, and I eagerly anticipate the day I might revisit your truly unique and wonderful realm.
I send my sincerest wishes for continued peace and prosperity to Your Royal Highness and all your loyal subjects.
Yours sincerely, Lemuel Gulliver