Chapter – 02, The White Elephant, Class VI, English Literature, Dav Board, The Best Solutions.

Pre-reading Task

1. Do you like animals?

Answer – Yes, I like animals. They are innocent, loyal, and often very intelligent.

2. Have you ever been to a zoo? What is your attitude towards the caged animals?

Answer – Yes, I have been to a zoo. I feel sad to see animals in cages. They belong in the wild where they can roam freely, not in confined spaces for human entertainment.

3. Do you watch them standing very close to them or from a safe distance?

Answer – I prefer to watch animals from a safe distance to ensure both their safety and mine, and to not make them feel scared or threatened.

4. What would you do if you found someone troubling or teasing an animal? Would you—

(i) not bother at all?

(ii) try to save the animal yourself?

(iii) inform P.F.A. (People For Animals) authorities?

Answer – (iii) Inform P.F.A. (People For Animals) authorities.

And, if safe to do so, I would also try to stop the person from troubling the animal.

5. Given below is a zig-zag puzzle. Find out the names of at least ten animals or birds hidden in it horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Answer – Animals/Birds Found:

1. Seal – (Row 3, from left to right: s-e-a-l)
2. Parrot – (Row 6, from column 4 to 8)
3. Zebra – (Row 7, from column 5 to 9)
4. Tortoise – (Row 8, from column 3 to 10)
5. Wolf – (Row 9, from column 7 to 10)
6. Cat – (Row 1, from column 6 to 8)
7. Bear – (Diagonally: Row 2 column 3 → Row 5 column 6)
8. Lion – (Diagonally: Row 2 column 4 → Row 5 column 7)
9. Dog – (Column 1, from row 3 to 5: d-o-g)
10. Owl – (Diagonally: Row 9 column 7 → Row 7 column 9)

Word Meaning

Summary in English

“The White Elephant” is a story about a noble white elephant who lives near the Himalayas with his blind mother. To care for her, he moves with her to a quiet cave. One day, he helps a lost forester and carries him to the city. The forester betrays the elephant by informing the king, who captures the elephant. While the king treats the elephant well, the animal refuses to eat out of worry for his starving mother. When the king learns the truth, he is moved by the elephant’s love and sets him free. The elephant returns to the forest and reunites with his mother, praising the king’s generosity and choosing to forget the forester’s betrayal.

Summary in Hindi (हिंदी में सारांश)

“श्वेत हाथी” की कहानी एक नेकदिल सफेद हाथी की है, जो हिमालय के पास अपनी अंधी माँ के साथ रहता है। वह माँ की देखभाल करने के लिए उसे एक शांत गुफा में ले जाता है। एक दिन वह एक खोए हुए वन रक्षक की मदद करता है और उसे शहर तक पहुँचाता है। लेकिन वह व्यक्ति हाथी के साथ विश्वासघात करता है और राजा को उसके बारे में बता देता है। राजा हाथी को पकड़वा लेता है। हाथी माँ की चिंता में खाना नहीं खाती। जब राजा को सच्चाई का पता चलता है, तो वह हाथी की ममता से प्रभावित होकर उसे आज़ाद कर देता है। हाथी वापस लौटकर अपनी माँ से मिलता है और राजा की उदारता की प्रशंसा करता है।

Understanding the Story

A. Answer the following questions in two or three sentences each:

1. How did the white elephant help the forester?

Answer – The white elephant found the forester lost and hungry in the forest. He carried him on his back all the way to Benaras and dropped him near the city, saving his life.

2. Why did the white elephant’s mother advise him not to help the man in distress?

Answer – She warned him that humans are often selfish and ungrateful. Being old and experienced, she feared her son’s kindness would be repaid with betrayal.

3. How did the forester respond to the white elephant’s good deed?

Answer – Instead of being grateful, the forester betrayed the elephant by informing the king, hoping for a reward. He led trainers to capture the elephant.

4. Why did the white elephant refuse to eat anything in the palace?

Answer – He was heartbroken thinking of his blind, helpless mother starving alone in the forest. His concern for her made him lose all interest in food.

5. How did the king help the white elephant?

Answer – The king was deeply moved by the elephant’s love for his mother. Recognizing his nobility, the king set him free and allowed him to return to his mother.

B. Given below are some incidents from the story. Enter the thoughts/reactions of each character to the given situation. In the space given below, write what personal qualities of the characters are revealed through these reactions. The first one has been done for you.

Answer – Part (b): Incident – The forester informs the king about the white elephant

• Forester’s thoughts: Sees an opportunity for a rich reward.
• King’s thoughts: Wants to possess the rare white elephant.
• Forester’s character: Greedy, opportunistic.
• King’s character: Admires rarity, seeks prestige.

Part (c): Incident – The king’s men capture the white elephant

• Elephant’s thoughts: Realizes he has been betrayed; worries about his mother’s survival.
• Mother’s thoughts: Fears being left alone; worries about survival without her son.
• Forester’s reaction: Feels satisfied, expecting a reward from the king.
• King’s reaction: Feels delighted and proud to possess the white elephant.
• Forester’s character: Greedy, cunning.
• King’s character: Desires prestige, admires beauty.

Part (d): Incident – The elephant requests the king to help him

• King’s reply: Grants the elephant freedom to return to his mother.
• Elephant’s feelings: Feels grateful to the king; relieved to reunite with his mother.
• King’s character: Noble, compassionate.
• Mother’s feelings: Feels relieved at her son’s return; remains suspicious of humans.

HOTS

‘Noble animal, your goodness puts mankind to shame.’ Discuss the characters of the forester and the white elephant in the light of this comment by the king.

Answer – The forester is selfish, greedy, and betrays the very animal who saved his life. In contrast, the white elephant is noble, loving, and selfless. While the human fails to show gratitude, the elephant teaches a moral lesson in compassion and duty. The king’s words reflect that the animal’s character surpasses that of the man.

Life Skills

‘Let us forget the treachery of the forester and think only of the king’s goodness.’ Discuss with your partner the importance of developing such a positive attitude towards life.

Answer – Focusing on the positive helps us heal, grow, and stay hopeful. Holding on to betrayal creates anger and sorrow, but choosing to remember kindness leads to peace and gratitude. A positive attitude also helps build better relationships and fosters a compassionate society.

Values

Imagine yourself to be the king. Deliver a speech to your countrymen highlighting the importance of love for animals and condemning man’s cruel treatment of animals.

Answer – Dear citizens,

Today, I speak not only as your king but as a human who has learned a lesson in compassion from a noble creature — the white elephant. His selfless love for his blind mother moved my heart. It is time we humans treat animals with the same respect and love. Let us stop cruelty, preserve life, and remember that how we treat animals reflects our true nature. Let us be kind, for kindness defines our humanity.

Writing Skills

On behalf of the mother elephant, write a request letter to the king pleading for the release of her son.

Answer – To His Majesty, the King of Benaras,

Respected Sir,

I am the blind mother of the white elephant you now hold captive. My son is my only support; he feeds me, guides me, and protects me. Without him, I am helpless and starving. He helped a man in need, only to be taken away. I plead with you, noble king, to return my son. Your kindness will not only reunite a mother and son but will also set an example of compassion for all beings.

With humble gratitude,

The Mother Elephant

Additional Questions and Answers – 01

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
2. Why did the white elephant take the forester to Benaras?
   a) To visit the king
   b) To find food
   c) Because the man was lost and needed help
   d) To show him the way to the cave
   Answer: c) Because the man was lost and needed help
3. What did the mother elephant warn her son about?
   a) The king’s army
   b) The dangers of the forest
   c) The treachery of humans
   d) The lack of food
   Answer: c) The treachery of humans
4. What quality of the elephant impressed the king the most?
   a) His strength
   b) His appearance
   c) His loyalty and compassion
   d) His speed
   Answer: c) His loyalty and compassion
5. Why did the elephant stop eating in the palace?
   a) He was unwell
   b) He missed the forest
   c) He was thinking of his mother
   d) He was angry with the king
   Answer: c) He was thinking of his mother
6. Who betrayed the white elephant?
   a) The king
   b) The trainer
   c) The forester
   d) The elephant himself
   Answer: c) The forester
7. What did the king do after knowing the elephant’s pain?
   a) Punished the forester
   b) Ignored the elephant
   c) Sent food to his mother
   d) Freed the elephant
   Answer: d) Freed the elephant

1. Short Questions and Answers
2. Where did the white elephant live with his mother?
   In a peaceful cave near a glade of fruit trees in the forest.
3. How did the elephant serve his blind mother?
   He gathered sweet fruits and guided her to the lake for water.
4. What did the white elephant hear one day?
   He heard the cries of a man in distress coming from the forest.
5. What did the forester plan after being rescued?
   He decided to betray the elephant and inform the king about him to receive a reward.
6. What shows the elephant’s nobility even after being betrayed?
   He did not seek revenge and only wished to return to care for his mother.

1. Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning & Assertion)

Q1. Assertion (A): The white elephant stopped eating in the palace.
Reason (R): He was missing his mother who was starving in the forest.

1. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
   c) A is true, R is false
   d) A is false, R is true
   Answer: a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

Q2. Assertion (A): The white elephant was captured because he trusted the forester.
Reason (R): The elephant ignored his mother’s advice not to help humans.

1. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
   c) A is true, R is false
   d) A is false, R is true
   Answer: a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

Q3. Assertion (A): The king refused to free the elephant even after knowing the truth.
Reason (R): He believed elephants should serve humans.

1. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
   b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
   c) A is false, R is true
   d) Both A and R are false
   Answer: d) Both A and R are false

1. Long Answer Questions (50–60 words)
2. Describe the character of the white elephant.
   The white elephant was kind-hearted, noble, and selfless. He took care of his blind mother with love and went out of his way to help a lost forester. Despite being betrayed, he bore no hatred and remained loyal and humble. His compassion touched even the king, who set him free.

2. What lesson does the story of the white elephant teach us?
   The story teaches the importance of compassion, gratitude, and loyalty. It highlights that true nobility lies in caring for others, especially the helpless. The white elephant’s selflessness contrasts with the forester’s greed, reminding us that one’s actions define one’s character more than their status.

3. How did the king react to the elephant’s sorrow and what does this tell us about him?
   The king was deeply moved by the elephant’s grief for his mother. Recognizing the elephant’s love and loyalty, he immediately granted him freedom. This shows that the king was just, compassionate, and capable of valuing goodness over personal gain.

4. How did the mother elephant’s advice prove to be true?
   The mother elephant warned her son not to trust humans, fearing betrayal. Her prediction came true when the forester, whom the white elephant helped, returned with trainers to capture him. Her advice reflects wisdom and experience, and it later taught the elephant to be cautious.

Additional Questions and Answers – 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Where did the white elephant and his mother live?
   a) In a desert
   b) Near the Himalayas
   c) In Benaras
   d) By the sea
   Answer: b) Near the Himalayas
2. Why was the white elephant’s mother unable to gather food herself?
   a) She was injured
   b) She was old and blind
   c) She was too weak
   d) She was lazy
   Answer: b) She was old and blind
3. What did the white elephant do for his mother daily?
   a) Built a shelter
   b) Gathered sweet wild fruits
   c) Fetched water
   d) Protected her from predators
   Answer: b) Gathered sweet wild fruits
4. Why did the white elephant decide to live alone with his mother?
   a) To avoid other elephants stealing her food
   b) To find a better forest
   c) To escape danger
   d) To be near the king
   Answer: a) To avoid other elephants stealing her food
5. What did the white elephant hear one evening?
   a) A lion’s roar
   b) A man’s cries of distress
   c) His mother’s call
   d) A trumpet sound
   Answer: b) A man’s cries of distress
6. Who was the man the white elephant helped?
   a) A king
   b) A forester
   c) A trainer
   d) A merchant
   Answer: b) A forester
7. How did the forester betray the white elephant?
   a) By stealing his food
   b) By leading trainers to capture him
   c) By lying to the king
   d) By abandoning him
   Answer: b) By leading trainers to capture him
8. Why did the white elephant refuse to eat in captivity?
   a) He disliked the food
   b) He was worried about his mother
   c) He was sick
   d) He was angry at the king
   Answer: b) He was worried about his mother
9. What did the king do when he saw the elephant’s despair?
   a) Punished the trainers
   b) Freed the elephant
   c) Gave him more food
   d) Rode him again
   Answer: b) Freed the elephant
10. What did the white elephant say about the king after being freed?
    a) He was cruel
    b) He was noble and generous
    c) He was selfish
    d) He was careless
    Answer: b) He was noble and generous

Short Questions and Answers

1. Q: Where was the white elephant’s herd located?
   A: Near the Himalayas.
2. Q: What was the condition of the white elephant’s mother?
   A: She was old and blind.
3. Q: Why did the white elephant move to a cave with his mother?
   A: To prevent other elephants from stealing her food.
4. Q: What sound did the white elephant hear one evening?
   A: A man’s cries of distress.
5. Q: Who did the white elephant find by the lake?
   A: A lost forester.
6. Q: How did the white elephant help the forester?
   A: Carried him to Benaras on his back.
7. Q: What motivated the forester to betray the elephant?
   A: Greed for the king’s reward.
8. Q: What did the white elephant gather for his mother in the forest?
   A: Bamboo stems.
9. Q: Why was the king’s stable decorated?
   A: In honor of the white elephant.
10. Q: What did the white elephant do upon being freed?
    A: Returned to his mother in the forest.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): The white elephant’s kindness led to his capture.
   Reasoning (R): He helped the forester, who betrayed him by leading trainers to him.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. His kindness to the forester directly resulted in his betrayal and capture.
2. Assertion (A): The white elephant ignored his mother’s warning due to fear.
   Reasoning (R): He was driven by compassion to help the man in distress.
   Answer: A is false, R is true. His decision was based on compassion, not fear.
3. Assertion (A): The king’s decision to free the elephant showed his nobility.
   Reasoning (R): He valued the elephant’s loyalty to his mother over his own desires.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. The king’s selfless act reflected his noble character.
4. Assertion (A): The forester’s betrayal was unexpected by the white elephant.
   Reasoning (R): The elephant trusted the forester despite his mother’s warning about human treachery.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. His trust made the betrayal unforeseen.
5. Assertion (A): The white elephant’s refusal to eat was a protest against captivity.
   Reasoning (R): He was distressed about his mother’s well-being, not the captivity itself.
   Answer: A is false, R is true. His refusal was due to concern for his mother, not a protest.

Long Questions and Answers

1. Q: How did the white elephant’s compassion lead to his betrayal in the story?
   A: The white elephant’s compassion drove him to help a lost forester, ignoring his mother’s warning about human treachery. He carried the forester to Benaras, but the greedy forester betrayed him by informing the king, leading trainers to capture him. This act of kindness, rooted in his inability to ignore someone in distress, directly resulted in his betrayal. (59 words)
2. Q: Why did the white elephant’s mother warn him against helping the man?
   A: The white elephant’s mother, old and blind, warned him against helping the man due to her knowledge of human treachery toward elephants. Her experience taught her that humans often betray kindness. Despite her plea, the elephant’s compassion led him to assist the forester, resulting in his capture, proving her warning was justified. (56 words)
3. Q: How did the king’s actions reflect his character in the story?
   A: The king initially desired the white elephant for himself, but upon seeing his despair and learning of his concern for his blind mother, he freed him immediately. This selfless act, prioritizing the elephant’s filial duty over his own wishes, showcased the king’s noble and generous character, earning the elephant’s praise for his kindness. (55 words)
4. Q: Why was the white elephant’s refusal to eat significant in the story?
   A: The white elephant’s refusal to eat in captivity was significant because it stemmed from his deep concern for his blind mother, left alone and starving. His distress highlighted his loyalty and love, which moved the king to free him. This act underscored the elephant’s devotion, ultimately leading to his reunion with his mother. (57 words)
5. Q: How did the white elephant’s perspective on humans evolve by the story’s end?
   A: Initially, the white elephant trusted humans enough to help the forester, despite his mother’s warning. After the forester’s betrayal, he felt regret, but the king’s generous act of freeing him restored his faith. He concluded that not all humans are treacherous, praising the king’s nobility while acknowledging the forester’s deceitful actions. (54 words)