Chapter – 06, The Helpful Young Man, Class VI, English Literature, Dav Board, The Best Solutions.

Pre-reading Task

1. If you find an old man trying to cross a road, will you—

(i) come forward and help him?

(ii) ask someone else to help him?

(iii) not bother about it at all?

Answer – (i) come forward and help him.

Helping someone in need, especially an elderly person, is a kind and responsible act that shows empathy and respect.

2. When you help a needy person, do you—

(i) boast of it to your friends?

(ii) expect him to pay you back for your help?

(iii) keep it to yourself?

Answer – (iii) keep it to yourself?

True kindness doesn’t seek attention or rewards. Helping quietly reflects genuine compassion.

Word Meaning

Summary in English

Once, a blind peasant with seven sons was told by a faqir that his sight could be restored by rubbing ash from a specific fish’s eyes. The youngest son, unlike his reluctant elder brothers, embarked on a perilous journey to fetch the fish. Upon finding it, the fish offered an alternative: touch sand to its eyelids and then to the peasant’s eyes to restore his sight. The young man followed the instructions, and his father’s vision was restored. However, his jealous brothers accused him of deceit, claiming he didn’t bring the fish’s eyes, leading to his banishment.

While wandering, the young man saved a black buck and a jackal from hunters, both promising to help him in return. Later, he encountered a princess who challenged suitors to evade her magic mirror, with failure meaning death. The young man accepted the challenge. With the fish’s help, he hid in the ocean but was detected. The buck then hid him in the hills, but he was found again. Finally, the jackal devised a plan to hide him under the princess’s bed via a tunnel. The princess couldn’t trace him in her mirror, admitted defeat, and married him. They lived happily ever after.

Summary in Hindi

एक बार, सात बेटों वाला एक अंधा किसान था। एक फकीर ने बताया कि एक खास मछली की आँखों की राख से उसकी आँखों की रोशनी लौट सकती है। छोटा बेटा, जो अपने डरपोक बड़े भाइयों से अलग था, मछली लाने की खतरनाक यात्रा पर निकला। मछली मिलने पर, उसने आँखें देने के बजाय एक उपाय बताया: उसकी पलकों को रेत से छूकर वही रेत किसान की आँखों पर लगाने से रोशनी वापस आएगी। छोटे बेटे ने ऐसा किया, और उसके पिता की आँखों की रोशनी लौट आई। लेकिन ईर्ष्यालु भाइयों ने उस पर धोखे का आरोप लगाया और उसे घर से निकाल दिया गया।

भटकते हुए, उसने एक काला हिरण और एक सियार को शिकारियों से बचाया, जिन्होंने बदले में मदद का वादा किया। बाद में, उसे एक राजकुमारी मिली, जिसने एक जादुई दर्पण में न दिखने की शर्त पर शादी का प्रस्ताव रखा, वरना सिर काट लिया जाता। युवक ने चुनौती स्वीकारी। मछली ने उसे समुद्र में छिपाया, लेकिन दर्पण ने उसे ढूँढ लिया। हिरण ने उसे पहाड़ों में छिपाया, पर फिर भी वह पकड़ा गया। अंत में, सियार ने राजकुमारी के बिस्तर के नीचे एक सुरंग बनाकर उसे छिपाया। राजकुमारी उसे दर्पण में नहीं ढूँढ पाई, हार मान ली, और उससे शादी कर ली और फिर दोनों खुशी से रहने लगे।

Understanding the Story

A. Answer the following questions briefly:

1. Why did the young man go to the remote sea?

Answer – He went to the remote sea to fetch a special fish whose eye ash could cure his father’s blindness.

2. Why did the elder brothers become jealous of their youngest brother?

Answer – They were jealous because he succeeded in curing their father’s blindness and feared that he would become the heir to the father’s property.

3. How did the young man save the buck and the jackal?

Answer – He hid the buck in a ditch and covered it with grass when hunters were near. He saved the jackal in a similar way when it was being chased, hiding it from hunters.

4. What proclamation had the princess of the strange palace made?

Answer – The princess proclaimed that she would marry any man who could hide from her magic mirror. If she found him, he would be beheaded.

5. How did the three animals—the fish, the buck and the jackal, repay the kindness of the young man?

Answer – The fish hid him in its stomach in the ocean, the buck carried him to remote hills, and the jackals dug a tunnel under the princess’s bed to hide him successfully.

6. How did the young man finally conquer the princess?

Answer – With the help of the jackals, he hid under the princess’s bed through a tunnel. The mirror failed to find him, and the princess accepted defeat and agreed to marry him.

B. Given below in the boxes is the story you have read in a jumbled form. Rearrange the jumbled sentences and reconstruct the story in your notebook. Also mark the route of the young man’s adventurous journey in the map given on page 35.

Answer –

Correct Order of Events:

1. The peasant becomes blind.
2. The youngest son sets off to find the magical fish.
3. He helps the fish, who gives him magic sand.
4. His father’s sight is restored.
5. Jealous brothers accuse him falsely, and he is banished.
6. He helps a buck and a jackal.
7. He finds a palace and accepts the princess’s challenge.
8. Fish, buck, and jackal help him hide.
9. The princess fails to find him and marries him.

HOTS

Why did the princess allow the young man extra chances to hide himself?

Answer – The princess found him interesting and clever. She admired his bravery and intelligence and wanted to test him further before accepting defeat.

Life Skills

Given below are some adjectives. On the basis of your comprehension of the story, put these in appropriate boxes under suitable characters. You can also add some more adjectives.

clever brave cowardly greedy honest kind courageous daring jealous helpful intelligent beautiful cruel wicked

Answer –

Which of these qualities enabled the young man to succeed in life?

Answer – His honesty, kindness, bravery, and intelligence helped him succeed and win people’s hearts and trust.

Values

1. How did the young man’s goodness fetch him support in the time of need?

Answer – Because he had helped the fish, buck, and jackal in their difficult times, they remembered his kindness and returned the favor by helping him when he needed them the most.

1. Have you ever helped anyone in distress? Get into groups of four. Take turns to describe how you helped the needy ones.

Answer – Students will do this is group.

Writing Skills

Imagine yourself to be a minister of the princess. Write a notice informing everyone about the strange condition laid down by the princess for her marriage.

Answer – NOTICE
Office of the Royal Palace
Date: 00.00.0000

Subject: Proclamation Regarding the Princess’s Marriage

All eligible young men are hereby informed that the Princess of the Strange Palace has declared a unique condition for her marriage. The suitor must successfully hide from her enchanted magic mirror for one entire night. If found, he shall be beheaded. If not, he will win her hand in marriage. Interested candidates may report to the palace gates by the next full moon.

By Order,
Minister of the Princess
Royal Seal

Additional Questions and Answers – 01

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Why did the peasant become blind?
   A) Due to an accident
   B) Because of old age
   C) It is not mentioned
   D) Due to a disease
   Answer: C) It is not mentioned
2. Who among the brothers went to fetch the magical fish?
   A) Eldest son
   B) Middle son
   C) Youngest son
   D) None of them
   Answer: C) Youngest son
3. What did the fish ask when caught?
   A) To be eaten
   B) To be thrown back into the ocean
   C) To be sold
   D) To be taken to the palace
   Answer: B) To be thrown back into the ocean
4. What magical item did the princess possess?
   A) Magic wand
   B) Magic mirror
   C) Magic carpet
   D) Talking bird
   Answer: B) Magic mirror
5. Who dug the tunnel under the princess’s bed?
   A) The buck
   B) The fish
   C) The jackals
   D) The young man himself
   Answer: C) The jackals

Short Questions and Answers

1. What made the young man different from his brothers?
   Answer: He was brave, kind, and willing to help his father, unlike his fearful and selfish brothers.
2. How was the father’s eyesight restored?
   Answer: By touching his eyelids with magical sand given by the fish.
3. Why was the young man thrown out of the house?
   Answer: His brothers falsely accused him of dishonesty, claiming he did not bring the fish’s eyes.
4. How did the jackal plan the hiding place?
   Answer: It called a group of jackals who dug a tunnel to the princess’s bedroom.
5. What happened to the magic mirror at the end?
   Answer: The princess got frustrated and smashed it against the lamp post.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

Assertion (A): The youngest son succeeded in hiding from the princess.
Reason (R): He received help from the fish, buck, and jackal whom he had helped earlier.
Options:
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, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Assertion (A): The elder brothers were punished for their jealousy.
Reason (R): They helped the young man in hiding.
Answer: D) A is false, but R is true.

Assertion (A): The young man trusted the fish’s magical solution.
Reason (R): He was wise and kind-hearted.
Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

📝 Long Answer Questions (50–60 words)

1. Describe how the young man’s kindness helped him in winning the princess.
   Answer: The young man helped a fish, a buck, and a jackal selflessly. In return, each of them helped him hide from the princess’s magic mirror in clever ways. Ultimately, the jackals dug a tunnel under her bed. The mirror failed to find him, and the princess, impressed by his cleverness, married him.
2. What role did jealousy play in the story?
   Answer: Jealousy played a negative role. The elder brothers, envious of the youngest son’s success, falsely accused him and got him banished. Their jealousy almost ruined the young man’s life, but ultimately, his truth and goodness led him to success and happiness.
3. Explain the magical elements in the story and their importance.
   Answer: The story features a magic mirror, talking animals, and healing sand. These magical elements create suspense and teach moral lessons. The fish’s sand heals the father’s blindness. The mirror tests intelligence. These elements show that kindness, bravery, and wisdom are rewarded, even in magical or difficult situations.
4. How does the story reflect the theme of “Goodness is rewarded”?
   Answer: The young man’s goodness is rewarded at every step. He helps others without expecting a return. Later, the fish, buck, and jackal help him when he needs them most. Despite being wronged by his brothers, he ends up gaining happiness, a royal marriage, and respect—proving that kindness always comes back.

Additional Questions and Answers – 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What was the primary motivation for the young man to fetch the fish?
   1. To gain wealth b) To restore his father’s eyesight c) To prove his bravery d) To impress his brothers

Answer: b) To restore his father’s eyesight

2. What did the young man do when the fish pleaded for its life?
3. a) Ignored it b) Took its eyes c) Threw it back into the ocean d) Kept it captive

Answer: c) Threw it back into the ocean

3. Why did the elder brothers fear the youngest son’s success?
   1. He would leave the family b) He would inherit the property c) He would challenge their authority d) He would become famous

Answer: b) He would inherit the property

4. What did the young man use to cover the black buck in the ditch?
   1. Stones and mud b) Grass and leaves c) Cloth and branches d) Sand and rocks

Answer: b) Grass and leaves

5. Who chased the jackal that the young man saved?
   1. Wolves b) Hunters c) Soldiers d) Villagers

Answer: b) Hunters

6. What was the princess’s reaction after failing to trace the young man in her mirror?
   1. She laughed b) She cried c) She smashed the mirror d) She hid the mirror

Answer: c) She smashed the mirror

7. How many chances did the princess give the young man to evade her mirror?
   1. One b) Two c) Three d) Four

Answer: c) Three

8. What did the jackal propose as the final hiding place for the young man?
9. a) In a tree b) Under the princess’s bed c) In a cave d) On a mountain

Answer: b) Under the princess’s bed

9. What was the consequence for suitors who appeared in the princess’s mirror?
   1. Imprisonment b) Exile c) Beheading d) Fine

Answer: c) Beheading

10. What did the young man see near the princess’s palace that indicated danger?
11. Armed guards b) Human skulls c) Warning signs d) A locked gate

Answer: b) Human skulls

Short Questions and Answers

1. Q: What was the peasant’s occupation?

A: He was a farmer with plenty of land.

2. Q: Who was reluctant to fetch the fish?

A: The six elder brothers.

3. Q: What did the fish promise if spared?

A: To help the young man in hard times.

4. Q: What caused the elder brothers’ jealousy?

A: The youngest son’s success in restoring their father’s sight.

5. Q: How did the young man respond to the hunters asking about the buck?

A: He pretended not to know what a buck was.

6. Q: What was the princess famous for?

A: Her magic mirror.

7. Q: Where did the fish hide the young man during the first attempt?

A: In its stomach, deep in the ocean.

8. Q: What did the buck do to help the young man in the second attempt?

A: Took him to the remote hills.

9. Q: How did the jackals ensure the young man reached under the princess’s bed?

A: They dug a tunnel.

10. Q: What did the princess do after admitting defeat?

A: Agreed to marry the young man.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): The young man’s banishment was a result of his failure to follow the faqir’s instructions.

Reasoning (R): He followed the fish’s alternative method, but his brothers falsely accused him of dishonesty.

Answer: A is false, R is true. The young man followed the fish’s method, not the faqir’s exact instructions, but his banishment was due to his brothers’ false accusations, not failure.

2. Assertion (A): The animals’ promises to help the young man were crucial to his success.

Reasoning (R): The fish, buck, and jackal provided hiding places to evade the princess’s mirror.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. The animals’ assistance, promised due to his kindness, enabled him to win the challenge.

3. Assertion (A): The princess gave the young man multiple chances because she doubted her mirror.

Reasoning (R): She found him interesting and wanted to test his intelligence further.

Answer: A is false, R is true. The princess’s decision was based on her interest in the young man, not doubt in her mirror.

4. Assertion (A): The young man’s compassion led to his marriage to the princess. Reasoning (R): His kindness to animals earned their help, which helped him win the challenge.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. His compassionate acts secured the animals’ loyalty, leading to his success.

5. Assertion (A): The elder brothers’ accusations were motivated by greed. Reasoning

(R): They feared losing their inheritance to the youngest son.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R explains A. Their accusations aimed to discredit the youngest son to secure the family’s property.

Long Questions and Answers

1. Q: How did the young man’s encounter with the fish reflect his moral character?

A: The young man’s decision to spare the fish’s life after it offered an alternative to restore his father’s sight showed his compassion and trust. By choosing mercy over cruelty, he demonstrated moral integrity, which later earned the fish’s help in the princess’s challenge, proving his kindness was rewarded and integral to his success. (56 words)

2. Q: Why did the elder brothers’ actions lead to the young man’s hardship?

A: The elder brothers, driven by jealousy, falsely accused the young man of deceit for using sand instead of the fish’s eyes, despite his success in restoring their father’s sight. Their accusations, motivated by fear of losing their inheritance, led to his banishment, forcing him to wander aimlessly and face hardships, highlighting their betrayal. (55 words)

3. Q: How did the animals’ roles emphasize the theme of kindness in the story?

A: The fish, buck, and jackal, saved by the young man’s kindness, repaid him by helping him evade the princess’s magic mirror. Their assistance in hiding him in the ocean, hills, and under her bed underscored the story’s theme that selfless acts of kindness toward others, even animals, yield significant rewards. (53 words)

4. Q: What was the significance of the princess’s challenge in the story?

A: The princess’s challenge to evade her magic mirror tested the young man’s intelligence and resourcefulness. His success, aided by animals he helped, showcased his virtues and led to his marriage to the princess. The challenge symbolized the ultimate test of his goodness, rewarding his perseverance and compassion with a happy ending. (54 words)

5. Q: How did the jackal’s plan demonstrate strategic thinking in the story?

A: The jackal’s plan to dig a tunnel under the princess’s bed to hide the young man was a clever strategy that outwitted the magic mirror’s detection. By organising fellow jackals and choosing an unexpected hiding spot, the plan showcased strategic thinking, ensuring the young man’s success and highlighting his allies’ ingenuity. (55 words)