Chapter -6. Stone Soup in Bohemia, English Literature, DAV Class VII, The Best Solutions.

Pre-reading Task

1. Have you ever befooled anyone? Narrate the event in the class.

Answer – One April Fool’s Day, I tricked my younger brother into believing our pet goldfish could sing. I hid a small Bluetooth speaker near the fish tank and played a looping audio of a cartoonish voice “singing” whenever he walked by. His eyes widened, and he spent an hour trying to figure out how the fish learned to sing! I finally revealed the prank, and we both had a good laugh. It was harmless fun, and he still brings it up jokingly.

2. If you were to choose between intelligence and money, what would you opt for? Give reasons for your choice.

Answer – I would choose intelligence over money. Intelligence enables problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability, which can lead to personal growth and opportunities to earn money in the long run. Money, while useful, is finite and can be lost, but intelligence is a lasting tool for navigating life’s challenges. For example, with intelligence, I could learn new skills to build a career or innovate, whereas money alone might not guarantee long-term success or fulfillment.

Word Meaning

Summary (English):

This is a humorous and clever tale of a hungry soldier who uses his intelligence to get a good meal. When he arrives in a village in Bohemia, the villagers are hostile and refuse to give him any food. Instead of begging, the soldier cleverly announces that he will make a magical “stone soup” using only water and two stones. Curious and intrigued, the villagers watch as he begins cooking. As he stirs the water and pretends to taste the soup, he comments that the soup would taste better with a few vegetables. Gradually, each villager adds something to the pot—peas, turnips, onions, potatoes—until the soup becomes rich and delicious. In the end, the whole village enjoys the meal, believing it to be a miracle. The soldier wins not just a hearty dinner, but also the villagers’ admiration—all with his wit and charm.

सारांश (हिन्दी में):

यह एक भूखे सैनिक की मज़ेदार और चतुराई भरी कहानी है, जो अपनी बुद्धिमानी से स्वादिष्ट भोजन प्राप्त करता है। जब वह बोहेमिया के एक गाँव में पहुँचता है, तो गाँववाले उसे देखकर नाराज़ हो जाते हैं और उसे खाना देने से इनकार कर देते हैं। सैनिक भीख माँगने के बजाय कहता है कि वह दो पत्थरों से एक खास “स्टोन सूप” बनाएगा। यह सुनकर गाँववाले हैरान रह जाते हैं और उसकी गतिविधियाँ देखने लगते हैं। सैनिक धीरे-धीरे कहता है कि अगर थोड़ी सब्जियाँ मिल जाएँ, तो सूप और भी स्वादिष्ट हो जाएगा। उत्सुकता में गाँववाले एक-एक करके सूप में सब्जियाँ डालते हैं—मटर, शलजम, प्याज, आलू—यहाँ तक कि सूप गाढ़ा और स्वादिष्ट बन जाता है। अंत में पूरा गाँव मिलकर सूप का आनंद लेता है और इसे चमत्कारी मानता है। सैनिक अपनी समझदारी और चतुराई से स्वादिष्ट भोजन और गाँववालों का सम्मान दोनों ही प्राप्त करता है।

Understanding the Story

A. Write T for true and F for false statements.

1. The villagers gave the soldier a very warm welcome.

Answer – F

2. The stones had no power of making a soup.

Answer – T

3. The villagers added nothing to the soup.

Answer – F

4. The villagers found the soup extremely delicious.

Answer – T

5. A Chinese had taught the soldier how to make stone soup.

Answer – F

Answer the following questions in about 30 words each.

1. How did the soldier react to the unwelcoming attitude of the villagers?

Answer – The soldier remained cheerful and calm despite the villagers’ rudeness. He did not argue or plead, but cleverly pretended to make a magical stone soup to gain their curiosity.

2. What according to the soldier was the speciality of the stones?

Answer – The soldier claimed that the stones could brew the most delicious soup ever. He said it was a secret recipe from China, once gifted by a saint he had saved.

3. Why did the villagers initially hesitate to add anything to the soup?

Answer – The villagers were suspicious and didn’t want to look foolish. They were also selfish and unwilling to share their food with a stranger until curiosity overcame their hesitation.

4. What comments did the various villagers make on the quality of the soup?

Answer – The villagers praised the soup highly. The Burgomaster called it “exquisite,” the merchant said it was “magnificent,” and others found it “real tasty” and “a miracle.”

HOTS

What are the various methods that the soldier adopted to be friendly with the villagers?

Answer – The soldier used politeness, humour, and flattery to win the villagers’ trust. He shared fascinating stories, praised their faces, and included everyone in his plan, making them feel important and curious.

Life Skills

1. ‘Presence of mind is a more valuable asset than wealth or strength.’ Elaborate the idea in a short paragraph.

Answer – Presence of mind allows a person to stay calm and think wisely in difficult situations. The soldier had no food or wealth, but his quick thinking helped him cleverly convince the villagers to contribute. It shows how mental alertness can solve problems that strength or money alone cannot.

1. ‘And the soldier chuckled to himself.’ Why did the soldier do so? Discuss with your partner.

Answer – The soldier chuckled because his plan had worked perfectly. He had tricked the villagers into giving him food without asking directly. His clever idea had turned a hostile crowd into a cheerful gathering.

Values

‘Tough times don’t last but tough people do.’ How could the solider ensure that he was not disheartened at all?

Answer – The soldier didn’t let rejection or hunger break his spirit. He stayed positive and used creativity to overcome the situation. His ability to adapt and think cleverly proved his inner toughness and resilience.

Writing Skills

You are a reporter who visits the village in Bohemia and listens to the fame of the stone soup. Write a news report to be published in your newspaper showing how a soldier used his wits to satisfy his hunger.

Answer – Magical Soup Wins Hearts in Bohemia!

By Special Correspondent

Bohemia, May 20: A travelling soldier recently astonished villagers in a remote Bohemian town by preparing what he called “stone soup”—a magical dish that turned a skeptical crowd into joyful diners.

When the soldier arrived, he was met with hostility and cold stares. Undeterred, he set up his iron cauldron and announced he would cook soup using only water and two stones. Intrigued by his mysterious method, villagers gathered around. Slowly, he persuaded them to add a few vegetables to enhance the flavour.

To everyone’s surprise, the soup turned out delicious. “It’s a miracle,” said the Burgomaster, while others enjoyed the meal heartily.

This clever use of wit and charm not only fed the soldier but also united the villagers in sharing. The event is now being remembered fondly as a lesson in intelligence, generosity, and the magic of togetherness.

Additional Questions and Answers – 01

Short Questions and Answers

1. What was the soldier’s condition when he arrived in the village?
   Answer: The soldier was poor, hungry, and tired. He carried a small kit with a blanket, leather bag, and a cauldron.
2. How did the villagers respond to the soldier at first?
   Answer: They were unfriendly and hostile. They refused to offer him any food or help.
3. What is ‘stone soup’?
   Answer: ‘Stone soup’ was a trick the soldier used. He claimed he could make delicious soup using only water and stones to make the villagers contribute ingredients.
4. How did the soldier convince the villagers to add vegetables?
   Answer: He suggested that adding a little garlic or a carrot would enhance the flavor of the magical stone soup.
5. Why did the villagers begin to add ingredients to the soup?
   Answer: They were curious and didn’t want to miss out on a magical experience. Eventually, they gave in to their impulse and added food items.
6. What role did storytelling play in the soldier’s success?
   Answer: His entertaining stories and praise of the villagers helped break their suspicion and encouraged them to participate.
7. What message does the story convey?
   Answer: The story teaches that intelligence, wit, and presence of mind can help one overcome even difficult situations.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

Assertion (A): The villagers were curious about the soldier’s soup.
Reason (R): The soldier claimed the stones were magical and could make delicious soup.

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

2.

Assertion (A): The soldier got food by begging from villagers.
Reason (R): The villagers felt pity and gave him food.

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

3.

Assertion (A): The soldier ate a rich and satisfying meal.
Reason (R): He wisely used the idea of “stone soup” to gain the villagers’ contributions.

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

Long Questions and Answers (50–60 words each)

1. Describe how the soldier used his intelligence to get food from the villagers.
   Answer:
   The soldier was clever and observant. When the villagers refused to give him food, he used the idea of “stone soup” to spark their curiosity. By pretending that the soup was magical and tasted better with vegetables, he gradually made them contribute ingredients. His wit turned their hostility into generosity.
2. What change did the villagers undergo during the course of the story?
   Answer:
   At first, the villagers were unfriendly, selfish, and unwilling to share anything with the soldier. However, his clever strategy and friendly manner slowly changed their minds. Their curiosity and desire to be part of something special led them to contribute food and finally enjoy the soup together in a spirit of community.
3. What lessons does the story “Stone Soup” teach us?
   Answer:
   The story teaches us the importance of presence of mind, creativity, and resourcefulness in difficult situations. It also highlights the power of community, sharing, and how kindness can be encouraged through clever communication. The soldier’s ability to turn a selfish crowd into a cooperative group is inspiring.
4. How did the soldier manage to win the trust of the villagers?
   Answer:
   The soldier stayed calm and respectful even when treated rudely. He complimented the villagers, shared humorous stories, and made them feel included. By speaking with confidence and friendliness, he gradually earned their trust. His charm and storytelling made them forget their suspicion and join him in making the soup.

Additional Questions and Answers – 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What was the initial attitude of the villagers toward the soldier?
   a) Welcoming and generous
   b) Hostile and resentful
   c) Curious and friendly
   d) Indifferent and neutral
   Answer: b) Hostile and resentful
2. What did the soldier claim to be making in his cauldron?
   a) Vegetable stew
   b) Stone soup
   c) Chicken broth
   d) Magic potion
   Answer: b) Stone soup
3. What did the soldier do to convince the villagers to contribute ingredients?
   a) Threatened them
   b) Shared stories and flattery
   c) Paid them for their help
   d) Ignored their complaints
   Answer: b) Shared stories and flattery
4. Which ingredient was NOT mentioned as being added to the soup?
   a) Potato
   b) Cabbage
   c) Chicken
   d) Peas
   Answer: c) Chicken
5. What was the soldier’s demeanor when faced with the villagers’ hostility?
   a) Angry and confrontational
   b) Cheerful and witty
   c) Sad and despondent
   d) Nervous and unsure
   Answer: b) Cheerful and witty
6. Who was the first to express disapproval of the soldier’s presence?
   a) A woman with a wart
   b) The Burgomaster
   c) A portly merchant
   d) A young boy
   Answer: b) The Burgomaster
7. What did the soldier claim about the origin of his stone soup recipe?
   a) It was taught by his mother
   b) It was a gift from a saint
   c) It was learned in the army
   d) It was discovered in a book
   Answer: b) It was a gift from a saint
8. How did the villagers react when the soup was ready?
   a) They refused to eat it
   b) They praised its taste
   c) They demanded more ingredients
   d) They left the square
   Answer: b) They praised its taste
9. What was the soldier’s main tool for persuading the villagers?
   a) His physical strength
   b) His intelligence and charm
   c) His wealth
   d) His cooking skills
   Answer: b) His intelligence and charm
10. What was the final outcome for the soldier?
    a) He was driven out of the village
    b) He enjoyed a satisfying meal with the villagers
    c) He left the village hungry
    d) He was arrested by the Burgomaster
    Answer: b) He enjoyed a satisfying meal with the villagers

Short Questions and Answers

1. What did the soldier carry in his kit?
   Answer: The soldier carried a rough leather pack, a horsehair blanket, and an iron cauldron.
2. Why did the villagers initially resent the soldier?
   Answer: The villagers resented the soldier because they thought he would demand food, and they had their own mouths to feed.
3. What did the soldier claim the stones could do?
   Answer: The soldier claimed the stones could brew delicious, mouth-watering soup.
4. What was the Burgomaster’s role in the village?
   Answer: The Burgomaster was the chief magistrate of the village.
5. How did the soldier react to the villagers’ hostility?
   Answer: The soldier remained cheerful, winked, and made a mock bow, showing no sign of being disheartened.
6. What was the first ingredient suggested by the soldier to enhance the soup?
   Answer: The soldier suggested a pinch of garlic to enhance the soup’s flavor.
7. What did the villagers contribute to the soup?
   Answer: The villagers contributed a turnip, potato, cabbage, onions, peas, and tomatoes.
8. How did the soldier describe the soup to the villagers?
   Answer: He described it as the soup Alexander drank before storming the Pyramids, calling it “stone soup from China.”
9. What was the atmosphere in the village square when the soup was ready?
   Answer: The atmosphere was warm and communal, with villagers sitting together, sipping the soup, and praising its taste.
10. What did the soldier do while the soup was cooking?
    Answer: He shared anecdotes, joked, and flattered the villagers to keep them engaged and curious.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): The soldier used deception to get the villagers to contribute food.
   Reason (R): He pretended that two stones could make a delicious soup, which encouraged the villagers to add ingredients.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: The soldier cleverly claimed that stones could make soup, knowing it would pique the villagers’ curiosity and prompt them to contribute ingredients, thus ensuring a meal through deception.
2. Assertion (A): The villagers’ initial hostility turned into cooperation.
   Reason (R): The soldier’s cheerful demeanor and storytelling made the villagers curious and willing to participate.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: The soldier’s charm and engaging stories about the soup’s origins softened the villagers’ resentment, leading them to contribute ingredients and share the meal.
3. Assertion (A): The soldier’s intelligence was key to his success in getting a meal.
   Reason (R): He used flattery and exaggerated stories to manipulate the villagers’ emotions.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: The soldier’s witty storytelling and flattery overcame the villagers’ reluctance, convincing them to contribute to the soup, showcasing his intelligence.
4. Assertion (A): The Burgomaster was initially opposed to helping the soldier.
   Reason (R): He believed the soldier was a burden and wanted to protect the village’s resources.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: The Burgomaster’s initial hostility stemmed from his role as the village leader, prioritizing the villagers’ resources over helping a stranger.
5. Assertion (A): The soldier’s soup was a collaborative effort.
   Reason (R): Each villager contributed a small ingredient, making the soup rich and flavorful.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: The soldier’s clever tactic led to villagers adding various ingredients, transforming the “stone soup” into a collective, delicious dish.

Long Questions and Answers (50-60 words)

1. How did the soldier’s intelligence help him overcome the villagers’ hostility?
   The soldier’s intelligence shone through his cheerful demeanor and clever storytelling. By claiming he could make soup from stones, he piqued the villagers’ curiosity. His flattery and anecdotes engaged them, turning hostility into cooperation. This psychological tactic led them to contribute ingredients, ensuring a satisfying meal for all, showcasing his wit and resourcefulness.
2. What role did the Burgomaster play in the story, and how did his attitude change?
   The Burgomaster, as the village’s chief magistrate, initially opposed the soldier, fearing he would demand food. His hostility reflected the villagers’ resentment. However, the soldier’s charm and the allure of stone soup softened his stance. By the end, he praised the soup’s taste, joining the communal meal, showing how the soldier’s wit changed his perspective.
3. Why did the villagers contribute ingredients despite their initial reluctance?
   The villagers were initially reluctant due to their protective attitude toward resources. The soldier’s claim of making soup from stones sparked curiosity, and his engaging stories and flattery overcame their suspicions. A collective impulse drove them to contribute small ingredients like peas and potatoes, intrigued by the novel idea of stone soup, leading to a shared meal.
4. How did the soldier use storytelling to achieve his goal?
   The soldier used exaggerated tales, like the soup’s origin from a saint and its link to Alexander the Great, to captivate the villagers. His witty anecdotes and flattery made them feel included and curious. This storytelling transformed their hostility into cooperation, encouraging them to contribute ingredients, ensuring a delicious meal for everyone.
5. What does the story reveal about the power of persuasion?
   The story highlights persuasion’s power through the soldier’s clever tactics. By presenting an intriguing idea—stone soup—and using charm, flattery, and storytelling, he overcame the villagers’ hostility. His intelligence turned a skeptical crowd into willing participants, showing how persuasive communication can change attitudes, foster collaboration, and achieve goals, even in challenging situations.