THE WHITE ELEPHANT
1. How did the white elephant help the forester?
Answer: The white elephant helps the forester by carrying him through the forest and leaving him on the outskirts of the city.
2. Why did the white elephant’s mother advise him not to help the man in distress?
Answer: The white elephant’s mother advise him not to help the man in distress because she knew the way of human beings towards them. She knew that their goodness would be rewarded by treachery.
3. How did the forester respond to the white elephant’s good deed?
Answer: The forester responded to the white elephant’s good deed by cheating him. The white elephant saved the forester’s life but the forester betrayed him by getting him captured by the king’s trainers.
4. Why did the white elephant refuse to eat anything in the palace?
Answer: The white elephant refused to eat anything in the palace because he was worried about his old and blind mother who was starving in the forest.
5. How did the king help the white elephant?
Answer: The king helps the white elephant by permitting him to go back to his mother in the forest as he was impressed by his devotion and concern for his mother.
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 was a very greedy and cunning man. He captured the white elephant which helped him in the time of need. On the other hand, the white elephant was helpful and kind-hearted.
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: There is a great importance of positive attitude towards life. It gives us strength to face any kind of problem and overcome the adversities. It helps us to make a successful way even in the negative situation.
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 countrymen,
Good morning to all of you,
I am here today to deliver a speech on the importance of love for animals. As we all know, that some animals are very useful in our daily life. It’s very necessary to show our love for animals because if we care for animals, they become very loyal and they can even sacrifice their life to protect us. But now a days, animals are being hurt by some cruel people. They hurt them for fulfilling some of their greeds and sometimes just for fun and to show off.
I highly condemn this cruel behaviour of man towards animals. This is not humanity. Animals are also the awesome creatures of God just like us. They too deserve freedom and happiness in their life. They only understand the language of love and never betray the person who cares for them. So, please be kind to animals, love them and protect them.
Thank you.
Writing Skills
On behalf of the mother elephant, write a request letter to the king pleading for the release of her son.
Answer:
Honourable king,
I am a blind old mother of an elephant and writing this letter to let you know that my son has been captured by a forester and some of your trainers. Just some days ago, my son helped that forester by carrying him to the outskirts of city Benaras when he forgot the way to his city. But now, I am in deep grief to see that what kind of reward he got in return of his goodness.
The forester betrayed my innocent son. Your majesty, he is my only hope of life but now he is in your captivity. So, here is my humble request to you to please release my son and reunite me with my beloved son. I will be always grateful to you for this.
yours truly
A grieving mother.