NCERT Solutions Class 8 English (It So Happened)
The NCERT Solutions in English Language for Class 8 English (It So Happened) Chapter – 3 The Selfish Giant has been provided here to help the students in solving the questions from this exercise.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English (It So Happened)
- Chapter – 1 : How the Camel Got His Hump
- Chapter – 2 : Children at Work
- Chapter – 4 : The Treasure Within
- Chapter – 5 : Princess September
- Chapter – 6 : The Fight
- Chapter – 7 : The Open Window
- Chapter – 8 : Jalebis
- Chapter – 9 : The Comet 1
- Chapter – 10 : The Comet 2
- Chapter – 11 : Ancient Education System of India
Chapter – 3 (The Selfish Giant)
Comprehension Check
1. Why is the Giant called selfish?
Answer – The Giant is called selfish because he prohibited the children from playing in his garden. He built a high wall all around it and put up a notice-board in it stating that all trespassers will be prosecuted.
2. On one occasion the children said: “How happy we are here!”
Later they said: “How happy we were there!”
What are they referring to in both the cases?
Answer – In the first case, they are referring to the Giant’s garden where they would play while returning from school. They had a great time whenever they played in the garden.
In the second case, they are again referring to the garden; talking about how happy they were before the Giant stopped them from playing in his garden.
In both the cases, the children are referring to the Giant’s garden.
3. (i) When spring came, it was still winter in the garden. What does winter stand for or indicate here?
Answer – In absence of the children, the Giant’s garden did not blossom though it was the spring season. So, there was still winter in Giant’s garden. Winter indicates the autumn season when neither flowers nor birds could be seen in the garden.
(ii) Winter has been presented like a story with its own characters and activities. Describe the story in your own words.
Answer – Winter is shown in various characters. It has Snow, Frost, North Wind and Hail. The Snow covered up the grass. The Frost painted the trees silver. The North Wind roared all day. It blew the chimney-pots down. The Hail rattled on the castle roof.
4. Was the Giant happy or sad over the state of the garden?
Answer – The Giant was sad over the state of his garden. He could not understand why spring was so late in coming.
5. What effect did the linnet’s song have over Hail and North Wind?
Answer – When the linnet sang, the Hail stopped dancing over his head, and the North Wind stopped roaring.
Comprehension Check
1. (i) The Giant saw a most wonderful sight. What did he see?
Answer – The Giant saw that the children had entered the garden through a small hole in the wall, and were sitting on the branches of trees. There was a child on every tree. The trees had covered themselves with blossoms as they were glad to have the children back. The birds were flying about and twittering in delight, and the flowers and grass were laughing out loud.
(ii) What did he realise on seeing it?
Answer – He realised that spring did not come to his garden because he had prevented the children from playing in his garden. He realised that he was selfish not to allow the children to play in his garden.
2. Why was it still winter in one corner of the garden?
Answer – In one corner of the garden, there was a tree all covered with frost and snow. The North Wind was blowing and roaring above it. A little boy was standing in front of it, but could not reach its branches. As a result, there was still winter in this part of the garden.
3. Describe the first meeting of the little boy and the Giant.
Answer – The first meeting of the little boy and the Giant was beneath the tree that was covered with frost and snow. The Giant took him gently in his hands and put him up into the tree. The tree at once blossomed, and the birds came and sang on it. The little boy stretched out his two arms, flung them round the Giant’s neck, and kissed him.
4. Describe their second meeting after a long interval.
Answer – In the second meeting the Giant saw the little boy wounded. The Giant got angry at it. He said that he would kill the person who had wounded the little boy. But the little boy said that his wounds were of love. The surprised Giant had asked him who he was. A strange awe fell on him. He knelt before the little child. The child smiled. He told the giant who he was. The Giant had once allowed him to play in his garden. Now he would go with the Child to play with him in his garden. This garden was paradise.
5. The Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. What does this sentence indicate about the once selfish Giant?
Answer – This indicates that the Giant is no longer selfish and cruel. He has been blessed with Lord Christ himself. That’s why, he is covered with white blossoms. White colour is a symbol of peace.
Exercise
Discuss the following topics in groups.
1. The little child’s hands and feet had marks of nails. Who does the child remind you of? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer – The child reminds me of Lord Christ. Lord Christ was put on a cross with nails on his palms and feet. The little boy had these nail marks.
2. Is there something like this garden near where you live? Would you like one (without the Giant perhaps) and why? What would you do to keep it in good shape?
Answer – Yes. There is a beautiful garden near where I live. I like Gardens much. I have a small garden in my own house too. I love flowers and plants. It is one place which is liked by all – young, old and children. To keep it in good condition, I believe there should be more gardeners. So many people use the garden. They can also help to keep it in good shape.
