Notes For All Chapters – English Class 7
About the Author
- Count Leo Tolstoy: One of the greatest authors of all time.
- Known for his novels, short stories, and philosophical works.
- Influenced leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr..
- Wrote many stories for children with lessons for adults too.
Summary of the Story
Setting:
- The story is set during Easter in a village.
- Snow is melting, and small streams are flowing. A large puddle forms between two farms.
Main Characters:
- Malasha: A younger girl in a blue dress.
- Akulka: An older girl in a yellow dress with a design.
Storyline:
- The two girls, dressed in new clothes, meet near the puddle after church.
- They decide to play in the water after removing their shoes and lifting their skirts.
- Conflict: Malasha accidentally splashes water on Akulka, dirtying her dress.
- Akulka gets angry, scolds Malasha, and chases her.
- The quarrel escalates when Akulka’s mother sees her daughter’s soiled dress. She hits Malasha, and Malasha’s mother intervenes.
- Soon, both families and villagers get involved in a heated argument.
Resolution:
- Akulka’s grandmother tries to stop the fight by reminding everyone about the holy day.
- Meanwhile, the two girls resolve their fight and play together, laughing and enjoying the water.
- The adults feel ashamed of their behavior and stop fighting.
Moral:
- Children are wiser than adults in resolving conflicts.
- Adults should learn to forgive and let go of anger.
Key Vocabulary
- Puddle: A small pool of water.
- Kerchiefs: Scarves worn on the head.
- Bespattered: Covered with drops of liquid or dirt.
- Rills: Small streams of water.
- Accursed one: A term used to scold someone.
- Nape of her neck: The back part of the neck.
Life Lesson
The story teaches us to:
- Resolve conflicts with kindness.
- Avoid escalating trivial issues.
- Learn from children’s innocence and wisdom.
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