Notes For All Chapters – English Poorvi Class 8th
1. Introduction
Story is a science fiction piece with a touch of humour.
Based on life in a space station.
Shows how even a small bird (a canary) can save human lives.
2. Main Characters
Narrator – Member of the space station crew.
Sven Olsen –
- Thin, wiry construction worker.
- Very skilled in handling construction in zero gravity.
- Secretly brings a bird to the station.
Claribel –
- A small yellow canary (pet bird).
- Smuggled by Sven to the space station.
- Adjusts well to zero gravity.
- Later becomes everyone’s pet and lifesaver.
3. Summary of the Story
- Pets were not forbidden in the space station, but no one thought of keeping them.
- Sven secretly brings Claribel (canary) to space, curious to see how she would behave without gravity.
- Claribel learns to fly easily in zero gravity and becomes popular with the crew.
- One day, she faints unexpectedly.
- Crew gives her oxygen – she revives but faints again.
- Narrator recalls how miners used canaries to detect poisonous gas.
- Realises the problem is with the air purifier – air had become unsafe.
- Engineers check and find the system had frozen during an eclipse and alarm failed.
- Claribel’s suffering alerts them in time – saves the entire crew.
- Moral: Even a tiny bird can be a lifesaver.
4. Important Vocabulary
Wiry – thin but strong.
Dovetailed – fitted together perfectly.
Cubbyhole – small enclosed space.
Concealing – hiding.
Nagging – continuously troubling.
Sheepish – embarrassed.
Safeguarded – protected.
5. Themes of the Story
Science and Curiosity – Sven brought Claribel to satisfy curiosity.
Friendship with animals – Claribel became everyone’s pet.
Science Fiction + Humour – A funny yet meaningful story about space life.
Unexpected problem-solving – A bird saves humans from advanced machine failure.
Importance of animals in human life – Even small creatures can protect us.
6. Moral / Message
- Don’t underestimate small beings.
- Technology can fail, but nature sometimes provides better solutions.
- Curiosity can lead to unexpected discoveries.
7. Character Sketch
Sven Olsen – Skilled, curious, brave, animal lover.
Claribel – Cheerful, adaptable, lifesaver, symbol of nature’s role in science.
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