The Day the River Spoke
Short Questions
1. What is Jahnavi’s dream in the story?
Answer: Jahnavi dreams of going to school to learn and read like her brothers.
2. Who speaks to Jahnavi by the river?
Answer: The River speaks to Jahnavi in a sleepy, murmuring voice.
3. Why is Jahnavi upset at the beginning of the story?
Answer: She is upset because her family won’t let her attend school.
4. What does the River suggest Jahnavi do to fulfill her dream?
Answer: The River suggests she slip into a school class and listen to the lesson.
5. What is the name of Jahnavi’s elder brother?
Answer: Jahnavi’s elder brother is named Gopi, called Ettan.
6. What lesson does Jahnavi hear in school?
Answer: She hears a lesson about King Ashoka, who became a great king.
7. Who convinces Jahnavi’s father to let her attend school?
Answer: The teacher convinces Jahnavi’s father to allow her to study.
8. What does Jahnavi aspire to become when she grows up?
Answer: Jahnavi aspires to become a teacher to educate girls in her village.
9. What is a catamaran, as mentioned by the River?
Answer: A catamaran is a kind of boat, like the one owned by Chandu.
10. How does the River describe ships to Jahnavi?
Answer: The River describes ships as big boats that sail the sea with lights shining all night.
Long Questions
1. Why does Jahnavi feel she is too old to go to school, and how does the River help her overcome this fear?
Answer: Jahnavi feels she’s too old at nearly ten and fears rejection due to her age and responsibilities. The River encourages her to try attending school, assuring her that girls are as capable as boys and boosting her confidence.
2. How does the personification of the River make the story more engaging for readers?
Answer: The River’s ability to speak and offer wise, comforting advice adds a magical and relatable element to the story. This personification captivates readers by blending nature with human emotions, making Jahnavi’s journey inspiring.
3. What role does the teacher play in helping Jahnavi achieve her dream of education?
Answer: The teacher warmly welcomes Jahnavi into the classroom and recognizes her desire to learn. By visiting her home and convincing her father, the teacher ensures Jahnavi can attend school regularly.
4. How does Jahnavi’s mother’s attitude reflect the theme of gender equality in the story?
Answer: Jahnavi’s mother initially hesitates but supports her daughter’s education, revealing her own unfulfilled desire to study. Her support highlights the importance of equal educational opportunities for girls, reinforcing the story’s message.
5. Why are the vivid descriptions of nature important in the story’s setting?
Answer: The detailed descriptions of kingfishers, lizards, bamboo, and the river create an immersive and vibrant setting. They reflect Jahnavi’s deep connection with nature and set a calming tone for her interaction with the River.
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