Two Stories about Flying Notes Chapter 3 English Class 10

Notes For All Chapters English First Flight Class 10 CBSE

Part I: His First Flight – Liam O’ Flaherty

1. Characters

• Young Seagull – Timid, afraid to fly, dependent on parents, later successful.
• Seagull’s Parents – Strict but caring; use threats and tricks to make him fly.
• Seagull’s Siblings – Already flying, skilled in catching fish, tease him.

2. Setting

• A ledge (narrow shelf of a cliff) overlooking the sea.
• Bright sunny morning, sea beneath, vast sky above.

3. Plot (Step-by-step events)

1. Fear of flying
   • The young seagull stood alone on the ledge.
   • He was afraid to fly though his siblings had already flown.
   • He thought his wings would not support him.
2. Parents’ reaction
   • Parents scolded and threatened to let him starve.
   • Family taunted him for his cowardice.
3. Hunger and temptation
   • He had not eaten since the previous night.
   • He saw his mother with a piece of fish.
   • She flew close but stopped just out of his reach to tempt him.
4. The dive
   • Maddened by hunger, he dived for the fish.
   • Suddenly, his wings spread and he discovered he could fly.
5. Flying experience
   • Wind rushed under his wings and stomach.
   • He started soaring, diving, curveting, and shrieking with joy.
   • His siblings and parents joined, encouraging him.
6. Landing on the sea
   • He dropped his legs to stand on water.
   • First, he panicked as he sank a little, but soon realized he was floating.
   • His family praised him and offered scraps of fish.

4. Themes / Messages

• Fear is natural, but it must be overcome.
• Necessity (hunger) pushes us to act.
• Parental guidance may be strict but is for the child’s good.
• Success brings confidence and joy.

Part II: The Black Aeroplane – Frederick Forsyth

1. Characters

• Narrator (Pilot) – Flying Dakota plane, wants to reach home, determined but anxious.
• Mysterious Pilot – Appears in a black aeroplane, guides him safely, identity unknown.
• Control Centre Woman – Reveals that no other plane was seen on radar.

2. Setting

• Nighttime journey from France to England.
• Clear sky, then dark storm clouds.
• Inside storm: complete darkness, no working instruments.

3. Plot (Step-by-step events)

1. Pleasant start
   • Narrator flew his Dakota plane.
   • Moonlight, stars, clear sky, calm night.
   • Dreaming of big English breakfast with his family.
2. Storm clouds appear
   • Huge, black, mountain-like clouds blocked his path.
   • Not enough fuel to fly around.
   • Though he thought of returning, he risked going through.
3. Inside the storm
   • Darkness everywhere.
   • Compass and other instruments failed.
   • Radio was dead – no contact possible.
   • The plane twisted and shook dangerously.
4. Appearance of black aeroplane
   • Suddenly, another plane appeared without lights.
   • Pilot of that plane waved his hand, signalled: “Follow me.”
   • Narrator followed obediently.
5. Escape from danger
   • After half an hour, the mysterious plane guided him out of clouds.
   • He saw runway lights and landed safely.
6. Mystery revealed
   • Narrator looked back – black aeroplane had disappeared.
   • At control centre, woman said no other plane was flying that night.
   • Narrator was left wondering – Who was the pilot that saved him?

4. Themes / Messages

• Life is uncertain and full of challenges.
• Courage and determination are needed in crisis.
• Help sometimes comes in mysterious, unexplained ways.
• Faith and hope can save us even in worst conditions.