The Wish

Answer the following the questions.

a. What did the child do to the scab on his knee?

He used his fingernail to carefully lift the scab and, when he succeeded in removing it, he examined the smooth red skin underneath. He placed the scab on his thigh and flicked it with his finger, causing it to fly away and land on the edge of the carpet.

b. What kind of effect did the carpet have on the child?

The carpet had a number of effects on the child. It appeared as a challenge and a source of fascination to him. He saw the colors of the carpet as bright and springing out at him in a dazzling way. The carpet also presented a risk to the child, as he believed that the red parts of the carpet were red-hot lumps of coal and the black parts were poisonous snakes. Despite this, the promise of a puppy for his birthday motivated and encouraged the child to undertake the journey across the carpet.

c. What was he afraid of while walking across the carpet?

The child was afraid of touching the red parts of the carpet, which he believed were red-hot lumps of coal, and the black parts, which he believed were poisonous snakes.

d. What motivated and encouraged the child to start and continue on his journey?

The promise of a puppy for his birthday motivated and encouraged the child to undertake the journey across the carpet.

e. What did the child see as he looked down on the black patterns of the carpet?

The child saw the carpet as a vibrant tapestry with a complex pattern of red, black, and yellow. The red parts were hot coals and the black parts were poisonous snakes, and the child was only allowed to walk on the yellow parts.

a. The writer creates two voices in the story. Who are they?

There are two voices in the story: the voice of the narrator and the voice of the child. The narrator provides a third-person perspective on the actions and thoughts of the child, describing the child's experiences and observations. The child's voice is represented through his thoughts and actions as he picks the scab on his knee, examines the carpet, and decides to undertake the journey across it.

b. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.“…the black parts are snakes, poisonous snakes, adders mostly, and cobras, thick like tree-trunks round the middle, and if I touch one of them, I'll be bitten and I'll die before tea time. And if I get across safely, without being burnt and without being bitten, I will be given a puppy for my birthday tomorrow.”

i. What does ‘the black part’ mean?
"The black part" refers to the black parts of the carpet, which the child believes are poisonous snakes.

ii. Who is the speaker?
The speaker is the child in the story.

iii. Why doesn’t the speaker want to be burnt?
The speaker does not want to be burnt because he believes that the red parts of the carpet are red-hot lumps of coal and that if he touches them, he will be burnt up completely.

c. Which images and metaphors are used in the story?

The story makes use of several images and metaphors to describe the child's experiences and observations. One example is the image of the carpet as a vast tapestry of color and death, with the red parts representing red-hot coals and the black parts representing poisonous snakes. Another example is the metaphor of the child's journey across the carpet as a journey through a landscape of danger and risk, with the promise of a reward at the end. The child's fear and determination are also described metaphorically, with the mere thought of snakes causing a "fine electricity of fear" to run down the backs of his legs and the child's face described as "curiously intent" and "a shade whiter perhaps than before."

d. Summarise the short story “The Wish” in about 200 words.

e. The story shows the events through the eyes of the narrator and the child. Comparing the two styles, who presents more interesting or effective view for the readers? Why?

Both the narrator's perspective and the child's perspective can be interesting and effective for readers in different ways. The narrator's perspective provides a more objective and detached view of the events, allowing readers to observe and understand the child's actions and motivations from a distance. The narrator also uses imagery and metaphor to describe the child's experiences and observations, which can add depth and richness to the story.

On the other hand, the child's perspective allows readers to experience the events more directly and emotionally, as they see the world through the eyes of the child and feel his fear, determination, and excitement. The child's perspective also allows readers to better understand the child's unique perspective and how he interprets the world around him.

Ultimately, the most interesting and effective view for readers will depend on their personal preferences and the specific goals of the story. Both the narrator's and the child's perspectives can be effective in different ways, and the story may be more engaging if it uses a balance of both perspectives to provide a well-rounded and multifaceted view of the events.

f. Is “The Wish” a story about self-confidence overcoming fear or about greed? Give your arguments.

It could be argued that the story is primarily about self-confidence overcoming fear, as the child is initially afraid of the dangers presented by the carpet but ultimately decides to undertake the journey across it despite his fear. The child's determination and focus as he navigates the carpet could be seen as a representation of self-confidence, as he is able to overcome his fear and persevere through the challenge.

Throughout the story, the child is faced with a number of obstacles and dangers that he must navigate in order to reach the other end of the carpet and receive the promised reward. These obstacles, such as the belief that the red parts of the carpet are red-hot coals and the black parts are poisonous snakes, represent the child's fears and doubts about his ability to successfully complete the journey. Despite these fears, the child persists and uses his self-confidence to overcome them and continue on his journey.

In conclusion, the primary focus of the story is on the child's internal journey and his ability to overcome his fears and doubts through self-confidence.

Do you think our wish can be fulfilled? Why or why not?

It is possible that our wish could be fulfilled. While it is impossible to predict the future with certainty, there are a number of factors that can influence whether or not a wish is fulfilled. Some of these factors might include the nature of the wish itself, the resources and opportunities available to us, and our own actions and behaviors.

For example, if our wish is something that is within our control and that we are actively working towards, such as achieving a specific goal or making a positive change in our lives, it is more likely that our wish will be fulfilled. On the other hand, if our wish is something that is beyond our control or that requires the cooperation and support of others, it may be more challenging to fulfill.

Ultimately, whether or not our wish is fulfilled will depend on a combination of these and other factors, and it is possible that some wishes may be more difficult to fulfill than others. However, by focusing on what we can control and actively working towards our goals, it is possible to increase the chances that our wish will be fulfilled.

Why do you think some people might have a frightening nature? What would you suggest to them to overcome it?

There are a number of reasons why some people might have a frightening nature. Some possible explanations include past experiences that have led to feelings of fear and anxiety, genetics or biology that contribute to a tendency towards fearful emotions, or exposure to media or other sources of information that can influence one's perspective on the world.

To overcome a frightening nature, it can be helpful to first identify the sources of fear and anxiety and work to address them directly. This might involve seeking support from a mental health professional, seeking out information and resources that can provide a more balanced perspective on the things that cause fear, or finding ways to challenge and overcome fear-provoking situations.

It can also be helpful to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, to help manage feelings of fear and anxiety. Engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, social connections, or creative pursuits, can also be helpful in managing fearful emotions. Ultimately, the specific strategies that will be most effective in overcoming a frightening nature will depend on the individual and the specific sources of their fear.

Write a folktale that you have heard or read.

There once was a young man named Jack who lived in a small village at the foot of a mountain. Jack was known throughout the village for his kind heart and his willingness to help others, and he was well-respected by all who knew him.

One day, a great dragon came to the village and began terrorizing the people, breathing fire and destroying homes and crops. The villagers were terrified and did not know what to do, but Jack knew that he had to do something to protect his community.

He set out to the mountain to confront the dragon, armed only with a small sword and a bag of magic beans that he had received from a wise old man. When he reached the top of the mountain, he found the dragon sleeping in a cave.

Jack knew that he could not defeat the dragon with his sword alone, so he decided to use the magic beans. He planted them in a circle around the dragon's cave and waited for them to grow. As the beans grew, they formed a thick, impenetrable wall around the cave, trapping the dragon inside.

The villagers were overjoyed when they saw what Jack had done, and they threw a great celebration in his honor. From that day on, the village was free from the terror of the dragon, and Jack was hailed as a hero.