Lesson 32 – The Noble Monkey
glade: an open space or clearing in a forest
delicious: tasty, with a pleasant taste or smell
heavenly: Here, it means wonderful
divine: of god or gods. Here, it means excellent
laden with fruit: with great quantities of fruit on it
mercilessly: without any mercy or pity
volleys of arrows: many arrows sent or shot at the same time
vanishing: disappearing. going away
swoon: faint, (when a person swoons, he/she is not able to see, feel, hear, touch, move, etc.)
revive: bring back to life
Things to do
1. Answer the following questions:
(a) Where did the monkeys live with their king?
Ans: The monkeys lived in a forest glade, on the banks of the River Ganga.
(b) Why did the monkeys love the mango tree?
Ans: The monkeys loved the mango tree for its spreading branches, cool shade and delicious fruit.
(c) What did the monkey king warn the others to do?
Ans: The king of the monkeys warned the others not to let even a single mango fruit fall into the river.
(d) How did the King of Benaras come to know of the fruit?
Ans: A ripe mango once fell into the river and was carried to the city of Benaras. It was found by a fisherman, who presented it to the king. Thus, the King of Benaras came to know of the fruit.
(e) Why did the King’s men decide to drive away the monkeys?
Ans: The King’s men did not want the monkeys to enjoy the mangoes so they decided to drive away the monkeys.
(f) How did the monkey king save the other monkeys?
Ans: The monkey king made a bridge across the river with his own body and ordered the monkeys to rush to the other side of the river and thus saved the other monkeys.
2. Form pairs or groups. Try to write short conversations for the following occasions:
(a) The monkey king warning the other monkeys.
Ans:
Monkeys: Hey, they’re shooting arrows at us! What shall we do?
Monkey King: Move quickly! You have to save your lives. Cross over to the other side of the river.
Monkeys: But the river is too wide.
Monkey King: I will think of a way—yes, I will make a bridge for you. Come on, get ready.
(b) The King of Benaras enjoying the fruit with the others.
Ans:
King of Benaras: What is this fruit? It is divine!
Queen: Yes, I’ve never tasted such fruit before.
King of Benaras: I must find out where this tree grows. This fruit is so juicy and sweet!
Minister: I agree with you, your majesty. This fruit is indeed heavenly. Shall we send a search party to locate the tree?
(c) The monkeys trying to escape to the other bank
Ans:
First monkey: Hey, the river is too wide! What shall we do?
Second monkey: Shall we try to jump across?
Third monkey: Jump? Do you wish to die? Look how fast the river is flowing! Oh, king, what shall we do?
Monkey King: I’m thinking
First monkey: Is there any way to build a bridge?
3. From the lesson, find the words that are used to describe the following words:
(a) mango tree
Ans: a tall shady mango tree
(b) mangoes
Ans: big juicy mangoes
(c) the monkey king
Ans: bigger, stronger and wiser