Moments - Class IX
Reprint 2025-26
This story explores the emotions of a young child at a village fair. It's a touching narrative about the bonds between a child and parents, and what happens when the child gets separated from them in a crowded fair.
In this interactive lesson, we'll explore Mulk Raj Anand's portrayal of a child's perspective, emotions, and priorities through a story that captures the essence of human relationships and the psychology of a child.
The story we are about to read is about a child who gets lost in a fair. Have you ever been to a village fair or a crowded festival? What was it like?
Think about the different sights, sounds, and experiences at a fair - colorful stalls, toys, sweets, rides, games, and crowds of people. How might a young child feel in such an environment?
Imagine you are in a crowded place like a fair, market, or festival and you get separated from your family. Answer the following questions:
1. How would you feel if you suddenly couldn't find your parents or family members?
2. What would you do to try to find them?
3. How would your priorities and desires change when you realize you are lost?
The story uses many descriptive words to create vivid imagery. Let's explore some important vocabulary from the story:
1. Fascinated:
2. Tyrant:
3. Jostled:
4. Disconsolate:
5. Throngs:
In the story, the author uses many adjectives and descriptive phrases to paint a vivid picture of the fair and the child's emotions.
For example: "A full, deep cry rose within his dry throat" describes the intensity of the child's fear and desperation.
Look for these descriptive phrases in the story:
1. The child was fascinated by the ______ toys in the shops that lined the way.
2. The child's father looked at him with ______.
3. The mustard field looked like ______.
4. The dragon-flies were bustling about on their ______.
5. When the child was lost, his ______ became muddy.