Lesson 1 : The Selfish Giant
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
Q1. Where did the children used to play?
Ans: The children used to play in the Giant’s beautiful garden every afternoon after returning from school.
Q2. What did the Snow and the Frost do to the garden?
Ans: The Snow covered the grass with her white cloak, and the Frost painted all the trees silver. They made the garden cold and lifeless when the Giant kept the children out.
Q3. What did the Giant hear when he was lying awake in bed?
Ans: When the Giant was lying awake in bed, he heard lovely music — the singing of a little linnet outside his window, which he had not heard for a long time.
Q4. Why do you think spring never came to the Giant’s garden?
Ans: Spring never came to the Giant’s garden because he had built a high wall and did not allow the children to play there. Without the joy and laughter of the children, the garden remained under the spell of Winter.
Q5. How did the Giant realise his mistake?
Ans: The Giant realised his mistake when he saw that Spring had returned to his garden only in the part where the children had entered through a small hole. He understood that the presence of children brought beauty and life, and he felt ashamed of his selfishness.
Reference to the context
A. Read the extracts given below and answer the following questions.
a. "How happy we were there!" they said to each other.
i. Where does 'there' refer to?
Ans: 'There' refers to the Giant’s beautiful garden where the children used
to play.
ii. What does 'they' refer to?
Ans: 'They' refers to the children who once used to play happily in the
Giant’s garden.
iii. Why are they saying so?
Ans: They are saying so because they remembered the joyful time they had
spent playing in the Giant’s garden, which they could no longer access after the wall was
built.
b. "I have many beautiful flowers," he said, "but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all."
i. Who is the speaker?
Ans: The speaker is the Giant.
ii. Who is he speaking to?
Ans: He is speaking to himself while watching the children play in his
garden.
iii. Who are 'the children' that the speaker is referring to?
Ans: 'The children' refers to the school children who used to play in the
Giant’s garden and brought joy to it.
iv. Why is the speaker saying that 'the children are the most beautiful flowers of
all'?
Ans: The Giant says so because he realizes that the joy and innocence the
children bring is far more beautiful and valuable than any flower in his garden.
c. When the little child smiled at the Giant, and said to him, "You let me play once in your garden, today you shall come with me to my garden, which is paradise." Shortly afterwards, the happy Giant dies. What is the coincidence of this event? Describe it in relation to this fairy tale.
Ans: The coincidence is that the child who once played in the Giant's garden returns and invites the Giant to Paradise. This symbolizes that the child is divine or an angel, and the Giant's kind transformation has earned him a place in Heaven. The Giant's death shortly after this meeting is not a sad event but a peaceful and joyful departure, showing the reward of love, kindness, and selflessness in this moral fairy tale.
B. The story makes use of personification as one of the main figures of speech. Cite three examples of personification from the story. What is the significance of the seasons personified in the story?
Ans: Examples of Personification:
- The Snow covered the grass with her white cloak.
- The Frost painted all the trees silver.
- The North Wind roared and rattled the chimney-pots.
Significance: The personification of the seasons — Snow, Frost, North Wind, and Spring — adds life and emotion to the natural elements in the story. They represent the emotional state of the Giant and the impact of his actions. When the Giant is selfish, only Winter remains, symbolizing coldness and isolation. When he becomes kind and allows the children to return, Spring comes back, symbolizing warmth, happiness, and renewal. Thus, the seasons reflect the moral transformation of the Giant and the central message of love and sharing.
C. This story can be read as a fairytale, where the children, the seasons, the tree, the corner of the garden, the snow, the wind and the frost are all used as symbolism. Interpret those symbols.
Ans:
- The Children: They symbolize innocence, joy, and the presence of divine love. Their playfulness brings life to the garden.
- The Seasons: They reflect the emotional and moral state of the Giant. Spring represents love and renewal; Winter represents selfishness and isolation.
- The Tree: It symbolizes life and redemption. It blossoms when the little child sits under it, indicating spiritual awakening.
- The Corner of the Garden: It represents hope and divine grace, as Spring first returns there when the little child enters.
- The Snow, Wind, and Frost: These symbolize emotional coldness, loneliness, and punishment for selfishness.
The use of these symbols enriches the story with deeper meanings beyond the literal events, giving it a spiritual and moral dimension like a classic fairy tale.
D. Which figure of speech is used for 'Winter, Frost, Snow, North Wind, Hail, and Little Child'? Who is the little child compared to?
Ans:The figure of speech used is personification. Each element is given human qualities: they speak, move, act with intention, and display emotions.
The Little Child is symbolically compared to a divine figure. His appearance, his wounds, and his invitation to the Giant to join him in Paradise suggest he is a heavenly being who comes to reward the Giant’s kindness and transformation.
Reference beyond the text
a. What is the main theme of this story?
Ans: The main theme of the story is the importance of love, selflessness, and redemption. It shows how selfishness leads to loneliness and misery, while kindness and generosity bring joy and spiritual fulfillment. The transformation of the Giant from a cold-hearted man to a loving, generous figure emphasizes that true happiness comes from caring for others. The story also carries a spiritual theme, symbolizing divine grace and the reward of goodness.
b. Does God punish those who are cruel to children and very selfish?
Ans: In the context of the story The Selfish Giant, the message is not about direct punishment by God, but rather about spiritual consequences. The Giant’s selfishness leads to emotional suffering and isolation, which can be seen as a natural result of his actions. However, when he realizes his mistake and opens his heart to the children, he is rewarded with peace and eternal joy. This suggests that while cruelty and selfishness bring unhappiness, God forgives and blesses those who repent and act with love and kindness.