Educational Notes

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

Ans: The child picked at the dry scab on his knee and eventually removed it, which caused it to bleed. This small act led to his vivid imagination and the fantasy journey across the carpet.

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

Ans: The colorful carpet sparked the child's imagination and made him see it as a magical land. The red, black, and yellow patterns became dangerous obstacles and paths in his mind.

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

Ans: The child was afraid of stepping on the black parts of the carpet, which he imagined as burning coals or dangerous creatures like snakes that could hurt or even kill him.

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

Ans: The child was motivated by the desire to prove his courage and reach the safe red patches. His imagination and the wish to conquer fear drove him to continue his imaginary adventure.

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

Ans: The child imagined the black patterns as dangerous coals or snakes. He visualized them as alive, moving and hissing, adding danger to his imaginary journey across the carpet.

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

Ans: The two voices are the narrator and the inner voice of the child. The narrator describes the scene from outside, while the child’s thoughts reveal his imaginative and emotional experiences during his journey across the carpet.

b. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

i. What does ‘the black part’ mean?
Ans: ‘The black part’ refers to the black patches on the carpet, which the child imagines as dangerous areas filled with hot coals or snakes.

ii. Who is the speaker?
Ans: The speaker is the child, thinking to himself during his imaginary journey across the patterned carpet.

iii. Why doesn’t the speaker want to be burnt?
Ans: The child imagines that if he steps on the black parts of the carpet, he will get burnt. This fear is part of his imaginative game where black areas represent danger.

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

Ans: The story uses strong visual imagery and metaphors. The red carpet patches are imagined as safe paths, black as burning coals or snakes, and yellow as rewards or honey. These metaphors symbolize challenges, fear, and goals in life.

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

Ans: "The Wish" is a psychological short story by Roald Dahl about a young boy who creates a fantasy game as he walks across a patterned carpet. After picking a scab off his knee, he imagines the carpet as a dangerous land full of burning coals (black patches), rewards (yellow), and safe paths (red). The boy challenges himself to cross from one end to the other without stepping on the black areas. As he carefully steps forward, he is filled with fear and excitement. He visualizes snakes hissing beneath the surface and burning dangers awaiting a misstep. Motivated by courage and the thrill of victory, he moves ahead. Just as he is about to step on the next patch, he loses balance and falls. The story ends with a suspenseful tone, leaving the outcome uncertain. The story highlights the child's imagination, fear, and desire to overcome challenges. It also subtly reflects the nature of childhood and the boundary between fantasy and reality.

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

Ans: The child’s perspective is more interesting and engaging because it is filled with imagination, emotion, and suspense. His inner world turns an ordinary carpet into an epic battlefield, which pulls the reader into his fantasy. The narrator’s voice, though calm and descriptive, provides balance and clarity.

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

Ans: “The Wish” is mainly about self-confidence overcoming fear. The boy creates an imaginary challenge and dares himself to cross the ‘dangerous’ carpet. His fear of getting burnt or attacked by snakes is a metaphor for real-life fears, and his determination reflects growing courage. It is not about greed, but bravery and self-belief.

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

Ans: Yes, some wishes can be fulfilled through hard work, belief, and determination. However, not all wishes come true, especially if they are unrealistic or beyond one’s control. Positive thinking and effort can help make dreams a reality, but one must also accept failure and adjust expectations.

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

Ans: Some people have a frightening nature due to bad experiences, overactive imagination, or anxiety. They may fear unknown situations or failure. To overcome it, they should face their fears step by step, build self-confidence, talk to supportive people, and practice calmness through activities like meditation or reading inspiring stories.