NCERT Solution of Madam Rides the Bus Class 10 English
NCERT Solution of Madam Rides the BusClass 10 English of the book “First Flight” will explain Madam Rides the Bus’s summary, critical analysis, difficult word meaning, and most important questions.
Summary of “Madam Rides the Bus”
45″Madam Rides the Bus” is a sensitive and insightful story about an eight-year-old girl named Valliammai, or Valli for short. Living in a village, Valli’s favorite pastime is watching the hustle and bustle of the street outside her house, especially the bus that travels between her village and the nearest town. Fascinated by the bus, she dreams of taking a ride herself. Over time, she saves up money by resisting small temptations and carefully plans her trip without her mother’s knowledge.
On the day of her adventure, Valli boards the bus, and her journey is filled with excitement and wonder as she observes the world outside the bus. She interacts with the friendly conductor and other passengers, asserting her independence and maturity. However, her joy is dampened on the return journey when she sees a dead cow on the road, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life and death.
Upon returning home, Valli’s mother and aunt are unaware of her adventure. When her mother remarks on the unknowability of the world, Valli quietly agrees, having had her own brush with life’s mysteries.
The best part of the story “Madam Rides the Bus” is when Valli, an eight-year-old girl, embarks on her adventurous journey to the nearby town on a bus all by herself. This segment of the story beautifully captures her excitement, determination, and curiosity.
As she boards the bus, Valli is thrilled by every detail of the ride, from the sights she sees through the window to the interactions with the bus conductor and fellow passengers. Her joy is palpable when she witnesses a cow running in front of the bus, a scene that makes her laugh heartily. This moment highlights her innocence and the simple pleasures that bring her happiness.
However, the journey takes a poignant turn when Valli encounters the sight of the dead cow on the return trip. This moment starkly contrasts with her earlier joy and introduces her to the harsh realities of life and death. The experience deeply affects her, bringing a sudden maturity to her perspective.
This part of the story is compelling because it captures the essence of a child’s world—a blend of innocence, wonder, and the inevitable encounter with life’s more serious aspects. It showcases Valli’s independence and resourcefulness, her ability to experience joy in the little things, and her capacity for empathy and understanding when faced with sadness. This journey becomes a rite of passage for Valli, marking a significant step in her growth and understanding of the world around her.
The story “Madam Rides the Bus” from Class 10 English offers several valuable lessons:
1. Curiosity and Learning
Valli’s curiosity about the world around her is the driving force of the story. Her eagerness to explore and learn new things, despite her young age and limited resources, teaches us the importance of curiosity and the desire for knowledge. It highlights how these traits can lead to personal growth and new experiences.
2. Planning and Determination
Valli’s meticulous planning and determination to fulfill her wish of riding the bus demonstrate the importance of setting goals and working diligently towards achieving them. Her ability to save money and plan her trip without her mother’s knowledge shows her resourcefulness and determination.
3. Independence and Confidence
Valli’s solo adventure on the bus illustrates her independence and confidence. Despite her young age, she confidently navigates the adult world, interacts with the conductor, and manages her journey without assistance. This teaches the value of self-reliance and believing in one’s abilities.
4. The Harsh Realities of Life
The story also exposes Valli to the harsh realities of life. The death of the cow she had found amusing earlier in the journey brings a sudden and sobering awareness of life’s fragility and the inevitability of death. This moment signifies a loss of innocence and a deeper understanding of the world.
5. Empathy and Understanding
Valli’s experience with the dead cow fosters a sense of empathy and understanding. She realizes that life is not just about fun and laughter but also about facing unpleasant truths. This moment of realization encourages readers to develop empathy and be more understanding of others’ suffering.
6. Appreciation of Simple Joys
Valli’s simple joy of riding the bus teaches us to appreciate the small pleasures in life. Her excitement and happiness derived from such a modest adventure remind us to find joy in everyday experiences and not take them for granted.
In summary, “Madam Rides the Bus” teaches us about the importance of curiosity, determination, independence, empathy, and appreciating life’s simple joys while acknowledging its harsher realities.
Reading Comprehension
- What was Valli’s favorite pastime?
- Valli’s favorite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.
- What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
- The sight of the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town was a source of unending joy for Valli. Her strongest desire was to ride on that bus at least once.
- What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
- Valli found out that the town was six miles from her village, the fare was thirty paise one way, and the trip took forty-five minutes. She gathered these details by listening carefully to conversations between her neighbors and regular bus users and by asking a few discreet questions.
- What do you think Valli was planning to do?
- Valli was planning to take a ride on the bus to the nearest town and back without her mother’s knowledge.
Difficult Words and Their Synonyms and Antonyms (with Hindi meanings)
- Pastime
- Synonyms: Hobby, Leisure activity
- Antonyms: Work, Chore
- हिंदी में: समय बिताने का साधन
- Curious
- Synonyms: Inquisitive, Interested
- Antonyms: Indifferent, Uninterested
- हिंदी में: जिज्ञासु
- Elaborate
- Synonyms: Detailed, Complex
- Antonyms: Simple, Basic
- हिंदी में: विस्तृत
- Wistfully
- Synonyms: Longingly, Pensively
- Antonyms: Indifferently, Uninterestedly
- हिंदी में: आकांक्षा से
- Kindle
- Synonyms: Ignite, Arouse
- Antonyms: Extinguish, Dampen
- हिंदी में: प्रज्वलित करना
- Discreet
- Synonyms: Tactful, Cautious
- Antonyms: Indiscreet, Reckless
- हिंदी में: सतर्क
- Haughtily
- Synonyms: Arrogantly, Proudly
- Antonyms: Humbly, Modestly
- हिंदी में: गर्व से
- Slack
- Synonyms: Slow, Lax
- Antonyms: Busy, Tight
- हिंदी में: सुस्त
- Repulsive
- Synonyms: Revolting, Disgusting
- Antonyms: Attractive, Pleasant
- हिंदी में: घृणास्पद
- Mimicking
- Synonyms: Imitating, Copying
- Antonyms: Original, Authentic
- हिंदी में: नकल करना
- Curtly
- Synonyms: Briefly, Brusquely
- Antonyms: Politely, Courteously
- हिंदी में: रूखे ढंग से
- Drivel
- Synonyms: Nonsense, Gibberish
- Antonyms: Sense, Logic
- हिंदी में: बकवास
- Thriftily
- Synonyms: Economically, Frugally
- Antonyms: Extravagantly, Wastefully
- हिंदी में: किफ़ायत से
- Resolutely
- Synonyms: Determinedly, Firmly
- Antonyms: Hesitantly, Weakly
- हिंदी में: दृढ़ता से
- Ventured
- Synonyms: Dared, Risked
- Antonyms: Avoided, Shied away
- हिंदी में: साहस करना
- Gobbling
- Synonyms: Devouring, Eating quickly
- Antonyms: Nibbling, Eating slowly
- हिंदी में: जल्दी से खाना
- Thoroughfare
- Synonyms: Main road, Highway
- Antonyms: Alley, Byway
- हिंदी में: मुख्य सड़क
- Merchandise
- Synonyms: Goods, Products
- Antonyms: Services, Intangibles
- हिंदी में: सामान
- Spreadeagled
- Synonyms: Spread out, Extended
- Antonyms: Contracted, Curled up
- हिंदी में: फैला हुआ
- Haunted
- Synonyms: Tormented, Troubled
- Antonyms: Comforted, Reassured
- हिंदी में: परेशान करना
Theme and Title
Theme: The story explores themes of curiosity, independence, and the inevitable confrontation with life’s harsher realities. It highlights the innocence of childhood curiosity and the bittersweet transition into a more nuanced understanding of life and death.
Title: “Madam Rides the Bus” aptly captures the essence of the story, focusing on Valli’s significant journey. The title also reflects the humorous and ironic tone of the conductor’s interactions with Valli, underscoring her determined attempt to assert her maturity.
Question and Answers
- Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
- The conductor humorously calls Valli ‘madam’ because she behaves with a certain maturity and confidence, insisting on her independence and capability.
- Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
- Valli stands up on the seat to see outside the bus window, as her view was blocked by a canvas blind. She sees the canal, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and green fields.
- What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
- Valli haughtily tells the elderly man that she is not a child and has paid her fare like everyone else.
- Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
- Valli found the elderly woman repulsive because of her large earrings, the smell of betel nut, and the betel juice in her mouth.
- How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
- Valli saved money by resisting the temptation to buy peppermints, toys, and ride the merry-go-round. It was not easy for her as she had to be very thrifty and resolutely stifle her desires.
- What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
- Valli laughed at the sight of a young cow running in front of the bus, which caused the driver to honk repeatedly and slow down.
- Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
- Valli didn’t get off the bus at the bus station because she was too afraid to explore the town on her own and preferred to stay on the bus.
- Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
- Valli didn’t want to go to the stall because she didn’t have enough money. This shows that she is practical and determined not to spend beyond her means.
Mimicking a Conversation (Example)
Conductor: “Hey, lady, haven’t you laughed enough? Better save some for tomorrow.”
Valli: “Oh, it’s just so funny! That cow won’t move!”
Conductor: “Alright, madam, we need to get going. Sit down now, will you?”
Valli: “Okay, okay. But I am not a child, remember that!”
Conductor: “Of course, madam, how could I forget?”
Writing Task
1. Have you ever planned something entirely on your own, without taking grown-ups into your confidence? What did you plan, and how? Did you carry out your plan?
When I was ten, I planned a surprise birthday party for my best friend. Without telling any adults, I saved up my pocket money, made handmade invitations, and organized games. On the day of the party, I decorated our backyard and welcomed my friend with a big “Happy Birthday” banner. It was challenging but immensely satisfying when everything went smoothly and my friend was overjoyed.
2. Have you made a journey that was unforgettable in some way? What made it memorable?
Last summer, I traveled to a remote village in the mountains with my family. The journey was memorable because of the breathtaking scenery, the adventure of hiking through forests, and the hospitality of the villagers. The simplicity and beauty of the place left a lasting impression, making it an unforgettable trip.
Oral Comprehension Check
Part I
- What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
- Valli’s favorite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.
- What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
- The sight of the bus traveling between her village and the nearest town was a source of unending joy for Valli. Her strongest desire was to ride on that bus, even if just once.
- What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
- Valli found out that the town was six miles from her village, the fare was thirty paise one way, and the trip took forty-five minutes. She discovered these details by listening to conversations between her neighbors and people who regularly used the bus and by asking a few discreet questions.
- What do you think Valli was planning to do?
- Valli was planning to take a bus ride to the town and back, fulfilling her strong desire to experience the journey she had been longing for.
Part II
- Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
- The conductor calls Valli ‘madam’ in a teasing manner because she behaves in a very grown-up and confident way, insisting on buying her ticket and handling everything by herself.
- Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
- Valli stands up on the seat because her view is cut off by a canvas blind that covers the lower part of her window. By standing up, she can see the road, the canal, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue sky.
- What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
- Valli tells the elderly man that there is nobody here who is a child and insists that she has paid her thirty paise like everyone else.
- Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
- Valli found the elderly woman repulsive because of her big holes in her earlobes, ugly earrings, and the betel nut she was chewing, which made her appear unappealing to Valli.
Part III
- How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
- Valli saved up money by thriftily keeping whatever stray coins came her way and resisting every temptation to buy things like peppermints, toys, and balloons. It was not easy for her, especially when she had to resist the strong desire to ride the merry-go-round at the village fair.
- What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
- Valli saw a young cow running very fast in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus. The more the driver honked, the more frightened and faster the cow ran. This sight was very funny to Valli, making her laugh until there were tears in her eyes.
- Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
- Valli didn’t get off the bus at the bus station because she had only planned to have a bus ride, not to explore the town. She felt she would be too afraid to wander around the town all by herself.
- Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
- Valli didn’t want to go to the stall and have a drink because she didn’t have enough money and she didn’t want to accept a treat from the conductor. This shows that Valli is independent, self-respecting, and careful with her money.
Part IV
- Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
- Valli refuses to look out of the window on her way back because she is haunted by the sight of the young cow lying dead by the roadside, which dampens her enthusiasm and makes her sad.
- What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge.”
- Valli means that she is acknowledging her mother’s remark about the many things happening in the world that we are unaware of or cannot fully understand. It reflects her own recent realization about life and death.
- The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement?
- The text provides evidence of this by describing Valli’s excitement and wonder at the bus ride, her fascination with the sights she sees (like the green fields, the narrow road, and the cow running in front of the bus), and her naive but determined behavior, such as insisting on handling everything herself and her reactions to the people she encounters.
20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers based on the chapter “Madam Rides the Bus.”
Long Answer Questions “Madam Rides the Bus.”
Question 1: Describe Valli’s character and her journey on the bus. What does this reveal about her personality?
Answer:
Valli is an eight-year-old girl, full of curiosity and determination. Her desire to ride the bus is so strong that she meticulously plans and saves money to fulfill her wish. Her journey on the bus reveals her resourcefulness, confidence, and independence. Valli’s interactions with the conductor and passengers show her assertiveness and maturity beyond her years. The journey also brings a moment of realization when she encounters the dead cow, revealing her sensitivity and ability to grasp the deeper truths of life. Overall, Valli’s character embodies innocence, curiosity, and a budding awareness of life’s complexities.
Question 2: How does the story “Madam Rides the Bus” highlight the theme of innocence and experience?
Answer:
The story juxtaposes Valli’s innocent excitement with the harsh realities she encounters. Her initial joy and curiosity about the bus ride represent innocence and the thrill of new experiences. However, the sight of the dead cow introduces her to the concept of mortality, marking a loss of innocence and a step towards maturity. This moment profoundly impacts her, dampening her enthusiasm and making her reflective. The story underscores how new experiences, both joyful and painful, contribute to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.
Question 3: What role does the bus conductor play in Valli’s journey? How does he contribute to the story’s development?
Answer:
The bus conductor plays a significant role in Valli’s journey, acting as a guide and a source of comic relief. His friendly and teasing demeanor makes Valli feel comfortable and respected despite her young age. He addresses her as “madam,” acknowledging her desire to be treated as an adult. The conductor’s kindness and light-hearted interactions contribute to the overall positive experience of Valli’s adventure. His reaction to Valli’s sadness upon seeing the dead cow also reflects a moment of empathy, adding depth to his character. Thus, the conductor helps advance the plot and highlights themes of kindness, respect, and empathy in the story.
MCQs:
- What is Valli’s full name?
- a) Valliammai
- b) Valliappan
- c) Vallikannu
- d) Vallimalar
Answer: a) Valliammai
- How old is Valli?
- a) 6 years
- b) 7 years
- c) 8 years
- d) 9 years
Answer: c) 8 years
- What is Valli’s favorite pastime?
- a) Playing with friends
- b) Watching the street from her doorway
- c) Reading books
- d) Playing games
Answer: b) Watching the street from her doorway
- What fascinates Valli the most?
- a) Trains
- b) Bicycles
- c) The village fair
- d) The bus
Answer: d) The bus
- How much is the fare for the bus ride to the town?
- a) 25 paise
- b) 30 paise
- c) 40 paise
- d) 50 paise
Answer: b) 30 paise
- How far is the town from Valli’s village?
- a) 4 miles
- b) 5 miles
- c) 6 miles
- d) 7 miles
Answer: c) 6 miles
- What does Valli do to save money for her bus ride?
- a) Helps her parents
- b) Saves stray coins
- c) Sells toys
- d) Collects donations
Answer: b) Saves stray coins
- At what time does Valli plan to take the bus to town?
- a) 12:00 PM
- b) 1:00 PM
- c) 2:00 PM
- d) 3:00 PM
Answer: b) 1:00 PM
- What does Valli do when the conductor offers to help her onto the bus?
- a) Accepts his help
- b) Ignores him
- c) Declines and gets on by herself
- d) Asks for a discount
Answer: c) Declines and gets on by herself
- How does Valli react to the elderly woman sitting next to her?
- a) Befriends her
- b) Ignores her
- c) Finds her repulsive
- d) Asks her for advice
Answer: c) Finds her repulsive
- What sight makes Valli laugh during her bus ride?
- a) A monkey performing tricks
- b) A cow running in front of the bus
- c) A child playing
- d) A clown on the street
Answer: b) A cow running in front of the bus
- Why doesn’t Valli get off the bus at the town?
- a) She is scared
- b) She doesn’t have enough money
- c) She just wanted to ride the bus
- d) She fell asleep
Answer: c) She just wanted to ride the bus
- How does Valli feel when she sees the dead cow on her return journey?
- a) Indifferent
- b) Amused
- c) Overcome with sadness
- d) Angry
Answer: c) Overcome with sadness
- What does the conductor call Valli?
- a) Little girl
- b) Madam
- c) Miss
- d) Child
Answer: b) Madam
- Why does Valli refuse the conductor’s offer to buy her a drink?
- a) She doesn’t like cold drinks
- b) She is shy
- c) She doesn’t have enough money
- d) She is determined to manage on her own
Answer: d) She is determined to manage on her own
- What does Valli’s mother do in the afternoons?
- a) Goes to work
- b) Takes a nap
- c) Visits friends
- d) Watches TV
Answer: b) Takes a nap
- How does Valli’s journey end?
- a) She gets lost in town
- b) She is scolded by her mother
- c) She returns home safely
- d) She decides never to ride the bus again
Answer: c) She returns home safely
- What lesson does Valli learn from her journey?
- a) Buses are dangerous
- b) Life and death are interconnected
- c) Always carry more money
- d) Never travel alone
Answer: b) Life and death are interconnected
- How does Valli’s aunt describe her when she pokes her nose into their conversation?
- a) A smart girl
- b) A curious child
- c) A chatterbox
- d) A chit of a girl
Answer: d) A chit of a girl
- What does Valli’s mother discuss with her aunt when Valli returns?
- a) Valli’s mischief
- b) The bus ride
- c) The many unknowns in life
- d) The village fair
Answer: c) The many unknowns in life
I hope these questions help in understanding the chapter better!
