Get notes, summary, questions and answers, workbook answers (Evergreen and Morning Star), MCQs, extras, and pdf of the story Bonku Babu’s Friend by Satyajit Ray which is part of ICSE Class 9 English (Treasure Chest) syllabus. However, the notes should only be treated for references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
Summary
The story revolves around a character named Bonkubihari Datta, a humble and meek geography and Bengali teacher at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School. One night, while walking home, Bonku Babu encounters a strange, glowing object in the middle of Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove. The object, resembling an upside-down glass bowl, emits a pink light and a humming sound. As he approaches, he is immobilized by an unseen force.
Suddenly, a creature emerges from the object. This creature, called Ang, is from the planet Craneus. Ang has a smooth, bald head, thin limbs, and a body covered in a shiny, pink outfit. His eyes are round and bright yellow, and his face has holes instead of a nose and mouth. Ang communicates with Bonku Babu, first in English and then in Bengali.
Ang shows Bonku Babu a small object that can immobilize anyone without causing physical harm. He also has a small tube that allows Bonku Babu to see any place he wishes. When asked, Bonku Babu admits he would like to see the North Pole, a place he has never visited due to his residence in a warm country.
Ang tells Bonku Babu that humans are an inferior species, but Bonku Babu is a good man. However, he criticizes Bonku Babu’s meekness, advising him to stand up against injustice and protest when insulted or hurt without provocation. After this encounter, Ang quickly departs in his spaceship.
Bonku Babu, still in awe of the encounter, returns home. He later attends a meeting where he boldly speaks out against the people present, criticizing their behaviour and announcing his encounter with Ang. This newfound assertiveness is a result of his interaction with Ang. The story ends with Bonku Babu leaving the meeting with a bounce in his step, his head held high, and a sense of uniqueness, having had an experience that no one else in the world has had.
Evergreen workbook answers/solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Bonku Babu had been teaching geography and Bengali at a village school for the last
Answer: c) twenty years
(ii) Bonku enjoyed telling his students stories about
Answer: d) all of the above
(iii) As Bonku was passing under a tamarind tree he was attacked by
Answer: b) a ghost
(iv) The moving point of light seen by the residents of Kankurgachhi three months ago turned out to be
Answer: b) a Russain satellite called Khotka
(v) Bonku Babu was the first person to spot the strange light but another got the credit for it. Who was that person?
Answer: c) Nidhu Babu
(vi) According to Sripati Babu if someone from a different planet came to earth, he would land in
Answer: d) some western country
(vii) The object that Bonku saw behind the pond looked like a big
Answer: b) glass bowl turned upside down
(viii) The eyes of the alien were
Answer: a) round and bright yellow
(ix) The alien had landed on the Earth by mistake. Where was he supposed to go?
Answer: d) Pluto
(x) The Alien named Ang had come down to earth from the planet
Answer: c) Craneus
(xi) The small object, which looked like a pebble, the object which Ang showed to Bonku could
Answer: c) make an enemy powerless
Comprehension Passages
Passage 1
It was not as if there was never any reason for him to lose his temper. For the last twenty- two years, Bonku Babu had taught geography and Bengali at the Kankurgacchi Village Primary School. Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard; others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing rocket and set it off right behind him.
Bonku Babu did not get upset by any of this. Only sometimes, he cleared his throat and said, “Shame on you, boys!”
(i) What was difficult for the students to imagine? Why?
Answer: It was difficult for the students to imagine Bonku Babu angry or losing his temper. This was because he had never been seen angry in spite of the pranks played on him.
(ii) Which tradition continued among the students?
Answer: The tradition of teasing and playing pranks on poor Bonku Babu continued among the students.
(iii) The students teased Bonku Babu in different ways. What were they?
Answer: Some students drew cartoons of Bonku Babu on the blackboard, some put glue on his chair, some lit chasing rockets and set them off behind him on Kali Puja night.
(iv) How did Bonku Babu sometimes lightly condemn the students?
Answer: Bonku Babu sometimes cleared his throat and said “Shame on you, boys!” to lightly condemn the students.
(v) What impression do you form of Bonku Babu?
Answer: Bonku Babu comes across as an extremely gentle, calm and tolerant person who has immense patience and does not get angry or upset easily. Despite being constantly teased and troubled by his students, he maintains his composure and handles the situation in a composed manner. His ability to remain unruffled by the pranks played on him and not lose his temper is remarkable and speaks volumes about his pleasant and peace-loving nature.
Passage 2
Only the other day -less than two months ago -they were talking about ghosts. Usually, Bonku Babu kept his mouth shut. That day, for some unknown reason, he opened it and declared that he was not afraid of ghosts, that was all! But it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to the others. On his way back home later that night, Bonku Babu was attacked by a ‘spook’. As he was passing under a tamarind tree, a tall, thin figure leapt down and landed on his back. As it happened, this apparition had smeared black ink all over itself, possibly at the suggestion of someone at the meeting.
(i) What did Bonku Babu declare in the group?
Answer: In the group, Bonku Babu declared that he was not afraid of ghosts.
(ii) What offered a golden opportunity to others? What did they plan?
Answer: Bonku Babu’s declaration offered a golden opportunity to others to play a prank on him. They planned to dress up as a ghost and attack him on his way back.
(iii) Who do you think was the lean, thin figure that landed on Bonku’s back?
Answer: In my opinion, the lean, thin figure that leapt down and landed on Bonku’s back was likely one of the men from Sripati Majumdar’s friend circle who were present at the meeting that evening. Since Bonku had declared he was not afraid of ghosts, they probably saw this as an opportunity to play a prank on him by disguising one of themselves as a ghost and attacking him on his way back. The apparition was also described as having smeared black ink on itself, which indicates it was a planned disguise. So most probably it was one of the regulars at Sripati’s gatherings who dressed up as a ghost and jumped on Bonku as a practical joke.
(iv) Why could Bonku Babu not recognise the apparition?
Answer: Bonku Babu could not recognise the apparition because it had smeared black ink all over itself to disguise its identity.
(v) How did this encounter with the ghost affect Bonku Babu?
Answer: Bonku Babu was injured in this encounter. His neck ached for three days. Also, his new kurta was torn and stained with black ink.
Passage 3
Even, so, Bonku Babu had to come to these meetings. If he didn’t, what would Sripati Babu think? Not only was he a very important man in the school committee and in the village, but he couldn’t do without Bonku Babu. who could provide amusement to all. On one particular day, the topic of conversation was space – in other words, they were talking about spaceships and space-travel.
(i) What sort of jokes were played on Bonku Babu?
Answer: Bonku Babu was made the butt of jokes and pranks by the others. For example, someone dressed up as a ghost and attacked him.
(ii) Bonku came even though he didn’t want to come. Why?
Answer: Bonku had to come to the meetings because Sripati Babu was an influential man who could harm Bonku if he stopped coming.
(iii) Why was Bonku so afraid of Sripati Majumdar?
Answer: Sripati Majumdar was an important man in the village school committee. He was also influential and could potentially harm Bonku’s job if he did not come to the meetings. This is why Bonku was afraid of him.
(iv) Sometimes Bonku tried to keep away from this group. Why?
Answer: Because Bonku was constantly ridiculed and made the butt of jokes at these meetings, he sometimes tried to stay away.
(v) One day which topic came up for conversation? What were the views of most of the persons?
Answer: One day the topic of spaceships and space travel came up. Most persons in the group did not have much knowledge about satellites, rockets, etc. and expressed skeptical views.
Passage 4
Everyone agreed, with the sole exception of Bonku Babu. Chandi Babu decided to take things a bit further. He nudged Nidhu Babu silently, pointed at Bonku Babu and spoke innocently: “Why, I think Bonku is quite right. Isn’t it natural that aliens should want to come to a place where there’s a man like our Bonkubihari? If they wanted to take away a human specimen, could they find anything better?”
“No, I don’t think so!” Nidhu Babu joined in.
“Consider his looks, not to mention his brains… yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!”
“Right. Suitable for keeping in a museum. Or a zoo,” Ramkanai chipped in.
(i) What had Sripati Babu said to which almost all agreed?
Answer: Sripati Babu had said that if an alien landed on Earth, it would choose to land in a western country rather than their village. Almost everyone agreed to this.
(ii) What did Chandi Babu want when he nudged Nidhu Babu?
Answer: When Chandi Babu silently nudged Nidhu Babu and pointed at Bonku Babu, he was signaling to Nidhu Babu that they should mock and ridicule Bonku Babu. Chandi Babu made an insincere remark about Bonku being right in order to sarcastically suggest he would make for a good alien specimen. By nudging Nidhu, he wanted him to catch on and join in the charade of pretending to agree with Bonku Babu, when their actual intent was to insult him and laugh at his expense.
(iii) When Chandi Babu says “I think Bonku is quite right’, does he mean it? In which tone does he speak?
Answer: No, Chandi Babu does not actually mean what he says. He speaks in a mocking, sarcastic tone.
(iv) For what would Bonku Babu be suitable according to Ram Kanai?
Answer: According to Ram Kanai, Bonku Babu would be suitable for keeping in a museum or a zoo as a specimen.
(v) What impression do you form of the speakers participating in the discussion?
Answer: The speakers come across as mean-spirited people who enjoy ridiculing and mocking Bonku Babu. They seem to lack empathy.
Passage 5
Bonku Babu did not reply, but wondered silently: if anyone were to actually look for a specimen, weren’t the others just as suitable? Look at Sripati Babu. His chin was so much like a camel’s. And that Bhairav Chakravarty, his eyes were like the eyes of a tortoise. Nidhu Babu looked like a rat, Ramkanai like a goat, and Chandi Babu like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up…!
Tears sprang to his eyes. Bonku Babu had come to the meeting hoping, for once, to enjoy himself. That was clearly not to be. He could not stay here any longer. He got to his feet.
(i) Why did Bonku not reply to the derogatory remarks of the regulars?
Answer: Bonku did not reply to avoid further mockery and become more upset. He kept his thoughts to himself.
(ii) According to Bonku how could a zoo be filled up?
Answer: According to Bonku, the zoo could be filled up with the men at the meeting, since they resembled different animals.
(iv) Why had Bonku come to the meeting?
Answer: Bonku Babu had come to the meeting that evening with the hope that he would be able to enjoy himself for a change. Having been constantly mocked and made fun of during previous gatherings at Sripati Majumdar’s house, this time Bonku harbored some expectation that perhaps the discussion would be light-hearted and he would be able to participate without being ridiculed. He desired to have a good time socializing with the others, which he had been unable to do so far owing to always being the subject of jokes. Bonku clearly came with optimism that for once, he might actually have an entertaining evening with the rest of the group.
(v) When Bonku was about to leave, what comment did Sripati Babu make that made everyone laugh?
Answer: When Bonku was about to leave, Sripati Babu warned him that it was an auspicious night for ghosts, making everyone laugh.
Passage 6
Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another twenty yards, and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink. A dull light shone on every branch and every leaf. Down below, the ground behind the pond was lit by a much stronger pink light. But it was not a fire, for it was still.
Bonku Babu kept moving.
(i) Which light is referred to in the second line?
Answer: The strange pink light seen in the bamboo grove is referred to.
(ii) Why did Bonku think that a fire had broken out?
Answer: Bonku thought a fire had broken out because he saw a large pink glow in the bamboo grove.
(iii) How did the ground behind the pond look?
Answer: The ground behind the pond was lit up by a much stronger pink light.
(iv) Why did Bonku’s ears begin to ring? What did he hear?
Answer: Bonku’s ears began to ring because he heard a loud, steady humming sound.
(v) What effect did the noise have on Bonku Babu? Why did he move forward?
Answer: The noise made Bonku break out in goosebumps but also made him curious. This irrepressible curiosity drove him forward.
Passage 7
Through that door emerged a head-like a plain, smooth ball – and then the body of a weird creature. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin. With the exception of its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. Instead of ears, it had tiny holes on each side of its head. On the face were two holes where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth. There was no sign of hair anywhere. Its eyes were round and bright yellow. They appeared to be glowing in the dark.
(i) Who came out of the strange object?
Answer: A strange alien creature came out of the object.
(ii) How did that creature look?
Answer: The creature had a round, smooth head; very thin arms and legs; a shiny pink outfit covering its body; and round, glowing yellow eyes.
(iii) What did it have instead of ears?
Answer: Instead of ears, it had tiny holes on the sides of its head.
(iv) Describe the face of the person.
Answer: The face had two holes instead of a nose and a gaping hole instead of a mouth.
(v) What did the strange creature do after coming out of that object?
Answer: After coming out, the creature walked slowly towards Bonku Babu and stopped a few feet away, staring at him.
Passage 8
“What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and weird face, was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. “There’s no need to be so sceptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?”
Bonku Babu did not know what to say. He was feeling quite uncomfortable, for the creature had reached out and was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs with its long, bony fingers. When it finished, it introduced itself. “I am Ang, from the planet Craneus. A far superior being than man.”
(i) What had the strange creature told Bonku Babu just before this?
Answer: Just before this, the creature had told Bonku Babu that he was a superior being compared to humans.
(ii) What did the creature tell Bonku about himself?
Answer: The creature told Bonku he was Ang from planet Craneus and a far superior being than humans.
(iii) How did Bonku react when the creature told him that he was a more superior being than man?
Answer: Bonku nearly burst out laughing in disbelief when told this.
(iv) How did the strange creature prove that he was much superior to Bonku Babu?
Answer: Ang proved his superiority by pointing out that he knew 14,000 languages compared to the 2.5 languages known by Bonku.
(v) How many languages did the creature know? What more did he tell about himself?
Answer: The alien creature Ang informed Bonku Babu that he knew as many as 14,000 languages, which was astounding considering Bonku himself only knew 2.5 languages. Ang also revealed that he was 833 years old, which is remarkably old by human standards. Additionally, he had visited 25 different planets across various solar systems, exposing him to many unique civilizations and languages over his long lifetime. Ang used these facts to establish his intellectual superiority over human beings like Bonku Babu whose experiences and knowledge were quite limited in comparison.
Morning Star workbook answers/solutions
Multiple Choice Questions II
1. Who among of the following was a good storyteller?
(a) Nidhu Babu.
(b) Bhairav Chakravarty.
(c) Bonku Babu
(d) Sripati Majumdar.
Answer: (c) Bonku Babu
2. Why does Bonku Babu say, “Shame on you boys!”?
(a) The boys teased Bonku Babu.
(b) The boys were fond of throwing stress to Bonku Babu.
(c) They abused him in the class.
(d) The boys insulted him in the class.
Answer: (a) The boys teased Bonku Babu.
3. Which of the following is correct about Bonku Babu?
(a) Bonku Babu was a prankster
(b) He was a storyteller.
(c) He was a bad tempered teacher
(d) He was a day-dreamer.
Answer: (b) He was a storyteller.
4. What is referred to as a “golden opportunity”?
(a) To scare Bonku Babu with a ‘spook’.
(b) To find a tamarind tree to hang a spook.
(c) To find spaceships in the village.
(d) To meet an alien.
Answer: (a) To scare Bonku Babu with a spook’.
5. Besides his injured neck what harm did the spook do to Bonku Babu?
(a) He was attacked by a “spook”.
(b) His new kurta was torn and black stains all over.
(c) He was forced to sing.
(d) His shoes were hidden.
Answer: (b) His new kurta was torn and black stains all over.
6. Why did Bonku Babu leave early that day?
(a) Everybody was hurling bitter remarks on him.
(b) He was in a hurry to correct the papers.
(c) He felt that it was not a congenial environment for him.
(d) He was very much shocked.
Answer: (c) He felt that it was not a congenial environment for him.
7. What was Ramkanai’s idea about “Saturday”?
(a) Saturday is week end.
(b) Saturday is inauspicious.
(c) Saturday is auspicious for ghosts and spooks.
(d) To avoid doing any good work on Saturday.
Answer: (c) Saturday is auspicious for ghosts and spooks.
8. Why was the silence eerie according to Bonku Babu?
(a) There was absolute silence.
(b) It was evening time.
(c) The animals were asleep.
(d) There was no light only a dull light shone on every branch.
Answer: (a) There was absolute silence.
9. Why was Bonku Babu feeling uncomfortable with the alien?
(a) The creature was unusually tall and had a weird face.
(b) Bonku Babu was afraid of him.
(c) The strange creature was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs.
(d) He suspected the creature to be a ghost.
Answer: (c) The strange creature was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs.
10. Why was Bonku Babu not able to move even an inch?
(a) Ang’s pebble like object had made him immobile.
(b) He was froze at the sight of the spaceship.
(c) He was afraid of ghost.
(d) He was puzzled at the sight of Ang.
Answer: (a) Ang’s pebble-like object had made him immobile.
Context Questions
Extract 1
For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School. Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students.
(i) What in the extract shows that the students were teasing Bonku Babu for a long time?
Answer: Bonku Babu had been teaching for twenty-two years, and every year, the tradition of teasing him continued with both old and new batches of students, showing that this teasing had been ongoing for a long time.
(ii) What form of teasing was used by his students?
Answer: The students drew cartoons of Bonku Babu on the blackboard, put glue on his chair, and set off a chasing rocket behind him during Kali Puja, among other pranks.
(iii) How did Bonku Babu react to the teasing by the students?
Answer: Bonku Babu did not get upset and maintained his calm. Occasionally, he would clear his throat and mildly rebuke them by saying, “Shame on you, boys!”
(iv) According to the bank Babu, what made his life as a teacher worth living?
Answer: The presence of a few good students in each class, whom he could teach and mentor, made his life as a teacher worthwhile. He found teaching these students rewarding.
(v) Why did Banku Babu put up with the teasing?
Answer: Bonku Babu endured the teasing because he couldn’t afford to lose his job and knew how difficult it would be to find another one at his age. Additionally, he found satisfaction in teaching the few good students in each class.
Extract 2
Only the other day — less than two months ago, they were talking about ghosts. Usually, Bonku Babu kept his mouth shut. That day, for some unknown reason, he open it and declared that he was not afraid of the ghost that was all! but it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to others. On his way back home later, that night Banku Bhaiya was attacked by a spook.
(i) What made his associates arrange and attacked on Bonku babu by a spook? How is it shown in the story that the attack was arranged by associates?
Answer: Bonku Babu’s declaration that he was not afraid of ghosts provided an opportunity for his associates to play a prank. The attack was arranged by them, as it is mentioned that the “spook” smeared with black ink was possibly suggested by someone at the meeting.
(ii) Describe in your own words the attack by the spook.
Answer: As Bonku Babu was passing under a tamarind tree, a tall, thin figure, smeared with black ink, jumped onto his back, pretending to be a ghost. This figure was likely one of his associates.
(iii) What happened to Bonku Babu as a result of the attack?
Answer: Bonku Babu was not scared, but he was injured. His neck ached for three days, and his new kurta was torn and stained with black ink.
(iv) What was the favourable conditions for the spook to attack?
Answer: The attack took place at night, under the cover of darkness, and Bonku Babu was walking alone, which made it easier for the prank to be carried out.
(v) Why did Bonku Babu attend a meeting despite the attack by the spook? If he were not to attend the meeting what would happen? what does it show about rural life in this area?
Answer: Bonku Babu attended the meetings because he was concerned about what Sripati Babu, an important figure in the village and the school committee, might think if he didn’t show up. Not attending could have affected his standing in the community. This illustrates the social pressures and the importance of maintaining one’s position in the close-knit rural society.
Extract 3
That particular evening Bonku Babu was the first to spot the strange light. Then he call Nidhu Babu and showed it to him. However, when he arrived at the meeting, he found that Nidhu Babu has coolly claimed full credit for being a person to see it, and was boasting a great deal about it. Bonku Babu said nothing
(i) Why did Nidhu Babu say that he was the first person to spot the strange light? What does it say about his character?
Answer: Nidhu Babu falsely claimed credit for spotting the light to boast and seek attention. This shows that he is self-serving and willing to take advantage of others to elevate himself in front of his peers.
(ii)what does Bonku Babu’s silence show about his character?
Answer: Bonku Babu’s silence demonstrates his meekness and tolerance. He is not confrontational and tends to accept injustices quietly rather than challenge them.
(iii) Later, why did they change the topic of satellites?
Answer: The group shifted to talking about satellites to avoid continuing the conversation about the strange light, perhaps because they lacked knowledge or interest in the initial topic and wanted to discuss something more concrete.
(iv) What did Ramkanai say about human achievement?
Answer: Ramkanai acknowledged that although none of them had contributed to it, space exploration and satellites represented a significant achievement for humanity.
(v) What is the prospect of a rocket landing in the village? Why? What was Bonku Babu’s view on this?
Answer: The group dismissed the idea of a rocket landing in their village as irrelevant to their lives. Bonku Babu, however, entertained the possibility, showing his openness to imaginative and extraordinary ideas, unlike his more cynical peers.
Extract 4
“Consider his looks, not to mention his brains… yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!”
“Right. Suitable for keeping in a museum. Or a zoo,” Ramkanat chipped in.
Bonku Babu did not reply, but wondered silently: if anyone were to actually look for a specimen, weren’t the others just as suitable? Look at Sripati Babu. His chin was so much like a camel’s. And that Bhairav Chakravarty his eyes were like tortoise. Nidhu Babau looks like a rat, Ramkhanai is like a goat and Chandi Babu is like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up…!
Tears sprang to his eyes.
(i) Why did he call Bonk Babu an ‘ideal specimen’ and for whom?
Answer: Bonku Babu was called an ‘ideal specimen’ for aliens to take, as the others mocked him for his perceived simplicity and lack of intelligence.
(ii) Why did he call him as “Bunkum”? what does it say about his perception of Bonku Babu?
Answer: They called him “Bunkum” as a way of belittling him, implying that he was talking nonsense. It reflects their disrespect and dismissive attitude towards Bonku Babu.
(iii) Name three of his associates whom Bonku Babu says could be other specimens. what reasons does he gave for his choice?
Answer: Bonku Babu suggests Sripati Babu (with a chin like a camel), Bhairav Chakravarty (with tortoise-like eyes), and Nidhu Babu (who looks like a rat) as suitable specimens for a zoo, highlighting their own physical quirks.
(iv) Why didn’t Bonku Babu wonder silently about his associates what would have happened if he had spoken?
Answer: Bonku Babu stayed silent because he was too mild-mannered to speak up. If he had voiced his thoughts, it might have led to a confrontation or ridicule.
(v) How did Bonku Babu reply to each of his associates mentioned in the extract and the end of the story?
Answer: At the end of the story, Bonku Babu finally stands up for himself, directly confronting his associates and delivering cutting remarks to each of them, showcasing his newfound confidence after the encounter with Ang.
Extract 5
Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another 20 yards and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of Poncha Ghosh’s the bamboo groove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink. A dull light on every branch and every leaf. Down below the ground behind the pond was lit by much stronger, pink light.
(i) From where Bonku Babu was coming? Was he in a hurry that day?
Answer: Bonku Babu was returning from a meeting at Sripati Babu’s house. He was not in a particular hurry, but he was walking with purpose due to the unsettling atmosphere caused by the unusual silence of the crickets and the eerie environment.
(ii) Describe what Bonku Babu saw in front of him?
Answer: Bonku Babu saw a pink glow in Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove. The light illuminated every branch and leaf, and a much stronger pink light radiated from the ground behind a small pond.
(iii) What made Bonku Babu think that fire had broken out in the area? How did he react?
Answer: At first, Bonku Babu thought the pink glow was the result of a fire because of the way the area was lit up. However, upon realizing the light was steady and not flickering like fire, he became curious rather than panicked and continued to move closer.
(iv) Briefly describe the object that Bonku Babu saw?
Answer: He saw an object that resembled a giant glass bowl turned upside-down, covering the pond. It was from this object that the pink light was emanating.
(v) Imagine yourself to be in Bonku Babu’s place. What would you have done? Why?
Answer: If I were in Bonku Babu’s place, I would likely have been cautious and hesitant, perhaps considering retreating rather than approaching the strange light. However, curiosity might have drawn me closer, much like it did for Bonku Babu, to understand the unusual sight.
Extract 6
“I am Ang, from the planet Craneus. A far superior being than man”. What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and a weird face. Was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. “There’s no need to be so sceptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?”
(i) Who was Ang? and describe his appearance according to the extract.
Answer: Ang was an alien from the planet Craneus. He was described as being barely four feet tall, with thin limbs, a weird face, and bright yellow, glowing eyes. His body was covered in a shiny, pink outfit, and he lacked traditional human features like a nose and hair.
(ii) Why does he say he is superior to human beings?
Answer: Ang claimed to be superior to humans because of his advanced age (833 years), knowledge of over 14,000 languages, and his experiences on various planets. He also mentioned that his species had stopped eating meat centuries ago, showing a form of moral or intellectual superiority.
(iii) what does Ang say about his knowledge of language?
Answer: Ang boasted that he knew every language spoken in the solar system, including 31 languages from planets outside of it, demonstrating his vast intellectual capability.
(iv) How does Bonku Babu react when Ang greeted him?
Answer: At first, Bonku Babu was sceptical and nearly laughed at Ang’s claim of superiority. However, once Ang began demonstrating his abilities, Bonku Babu became more respectful and astonished.
(v) Compare Ang and Bonku Babu.
Answer: Ang is portrayed as a confident and superior being with vast knowledge, whereas Bonku Babu is portrayed as a simple, humble man with limited knowledge and a meek nature. Ang is advanced, with a deep understanding of the universe, while Bonku Babu represents an average human with ordinary experiences and a lack of self-confidence.
Extract 7
Bonku Babu peered through the glass and felt all his hair rise. Could this be true? Could he really believe eyes? Before him stretched and endless expanses of snow dotted with large Hill locks also covered with ice and snow. Above him, against a deep blue sky, all the colours of a rainbow were forming different patterns, changing every second. The Aurora Borealis what was that? An igloo. There was a group of polar bears wait, there was another animal, a strong, peculiar creature…
(i) What did Bonku Babu think he wanted to see?
Answer: Bonku Babu thought he wanted to see the North Pole, as he was from a warm country and was fascinated by the idea of snow-covered landscapes.
(ii) what was ‘the glass’ who gave it to Bonku Babu? Why?
Answer: The “glass” was a tube-like instrument with a piece of glass at one end. Ang gave it to Bonku Babu, allowing him to see distant places like the North Pole and Brazil, fulfilling Bonku Babu’s desire to experience these locations.
(iii) which was the strange peculiar creature?
Answer: The strange creature Bonku Babu saw through the glass was a walrus, which appeared large and intimidating during a fight with another walrus.
(iv) when Ang mentioned Brazil what was the first thought that come to Bonku Babu? What does it show about Banku Babu’s character?
Answer: When Ang mentioned Brazil, Bonku Babu immediately thought of piranhas, the carnivorous fish. This shows that Bonku Babu’s knowledge of foreign places came from what he had read or heard, rather than personal experience, indicating a curious but limited worldview.
(v) After watching through the tube for sometime, why could not Bonku Babu beer to watch anymore? what did and ask after Bonku Babu was it through the instrument?
Answer: Bonku Babu could not bear to watch anymore because the vivid scenes, especially the sight of piranhas devouring a crocodile, overwhelmed him. Afterward, Ang asked if Bonku Babu now believed in his superiority.
Extract 8
Look, I have been observing you and I have examined your arms and legs you belong to a much inferior species. There is no doubt about that. However, as human beings go you are not too bad. I mean you are a good man but you have a major fault you a must to make and build. That is why you have have made so little progress in life. You must always speak up against injustice and protest. If anyone hurts or insult you without any provocation to take things quietly is wrong. Not just for Ma’am but for any creature anywhere anyway it was nice to have meet you all though. I wasn’t really supposed to be here at this time. There’s no point investing more time on your earth. I had better go.”
(i) According to Ang what was Bonku Babu measure fault? Why did Ang says that manga Bonku Babu made little progress in life?
Answer: Ang believed Bonku Babu’s major fault was that he was too meek and mild. Ang suggested that Bonku Babu’s passive nature and reluctance to speak out against injustice or insult had prevented him from making significant progress in life.
(ii) What did Ang advise Bonku Babu to do if anyone hurt him without any provocation?
Answer: Ang advised Bonku Babu to speak up against injustice and protest if anyone hurt or insulted him without reason, as remaining silent was wrong for any creature.
(iii) Why did Ang leave the planet in a hurry?
Answer: Ang left the planet in a hurry because he was not supposed to be there at that time and saw no point in staying longer on Earth.
(iv) State whether Ang really existed or was a literary device to show one’s selfconfidence.
Answer: Ang could be interpreted as a real character in the story, but symbolically, he represents a literary device to help Bonku Babu realize his own worth and potential, awakening a new sense of self-confidence.
(v) How did Bonku Babu take Ang’s advise what was its result?
Answer: Bonku Babu took Ang’s advice to heart. The next day, he confidently stood up to the people who had mocked him, speaking his mind for the first time. The result was that Bonku Babu felt empowered and liberated from his past submissiveness.
Extras/additional
Questions and answers
Extract 1
No one had ever seen Bonku Babu get cross. To tell the truth, it was difficult to imagine what he might say or do if he did get angry.
It was not as if there was never any reason for him to lose his temper. For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School. Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard; others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing rocket and set it off right behind him.
(i) What subjects did Bonku Babu teach?
Answer: Bonku Babu taught two subjects: geography and Bengali, both of which he had been teaching for many years at the village school. His students, however, often failed to show respect for his efforts in educating them.
(ii) Where did Bonku Babu teach?
Answer: He taught at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School, a small rural institution where he had spent the better part of his life as a teacher.
(iii) How did the students treat Bonku Babu?
Answer: The students regularly teased him. They would draw his cartoon on the blackboard, put glue on his chair, and even light a chasing rocket behind him during Kali Puja as part of their pranks.
(iv) How long had Bonku Babu been teaching?
Answer: Bonku Babu had been teaching at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School for twenty-two years, a considerable amount of time during which he patiently endured the constant mischief of his students.
(v) Did Bonku Babu ever lose his temper with the students?
Answer: Despite all the teasing and pranks, Bonku Babu never lost his temper. It was difficult to imagine him getting angry, even though he had faced numerous reasons to be upset over the years.
Extract 10
“Now do you believe that we are superior?” Ang wanted to know. Bonku Babu ran his tongue over his parched lips. “Yes. Oh yes. Certainly. Of course!” he croaked.
“You are much too meek and mild. That is why you have made so little progress in life. You must always speak up against injustice, and protest if anyone hurts or insults you without any provocation.”
(i) What question did Ang ask Bonku Babu?
Answer: Ang asked Bonku Babu whether he now believed that Ang’s species was superior to humans.
(ii) How did Bonku Babu respond to Ang’s question?
Answer: Bonku Babu, feeling overwhelmed and intimidated, responded by agreeing with Ang and saying “Yes, certainly, of course!”
(iii) What advice did Ang give Bonku Babu?
Answer: Ang advised Bonku Babu to stop being so meek and mild, urging him to speak up against injustice and not to let others insult or hurt him without protest.
(iv) What did Ang believe was the reason for Bonku Babu’s lack of progress in life?
Answer: Ang believed that Bonku Babu’s passive and submissive nature was the reason he had made little progress in life.
(v) How did Ang view taking things quietly without protest?
Answer: Ang viewed taking things quietly without protest as wrong, not just for humans but for any creature, suggesting that one should always stand up against injustice.
Multiplt Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is the name of the main character in the story?
a) Poncha Ghosh b) Ang c) Bonkubihari Datta d) Ramkanai
Answer: c) Bonkubihari Datta
30. What does Bonkubihari Datta feel after his encounter with Ang?
a) He feels ordinary b) He feels unique c) He feels scared d) He feels sad
Answer: b) He feels unique
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
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