Get summary, textbook solutions, questions, answers, notes, pdf, and extras to the story “Mehouviü and Morusa” which is a part of Class 10 English syllabus for students studying under the Nagaland Board (NBSE). However, the notes should only be used for reference, and changes should be made by the students and teachers to suit their needs.
Summary
Mehouviu was the most beautiful and virtuous maiden in her village. Many young men wished to marry her, but she refused them all. Her friends told her about the brave warrior Morusa, and she hoped he would be her suitor. When Morusa’s relatives came asking for her hand in marriage, she readily accepted the proposal, excited at the prospect of marrying this famous warrior.
As the wedding day approached, Mehouviu had a strange, recurring dream that she was in Morusa’s house with a heaping plate of rice and meat set before her.
Meanwhile, wanting to impress his bride with an act of valour, Morusa set out on a quest to find and defeat enemy warriors. However, he could not find any enemies to fight with. Finally arriving at an isolated village, he saw a lone woman peacefully weaving on her porch. In the heat of the moment, he ruthlessly killed her, severing her head as a battle trophy.
Back in Mehouviu’s village, her relatives were horrified to learn she had been murdered by a warrior just days before her wedding. Messengers delivered the tragic news to Morusa’s village too. Morusa was utterly grief-stricken when he realised the circumstances of the woman’s death matched his own actions. His deed had led him to unknowingly kill his beloved Mehouviu.
The story serves as a powerful condemnation of the practice of head-hunting, highlighting the senseless tragedies that can occur when upholding violent warrior traditions over reason and compassion.
Textual notes
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Mehouviü refused many suitors because
A. she loved Morusa B. she did not want to get married C. she wanted to marry the brave Morusa D. she was arrogant
Answer: C. she wanted to marry the brave Morusa
2. Morusa set out looking for enemy warriors because…
A. he wanted to help his people by getting rid of the enemies B. he wanted to prove himself to be worthy of his bride C. he made it a habit to fight wrong doers D. he was urged by his friends to do so
Answer: B. he wanted to prove himself to be worthy of his bride
3. ‘Mehouviü and Morusa’ is a
A. legend B. folktale C. fable D. folklore
Answer: B. folktale
4. The protagonist in the story is/are
A. Mehouviü B. Morusa C. both Mehouviü and Morusa
Answer: C. both Mehouviü and Morusa
5. From the story we understand that ‘head-hunting’ was
i. an ancient warrior tradition ii. a practice to resolve conflicts iii. a matter of pride and to display as trophy iv. a practice to amuse the clan A. i and ii B. i and iii C. i and iv D. ii and iv
Answer: B. i and iii
Reference to Context
1. The rumours were confirmed when Morusa’s relatives came to ask for her hand and they were readily accepted.
a) What are the rumours mentioned in this line?
Answer: The rumours mentioned in this line are about Morusa becoming her possible suitor.
b) Who was Morusa?
Answer: Morusa was a famous warrior from Kidima.
c) Why were they readily accepted?
Answer: They were readily accepted because Mehouviü had heard about Morusa and was already interested in him as a potential suitor.
d) Give the noun form of: confirmed.
Answer: Confirmation.
3. Morusa was grief-stricken at this news. But the circumstances of her death sounded suspiciously familiar.
a) What news had caused grief to Morusa?
Answer: The news of Mehouviü’s death caused grief to Morusa.
b) Why was he grief-stricken?
Answer: He was grief-stricken because he realized that he had unknowingly killed his own beloved, Mehouviü.
c) Why did it sound suspiciously familiar?
Answer: It sounded suspiciously familiar because the circumstances of Mehouviü’s death matched the incident where Morusa killed a woman he encountered in a deserted village.
d) Give the adjective form of: circumstances.
Answer: Circumstantial.
Read and Write
1. What qualities did Mehouviü and Morusa have?
Answer: Mehouviü was charming, with a pleasant personality, and admired by many in her village. Morusa was a renowned and strong warrior from Kidima, respected for his prowess.
2. Why was Mehouviü reluctant to marry?
Answer: Mehouviü was reluctant to marry as she was awaiting a potential suitor, Morusa, about whom she had heard from her friends.
5. How did people learn about Mehouviü’s death?
Answer: People learned about Mehouviü’s death when messengers from her village brought the sad news to Morusa’s village.
6. What tragedy struck Morusa?
Answer: The tragedy that struck Morusa was unknowingly killing his beloved Mehouviü, mistaking her for a stranger.
Think and Answer
1. Every region has its own traditional customs and traditions which are upheld and preserved fiercely by the elders. Is it proper to uphold all of them or should society be selective in keeping and discarding some of them? Discuss in the light of the story of Morusa and Mehouviü.
Answer: The story of Morusa and Mehouviü illustrates the importance of being selective in upholding traditions. While traditions are crucial for cultural identity and continuity, the tragic outcome in the story suggests that blindly following them without adapting to changing times and moral perspectives can lead to devastating consequences. It advocates for a balanced approach where traditions are respected but also critically evaluated to ensure they align with contemporary ethical standards and societal well-being. This approach allows for the preservation of cultural heritage while promoting progress and preventing harm.
3. A trophy is a prized possession and makes its owner proud. Would you consider the possession of a head a trophy? Why/Why not? Give a reasoned answer.
Answer: Considering a human head as a trophy is morally unacceptable, as it symbolises violence and disrespect for life. The story of Morusa and Mehouviü underlines the tragic implications of such trophies, advocating for respect and the sanctity of life over violent triumphs.
4. Morusa is distraught when he learns of the consequences of his deed. He makes a diary entry recording his emotions. Write out his diary entry in about 150 words.
Answer: Dear Diary,
Today, my soul is shattered. The joy of victory has turned to ashes, for I have slain my dearest Mehouviü. In my blind pursuit to prove myself, I have committed an unforgivable act. Her image haunts me—a woman I longed to meet, now forever lost by my hand.
This pain is a burden heavier than any battle I’ve faced. My heart, once filled with dreams of love and triumph, now lies broken, a reminder of the price of my folly. In my quest for honour, I have dishonoured myself.
How can I face the world, knowing the sorrow I’ve caused? Mehouviü, my lost love, your memory will be the light guiding me towards redemption.
May my future deeds honour your spirit and atone for this tragic mistake. But can there be forgiveness for such a grievous error? Only time, the healer and the judge, will tell.
Vocabulary
1. A synonym is a word with the same or similar meaning. Find words from the passage that are synonyms of:
Answer: a. cheerful – winsome
b. vacant – deserted
c. finally – eventually
2. Fill in the following blanks with suitable words chosen from those given in the box.
Answer: The weather being pleasant we decided to go on a picnic. We asked our Principal for permission since it was mandatory for boarders.
We set out in high spirits. We had travelled barely a mile from the school when the school van broke down. The driver examined the engine and said that a mechanic would have to be called. We debated whether we should return to school or be a little bold and carry on with our plans. Of course, everyone voted for the latter, and we set off once again this time on foot undaunted by the fact that the way was long and arduous.
3. Match the words in Column A with the synonyms in Column B.
Answer:
a. cheerful – iv. joyful
b. momentous – iii. important
c. famous – i. well known
d. dreary – v. cheerless
e. brave – ii. valiant
Extra MCQs
1. Who was Mehouviü?
A. A warrior woman B. Morusa’s enemy C. An maiden D. Morusa’s sister
Answer: C. An admired maiden
10. What do Mehouviü’s dreams of rice and meat foreshadow?
A. A wedding feast B. Future wealth C. Impending death D. Fertility
Answer: C. Impending death
Extra Questions and Answers
1. Who was Mehouviü?
Answer: Mehouviü was a winsome maiden who was engaged to the famous warrior Morusa. She had a very pleasing personality and many young men in her village admired her and wanted to marry her.
11. What is the overall message conveyed by the tragic tale of Morusa and Mehouviü?
Answer: The tragic tale of Morusa and Mehouviü conveys a message about the dangers of blindly following ancient traditions and customs. Morusa’s warrior culture leads him to needlessly kill an innocent woman due to its emphasis on violence and headhunting trophies. The story serves as a cautionary tale that such traditions should be reconsidered rather than upheld without reflection.
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Q4. Morusa is distraught when he learns of the consequence of his deed. He makes diary entry recording his emotions. Write out his diary entry in about 150 words? Please help me out
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