Kerala Syllabus Class 8 English: Unit 05 Echoes from Afar: Lesson 01 - A Tale of Two Gifts - Questions and Answers | Teaching Manual
ഈ ബ്ലോഗ് ഉടമയുടെ രേഖാമൂലമുള്ള അനുമതിയില്ലാതെ ഈ ബ്ലോഗിൽ നൽകിയിരിക്കുന്ന ചോദ്യോത്തരങ്ങൾ, ഇതേരീതിയിലോ പി.ഡി.എഫ് രൂപത്തിലോ, മറ്റേതെങ്കിലും ഡിജിറ്റലോ, പ്രിന്റഡ് ഉൾപ്പെടെയുള്ള ഏതെങ്കിലും രൂപങ്ങളിലേക്കോ മാറ്റി മറ്റൊരു വെബ്സൈറ്റിലോ, ബ്ലോഗിലോ, യുട്യൂബ്, സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയാ ഗ്രൂപ്പുകളിലോ ഉൾപ്പെടെ ഒരിടത്തും പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കാൻ പാടില്ലാത്തതാകുന്നു.
Std 8 English Unit V Echoes from Afar - Lesson 01 A Tale of Two Gifts - Textual Questions and Answers & Activities
♦ Echoes from Afar
♦ Let’s log in:
1. How does the farmer react when he loses his only horse? How does his reaction differ from that of the other villagers?
The farmer remains calm and composed. Instead of reacting with sadness or anger like most people would, he simply says "Perhaps". The farmer does not immediately judge the situation. In contrast, the other villagers react emotionally. Unlike the farmer, they judge the event right away, without seeing the bigger picture.
2. What does the farmer's response, "Perhaps", tell us about his attitude to loss and gain? What do you infer from the story about the Zen attitude to life?
The farmer's response, "Perhaps", shows that he has a balanced and accepting attitude towards both loss and gain. He doesn't see events as purely good or bad. Instead, he understands that situations can change and that every loss might bring a gain, and every gain might bring a loss. This tells us that the farmer is wise, calm and detached.
In short, Zen attitude is to stay calm, detached, open-minded, and accepting, realising that everything in life has its own purpose and meaning.
1. How does the boy try to snatch the purse from the lady?
The boy, Roger, follows the lady from behind and suddenly tries to snatch her purse. He pulls at the strap of the bag to run away with it. However, the strap breaks, and he loses his balance, falling flat on the ground.
A Tale of Two Gifts
While we read
1. How much money did Della save to buy Jim a gift? Do you usually save money for a specific purpose? Share your experience in class.
Della saved one dollar and eighty-seven cents ($1.87) to buy a gift for Jim.
Yes, I usually save money for a specific purpose. I save my money to buy books and small gifts for my friends and family during special occasions like birthdays and festivals. It feels good to buy something meaningful with the money I have saved myself.
2. Which of their possessions were Della and Jim especially proud of?
Della and Jim were especially proud of two possessions. Della was proud of her long, beautiful hair, and Jim was proud of his gold watch that had once belonged to his father and grandfather.
3. Jim's watch was a valuable heirloom which he cherished very much. Do you have any such objects of sentimental value? Share your thoughts about them.
Yes, I have a wristwatch that belonged to my grandfather. It reminds me of him and the stories he used to tell. Though it is old, I keep it safe because it holds many T sweet memories and makes me feel close to him.
4. Why did Della think that the gold watch chain was a suitable gift for Jim?
Della thought the gold watch chain was a suitable gift for Jim because it was simple, pure, and valuable - just like Jim himself. It matched his quietness and worth, and she knew it would perfectly complement his precious gold watch.
5. What was Jim's initial reaction when he saw Della without her flowing hair?
Jim's initial reaction was one of silent shock. He looked at Della with a strange expression that she could not understand. It was not anger or surprise, but something that filled her with fear because he just stood quietly, staring at her.
6. What is $1.87 worth in Indian rupees today?
As of today, $1.87 is approximately 165.94 (based on an exchange rate of around 83.50 per US dollar).
7. Why did Della cry when she opened Jim's gift?
Della cried when she opened Jim's gift because he had bought her the beautiful combs she had long desired, but she had cut off and sold her hair to buy a gift for him. She was touched by Jim's love and sacrifice, and also sad that she could not use the combs now.
8. "You'll have to look at your watch a hundred times. a day now." Why does Della say so?
Della says this because she had bought Jim a gold chain for his watch. She was excited for him to use it and admire how beautiful it looked together with his watch.
9. Why did Jim and Della decide to put their gifts aside for some time?
Jim and Della decided to put their gifts aside for some time because their gifts were now useless. Jim had sold his watch to buy Della's combs, and Della had sold her hair to buy Jim's chain. They chose instead to enjoy their dinner and the love they shared.
♦ Let's rewind
1. In what way does the story challenge traditional notions of poverty and wealth?
The story shows that true wealth does not lie in money or material possessions but in love and sacrifice. Although Jim and Della are poor in terms of money, they are rich in love and generosity. Their willingness to give up their most prized possessions for each other makes them spiritually wealthy.
2. Irony is the contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. How does the author bring a touch of irony to the story?
The irony in the story lies in the fact that both Della and Jim sacrifice their greatest treasures to buy gifts for each other, but their gifts become useless. Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim's watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della's hair. This unexpected twist creates a gentle irony that highlights their selfless love.
3. How does the unexpected twist in the tail-end of the story emphasise the value of love over material possessions?
The twist at the end shows that even though their gifts cannot be used, the love behind them is priceless. The story teaches that the value of love and sacrifice is far greater than that of any material gift. Jim and Della's selflessness proves that love is the truest gift of all.
4. Why does the author consider Della and Jim the wisest among those who exchange gifts?
The author calls them the wisest because their gifts symbolise pure love and sacrifice. They understand that giving is not about the price of the gift but the love it represents. Like the Wise Magi who brought gifts to Infant Jesus, Jim and Della show wisdom through their selfless hearts.
♦ Let's recall and recreate
♦ Activity 1
A. Read the story 'A Tale of Two Gifts' and fill in the character map of Della.
The following questions may help you create a character sketch:
• Is the character the protagonist or a supporting character?
• What are the physical features of the character — age, appearance, attire, and so on?
• What are the main personality traits of the character? Are they kind, brave, shy, selfless, or otherwise?
• What is the nature of the emotional state of the character?
• How would you describe the character’s goals/desires/fears/motives/key actions / social status/ health, and so on?
• What is the nature of their relationship with other characters?
• What challenges or conflicts does the character face?
• How does the character evolve in the course of the story?
Answer:
Della, the protagonist of the story, is a young and beautiful woman with long, brown hair - her most prized possession. Despite her modest living conditions and poverty, she remains cheerful, loving, and full of hope. Her main personality traits include selflessness, love, sacrifice, and devotion. She deeply loves her husband, Jim, and wants to buy him a special Christmas gift. To do this, she sacrifices her hair, showing how far she is willing to go for love. Della's emotional nature is seen when she cries after cutting her hair, but still feels happy knowing her sacrifice will make Jim glad. Della's main goal is to express her love through a meaningful gift, despite her financial struggles. Her relationship with Jim is built on deep affection and mutual sacrifice; they both give up their greatest treasures for each other. The conflict Della faces is internal, between her desire to make Jim happy and her fear of losing her beauty and pride. By the end of the story, Della evolves into a symbol of true love and generosity, showing that the greatest gift of all is selfless love.
♦ Activity 2
Della sells her beautiful hair to Mrs Sotronie to buy a gift for Jim. A transcript of the conversation between Della and Mrs Sofronie is given. Complete the dialogue.
Della: Excuse me, ma’am. Will you buy my hair?
Mrs Sofronie: Of course, I buy hair. Let me see yours. Take off your hat, child.
Della: ............................................
Mrs Sofronie: ...............................................
Della: ...........................................................
Mrs Sofronie: ...............................................
Answer:
Della: Excuse me, ma'am. Will you buy my hair?
Mrs Sofronie: Of course, I buy hair. Let me see yours. Take off your hat, child.
Della: See, how long and beautiful it is!
Mrs Sofronie: Hmm... twenty dollars.
Della: Only twenty? Please give me twenty dollars quickly.
Mrs Sofronie: Sit down, dear. I'll give you the money right now.
Della: Ok, thank you.
♦ Activity 3
A. You are familiar with the idea of the Hot Seat, aren't you? The person in the 'hot seat' answers questions from a group, taking on the role of a historical figure, a celebrity, or a literary character. The activity requires quick thinking and well-struc- tured responses, some of which may also be quite witty. Shall we now attempt a similar programme, 'Meet the Character'?
Let's discuss and list the key steps of the activity.
• Select a person to play the role of the character.
• Prepare a set of questions to be posed to the character. Imagine the character's answer.
• Roleplay/Enact the conversation.
• Present it in the class.
• Discuss and reflect.
B. Now, prepare a set of questions to be posed to the character you choose.
| Questions to Della | Questions to Jim |
|---|---|
| • Della, why did you decide to sell your hair? • How did you feel after selling your hair? • What does Jim mean to you? • Were you worried about Jim's reaction to your short hair? • What message would you like to give to others about love and sacrifice? | • Jim, tell us more about your gift for Della. • What was your first reaction when you saw Della's short hair? • Why did you decide to sell your watch? • What does Della's love mean to you? • Do you think your sacrifice was worth it? |
♦ DISCOURSES
1. Prepare a character sketch of Jim.
Jim is the loving husband of Della. He is a young man of twenty-two, working hard to support his small family. Even though he earns only twenty dollars a week, he never complains and tries to give his wife the best life possible. His love is sincere and deep.
Jim's most valuable possession was his gold watch, handed down from his father and grandfather. But he did not hesitate to sell it just to buy the beautiful combs that would make Della happy. This shows his selflessness and the true depth of his love. He values Della more than any precious thing.
Jim's reaction when he sees Della's short hair is not of anger, but of silent shock. Later, he joyfully comforts her, proving that appearance never matters to him. His mature love, sacrifice and calm understanding make him the real "wise man" of the story. Jim is truly a symbol of love and sacrifice.
2. Suppose you are Della and you sold your hair to buy a gift for Jim. On the night before Christmas, Jim reveals that he sold his watch to buy you combs. Write the likely Diary of Della. Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Tonight was both the happiest and the saddest moment of my life. I cut off my beautiful hair and sold it just to buy a precious chain for Jim's watch. Was worried that he might not like the way I look now, but he hugged me and told me that no haircut could make him love me any less. Made my heart jump with joy!
But my joy turned into tears when I opened Jim's gift. He bought me the beautiful combs I had admired for so long. They were costly, but perfect for my long hair. I mean the hair that is now gone. Then Jim said he had sold his watch to buy those combs. Oh, Jim! We both sold our greatest treasures for each other.
We have nothing to use. The watch is gone, and my hair is gone. But our hearts are full of love. We may look foolish to the world, but we are rich in love. Tonight, I understood that sacrifice is the real meaning of Christmas. Believe we are the happiest and wisest lovers on earth.
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