Class 9 : Unit 1 – The Envious Neighbour A Japanese Folk Tale– Supplementary

 

Unit 1 – The Envious Neighbour  A Japanese Folk Tale– Supplementary

 

Discuss the following. Warm Up

1. Ratan Tata and Azim Premji are a few rich people of India who spend a part of their wealth on charity. What influences them to share and care for others?

 Ratan Tata and Azim Premji's Philanthropy

Ratan Tata and Azim Premji are among India’s wealthiest and most respected businessmen, known not just for their success but also for their generosity. Several factors influence them to share and care for others:

• Sense of Responsibility – They believe that wealth should be used for the greater good and that businesses should give back to society.
• Inspiration from Family and Values – Both of them have been influenced by strong ethical foundations, with their families instilling the value of helping others.
• Desire for Social Change – They recognize inequalities in society and want to use their resources to address issues like education, healthcare, and poverty.
• Long-term Vision – Their charitable work is aimed at creating sustainable impact rather than short-term benefits.

 

2. Think of any undesirable quality that you would like to get rid off and discuss it with your friends.

Getting Rid of an Undesirable Quality

Everyone has habits or qualities they wish to improve. Some common undesirable qualities include:

• Procrastination – Many people struggle with delaying important tasks.
• Short Temper – Anger issues can affect relationships and mental peace.
• Lack of Patience – Impatience can lead to frustration and stress.
• Overthinking – Excessive worrying can be mentally exhausting.

One way to improve is by self-awareness and consistent effort to replace negative habits with positive ones.

 

3. Do you like pets? Why?

            Liking Pets and Reasons Behind It

Many people love having pets, while some may not prefer them. Reasons for liking pets include:

• Companionship – Pets provide emotional support and reduce loneliness.
• Stress Relief – Spending time with pets can lower stress levels.
• Responsibility and Care – Taking care of a pet teaches responsibility and empathy.
• Unconditional Love – Pets do not judge and are always loyal to their owners.

A. Identify the character or speaker of the following lines:

1. They gathered the treasure. - The good old man and his wife.
2. The pine tree under which I am buried, to be cut down and made into a mortar.  - The dog (in the old man’s dream).
3. They dug, and found nothing but a quantity of dirt and nasty offal. - The wicked old man and his wife.
4. He had not to wait long before he was called into the prince's palace, and ordered to exhibit his power. - The wicked old man.
5. BOW, WOW, WOW! - The dog.

 

B. Based on your understanding of the story, choose the right answers from the given options.

1. The old farmer and his wife loved the dog

a) because it helped them in their day-to-day work.

b) as if it was their own baby.

c) as they were kind to all living beings.

Ans : (b) as if it was their own baby.

 

2. When the old couple became rich, they

a) gave the dog better food.

b) invited their greedy neighbours to  a feast.

c) lived a comfortable life and were generous towards their poor neighbours.

Ans : (c) lived a comfortable life and were generous towards their poor neighbours.

 

3. The greedy couple borrowed the mortar to make

a) rich pastry and bean sauce.

b) magic ash to win rewards.

c) a pile of gold.

Ans : (b)magic ash to win rewards.

 

C. Answer the following questions in a paragraph of about 80 to 100 words:

1. The old farmer was a kind person. Justify the statement with suitable examples from the story.
   The old farmer was kind and loving. He treated his pet dog like his own child, feeding it with the best food. When the dog led him to buried treasure, he did not keep it selfishly but shared his wealth with the poor. Even when the greedy neighbors killed his beloved dog, he forgave them. He mourned his dog’s loss and followed its guidance in dreams, which brought him more fortune. Instead of seeking revenge, he even shared his wealth with his wicked neighbors, showing his kindness and generosity.
2. How did the dog help the farmer even after its death?
   Even after its death, the dog continued to help the old farmer. In a dream, it told him to cut down the pine tree under which it was buried and make a mortar. The farmer followed the instructions, and every grain of rice ground in the mortar turned into gold. Later, when the greedy neighbors burned the mortar, the dog again appeared in a dream and advised the farmer to sprinkle the ashes on withered trees. This act revived the trees, and the farmer was rewarded by the prince for his magical powers.
3. Why did the Prince reward the farmer but punish the neighbour for the same act?
   The prince rewarded the good old farmer because he truly had the magical power to bring dead trees to life by sprinkling the ashes. When the farmer demonstrated this power, the trees blossomed, and the prince was impressed. However, when the wicked neighbor tried to imitate him, he failed. Instead of making trees bloom, he accidentally threw ashes into the prince’s eyes, causing him discomfort. As a result, the prince punished the wicked old man for his deceit and greed.
4. Bring out the difference between the two neighbors with suitable examples to support your view.
   The two neighbors were very different in character. The good old man was kind, honest, and generous. He loved his dog like a family member and shared his fortune with others. Even after his neighbors killed his dog, he forgave them and helped them mend their ways. On the other hand, the wicked old couple was greedy and selfish. They mistreated the dog, killed it for their own gain, and later tried to steal the good old man’s fortune. Their greed led to their downfall when they were punished by the prince. In the end, they changed and learned to be better people.

D. Complete the story with the given hints:

(1) There lived an honest man with his wife, who had a favourite _______________ got a treasure.

(2) There dwelt a covetous and stingy old man and woman _______________

(3) The wicked old couple seized the dog, and ___________________

(4) They broke the mortar _______________

(5) They collected all the ashes that remained _______________

 

Answer:

1. There lived an honest man with his wife, who had a favourite dog and got a treasure.
2. There dwelt a covetous and stingy old man and woman who borrowed the dog out of greed.
3. The wicked old couple seized the dog, and killed it in frustration.
4. They broke the mortar when they found it useless to them.
5. They collected all the ashes that remained to trick the prince, but failed and got punished.