Two Stories About Flying — Notes

Summary

The Young Seagull's Fear of Flying

A young seagull is alone on his ledge, afraid to fly. His siblings have already flown, but he fears the long drop to the sea. He attempts to run and flap his wings but is too scared to jump. His parents scold and threaten him, but he remains immobile, having not eaten for a day.

Hunger and the First Flight

The seagull watches his family eat fish, which intensifies his hunger. His mother brings a piece of fish close, and in his eagerness to grab it, he dives outwards. He is gripped by terror initially, but then his wings instinctively spread, and he begins to soar. He discovers he can fly, feeling dizzy but exhilarating.

Mastering Flight and Landing

He joins his family in the air, flying, banking, and diving. Forgetting his fear, he flies over the sea, feeling the wind. However, when he attempts to land on the sea, his legs sink, causing him to panic. Exhausted and weak from hunger, he cannot rise, but he finds himself floating on the water, his family joining him and offering him food.

The Pilot's Stormy Journey

The narrator, a pilot, is flying his Dakota aeroplane from France to England. He is happy, anticipating his holiday and family reunion. He is informed by Paris Control to turn west. As he flies, he encounters huge storm clouds and realizes he cannot fly over or around them due to low fuel.

Entering the Storm and Losing Control

He decides to take the risk and fly directly into the storm. Inside the clouds, visibility becomes zero, and the aeroplane shakes violently. His compass and radio stop working, leaving him lost and unable to contact Paris Control.

The Mysterious Black Aeroplane

In the black clouds, he sees another aeroplane with no lights. The pilot of this mysterious aircraft waves and signals him to follow. Believing the pilot is helping him, the narrator follows the black aeroplane north.

Safe Landing and an Unexplained Rescue

After following for half an hour, the black aeroplane begins to descend. The narrator follows, and suddenly emerges from the clouds to see a runway. He lands safely, but when he looks for his rescuer, the sky is empty. The mysterious black aeroplane has vanished.

An Unexplained Phenomenon

He inquires at the control tower about the other pilot, but the woman tells him no other aeroplanes were flying that night; his was the only one detected on radar. The narrator is left wondering who or what helped him to survive the storm.

Remember

Both stories highlight overcoming fear and facing challenges, whether it's a young bird learning to fly or a pilot navigating a dangerous storm.

Exam-smart

Source-based questions may ask about the young seagull's fear and the reasons for his eventual flight, or about the pilot's decision to fly into the storm and the role of the mysterious aeroplane.

Characters

The Young Seagull

• A young seagull who is afraid of flying.
• Traits:
• Timid and Fearful: He is afraid of the "great expanse of sea stretched down beneath" and feels "certain that his wings would never support him."
• Hesitant: Despite seeing his siblings fly, he "failed to muster up courage to take that plunge."
• Observant: He "had watched his parents flying about with his brothers and sister, perfecting them in the art of flight."
• Driven by Hunger: His hunger finally overcomes his fear, making him "maddened by hunger" and leading him to dive for the fish.
• Joyful and Elated: After his first successful flight, he lets out a "joyful scream" and forgets his fear.
• Change: Initially, he is paralyzed by fear but eventually conquers his fear of flying through a combination of hunger and parental encouragement, becoming an accomplished flyer by the end.

The Pilot (Narrator)

• The narrator of the second story, flying his old Dakota aeroplane.
• Traits:
• Optimistic and Hopeful: He is "happy to be alone high up" and "dreaming of my holiday and looking forward to being with my family."
• Responsible: He plans to "call Paris Control soon" and checks his map and compass.
• Risk-taker: He decides to "take the risk" and fly into the storm because he "wanted to get home."
• Relieved and Grateful: He feels "very glad to see another person" and is immensely relieved to land safely.
• Change: He begins the flight with confidence but faces a terrifying situation where all his instruments fail. He is ultimately rescued by a mysterious force, leading him to question the nature of help and reality.

Other characters

• Seagull's Parents: They scold, threaten, and cajole their young one to fly, eventually using a piece of fish as bait. They are proud and encouraging once the young seagull flies.
• Seagull's Siblings: They have already learned to fly and taunt their brother for his cowardice. They fly around him joyfully after he takes flight.
• The Pilot of the Black Aeroplane: A mysterious figure who appears in the storm clouds, guides the narrator to safety, and then vanishes without a trace.

Remember

Characters are defined by their actions, dialogues, and the narrator's descriptions. Pay close attention to how they behave and what they say to understand their personalities.

Exam-smart

A question might ask you to describe the young seagull's fear or the pilot's decision-making process. You would use the traits and their supporting evidence from the text to answer. For example, if asked about the pilot's risk-taking, you would quote "I’ll take the risk" and explain why.

Themes and Message

The Struggle Against Fear and the Power of Motivation

The first story, "His First Flight," illustrates how fear can paralyze an individual, preventing them from reaching their potential. The young seagull's fear of the vast expanse of the sea and the height of the ledge keeps him from flying, even when his siblings have succeeded. This fear is overcome through a combination of internal desperation (hunger) and external motivation (his mother's actions). The text shows this through the seagull's observation of his family and his mother's calculated effort to lure him with food: "The sight of the food maddened him." His eventual dive, though initially driven by hunger, leads to the discovery of his inherent ability to fly. This suggests that fear can be conquered through a strong enough motivation and by taking that initial leap of faith.

Facing the Unknown and Trusting Instinct

"The Black Aeroplane" explores the theme of facing the unknown, particularly in extreme and dangerous situations. The pilot, caught in a severe storm with all his instruments failing, is in a life-threatening predicament. The appearance of a mysterious black aeroplane and its pilot offers a glimmer of hope. The narrator's decision to trust this unknown entity, despite the lack of logical explanation for its presence, highlights the human instinct to survive and the willingness to place faith in the unexpected. The text states, "I was very happy to go behind the strange aeroplane like an obedient child." This trust allows him to navigate the storm and reach safety.

Maturity Through Loss and Responsibility

"The Ball Poem" delves into the theme of growing up and learning from loss. The boy's intense grief over losing his ball, despite its monetary insignificance, signifies his deep emotional attachment to it. The poet's decision not to "intrude" and offer money emphasizes that this loss is a crucial learning experience. The poem states, "He senses first responsibility / In a world of possessions." The boy must learn that possessions can be lost, and that true understanding comes from experiencing this loss and learning to "stand up" and cope with it. This is a fundamental aspect of maturity, understanding the nature of loss and the world's imperfections.

Humour in Language and Observation

"How to Tell Wild Animals" uses humour to entertain and educate. The poem's humor arises from its playful approach to identifying dangerous animals. The exaggerated descriptions and the unconventional, often nonsensical, advice make the poem lighthearted. For example, the method of identifying a tiger: "Just notice if he eats you." The poet's use of rhyme and rhythm, even when taking "liberties with language" (like "dyin’" for "dying" or "lept" for "leapt"), adds to the comedic effect. The poem suggests that even in serious matters (like encountering wild animals), a sense of humour and clever observation can be valuable.

Understanding the Value of Things Beyond Monetary Worth

"The Ball Poem" also highlights the epistemology of loss, teaching the boy that some things have value beyond their price. The poet refrains from offering money for a new ball because "Money is external." The boy's deep emotional connection to the lost ball, which represents his "young days" and memories, shows that true value lies in sentiment and experience, not just in material possessions. He learns that this specific loss is irreplaceable and that such experiences are essential for developing resilience and understanding the complexities of life.

Why the Title

• "His First Flight": This title directly refers to the young seagull's initial attempt at flying, a pivotal moment in his life. It signifies his overcoming of fear and his achievement of a natural instinct. The title highlights the significance of this first, crucial step towards independence and self-reliance.
• "The Black Aeroplane": The title refers to the mysterious black aeroplane that appears in the storm and guides the narrator to safety. Its enigmatic nature and the unanswered questions surrounding its presence create suspense and mystery, making the title intriguing and central to the story's plot.
• "How to Tell Wild Animals": This title humorously suggests the poem's purpose: to provide advice on identifying wild animals. However, the "how-to" is presented in a comical and ironic manner, highlighting the dangerous and often absurd nature of such advice.
• "The Ball Poem": The title is simple and direct, focusing on the central object of the boy's loss. It emphasizes the poem's theme that the loss of this seemingly simple object triggers a profound lesson about life, maturity, and the nature of possessions.

Tone and Mood

• "His First Flight": The tone shifts from anxious and fearful (describing the seagull's hesitation) to triumphant and joyous as he finally flies. The mood is initially suspenseful, then becomes one of exhilaration and relief.
• "The Black Aeroplane": The tone begins as calm and confident, then shifts to anxious and desperate during the storm, and finally becomes relieved and bewildered upon landing. The mood is one of peace, then intense suspense and fear, followed by safety and lingering mystery.
• "How to Tell Wild Animals": The tone is consistently humorous, playful, and ironic. The mood is light-hearted and amusing, designed to evoke laughter and a sense of fun.
• "The Ball Poem": The tone is somber and reflective, especially in the poet's observation of the boy. The mood is one of sadness and melancholy, evolving into a sense of solemn realization about life lessons.

The Message

• "His First Flight": The message is that fear is often a self-imposed barrier and can be overcome with determination and the right motivation, leading to self-discovery and independence.
• "The Black Aeroplane": The message suggests that help can come from unexpected sources and that sometimes, in dire situations, instinct and faith are necessary to overcome insurmountable obstacles. It also hints at the possibility of the supernatural or the power of one's own subconscious.
• "How to Tell Wild Animals": The message encourages critical thinking and a sense of humour when approaching potentially dangerous situations, and highlights the fun that can be found in language and observation.
• "The Ball Poem": The central message is about maturing through the experience of loss. It teaches that life involves losing possessions and facing hardship, and that true growth comes from learning to accept these losses, understand their deeper meaning, and develop resilience and responsibility.

Remember

Focus on the core emotions and conflicts presented in each story/poem to identify the main themes. For instance, the seagull's fear vs. hunger, or the pilot's fear vs. hope.

Exam-smart

A source-based question might present a paragraph describing the seagull's fear or the pilot's situation in the storm. You would be asked to identify the theme illustrated by the extract and explain how the events or words in the extract support this theme. For "The Ball Poem," an extract might focus on the boy's reaction to the loss; you would then discuss themes of loss, maturity, and the nature of possessions.

Language and Literary Devices

His First Flight

The Black Aeroplane

Style and Point of View

His First Flight: The story is told from the third-person omniscient point of view, allowing the reader access to the young seagull's thoughts, feelings, and fears. This perspective is crucial for understanding the internal struggle of the seagull and his eventual triumph over his fear. The tone is empathetic and encouraging, drawing the reader into the seagull's journey of self-discovery.

The Black Aeroplane: This story is narrated in the first-person perspective by the pilot. This creates a sense of immediacy and personal involvement, allowing the reader to experience the pilot's fear, confusion, and relief directly. The tone shifts from relaxed contentment to intense anxiety and then to bewilderment, mirroring the pilot's emotional rollercoaster. The use of first-person narration also contributes to the mystery surrounding the black aeroplane, as the reader only knows what the pilot experiences and perceives.

Remember

The choice of point of view significantly impacts how a reader connects with the characters and understands the events. Third-person omniscient allows for a broader perspective, while first-person provides an intimate and subjective experience.

Exam-smart

A question might ask you to analyze how the narrative perspective in "His First Flight" helps develop the theme of courage, or how the first-person narration in "The Black Aeroplane" contributes to the suspense and mystery. You would discuss how the author uses "he" (third person) to reveal the seagull's inner turmoil, and "I" (first person) to make the pilot's terrifying experience feel immediate and real.

Vocabulary

His First Flight

The Black Aeroplane

Language work in the chapter

I. Meanings of 'black': This section teaches that words can have different meanings depending on the context.

• "They looked like black mountains." (a) means the very darkest colour.

• "Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black." (b) means without light.

• "I saw another aeroplane." (c) means the very darkest colour.

• "The strange black aeroplane was there." (d) means without light.

• 'black tea' means tea without milk.

• 'future of the world is black' means very depressing/without hope.

II. Meanings of 'fly': This section shows that the word 'fly' has different meanings.

• "I was flying my old Dakota aeroplane." means controlling an aircraft in the air.
• "Children are flying kites." also means controlling an aircraft in the air.
• "The young seagull was afraid to fly with them." means moving through the air using wings.

Matching phrases with 'fly':

1. Fly a flag – Display a flag on a long pole
2. Fly into rage – Become suddenly very angry
3. Fly along – Move quickly/suddenly
4. Fly high – Be successful
5. Fly the coop – Escape from a place

III. Words with similar meanings to 'fly' (of birds/insects): The words that have the same or nearly the same meaning as 'fly' (for birds/insects) are:

• swoop
• flit
• flutter
• ascend
• float
• skim
• dart
• hover
• glide
• soar
• sail
• flap

Remember

Understanding context is key to deciphering word meanings. A single word can have multiple interpretations. 🎯 Exam-smart: You might be given a sentence with a word in bold and asked to choose its correct meaning from options, or explain its meaning in the context of the story/poem.

Questions and Answers

His First Flight

Textbook questions

• Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? The young seagull was afraid to fly because he was scared of the vast expanse of sea stretching miles below the ledge. He felt his wings would not support him, making the plunge seem desperate.

• Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? While the text doesn't explicitly compare timidity among birds, it implies that the young seagull is particularly timid. His siblings flew away, suggesting not all young birds share his extreme fear.

• Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps? Yes, a human baby finds its first steps a significant challenge. They require immense courage, balance, and overcoming the fear of falling, much like the seagull's first flight.

• “The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? This suggests that the seagull's hunger was so intense that it overcame his fear. The sight of his mother with food stimulated his instinct to hunt and eat.

• What compelled the young seagull to finally fly? His intense hunger, combined with his mother's provocative act of bringing food close but not giving it to him, compelled him to finally dive and fly.

• “They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly? They threatened and cajoled him to fly because it was a necessary life skill for survival. They knew he would starve if he didn't learn to fly and hunt for himself.

• Have you ever had a similar experience, where your parents encouraged you to do something that you were too scared to try? (Model Answer) Yes, I remember when I was learning to ride a bicycle. I was very scared of falling and hurting myself. My father encouraged me, holding the bike steady at first, and then gradually letting go, constantly cheering me on. It took many tries, but eventually, I learned to balance and ride on my own.

• In the case of a bird flying, it seems a natural act, and a foregone conclusion that it should succeed. In the examples you have given in answer to the previous question, was your success guaranteed, or was it important for you to try, regardless of a possibility of failure? Success was not guaranteed. It was crucial to try despite the possibility of failure. The act of trying, learning from mistakes, and persevering was more important than immediate success.

• Who is the speaker in the poem "How to Tell Wild Animals"? The speaker is a guide or narrator who is humorously explaining how to identify wild animals, often by describing dangerous encounters.

• Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does? No, "dyin'" and "lion" do not strictly rhyme. To make them rhyme, one might pronounce "dying" as "din" or "lion" as "lyin'".

• How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him? The poet suggests identifying the lion by its roar and the tiger by its black stripes on a yellow ground. You can identify them when they advance towards you or leap on you, respectively.

• Do you think the words ‘lept‘ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this? No, they are not spelt correctly. The poet spells them this way to maintain the poem's rhyme scheme and rhythm, and to add a humorous, archaic effect.

• Do you know what a ‘bearhug’ is? It’s a friendly and strong hug — such as bears are thought to give, as they attack you! Again, hyenas are thought to laugh, and crocodiles to weep (‘crocodile tears’) as they swallow their victims. Are there similar expressions and popular ideas about wild animals in your own language(s)? (Model Answer) Yes, in Hindi, there's the saying "शेरदिल" (sherdil), meaning "lion-hearted," to describe someone brave. There are also beliefs that crows bring good or bad omens depending on their behaviour.

• Look at the line “A novice might nonplus”. How would you write this ‘correctly’? Why is the poet’s ‘incorrect’ line better in the poem? The correct phrasing would be "A novice might be nonplussed." The poet's version is better because it fits the meter and rhyme scheme of the poem, maintaining its humorous and informal tone.

• Can you find other examples of poets taking liberties with language, either in English or in your own language(s)? Can you find examples of humorous poems in your own language(s)? (Model Answer) In English, Dr. Seuss often uses made-up words and altered spellings for rhythm and rhyme. In Hindi, poems by authors like Harindranath Chattopadhyay often employ playful language and humor.

• Much of the humour in the poem arises from the way language is used, although the ideas are funny as well. If there are particular lines in the poem that you especially like, share these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny. (Model Answer) I find the line "If he roars at you as you’re dyin’ / You’ll know it is the Asian Lion" particularly funny due to the forced rhyme and the morbid humour. The idea of a poem teaching you to identify dangerous animals by letting them attack you is also hilariously absurd.

• Why does the poet say, “I would not intrude on him”? Why doesn’t he offer him money to buy another ball? The poet says he would not intrude because the boy is experiencing a profound, personal moment of learning. Offering money would devalue this learning experience and wouldn't replace the emotional connection the boy had with the lost ball.

• “… staring down / All his young days into the harbour where / His ball went …” Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to the memories of days when he played with it? Yes, the phrase "All his young days" suggests the boy has had the ball for a long time. It is deeply linked to his childhood memories and experiences.

• What does “in the world of possessions” mean? It refers to the material world where people own things. It highlights that the boy is learning to navigate a world where objects are owned, can be lost, and have value, both monetary and emotional.

• Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that suggest the answer. The poem doesn't explicitly state he has lost things before, but the phrase "Knowing what every man must one day know / And most know many days, how to stand up" implies this is a universal lesson learned through repeated experiences of loss.

• What does the poet say the boy is learning from the loss of the ball? Try to explain this in your own words. The boy is learning about responsibility and the epistemology of loss. He is learning that possessions can be lost, money cannot replace sentimental value, and that one must learn to cope with loss and move forward with resilience.

• Have you ever lost something you liked very much? Write a paragraph describing how you felt then, and saying whether — and how — you got over your loss. (Model Answer) Once, I lost a favourite toy car I had received for my birthday. I felt devastated and cried for a long time, as it was a symbol of that special birthday. After a few days, my parents bought me a new toy, and while it wasn't the same, I gradually accepted the loss and learned that memories of happy times are more important than the object itself.

Practice for the exam

Short Answer Questions

1. How did the young seagull's family try to make him fly? The seagull's family used a combination of scolding ("upbraiding") and threats (letting him starve) to force him to fly. They also cajoled him by showing him food and demonstrating flight themselves, and by parents circling him, calling shrilly, and praising him after his first flight.

2. Describe the condition of the narrator's aeroplane instruments when he entered the storm. Inside the storm clouds, the narrator's aeroplane instruments failed completely. The compass was spinning wildly, indicating it was dead. The radio was also dead, and he couldn't see anything outside, leaving him completely lost.

3. What is the central theme of "The Ball Poem"? The central theme is about loss, responsibility, and growing up. The poem emphasizes that losing possessions is a part of life, and individuals must learn to accept this, understand the true value of things (beyond money), and develop resilience.

Long Answer Questions

1. Explain the significance of the mother bird's actions in "His First Flight." How did her actions ultimately help the young seagull overcome his fear? The mother bird plays a crucial role in helping the young seagull overcome his fear. Initially, she, along with the father and siblings, taunted him. When he still wouldn't fly, she strategically picked up a piece of fish and flew towards him, deliberately stopping just out of reach. This act, driven by his intense hunger and desperation, finally provoked him to dive. While terrifying, this plunge forced him to spread his wings and experience flight. Her actions, though seemingly harsh, were a calculated risk to push him past his fear and towards survival.

2. Discuss the mystery of the black aeroplane in "The Black Aeroplane." Who or what could it have been, and why is its presence unexplained? The black aeroplane remains a mystery, adding an element of the supernatural or extraordinary to the story. The narrator sees it as a friendly guide helping him navigate the storm when his own instruments fail. The control tower operator's statement that no other plane was visible on radar, especially in such a storm, confirms its mysterious nature. It could be interpreted as the pilot's subconscious helper, a guardian angel, or simply an unexplained phenomenon born from extreme stress and fear, serving the narrator's desperate need for salvation.

Extract-Based Question

Extract: "I stepped slowly out to the brink of the ledge, and standing on one leg with the other leg hidden under his wing, he closed one eye, then the other, and pretended to be falling asleep. Still they took no notice of him. He saw his two brothers and his sister lying on the plateau dozing with their heads sunk into their necks. His father was preening his feathers on his white back. Only his mother was making an effort to maintain feathers looking at him. She was standing on a little high hump on the plateau, her white breast thrust forward. Now and again, she tore at a piece of fish that lay at her feet and then scrapped each side of her beak on the rock."

1. What did the young seagull do to get attention? He pretended to be falling asleep, standing on one leg with the other hidden, closing both eyes.

2. What were the other family members doing? His brothers and sister were dozing on the plateau, and his father was preening his feathers.

3. What significant action did the mother bird take that directly impacted the seagull? She picked up a piece of fish and flew towards him, stopping just out of reach, which ultimately provoked his first flight.

Remember

Understanding the motivational forces behind characters' actions (like hunger for the seagull or fear for the pilot) is key to explaining their behaviour in exams.

Exam-smart

Extract-based questions will test your ability to locate specific details and infer meaning from a given passage. Pay close attention to character actions and dialogue.