Class 6 English Notes Chapter 1 (A Tale of Two Birds) – A Pact with the Sun Book

Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 1 from your 'A Pact with the Sun' book, "A Tale of Two Birds". This is a simple yet profound story, often used to highlight an important life lesson, making it relevant for various examinations. Pay close attention to the details.

Chapter 1: A Tale of Two Birds - Detailed Notes

Introduction:
This story illustrates the powerful impact of company and environment on one's character and behaviour. It uses the example of two birds, born of the same mother but raised in different surroundings, to drive home its message.

Summary:

1. The Beginning: A mother bird lived in a tall, shady tree in a forest with her two newborn baby birds.
2. The Storm: One day, a fierce storm with thunder, lightning, and strong wind hit the forest. A heavy branch struck the nest, killing the mother bird. The strong wind blew the two young birds away to different parts of the forest.
3. Separation and New Homes:
   • One bird landed near a cave where a gang of robbers lived.
   • The other bird landed outside a Rishi's (wise hermit's) ashram (hermitage) a short distance away.
4. Passage of Time: Days passed, and the baby birds grew bigger. They learned based on what they heard and saw in their respective surroundings.
5. The King's Visit: The King of the country came hunting in the forest. He chased a deer deep into the woods and lost his way. Tired, he got off his horse and sat down under the tree near the robbers' cave.
6. Encounter with the First Bird: Suddenly, the King heard a harsh, unpleasant voice cry out, "Quick! Hurry up! There’s someone under the tree. Come and take his jewels and his horse. Hurry, or else he’ll slip away." This was the bird living near the robbers' cave, imitating their speech and intentions. The King was shocked and quickly rode away.
7. Encounter with the Second Bird: The King soon came near the Rishi's ashram. He sat down under another tree, feeling tired. He then heard a gentle, pleasant voice announce, "Welcome to the ashram, Sir. Please go inside and rest. The Rishi will be back soon. There’s some cold water in the pot. Please make yourself comfortable." The King was amazed to hear such different words from a bird that looked exactly like the first one.
8. The Rishi's Explanation: The Rishi returned and welcomed the King. The King told the Rishi about the two birds and their contrasting behaviours despite looking identical. The Rishi smiled and explained that the birds behaved differently because of the company they kept.
   • The first bird had always heard the robbers talk about robbing people, so it imitated them.
   • The second bird had always heard words of welcome and kindness at the ashram, so it repeated those.
9. The Moral: The Rishi concluded, "One is known by the company one keeps." The forest is full of surprises, he added.

Characters:

• Mother Bird: Caring parent, victim of the storm.
• First Young Bird: Landed near robbers. Grew up hearing harsh, criminal talk. Became rude, unwelcoming, and reflected the robbers' mindset.
• Second Young Bird: Landed near Rishi's ashram. Grew up hearing gentle, welcoming words. Became polite, hospitable, and reflected the ashram's peaceful environment.
• The King: Represents an outsider who observes the difference caused by the environment. He is perceptive and seeks understanding.
• The Rishi: A wise, holy man. He provides the explanation and delivers the story's moral message. Represents wisdom and positive influence.
• The Robbers (Implied): Represent negative influence and bad company. Their actions and words shaped the first bird's behaviour.

Themes:

• Influence of Company (Sangat ka Asar): This is the central theme. The story strongly emphasizes that the people and environment surrounding us significantly shape our behaviour, language, and attitudes. Good company leads to good habits, while bad company leads to bad ones.
• Nature vs. Nurture: While the birds were born the same (nature), their upbringing and environment (nurture) determined their eventual character. The story leans heavily towards the power of nurture.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The birds looked identical, but their speech and behaviour were vastly different, showing that appearances can be deceptive. True character is revealed through actions and words learned from one's surroundings.
• Hospitality and Kindness: The story contrasts the unwelcoming, threatening behaviour learned from the robbers with the welcoming, kind behaviour learned from the Rishi.

Moral of the Story:
The most important takeaway is: "One is known by the company one keeps." Our character and reputation are heavily influenced by the people we associate with and the environment we live in. Therefore, choosing good company is crucial for developing good character.

Key Vocabulary:

• Fluttered: Flapped wings quickly.
• Amazed: Greatly surprised.
• Faint: Soft, indistinct (voice).
• Ashram: A hermitage; a place for religious retreat or study.
• Imitate: Copy or mimic someone's speech or actions.
• Hermit: A person living in solitude, often for religious reasons (like the Rishi).
• Gently: Softly, kindly.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What caused the separation of the two baby birds from their mother?
   a) A hunter
   b) A fierce storm
   c) A forest fire
   d) A large snake

2. Where did the first bird find a home after the storm?
   a) Near a Rishi's ashram
   b) In a tall mango tree
   c) Near a cave where robbers lived
   d) By a riverbank

3. What did the first bird say when it saw the King?
   a) "Welcome to the forest, Sir."
   b) "Quick! Take his jewels and horse."
   c) "The Rishi will be back soon."
   d) "Please rest under the tree."

4. Why was the King amazed when he heard the second bird?
   a) Because it could talk
   b) Because it looked exactly like the first bird but spoke gently
   c) Because it offered him food
   d) Because it warned him about the Rishi

5. Who explained the reason for the birds' different behaviours to the King?
   a) The first bird
   b) The second bird
   c) The King's minister
   d) The Rishi

6. According to the Rishi, what determined the behaviour of the two birds?
   a) Their natural instincts
   b) The food they ate
   c) The company they kept
   d) The colour of their feathers

7. What does the word 'Ashram' mean in the context of the story?
   a) A robber's cave
   b) A King's palace
   c) A hunter's lodge
   d) A holy person's dwelling or hermitage

8. What is the central theme or moral of "A Tale of Two Birds"?
   a) Birds are intelligent creatures.
   b) Kings should not hunt in forests.
   c) One is known by the company one keeps.
   d) Storms are dangerous in the forest.

9. How did the second bird behave towards the King?
   a) It attacked him.
   b) It ignored him completely.
   c) It welcomed him politely and offered rest.
   d) It warned him about the robbers.

10. The story contrasts the environments of:
    a) The palace and the forest
    b) The robbers' cave and the Rishi's ashram
    c) The treetop and the ground
    d) The riverbank and the cave

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b) A fierce storm
2. c) Near a cave where robbers lived
3. b) "Quick! Take his jewels and horse."
4. b) Because it looked exactly like the first bird but spoke gently
5. d) The Rishi
6. c) The company they kept
7. d) A holy person's dwelling or hermitage
8. c) One is known by the company one keeps.
9. c) It welcomed him politely and offered rest.
10. b) The robbers' cave and the Rishi's ashram

Study these notes carefully. Understanding the plot, characters, and especially the theme and moral is crucial. Good luck with your preparation!