Class 6 English Notes Chapter 2 (How the Dog Found Himself a New Master! ; The Kite) – HoneySuckle Book

Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 2 from your HoneySuckle textbook. This chapter contains two distinct parts: the story "How the Dog Found Himself a New Master!" and the poem "The Kite". Both are important, so pay close attention to the notes.

Chapter 2: How the Dog Found Himself a New Master!

(Prose)

1. Introduction & Background:

• This is an old folk tale, likely passed down through generations. It explains, in a simple narrative way, how dogs transitioned from being wild animals to becoming domesticated companions of humans.
• The central theme revolves around the dog's quest for security and finding the strongest master on Earth.

2. The Dog's Initial State:

• Long ago, dogs were wild, like wolves. They were their own masters.
• The dog in the story was unhappy with this life – tired of wandering alone, searching for food, and being afraid of stronger animals.
• He decided to find a master who was stronger than anyone else on Earth. This desire for safety and security drives the entire plot.

3. The Search for a Master:

• First Potential Master: The Wolf

  • The dog met a wolf, who seemed strong and fierce.
  • The dog asked the wolf to be his master. The wolf agreed.
  • They walked together, but the wolf became frightened by a sound and hid. The wolf explained it was the Bear, who was stronger.
  • The dog realised the wolf wasn't the strongest, so he left the wolf to seek the Bear.

• Second Potential Master: The Bear

  • The dog found the Bear and asked him to be his master. The Bear agreed.
  • They went hunting for cows. However, the Bear suddenly ran deeper into the forest upon seeing a Lion.
  • The Bear told the dog that the Lion was the strongest beast in the forest.
  • The dog, still seeking the absolute strongest, left the Bear.

• Third Potential Master: The Lion

  • The dog approached the Lion and asked to be his servant. The Lion agreed.
  • The dog lived happily with the Lion for a long time. He felt safe as no one dared to offend the Lion.
  • One day, the Lion stopped, smelled the air, roared angrily, and backed away cautiously. He told the dog he smelled a Man coming and they should run.
  • The dog was surprised. He realised that Man must be stronger than the Lion.

• The Final Master: Man

  • The dog left the Lion and went to find Man.
  • He asked Man to be his master. Man agreed.
  • The dog stayed with Man and served him faithfully.
  • This has continued to the present day. Dogs are man's most loyal servants and companions.

4. Key Themes & Concepts:

• Hierarchy in Nature: The story shows a clear chain of command based on strength (Wolf < Bear < Lion < Man).
• Search for Security: The dog's primary motivation is safety and freedom from fear.
• Loyalty and Companionship: The story explains the origin of the strong bond between dogs and humans.
• Intelligence vs. Brute Strength: While the Lion is physically powerful, Man's intelligence or perhaps perceived dominance makes him the "strongest" in the context of the story's conclusion.

5. Important Vocabulary:

• Ill pleased: Unhappy, dissatisfied.
• Kinsman: A relative. (Here, referring to the wolf as a relative of the dog).
• Fierce: Very strong or violent.
• Take up service with: To become the servant of.
• Darted: Moved quickly and suddenly.
• Cliff: A high, steep face of rock.
• Dared: Had the courage to do something.
• Faithful: Loyal, true.

The Kite

(Poem by Harry Behn)

1. Summary:

• The poem describes the beauty and movement of a new kite flying in a blue sky.
• It starts bright and new, then dives, dips its tail, and soars high like a ship with only one sail.
• It rides over wind currents and climbs to the highest point (the crest).
• However, when the wind slows down ("slackens"), the kite seems to rest.
• When the wind picks up again, the kite fills with air and takes flight once more.
• The poem contrasts the kite's graceful flight with its sad appearance when it gets tangled in a tree ("raggeder thing").

2. Imagery and Sensory Details:

• The poet uses vivid words to help us picture the kite's flight: "dives", "dips", "snaps", "soars".
• The comparison to a ship ("Soars like a ship") is a key image (simile).
• The contrast between the kite "bright on the blue" and the "raggeder thing" tangled in a tree creates a strong visual.

3. Themes:

• Freedom and Movement: The kite symbolises freedom when it flies high.
• Dependence: The kite's movement depends entirely on the wind. Without wind, it cannot fly and looks lifeless.
• Beauty in Action: The kite is most beautiful when it is actively flying and moving.
• Transience: The beauty of the flight is temporary; it can end abruptly if the wind drops or if the kite gets stuck.

4. Literary Devices:

• Simile: "Soars like a ship" – comparing the kite's movement to a ship sailing.
• Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., "dives and dips").
• Personification: Giving the kite human-like qualities (e.g., "Then seems to rest as wind falls").
• Imagery: Language that appeals to the senses, especially sight.

5. Key Vocabulary:

• Dive: Plunge downward quickly.
• Dip: Move downward briefly.
• Snaps (its tail): Makes a sharp cracking sound or moves sharply.
• Soars: Flies high in the air.
• Crest: The top part of something (like a wave or hill, here referring to the highest point of flight).
• Slackens: Becomes less active or strong; slows down.
• Raggeder: More torn and tattered.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Why did the dog in the story want to find a master?
   a) He was bored of playing alone.
   b) He wanted someone to hunt for him.
   c) He was tired of wandering and afraid of stronger animals.
   d) He wanted to learn new tricks.

2. Who was the dog's first potential master?
   a) The Bear
   b) The Man
   c) The Lion
   d) The Wolf

3. Why did the dog leave the Bear?
   a) The Bear refused to hunt cows.
   b) The Bear was afraid of the Lion.
   c) The Bear was unkind to the dog.
   d) The dog found Man first.

4. According to the story, who is the strongest of all?
   a) The Wolf
   b) The Bear
   c) The Lion
   d) Man

5. What does the phrase "take up service with" mean in the story?
   a) To fight with someone
   b) To become the servant of someone
   c) To share food with someone
   d) To play with someone

6. In the poem "The Kite", what does the kite do when the wind falls?
   a) It flies faster.
   b) It dives and dips.
   c) It seems to rest.
   d) It gets tangled in a tree.

7. What literary device is used in the line "Soars like a ship"?
   a) Metaphor
   b) Personification
   c) Simile
   d) Alliteration

8. What makes the kite fly high?
   a) Its bright colour
   b) Its string
   c) The wind
   d) Its tail

9. What word in the poem describes the kite when it gets stuck in a tree?
   a) Bright
   b) Soars
   c) Raggeder
   d) Slackens

10. What is the main theme of the poem "The Kite"?
    a) The dangers of flying kites.
    b) The beauty and freedom of movement, dependent on external forces.
    c) How to make a kite.
    d) The different colours of kites.

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. c
2. d
3. b
4. d
5. b
6. c
7. c
8. c
9. c
10. b

Study these notes carefully. Understanding the sequence of events in the story and the imagery in the poem is crucial. Good luck with your preparation!