Class 7 English Notes Chapter 7 (Chandni) – An allienhand Hand Supplymentry Reader Book

Alright students, let's focus on Chapter 7, 'Chandni', from your supplementary reader, 'An Alien Hand'. This is a poignant story with important themes, so pay close attention as we break it down for your exam preparation.

Chapter 7: Chandni - Detailed Notes

1. Introduction:
'Chandni' is a touching story about the fundamental desire for freedom, even at the cost of life itself. It explores the relationship between an old man, Abbu Khan, and his pet goat, Chandni, set against the backdrop of the beautiful but dangerous hills.

2. Characters:

• Abbu Khan:
  • An old, lonely man living in Almora.
  • Loved keeping goats as pets but was unlucky, as they often ran away to the hills and were killed by a wolf.
  • He believed his goats desired freedom above all else.
  • He provided his goats with the best food and care, and a lot of love, but kept them confined with a rope.
  • He bought a young, beautiful white goat named Chandni, hoping she would stay with him forever.
  • He represents love mixed with possessiveness and the desire for security over freedom. He fails to understand the deep-seated instinct for freedom.
• Chandni:
  • A beautiful, young, white goat (her name means 'moonlight').
  • Initially happy with Abbu Khan, enjoying his stories and affection.
  • Gradually develops an irresistible longing for the freedom of the hills, attracted by their beauty and the sense of liberty.
  • She hates the rope around her neck, symbolizing confinement.
  • Represents the powerful, innate desire for freedom.
  • She is brave and chooses to fight the wolf rather than surrender meekly, valuing a courageous death over a life in bondage.
• The Wolf:
  • Lives in the hills and preys on Abbu Khan's goats.
  • Represents the dangers that come with freedom; the harsh realities of the wild.
  • Symbolizes the inevitable challenges and threats one faces when choosing liberty over safety.

3. Plot Summary:

• Abbu Khan's Past: Abbu Khan lived alone and kept goats for company. However, his goats (like Kalandi) inevitably felt the pull of the hills, escaped, and were killed by the wolf. This made him sad and determined not to keep goats anymore.
• Chandni's Arrival: Feeling lonely, Abbu Khan changed his mind and bought a young goat, Chandni. He believed her youth and his affection would make her stay.
• Life Together: Abbu Khan showered Chandni with love, care, and food. He talked to her and told her stories. Chandni seemed happy initially.
• The Call of the Hills: As Chandni grew older, she became increasingly attracted to the sunlit hills. She watched them longingly, lost her appetite, and stopped listening to Abbu Khan's stories. The rope around her neck became unbearable.
• Chandni's Decision: Chandni decided she must go to the hills, preferring the risk of death over life in confinement. She told Abbu Khan directly, "Let me go to the hills, please."
• Abbu Khan's Reaction: Abbu Khan was shocked and angry. He reminded her of the dangerous wolf and locked her in a small hut, thinking he was protecting her. He forgot to close the small window properly.
• The Escape: That same night, Chandni escaped through the window.
• Freedom: Chandni reached the hills and felt ecstatic. The hills seemed welcoming, the tall grass embraced her, and she played joyfully, meeting a herd of wild goats who briefly accepted her.
• The Encounter: As evening fell, the sounds of the forest grew menacing. Chandni heard the grunt of the wolf and saw him coming towards her.
• The Choice: Chandni remembered Abbu Khan's warnings but decided against returning to the safety of confinement. She chose to face the wolf, believing a brave fight was better.
• The Fight: Chandni stood firm, her horns pointed at the wolf. A fierce battle ensued throughout the night. Chandni fought with remarkable courage.
• The End: By dawn, Chandni lay on the ground, covered in blood, defeated but having fought valiantly. The wolf, tired and sleepy, prepared to devour her.
• The Judgement: A group of birds watching the fight debated who the winner was. Most thought the wolf won, but a wise old bird declared Chandni the winner, emphasizing her choice for freedom and her courageous fight.

4. Themes:

• Freedom vs. Security: This is the central theme. Chandni chooses dangerous freedom over safe confinement. The story asks whether a short life of freedom is better than a long life in captivity. Abbu Khan represents the argument for security, while Chandni embodies the spirit of freedom.
• Love and Possessiveness: Abbu Khan genuinely loved Chandni, but his love was possessive. He couldn't understand or accept her need for freedom, equating his compound with safety and happiness, while Chandni saw it as a prison.
• Courage: Chandni displays immense courage, first in escaping and then in facing the wolf. She chose to fight for her freedom rather than die passively or return to captivity.
• The Call of Nature/Instinct: The story highlights the powerful, innate instinct for freedom and the natural environment (the hills) that animals possess, which cannot be suppressed by comfort or affection alone.

5. Key Vocabulary/Phrases:

• Appetite: Desire to eat.
• Abode: Home.
• Fond of: Having a liking for.
• Disappear: Vanish.
• Terrorise: To fill with terror or fear.
• Compound: An enclosed area.
• Affection: Feeling of love or liking.
• Patiently: Without complaining or getting annoyed.
• Irresistible: Too attractive or tempting to be resisted.
• Embraced: Held closely; accepted warmly.
• Devour: Eat hungrily or quickly.
• Valiantly: With great courage or determination.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Why did Abbu Khan stop keeping goats initially?
   a) He became too old to care for them.
   b) They were expensive to feed.
   c) They kept running away to the hills and getting killed by a wolf.
   d) He decided he preferred cats.

2. What does the name 'Chandni' mean?
   a) Star
   b) Moonlight
   c) Freedom
   d) Flower

3. What did Chandni hate most about living with Abbu Khan?
   a) The food he gave her.
   b) The stories he told her.
   c) The small hut she lived in.
   d) The rope around her neck.

4. How did Chandni escape from Abbu Khan's hut?
   a) She broke the door down.
   b) Abbu Khan forgot to lock the door.
   c) She jumped out through a small window left open.
   d) Another goat helped her escape.

5. What was Chandni's initial feeling upon reaching the hills?
   a) Fear of the unknown.
   b) Regret for leaving Abbu Khan.
   c) Extreme happiness and excitement.
   d) Loneliness and sadness.

6. Who did Chandni meet briefly on the hills?
   a) Abbu Khan looking for her.
   b) A herd of wild goats.
   c) A friendly shepherd.
   d) Other escaped pets.

7. What choice did Chandni make when she encountered the wolf?
   a) To run back to Abbu Khan's compound.
   b) To hide behind a bush.
   c) To surrender to the wolf immediately.
   d) To fight the wolf bravely.

8. The fight between Chandni and the wolf lasted...
   a) A few minutes.
   b) About an hour.
   c) The entire night.
   d) Two days.

9. According to the wise old bird, who was the real winner of the fight?
   a) The wolf, because he killed Chandni.
   b) Abbu Khan, because his warning came true.
   c) Chandni, because she chose freedom and fought bravely.
   d) Neither, it was a tragedy.

10. What is the main theme explored in the story 'Chandni'?
    a) The cruelty of wild animals.
    b) The importance of listening to elders.
    c) The conflict between love and possessiveness.
    d) The value of freedom, even if it comes with danger.

Answers to MCQs:

1. c) They kept running away to the hills and getting killed by a wolf.
2. b) Moonlight
3. d) The rope around her neck.
4. c) She jumped out through a small window left open.
5. c) Extreme happiness and excitement.
6. b) A herd of wild goats.
7. d) To fight the wolf bravely.
8. c) The entire night.
9. c) Chandni, because she chose freedom and fought bravely.
10. d) The value of freedom, even if it comes with danger.

Make sure you understand the characters' motivations and the underlying message about freedom. This story often prompts questions about choices and values. Revise these notes thoroughly. Good luck!