Class 8 English Notes Chapter 6 (The fight) – It so Happend Book

Alright class, let's focus on Chapter 6, 'The Fight', from your 'It So Happened' book. This story by Ruskin Bond is quite significant, not just for its narrative but also for the themes it explores, which can be relevant for your exams. Pay close attention to the details.

Chapter 6: The Fight - Detailed Notes

Author: Ruskin Bond (Known for his simple yet profound stories often set in the Himalayan foothills, exploring themes of childhood, nature, and human relationships).

Setting:

• The story is set in the foothills of the Himalayas, near a town called Rajpur.
• The crucial location is a secluded pool in the forest. This pool is described as clean, cold, and inviting, fed by a mountain stream. It's hidden and not widely known.

Characters:

1. Ranji:
   • The protagonist. A young boy, relatively new to Rajpur.
   • Thinly built but tenacious and spirited.
   • Discovers the hidden pool and enjoys swimming there.
   • Initially intimidated by Suraj but refuses to be bullied.
   • Possesses a unique skill: excellent underwater swimming and diving.
   • Represents quiet courage and the willingness to stand up for oneself.
2. Suraj:
   • The antagonist initially, later becomes a friend.
   • A taller, thicker-built boy with a strong physique. Described as a "warrior."
   • Claims ownership of the pool based on his local status and strength.
   • Aggressive, boastful, and territorial at first.
   • A skilled wrestler but lacks Ranji's swimming prowess.
   • Represents initial hostility born out of pride and territoriality, but also capable of admiration and change.

Plot Summary:

1. Discovery: Ranji, having recently moved to Rajpur, explores the surrounding hills and forests during his summer vacation. He discovers a beautiful, hidden pool and enjoys swimming in its cool, clear water.
2. First Encounter: The next day, while Ranji is enjoying the pool, another boy, Suraj, appears. Suraj is surprised and annoyed to find someone else using "his" pool.
3. Conflict: Suraj confronts Ranji aggressively, claiming the pool belongs to him and demanding Ranji leave. He calls Ranji a "villager" (despite Ranji being from a Rajput family, implying Suraj considers himself superior). Ranji refuses to leave, asserting his right to swim there.
4. The Challenge: Their argument escalates. Suraj, confident in his strength, challenges Ranji to a fight to decide who has the right to the pool. Ranji, though physically smaller, accepts the challenge.
5. The First Fight: They engage in a clumsy but fierce fight. Suraj tries to use his wrestling skills, while Ranji uses agility. They roll around, hitting and grappling. The fight ends inconclusively, with both boys tired, bruised, and breathless. Neither is clearly victorious, though Suraj claims he will continue the fight the next day.
6. Preparation & Doubt: Ranji returns home, sore and slightly apprehensive about the next day's fight. He considers asking his parents for help or avoiding the pool but decides against it, feeling he must uphold his honour. Suraj, similarly, feels the sting of the inconclusive fight and the unexpected resistance from Ranji.
7. The Second Encounter: They meet at the pool the next day as agreed. Suraj issues the challenge again. Before the fight resumes, Ranji, feeling the heat, dives perfectly into the water and swims underwater across the pool, emerging near Suraj.
8. Shift in Dynamics: Suraj is astonished by Ranji's diving and underwater swimming skills. He has never seen anything like it. His aggression turns into curiosity and admiration. He asks Ranji how he does it.
9. Resolution & Friendship: Ranji demonstrates his diving technique again. Suraj, impressed, forgets about the fight and asks Ranji to teach him. Ranji agrees. Suraj, in turn, offers to teach Ranji how to be a strong wrestler ('pahlwan').
10. Mutual Agreement: They decide to share the pool. Suraj acknowledges Ranji's skill ("You are strong in your own way") and suggests they can help each other. The hostility dissolves, replaced by mutual respect and the beginning of a friendship. Suraj even suggests they need the pool to practice and build their strength together.

Themes:

• Conflict and Resolution: The story vividly portrays how conflict arises from misunderstanding, pride, and territoriality, but also shows how it can be resolved through mutual respect and understanding, often sparked by admiration for unexpected skills.
• Adolescence and Territoriality: Explores the common adolescent trait of claiming territory and asserting dominance, especially among boys. The pool becomes a symbol of this territorial instinct.
• Pride and Ego: Both boys initially act out of pride. Suraj's pride in his strength and local status, and Ranji's pride in not backing down from a challenge.
• Courage vs. Bullying: Ranji shows courage by standing up to Suraj, who initially behaves like a bully. The story suggests that true strength isn't just physical prowess but also inner resolve.
• Friendship: Demonstrates how rivalry can unexpectedly transform into friendship when individuals recognize and appreciate each other's unique strengths and are willing to learn from one another.
• Skill over Brute Force: Ranji's swimming skill ultimately impresses Suraj more than brute strength could have, leading to the resolution.

Key Vocabulary/Phrases:

• Semi-naked: Partially clothed (Ranji was only in his shorts).
• Translucent: Allowing light to pass through but not detailed images (describing the clear water).
• Trickle: A small flow of water.
• Clambered: Climbed awkwardly, using hands and feet.
• Hostility: Unfriendliness or opposition.
• Proclaimed: Announced publicly or officially.
• Warrior: A fighter (Suraj's self-perception and appearance).
• Scowled: Frowned angrily.
• Acquiesce: Accept something reluctantly but without protest (Ranji refuses to do this).
• Violent: Using physical force intended to hurt.
• Rasped: Spoke in a harsh, grating voice.
• Staggered: Walked or moved unsteadily, as if about to fall.
• Exhaustion: Extreme tiredness.
• Dissolution: The closing down or dismissal (here, implying the end of their fight/hostility).
• Pahlwan: (Hindi word) A wrestler.

Significance for Exams:
Understand the sequence of events, the motivations of each character, the turning point in their relationship (Ranji's diving skill), and the underlying themes. Be prepared to answer questions about character traits, plot details, and the message of the story.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Where did Ranji discover the pool?
   a) In the town park
   b) Near the railway station
   c) In the forest
   d) Behind his house

2. What was Suraj's initial reaction upon seeing Ranji at the pool?
   a) He invited Ranji to swim with him.
   b) He ignored Ranji completely.
   c) He was friendly and introduced himself.
   d) He was hostile and claimed ownership of the pool.

3. What did Suraj call Ranji to insult him?
   a) Stranger
   b) Weakling
   c) Villager
   d) Intruder

4. How did the first fight between Ranji and Suraj end?
   a) Ranji won clearly.
   b) Suraj won clearly.
   c) It ended in a draw, with both boys exhausted.
   d) They were interrupted by an adult.

5. What physical advantage did Suraj have over Ranji?
   a) He was faster.
   b) He was taller and had a thicker build.
   c) He had better eyesight.
   d) He knew the forest better.

6. What skill did Ranji possess that amazed Suraj?
   a) Singing loudly
   b) Climbing trees quickly
   c) Diving and swimming underwater
   d) Telling funny jokes

7. What did Suraj offer to teach Ranji in return for swimming lessons?
   a) How to fish
   b) How to speak the local language
   c) How to be a 'pahlwan' (wrestler)
   d) How to find hidden paths in the forest

8. What was the turning point that changed Suraj's attitude towards Ranji?
   a) Ranji apologized for using the pool.
   b) Ranji hit Suraj very hard.
   c) Ranji demonstrated his excellent diving and underwater swimming.
   d) Ranji offered Suraj some food.

9. The main theme of the story 'The Fight' revolves around:
   a) The beauty of nature
   b) The importance of physical strength
   c) How conflict can turn into friendship through mutual respect
   d) The dangers of swimming alone

10. Who is the author of the story 'The Fight'?
    a) Rabindranath Tagore
    b) Ruskin Bond
    c) R.K. Narayan
    d) Mulk Raj Anand

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. c) In the forest
2. d) He was hostile and claimed ownership of the pool.
3. c) Villager
4. c) It ended in a draw, with both boys exhausted.
5. b) He was taller and had a thicker build.
6. c) Diving and swimming underwater
7. c) How to be a 'pahlwan' (wrestler)
8. c) Ranji demonstrated his excellent diving and underwater swimming.
9. c) How conflict can turn into friendship through mutual respect
10. b) Ruskin Bond

Study these notes carefully. Understanding the characters' motivations and the sequence of events is key. Good luck with your preparation!