Grandfather and the Python
by Ruskin Bond
(Mulberry Course Book)
Question
(Warm up):
Read the following statements on snakes. One of these statements is not true.
Which one is it? You can look up the information.
- Snakes don’t have eyelids.
- Snakes can’t bite into food so
they have to swallow it whole.
- Snakes have flexible jaws
which allow them to eat prey bigger than their head!
- Snakes ‘smell’ with their
tongue.
- There are approximately 3000
snake species.
- Pythons are venomous snakes.
- Snakes live on every continent
of the world except Antarctica.
Answer:
The statement “Pythons are venomous snakes.” is not true.
Pythons are non-venomous snakes; they kill their prey by constriction.
📘 MAKE CONNECTIONS – MAP THE STORY
Q.
Based on your reading of the story, use the template below to create a plot
diagram.
Exposition
(Characters and setting):
The story has Grandfather, Grandmother, the narrator and Aunt Mabel. The
setting is their house and garden where Grandfather brings a python.
Conflict:
Grandmother is afraid of the python and wants it to be removed from the house.
Events
Leading to the Climax:
Aunt Mabel arrives
and, on seeing the python in the guava tree, gets terrified and screams,
leading to the most intense moment of the story.
Rising
Actions:
Grandfather brings
the python home and keeps it despite Grandmother’s objections, and its
movements around the house create fear and tension.
Climax
(Turning point):
Grandfather plans to catch the python by keeping a mirror and food inside a
cage.
Events
leading to the solution:
The python gets attracted to its own reflection and enters the cage.
Falling
Actions:
The python is trapped and taken away.
Resolution
(Solution and end):
Grandfather releases the python into the jungle. The python seems fascinated
with its own reflection.
📘 DEEP DIVE (LONG ANSWERS)
Q1. “I
certainly hope so,” said Grandmother, who was halfway between anxiety and
relief.
(a)
What was Grandmother hoping for?
Answer:
Grandmother was hoping that the python had gone away from the house and would
not return again. Earlier in the story, the python had been moving freely
around the house and appearing in unexpected places, which made her very
frightened and uncomfortable. Since it had not been seen for some time, she
hoped that it had left the house completely. Her words show that she wanted to
feel safe again and get rid of the constant fear caused by the python.
(b)
Explain why she was halfway between anxiety and relief.
Answer:
Grandmother was “halfway between anxiety and relief” because she was feeling
two opposite emotions at the same time. She felt anxious because there was
still a possibility that the python was hiding somewhere in the house. Since it
had appeared suddenly in different places earlier, she could not be sure that
it had truly gone away.
At
the same time, she also felt relieved because the python had not been seen for
some time, which gave her hope that it might have left the house. This mixture
of fear and hope made her feel both anxious and relieved. This line clearly
shows her worried nature and her strong dislike for the python.
(c)
Compare and contrast the reactions of the narrator and Grandfather to those of
Grandmother at this point in the story.
Answer:
At this point in the story, the reactions of the narrator and Grandfather are
very different from that of Grandmother. Grandmother is frightened, anxious,
and eager to get rid of the python. She sees the python as a dangerous creature
and wants it removed immediately for the safety of the family.
On
the other hand, Grandfather is calm, relaxed, and even amused by the situation.
He does not consider the python dangerous and treats it with curiosity and
affection. He even refers to it as a harmless creature and shows no fear at
all.
The
narrator’s reaction is somewhere in between. He is not as frightened as
Grandmother but is observant and slightly curious about the python’s movements.
He finds the situation interesting rather than terrifying.
Thus,
while Grandmother reacts with fear and worry, Grandfather and the narrator
react with calmness and curiosity.
📘 Q2. After this incident, the
python began to make a series of appearances, often in the most unexpected
palces.
(a)
After which incident did the python start making regular appearances?
Answer:
The python started making regular appearances after Aunt Mabel came to stay at
the house. Around this time, the python began showing up frequently in
different parts of the house. Its sudden appearances created confusion and fear
among the family members, especially Aunt Mabel. This marked the beginning of
the python’s repeated and unexpected movements inside the house.
(b)
What were some of the unexpected places?
Answer:
The python was seen in several unexpected places inside and around the house.
It appeared in the bathroom, where Grandfather had first kept it. Later, it was
seen in the garden and even on the dressing table, where it seemed to admire
its reflection in the mirror. These unusual appearances made the situation both
frightening and amusing, as no one knew where the python would appear next.
(c) Who
was the most affected by the python’s visits? What can you tell about the
person form their reactions?
Answer:
Aunt Mabel was the most affected by the python’s visits. She was extremely
frightened and shocked whenever she saw or thought about the python. Her
reaction was stronger than the others because she was not used to such
situations and had a natural fear of snakes.
From
this, we can infer that people who are unfamiliar with animals like snakes are
more likely to react with fear. Aunt Mabel’s nervous nature and lack of
experience with such creatures made her panic easily. In contrast, Grandfather,
who loved animals, remained calm.
(d) All
the characters in the story react differently to the python. Which character's
reaction would match yours in a similar situation? Give a brief description.
Answer:
My reaction would be closest to that of the narrator. I would feel curious on
seeing the python, but at the same time I would be careful and alert. Unlike
Aunt Mabel or Grandmother, I would not panic or become extremely frightened,
but I would also not be as fearless as Grandfather. I would try to stay calm,
observe the situation from a safe distance, and avoid doing anything risky. I
would prefer that an experienced person handle the python while I remain
cautious and sensible. This balanced reaction would help me stay safe without
losing control of my emotions.
📘 READ, REFLECT AND WRITE (LONG
ANSWERS)
Q1.
Based on your reading of the story, draw up a character sketch of the
narrator’s grandmother. Write at least three traits and give evidence from the
story for each.
Answer:
The narrator’s grandmother is a very practical and strict person. She is deeply
concerned about the safety and well-being of her family members. When
Grandfather brings the python home, she becomes extremely frightened and
strongly opposes keeping such a dangerous creature in the house. She repeatedly
insists that the python should be removed immediately.
Grandmother
is also short-tempered and easily gets irritated, especially when her
instructions are not followed. At the same time, she shows responsibility and
care, as she worries about the possible danger the python could cause,
particularly when Aunt Mabel is expected to visit.
Though
she appears harsh at times, her actions show that she is protective and
sensible. She represents a practical point of view, in contrast to
Grandfather’s calm and adventurous nature.
Q2.
This story is typical of many of Ruskin Bond’s stories. Analyse the story and
give reasons why you think he is such a hugely popular writer.
Answer:
Ruskin Bond is one of the most popular writers because his stories are simple,
engaging, and full of life, just like “Grandfather and the Python.” In
this story, he uses very easy and clear language, which makes it suitable and
enjoyable for readers of all ages, especially young students. His writing does
not rely on complicated words, yet it creates a strong impact.
One
of the main reasons for his popularity is his ability to turn ordinary
incidents into interesting and memorable stories. The idea of a python living
in a household is unusual, but he presents it in a light, humorous way instead
of making it frightening. The characters are natural and relatable—Grandfather
is calm and fond of animals, Grandmother is strict and worried, and Aunt Mabel
is easily frightened. These contrasting reactions add humor and make the story
lively.
Another
important feature is his use of gentle humor and vivid descriptions. The
scenes, such as the python appearing in unexpected places, are described so
clearly that readers can easily imagine them. At the same time, the story
carries a subtle message about understanding animals and not always reacting
with fear.
Ruskin
Bond also writes from personal experience, which makes his stories feel real
and authentic. His love for nature and animals is reflected in his writing,
creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
All
these qualities—simple language, relatable characters, humor, vivid
description, and realistic storytelling—make Ruskin Bond a hugely popular and
much-loved writer.
Q3.
Both the narrator and his grandfather love animals. Have you ever cared for an
animal or a bird? Describe your experience.
Answer:
Yes, I have had the experience of caring for an animal. I once found a small
stray puppy near my house. It looked weak and hungry, so I decided to take care
of it. I started feeding it milk and biscuits every day and made a small
shelter for it outside my home.
Gradually,
the puppy became healthy and active. It began to recognize me and would wag its
tail whenever it saw me. I also made sure it had clean water and took it to a
nearby vet for a check-up.
This experience taught me kindness, responsibility, and the importance of caring for animals. It gave me great happiness to see the puppy grow strong and playful. Like the narrator and his grandfather, I also developed a love for animals through this experience.
📘 INTEGRATE (LONG ANSWER)
Q. Do
you think snakes are interesting animals? What do you know about pythons? What
kind of habitat do pythons generally live in? Make a fact file on pythons.
Learn about myths that surround these creatures.
Answer:
Yes, snakes are very interesting animals because of their unique body
structure, movement, and behavior. Unlike most animals, they do not have legs,
yet they move smoothly and quickly. Many people fear snakes, but they play an
important role in nature by controlling the population of pests like rats and
insects. Their ability to adapt to different environments and their quiet,
secretive nature make them fascinating creatures.
Pythons
are a type of non-venomous snake. This means they do not use poison to kill
their prey. Instead, they are constrictors, which means they coil around
their prey and squeeze it tightly until it cannot breathe. After that, they
swallow their prey whole. Pythons can eat animals much larger than their head
because their jaws can stretch widely. They are generally not dangerous to
humans unless provoked.
Pythons
usually live in warm regions with plenty of cover and water. Their habitats
include forests, grasslands, swamps, and areas near rivers or lakes. They
prefer places where they can hide easily, such as thick bushes, tree branches,
or holes in the ground. Since they are cold-blooded animals, they depend on the
temperature of their surroundings to regulate their body heat.
🐍 Fact File on Pythons
- Type: Reptile (non-venomous snake)
- Method
of hunting:
Constriction (squeezing prey)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, and
sometimes larger animals
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, swamps,
near water bodies
- Length: Can grow very long (some over
20 feet)
- Movement: Slither using muscles and
scales
- Special
feature: Can
swallow prey whole due to flexible jaws
- Behavior: Generally shy and avoids
humans
There
are many myths surrounding snakes, especially pythons. One common myth is that
all snakes are poisonous and dangerous to humans, which is not true. Many
snakes, including pythons, are non-venomous and usually avoid people. Another
myth is that snakes chase humans, but in reality, they prefer to escape rather
than attack. Some people also believe that snakes are aggressive by nature, but
most attacks happen only when they feel threatened.
In
conclusion, snakes like pythons are not only interesting but also important for
maintaining ecological balance. Understanding them better can help reduce fear
and prevent the spread of false beliefs.
✅ WORD WALL – ANTONYMS
Find
opposites (from the story/context):
- intolerant → tolerant
- elated → crestfallen (used in
the story)
- guilty → innocent (Grandfather
had an “innocent expression”)
- lenient → strict (Grandmother
is strict)
- friendly → unfriendly /
hostile
- humble → proud / conceited
(python became “conceited”)
✏️ Make sentences (simple):
- The teacher is very tolerant
towards students.
- He looked crestfallen after
losing the match.
- Grandfather looked innocent.
- Grandmother was very strict
about rules.
- The dog was unfriendly to
strangers.
- The boy became conceited after
winning.
✅ WORDS IN A SET
We have to
group 5 sets (4 words each).
Set 1
(given example):
father,
mother, master, child
Set 2
(snakes):
python,
viper, cobra, krait
Set 3
(eating words):
eat,
devour, gobble, cram
Set 4
(feelings):
afraid,
anxious, awestruck, crestfallen
Set 5
(house/place objects):
tub, mat, room, robe
✅ GRAMMAR (Tenses Table – Answers)
1.
Present Continuous
( + )
- James is playing in the park
this evening.
( ? )
- Are James and his friends
playing in the park this evening?
2.
Present Perfect
( – )
- They have not won the match.
3.
Present Perfect Continuous
( ? )
- Has James been waiting for you
for hours?
4.
Simple Past
( + )
- He finished his homework in
time.
( – )
- He did not finish his homework
in time.
5. Past
Continuous
( – )
- James was not studying all
evening.
( ? )
- Was James studying all
evening?
6. Past
Perfect
( – )
- James had not finished his
project by the time Mother reached home.
7. Past
Perfect Continuous
( – )
- James had not been waiting for
you when Sushil came and took him for lunch.
8.
Simple Future
( – )
- James will not miss the train
tomorrow if he doesn’t go to sleep soon.
9.
Future Continuous
( ? )
- Will James be writing his last
test tomorrow?
10.
Future Perfect
( – )
- James will not have learnt Tamil by the time you come back from Europe.
✅
FILL IN THE BLANKS (Tense Passage)
I
had not met my friend, Samantha, had it not been for an odd incident. I was
studying at a Women’s College in Ooty. I travelled a distance of
more than fifty-five kilometres by a motorcycle every day. One day, I was
going to sleep, there was a knock on the door. Had it not been for
the lights which I had left on, I would not have opened the door
to find a young lady with a kitten in her arms. The kitten was bleeding
and it looked as if its mistress had forgotten to look for help.
I called in a veterinary doctor. Since that night, Samantha and I have
been fast friends and the kitten stays with us.
✅ PUNCTUATION (Colon)
1.
I have to
get the following from the farmers’ market in the next town: vegetables,
fruits, some pulses and some fish.
2.
The
newspaper had an important headline today: “A New and Interesting Excavation by
the Archaeology Department of the Government.”
3.
The coach
shouted: “Get it, Skipper!”
4.
The film
review committee now includes the following people as its members: the
president of the club, an ace director from within the industry, the famous
producer A.K. Chhetri, and the famous actress from yesteryears, Shantibala.
5.
Alexander
Graham Bell said: “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”
6.
Captain:
it is luck that yourself were saved.
Viola: O my poor brother! And so lucky may he be.
Captain: True, madam; and, to comfort you with chance:
Assure yourself, after our ship did split,
I saw him stay afloat on the waves
So long as I could see.
✅
WRITING (Informal Letter)
12,
Evergreen Apartments
Indra Chowk
Kanpur
16th May 20XX
Dear
Rahul,
I
hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to
tell you about my recent week-long visit to my uncle and aunt’s house in
another city. It was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
My
uncle and aunt have several pets, including two dogs, a cat, some birds, and
even a rabbit. At first, I was a little nervous around so many animals, but
soon I became very comfortable with them. The dogs were very friendly and
playful. They followed me everywhere and loved playing with a ball in the
garden. The cat was calm but very clever, and it liked sitting near the window
and watching birds.
Every
morning, I helped my aunt feed the pets. I learned how to take proper care of
animals, like giving them food on time, keeping them clean, and understanding
their behaviour. One funny incident happened when the rabbit suddenly ran into
the living room and the dogs started chasing it, but luckily no one got hurt.
We all laughed a lot at that moment.
In
the evenings, we would sit together and watch the pets playing in the garden.
It felt very peaceful and joyful. This visit taught me to love and care for
animals even more. I also realised how important it is to be kind and
responsible towards pets.
I
really enjoyed my stay and wished that you were there with me to share all the
fun. I am sure you would have loved it too. I will tell you more when we meet.
Take care
and write back soon.
Yours
affectionately,
XXXXX
✅
LISTEN & SPEAK (Answer idea)
Pictures
identified:
- Garden (flowers)
- Dining table
- Door
- Chair (rocking chair)
- Window
Correct
Logical Order (Answer):
- Window
- Garden
- Door
- Chair
- Dining table
Explanation
(simple):
- First, you see outside
through the window
- Then you notice the garden
- Then you go to the door
- Then you sit on the chair
- Finally, you move to the
table
2.
Short Report (Animal Protection)
Report:
Protection of Animals
Animals
are an important part of our environment, but many species are becoming
endangered due to hunting, pollution, and loss of habitat. Forests are being
cut down, which destroys the homes of animals.
Governments
and organizations are trying to protect animals by creating wildlife
sanctuaries and national parks. Laws have been made to stop illegal hunting.
However,
these actions are not enough. People should be made aware of the importance of
animals. We should stop cutting forests and protect natural habitats. Everyone
must take responsibility to save animals.
Mulberry
WorkBook
1.
Spelling – Suffixes beginning with a vowel.
Question:
Form
words by joining the words and suffixes given in the table below. One has been
done for you.
a. kidnap
+ –er
b. omit + –ed
c. shop + –ing
d. fat + –en
e. begin + –ing
f. cancel + –ed
g. glad + –en
h. bat + –ed
Answer:
a. kidnap
+ er = kidnapper
b. omit + ed = omitted
c. shop + ing = shopping
d. fat + en = fatten
e. begin + ing = beginning
f. cancel + ed = cancelled
g. glad + en = gladden
h. bat + ed = batted
2.
Punctuation – Punctuation marks and capital letters.
Question:
Insert
punctuation marks and capital letters wherever necessary in the sentences given
below.
a. portia
is the main character in shakespeares merchant of venice
b. theyre studying in chennai universitys department of science
c. she works as a teacher at the institute of management
d. the students laptops are giving them a lot of trouble
e. when will you be going to your grandparents house
f. the dog buried a bone in ankits garden
g. have you read gandhis biography
h. what day is it today asked sanjay its wednesday replied pooja
Answer:
a. Portia
is the main character in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice.
b. They’re studying in Chennai University’s Department of Science.
c. She works as a teacher at the Institute of Management.
d. The students’ laptops are giving them a lot of trouble.
e. When will you be going to your grandparents’ house?
f. The dog buried a bone in Ankit’s garden.
g. Have you read Gandhi’s biography?
h. “What day is it today?” asked Sanjay. “It’s Wednesday,” replied Pooja.
3.
Grammar Time – Tenses
Question:
Fill in
the blanks with correct forms of the words in brackets.
I ______
(go) on my first trek in 2012. After ______ (plan) for many months, we ______
(decide) to go to the Valley of Flowers. We would leave on 25 August. My father
______ (be) there with his friends in 1982, so he ______ (be, excite) too. We
hoped that we ______ (be, able) to ______ (complete) the trek in four days.
Here ______ (be) some excerpts from the diary that I had maintained during the
trek.
Day 1, 7
a.m.: Today ______ (be) the first day of our journey. We ______ (travel) from
Delhi to Rishikesh. We ______ (be, begin) our trek day after tomorrow. It is 6
p.m. now and we ______ (be, camp) next to the river.
Day 3, 6
p.m.: The first day of our trek! We ______ (complete) the trek from Govind Ghat
to Ghangria quite fast. I don’t think we ______ (be) able to walk so fast if we
weren’t so excited.
Day 4, 5
p.m.: Although rainfall ______ (be, predict), and we ______ (expect) it, we
______ (can) never ______ (have, know) the experience ______ (will be) so
delightful. The same can be said of our experience of our first trek. When we
reached the valley, I felt as if I were in paradise. The sight of the valley
stretched out before me was stunning. I ______ (will, be) happier if I could
have enjoyed the glorious beauty of the valley for a few days. All I can say
is, I ______ (return) to the valley as soon as I can.
Answer:
I
went on my first trek in 2012. After planning for many months, we
decided to go to the Valley of Flowers. We would leave on 25 August. My
father had been there with his friends in 1982, so he was excited
too. We hoped that we would be able to complete the trek in four
days. Here are some excerpts from the diary that I had maintained during
the trek.
Day
1, 7 a.m.: Today is the first day of our journey. We are travelling
from Delhi to Rishikesh. We will begin our trek day after tomorrow. It
is 6 p.m. now and we are camping next to the river.
Day
3, 6 p.m.: The first day of our trek! We completed the trek from Govind
Ghat to Ghangria quite fast. I don’t think we would have been able to
walk so fast if we weren’t so excited.
Day
4, 5 p.m.: Although rainfall had been predicted, and we expected
it, we could never have known the experience would be so
delightful. The same can be said of our experience of our first trek. When we
reached the valley, I felt as if I were in paradise. The sight of the valley
stretched out before me was stunning. I would have been happier if I
could have enjoyed the glorious beauty of the valley for a few days. All I can
say is, I will return to the valley as soon as I can.
✅ 4. WRITING (Informal Letter)
12,
Evergreen Apartments
Indra Chowk
Kolkata
23 April 2026
Dear
Rahul,
I
hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to
share some very exciting news with you, and I simply couldn’t wait to tell you
about it!
Recently,
I have been selected for a school trip to the famous Valley of Flowers. When I
heard this news, I was filled with joy and excitement because it has always
been my dream to visit such a beautiful and peaceful place surrounded by
nature. Our teachers have told us that the valley is full of colourful flowers,
green hills, and fresh mountain air. It is considered one of the most scenic
places in India.
We
will be going on a trekking journey, which will be a completely new experience
for me. We will also be camping near rivers and exploring the natural beauty of
the valley. I am especially excited about seeing different kinds of flowers and
taking photographs of the beautiful landscapes. I hope to learn a lot about
nature, plants, and the importance of protecting our environment.
I
have already started preparing for the trip by collecting the necessary items
like warm clothes, trekking shoes, and a camera. My parents are also very happy
for me and are encouraging me to enjoy and learn as much as possible from this
experience.
I
really wish you could join me on this trip. It would have been even more fun if
we were together! I promise to share all my experiences, photographs, and
stories with you when I return.
Please
write back soon and tell me what’s new with you. I am eagerly waiting for your
reply.
Yours
affectionately,
XXYY