Class 8 :: English Literature :: The Enchanted Pool by Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (Mulberry) (Standard Version)
The Enchanted Pool
by Chakravarti Rajagopalachari
(Mulberry) (Standard Version)
Pre-Reading
Are you wise enough to answer this ancient riddle?
“I never was, am always to be,
No one ever saw me, nor ever will
And yet I am the hope of all
To live and breathe on this earthly ball!”
Hint: It never comes.
Answer:
Tomorrow
Explanation: Tomorrow is always in the future. When tomorrow arrives, it becomes today. Therefore, tomorrow never actually comes, yet people continue to hope for a better tomorrow.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Quick Answers
1. Complete the following sentences with reference to the story.
a. In ancient times, fire was kindled by mechanical friction because __________.
Answer:
In ancient times, fire was kindled by mechanical friction because matches were unknown and fire was produced by rubbing pieces of wood together.
b. Nakula drank the water from the pool in spite of the yaksha's warning because __________.
Answer:
Nakula drank the water from the pool in spite of the yaksha's warning because he was intensely thirsty and could not control his desire to quench his thirst.
c. Yudhishthira was left alone and thirsty because __________.
Answer:
Yudhishthira was left alone and thirsty because all his brothers ignored the warning voice, drank the enchanted water and fell down unconscious, appearing dead.
d. Yudhishthira believed one must give up anger because __________.
Answer:
Yudhishthira believed one must give up anger because anger causes sorrow and suffering, and by abandoning it a person can live peacefully and happily.
e. The yaksha brought Yudhishthira's brothers back to life because __________.
Answer:
The yaksha brought Yudhishthira's brothers back to life because he was pleased with Yudhishthira's wisdom, patience, self-control and truthful answers.
f. Yama had taken the form of the deer and the yaksha because __________.
Answer:
Yama had taken the form of the deer and the yaksha because he wished to test Yudhishthira's wisdom, judgment, patience and devotion to dharma.
Reference to Context
2. “The Pandavas pursued the animal but it was a magic deer which sped in great leaps and bounds, decoying the Pandavas far into the forest and then disappeared.”
a. When and where did this incident happen?
Answer:
This incident happened during the final days of the Pandavas' twelve-year exile in the forest. One day, a deer became entangled with a sage's fire-kindling equipment and ran away into the forest. When the sage sought the help of the Pandavas, they chased the deer deep into the forest. The incident therefore took place in a dense forest where the Pandavas were living during their exile.
b. Why did the Pandavas pursue the animal?
Answer:
The Pandavas pursued the deer because a sage's fire-kindling mortar had become caught in the animal's horns. The frightened deer ran away carrying the sage's property. Feeling responsible for helping the distressed sage, the Pandavas immediately chased the deer in an attempt to recover the lost fire-kindling equipment and return it to its owner.
c. How did the Pandavas feel when the animal disappeared?
Answer:
When the animal disappeared, the Pandavas felt disappointed, exhausted and discouraged. They had spent a long time chasing it through the forest without success. The futile chase drained their energy and left them thirsty and weary. Nakula even lamented that they could not perform such a small service for the sage, showing how saddened and frustrated they were by their failure.
3. “There was surely some magic about it.”
a. Describe the scene before Yudhishthira's eyes. What comparison does the narrator use to describe it?
Answer:
When Yudhishthira arrived at the pool, he saw all four of his brothers—Nakula, Sahadeva, Arjuna and Bhima—lying motionless on the ground. Their bodies bore no wounds and their faces looked calm, as though they were merely asleep. The sight filled him with grief and confusion. The narrator compares the brothers to “sacred flagpoles thrown pell-mell after a festival.” This comparison highlights both their greatness and the shocking manner in which they were lying helplessly on the ground.
b. What was his first reaction on witnessing the scene?
Answer:
Yudhishthira's first reaction was one of deep sorrow and grief. Seeing his beloved brothers lying as if dead, he was unable to control his emotions and began to weep. He was overwhelmed by sadness and anxiety. At the same time, he tried to understand what could have caused such a mysterious event.
c. Why did Yudhishthira come to the conclusion that there was something magical or supernatural about the event?
Answer:
Yudhishthira concluded that there was something magical or supernatural about the event because none of his brothers had any wounds on their bodies. Their faces appeared peaceful rather than distorted by pain. There were no footprints of enemies nearby and no signs of a struggle. Since warriors as powerful as his brothers could not easily be defeated, Yudhishthira reasoned that some supernatural force, magic or divine intervention must have been responsible for their condition.
4. “What is the loss which yields joy and not sorrow?”
a. Who asks this question and to whom?
Answer:
This question is asked by the yaksha to Yudhishthira during the series of questions posed at the enchanted pool.
b. What is the reply given to this question?
Answer:
Yudhishthira replies that anger is the loss which yields joy and not sorrow. He explains that by giving up anger, people free themselves from unhappiness and suffering.
c. To what extent do you agree with the reply? Support your answer with a reason.
Answer:
I completely agree with Yudhishthira's reply. Anger often leads people to make poor decisions, hurt others and damage relationships. It creates tension, regret and unhappiness. When people learn to control and abandon anger, they become calmer, happier and more understanding. Peaceful relationships and a clear mind bring lasting joy, making Yudhishthira's answer both wise and practical.
Read, Reflect and Write
5. How did Yudhishthira's response to the voice differ from that of his brothers?
Answer:
Yudhishthira's response was very different from that of his brothers. Nakula, Sahadeva, Arjuna and Bhima all ignored the warning voice because their thirst was stronger than their judgment. They acted impulsively and drank the water without answering the questions. As a result, they fell unconscious.
Yudhishthira, however, remained calm and thoughtful. Even though he was extremely thirsty and distressed by the sight of his brothers, he respected the mysterious voice and agreed to answer its questions. He displayed patience, humility and self-control. Instead of acting recklessly, he listened carefully and used his wisdom to overcome the challenge. This difference in attitude ultimately saved both him and his brothers.
6. Illustrate how happiness is a result of good conduct.
Answer:
According to Yudhishthira, happiness is the result of good conduct. A person who behaves honestly, kindly and responsibly earns the respect and trust of others. Good conduct leads to strong relationships, a clear conscience and inner peace. Such a person avoids unnecessary conflicts and regrets.
In the story, Yudhishthira's good conduct is seen in his patience, respect for the yaksha and willingness to follow the rules. His virtuous behaviour pleased Yama and resulted in the restoration of his brothers' lives. Thus, the story demonstrates that good conduct brings happiness, rewards and success.
7. What blessing did Yama bestow upon Yudhishthira?
Answer:
Yama, pleased with Yudhishthira's wisdom and righteousness, revived all the Pandava brothers. He then blessed Yudhishthira by assuring him that the Pandavas would successfully complete the remaining period of their exile. He further promised that during their thirteenth year of exile, which had to be spent in disguise, none of their enemies would be able to recognize them. This blessing ensured the successful fulfilment of their exile and future victory.
8. What did the Pandavas gain from their exile?
Answer:
Although the Pandavas suffered greatly during their exile, they gained valuable experience and wisdom. Their years in the forest taught them patience, self-discipline, endurance and resilience. They learned to face hardships courageously and remained committed to righteousness despite numerous challenges.
The story concludes by stating that their exile was a period of hard discipline and searching probation through which they emerged stronger and nobler men. Therefore, the exile helped them grow morally, mentally and spiritually.
9. What is an alternate title you could give this story? Justify your choice with a reason.
Answer:
An appropriate alternate title for the story could be "The Wisdom of Yudhishthira."
This title is suitable because the central theme of the story is Yudhishthira's wisdom and self-control. While his brothers fail because they act impulsively, Yudhishthira succeeds because he listens carefully, thinks calmly and answers the yaksha's questions wisely. His intelligence and righteousness save his brothers and earn Yama's blessings. Therefore, the story is ultimately a celebration of wisdom.
10. Extended Writing
With detailed reference to the story, show what Yudhishthira's answers reveal about his character.
Answer:
Yudhishthira's answers reveal him to be a man of exceptional wisdom, maturity and righteousness. Throughout the story, he remains calm and thoughtful even when faced with extreme thirst and the apparent death of his brothers. Unlike the others, he does not act impulsively.
His answers show that he values courage, learning, humility and self-control. When asked what rescues a person in danger, he answers that courage is man's salvation. This reflects his belief in inner strength. When asked how wisdom is gained, he explains that it comes from associating with wise people rather than merely studying books. This reveals his practical understanding of life.
His answer that anger should be abandoned because it causes sorrow demonstrates his emotional maturity. His belief that pride should be given up to become loved by all reflects humility. His statement that dharma alone accompanies a person after death shows his deep commitment to moral values.
Yudhishthira's answers reveal that he is thoughtful, disciplined, compassionate, wise and devoted to righteousness. These qualities make him an ideal leader and explain why Yama was so pleased with him.
Integrate
11. Often while travelling through deserts people see pools of water that don't exist. This occurrence is an optical illusion called a mirage. Do you know what causes mirages? Find out more about mirages and draw up a brief fact file.
Fact File: Mirage
What is a Mirage?
A mirage is an optical illusion in which distant objects or patches of sky appear as water because of the bending of light rays.
Cause:
Mirages occur when layers of air near the ground are much hotter than the air above them. Light bends as it passes through these layers of different temperatures.
Where are Mirages Common?
• Deserts
• Hot roads and highways
• Open plains during summer
Types of Mirages:
1. Inferior Mirage
2. Superior Mirage
Interesting Fact:
A mirage is not a real object or pool of water. It is simply an image created by the refraction of light.
WORD WALL
Anagrams
1. An anagram is a word formed by rearranging the letters of another, such as act, formed from cat. Follow the example and use the clues given below to get anagram pairs.
a.
i. Past tense of "be" – was
ii. A tool for cutting wood – saw
b.
i. Great jumps – leaps
ii. Loud rings of a bell – peals
c.
i. The blue planet – earth
ii. The organ that pumps blood through the body – heart
d.
i. The past tense of send – sent
ii. What comes between units and hundreds – tens
e.
i. Remain alive – live
ii. The opposite of good – evil
f.
i. A small body of water – pool
ii. A shape made when something bends and crosses – loop
g.
i. A hoofed grazing animal – deer
ii. A tall variety of grass – reed
h.
i. The period between birth and death – life
ii. A folder to hold loose papers – file
Proverbs
2. Match the columns to complete the proverbs.
a. Two wrongs — don't make a right. (v)
b. When the going gets tough — the tough get going. (vii)
c. Two heads — are better than one. (vi)
d. There's no time — like the present. (i)
e. Rome was not — built in a day. (iii)
f. Barking dogs — seldom bite. (iv)
g. A man is known — by the company he keeps. (ii)
GRAMMAR TIME
Verbals
Read these sentences.
• “We cannot render even this trifling service to the sage.”
• “Heedless of the warning, he drank the water.”
In the sentences given above, trifling and warning are verbals.
Verbals are words formed from verbs but functioning as a different part of speech. Participles, gerunds and infinitives are verbals.
Participles
A participle is a word formed from a verb, ending in -ing (= the present participle) or -ed, -en, -d, -t, -en, or -n etc. (= the past participle). A participle can be used as an adjective.
1. Choose participles from the box to complete the proverbs given below.
Words given:
united, sinking, rising, rolling, rotten, divided
Answers
a. United we stand, divided we fall.
b. A rising tide lifts all boats.
c. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
d. A rotten apple harms its neighbours.
e. Rats desert a sinking ship.
2. Use participles to combine the following pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.
a.
The elderly man walked up the stairs. He tripped and fell.
Answer:
Walking up the stairs, the elderly man tripped and fell.
b.
I opened a drawer. It was crammed with books.
Answer:
I opened a drawer crammed with books.
c.
I heard a noise. I turned around.
Answer:
Hearing a noise, I turned around.
d.
The match was delayed by the rain. It started an hour late.
Answer:
Delayed by the rain, the match started an hour late.
e.
The performer was delighted by the cheering. He sang one more song.
Answer:
Delighted by the cheering, the performer sang one more song.
f.
My friend saw me across the room. She waved.
Answer:
Seeing me across the room, my friend waved.
g.
We saw the golden oriole. It was sitting on the fir tree.
Answer:
We saw the golden oriole sitting on the fir tree.
Gerunds
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions in a sentence as a noun.
3. Complete the sentences using gerunds.
a.
In summer I enjoy __________ but in winter I prefer __________.
Answer:
In summer I enjoy swimming but in winter I prefer skating.
b.
__________ is unhealthy.
Answer:
Smoking is unhealthy.
c.
__________ is being environmentally responsible.
Answer:
Recycling is being environmentally responsible.
d.
__________ is my favourite pastime.
Answer:
Reading is my favourite pastime.
Infinitives
An infinitive is a verb form—often preceded by to—that can function as a noun, an adjective or an adverb.
4. Put a tick (✓) against the sentences that are correct and a cross (✗) against those that are not.
a.
The cat will not let the rat to escape.
Answer: ✗
Correction:
The cat will not let the rat escape.
b.
You need not to do it.
Answer: ✗
Correction:
You need not do it.
c.
We are happy to help you.
Answer: ✓
d.
The visitors are about to leave.
Answer: ✓
e.
The coach made the players to warm-up.
Answer: ✗
Correction:
The coach made the players warm up.
5. Combine each pair of sentences given below into a single sentence using the infinitive (to + verb).
a.
My grandmother goes to the park. She exercises there.
Answer:
My grandmother goes to the park to exercise.
b.
We go to the stadium. We watch matches there.
Answer:
We go to the stadium to watch matches.
c.
The candy is too hard. It cannot be bitten.
Answer:
The candy is too hard to bite.
d.
A janitor has been hired. He will clean the building.
Answer:
A janitor has been hired to clean the building.
PUNCTUATION
Semicolon
1. Read the following sentences. How many of these can you combine using semicolons? Check your responses with those of your partner.
a.
Come home this evening, Ria. We can try playing my new guitar.
Answer:
Come home this evening, Ria; we can try playing my new guitar.
b.
We must go to the ruins outside the old city. They are known to be beautiful.
Answer:
We must go to the ruins outside the old city; they are known to be beautiful.
c.
I am going out. Are you coming?
Answer:
Cannot be combined using a semicolon because the second sentence is a question.
d.
I thought you had left. I was wrapping up here.
Answer:
I thought you had left; I was wrapping up here.
e.
We have done everything we could. I think you could trust us in this matter.
Answer:
We have done everything we could; I think you could trust us in this matter.
f.
She did not respond. But, I think she will want to come along with us.
Answer:
She did not respond; however, I think she will want to come along with us.
WRITING
Composition
1. Write a composition about the sudden visit of a distinguished person to your school.
The person gave a short speech that was liked by students and teachers alike. Discuss the visit as well as the person's talk. You can use the points on the next page:
• the flurry of preparations
• description of the visit
• the speech and the meaningful things that were said by the person
• things that went right and a few that perhaps did not
• the feeling at the end of the visit
Answer
The Sudden Visit of a Distinguished Person to Our School
Last month, our school experienced a memorable event when a distinguished personality paid us a sudden visit. The announcement came only a day before the visit, creating great excitement among students and teachers. Everyone became busy preparing for the occasion. Classrooms were cleaned, decorations were put up, and the school auditorium was arranged beautifully. Students practised welcome songs and speeches while teachers coordinated the various arrangements.
On the day of the visit, the guest arrived amidst loud applause. The principal welcomed the distinguished visitor with a bouquet and introduced the guest to the students. The visitor then toured the school campus, interacting warmly with students and appreciating their work and achievements.
The most inspiring part of the visit was the speech delivered by the guest. The speaker encouraged us to work hard, remain honest and never give up in the face of difficulties. We were told that success is not achieved overnight but through patience, discipline and perseverance. The speaker also emphasized the importance of kindness, respect for elders and service to society. These words deeply impressed both students and teachers.
Most of the arrangements went smoothly. The welcome programme was successful and the audience listened attentively. However, there were a few minor problems. Some students could not find seats in the crowded auditorium and the sound system malfunctioned briefly. Despite these small issues, the programme remained enjoyable.
At the end of the visit, everyone felt inspired and motivated. The guest's words left a lasting impression on our minds. We learned valuable lessons about determination, integrity and responsibility. The visit was truly memorable and will be cherished by our school community for years to come.
LISTEN AND SPEAK WELL
1. Listen to the audio and choose the correct answer.
a. Which of the following words does not describe the young people at the beginning of the story?
i. impatient
ii. tolerant
iii. disrespectful
iv. arrogant
Answer:
ii. tolerant
b. Which of the following is not a reason why the elders were banished?
i. They were tired of the stories that their grandparents told them and the advice given by their parents.
ii. The young people thought the advice of elders was not relevant in modern times.
iii. The elders did not allow young people to govern the village.
Answer:
iii. The elders did not allow young people to govern the village.
c. What advice could the council of young people not give?
i. How to grow crops again.
ii. How to combat the cold and the heat.
iii. How to bring the elders back from the forest.
Answer:
ii. How to combat the cold and the heat.
d. Which of these words does not describe the attitude of the young people at the end of the story?
i. reverent
ii. repentant
iii. insolent
iv. humble
Answer:
iii. insolent
e. Which of the following options best describes the lesson embedded in the story?
i. Younger people must listen to the stories, sagas and advice given by elders even though it is tiresome to do so.
ii. Although the advice of elders is not needed in the modern world, one must not exclude elders from a community.
iii. There is much that younger people can learn from the stories, advice and experience of their elders.
Answer:
iii. There is much that younger people can learn from the stories, advice and experience of their elders.
2. In groups, write and perform a skit on respecting the elders in our communities.
Sample Skit
Title: Respecting Our Elders
Characters: Grandfather, Mother, Rahul, Teacher
Rahul: Grandfather always tells old stories. They are boring.
Grandfather: My stories contain lessons from experience, Rahul.
Mother: Elders guide us because they have lived through many situations.
Teacher: Experience is a valuable teacher. We should respect and learn from our elders.
Rahul: I understand now. Your advice can help me avoid mistakes.
Grandfather: Wisdom grows with age and experience.
All Together: We should respect, care for and learn from our elders.
Moral: Respecting elders enriches our lives and strengthens our communities.