Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
He guided the trembling feet along, Proud that his own were firm and strong. Then back again to his friends he went, His young heart happy and well content.
What does the contrast between the 'trembling feet' of the old woman and the 'firm and strong' feet of the boy emphasise?
The contrast between the 'trembling feet' of the old woman and the 'firm and strong' feet of the boy emphasises the difference in their physical capabilities due to age. The old woman is weak and unsteady while the boy is young and physically capable, highlighting why the boy is able to help her.
Fill in the blank given below by selecting the correct option from the brackets.
- The poem tells us that the boy was 'proud' that his feet were strong.
- This tells us that the boy was ____. (arrogant about being strong/grateful for his ability to help)
grateful for his ability to help
What is the boy most likely to tell his friends on getting back? A. I'm so glad I could help her. B. I'm worried about her safety. C. I'm surprised she forgot to thank me. D. I'm thankful for all your support.
A
Rectify the false sentence given below. The young boy's actions were driven by a logical decision.
The young boy's actions were driven by empathy and compassion, not by a logical decision. He helped the old woman because he thought of his own mother and wanted to treat someone else's mother with the same care he would want for his own.
Explanation
((i)) The poet uses this contrast to show the physical difference between youth and old age. The trembling feet represent vulnerability and frailty, while firm and strong feet represent youth, strength, and the ability to provide support. ((ii)) The boy's pride is not about arrogance but about being able to use his strength to help someone in need. He feels good about having the physical capability to assist the old woman, showing his compassionate nature. ((iii)) The boy's heart was 'happy and well content' after helping the woman. This indicates he felt satisfied and glad about his action. Option A best reflects his positive feelings about being able to help someone in need. ((iv)) The boy's motivation was emotional and empathetic, not logical. He helped because he imagined his own mother in a similar situation and hoped someone would help her. His actions came from the heart, not from calculated reasoning.