I Want Something in a Cage : ncert solution class 7

Comprehension Check (page-38)

1. Write 'True' or 'False' against each of the following sentences.

(i) Mr. Purcell sold birds, cats, dogs, and monkeys. True

(ii) He was very concerned about the well-being of the birds and animals in his shop. False

(iii) He was impressed by the customer who bought the two doves. False

(iv) He was a successful shop owner, though insensitive and cold as a person. True

2. Why is Mr. Purcell compared to an owl?

Ans:- He was a very small and fussy man. He had red cheeks and stomachs like a melon. Whenever he appeared in front of large glasses, he looked like an owl.

3. From the third paragraph pick out

(i) words associated with cries of birds, Twitters

(ii) words associated with noise, Squeals

(iii) words are suggestive of confusion and fear. Bewildered

Comprehension Check (page-42)

1. Do you think the atmosphere of Mr. Purcell's shop was cheerful or depressing? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans:- The atmosphere of Mr. Purcell was completely depressing. It was full of confusion. The noise and unbearable twits of the birds and animals were unbearable. Birds and animals used to strive for their freedom but they had no option. They had to stay in their cages. Mr. Purcell was habituated to dealing with these unpleasant noises but the customers were surprised to see the horrible situation created in the shop.

2. Describe the stranger who came to the pet shop. What did he want?

Ans:- The stranger who came to the pet shop wanted to purchase two doves. His suit was a little old looking shabby and ill-fitting. He had only five dollars with him which was enough for only one dove but he wanted two of them. He took them with their cage and liberated them after some time. I think he was imprisoned for a long time, so he knew the troubles of being imprisoned. He wanted the birds and animals to be free from the cage.

3. (i) The man insisted on buying the doves because he was fond of birds. Do you agree?

Ans:- The man insisted on buying the doves because he was fond of giving them freedom. He was not at all fond of birds. If he was fond of birds he would not have liberated them from their cage. He would have kept them in his custody forever.

(ii) How had he earned the five dollars he had?

Ans:- The man was imprisoned for ten long years. There he had to work hard for half a dollar per year. He spent in prison for ten years and earned five dollars in total.

4. Was the customer interested in the care and feeding of the doves he had bought? If not, why not?

Ans:- The customer was not interested in the care and feeding of the doves he had bought. He only wanted the birds to be freed from the long confinement. So he went out and set them free and kept the cage unsafe.

Discuss the following topics in groups.

1. Why, in your opinion, did the man set the doves free?

Ans:- The man set the birds free because he had got a bitter experience in prison or captivity. I think he did not want any bird or animal to be kept in captivity which created trouble and suspended their prominent desires.

2. Why did it make Mr. Purcell feel "vaguely insulted"?

Ans:- The man purchased the birds and only after a few moments set them free. Mr. Purcell did not even think of the behavior exhibited by the man. It was most probably the first time in his life selling pets. He thought it was his insult that after getting good advice about how to look after the birds, the person decided to set them free. This is why he was vaguely insulted.