📘 THE LOST CHILD
By Mulk Raj Anand (Class 9 English – Moments)
✅ 1–40: Short Question Answers (2–3 lines with colorful bullets)
- 🔵 Who is the author of ‘The Lost Child’?
Mulk Raj Anand wrote the story “The Lost Child.” - 🟢 What is the story about?
It’s about a little child who gets separated from his parents during a village fair. - 🟡 Where were the child and his parents going?
They were going to a village fair. - 🔴 How was the weather on the day of the fair?
The weather was bright and sunny, with a festive atmosphere. - 🔵 Why did the child lag behind?
He was fascinated by the toys and nature on the way. - 🟣 What did the child want at the toy shop?
He wanted a toy but knew his parents wouldn’t buy it, so he moved on. - 🟢 What did he see near the mustard field?
He saw a group of dragonflies and tried catching them. - 🟡 What attracted the child near the well?
He saw a group of people drinking water and a sweet scent in the air. - 🔴 Why didn’t the child ask for sweets?
He knew his parents would refuse, so he just looked at them. - 🔵 What did the child want near the flower-seller?
He wanted to have the garland of gulmohur flowers. - 🟣 What fascinated him near the snake charmer?
He saw a snake charmer playing the flute and wanted to stay. - 🟢 Why didn’t he stay at the snake charmer’s stall?
He remembered his parents had forbidden him from hearing such rough music. - 🟡 What did the child see in the roundabout?
He saw children riding and wanted to go on it too. - 🔴 When did the child realize he was lost?
When he turned to ask for a ride on the roundabout and found his parents missing. - 🔵 How did the child react after getting lost?
He cried bitterly and ran around shouting for his parents. - 🟣 Who noticed the lost child?
A kind-hearted man in the crowd noticed the crying child. - 🟢 How did the man try to comfort the child?
He tried to offer him sweets, garlands, and a ride. - 🟡 Did the child accept any gifts?
No, he refused all offers and only wanted his parents. - 🔴 What does the child repeatedly cry after getting lost?
“I want my mother, I want my father!” - 🔵 How did the crowd at the fair behave?
The crowd was busy and indifferent to the child’s plight. - 🟣 What shows the innocence of the child?
He was easily attracted to small things like toys, flowers, and sweets. - 🟢 Why did the man not force the child?
He genuinely wanted to help and waited patiently for him to stop crying. - 🟡 What kind of setting is used in the story?
A vibrant village fair with colorful stalls and music. - 🔴 How is the parental bond portrayed?
The child forgets all his desires and only wants his parents. - 🔵 What shows the emotional side of the child?
He breaks down when separated from his parents, ignoring all temptations. - 🟣 What literary device is used in the story?
Symbolism and imagery are used to highlight emotions. - 🟢 Why is the fair important in the story?
It serves as the setting that highlights both joy and the crisis of getting lost. - 🟡 What emotions are shown in the story?
Joy, excitement, fear, sorrow, and parental love. - 🔴 What does the child’s refusal of gifts show?
It shows that love and security matter more than material things. - 🔵 What does the roundabout symbolize?
It symbolizes fun and joy that the child desires before realizing he’s lost. - 🟣 How does the story reflect a child’s mind?
It beautifully shows how easily a child is distracted and emotionally attached to parents. - 🟢 What role does nature play in the story?
Nature adds to the beauty and innocence before the emotional twist. - 🟡 How does the author create suspense?
By building up the child’s excitement and then suddenly separating him from his parents. - 🔴 What lesson does the story give to parents?
To stay attentive to their children in crowded or public places. - 🔵 What role does the stranger play in the story?
He represents kindness and empathy in a busy world. - 🟣 What is the theme of the story?
The strong bond between children and their parents, and emotional security. - 🟢 Why is the story still relevant today?
Because children often get lost or distracted, and need attention and care. - 🟡 What makes the story touching?
The child’s innocent longing for his parents over any other desire. - 🔴 Why didn’t the child enjoy the fair after getting lost?
Because without his parents, nothing made him happy anymore. - 🔵 What does the story teach us about priorities?
That love and family are more important than any material pleasure.
✅ 41–45: Long Question Answers (100–120 words)
41. Describe the child’s journey through the fair. 🟦
The child was thrilled to visit the fair with his parents. On the way, he was fascinated by toys, sweets, garlands, a snake charmer, and a roundabout. However, he didn’t demand anything loudly, knowing his parents’ likely refusal. Suddenly, he found himself separated from his parents. His joy turned into fear and sorrow. He cried, “I want my mother, I want my father!” This journey from excitement to despair highlights the innocence of a child and the value of emotional attachment over material things.
42. What was the reaction of the child after being separated? 🟩
As soon as he realized that his parents were missing, the child was overwhelmed with fear and panic. He cried loudly and ran here and there looking for them. All his earlier fascinations—sweets, garlands, toys—meant nothing to him now. When a kind man offered him these things, he refused each one and kept repeating, “I want my mother, I want my father.” This shows his deep emotional connection with his parents and that children prioritize love and security above all.
43. How does the story highlight the importance of parents in a child’s life? 🟥
The story powerfully highlights the emotional dependency of a child on his parents. Although the child is excited by various attractions at the fair, he does not force his parents to buy anything. But once he is lost, his only concern becomes finding them. Nothing else pleases him—not sweets, toys, or games. This emotional reaction underscores how children see their parents as their safe zone. It reminds us that parental love, care, and presence provide children with the sense of security they need.
44. How does the author use contrast in the story? 🟨
The author cleverly uses contrast to deepen the emotional impact. In the beginning, the child is full of joy, excitement, and wonder. He is absorbed in the fair’s colors, sounds, and beauty. But the mood shifts drastically when he gets lost. Joy turns to despair, and excitement becomes panic. The transition from happiness to fear and from fascination to emotional longing effectively brings out the central theme — the importance of parents. This contrast makes the emotional journey more relatable and impactful.
45. What is the central theme of “The Lost Child”? 🟧
The central theme is the deep emotional bond between a child and his parents. The story explores how children are easily attracted to material things but ultimately seek emotional connection and safety. It also touches on innocence, vulnerability, and how adults should be sensitive to a child’s feelings. The narrative brings out how priceless parental love is and how all the toys, sweets, and entertainment in the world cannot replace a parent’s presence.
✅ 46–50: Value-Based Questions
46. What lesson do we learn from “The Lost Child”? 🟦
We learn that emotional love and parental care are far more valuable than material possessions.
47. What value does the kind stranger show? 🟩
He shows empathy, compassion, and responsibility by helping a crying child.
48. How can we prevent children from getting lost? 🟥
By keeping a close watch, holding their hands, and teaching them safety steps.
49. Why should we respect a child’s emotions? 🟨
Because children are emotionally sensitive and need reassurance and love to feel safe.
50. How does the story promote empathy? 🟧
It encourages readers to notice when someone is in distress and take caring action.