L-7-Three Questions
Word Meaning
(1)
Proclaim-announce officially or publically.
(2)
Hermit-holy man living alone. ---------------------------------->
(3)
Executed-to kill somebody as an official punishment.
(4)
Seized - took possession of forcibly; snatched.
(5)
Porch - small covered area at the entrance to a house or church.
(6)
Table - list of facts, numbers etc.
(7)
Spade - tool for digging the ground---------------------------->
(8)
Lean - slim
(9)
Wounded - injured
(10)
Council- people elected to manage the affairs of a city.
Short - Answer Type Question
(1) What were the three questions that
struck the king’s mind?
Ans.
The three questions that struck the king’s mind were-
a.
What is the right time for every action?
b.
Who are the people that matter most?
c.
What is the most important thing to do?
(2) What did the learned men say in
reply to the first question?
Ans.
The learned men answered the questions in their own ways. Some said that to
know the right time for every action, one must draw up a table and must work
according to it. Some suggested to consult magicians. Others said that council
of wise men would help the king to fix proper time for everything.
(3) What answers did they give to the
second question?
Ans.
To the second question some said that king's advisors were the most important
people. Some advised that priests were the most important. Still others
suggested for doctors and warriors.
(4) What different answers did the king
receive to the third question?
Ans.
To the third question some said that the most important thing in the world was
silence. Others said that it was skill in warfare. Some said it was religious
worship.
(5) Was the king satisfied with the
answers given by the learned men? What did he decide to do thereafter?
Ans.
No, the king was not satisfied with these answers. So he decided to consult a
hermit who was very famous for his wisdom.
(6) What did the king do before going
to the hermit?
Ans.
Before going to the hermit the king put on simple clothes and he left his
bodyguards behind.
(7) When the king approached him what
was the hermit doing? Did he stop doing his work?
Ans.
When the king approached the hermit, he was digging the ground. No, he did not
stop his work.
(8) What did the king do seeing that
the hermit was tired?
Ans.
The king helped the hermit by digging the ground himself.
(9) How did the king help the wounded
man?
Ans.
The king washed his wound and covered it with his handkerchief. He kept on
dressing it until the bleeding stopped completely.
(10)Why did the bearded man apologize
to the king?
Ans.
The bearded man asked the king to forgive him because he wanted to kill the
king. But the king has saved his life so he was grateful to him.
(11)How did the king treat his enemy after
he had apologized?
Ans.
The king forgave him and gave back his property. He sent his servants and
doctors to cure him.
(12)How did the hermit finally answer
the three questions asked by the king?
Ans.
The hermit explained that now is the most important time. The most important
man is he with whom you are. And the most important work is to do good to
others.
Essay - Type Question
(1) Sum up briefly in your own words
central idea of the story.
Ans.-In
this short story ‘Three Questions’, Leo Tolstoy explores the theme of wisdom, acceptance,
kindness and forgiveness. The story deals with three main ideas. The first question
is-’what is the right time to do anything?’ The present moment is the most important
time. It is the only time when we have the power to act. So the most important
time for the king was when he was digging the ground for the hermit. If the king
hadn’t decided to stay and help, he would have been killed by his enemy on his way
back. And if the wounded man had died, he would not have made peace with the king.
Therefore most important time is now. The second important question is-’ who are
the people that matter most?’ The most important person is he with whom you are.
In this story the hermit was the most important person first and the wounded man
later. If the king had neglected them, he would have suffered a lot. The third
main question of the story is –’what is the most important thing to do?’ The
most important thing is to be kind and good to others because we have been sent
in this world for the noble cause. Helping someone in need is like
serving
God.
Summary of the Lesson
‘Three
Questions’, is a story about a king who wanted to know the answers of three
questions to run his kingdom in proper way. The questions are -
(1)
What is the right time for every action?
(2)
Who are the people that matter most?
(3)
What is the most important thing to do?
The
king tried to know the solutions from his countrymen. Learned men from far and
near came to answer the three questions and get reward from the king. In reply
to the first question, some said that to know the right time for every action
one must draw up a table and must work according to it. Some suggested to
consult magicians, others said that council of wise men would help the king to
fix proper time. To the second question some said that king's advisors were the
most important people. Some declared that the priests were the most important.
Still others suggested for doctors and warriors. The king received different
answers for third question also. Some said that the most important thing in the
world was silence. Others said it was skill in warfare. There were other who
said that it was religious worship. No one could satisfy the king. The king
tried to know the solutions from his countrymen. But no one could give him
satisfactory answers. He disguised himself as a common man and left his
bodyguards behind at some distance. Then he went to a hermit to get answers of
these questions. When the king went to the hermit, he was digging the ground in
front of his hut. The king asked him answers of his three questions. The hermit
listened to him but gave no answer. He went on digging. The hermit was lean,
thin and weak. Due to hard work, he was breathing heavily. The king took the
spade from him and started digging the ground. The king continued his work till
sunset. He again requested the hermit to answer his questions. But the hermit
did not answer. Then there came bearded man. He was badly wounded. The king and
the hermit nursed that person. At sunset they carried him into the hut and laid
him on the bed. The king was so tired with walking and hard work, he laid down
and soon fell fast asleep. When the king woke up in the morning, the bearded
man begged the king to forgive him. He told the king that he was his enemy and
he was resolved to kill him. But the bodyguards of the king recognized him and
wounded him. But as the king has saved his life, he now wanted to serve the
king as the most faithful slave. The king was glad to make peace with his enemy.
Now the hermit told the king all the answers of his questions were within
himself. He explained that now is the most important time. The most important
man is he with whom you are. And the most important work is to do good to
others.
