Madam Rides the bus class 10 Chapter 11 English first Flight

Madam Rides the bus class 10 chapter 9 book first flight Explanation

Madam Rides the bus class 10 taken from NCERT Book English First Flight In this article all the topics are covered please read full information here.

Madam Rides the bus by

(Vallikkannan)

Madam Rides the bus class 10 Introduction

Vallikannan (1920-2006) is pseudonym of R.S Krishnasamy’s he is an Indian Tamil writer, journalist Critic, translator the lesson’ madam Rides the bus ” is about a brave eight year old who had a strong desire and along with it the courage to fulfill, it

Before you Read

In this sensitive story an eight-year old girl’s first bus journey into the world outside her village is also her indication into the mystery of life and death, she sees the gap between our knowing that there is death and our understanding of it,

Activity

look at the wards and phrase given below then put a tick against the ones you think you will find in the text,

2. you must have travelled by bus more than once what can you see from a fast-moving bus? given below are some suggestion speak briefly about some of these scenes or about other such scenes that you have seen” or write a sentence or two about them,

Rivers	Green fields	hills
roadside shops	market places	railway tracks
Moving trains	Vehicles on the road	trees
a crowd	clothes in shops	animal

Activity

Explanations

there was a girl named valliammai who was called valli for short she was eight years old and very curious about things her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house watching what was happening in the street outside there was no playmates of her own age on her street and this was about all the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences,

The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town, it passed through her street each hour once going to the town and once coming back the sight of the bus filled each time with a new set of passengers was a source of unending joy for valli day after day she watched the bus and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there she wanted to ride on that bus even if just once this wish became stronger and stronger until it was an overwhelming desire valli would stare wistfully at the people who got on or off the bus when it stopped at the street corner their faces would kindle in her longings,

Dreams and hopes if one of her friends happened to ride the bus and tired to describe the sights of the town of her valli would be too Jealous to listen and would shout in English proud! proud! Neither she nor her friends really understood the Meaning of the word but they used it often as a slang expression of disapproval

Over many days and months valli listened carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus and she also asked a few discreet questions here and there this way she picked up various small detail about the bus journey the town was six miles from her village the fare was thirty paise one way –which is almost nothing at all she heard one well -dressed man say but to valli who scarcely saw that much money,

From one month to the next it seemed a fortune the trip to the town took forty five minutes on Reaching town if she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise she could return home on the same bus this meant that she could take the one -o clock afternoon bus reach the town at one forty-five and be back home by about two forty -five one and on went her thoughts as she calculated and recalculated planned and replanned,

Madam Rides the bus class 10 Oral Comprehension Check

what was valli’s Favourite pastime?
what was a source of unending joy for valli? what was her strongest desire?
what did valli find out about the bus journey? how did she find out these details?
what do you think valli was planning to do?

II

well, one fine spring day the afternoon bus was just on the point of leaving the village and turning into the main highway when a small voice was heard shouting stop the bus! stop the bus and a tiny hand was raised commandingly , the bus slowed down to craw1, and the conductor said On really ! you don’t say go yes I simply have to go to town said valli, still standing outside the bus and here’s my money she showed him some coins

Okey” okey” but first you must get on the bus said the conductor and he stretched out a hand to help her up Never mind she said I can get on by myself you don’t have to help me ” the conductor was a jolly sort fond of joking Oh” please don’t be angry with me my fine madam he said here have a seat right up there in front Everybody move aside please -make way for madam it was the slack time of day and there were only six or seven passengers on the bus they were all looking at valli and laughing with the conductor valli was overcome with shyness avoiding everyone’s eyes she walked quickly to an empty seat and sat down,

may we start now madam? the conductor asked smiling then he blew his whistle twice, and the bus moved forward with a roar, it was a new bus its outside painted a gleaming white with some green stripes along the sides inside the overhead bars shone like sliver Directly in front of valli above the windshield there was a beautiful clock the seats were soft and luxurious Valli devoured everything with her eyes but when she started to look outside she found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the lower part of her window so she stood up on the seat and peered over the blind,

the bus was now going along the bank of a canal the road was very narrow on one side there was the canal and beyond it palm trees grassland distant Mountains and the blue blue, sky on the other side was a deep ditch and then acres and acres of green fields -green , green as far as the eye could see, Oh it was all so wonderful !

suddenly she was startled by a voice listen child said the voice “you shouldn’t stand like that sit down sitting down she looked to see who had spoken it was an elderly man who had honestly been concerned for her but she was annoyed by his attention ,

there’s nobody here who’s child she said haughtily I”ve, paid my thirty paise like everyone else” the conductor chimed in Oh sir but his this is a very grow-up madam do you think a mere girl could pay her own fare and travel to the city all alone?” Valli shot an angry glance at the conductor and said” I am not a madam please remember that and you “ve not yet given me my ticket ,

I”II remember “the conductor said mimicking her tone everyone laughed and gradually Valli too joined in the laughter the conductor punched a ticket and handed it to her” just sit back and make yourself comfortable why should you stand when you”ve paid for a seat?'” because I want to she” answered standing up again”

But if you stand on the seat you may fall and hurt yourself when the bus makes a sharp turn or hits a bump that’s why we want you to sit down child” I”m not a child Ib tell you”she said irritably I”m eight years old” of Course of course how stupid of me! Eight years–my !

The bus stopped some new passengers got on and the conductor got busy for a time Afraid of losing her seat Valli finally sat down An elderly woman came and sat beside her are, you all alone dear?” she asked Valli as the bus started again

Valli found the woman absolutely repulsive–such big holes she had in her ear lobes, and such ugly earnings in them! and she could smell the betel nut the woman was chewing and see the betel juice that was threatening to spill over her lips at any Moment Ugh!–who could be sociable with such a Person?

Yes” I”m Travelling alone she answered curtly and I”ve got a ticket too” yes she’s on her way to town said the Conductor with a thirty-paise ticket Oh why don’t you mind your own business ” said Valli but she laughed all the same and the Conductor laughed too But the old woman went on with her drivel is” it proper for such a young person t travel alone? Do you known exactly where you’re going In town ? what’s she street ? what’s the house number? You” needn’t bother about me I can take care of myself Valli said turning her face towards the window and staring out”

Madam Rides the bus class 10 Oral Comprehension Check

why does the conductor call Valli Madam
why does Valli stand up on the seat? what does she see now?
what does Valli tell the elderly mon when he calls her a child?
why don’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?

III

Her first journey —what careful painstaking elaborate plans she had to make for it! she had thriftily saved whatever stray coins came her way resisting every temptation to buy peppermints toys, balloons and the like and finally she had saved a total of sixty paise how difficult it had been particularly that day at the village fair, but she had resolutely stifled a strong desire to ride the merry go-round even though she had the money

After she had enough money saved her next problem was how to slip out of the house without her mother’s knowledge but she managed this without too much difficultly Every day after lunch her mother would nap from about one to four or so Valli always used these hours for her excursions as she stood looking from the doorway of her house

Or sometimes even ventured out into the village today these same hours could be used for her first Excursion outside the village the bus rolled on now cutting across a bare landscape now rushing through a tiny hamlet or past an old wayside shop sometimes the bus seemed on the point of gobbling up another vehicle that was coming towards them or a pedestrian crossing the road but lo! somehow it passed on

smoothly leaving all obstacles safely behind trees came running towards them but then stopped as the bus reached them and simply stood there helpless for a moment by the side of the road before rushing away in the other direction suddenly Valli clapped her hands with glee a young cow tail high in the air, was running very fast right in the middle of the road right in front of the bus the bus slowed to a crawl and the driver sounded his horn loudly again and again but the more he honked the more frightened the animal became and the faster it galloped –always right in front of the bus

Somehow this was very funny to Valli she laughed and laughed until there were tears in her eyes they lady, haven’t you laughed enough? called the conductor better save some for tomorrow at last the cow moved off the road and soon the bus came to a railroad crossing a speck of a train could be seen in the distance growing bigger and bigger as it drew near then it rushed past the shaking the bus then the bus went on and passed the train station from there it traversed a busy well-laid out shopping street and turning entered a wider thoroughfare such big bright -looking shops! what glittering displays of clothes and other Merchandise ! such big crowds !

Struck dump with wonder Valli gaped at everything then the bus stopped and everyone got off except Valli hey. lady ” said the conductor aren’t you ready to get off?” this is as far as your thirty paise takes you” No” Valli said I”m going back on this same bus” she took another thirty Paise from her pocket and handed the coins to the Conductor

why is something the matter? No nothing ‘s the matter I just felt like having a bus ride that’s all Don’t you want to have to have a look at the sights now that you’re here?” all by myself? Oh I”d be much too afraid Greatly amused by the girl’s way of speaking the conductor Said but you were ‘t afraid to come in the bus” Nothing to be afraid to about that she answered”

Well” then why not go to that stall over there and have something to Drink?” nothing to be afraid of about that either “Oh no I couldn’t do that well then let ,me bring you a cold drink No “I don’t have enough money just give me my ticket that’s all It”II be my treat and not cost you anything No”no she said firmly please no” the conductor shrugged and they waited Until it was time for the bus to began the return Journey again there were’t many passengers

Madam Rides the bus class 10 Oral Comprehension Check

How did Valli save up money for her first Journey ? was it easy for her?”
what did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
why didn’t Valli to go to the stall and have a drink ? what does this tell you about her?

won ‘t your mother be looking for you” the conductor asked when he gave the girl her ticket No”no one will be looking for me she said the bus started and again there were the same wonderful sights” Valli wasn’t bored in the slightest and greeted everything with the same excitement she’d felt the first time but suddenly she saw a young cow Lying dead by the roadside just where it had been struck by some fast moving vehicle ,

Isn’t that the same town?” shs asked the conductor the conductor nodded and she was overcome with sadness what had been a lovable beautiful creature just a little while ago had now suddenly lost it s charm and its life and looked so horrible so frightening as it lay there legs spreadeagled, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes blood all over”

the bus moved On the memory of the dead cow haunted her dampening her enthusiasm she no longer wanted to look out the window she sat thus glued to her seat until the bus reached her village at three forty she stood up and stretched herself then she turned to the conductor and said, Well, sir I hope to see you again ”

Okay Madam he answered her, smiling whenever you feel like a bus ride come and join us and don’t forget to bring your fare she laughed and jumped down from the bus then away she went running straight for home when she entered her house she found her mother awake and taking to one of Valli’s aunts the one from South street this aunt was a real Chatterbox never closing her mouth once she started taking ,

And where have you been ?” said her aunt when Valli came in she spoke very Casually not expecting a reply So valli just smiled and her mother and aunt went on with their conversation Yes you’re right her mother said” so many things in our midst and in the world outside how can we possibly know about everything ? and even when we do know about something we often can ‘t understand it breathed Valli”

what?” asked her mother what’s that you say” Oh said” Valli I was just agreeing without our knowledge just a chit of a girl she is said” her aunt and yet look how she spokes her nose into our conversation just as though she were a grow lady ” Valli smiled to herself she didn’t want them to understand her smile but then there wasn’t much chance of that was there?”

Madam Rides the bus class 10 Question and answers

Question:1 what was Valli’s Favourite pastime?

Answer” Valli’s Favourite pastime was to Gaze at the hustle and bustle of the street

Question:2 what was a source of unending joy for Valli? what was her strongest desire?

Answer” A valli enjoyed watching the bus and its new set of passengers every time it crossed the village it gave her a never ending joy her strongest desire was to travel in the bus and take a ride to the nearly town and back

Question:3 what did Valli fnd out about bus Journey ? how did she find out these details?

Answer” Valli found out that the town was six miles from the village and it cost thirty paise to travel one side it took forty five minutes to reach town and the same bus could bring you back as well Once she decided to travel by bus even it just once she started listening to her neighbhor’s conversation about their bus rides very carefully in the process she would herself ask some careful question here and there in order to enhance her knowledge about the Journey

Question” 4 what so you think Valli was planning to do?”

Answer” Valli was planning secretly to fulfill her desire of travelling by bus without her mother noticing

Question:5 why does the conductor call Valli madam?”

Answer” well prepared and proud Valli got annoyed if someone called her a child or treated her like one , On the other hand the bus conductor was of the joking sort and began addressing her madam” as she was grown enough bought her ticket and could take care of herself

Question:6 why does Valli stand up on the seat? what does she see now?”

Answer” Valli was short in height and thus when she tired looking out of the window the window blinds would come her way obstructing her outside view thus she decided to stand on her seat she saw that the bus was moving on a very narrow road it had a canal on one side beyond which palm tress mountains and blue sky could be seen On the other side there was a deep ditch followed by greenery as far as one could see,

Question:7 what does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?

Answer” On being advised by a concerned old man to sit down, Valli told him that she was not a child and she could take care of herself she told him that she was just as capable and responsible like other passengers as she paid the fare of thirty paise for the ticket

Question:8 why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?

Answer” Valli was already annoyed with how everyone was treating her like a child when that elderly woman came and showed concern about her it irritated her further moreover she has large holes in her earlobes with ugly earrings that Valli developed strong dislike for the lady was chewing betel nut and it’s juice could have spilled any moment automatically making her a less socially desirable person according to Valli

Question:9 how did Valli save up money for her first journey? was it easy for her?”

Answer” Undoubtedly she had put innumerable amount of effort in planning and saving for her first even bus journey it was a dream ride for her she resisted every temptation raging from peppermints toys balloons to merry go-round at the village fair after so many efforts she finally saved sixty paise No it was not easy for her,

Question:10 what did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?”

Answer” Valli saw a cow that was running along the road and came in front of the bus As, the driver honked it started running in front of the bus the more the driver blew the horn faster did it run but did not get out of the way this was funny for Valli and she kept on laughing till she had tears in her eyes

Madam Rides the bus class 10 MCQ Question and Answer

Question:1 What is the main theme of the story “Madam Rides the Bus”?

a) The importance of public transportation
b) The beauty of nature and simplicity
c) The struggles of rural life
d) The role of women in society
Answer: b) The beauty of nature and simplicity

Question:2 Why does the protagonist of the story decide to take a ride on the bus?

a) To meet her friend in the neighboring village
b) To escape from her daily routine
c) To enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills
d) To visit a relative in the city
Answer: c) To enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills

Question:3 What is the reaction of the other passengers on the bus when the protagonist expresses her desire to go back?

a) They laugh at her
b) They scold her for her foolishness
c) They offer to help her
d) They ignore her
Answer: a) They laugh at her

Question:4 What does the protagonist experience when she gets off the bus and walks alone?

a) Loneliness and fear
b) Excitement and adventure
c) A sense of accomplishment
d) Nothing unusual
Answer: a) Loneliness and fear

Question:5 Who helps the protagonist when she is unable to continue her journey alone?

a) A group of young men
b) A kind-hearted stranger
c) Her friend from the neighboring village
d) Her husband
Answer: b) A kind-hearted stranger

Question:6 What is the significance of the title “Madam Rides the Bus”?

a) It highlights the protagonist’s social status
b) It reflects the importance of public transportation
c) It emphasizes the protagonist’s courage and independence
d) It suggests the protagonist’s daily routine
Answer: c) It emphasizes the protagonist’s courage and independence

Question:7 Why does the protagonist’s decision to get off the bus surprise the other passengers?

a) They believe she is making a dangerous choice
b) They think she is being too adventurous
c) They consider her foolish for not completing the journey
d) They don’t understand her appreciation for nature
Answer: c) They consider her foolish for not completing the journey

Question:8 What does the story “Madam Rides the Bus” teach us about life and experiences?

a) Sometimes, we need to take risks and step out of our comfort zone.
b) Public transportation is the best way to explore the countryside.
c) Women should always rely on the help of others.
d) Adventures are more enjoyable when shared with friends.
Answer: a) Sometimes, we need to take risks and step out of our comfort zone

Conclusion

Madam Rides the bus class 10

In conclusion, “Madam Rides the Bus” is a story that beautifully captures the essence of finding joy and beauty in the simplicity of nature. The protagonist’s journey on the bus, her decision to step off and explore the hills on her own, and the kindness of a stranger all contribute to a narrative that emphasizes the importance of embracing adventure, independence, and the natural world’s profound beauty. The story encourages us to appreciate the simplicity of life and to be open to unexpected experiences along our journeys.

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