Welcome to “Bonku Babu’s Friend Workbook Ans: ICSE Treasure Chest (Evergreen),” where we dive into the enchanting world of the poem “Bonku Babu’s Friend,” featured in the ICSE English Literature Treasure Chest by Evergreen Publications. This post offers detailed solutions to the workbook questions, providing a thorough exploration of this engaging narrative.
In these pages, we dissect the essence of “Bonku Babu’s Friend,” unraveling the intricacies of its characters and themes through precise answers to multiple-choice and contextual questions. Delve into the heartwarming story of Bonku Babu, gaining insight into the character development and thematic elements that make this poem a beloved piece of literature.
Each question serves as a gateway to deeper analysis, encouraging readers to explore the poem’s subtle nuances and broader socio-cultural themes. Contextual questions offer an opportunity for a richer understanding of the text, prompting readers to engage critically with the narrative and its underlying messages.
Whether you’re preparing for ICSE English Literature exams or simply a literature enthusiast seeking to appreciate this charming poem, “ICSE Treasure Chest: Bonku Babu’s Friend Workbook Answers” provides valuable guidance and insight. Join us as we navigate through the layers of this literary gem, illuminating the path to a fuller understanding, one workbook solution at a time.
Table of Contents
Summary :
Bonku Babu, a Sheepish School Master:
Bonku Babu was a cowardly school teacher who taught geography and Bengali at Kankurgachhi village primary school. Though he was disrespectfully treated by the students, he did not get upset. Some students made cartoons on the blackboard, some others put glue on his chair; still others lit a chasing rocket and set it off behind him on Kali Puja nights, but Bonku Babu never lost his temper. Bonku Babu maintained his calm due to two reasons. He could not afford to lose his job and secondly, he loved teaching his handful of good students whom he loved. He often invited them to his house, offered them snacks and told them tales of foreign lands and exciting adventures. This filled him with a sense of pride as he was a good storyteller.
Visits to Sripati Majumdar’s House:
During the weekends Bonku Babu used to visit the lawyer Sripati Majumdar along with other regulars. But even here he was treated contemptuously and made the butt of ridicule. Nearly everyone here poked fun at Bonku Babu. One day when the topic of ghosts came up Bonku declared that he was not afraid of ghosts. This was enough to give a golden opportunity to others to play a prank on him. Later, as he was passing under a tree a tall, thin apparition leapt down and landed on his back. This ghost had smeared black ink all over itself. Bonku was not frightened though he was injured and his neck ached for three days. His new kurta was also torn. Such jokes were played on Bonku Babu still he did not stop visiting the lawyer’s house. He was afraid if he did not, Sripati Majumdar, an influential person, could harm him.
Conversation about Space:
On one particular day, Bonku Babu and his friends were talking of spaceships and space travel. It was in this context that Bonku Babu turned the topic to aliens. He asked them to suppose if someone from a different planet came there, what would happen. But the suggestion was turned down as Kankurgachhi was too insignificant a place for an alien to visit. Others present in the meeting too rediculed Bonku Babu who though conscious of the shortcomings of the others remained silent. He felt it very much. Pretending that he had some important work Bonku left the meeting.
Light in the Bamboo Grove:
When Bonku was halfway through he saw a strange light in the bamboo grove. A dull light shone on every branch but behind the pond, a strong pink light was also visible. Bonku heard a humming sound also. Curious to know what it was, he went ahead. He saw an object which looked like a big glass bowl turned upside down. From this a gentle pinkeless. The glass out. It seemed to Bonku that though the object was stil it was not lifeless. The glass mound was rising and falling as if breathinbi
Meeting with the Alien :
From this object a strange creature came out. His head was like a ball and his arms and legs were very thin. Except for the head the body was covered with a shiny pink outfit. He asked Bonku if they were on Earth. Bonku replied in the positive. He told Bonku that he was Ang from planet Craneus. He added that he was a far superior being than people on the earth. He was 833 years old and he knew 14000 languages. He showed Bonku an object like a small stone which could render the enemy powerless without causing him harm. Then with a tube like device he showed to Bonku the North Pole. Bonku saw there animals like bears and walrus. Then reading Bonku’s mind he showed him Brazil. Here Bonku saw piranhas, a dense forest and also a huge Anaconda larger than even a python.
And then told Bonku that his (Bonku’s) major fault was that he was very meek and mild. That is why he had not made much progress. He advised Bonku to always speak up against injustice. If anyone hurts or insults him without provocation, he must protest. It is wrong to take things quietly.
Within seconds Ang entered the spaceship and it vanished completely. Bonku was happy that he had this wonderful experience of meeting an Alien.
The next day was Sunday. Bonku went to Sripati’s house. He boldly declared that this was his last visit. Then one by one he mentioned the names of Sripati’s sycophants and showed them their proper place by pointing out their faults boldly and openly. Thus he insulted them and settled scores with them.
Workbook MCQs :
Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate options.
1. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between statement (1) and statement (2).
1. Bonku Babu was a timid fellow.
2. He did not protest against his constant bullying by others
(a) 1 is independent of 2.
(b) 1 is a contradiction of 2.
(c) 1 is an example of 2.
(d) 1 is the cause for 2.
Answer :- (d) 1 is the cause for 2.
2. “Consider his looks, not to mention his brains…. yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen !”
Which of the following words best describes the speaker’s tone?
(a) frustrated
(b) satirical
(c) ironic
(d) irritated
Answer :- (b) satirical
3. Choose the option that lists the sequence of events in the correct order.
1. One day Bonku Babu had a meeting with an Alien Ang.
2. Bonku Babu continued to be bullied by one and all because he never retaliated.
3. Bonku Babu went to Sripati Babu’s house and surprised everyone with his bold and sarcastic comments.
4. Ang advised him to stand up against any injustice.
(a) 2. 3. 4. 1
(b) 1, 2, 3, 4
(c) 2, 1, 4, 3
(d) 2, 1, 3, 4
Answer :- (c) 2, 1, 4, 3
4. Ang’s words of advice made Bonku Babu feel ……..
1. ambitious
2. bold
3. confident
4. frustrated
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
Answer :- (d) 2 and 3
5. ‘In the same instant, the cup fell from Ramkanai’s hand, shattering to pieces, and splattering hot tea on most of the others.
Which of the following statements, shows the reason for what Ramkanai did?
(a) Ramkanai forgot what he was doing.
(b) He lost his senses.
(c) He was so shocked by Bonku Babu’s behaviour that he lost self-control.
(d) He had a fit of epilepsy.
Answer :- (c) He was so shocked by Bonku Babu’s behaviour that he lost self-control.
6. Bonku Babu had been teaching geography and Bengali at a village school for the last ……..
(a) ten years
(b) two years
(c) twenty years
(d) twenty five years
Answer :- (d) twenty five years
7. Bonku enjoyed telling his students stories about ………
(a) life in Africa
(b) discovery of the North Pole
(c) the fish in Brazil that ate human flesh
(d) all of the above
Answer :- (d) all of the above
8. As Bonku was passing under a tamarind tree he was attacked by …….
(a) some dacoits
(b) a ghost
(c) men of Sripati Majumdar
(d) a ‘spook’
Answer :- (b) a ghost
9. The moving point of light seen by the residents of Kankurgachhi three months ago turned out to be ……..
(a) a shooting star
(b) a Russain satellite called Khotka
(c) a Chinese satellite
(d) an American spaceship
Answer :- (c) a Chinese satellite
10. Bonku Babu was the first person to spot the strange light but another got the credit for it. Who was that person?
(a) Sripati Majumdar
(b) Chandi Babu
(c) Nidhu Babu
(d) Ramkanai
Answer :- (d) Ramkanai
11. According to Sripati Babu if someone from a different planet came to earth, he would land in
(a) India
(b) some eastern country
(c) USA
(d) some western country
Answer :- (b) some eastern country
12. The object that Bonku saw behind the pond looked like a big
(a) satellite
(b) glass bowl turned upside down
(c) mountain
(d) a tomb
Answer :- (a) satellite
13. The eyes of the alien were
(a) round and bright yellow
(b) shining red
(c) small and lustreless
(d) all of the above
Answer :- (d) all of the above
14. The alien had landed on the Earth by mistake. Where was he supposed to go?
(a) Mars
(b) Jupiter
(c) Venus
(d) Pluto
Answer :- (c) Venus
15. The Alien named Ang had come down to earth from the planet
(a) Saturn
(b) Neptune
(c) Craneus
(d) Uranus
Answer :- (c) Craneus
16. The small object, which looked like a pebble, the object which Ang showed to Bonku could
(a) kill the enemy
(b) make Ang a millionaire
(c) make an enemy powerless
(d) make Bonku very powerful
Answer :- (c) make an enemy powerless
Comprehension Passages :
Passage – 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
It was not as if there was never any reason for him to lose his temper. For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught Geography and Bengali at the Kankurgacchi Village Primary School. Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students. Some drew his cartoon on the blackboard; others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a chasing rocket and set it off right behind him.
(I) What encouraged the students to tease Bonku Babu?
Answer :- Bonku Babu’s students used to tease and trouble him. Bonku Babu never lost his temper over this. It encouraged them to tease Bonku Babu. Bonku had never lost his temper.
(II) Which tradition continued among the students?
Answer :- The tradition of teasing Bonku Babu continued among the students even though the old batch of students was replaced by the new batch of students.
(III) The students teased Bonku Babu in different ways. What were they?
Answer :- Some students drew his cartoon on the blackboard; some others put glue on his chair, or they lit a chasing rocket and set it off behind Bonku Babu on the night of Kali Puja.
(IV) How did Bonku Babu sometimes lightly condemn the students?
Answer :- Normally Bonku Babu did not get upset by the pranks of students, but on certain occasions he condemned the students with the words. “Shame on you, boys!”
(V) What impression do you form of Bonku Babu?
Answer :- Bonku Babu was a sheepish fellow who never lost his temper. Although the students teased him yet he kept his temper under control.
Passage – 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Only the other day less than two months ago they were talking about ghosts. Usually, Bonku Babu kept his mouth shut. That day, for some unknown reason, he opened it and declared that he was not afraid of ghosts, that was all ! But it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to the others. On his way back home later that night, Bonku Babu was attacked by a ‘spook’. As he was passing under a tamarind tree, a tall, thin figure leapt down and landed on his back. As it happened this apparition had smeared black ink all over itself, possibly at the suggestion of someone at the meeting.
(I) What did Bonku Babu declare in the group?
Answer :- When the topic of ghosts came up Bonku Babu boldly declared that he was not afraid of ghosts.
(II) What offered a golden opportunity and to whom? What did they plan?
Answer :- Bonku’s declaration that he was not afraid of ghosts gave the regulars a golden opportunity to put his boldness to test. They planned to send one man disguised as a ghost to frighten Bonku Babu.
(III) Who do you think was the lean, thin figure that landed on Bonku’s back?
Answer :- The lean, thin figure that attacked Bonku and landed on his back was actually one of the friends of the regulars. He had smeared black ink over himself to give the impression of being an apparition. It was done to frighten Bonku.
(IV) Why could Bonku Babu not recognise the apparition?
Answer :- Bonku could not recognise the man who was pretending to be an apparition because he had smeared black ink all over his body and his face.
(V) How did this encounter with the ghost affect Bonku Babu?
Answer :- Bonku Babu was injured as a result of his encounter with the apparition that had landed on his back. His neck ached for three days. Moreover in this encounter Bonku’s new Kurta was torn. It also had black stains all over.
Passage – 3
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Even, so, Bonku Babu had to come to these meetings. If he didn’t, what would Sripati Babu think? Not only was he a very important man in the school committee and in the village, but he couldn’t do without Bonku Babu. who could provide amusement to all. On one particular day, the topic of conversation was space – in other words, they were talking about spaceships and space travel.
(I) Why was the presence of Bonku Babu important in the meetings at Sripati’s house?
Answer :- Dirty jokes were played on Bonku Babu by his students. Someone drew his cartoon on the blackboard; some other one put glue on his chair. In the house of Sripati Babu the regulars played jokes on him. One of them pretended to be a ghost to frighten Bonku.
(II) Bonku came even though he didn’t want to come. Why?
Answer :- Bonku Babu was afraid of Sripati Babu who was an influential lawyer. Bonku feared if he did not become Sripati’s friend this man would mind it. So his presence in the ‘meetings at Sripati’s house was important.
(III) Why was Bonku so afraid of Sripati Majumdar?
Answer :- Bonku was so much afraid of Sripati Majumdar because the latter was an important man in the school committee and in the village. Bonku could not afford to annoy him at any cost.
(IV) Sometimes Bonku tried to keep away from this group. Why?
Answer :- Bonku Babu tried to keep away from the group because all the regulars treated him disrespectfully. They humiliated him even without any provocation. This was too much for him. So he tried to stay away from the group.
Passage – 4
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Everyone agreed, with the sole exception of Bonku Babu. Chandi Babu decided to ake things a bit further. He nudged Nidhu Babu silently, pointed at Bonku Babu and Spoke innocently: “Why, I think Bonku is quite right. Isn’t it natural that aliens should want to come to a place where there’s a man like our Bonku bihari ? If they wanted to take away a human specimen, could they find anything better?”
(I) What had Sripati Babu said to which almost all agreed ?
Answer :- Sripati Babu had said that if someone from a different planet came, he would certainly not land on this god forsaken place. Aliens are quite sensible. If an alien comes to earth land he would land in some western country. All agreed to it.
(II) Who nudged Nidhu Babu? Why?
Answer :- Chandi Babu wanted to make Bonku a butt of ridicule. So he nudged Nidhu Babu and commented that the alien would certainly like to come to the place where there is a unique specimen like Bonku Babu. By nudging Nidhu Babu he got his silent support.
(III) When Chandi Babu says “I think Bonku is quite right’, does he mean it? In which tone does he speak?
Answer :- No, he does not mean it. He speaks in ironical tone. He means the opposite of what he says. He implies that no alien would come to a place where a man like Bonku lives.
(IV) For what would Bonku Babu be suitable according to Ram Kanai?
Answer :- According to Ram Karni Bonku would be a suitable creature for keeping in a museum or in a zoo. This comment is made to humiliate Bonku Babu.
(V) What impression do you form of the speakers participating in the discussion?
Answer :- The speakers participating in the discussion are mean fellows who have decided to target Bonku Babu with their humiliating remarks. They are taking undue advantage of simplicity and diffidence of Bonku Babu.
Passage – 5
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Bonku Babu did not reply, but wondered silently: if anyone were to actually look for a specimen, weren’t the others just as suitable? Look at Sripati Babu. His chin was so much like a camel’s. And that Bhairav Chakravarty, his eyes were like the eyes of a tortoise. Nidhu Babu looked like a rat, Ramkanai like a goat, and Chandi Babu like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up…!
Tears sprang to his eyes. Bonku Babu had come to the meeting hoping, for once, to enjoy himself. That was clearly not to be. He could not stay here any longer. He got up to his feet.
(I) Did Bonku Babu reply to the derogatory remarks of the regulars? Why?
Answer :- Bonku Babu did not reply to these remarks because he was by nature gentle, cowardly and diffident. He did not want to use such derogatory words for anyone though he felt that all of them had their shortcomings.
(II) What did Bonku think about Bhairav Chakravarty?
Answer :- Bonku thought that Bhairav Chakravarty’s eyes were like those of a tortoise. Bhairav was talking in such a tone that he himself deserved to be kept in a zoo.
(III) According to Bonku how could a zoo be filled up?
Answer :- Bonku thought that a zoo could be filled up by transporting all the specimens of Sripati Babu because they had looks like those of animals. Sripati’s chin looked like that of a camel; Bhairav’ eyes were like the eyes of a tortoise. Nidhu looked like a rat, Ramkarnilike a goat and Chandi looked like a fritter mouse.
(IV) Why had Bonku come to the meeting?
Answer :- Bonku had come to the meeting, hoping to enjoy himself in the company of Sripati Babu and his friends. He had certainly not expected this type of humiliating treatment from them. He felt pained.
(V) How did Bonku Babu feel?
Answer :- Ramkarni commented that it was a moonless night very auspicious for ghosts and spooks. The comment was made to remind all the persons what had happened earlier when Bonku was attacked by a spook. Bonku Babu felt upset and insulted.
Passage – 6
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another twenty yards, and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of the bamboo grove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink. A dull light shone on every branch and every leaf. Down below, the ground behind the pond was lit by a much stronger pink light. But it was not a for it was still. fire,
Bonku Babu kept moving.
(I) Which light is referred to in the second line?
Answer :- The light referred to in the second line is the light which Bonku saw in the middle of the bamboo grove. Near a small pond, a large area was glowing with pink light. The light was coming from an object which looked like a glass bowl turned upside down.
(II) Why did Bonku think that a fire had broken out?
Answer :- Bonku saw a dull light shining on every branch and every leaf. Down below, the area behind the pond was lit by a much stronger light. Bonku thought that fire had broken out but he was wrong as the light was still.
(III) How did the ground behind the pond look?
Answer :- The ground behind the pond was lit by a very strong pink light. It appeared that fire had broken out there. But it was not fire, it was the light coming from an object which looked like a big glass bowl turned upside down.
(IV) What could be seen in the middle of the bamboo grove? How did it impact every branch and every leaf?
Answer :- There was alight which could be seen in the bamboo grove. All the leaves and branches were shining. They were glowing pink because of the light.
(V) What effect did the noise have on Bonku Babu? Why did he move forward?
Answer :- Bonku Babu moved forward due to his curiosity to have a better look at the object. But suddenly he felt as if an electric current had passed through his body. He was rendered completely immobile.
Passage – 7
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Through that door emerged a head-like a plain, smooth ball and then the body of a weird creature. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin. With the exception of its head, its whole body was covered by a shiny, pink outfit. Instead of ears, it had tiny holes on each side of its head. On the face were two holes where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth. There was no sign of hair anywhere. Its eyes were round and bright yellow. They appeared to be glowing in the dark.
(I) Who came out of the strange object?
Answer :- An alien came out of that strange object. First his head looking like a smooth ball, came out. Then came out the body of the alien.
(II) How did that creature look?
Answer :- The alien appeared to be a weird creature. His arms and legs were surprisingly thin. Except his head, his body was covered with shiny, pink outfit.
(III) What did it have instead of ears?
Answer :- Instead of ears, the alien had tiny holes on each side of his head.
(IV) Describe the face of the ‘person’.
Answer :- On the face of the alien there were two holes, where there should have been a nose. He had a gaping hole instead of a mouth. His eyes were round and bright yellow. They seemed to be glowing in the dark.
(V) What did the strange creature do after coming out of that object?
Answer :- After coming out of the object, the alien spoke to Bonku in a strange language. Bonku could not understand what the strange creature had said and what it meant. The alien, observing that Bonku had not understood him, spoke in English. He asked Bonku who he was.
Passage – 8
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Bonku Babu did not know what to say. He was feeling quite uncomfortable, for the creature had reached out and was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs with its long, bony fingers. When it finished, it introduced itself. “I am Ang, from the planet Craneus. A far superior being than man.
“What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and weird face, was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. “There’s no need to be so sceptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?”
Bonku Babu scratched his head. “Bengali, English and… er… Hindi… a little Hindi… I mean…”
(I) What made Bonku Babu feel uncomfortable?
Answer :- The strange creature came forward and examined Bonku Babu’s arms and legs with its long bony fingers. It made Bonku Babu feel uncomfortable.
(II) What did the creature tell Bonku about himself?
Answer :- The strange creature told Bonku that he was Ang from the planet Crancous. He added that he was a far superior being than humans.
(III) How did Bonku react when the creature told him that he was superior than man?
Answer :- Bonku was wonder struck when the creature said that he was a more superior being. Bonku wondered that he was only four feet tall and had thin limbs and weird face, still he claimed that he was superior to humans.
(IV) How did the strange creature introduce himself to Bonku Babu?
Answer :- The strange creature introduced himself by telling his name i.e. Ang and that he had come from the planet craneous. Ang also told Bonku Babu that he was much superior than human beings.
(V) How many languages did the creature know? What more did he tell about himself?
Answer :- The strange creature i.e., the alien knew 14000 languages. There was no language in the solar system which he did not know. Moreover he told Bonku that he was 833 years old.
