Welcome to “Bonku Babu’s Friend Workbook Solution: ICSE Treasure Chest,” where we explore ICSE English Literature Treasure Chest Part 1’s captivating narrative. Within these pages, we unravel the essence of “Bonku Babu’s Friend” through meticulous workbook solutions. This post offers comprehensive answers to multiple-choice and contextual questions, deepening your understanding of the timeless tale. Meet Bonku Babu, the endearing protagonist, and delve into the nuances of character development and thematic exploration. Each question serves as a gateway to dissecting the text, urging readers to analyze subtle nuances and extract deeper meanings. Contextual inquiries broaden our canvas for exploration, encouraging critical engagement with socio-cultural backdrops and universal themes. Through this examination, readers sharpen analytical skills and develop a profound appreciation for literary craftsmanship. Whether a student navigating ICSE English Literature or an avid reader unraveling beloved stories, “Morning Star: Bonku Babu’s Friend Workbook Solutions” promises valuable companionship. Join us on this literary journey as we illuminate the path to understanding, one workbook solution at a time.
Table of Contents
Story Summary :
The story begins with Bonkubihari Dutta, commonly known as Bonku Babu, a school teacher in a primary school in Kankurgachhi village. He taught both Geography and Bengali. Everyone around him, be it his students or his associates enjoyed teasing him. But he was a calm, composed man who was never seen annoyed angry. He never got upset by his students’ act of teasing him. In fact, he enjoyed teaching and telling tales about adventures to a handful of good students. He was a good storyteller and always had his audience enthralled.
He spent his evenings in the company of Sripati Babu, Nidhu Babu, Ramnakai, Chandi Babu and other regulars who visited the meetings hosted by Sripati Babu. Nearly everyone poked fun at Bonku Babu, sometimes bringing his endurance almost to breaking point.
Once when Bonku Babu declared that he was not afraid of ghosts, it offered a golden opportunity to the others to make fun of him. 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, as suggested by someone at the meeting. Bonku Babu was not frightened. But he was injured. For three days, his neck hurt. Worst of all his new kurta was torn and it had black stains all over.
On one particular day the associates were talking about spaceships and space- travel. Bonku Babu noticed a strange light and on further discussion, people started making fun of him. They called him a specimen to be kept in a zoo or museum. Bonku Babu left the place quite disturbed. Thinking what would happen if creatures from other planets come to their village, he got up to leave soon. On the way, Bonku Babu noticed that things were different. A dull light shone on every branch and leaf. The pond was lit by a much stronger pink light. He kept moving and all at once, his ears began ringing. He broke out into goose pimples but his irrepressible curiosity drove him further forward.
He saw an object that looked like a giant glass bowl turned upside down which covered the pond completely. The strong yet gentle pink light was shining through this translucent shade. On moving forward, he discovered an alien.
Workbook MCQs :
1. Who among of the following was a good storyteller?
(a) Nidhu Babu.
(b) Bhairav Chakravarty.
(c) Bonku Babu
(d) Sripati Majumdar.
Answer: (c) Bonku Babu
2. Why does Bonku Babu say, “Shame on you boys!”?
(a) The boys teased Bonku Babu.
(b) The boys were fond of throwing stress to Bonku Babu.
(c) They abused him in the class.
(d) The boys insulted him in the class.
Answer: (a) The boys teased Bonku Babu.
3. Which of the following is correct about Bonku Babu?
(a) Bonku Babu was a prankster
(b) He was a storyteller.
(c) He was a bad tempered teacher
(d) He was a day-dreamer.
Answer: (b) He was a storyteller.
4. What is referred to as a “golden opportunity”?
(a) To scare Bonku Babu with a ‘spook’.
(b) To find a tamarind tree to hang a spook.
(c) To find spaceships in the village.
(d) To meet an alien.
Answer: (a) To scare Bonku Babu with a spook’.
5. Besides his injured neck what harm did the spook do to Bonku Babu?
(a) He was attacked by a “spook”.
(b) His new kurta was torn and black stains all over.
(c) He was forced to sing.
(d) His shoes were hidden.
Answer: (b) His new kurta was torn and black stains all over.
6. Why did Bonku Babu leave early that day?
(a) Everybody was hurling bitter remarks on him.
(b) He was in a hurry to correct the papers.
(c) He felt that it was not a congenial environment for him.
(d) He was very much shocked.
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
7. What was Ramkanai’s idea about “Saturday”?
(a) Saturday is week end.
(b) Saturday is inauspicious.
(c) Saturday is auspicious for ghosts and spooks.
(d) To avoid doing any good work on Saturday.
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
8. Why was the silence eerie according to Bonku Babu?
(a) There was absolute silence.
(b) It was evening time.
(c) The animals were asleep.
(d) There was no light only a dull light shone on every branch.
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
9. Why was Bonku Babu feeling uncomfortable with the alien?
(a) The creature was unusually tall and had a weird face.
(b) Bonku Babu was afraid of him.
(c) The strange creature was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs.
(d) He suspected the creature to be a ghost.
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
10. Why was Bonku Babu not able to move even an inch?
(a) Ang’s pebble like object had made him immobile.
(b) He was froze at the sight of the spaceship.
(c) He was afraid of ghost.
(d) He was puzzled at the sight of Ang.
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Workbook Questions :
Extract 1
For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi 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.
(i) What in the extract shows that the students were teasing Bonku Babu for a long time?
Answer :- The phrase “for the last twenty-two years” in the first sentence of the extract suggests that Bonku Babu has been teaching at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School for a long time. Additionally, the phrase “but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students” implies that the students have been teasing Bonku Babu consistently throughout his time at the school, old students replace by the new students but the teasing is going on traditionally. These all things from the extract show that the students were teasing Bonku Babu for a long time.
(iI) What form of teasing was used by his students?
Answer :- Despite of being an experienced and senior teacher at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School Students continuously tease him. 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.
(iII) How did Bonku Babu react to the teasing by the students?
Answer :- Bonku Babu did not get upset by the teasing of the students. He remained calm and only sometimes he said, “shame on you boys”. The tradition of teasing Bonku Babu continued among all the students. However, No one had ever seen Bonku Babu get angry, he could not afford to lose his temper and leave his job. Also, there were always a few good students in every class, which made teaching worthwhile for him. He invited those boys to his house, offered them snacks, and told them tales of foreign lands and exciting adventures.
(iV) According to the bank Babu, what made his life as a teacher worth living?
Answer :- According to Bonku Babu, what made his life as a teacher worth living was the presence of a handful of good students in every class, even if the rest of the class was full of pranksters. Teaching these good boys was rewarding for him. He often invited them to his house, offered them snacks, and told them tales of foreign lands and exciting adventures, which he believed was an enriching experience for both him and the students.
(v) Why did Banku Babu put up with the teasing?
Answer :- As a middle-aged man, he knew how difficult it would be for him to find another job if he left this. Therefore, he continued to put up with the teasing and maintained his calm. Additionally, he had few good students in every class, and teaching them was rewarding for him. He believed that sharing his knowledge and experiences with his students was enriching for both him and the students.
Extract 2
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 open it and declared that he was not afraid of the ghost that was all! but it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to others. On his way back home later, that night Banku Bhaiya was attacked by a spook.
(i) What made his associates arrange and attacked on Bonku babu by a spook? How is it shown in the story that the attack was arranged by associates?
Answer :- During an evening gathering hosted by Sripati Majumdar, Bonku Babu’s associates were discussing ghosts when he declared that he was not afraid of them, providing them with an opportunity to prank him. Later that night, as he was passing a tamarind tree, Bonku Babu was attacked by an apparition with black ink smeared on it, which suggests that the attack was premeditated and planned by one or more of the associates at the gathering.Â
(iI) Describe in your own words the attack by the spook.
Answer :- According to the story, after the evening gathering hosted by Sripati Majumdar, Banku Babu was walking home when he was attacked by a spook. The spook was described as a tall, thin figure that leapt down from a tamarind tree and landed on Banku Babu’s back. Banku Babu was not frightened, but he was injured, and his neck ached for three days. Furthermore, his new kurta was torn and had black stains all over it.
(iII) What happened to Bonku Babu as a result of the attack?
Answer :- As a result of the spook attack, Bonku Babu was physically injured and his new kurta was torn with black ink stains all over it. He also suffered from neck pain for three days. The attack not only caused him physical discomfort but also emotional distress as he was the target of a planned prank by his associates.
(iV) What was the favourable conditions for the spook to attack?Â
Answer :- The favourable condition for the spook to attack was when Bonku Babu was passing under a tamarind tree at night after attending an evening gathering where the topic of conversation was ghosts. Bonku Babu had declared that he was not afraid of ghosts, which gave the associates at the gathering a golden opportunity to prank him. this incident made a favorable condition for the spook to attack.
(v) Why did Bonku Babu attend a meeting despite the attack by the spook? If he were not to attend the meeting what would happen? what does it show about rural life in this area?
Answer :- Bonku Babu attended the meeting despite the attack by the spook because he didn’t want to offend Sripati Majumdar, who was an important figure in the village and the school committee. Moreover, he was aware that his absence would take away the only source of entertainment for the other members of the meeting. This highlights the importance of social etiquette, respect for elders and superiors, and maintaining social relationships in rural life.
Extract 3
That particular evening Bonku Babu was the first to spot the strange light. Then he call Nidhu Babu and showed it to him. However, when he arrived at the meeting, he found that Nidhu Babu has coolly claimed full credit for being a person to see it, and was boasting a great deal about it. Bonku Babu said nothing
(i) Why did Nidhu Babu say that he was the first person to spot the strange light? What does it say about his character?
Answer :- Nidhu Babu claimed credit for being the first person to spot the strange light because he wanted to appear knowledgeable and important in front of the group. It shows that he is a person who seeks attention and recognition. This says something about Nidhu Babu’s character, as he seems to be someone who wants to take credit for things he did not do. He is an opportunity seeker, boastful and seeks attention from others.
(iI)what does Bonku Babu’s silence show about his character?
Answer :- Bonku Babu’s silence in the situation where Nidhu Babu claimed credit for spotting the strange light, despite Bonku Babu being the actual first person to spot it, suggests that he is not confrontational and prefers to avoid conflicts. He is also humble and not interested in taking credit for his observations.Â
(iII) Later, why did they change the topic of satellites?
Answer :- They changed the topic of satellites because Chandi Babu expressed Doubt about the hype surrounding a point of light in the sky and dismissed it as “humbug”. This led to a discussion among the group about the value of satellites and their achievements. Nidhu Babu then redirected the conversation towards the topic of rockets, which was considered more meaningful and interesting than satellites by some members of the group.
(iV) What did Ramkanai say about human achievement?
Answer :- Ramkanai said, “Not us” but it is a human achievement surely. And a great achievement” Ramkanai recognizes and appreciates the achievement of launching a satellite into space. He believed that the discovery of a satellite in space is a significant accomplishment for humanity.
(v) What is the prospect of a rocket landing in the village? Why? What was Bonku Babu’s view on this?
Answer :- The prospect of a rocket landing in the village was discussed among a group of people, including  Bonku Babu, who believed it was unlikely to happen. Because rockets were not a common occurrence in their area, they also did not see any practical purpose or benefit for a rocket to land in their village. Bonku Babu remains silent, later he suggested the possibility of an alien visit.
Extract 4
“Consider his looks, not to mention his brains… yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!”
“Right. Suitable for keeping in a museum. Or a zoo,” Ramkanat chipped in.
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 tortoise. Nidhu Babau looks like a rat, Ramkhanai is like a goat and Chandi Babu is like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up…!
Tears sprang to his eyes.
(i) Why did he call Bonk Babu an ‘ideal specimen’ and for whom?
Answer: Chandi Babu called Bonku Babu an ‘ideal specimen’ for aliens as a sarcastic remark because he thought Bonku Babu was being ridiculous by suggesting that aliens would want to come to their village. He said Bonky was the best human specimen for aliens. Chandi Babu was not serious about it and was just making fun of Bonku Babu’s statement.
(iI) Why did he call him as “Bunkum”? what does it say about his perception of Bonku Babu?
Answer: Chandi Babu called Bonku Babu as “Bunkum” as a playful variation of his name. Referring to Bonku Babu as “Bunkum” suggests that Chandi Babu does not hold Bonku Babu in high regard and make funs of silent and innocent people. This derogatory nickname also indicates a lack of respect towards Bonku Babu.
(iII) Name three of his associates whom Bonku Babu says could be other specimens. what reasons does he gave for his choice?
Answer: Bonku Babu thinks that Sripati Babu, Bhairav Chakravarty, Ramkanai Chandi babu and Nidhu Babu could be other specimens. He gives reasons for his choices based on their physical appearance – Sripati Babu’s chin resembling a camel’s, Bhairav Chakravarty’s eyes resembling those of a tortoise, and Nidhu Babu resembling a rat. Ramkanai like a goat, Chandi babu like a flittermouse.
(iV) Why didn’t Bonku Babu wonder silently about his associates what would have happened if he had spoken?
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) How did Bonku Babu reply to each of his associates mentioned in the extract and the end of the story?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Extract 5
Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another 20 yards and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of Poncha Ghosh’s the bamboo groove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink. A dull light on every branch and every leaf. Down below the ground behind the pond was lit by much stronger, pink light.
(i) From where Bonku Babu was coming? Was he in a hurry that day?
Answer : Bonku Babu was coming from Sripati Babu’s house. Yes, he was in a hurry that day because he had spotted a strange light and wanted to investigate it.
(iI) Describe what Bonku Babu saw in front of him?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) What made Bonku Babu think that fire had broken out in the area? How did he react?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) Briefly describe the object that Bonku Babu saw?Â
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) Imagine yourself to be in Bonku Babu’s place. What would you have done? Why?
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Extract 6
“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 a 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?”
(i) Who was Ang? and describe his appearance according to the extract.
Answer: Ang is an alien who is a creature from the planet Craneus. He is described as barely four feet tall with thin limbs, a head like a plain, smooth ball its whole body covered by a shiny, pink outfit. His eyes were round and bright yellow, He had tiny holes on each side of his head instead of ears, two holes on his face where there should have been a nose, and another gaping hole instead of a mouth.
(II) Why does he say he is superior to human beings?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) what does Ang say about his knowledge of language?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) How does Bonku Babu react when Ang greeted him?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) Compare Ang and Bonku Babu.
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Extract 7
Bonku Babu peered through the glass and felt all his hair rise. Could this be true? Could he really believe eyes? Before him stretched and endless expanses of snow dotted with large Hill locks also covered with ice and snow. Above him, against a deep blue sky, all the colours of a rainbow were forming different patterns, changing every second. The Aurora Borealis what was that? An igloo. There was a group of polar bears wait, there was another animal, a strong, peculiar creature…
(i) What did Bonku Babu think he wanted to see?
Answer : Bonku babu thinks There was so much in Bengal itself that he had never had the chance to see;The snow-capped Himalayas, the seashore in Digha, the forests in the Sunderbans, or even that famous banyan tree in the Botanical Gardens of Shibpur. Bonku Babu admitted that there was so much he would like to see, but most of all, he would like to visit the North Pole because he came from a warm country and had never seen snow.
(iI) what was ‘the glass’ who gave it to Bonku Babu? Why?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) which was the strange peculiar creature?
Answer :( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) when Ang mentioned Brazil what was the first thought that come to Bonku Babu? What does it show about Banku Babu’s character?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) After watching through the tube for sometime, why could not Bonku Babu beer to watch anymore? what did and ask after Bonku Babu was it through the instrument?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Extract 8
Look, I have been observing you and I have examined your arms and legs you belong to a much inferior species. There is no doubt about that. However, as human beings go you are not too bad. I mean you are a good man but you have a major fault you a must to make and build. That is why you have have made so little progress in life. You must always speak up against injustice and protest. If anyone hurts or insult you without any provocation to take things quietly is wrong. Not just for Ma’am but for any creature anywhere anyway it was nice to have meet you all though. I wasn’t really supposed to be here at this time. There’s no point investing more time on your earth. I had better go.”
(i) According to Ang what was Bonku Babu measure fault? Why did Ang says that manga Bonku Babu made little progress in life?
Answer : According to Ang, Bonku Babu’s major fault was that he was too meek and mild. Ang believed that Bonku Babu needed to speak up against injustice and protest if anyone hurt or insulted him without any provocation. Ang said that taking things quietly was wrong not just for man, but for any creature anywhere. Ang believed that Bonku Babu’s meekness and mildness were the reasons why he had made little progress in life.
(iI) What did Ang advise Bonku Babu to do if anyone hurt him without any provocation?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) Why did Ang leave the planet in a hurry?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) State whether Ang really existed or was a literary device to show one’s selfconfidence.
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) How did Bonku Babu take Ang’s advise what was its result?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
