Welcome to “Home Coming Workbook Solution: ICSE Treasure Chest,” where we delve into the captivating narrative of ICSE English Literature Treasure Chest. Within these pages, we meticulously unravel the essence of “Home Coming” through comprehensive workbook solutions. This post offers comprehensive answers to multiple-choice and contextual questions, deepening your understanding of this timeless tale. Meet the characters 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, “Home Coming 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 :
Phatik, the protagonist of the story and a mischievous boy, thought of a plan to roll away a heavy log, lying on the mud-flat of a river, from its place. All his friends agreed to his proposal. But Makhan his younger brother walked in and sat on the log. Phatik and his friends rolled the log over and Makhan fell off. This caused Makhan to hit Phatik. But, Phatik did not retaliate. Makhan returned home and told his version of events. Phatik was blamed for hitting his brother. His mother, who was prejudiced against him believed Makhan’s version. This might be the reason why she was pleased to have Bishamber her brother, take Phatik to Calcutta. Phatik’s mother is unable to manage him. Something that is her fault and not Phatik’s who wanted her mother’s love, security and acceptance from his peers.
Phatik’s mother lacked the responsibility that was required to raise Phatik. She considered him to be wild though he was just an average fourteen year old boy who liked mischief. Bishamber’s wife was not much better when it came to rearing Phatik as he never felt like he was a member of his uncle’s family. Although she was his aunt and Phatik showed his best behaviour he was not loved by his aunt.
Phatik’s school days were miserable for him. If he was not being beaten by the teachers, he was beaten by some of the other students. Phatik felt isolated. When he lived in the village Phatik was the ring leader of his band of companions. But in his school in Calcutta, rather than being a leader he had become a victim. Even Phatik’s cousins did not help him because they were afraid that they might get isolated by the bullies in the school. He gathered courage and asked his uncle when would he be able to go home. “Wait for the holidays” was his uncle’s reply. Phatik knew that it would be a long wait. How much he missed the village is noticeable by the fact that he attempted to walk home to the village but got drenched in the rain.
The end of the story was interesting as it became clear to the reader that Phatik due to his illness was disoriented. When he saws his mother he believed that the holidays had come. Yet those in the room knew that Phatik was seriously ill and was about to die.
Workbook MCQs :
1. Phatik was the ____ among the boys of the village.
(a) youngest
(b) ringleader
(c) oldest
(d) smartest
Answer: (b) ringleader
2. Why was Phatik frightened after Makhan beat him up?
(a) He will not be allowed to play near the river bank
(b) His mother would believe Makhan’s version of the incident
(c) He would be sent to Calcutta
(d) He would lose his position of a leader.
Answer: (b) His mother would believe Makhan’s version of the incident
3. Which characteristic trait of Bishamber’s personality is revealed by his act of taking Phatik with him to Calcutta?
(a) Compassionate
(b) Selfish
(c) Egoist
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Compassionate
4. ‘Screaming Like the Furies’ means
(a) being happy
(b) being sad
(c) being extremely angry
(d) being excited.
Answer: (c) being extremely angry
5. Which figure of speech is used in the line “The servant was the master on this occasion”?
(a) Irony
(b) Alliteration
(c) Simile
(d) Metaphor
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
6. What did Phatik bequeath to his brother before going to Calcutta?
(a) His fishing rod
(b) His big kite
(c) His marbles
(d) All of the above
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
7. What is meant by ‘on pins and needles’?
(a) Being scared
(b) Getting hurt
(c) In a state of suspense
(d) Being happy
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
8. Phatik asked his uncle ___ when he opened his eyes.
(a) what was the time
(b) had the holidays come
(c) why his aunt didn’t like him
(d) what day it was
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
9. The theme of the story is.
(a) State of confusion
(b) Isolation
(c) Responsibility
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Workbook Questions :
Extract 1
But just as the fun was about to begin, Makhan, Phatik’s younger brother, sauntered up, and sat down on the log in front of them all without a word. The boys were puzzled for a moment. He was pushed, rather timidly, by one of the boys and told to get up but he remained quite unconcerned. He appeared like a young philosopher meditating on the futility of games. Phatik was furious. “Makhan,” he cried, “if you don’t get down this minute I’ll thrash you!”
(i) Who was Makhan? Where was he? What is meant by “sauntered up”?
Answer : Makhan was the younger brother of Phatik Chakravorti. He was sat on the heavy log lying on the mud-flat of the river, in front of the group. The phrase “sauntered up” means that Makhan approached or walked casually towards the group without any hurry or concern.
(iI) What was the ‘fun’ that was about to begin? What did Makhan do to spoil ‘the fun‘?
Answer : The “fun” that was about to begin was the boys’ plan to shift a heavy log lying on the mud-flat of the river. They wanted to roll the log away, and angering its owner for their own amusement. Makhan spoiled the fun by sauntering up and sitting down on the log, refusing to move despite being pushed by one of the boys. Makhan’s action disrupted the plan and puzzled the boys.
(iII) What did one of the boys do and why? How did Makhan react to it?
Answer : When Makhan spoiled the fun by sauntering up and sitting down on the log, one of the boys pushed him and told him to get up, as Makhan came in the way of their “fun”. Makhan remained quite unconcerned. He appeared like a young philosopher meditating on the futility of games.
(iV) Why was Phatik furious? What did he ask his band of companions to do after this extract?
Answer : Phatik was furious because Makhan’s indifferent and detached behavior disrupted the group’s unity and enjoyment, challenging Phatik’s authority as an older brother. After this extract, he gave the word of command to roll the log and Makhan over together.
(v) Did Phatik hit Makhan? Why? Which two characteristic traits of Phatik are revealed in this extract?
Answer : Phatik didn’t hit Makhan on the bank of the river. But, when Makhan told his mother he had hit him on the bank of the river, Phatik’s patience was exhausted. He rushed at Makhan and hammered him with blows in front of Mother.
Two characteristic traits of Phatik that are revealed are:
Impulsive and hot-tempered: Phatik’s impulsive nature is evident in his quick and instinctive reaction to Makhan’s false accusation.
Protective and fiercely loyal: Phatik’s reaction to Makhan’s false accusation demonstrates his loyalty and protectiveness toward his own reputation.
Extract 2
It was just at this critical juncture that the grey-haired stranger arrived. He asked what the matter was. Phatik looked sheepish and ashamed.
(i) What was the ‘critical juncture’? What had happened before ‘this critical juncture’?
Answer : ‘Critical juncture’ in the story refers to the moment when Phatik pushed her mother aside, as his mother was beating him with her hands for beating his younger brother, who had falsely accused Phatik of hitting him. At this critical juncture, the mother’s anger turns to surprise upon recognizing her brother, and she bows to the ground and touches his feet as a sign of respect.
(iI) Who was the grey-haired stranger? Why did he come there?
Answer : A grey-haired, middle-aged stranger arrived at Phatik’s home. He was the brother of Phatik’s mother, Bishamber. He came there to meet her sister, as soon as he found out where she lives.
(iII) Why did Phatik feel ashamed on seeing the stranger?
Answer : Phatik felt ashamed upon seeing the stranger because he realized that his behavior was inappropriate and unjustified. The stranger arrived at a crucial moment when Phatik was engaging in a physical altercation with Makhan, and Phatik’s mother was attempting to intervene. Phatik’s aggressive actions showcased a lack of self-control.
(iV) How did Phatik react to the stranger’s offer when he reached home? Which characteristic trait of Phatik is revealed by his reaction?
Answer : Phatik’s uncle offered Phatik to go to Calcutta with him. Phatik reacted to the stranger’s offer with great joy and enthusiasm when he reached home. He was impatient to leave. His reaction revealed his eagerness and genuine desire to accept the opportunity to go to Calcutta with his uncle. His openness to change, and get a new experience is revealed by his reaction.
(v) State any two traits of the stranger’s personality in the story.
Answer : Two traits of the stranger’s personality are:
i) Concerned and helpful: The stranger, Phatik’s Uncle, shows concern for his sister and her children. He takes the initiative to visit them and offers to take Phatik under his care. He also takes care of Phatik when he falls ill.
iI) Observant and perceptive: When the stranger arrives at his sister’s house and sees Phatik sitting on the barge, he immediately senses that something is wrong. He observes the situation and realizes that Phatik is not being treated well in his aunt’s house. He pays attention to Phatik’s behavior and emotions, understanding his longing for his village and his deep love for his mother. This perception leads him to take the step of bringing Phatik back to his mother.
Extract 3
He was told by his sister that Phatik was a perpetual nuisance. He was lazy, disobedient, and wild. But Makhan was as good as gold, as quiet as a lamb, and very fond of reading, Bishamber kindly offered to take Phatik off his sister’s hands, and educate him with his own children in Calcutta.
(i) Who was ‘He’ referred to in the first line of the extract? What was Phatik’s mother’s complaint about him?
Answer : In the given extract, ‘he’ refers to Phatik. Pathik’s mother complained that he was a perpetual nuisance. He was lazy, disobedient, and wild. And when Phatik’s uncle offered Phatik to go to Calcutta with him, his mother got immense relief to get rid of Phatik.
(iI) How according to Phatik’s mother, was Makhan different in his behaviour from his brother?
Answer : According to Phatik’s mother Phatik was a perpetual nuisance. He was lazy, disobedient, and wild. But Makhan was as good as gold, as quiet as a lamb, and very fond of reading
(iII) What did Bishamber offer to do? Why?
Answer : Bishamber (uncle of Phatik) offers to take Phatik under his care and provide him with education and a better life in Calcutta. He offered this, as his sister was making complaints about Phatik’s behaviour, and so as to help his widowed sister and Phatik.
(iV) How welcome was Phatik in Bishamber’s family? What was its effect on Phatik?
Answer : Phatik was not very welcomed in Bishamber’s family. His aunt was by no means pleased with the unnecessary addition to her family. She treated him with indifference, and at times, even with hostility. Phatik’s presence in Bishamber’s family had a profound effect on him. He experienced a sense of displacement and loneliness in the unfamiliar environment. Phatik longed for the love and familiarity he had left behind in his village. He missed his mother and the companionship of his friends.
(v) How is the theme of abandonment hinted upon in the story?
Answer : The theme of abandonment is hinted upon in the story through Phatik’s departure from his village and his longing for home. He feels unwelcome in Bishamber’s family, which intensifies his sense of abandonment. The story explores the emotional impact of leaving behind familiar surroundings and loved ones, emphasizing the theme of abandonment.
Extract 4
The widowed mother readily agreed. When his uncle asked Phatik if he would like to go to Calcutta with him, his joy knew no bounds, and he said; “Oh, yes, uncle!” In a way that made it quite clear that he meant it. It was an immense relief to the mother to get rid of Phatik.
(i) Why did Phatik’s mother agree to send Phatik to Calcutta?
Answer : Phatik’s mother agreed to send Phatik to Calcutta because according to Phatik’s mother, Phatik was a perpetual nuisance. He was lazy, disobedient, and wild. Moreover, she was in daily fear that he would either drown Makhan some day in the river, or break his head in a fight, or run him into some danger or other.
(iI) Why was Phatik excited to go to Calcutta? Explain ‘that he meant it.
Answer : Phatik was excited to go to Calcutta because it represented a world beyond his small village, offering new opportunities and experiences. He saw Calcutta as a place of possibilities. The phrase “that he meant it” emphasizes Phatik’s genuine enthusiasm and determination. It suggests that his excitement was not merely fleeting or superficial, but a deeply held conviction to embark on a new journey and make something of himself in the bustling city.
(iII) Do you think Phatik’s mother’s decision to send Phatik to Calcutta was correct? Why?
Answer : Yes, Phatik’s mother’s decision to send him to Calcutta in “The Homecoming” can be considered correct due to better educational opportunities, discipline, exposure to a diverse environment, removal from negative influences, and improved future prospects. But at last, it proved to be wrong as Phatik tragically dies.
(iV) After seeing Phatik’s eagerness to go to Calcutta, how does his mother feel? Which characteristic trait of his mother is revealed through her feelings about Phatik at that moment?
Answer : After seeing Phatik’s eagerness to go to Calcutta, his mother feel somewhat distressed. The characteristic trait of Phatik’s mother that is revealed through her feelings at that moment is her maternal love and protective nature. Despite her concerns, her willingness to let him go reflects her selflessness and her desire to prioritize her son’s well-being and growth.
(v) How were Phatik’s hopes dashed on reaching his uncle’s house in Calcutta?
Answer : Upon reaching his uncle’s house in Calcutta, Phatik’s hopes are dashed in several ways. Phatik is not warmly received by his uncle’s family. Instead, he is treated as an unwelcome burden. Phatik’s uncle and aunt pay little attention to him and provide minimal care. He is left largely on his own, feeling neglected and isolated in an unfamiliar city.z
Extract 5
She was by no means pleased with this unnecessary addition to her family. She found her own three boys quite enough to manage without taking any one else. And to bring a village lad of fourteen into their midst was terribly upsetting. Bishamber should really have thought twice before committing such an indiscretion.
(i) Who is referred to as ‘She’ in the extract? What was the “unnecessary addition” to her family?
Answer : In the given extract, ‘She’ referred to the Phatik’s aunt. The “unnecessary addition” to her family was Phatik. When Phatik reached Calcutta to live with his uncle, his aunt was pleased, as she has already three boys, and she didn’t want one more to care about.
(iI) Why was Phatik’s aunt annoyed to see Phatik?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) Why was sending a village lad of fourteen to unknown people in an unknown place was terribly upsetting? Which theme is involved in Phatik’s mother’s decision?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) How correct was Bishamber in taking his nephew, Phatik to Calcutta?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) What were the consequences of taking him to Calcutta?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Extract 6
One day he summoned up all his courage, and asked his uncle: “Uncle, when can I go home?” His uncle answered; “Wait till the holidays come.” But the holidays would not come till November, and there was a long time still to wait.
(i) Who ‘summoned* up all his courage? Why did he want to go home?
Answer : Phatik summoned up all his courage. He wanted to go home because he felt overwhelmed by the unfamiliar and chaotic city life of Calcutta. Moreover, the cramped atmosphere of neglect in his aunt’s house oppressed him so much that he felt that he could hardly breathe. He missed the simplicity and familiarity of his village, where he had a sense of belonging.
(iI) How did he feel when his uncle told him to wait till the holidays come? Why did his uncle not take him to his home immediately?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) Which characteristic traits of his uncle are revealed in the extract?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) Did he’ wait for the holidays to go home? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) Which theme is highlighted in the extract?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Extract 7
One day Phatik lost his lesson-book. Even with the help of books he had found it very difficult indeed to prepare his lesson. Now it was impossible. Day after day the teacher would cane him unmercifully. His condition became so abjectly miserable that even his cousins were ashamed to own him. They began to jeer and insult him more than the other boys. He went to his aunt at last, and told her that he had lost his book.
His aunt pursed her lips in contempt, and said: “You great clumsy, country lout. How can I afford, with all my family, to buy you new books five times a month?”
(i) Why was it difficult for Phatik to prepare his lesson even with the help of books?
Answer : It was difficult for Phatik to prepare his lesson even with the help of books because he was in an unfamiliar environment. Being away from his village and the support of his family, he lacked the comfort and familiarity that aided his concentration and focus. Additionally, the bustling atmosphere of Calcutta and the new experiences he encountered have been distracting and overwhelming for him.
(iI) What was Phatik’s image in the school? Did his teacher treat him according to the perception formed because of that image? Give a reason.
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) Why were Phatik’s cousins ashamed to own him? What was their fear in owning him?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) Why did Phatik go to his aunt for helping him to get a new lesson-book? How did his aunt react to it?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) How was Phatik’s aunt similar to his mother in her treatment of Phatik? Give reasons to justify your answer.
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
Extract 8
The fever rose very high, and all that night the boy was delirious. Bishamber brought in a doctor. Phatik opened his eyes flushed with fever, and looked up to the ceiling, and said vacantly: “Uncle, have the holidays come yet? May I go home?”
(i) How did Phatik become ill? Why did he want to go home so desperately?
Answer : Phatik became ill due to the mistreatment he endured at his aunt’s house, and also in his school, including caning and the loss of his lesson book. He desperately wanted to go home because he felt unloved and unwanted in his aunt’s house, longing for the warmth and comfort of his mother’s presence in the familiar village environment.
(iI) What is meant by delirious? Why was he delirious?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iII) Why did he ask his uncle whether the holidays have come? Did he get the ‘holidays’?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(iV) How are the *holidays’ related to the title of the story?
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
(v) What feelings do you have for Phatik at this juncture? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer : ( For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View )
