Two Stories about Flying - Summary
Two Stories about Flying is an engaging tale about a young seagull who struggles with the fear of flying due to a lack of trust in its wings. Unlike its siblings, who soar confidently through the sky, this young bird hesitates to embrace its own ability to fly.
The first part of the story highlights how inner strength can help us face and overcome our fears, while the second part reminds us that we should never endanger others’ lives in pursuit of our own dreams.
For students in Class 10 or those preparing for examinations based on Class 10 English, the NCERT English First Flight Book serves as a valuable resource for study and practice.
Summary of Two Stories about Flying
The first part, titled ‘His First Flight’, is written by Liam O’Flaherty, while the second part, ‘The Black Aeroplane’, is authored by Frederick Forsyth. In the first section, readers meet the young seagull, who is terrified of taking its first flight. It fears that its wings won’t be strong enough to support it while flying.
The author beautifully narrates the journey of how this bird conquers its fear. The second part revolves around a student who is returning to England on a flight. It describes the unexpected events during his journey and a thrilling escape from danger, aided by a mysterious aeroplane.
Question and Answer for Two Stories about Flying
Question 1.
Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds timider than others? Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?
Answer:
The young seagull was scared to fly because it was experiencing its first flight. It’s common knowledge that trying something new can be difficult. Thus, all young birds likely feel afraid when they attempt to fly for the first time. Likewise, a human baby also faces challenges when learning to take its first steps.
Question 2.
“The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?
Answer:
The young seagull was very hungry, and it was this hunger that finally pushed it to fly. The sight of its mother tearing into a piece of fish intensified its hunger. The seagull cried out to her, asking for food. When its mother approached with food in her beak, it felt joy and anticipation. However, she paused, which made the seagull wonder why she didn’t come closer. Unable to ignore its hunger any longer, it dove towards the food. This instinctive action took precedence over its fear of the sea below, leading it to fly at last.
Question 3.
“They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?
Answer:
The young seagull was filled with fear at the thought of flying. Even witnessing its brothers and sisters soar through the sky, it lacked the courage to take that first leap. This is why its parents called out shrilly and scolded it. They threatened to leave it without food if it didn’t fly. Their intention was to help the young seagull overcome its fear and learn to soar high.
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