Curious Case of a King

SLM English – Three Questions – The Quiet Life

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Self-Learning Material

Method I – English

Prose: Three Questions

Poem: The Quiet Life

Sanjay Daniel Aind

ID: 14162016

B.Ed. 2014-15

Navrachana University Vadodara


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Table of Content

I. About the Author

II. Introduction

III. Learning Objectives

IV. Instructions/Guidelines

Chapter 1. Prose – Three Questions

1. Three Question – Part I

2. Comprehension Self-check Exercises

3. Three Question – Part II


5. Answer Keys to Comprehension Self-check Exercises

Chapter 2. Poem – The Quiet Life

1. The Quiet Life

2. About the poet

3. Central Idea of the Poem

4. Understanding the Poem


6. Answer keys to Comprehension Self-check Exercises


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I. About the author

Sanjay Daniel Aind, the author of the self-learning material on English

subject for the students of 7th standard, is currently pursuing B.Ed. with

English and Social Science at Navrachana University Vadodara.

Presently he lives in Vadodara. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English

Literature from Gujarat University and Masters in Philosophy from

Madras University. He is on formation period for quite a few years,

including language studies, philosophical and spiritual studies, to be a

teacher and missionary, and desires to work for the upliftment of the

rural children in the missionary schools of Gujarat. He believes in

teamwork and prefers participative kind of leadership. He enjoys

reading and writing. He likes to spend his leisure time in drawing

cartoons and sketches, reading novels, listening to music, and spend

quality time with children of various age groups. In the years ahead he

looks forward to reading many books and magazines, writing often, and

developing his own interest and skill at writing.

He can be contacted through email [email protected] or blog

http://sanjugujju.blogspot.in/, or on his mobile: 8128362009.

mailto:[email protected]

http://sanjugujju.blogspot.in/


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II. Introduction:

Self-study or Self Learning Material is self-explanatory. Learners can

understand the content without external support. Such material is self-

contained. So, learners may not need any additional materials. It is self-

directed where in learners are given necessary guidance, hints, and

suggestions at each stage of learning. It is, in fact, a means of self-

motivation. Such materials are developed in order to arouse curiosity,

raise problems, relate to familiar situations, and make learning

meaningful. It is further self-evaluating which contains Short Answer

Questions, exercises, activities, unit-end questions, etc. for providing

feedback.

The present/following Self Learning Material consists of a prose titled

“Three Questions” and a poem titled “The Quiet Life”. The story is

based on the three questions which the king needs to find out the answer

for. The prose has been divided into two parts. At the end of each part

there is a section for self-check exercises. The second chapter consists

of a poem. It is followed by the central idea of the poem. At the end of

it there is a section for self-check exercises. The key answers are given

at the end of each chapter. This particular Self learning material has

been designed for those students/children who cannot have the access

to regular classroom/school. With the help of this learning material they

would benefit in terms of learning in the absence of any teacher or

assistance.


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III. Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this Self-Study Material:

1. Learners will be able to comprehend the story “Three

Questions”.

2. Learners will be able to develop the four basic skills of

listening, speaking, reading and writing in a well -developed

manner.

3. Leaners will be able to use English for day to day

communication in academic and social life.

4. Learners will be able to develop, nurture and enrich their

vocabulary in English language and literature.

5. Learners will be able to acquire a sound knowledge of

grammar and the ability to apply it in spoken and written

communication.

6. Learners will be able to equip themselves with the skills and

abilities required for learning on their own with a view to

promoting learner autonomy.

7. Learners will be able to inculcate in themselves the habit of

reading extensively and appreciating the literature in the

language.

8. Learners will be able to perceive opportunities to realize their

creative potential in English language and literature.


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IV. Instructions and Guidelines:

a. Students are supposed to read the following instructions

carefully.

b. Read the content (Prose and Poem) carefully and make note of

the important points, for example, the characters, dialogues,

new words, idioms and phrases, etc.

c. Read the self-check exercises given at the end of each section

carefully and answer them all in your own words.

d. Make efforts to relate the characters, incidences, values, etc. of

the story with the real life situation.

e. The three questions in the opening paragraph, though

philosophical in nature, may be of practical significance to

individuals in self-realization and value inculcation.

f. ‘Comprehension Check’ at the end of each section is a recall

of what students have read so far.

g. Illustrations are there not merely for decoration but mainly for

comprehension.

h. Questions under ‘Working with the Text’ to be answered

orally, later to be written in the copybook.

i. At the end of the lesson, draw attention to the three questions

in the context of the present day life.

j. Refer to the glossary given at the end of each section for the

difficult words.

k. Read the poem carefully and pay attention to the finer details

the way it is composed.

l. Make effort to comprehend the central idea of the poem and

analyze it critically in your own words.

m. Make effort to solve the self-check exercises given at the end

of the poem.

n. Refer to the glossary given at the end of the poem for difficult

words.


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Chapter 1: Prose – Three Questions

A king has three questions and he is seeking answers to them. What are

the questions? Does the king get what he wants?

Part I

he thought came to a certain king that he would never fail if he

knew three things. These three thing were: what is the right time

to begin something? Which people should he listen to? What is

the most important thing for him to do?

The king, therefore, sent messengers throughout his kingdom,

promising a large sum of money to anyone who would answer these

three questions.

Many wise men came to the king, but they all answered his questions

differently.

In reply to the first question, some said the king must prepare a

timetable, and then follow it strictly. Only in this way, they said, could

he do everything at its proper time. Others said that it was impossible

to decide in advance the right time for doing something. The king

should notice all that was going on, avoid foolish pleasures, and always

do whatever seemed necessary at that time. Yet others said that the king

needed a council of wise men who would help him act at the proper

time. This was because one man would find it impossible to decide

correctly, without help from others, the right time for every action.

But then others said that there were some things which could be urgent.

These things could not wait for the decision of the council. In order to

decide the right time for doing something, it is necessary to look into

T


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the future. And only magicians could do that. The king, therefore,

would have to go to magicians.

In their answers to the second question, some said that the people most

necessary to the king were his councilors; others said, the priests. A few

others chose the doctors. And yet others said that his soldiers were the

most necessary.

To the third question, some said science. Others chose fighting, and yet

others religious worship.

As the answers to his questions were so different, the king was not

satisfied and gave no reward. Instead, he decided to seek the advice of

a certain hermit, who was widely known for his wisdom.

The hermit lived in a wood which he never left. He saw no one but

simple people, and so the king put on ordinary clothes. Before he

reached the hermit’s hut the king left his horse with his bodyguard, and

went on alone.

As the king came near the hermit’s hut, he saw the hermit digging the

ground in front of his hut. He greeted the king and continued digging.

The hermit was old and weak, and as he worked, he breathed heavily.

The king went up to the hermit and said, “I have come to you, wise

hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the

right thing at the right time? Who are the people I need most? And what

affairs are the most important?”

The hermit listened to the king, but did not speak. He went on digging.

“You are tired,” said the king. “Let me take the spade and work in your

place.”

“Thanks,” said the hermit, giving the king his spade. Then he sat down

on the ground.


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When the king had dug

two beds, he stopped

and repeated his

questions. The hermit

gave no answer, but

stood up, stretching

out his hand for the

spade, and said, “Now

you rest, and let me

work.”

But the king did not give him the spade and continued to dig.

One hour passed, then another. The sun went down behind the trees,

and at last the king stuck the spade into the ground and said, “I came to

you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can give me no

answer, tell me so and I will return home.”

“Here comes someone running,” said the hermit.

Comprehension Check I

I. Choose the correct option from the given multiple choices:

1. Why did the king want to know answers to three questions?

a. He wanted to fail always

b. He wanted to win sometimes

c. So that he would never fail

d. So that he would always fail

2. Messengers were sent throughout the kingdom

a. to fetch wise men.

b. to find answers to the questions.

c. to look for the wise hermit.


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d. to announce a reward for those who could answer the

questions.

3. What did the king promise to offer if someone came back with

the answers to his questions?

a. Large sum of money

b. Large sum of gold

c. Large sum of silver

d. Large sum of diamond

4. Was king happy and satisfied when several people came up with

varieties of answers to his questions?

a. Completely happy

b. Partially happy

c. Not satisfied

d. None of the above

II. Answer the following questions in brief:

1. What were the three things or questions the king wanted the

answers for?

2. What was the answer for the first question given by many wise

men?

3. What was the answer for the second question given by many wise

men?

5. What was the answer for the third question given by many wise

men?

6. Why was the king not satisfied with the answers given by many

people?

7. What did the king do next? Whom did he send for the answer?

Whom did he go to meet?


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Part II

The king turned round and saw a bearded man running towards them.

His hands were pressed against his stomach, from which blood was

flowing. When he reached the king he fainted and fell to the ground.

The king and the hermit removed the man’s clothing and found a large

wound in his stomach. The king washed and covered it with his

handkerchief, but the blood would not stop flowing. The king re-

dressed the wound until at last the bleeding stopped.

The man felt better and asked for something to drink. The king brought

fresh water and gave

it to him. By this time

the sun had set and

the air was cool. The

king with the hermit’s

help carried the

wounded man into

the hut and laid him

on the bed. The man

closed his eyes and

lay quiet. The king,

tired by his walk and

the work he had done,

lay down on the floor and slept through the night. When he awoke, it

was several minutes before he could remember where he was or who

the strange bearded man lying on the bed was.

“Forgive me!” said the bearded man in a weak voice, when he saw that

the king was awake.

“I do not know you and have nothing to forgive you for,” said the king.

“You do not know me, but 1 know you. 1 am that enemy of yours who

swore revenge on you, because you put my brother to death and seized


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my property. I knew you had gone alone to see that hermit, and I made

up my mind to kill you on your way home. But the day passed and you

did not return. So I left my hiding-place, and I came upon your

bodyguard, who recognized me and wounded me. I escaped from him

but I should have died if you had not dressed my wounds. I wished to

kill you, and you have saved my life. Now, if I live, I will serve you as

your most faithful servant and will order my sons to do the same.

Forgive me!”

The king was very happy to have made peace with his enemy so easily,

and to have won him over as a friend. He not only forgave him but said

he would send his servants and his own doctor to look after him, and

he promised to give back the man his property.

Leaving the wounded man, the king went out of the hut and looked

round for the hermit. Before going away he wished once more to get

answers to his questions. The hermit was on his knees sowing seeds in

the beds that had been dug the day before. The king went up to the

hermit and said, “For the last time I beg you to answer my questions,

wise man.”

“You have already been answered!” said the hermit still bending down

to the ground and looking up at the king as he stood before him.

“How have I been answered? What do you mean?”

“Do you not see?” replied the hermit. “If you had not pitied my

weakness yesterday and had not dug these beds for me, you would have

gone away. Then that man would have attacked you and you would

have wished you had stayed with me. So the most important time was

when you were digging the beds. And I was the most important man,

and to do me good was your most important business. Afterwards,

when the man ran to us, the most important time was when you were

caring for him, because if you had not dressed his wounds he would

have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most


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important man, and what you did for him was your most important

business.

“Remember then, there is only one time that is important and that time

is ‘Now’. It is the most important time because it is the only time we

have any power to act.

“The most necessary person is the person you are with at a particular

moment, for no one knows what will happen in the future and whether

we will meet anyone else. The most important business is to do that

person good, because we were sent into this world for that purpose

alone.”

LEO TOLSTOY

(Retold)

Comprehension Check II

I. Complete the following sentences by adding the appropriate parts

of the sentences given in the following box.

1. Many wise men answered the king’s questions,

___________________________________________________

2. Someone suggested that there should be a council of wise men

___________________________________________________

3. Someone else suggested that the king should have a timetable

___________________________________________________

4. The king requested the hermit __________________________

5. The king washed and dressed the bearded man’s wound,

___________________________________________________


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Working with the Text

Answer the following questions:

1. Why was the king advised to go to magicians?

2. In answer to the second question, whose advice did the people say

would be important to the king?

3. What suggestions were made in answer to the third question?

4. Did the wise men win the reward? If not, why not?

5. How did the king and the hermit help the wounded man?

6. (i) Who was the bearded man?

(ii) Why did he ask for the king’s forgiveness?

7. The king forgave the bearded man. What did he do to show his

forgiveness?

8. What were the hermit’s answers to the three questions?

Note: Write each answer separately. Which answer do you like most,

and why?

Working with Language

1. Match items in List A with their meanings in List B.

Eg. fainted: lost consciousness

A B

(i) wounded got up from sleep

(ii) awoke give back

(iii) forgive small patches of ground for plants

(iv) faithful severely injured

• but the bleeding would not stop.

• to answer three questions.

• but their answers were so varied that the king was not satisfied.

• and follow it strictly.

• to help the king act at the right time.


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(v) pity pardon

(vi) beds loyal

(vii) return feel sorry for

Note: Use any three of the above words in sentences of your own. You

may change the form of the word.

2. Each of the following sentences has two blanks. Fill in the blanks

with appropriate forms of the word given in brackets.

Example: He has__________________ to help me. Do you think he

will remember his____________? (promise)

He has promised to help me. Do you think he will remember his

promise?

(i) The ______________ said that only fresh evidence would

make him change his ___________________. (judge)

(ii) I didn’t notice any serious ___________________ of opinion

among the debaters, although they ________________ from

one another over small points. (differ)

(iii) It’s a fairly simple question to ______________, but will you

accept my ________________ as final? (answer)

(iv) It isn’t ____________________ that _____________ should

always be the mother of invention. (necessary)

(v) Hermits are _______________ men. How they acquire their

____________________ no one can tell. (wise)

(vi) The committee has _________________ to make Jagdish

captain of the team. The ________________ is likely to please

everyone. (decide)

(vii) Asking for _______________ is as noble as willingness to

______________. (forgive)


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Speaking and Writing creatively

1. Imagine you are the king. Narrate the incident of your meeting the

hermit. Begin like this:

The wise men answered my questions, but I was not satisfied with

their answers. One day I decided to go and meet the hermit...

2. Imagine you are the hermit. Write briefly the incident of your meeting

the king. Begin like this:

One day I was digging in my garden. A man in ordinary clothes

came to see me. I knew it was the king...

Vocabulary:

Messenger: a person who carries a message or is employed to carry messages

Council: a group of people chosen to give advice or to make rules

Councilors: members of the council

Reward: a thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement

Hermit: a person who lives alone and leads a simple life

Wood/woods: a small forest

Spade: a tool with a sharp-edged, typically rectangular, metal blade and a long

handle, used for digging or cutting earth, sand, turf, etc.

Affairs: things; matters; business

Beds: small patches of ground for plants

Fainted: lost consciousness

Re-dressed: dressed again

Strange: unusual or surprising; difficult to understand or explain

Seized: took by force

Escaped: break free from confinement or control

Faithful: loyal and true

Find out…

Does an ostrich really stick its head in the sand to hide from an

enemy?


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Answer Keys:

Comprehension Check I

I. Choose the correct option.

1. c. So that he would never fail

2. a. to fetch wise men

3. a. Large sum of money

4. c. Not satisfied

Comprehension Check II

I. Complete the following sentence

1. but their answers were so varied that the king was not satisfied

2. to help the king act at the right time

3. and follow it strictly

4. to answer three questions

5. but the bleeding would not stop

Working with language:

1. Match the following:

(i) wounded: severely injured

(ii) awoke: got up from sleep

(iii) forgive: pardon

(iv) faithful: loyal

(v) pity: feel sorry for

(vi) beds: small patches of ground for plants

(vii) return: give back

2. Fill in the blanks:

(i) Judge, judgment

(ii) Difference, differ


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(iii) Answer, answer

(iv) Necessary, necessity

(v) Wise, wisdom

(vi) Decided, decision

(vii) Forgiveness, forgive


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Poetry Section: The Quiet Life

(How important are modern gadgets to you? Poet Alexander Pope lived long before mobile

phones, computers and televisions. His idea of a balanced life meant living simply off the fruits

of the land. Read his poem and see if such a life appeals to you.)

Happy the man, whose wish and care

A few paternal acres bound,

Content to breathe his native air

In his own ground.

Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,

Whose flocks supply him with attire;

Whose trees in summer yield him shade,

In winter fire.

Blest, who can unconern’dly find

Hours, days, and years slide soft away

In health of body, peace of mind,

Quiet by day,

Sound deep by night; study and ease

Together mix’d; sweet recreation,

And innocence, which most does please

With meditation.

Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;

Thus unlamented let me die;

Steal from the world, and not a stone

Tell where I lie.

Alexander Pope


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About the Poet:

Alexander Pope once said: “The proper study of mankind is man”. To

him belongs the greatest number of quotations in the English language.

Man was the fittest subject for his

poetry. In an imaginative treatment,

he illuminates the knowledge about

man in relation to individuals,

society and the Universe. Born a

catholic in the protestant England,

he was forbidden to live in London

Vocabulary:

Paternal: passed down by his father

Native air: familiar atmosphere like in one’s own hometown

Herd: a group of cattle or domestic animals of the same kind

Flock: a group of sheep, goats, or birds

Attire: clothing

Shade: shelter under the tree

Unconcern’dly: unconcernedly, indifferently, disinterestedly

Slide: move or pass smoothly

Mix’d: mixed, combined

Recreation: enjoyable pastimes

Meditation: deep thought

Unseen: not seen, hidden

Unknown: not known, far from recognition

Unlamented: not grieved over

Steal: take away, move somewhere quietly


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city and was liable for a double taxation. Besides, he was suffering from

a series of diseases. To combat these handicaps, he possessed more than

the courage of a lion. The Rape of the Lock, Essay on Man, Essay on

Criticism and The Temple of Fame are a few of his major poems. The

Quiet Life is an alternative title for the poem Ode on Solitude, which is

justified. In this poem Pope is describing the characteristics of a happy

life, which are satisfaction, self-sufficiency and piety.

Central Idea of the Poem:

The central idea of the poem is happiness amidst solitude. Contentment

or happiness is at the centre of life of human beings. The poet, through

various illustrations

of man’s daily life,

presents before the

reader his own life

style and the

ultimate desire of

leading a simple and

humble life and

depart quietly

without being

noticed or

recognized by

people.

Understanding the Poem:

Happy the man,………………………………………… in his own ground.

The happy man is satisfied with what he is having at present. He is not

interested in increasing his landed properties. His wish and care are

bound within the few acres of land given to him by his ancestors. He

also wishes not to go abroad to France or anywhere else to make money

or to enjoy, as others in his times did. He is content to breathe his native

air and live a simple and humble life in his own backyard. Thus

satisfaction is characteristic of a happy life.


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Whose herds with milk,……………………………………… in winter fire.

The happy man would be self-sufficient also. His herds would supply

him with milk and his flocks of black sheep with wool for his attire. He

would be earning his bread by cultivating his fields. And he would have

planted enough number of trees in his farmhouse which would yield

him a cool shade in the summer and enough firewood to burn in the

winter. Thus self-sufficiency is another characteristic of a happy life.

Blest, who can unconcern’dly……………………………… Quiet by day,

If somebody can watch without anxiety the passing of time, then he is

a blessed person indeed. Hours, days and years slide soft away as if a

sledge is sliding over the snow. Time progresses in a straight line and

no point in it will ever be repeated. The feelings and passions attached

to a particular moment can never be enjoyed anymore. Right actions of

the tiny moments constitutes what is happiness in life. Therefore the

happy man can unconcernedly observe the passing of time, in health of

body and peace of mind. It is the perfect attitude to Time. They still

remain healthy, happy and peaceful throughout the day.

Sound sleep by night;…………………………………… With meditation.

The nights of the happy man would be spent on sleeping sound. His

day time would be devoted to a recreation-like studying and some time

for leisure. It must be remembered here that not everyone are blessed

with successful book publishing and heavy royalties like the poet.

Study and ease together mixed is a sweet recreation indeed. A 30%

book reading, 10% life experience and the rest 60% travel makes

anyone’s life perfect. The happy man’s innocence, perfection and his

meditative traits makes him pleasing to the world. Thus piety, or

unchanging belief, also is characteristic of a happy life.

Thus let me live,…………………………………………… tell where I lie.

Like a truly happy man, the poet wishes to live unseen and unknown

and die unlamented. He wishes to withdraw quietly from this world and

urges not to mourn over his death. He pleads people that not a stone

should be placed over his grave to tell where he lies. Thus he refuses to


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allow any sort of unwanted glory and recognition on his existence. The

happy poet is here contemplating Solitude.

Comprehension Exercises

Choose the most suitable option:

1. What does a happy man wish and care?

a. A few paternal acres bound

b. A bank deposit

c. A loan

d. Neighbour’s land

2. What is the man content with?

a. Lot of property

b. Breathing his native air

c. Gold and silver

d. Company of neighbours

3. Where does the man get milk from?

a. Dairy at the town

b. Neighbour’s cow

c. His own herd of cows

d. Milkman

4. Where does the man get his bread from?

a. Neighbour’s kitchen

b. Municipality kitchen

c. Ration shop in the town

d. His own fields

5. What does the word ‘unconcern’dly’ mean in this poem?

a. The happy man does not care whether his animals and

fields prosper or not

b. The happy man is unconcerned about his health

c. The happy man has no worries or botheration about hours,

days or years because his simple life gives him all he

needs


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d. The happy man is unconcerned about making lots of

money

6. Why doesn’t the man want any stone to be placed on his grave?

a. Wants to be remembered by others

b. Wants to be lamented over

c. Wants an unlamented and unknown death

d. Wants to live longer

Answer in your own words:

1. Is this true of today’s young people? Explain your answer.

2. How are these provided for in the poet’s idea of a perfect life?

3. Do you find study hours relaxing?

4. What pressures do you face when you study in ways that the

poet does not mention here?

5. Which two words suggest a quiet life?

6. Which three consecutive words suggest that the poet does not

want an inscription on his grave?

7. Do you think that the lifestyle recommended by the poet is a

balanced one?

8. How could the modern farmer enrich his life by using

technology in his life and work?

Activity:

Agree with your teacher that you will not watch TV at home for a

certain number of days. Keep a diary of what you did instead and make

notes on how you felt during this time. Bring your diary notes to the

class at the end of this period and share your experience with the class.


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Answer Keys:

Comprehension Exercises

Choose the most suitable option:

1. a. a few paternal acres bound

2. b. breathing his native air

3. c. his own herd of cows

4. d. his own fields

5. c. The happy man has no worries or botheration about hours, days

or years because his simple life gives him all he needs

6. c. wants an unlamented and unknown death

***THE END***

Education

Curious Case of a King