Chapter 1: Three Questions … The Squirrel
Three Questions
Overview of the Story
“Three Questions” is a thought-provoking story by Leo Tolstoy that revolves around a king who seeks answers to three crucial questions to ensure he never fails in anything he undertakes. The story explores themes of wisdom, compassion, and the importance of living in the present moment.
The King’s Three Questions
The Questions
- First Question: What is the right time to begin something?
- Second Question: Who are the right people to listen to?
- Third Question: What is the most important thing to do?
The King’s Search for Answers
- Consulting Wise Men: The king seeks answers from wise men in his kingdom but receives conflicting advice.
- Visiting a Hermit: The king visits a hermit in search of the right answers.
The Answers to the Questions
The Right Time
Hermit’s Lesson: The right time to begin something is “now,” as it is the only moment we have control over.
The Right People
Hermit’s Lesson: The right people to listen to are those who are with you at the moment because they are the ones you can help and who can help you.
The Most Important Thing to Do
Hermit’s Lesson: The most important thing to do is to do good for the person you are with because that is the purpose of life.
Moral of the Story
Key Takeaways
- Living in the Present: Emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment.
- Compassion and Kindness: Highlights the significance of helping others and being compassionate.
- Wisdom and Understanding: Demonstrates that true wisdom comes from understanding and living by simple, yet profound, truths.
The Squirrel
Overview of the Poem
“The Squirrel” is a delightful poem by Mildred Bowers Armstrong that describes the playful and agile movements of a squirrel. The poem uses vivid imagery to capture the essence of the squirrel’s behavior and appearance.
Description of the Squirrel
Appearance
- Gray Coat: The squirrel has a gray coat that looks like it’s wearing a question mark for a tail.
- Tail: Its tail is bushy and curved.
Behavior
- Playful Movements: The squirrel is playful and agile, running up and down trees and stopping to nibble on nuts.
- Reaction to Humans: The squirrel “teases” and “hides” when a human comes too close.
Imagery and Language
Use of Imagery
- Visual Imagery: The poem uses visual imagery to create a vivid picture of the squirrel’s appearance and movements.
- Personification: The squirrel is personified, given playful and teasing characteristics.
Themes of the Poem
Key Themes
- Nature’s Beauty: Celebrates the beauty and playfulness of nature.
- Observation and Appreciation: Encourages readers to observe and appreciate the small wonders of the natural world.
Conclusion
Summary of the Chapter
“Three Questions” teaches valuable lessons about living in the present, being compassionate, and understanding true wisdom.
“The Squirrel” is a charming poem that captures the playful nature of a squirrel through vivid imagery and personification.
Additional Information
Key Terms and Concepts
- Wisdom: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
- Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
- Imagery: Visually descriptive or figurative language used in literature.
Important Examples and Cases
- The Hermit’s Lesson: Demonstrates the practical application of the king’s three questions in everyday life.
- Squirrel’s Playfulness: Illustrates the use of imagery to depict the behavior of animals in poetry.
Notable Observations
- Philosophical Depth: “Three Questions” offers deep philosophical insights despite its simple narrative.
- Poetic Devices: “The Squirrel” effectively uses poetic devices to bring the subject to life.
FAQs
The story “Three Questions” was written by Leo Tolstoy.
The three questions were: What is the right time to begin something? Who are the right people to listen to? What is the most important thing to do?
The king believed that if he knew the answers to these questions, he would never fail in anything he undertook.
The king consulted wise men in his kingdom, but received conflicting advice.
The king visited a hermit living in the forest.
The right time to begin something is “now,” as it is the only moment we have control over.
The right people to listen to are those who are with you at the moment because they are the ones you can help and who can help you.
The most important thing to do is to do good for the person you are with because that is the purpose of life.
The moral of the story is to live in the present moment, be compassionate, and help others.
The poem “The Squirrel” was written by Mildred Bowers Armstrong.
The poem describes the playful and agile movements of a squirrel.
The squirrel’s coat is described as gray.
The squirrel’s tail looks like a question mark.
The squirrel “teases” and “hides” when a human comes too close.
The literary device used is a simile, comparing the tail to a question mark.
The themes include nature’s beauty and the observation and appreciation of the natural world.
The poem uses visual imagery to create a vivid picture of the squirrel’s appearance and movements.
The hermit’s answers emphasize the importance of living in the present, helping others, and making the best use of each moment.
The king decided to visit the hermit because he was known for his wisdom and simplicity.
The king learns that the most important time is now, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important thing to do is to help others.
The poem personifies the squirrel by giving it playful and teasing characteristics.
The main takeaway is that wisdom lies in understanding the importance of the present moment and being kind to others.
The poem uses imagery and personification to describe the squirrel.
The king’s quest for answers relates to real-life situations by highlighting the universal quest for wisdom and the importance of compassion and mindfulness.
The hermit’s actions teach the king that the answers to his questions are found through practical experiences and helping others.
Chapter 1:Three Questions … The Squirrel MCQs
1. Who wrote the story “Three Questions”?
2. What was the first question the king wanted an answer to?
3. How did the king initially try to find the answers to his questions?
4. Who did the king visit to find the answers to his questions?
5. What was the hermit’s answer to the question about the right time to begin something?
6. What lesson does the hermit teach the king about the most important thing to do?
7. Who wrote the poem “The Squirrel”?
8. How is the squirrel’s tail described in the poem?
9. What does the squirrel do when a human comes too close?
10. What literary device is used to describe the squirrel’s tail in the poem?
11. What is the main theme of the poem “The Squirrel”?
12. How does the poem “The Squirrel” use imagery?
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