Chapter 5: The Monkey and the Crocodile
Introduction to the Story
Overview
“The Monkey and the Crocodile” is a story from the book “A Pact with the Sun,” which is part of the Class 6 Supplementary Reader in English. This story is a fable that highlights themes of friendship, trust, and cleverness. It narrates the tale of a monkey and a crocodile, their friendship, and the crocodile’s betrayal due to his wife’s greed.
Importance of the Story
The story underscores the value of intelligence and quick thinking. It also teaches lessons about trust and the potential consequences of betrayal. The fable format makes the moral lessons accessible and engaging for young readers.
Summary of the Story
The Plot
The story follows a clever monkey who lives on a fruit-laden tree by a river and befriends a crocodile. The crocodile’s wife desires the monkey’s heart, leading to a plan to betray the monkey. However, the monkey’s quick wit saves him from danger.
Characters
– The Monkey: Clever and resourceful, lives on a tree by the river.
– The Crocodile: Initially friendly but becomes a betrayer due to his wife’s greed.
– The Crocodile’s Wife: Greedy and manipulative, she desires the monkey’s heart.
Key Events
1. Friendship: The monkey and the crocodile become friends.
2. Betrayal: The crocodile’s wife demands the monkey’s heart.
3. The Plan: The crocodile invites the monkey for a ride, intending to kill him.
4. Escape: The monkey realizes the crocodile’s plan and escapes using his wit.
5. Conclusion: The monkey learns about trust and betrayal.
Moral of the Story
The Power of Intelligence
The story teaches that intelligence and quick thinking can help one escape from dangerous situations. It also highlights the importance of being cautious about whom to trust.
Vocabulary and Expressions
Key Vocabulary
– Fable: A short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral.
– Betrayal: The action of betraying one’s trust.
– Wit: The ability to think quickly and cleverly.
– Manipulative: Influencing or attempting to influence the behavior or emotions of others for one’s own purposes.
Important Expressions
– “Clever as a monkey”: Refers to someone who is very clever.
– “Trust no one blindly”: A caution against trusting people without discernment.
Activities and Exercises
Comprehension Questions
– Describe the initial relationship between the monkey and the crocodile.
– What does the crocodile’s wife desire?
– How does the monkey escape from the crocodile’s plan?
– What lesson does the monkey learn by the end of the story?
Vocabulary Practice
– Define the word “fable” and use it in a sentence.
– What is the opposite of “trust”?
– Find synonyms for the word “manipulative.”
Discussion Topics
– Discuss how the monkey’s intelligence saved him.
– Can you think of a real-life situation where quick thinking helped someone?
Summary
Key Points
– “The Monkey and the Crocodile” teaches about the value of wit and intelligence.
– The story also highlights the dangers of betrayal and the importance of trust.
– The moral lessons are conveyed through the engaging interactions between the monkey and the crocodile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common Questions About “The Monkey and the Crocodile”
– The main theme is the value of intelligence and the consequences of betrayal.
– The main characters are the monkey, the crocodile, and the crocodile’s wife.
– The monkey trusts the crocodile because of their friendly interactions and the rides across the river.
– The crocodile’s wife desires the monkey’s heart.
– The crocodile plans to take the monkey to his wife under the pretense of inviting him to dinner, intending to kill him for his heart.
– The crocodile reveals the plan when they are in the middle of the river, thinking the monkey cannot escape.
– The monkey tells the crocodile that he left his heart on the tree and convinces him to take him back to the tree to fetch it.
– The story teaches that one should be cautious about whom to trust and not be naive.
– The story suggests that intelligence and quick thinking are powerful tools for overcoming difficult situations.
– The monkey feels relieved and wiser about trust and friendship.
– The crocodile was influenced by his wife’s demands and his desire to please her.
– The crocodile’s wife symbolizes greed and manipulation.
– The river is significant as it is the setting where the crocodile can use his natural advantage to trap the monkey.
– Children can learn the importance of being clever and cautious in dealing with others.
– The story uses the monkey and crocodile to personify human traits and teach moral lessons through their interactions.
– The fruit tree is the monkey’s home and a place of safety, representing security and cleverness.
– The monkey is described as clever because he uses his wit to outsmart the crocodile and escape from danger.
– It means one should be cautious and not trust others without understanding their true intentions.
– The crocodile feels regret and realizes his mistake in betraying his friend.
– The monkey’s escape signifies the triumph of intelligence over deceit.
– The crocodile learns that betraying a friend for selfish reasons leads to loss and regret.
– The story illustrates quick thinking through the monkey’s immediate and clever response to the crocodile’s betrayal.
– The crocodile could have refused his wife’s demand and valued his friendship with the monkey.
– It is considered a fable because it uses animals with human traits to teach a moral lesson.
– The broader message is that wisdom and quick thinking can help overcome betrayal and that trust should be given carefully..
The Monkey and the Crocodile MCQs
1. Where did the monkey live?
2. What fruit did the monkey eat from the tree?
3. Why did the monkey and the crocodile become friends?
4. What did the crocodile’s wife desire?
5. How did the crocodile plan to capture the monkey?
6. What did the monkey do when he realized the crocodile’s plan?
7. How did the crocodile react when the monkey said he left his heart on the tree?
8. What lesson does the story of the monkey and the crocodile teach?
9. What did the monkey do once he reached the tree?
10. How did the crocodile feel after the monkey escaped?
Access detailed short notes for Chapter 5 of the Class 6 English NCERT book ‘Honeysuckle’ – ‘A Different Kind of School and Where Do All the Teachers Go?’ – perfect for CBSE students. Click here to read more.
