CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 5 Princess September Extra Question and Answer with CBSEJanta.com

Short Answer Questions with Answers

1. What was Princess September’s reaction to the death of her parrot, and how did her mother respond?Answer: Princess September was devastated by her parrot’s death, feeling deeply sad and lonely. Her mother, the Queen, was unsympathetic and only remarked that the tears would ruin her face.
2. Why did the King decide to name his daughters after the months of the year?Answer: The King found the traditional names too difficult to remember, so he named his daughters after the months to make it easier for himself.
3. How did the King of Siam’s daughters feel about their parrots, and what phrases did the parrots say?Answer: The daughters were content with their parrots, who repeated set phrases like “God save the King” and “Pretty Polly,” which entertained but did not inspire them.
4. What advice did the sisters give to Princess September about the bird? How did she respond initially?Answer: The sisters advised Princess September to cage the bird to prevent it from leaving. She initially followed their advice but later felt it was wrong.
5. Describe the difference in behavior between the parrots and the songbird. How did this difference affect Princess September?Answer: The parrots spoke monotonous phrases, while the songbird sang beautiful, original songs. This made Princess September feel more joyful and connected to the bird.
6. What was the “unfortunate remark” the bird made that upset Princess September?Answer: The bird jokingly said it might not return one day, which upset Princess September, as she feared it would leave her forever.
7. Why was Princess September worried when the bird took longer to return one day? What did she imagine had happened?Answer: Princess September worried that the bird was lost, hurt, or had decided to leave her forever. She was filled with anxiety at the thought of losing him.
8. What change did the bird undergo after being put in the cage? How did this affect Princess September’s decision?Answer: The bird stopped singing and became weak in the cage, which led Princess September to realize he needed freedom to be happy and healthy.
9. How did Princess September’s attitude change towards her bird over time? What did she ultimately realize?Answer: Princess September grew to understand the importance of the bird’s freedom. She realized that true love means letting go, so she released him.
10. What happened after Princess September released the bird from the cage? How did their relationship change afterward?Answer: After being freed, the bird returned every day to sing for Princess September, establishing a relationship based on mutual respect and freedom.

Long Answer Questions with Answers

1. How does Princess September’s relationship with the bird demonstrate her sense of empathy and understanding? Provide examples from the story.Answer: Princess September’s relationship with the bird shows her deep empathy and understanding of freedom. Unlike her sisters, who are content with caged parrots, she understands that her songbird needs to fly free. When she sees the bird unhappy in the cage, she realizes that love should not restrict freedom and ultimately releases it. Her actions reveal her maturity and compassion, which deepen her bond with the bird.
2. Describe the ways in which Princess September’s sisters try to influence her actions regarding the bird. How do their attitudes differ from Princess September’s?Answer: Princess September’s sisters suggest caging the bird to ensure it doesn’t leave her. They believe this is the only way to keep it around, showing a lack of empathy for the bird’s need for freedom. However, Princess September respects the bird’s freedom, even when she risks losing it. This contrast highlights her sisters’ selfishness and Princess September’s selflessness.
3. How does the story of “Princess September” highlight the theme of freedom? Explain with reference to the bird’s reaction to being caged.Answer: The theme of freedom is central to the story, particularly illustrated by the bird’s refusal to sing in captivity. When the bird is caged, it loses its spirit and health, symbolizing that freedom is essential to happiness and creativity. Princess September realizes that true love does not restrain, leading her to free the bird, which resumes its joyous singing.
4. What changes does Princess September undergo throughout the story? Discuss how her relationship with the bird shapes her character.Answer: Initially, Princess September is lonely and saddened by her parrot’s death. However, her relationship with the bird teaches her about the importance of freedom and selflessness. Through the story, she becomes wiser and more compassionate, showing courage to make the right choice even if it means losing the bird’s companionship.
5. Discuss the contrast between the parrots and the songbird in the story. What do they symbolize, and how does this affect the King and Queen’s perception of them?Answer: The parrots symbolize confinement and predictability, repeating the same phrases. The songbird, however, represents freedom and creativity, singing spontaneously and beautifully. While the King appreciates the bird’s uniqueness, the Queen and sisters prefer the parrots’ reliability. This contrast shows how different attitudes towards freedom and beauty impact the characters’ choices.
6. Explain how the advice from Princess September’s sisters impacts her decisions about the bird. How does she ultimately decide what is best?Answer: Princess September’s sisters urge her to cage the bird, arguing it will keep him safe. Initially, she heeds this advice out of fear of losing him. However, seeing the bird unhappy and weak, she understands the need for freedom. She realizes true companionship cannot be forced and releases the bird, prioritizing its happiness over her desires.
7. Analyze the role of the Maids of Honour in the story. How do they respond to Princess September’s grief, and what does this reveal about their characters?Answer: The Maids of Honour have a minor role but provide insight into the royal household’s dynamics. They show little sympathy for Princess September’s grief, quickly replacing her dead parrot with another. This lack of empathy contrasts with Princess September’s deep sensitivity and love for her songbird.
8. What was the reaction of the King and Queen to Princess September’s songbird? How did their attitudes contribute to the story’s outcome?Answer: The King appreciates the bird’s unique, melodious songs, while the Queen is indifferent, preferring predictable parrots. The King’s positive reaction boosts Princess September’s confidence in her songbird. The Queen’s disregard contrasts with September’s affection, underscoring the importance of individual choice and perspective.
9. Why was the King of Siam’s tradition of giving gifts on his birthday unique? Discuss how this trait of the King adds humor to the story.Answer: The King’s tradition of giving presents on his own birthday, instead of receiving them, is unique and adds humor. His choice of practical gifts, like parrots for all his daughters, also reflects a quirky nature. The humor lies in the unusual practice, which lightens the story and reveals his character.
10. Describe the symbolism of the bird in Princess September’s life. What does the bird represent, and how does freeing it reflect on her growth as a person?Answer: The bird symbolizes freedom, joy, and creativity. By freeing it, Princess September embraces the notion that love respects the other’s autonomy. Her decision reflects her growth from a dependent princess to a compassionate individual who values freedom and happiness over possession.

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