THE RESOLVE
The Brave Little Parrot
Word Meaning
1. Storm
- heavy or strong wind
2. Flashed
- showed, sparkled
3. Sparks
- fire, flame
4. Terrified
- afraid
5. Flapping
- move up and down
6. Flung
(fling-flung-flung) - throw, cast, launch
7. Flew
(fly-flew-flown)
8. Darted
- ran fast, moved, quickly
9. Unbearable
- not able to bear
10. Leapt
(leap, leapt, leapt) - jump over, bound over
11. Maze -
puzzle, confusion
12. Clung
(cling-clung-clung) - hole on to something or someone
13. Tumbled
- fell
14. Ached -
pained
15. Floating
- above water, on the surface
16. Ivory -
element from tusk
17. Exclaimed
- shouted
18. Raging
- angry, violent
19. Fiercer
(fierce) - violent, wild, aggressive
20. Weep -
cry, sob
21. Scorched
- burned
22. Amazement
- surprised
23. Harmed
- affected, attacked
24. Looping
- encircle, bending
25. Miraculous
- surprising
A.3
Work in Pairs
a. Once, long ago, the Buddha was born as a
little parrot. What do you know about Buddha? Discuss with your partner.
Buddha was a courageous, brave and kind
little parrot who flew back to the burning forest with raging fire to save all
the animals. Buddha is also the founder of Buddhism, a religion that preaches
about generosity, kindness, patience and compassion.
b. What desperate idea did the parrot have?
Do you think he succeeded in helping the trapped animals?
While he was flying to the safety form the
burning forest, suddenly he thought of a desperate idea of ‘saving the animals’
came to him.
Yes, he succeeded in helping the trapped
animals. His act of bravery and kindness, changed the heart of a golden eagle,
a deva whose tears fell upon the burning forest and animals. Thus, the flames
died down.
A.4
From the text
Was it foolish or courageous of the little
parrot to continue flying through the smoke and flame? Give reasons.
It was a courageous act of the little
parrot to continue flying through the smoke and flames. The parrot risked his
own life to save the animals that were trapped in the burning forest. He
decided to save them all till his last breath.
What causes the forest fire?
In this story the storm with lightning
that fell upon the forest caused fire. Besides this, there are many causes of
forest fires. High temperature and dryness can also cause forest fires. Even
electrical sparkling can also cause forest fires.
What made the god help the little parrot?
The privileged god saw the carefree gods,
laughing and talking, while many animals cried out in pain and fear from the
flame. This made the god ashamed and he just wanted to be like the brave little
parrot who risked his own life to save the animals. The god was very impressed
by the brave act of the little parrot.
What do you think is the moral of the story
you just read?
The moral of the story is that a small
effort that we make, can make a big difference. We must never step back when it
comes to helping someone in need, specially when it costs us nothing. The story
also tells us that God helps those who help others.
A.12
Answer the following questions.
a. Do you think the parrot’s ‘desperate
idea’ was foolish? Why/Why not?
The parrot’s ‘desperate idea’ wasn’t
foolish. Despite being a bird, he decided to help the animals by pouring river
water using its wings. Although it was a small effort and would have taken much
strength and time to douse the fire, the little parrot was persistent in doing
the needful. Ultimately, his small step made a big difference.
b. Why does the parrot say I don’t need
advice. I just need someone to help?
The parrot had started to tire out by
going back and forth between the river and the forest to douse the fire. His
lungs had begun to ache, and his feet were scorched. In such a situation, the
parrot needed no advice but someone to help in saving the trapped animals.
c. Why was the rain ‘miraculous’? What are
some of the other miraculous things that happen in the story?
The rain poured by the god doused the
deadly fire and gave hope to the animals. It was miraculous because the
raindrops pushed forth new life with shoots, stems and leaves growing
magically. Green grass also pushed up from among the glowing cinders.
Another miraculous event in the story was
when new feathers of different colours grew on the parrot’s wings because of
the rain.
d. What would you do when you see people in
distress?
Helping others in their moment of distress
is a good deed. It does not matter if our efforts are big or small; they are
important enough to make a big difference for that person. I would lift their
spirits and empathise with people in difficult situations and try to find a
solution to their problems.
A.13
Answer in detail.
a. Even a small effort can make a big
difference. Explain the statement with reference to the story.
In life, it is the small things that
matter the most. A little smile from someone can have a healing power for
someone to deal with tough situations. While helping someone, it does not
matter whether our help is big or small. All that matters is our willingness
and dedication. The little parrot in the story felt concerned for the animals
that were trapped in the burning forest. He never gave up and his great
kindness even moved the god to melt his heart and to come down to help the
parrot.
b. Imagine that you are one of the animals
saved from the forest fire. Write a note of gratitude to the parrot for saving
all the animals.
Dear parrot,
Today was a very difficult and tough day. I had lost all hope to survive from the deadly fire. It was horrible to be trapped in the burning forest and this thought still frightens me. But now I am safe and it was all because of you. I want to thank you for your brave act today. If you were not there perhaps, I would not be relaxing at home now. Your efforts are priceless and I am truly grateful for that. Please let me know if you need anything. I would be happy to help you anytime.
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