Class 10 English - CBSE
Prose: Two Stories about Flying
Two Stories about Flying in Class 10 CBSE English (First Flight) features two inspiring tales about overcoming fear and taking risks. Part I, His First Flight by Liam O'Flaherty, tells of a young seagull afraid to fly, who finally takes the plunge pushed by hunger. Part II, The Black Aeroplane by Frederick Forsyth, describes a pilot who miraculously escapes a storm with the help of a mysterious black aeroplane. For CBSE board exams, this chapter matters because it tests reading comprehension, thematic understanding of courage and confidence, and the ability to answer extract-based and long-answer questions effectively.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Fear as a Psychological Barrier
The young seagull's inability to fly stems entirely from fear rather than physical weakness, showing how mental blocks prevent us from achieving our goals.
Motherly Tough Love
The mother seagull uses psychological motivation by tempting her starving son with food, forcing him to take his first leap of faith.
Faith and Intuition in Crisis
In The Black Aeroplane, the pilot takes a risky decision to fly through the storm and shows blind faith when guided by an unknown pilot.
Mystery and the Supernatural Element
The appearance of the black aeroplane with no lights leaves a lingering mystery about whether it was a hallucination born out of extreme survival instinct.
Overcoming Obstacles
Both stories emphasize that success requires stepping out of one's comfort zone and facing the unknown with courage.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature board exam, this chapter typically carries 4 to 6 marks. Questions frequently appear as extract-based MCQs or short answer questions testing character motivation and thematic analysis, as well as occasional long-answer questions comparing the courage shown in both parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
He was afraid because it was his first attempt, and looking down at the vast, endless sea made him believe that his wings would never support him.
Who helped the pilot of the Dakota aeroplane in the storm?
A mysterious pilot flying a black aeroplane without lights helped guide him safely through the dark storm clouds.
What is the central theme of 'Two Stories about Flying'?
The central theme is overcoming fear, building self-confidence, and taking risks to achieve success in life.
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