Class 10 English - HARYANA
Prose: Two Stories about Flying
The chapter 'Two Stories about Flying' from the Class 10 English First Flight textbook for Haryana (BSEH) students features two inspiring narratives. Part I, 'His First Flight' by Liam O'Flaherty, tells the story of a young seagull overcoming his fear to make his first flight. Part II, 'The Black Aeroplane' by Frederick Forsyth, follows a pilot who risks his life flying through a storm and is mysteriously guided to safety. This chapter teaches crucial lessons about courage, self-belief, and overcoming psychological barriers, which are frequent themes in BSEH board exams.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Fear of the Unknown
The young seagull's terror of the vast sea represents the mental barriers and anxiety people face when trying something new for the first time.
Motivation and Parental Guidance
The mother seagull uses tough love—tempting her starving son with fish—to force him to take the leap, highlighting how encouragement and necessity drive success.
Faith and Risk-Taking
In 'The Black Aeroplane', the pilot decides to fly straight into a dangerous storm risking his life to reach home and have an English breakfast with his family.
Mystery and the Supernatural
The appearance of the mysterious black aeroplane without lights guiding the narrator through the dark storm adds an element of suspense and miracle.
Self-Reliance
Both stories emphasize that ultimately, individuals must take their own leap of faith and trust their inner strength to survive and succeed.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana (BSEH) Class 10 English Board Exam, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on the characters' feelings, long descriptive questions about the main themes, and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) testing comprehension and textual details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he believed that his wings would never support him and that the vast expanse of the sea beneath him was too deep and dangerous.
Who helped the pilot in the second story?
The pilot of another mysterious black aeroplane with no lights on its wings helped the narrator by guiding him safely through the dark, menacing storm clouds.
What is the central message of 'Two Stories about Flying'?
The central message is that fear is a state of mind, and true success comes to those who muster the courage to face challenges and take calculated risks.
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