Class 10 English - WEST-BENGAL
Prose: Two Stories about Flying
The chapter 'Two Stories about Flying' in the Class 10 WBBSE English syllabus features two distinct narratives that explore themes of courage, overcoming fear, and taking risks. Part I, 'His First Flight' by Liam O'Flaherty, tells the inspiring story of a young seagull who overcomes his crippling fear of the vast sea to make his first flight. Part II, 'The Black Aeroplane' by Frederick Forsyth, follows a pilot who risks flying his Dakota airplane through a massive storm and is mysteriously guided to safety. For WBBSE board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, textual analysis, and character motivation.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Overcoming Fear
Both stories emphasize that fear is a mental barrier that can only be conquered by taking the first courageous step, whether it is jumping off a ledge or flying into a storm.
Motivation and Encouragement
In Part I, the young seagull's family plays a vital role by using tough love and the temptation of food to force him out of his comfort zone.
Mystery and the Supernatural
Part II introduces an element of suspense and mystery through the anonymous pilot in the black aeroplane who guides the narrator safely through the storm clouds without a working radar.
Risk-taking in Decision Making
The pilot in Part II takes a calculated risk by flying through the dangerous storm instead of turning back to Paris, driven by his strong desire to reach home for breakfast.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) Class 10 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 8 to 12 marks. Questions frequently include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Short Answer Type Questions (SAQs) testing specific details from the texts, and descriptive long answers focusing on character sketches (like the young seagull or the narrator) and thematic analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he believed his wings would never support him, and the vast expanse of the sea stretching down beneath him terrified him.
Who helped the pilot in the black aeroplane?
The identity of the pilot in the black aeroplane remains a mystery throughout the story, as he vanished into the storm and his plane had no lights on its wings.
What is the central message of 'Two Stories about Flying'?
The central message is that fear must be confronted with inner strength and courage, and taking bold risks is often necessary to achieve success and freedom.
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