Class 8 English - BIHAR
Prose: Feathered Friend
Feathered Friend is an engaging prose piece from the Class 8 English curriculum of the Bihar Board, written by Arthur C. Clarke. The story is set aboard a space station and revolves around an unusual pet—a canary named Timmy—kept by the astronauts. It highlights a critical moment when Timmy's sensitive respiratory system acts as an early warning system against a dangerous leak of odorless carbon monoxide gas, saving the crew's lives. For board exams, this chapter matters because it tests students' comprehension of science fiction themes, vocabulary, and the ability to infer character actions and narrative sequencing.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Setting of the Story
The story takes place in a futuristic space station orbiting Earth, showcasing life in zero gravity and the unique challenges faced by astronauts.
The Unusual Pet (Timmy)
Timmy is a canary smuggled aboard the space station by an astronaut named Sven, serving as both a joyful companion and a lively distraction in the sterile environment.
The Crisis (Carbon Monoxide Leak)
A sudden malfunction causes a silent, odorless, and deadly leak of carbon monoxide gas inside the spacecraft, posing an immediate threat to the crew.
The Rescue by the Canary
Because birds are extremely sensitive to toxic gases, Timmy faints first, alerting the astronauts to the invisible danger just in time to save themselves.
Theme of Human-Animal Bond
The chapter emphasizes how animals can help humans in extreme environments and highlights the deep affection humans hold for their pets even in outer space.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar Board Class 8 English examinations, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions about the plot, vocabulary matching, reading comprehension extracts, and long-answer questions discussing the moral or central theme of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sven bring a canary into the space station?
Sven brought the canary, Timmy, to keep him company and bring a touch of Earth-like life and music into the quiet, mechanical space station.
How did Timmy save the lives of the astronauts?
Timmy fainted due to the toxic carbon monoxide gas leak before humans could notice it, warning the crew of the invisible danger in time.
Is 'Feathered Friend' a true story?
No, it is a work of science fiction written by the famous author Arthur C. Clarke, though it reflects realistic dangers of space travel.
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