Class 9 English - BIHAR
Prose: The Little Girl
The Little Girl by Katherine Mansfield is a poignant prose piece prescribed for Class 9 Bihar Board (BSEB) students. It revolves around a young girl named Kezia who is terrified of her strict and imposing father. The story explores the complex parent-child relationship, showing how Kezia's perception of her father changes from fear to deep understanding and love after an incident where he comforts her during a nightmare. This chapter is significant for board exams as it tests reading comprehension, empathy, and the ability to analyze character evolution through direct textual questions and long-answer format.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Kezia's Fear and Anxiety
Kezia stutters and feels immense terror around her father because he is emotionally detached, strict, and never plays or talks warmly with her.
The Pin Cushion Incident
Kezia tries to make a surprise pin cushion for her father's birthday by tearing up important papers belonging to him, leading to harsh punishment.
Contrast Between Fathers
Kezia observes her neighbor, Mr. Macdonald (the 'Macdonalds'), playing playfully with his five children, which makes her realize that fathers can be affectionate and fun.
The Turning Point
When Kezia has a terrifying nightmare and wakes up alone, her father comes to her room, carries her to his bed, and makes her feel safe and warm, changing her perspective completely.
Theme of Parent-Child Empathy
The story emphasizes that children often misjudge strict parents, and adults may be hard-working and tired rather than genuinely unloving.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar Board (BSEB) Class 9 English examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include short-answer type questions focusing on why Kezia was afraid of her father, reference-to-context questions, and long-answer questions analyzing how Kezia's perception of her father transforms by the end of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
Kezia was afraid of her father because he spoke to her harshly, gave strict instructions, and lacked warmth, appearing to her as a giant-like figure who demanded perfection.
What did Kezia tear up to make a pin cushion?
Kezia unknowingly tore up important speech papers belonging to her father that he had prepared for the Port Authority.
How did Kezia's opinion about her father change at the end?
Her opinion changed when her father tenderly comforted her after a nightmare, realizing he worked hard all day and was just as lonely and exhausted as anyone else.
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