Class 9 English - CBSE
Prose: The Bond of Love
The Bond of Love by Kenneth Anderson is a touching story about the author's pet sloth bear, Bruno, whom he rescues and names 'Bruno'. The chapter explores the deep emotional attachment and love that can exist between humans and animals. It highlights Bruno's playful nature, his attachment to the author's wife, and the pain of separation when Bruno is sent away to a zoo for safety reasons, followed by their joyful reunion. For CBSE board exams, this chapter matters as it tests reading comprehension, emotional empathy, and the ability to analyze character relationships and themes of compassion toward animals.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Rescue and Adoption
The author rescues a baby sloth bear by chance in the sugarcane fields and gifts it to his wife, who lovingly names him Bruno.
Bruno's Playful and Mischievous Nature
Bruno grows up to be a friendly, intelligent pet who eats a varied diet, drinks milk from a bottle, and even drinks old motor oil out of mischief.
Accidents and Safety Hazards
Bruno consumes barium carbonate poison meant for rats and later old engine oil, showing how pets can accidentally harm themselves if not watched closely.
Separation and Grief
As Bruno grows larger, he is sent to the Mysore zoo for safety, where both Bruno and the author's wife experience deep sorrow and longing during the separation.
Emotional Reunion
After three months, the author's wife visits the zoo, and Bruno immediately recognizes her through his cage, displaying immense joy and love.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the CBSE Class 9 English Communicative or Language and Literature exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions testing plot details, reference to context (RTC) passages, and long-answer questions focusing on the theme of animal-human bonding, the character of the author's wife, or Bruno's mischievous nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bruno come to live with the author?
The author found the baby sloth bear in the sugarcane fields while shooting with his friends. When the mother bear was shot, the baby clung to her and was rescued by the author.
Why was Bruno sent away to the Mysore zoo?
Bruno grew quite large and heavy. Because he was a wild animal and it was becoming dangerous to keep him freely around the domestic household, the family reluctantly decided to send him to the zoo.
How did Bruno react when he saw the author's wife after three months?
Bruno recognized her immediately across the distance, stood on his head in delight, and wept with happiness when she petted him through the bars of his cage.
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