Class 9 English - KERALA
Supplementary: The Lost Child
Supplementary: The Lost Child by Mulk Raj Anand tells the poignant story of a small boy who visits a village spring fair with his parents. Fascinated by the toys, balloons, sweets, and snake charmers along the way, he lags behind. However, when he eventually gets lost in the crowd and realizes he is separated from his parents, all the worldly attractions he desired moments before lose their appeal. This chapter highlights the deep emotional bond between a child and parents, teaching Kerala SCERT Class 9 students that parental love is far more precious than material possessions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Innocence of Childhood
The child represents pure innocence, easily attracted by simple joys like toys, balloons, and nature's beauty at the fair.
The Shift in Priorities
Before getting lost, the child wanted sweets and toys, but once separated, his only desire was to find his mother and father, showing that material things cannot replace security and love.
Parental Love and Care
Although the parents appear strict by refusing to buy him everything, their underlying protective care is what the child misses and yearns for desperately.
The Indifference of the Crowd
The chaotic crowd at the fair symbolizes the harsh reality of the world where people are too busy with their own lives to notice a crying, lost child.
Theme of Separation and Panic
The story captures the psychological terror and helplessness a child feels when separated from his primary caregivers in an unfamiliar place.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala (SCERT) Class 9 English examinations, this supplementary chapter usually carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include character sketches, paragraph questions based on the moral of the story, and short answers explaining why the child lost interest in the fair's attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the child lose interest in the things he wanted earlier?
Once he was lost and separated from his parents, panic set in, and his immediate need for security and comfort outweighed his desire for toys and sweets.
What was the first thing the child wanted when he entered the fair?
The child first wanted a toy from the toy-shop displayed on the way.
Who is the author of 'The Lost Child'?
The story is written by the renowned Indian English author Mulk Raj Anand.
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