Class 9 English - TAMILNADU
Supplementary: The Lost Child
Supplementary: The Lost Child by Mulk Raj Anand, prescribed for Class 9 Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi English, is a poignant tale about a small boy who visits a spring fair with his parents. Fascinated by the toys, balloons, sweets, and the snake charmer, the child gets separated from his parents in the crowd. Panic-stricken, he rejects all the things he wanted earlier when offered by a kind stranger, crying only for his mother and father. This chapter highlights the deep emotional bond between parents and children, teaching students that parental love is far more valuable than material possessions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Innocence of Childhood
The child is easily fascinated by the simple pleasures of the village fair, such as toys, balloons, and sweetmeats, reflecting pure childlike wonder.
Material Wealth vs. Parental Love
When lost, the child refuses expensive gifts, swings, and sweets offered by a stranger, proving that emotional security and parents are irreplaceable.
Theme of Separation and Panic
The sudden realization of being lost in a dense crowd shifts the mood of the story from festive joy to absolute terror and helplessness.
Compassion in Humanity
The kind man who tries to soothe the weeping child represents the inherent goodness and empathy present in society during times of distress.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Tamil Nadu (Samacheer Kalvi) Class 9 English board examinations, the Supplementary section typically carries around 10 to 15 marks. Questions from 'The Lost Child' commonly include paragraph-type questions, mind mapping, character sketches, and direct descriptive questions about the boy's experience at the fair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the child lose interest in the things he wanted earlier?
Once he was separated from his parents, panic overwhelmed him, and his only desire was to find them, making all toys and sweets meaningless.
What message does the story convey?
The story conveys that parents' love and security are far more precious than any material toys or worldly pleasures.
Who is the author of 'The Lost Child'?
The story is written by the renowned Indian author Mulk Raj Anand.
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