NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English (Poorvi) Unit 3: Chapter 8 - The Magic Brush of Dreams

Chapter 8, "The Magic Brush of Dreams," is a mesmerizing and culturally rich story in the NCERT Class 8 English textbook (Poorvi). Based on a classic folk tale, it follows the life of a poor but talented young artist named Ma Liang. The narrative explores the intersection of art, magic, and social justice, telling the story of how Ma Liang receives a magical paintbrush that brings whatever he draws to life.

This chapter serves as a profound lesson in ethics and the responsibility of power. It contrasts the selfless nature of the protagonist, who uses his gift to help the suffering, with the greed of powerful figures who wish to use the brush for personal gain. For Class 8 students, the story is a powerful reminder that talent is a gift that should be used for the greater good.

We provide comprehensive NCERT Solutions to help students analyse the story's structure, the symbolic meaning of the "magic brush," and the character arcs of Ma Liang and his adversaries. The latest NCERT syllabus perfectly aligns these solutions, offering clear, descriptive, and exam-ready answers.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Chapter 8 – The Magic Brush of Dreams: Free PDF

In Class 8 English - Chapter 8, "The Magic Brush of Dreams," students learn that true art is driven by compassion. Our NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English offer detailed summaries and solved exercises to help you excel. Download the free PDF below.

2.0Class 8 English Chapter 8 - The Magic Brush of Dreams: Brief Explanation

The story begins with Ma Liang, an orphan who dreams of painting but is too poor to buy a brush. His dedication is so great that he practices by drawing in the sand with sticks. One night, he is gifted a magical paintbrush by an old man in a dream. Ma Liang soon discovers that anything he paints—from a crane to a plow—comes to life.

However, news of the magic brush reaches a greedy landlord and eventually a powerful Emperor. They capture Ma Liang and demand that he paint mountains of gold and oceans of treasure. Using his wit and the magical properties of the brush, Ma Liang outsmarts the greedy rulers, ensuring that the magic remains a tool for the needy rather than a weapon for the wealthy.

Important Lessons from This Chapter

• Integrity and Virtue: Ma Liang never uses the brush for his own riches, showing that true greatness lies in selflessness.
• Perseverance: Before the magic arrived, Ma Liang’s hard work and practice laid the foundation for his skill.
• The Consequences of Greed: The downfall of the landlord and the Emperor serves as a warning against the insatiable desire for wealth.
• Art as a Social Tool: The story illustrates that art can be a powerful medium to bring joy and relief to the marginalized.

3.0NCERT Class 8 English Chapter 8 - The Magic Brush of Dreams: Detailed Solutions

Let us discuss

Adapted from a Folk Tale

1. Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the poem. The last one has been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
2. 1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers.
   2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him.
   3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand.
   4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her.
   5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison.
   6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape.
   7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers.
   8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men.
   9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor.
   10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers. (10)

Answer:

1. Gopi paints a bowl of khichdi, which becomes real and amazes the villagers. (9)
2. The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint treasures for him. (3)
3. Gopi is told to gather food but instead sits drawing pictures in the sand. (1)
4. Gopi returns to the village with the Zamindar and his men chasing her. (7)
5. The Zamindar throws Gopi into prison. (2)
6. Gopi paints a road and a horse to escape. (5)
7. Gopi uses the magic brush to paint useful items for the villagers. (6)
8. Gopi paints a wide river, stopping the Zamindar and his men. (4)
9. A man gives a magic brush to Gopi to paint only for the poor. (8)
10. Gopi scares the Zamindar away, and celebrates with the villagers. (10)
11. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box given below. triumphant and celebratory tension and suspense playful and innocent

The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflecting the different moods of the story. Initially, the tone is 1. as Gopi uses her imagination to draw in the sand, and later when the Zamindar enters the story, the tone shifts to one of 2. . In the final part of the poem, the tone becomes 3. as Gopi escapes, the Zamindar is defeated, and the villagers rejoice.

Answer:

1. playful and innocent
2. tension and suspense
3. triumphant and celebrator
4. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option from within the brackets.
5. 1. The poem mostly follows a simple rhyme scheme, , which adds a rhythmic flow. (ABCB, ABBA, ABAB)
   2. This poem belongs to the poetry genre, which tells a story through verse. (descriptive, narrative or ballad, free style)

Answer:

1. ABCB
2. narrative or ballad
3. Give examples from the poem for the following explanations.
4. 1. The poem is rich in imagery, creating clear pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, .
4. What is the effect of repetition in the line—‘On you, and you and you!’?

Answer:

1. “Gopi paints a mighty river wide, Its currents fast and deep.”

This line creates a vivid picture of a wide and fast-flowing river.

2. It emphasizes the threat and creates suspense and fear, showing the seriousness of

Gopi’s warning to the Zamindar and his men.

5. Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with what they symbolise in Column 2.

Answer:

6. Identify whether the following statement is true or false.

While Gopi uses the magic brush to help others, the Zamindar wants to use it for personal gain. This contrast drives the moral of the story.

Answer: True

Let us think and reflect

1. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
2. 1. But on a stone there sits a man, A brush is in his hand.

He looks around. He calls to Gopi. “Come here!” he whispers. “Hush! We mustn’t let the village know About this magic brush.”

He slips the brush into her hand And tells her to be sure,

“Paint not for the wealthy ones, But only for the poor.”

1. Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option from those given in the brackets.

The man is whispering and telling Gopi to keep the brush a secret reflects his

(careful and secretive/magical and delightful) nature.

Answer: careful and secretive

2. What is the significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopi’s hand?

Answer: It shows that. he trusts Gopi and believes she will use the magic brush wisely and with kindness.

3. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.

The most likely reason the man instructs Gopi to ‘Paint not for wealthy ones but only for the poor’ is because he .

Answer: wants the brush to be used for helping those in need, not for greed or selfish gain.

4. Select the most appropriate title for the extract from the two given below.
5. 1. The Magic Brush’s Secret
   2. Gopi’s Special Gift

Answer: A. The Magic Brush’s Secret

2. And soon the news spreads far and wide, Through forests, fields, and plains,

Until the Zamindar himself Hears of these magic gains. “I order you to paint for me, A fortress tall and grand.

Paint treasures, jewels, and riches rare, Enough to rule this land.”

1. Complete the following sentence with the correct reason.

The news of Gopi’s magic brush spreads ‘through forests, fields, and plains’ because of its .

Answer: miraculous ability to turn drawings into real things that help people.

2. Why does the poet refer to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as ‘magic gains’?

Answer: Because everything Gopi paints with the brush becomes real and brings joy or relief to others, especially the poor, making it seem magical and valuable.

3. Which of the following statements given below is false? Rectify the false statement.
4. 1. Gopi’s magic brush draws the attention of the powerful Zamindar.
   2. The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.

Answer: False Statement B: The Zamindar requests Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.

Rectification: The Zamindar orders, not requests, Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.

4. What does the Zamindar’s demand for a grand fortress and jewels reveal about his character?

Answer: It reveals that the Zamindar is greedy, selfish, and power-hungry. He only wants to use the magic brush for personal wealth and control.

2. Answer the following questions.
3. 1. Explain why Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar.

Answer: Gopi made the right decision because the Zamindar was greedy and wanted to misuse the brush for personal gain. Gopi remained loyal to her promise to use the brush only for the poor and needy.

2. Gopi threatens to draw a beast to scare away the Zamindar. Justify her action. How would you have dealt with the situation differently?

Answer: Gopi’s action was justified because she was protecting herself and stopping the Zamindar from misusing the brush. She used her cleverness to scare him away without hurting anyone.

If I were in her place, I might have done the same or tried to convince the villagers to stand up against the Zamindar together.

3. What is the significance of Gopi celebrating with the villagers at the end of the poem?

Answer: It shows that goodness and kindness win in the end. It also highlights Gopi’s

love for her village and her selfless use of the brush to bring happiness to others.

4. Compare Gopi’s use of the magic brush to how the Zamindar would have used it.

Answer: Gopi used the brush to help the poor and bring joy, while the Zamindar wanted to use it to get wealth and power for himself. Gopi’s use was generous and kind, but the Zamindar’s use would have been greedy and harmful.

5. What can be inferred about Gopi’s character based on her refusal to follow the Zamindar’s orders?

Answer: Gopi is brave, honest, kind, and determined. She values helping others over fear or pressure, and she stays true to her morals even when threatened.

6. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.

Answer: The title “The Magic Brush of Dreams” is appropriate because the brush fulfills the dreams of poor people by turning helpful drawings into real things. It brings hope and change through kindness and imagination.

7. If you had the magic brush, how would you use it in today’s world?

Answer: I would use the brush to paint food for the hungry, homes for the homeless, medicines for the sick, and books for children without access to education. I would try to make the world a better place for those in need

4.0Key Features of the Story and Solutions

• Folklore Analysis: The solutions explain the typical elements of folk tales, such as the "magical helper" and the "rule of three" (tests of character).
• Character Contrasts: We provide a detailed comparison between Ma Liang (the humble artist) and the Emperor (the greedy tyrant).
• Symbolism: Detailed explanations of what the "Magic Brush" symbolizes—creativity, justice, and the power of the imagination.
• Vocabulary Development: Includes meanings for descriptive words like yearning, exquisite, tyrant, and benevolence.
• Artistic Appreciation: Encourages students to discuss the role of art in society, bridging the gap between English and creative arts.
• Question Format: Solutions cover short-answer, long-answer, and value-based questions to ensure students are prepared for all exam patterns.