The NCERT Solutions for this prose chapter, prepared according to the latest NCERT syllabus and CBSE guidelines, help students with their studies and more importantly, they aid students during examination performance. In a very lucid or straightforward manner, each question given in the textbook is answered in an easy or direct way, giving an understanding to the students of the story's meaning, themes, and moral lessons.
"The Lost Child," by Mulk Raj Anand, is a gripping short story appearing as Chapter 1 in the Class 9 English Moments textbook. The story tells of the boy's experience of being lost from his parents during a fair. The child discovers that the more exciting and wonderful the fair, the more his longing for his mum and dad grows, thus bringing out the unconditional love and security that only family could give.
Access the Class 9 English Chapter 1 NCERT Solutions in PDF format for free and explore this touching story of innocence and love:
In "Safety Island," a child experiences a day at a fair with his parents. He is drawn from one toy to another, from food to entertainment, expressing desire for many things. But all of those wishes are gone when he realizes that he is lost and his parents cannot be seen. He only wishes to find his parents again. This story reflects the relationship between a child and his parents and the true source of joy in life.
There are a few important points to remember:
Ans. The child sees many things which fascinates him on his way to the fair. He saw many toy shops on the road side. To distract him from the toys, his mother shows him a flowering mustard field nearby. In the fields, the child saw dragon flies, butterflies fluttering around the flowers. Then, while walking on the footpath, he was amazed by the insects and worms. After entering the grove where his parents were resting he saw cooing doves. As he neared the village with his parents, he saw huge crowds of people going to the fair. As the distance to the fair got less, he saw many shops converging to the fair. The child kept lagging on the way because he was fascinated by all the things he saw on his way. At times, he stopped to buy toys and at other times, he stopped to admire the beauty of nature collecting flowers, catching butterflies. 2. In the fair, he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer? Ans. The child wants to have a toy, sweets, a garland of Gulmohar and a colourful balloon. He knows that his parents would not buy these things to him. So, he does not even ask for them and moves on without waiting for an answer. 3. When does he realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?
Ans. At the merry go round, the child was determined to have his share of joy. He stopped to observe the round about moving in full swing, with men-women and children enjoying themselves on it. Watching them, he turned to his parents to ask for permission to go on the round about. But these was no reply from them. He turned to look for them but they were not there. He looked all around but there was no sign of them. Suddenly, he realized that his parents are nowhere near. He was speechless and asked for help. Fear overpowered the child and he started crying frantically. The words that escape the child's choking throat amidst uncontrollable tears were 'Mother' 'Father'. 4. Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier?
Ans. The child loses interest in the things when be realized that he is separated from his parents. Earlier he wanted many things dearly. He is panic stricken on being separated from his parents. Now he needed nothing but parents. Children feel secure only with their parents. All things that attracted him in the fair no longer appeal to him as he realises being with parents is more important. 5. What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents?
Ans. When the child was running here and there in search of his parents, a kindhearted person rescued him. He must have tried to locate his parents. The man must have found them. The parents of the lost child also must have tried to track down the child. I think the child finds his parents.
(Session 2025 - 26)