NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 1 The Lost Child

Author at PW

February 06, 2025

Class 9 English Moments Chapter 1 The Lost Child:- In this chapter of NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments, we examine Mulk Raj Anand's "The Lost Child." The story addresses the fears of separation and the strong bond between parents and children. We follow the lost child through the busy fairground, exploring his desires and the emotional distress he feels when he gets separated from his parents. Get the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 1 The Lost Child in the below article.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 1 The Lost Child

Question 1. What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?

Ans. The child notices various things along his way to the fair, including toys, a blooming mustard field, dragonflies, butterflies, doves, a large crowd entering the fair, sweet shops, garlands of Gulmohar, rainbow-coloured balloons, a snake charmer, and a roundabout swing.

He falls behind because he is captivated by everything he sees. His parents continuously call out to him to prevent him from getting lost in the crowd. He pauses at the shops, wishing to buy the items, and is often struck by the beauty of nature. This fascination causes him to lag behind.

Question 2. At the fair, he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?

Ans. The things he wants at the fair include:

Toys
Sweets from the sweet shop
Garlands of Gulmohar
Watching the snake dancing to the tune of the snake charmer
Balloons
Taking a ride on the roundabout swing

Question 3. When does he realize that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?

Ans. When he saw the roundabout spinning at full speed, he bravely asked his parents if he could take a ride on it. However, he received no response. Turning to look for them, he realized they were nowhere to be seen. It was at that moment he understood he had lost his way.

His anxiety and insecurity are portrayed in a deeply moving manner. Upon realizing he is lost, a desperate cry rises from his dry throat, and with a sudden jerk of his body, he starts running from where he stood. His face contorts with fear, and his eyes fill with hot, fierce tears. He runs in all directions, frantically calling out, "Mother, Father."

Question 4. Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier?

Ans. The lost child loses interest in the things he previously desired because, in that moment, the only thing he wants is to find his parents. He is panic-stricken and solely focused on being reunited with them.

Question 5. What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents?

Ans. I believe the child finds his parents in the end. While he was lost, his parents would have started searching for him once they realized he was missing. The kind gentleman who tried to console the child would likely have asked for a description of his parents and helped look for them. Ultimately, with everyone's combined efforts, the child would be reunited with his parents.

Check out: Class 9th Books

Chapter 1 – The Lost Child Summary

"The Lost Child" by Mulk Raj Anand tells the story of a young boy who visits a fair with his parents. The story begins with the child, full of excitement and wonder, eagerly looking at all the attractions at the fair. As he walks with his parents, he is captivated by the colorful toys, the blooming mustard field, the fluttering butterflies, and the various stalls selling sweets and garlands of gulmohar. He repeatedly asks his parents to buy him these items, but they gently refuse, urging him to keep moving.

As they proceed through the fair, the boy becomes increasingly enchanted by the vibrant atmosphere. He is particularly drawn to a roundabout swing and boldly asks his parents for a ride. When he turns around, he realizes that his parents are nowhere to be seen. Panic sets in as he understands that he is lost.

The child's sense of security vanishes, and he becomes overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. His initial desires for toys, sweets, and rides vanish, replaced by a desperate longing to find his parents. He runs in all directions, calling out for his mother and father, his face contorted with fear and tears streaming down his cheeks.

In his frantic search, a kind-hearted man notices the distressed child and tries to comfort him. Despite offering him various treats and rides, the child's only response is to cry for his parents. The man continues to console him and looks around for the boy's parents, reflecting the collective effort of the fairgoers to help the lost child.

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Class 9 English Moments Chapter 1 The Lost Child FAQs

Q1. What is the central theme of "The Lost Child"?

Ans. The central theme of "The Lost Child" is the deep bond between parents and children. The story highlights the child's dependence on his parents for security and love and the emotional turmoil he experiences when separated from them.

2. How does the child react to the various attractions at the fair?

Ans. The child is captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the fair. He is fascinated by toys, sweets, garlands, colourful balloons, and the roundabout swing. He repeatedly asks his parents to buy him these items, showing his excitement and wonder.

3. What causes the child to get lost at the fair?

Ans. The child gets lost because he is so engrossed in the various attractions at the fair that he lags behind his parents. His fascination with the surroundings causes him to lose track of his parents.

4. How does the child feel when he realizes he is lost?

Ans. When the child realizes he is lost, he is overcome with fear and panic. His initial excitement turns into anxiety, and he desperately searches for his parents, crying out for them in distress.

5. What role does the kind stranger play in the story?

Ans. The kind stranger notices the distressed child and tries to comfort him. He offers the child various treats and rides, but the child only wants to find his parents. The stranger's efforts reflect the collective goodwill of the fairgoers.

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