NCERT Solutions Class 9, English, Moments(Supplementary Reader), Chapter "The Accidental Tourist".
Think About It
1. Bill Bryson says, “I am, in short, easily confused.” What examples has he given to justify this?
Solution:
Bill Bryson never had a pleasant journey. He got easily confused. Citing examples, he said that he could not easily find lavatory in a cinema hall and finally found himself standing nearby a self-locking door. At the hotels too, he asked his room number many a time in a day.
2. What happens when the zip on his carry-on bag gives way?
Solution:
When the zip on his carry-on bag gave way, the side of the bag flew open and everything within fell and scattered on the ground. These things included newspaper cuttings and other loose papers, a 14-ounce tin of pipe tobacco, magazines, passport, English money and film.
3. Why is his finger bleeding? What is his wife’s reaction?
Solution:
His finger is hurt by getting stuck in the zip of his bag. His wife is astonished by the way he has created a mess all around himself.
4. How does Bill Bryson end up in a “crash position” in the aircraft?
Solution:
Once on board a flight, Bryson leaned over to tie his shoelaces. At the same moment, someone in the seat in front of him threw his seat back into full recline and Bryson was pinned helplessly in the crash position.
5. Why are his teeth and gums navy blue?
Solution:
Once in an aeroplane, Bill was writing important thoughts in a notebook. He was sucking thoughtfully on the end of his pen. Later when he retired to the lavatory, he discovered that his pen had leaked and that his mouth, chin, tongue, teeth and gums had become navy blue.
6. Bill Bryson “ached to be suave”. Is he successful in his mission? List his ‘unsuave’ ways.
Solution:
It is quite clear that Bill Bryson ached to be suave. He is not successful in his mission. He got himself in a car and closed the door without leaving 14 inches of coat outside, wore light-coloured trousers without discovering at the end of the day that he had at various times sat on chewing gum, ice cream, cough syrup and motor oil.
7. Why do you think Bill Bryson’s wife says to the children, “Take the lids off the food for Daddy”?
Solution:
Bill Bryson’s wife asked the children to take the lids off the food for Bill because if Bill had tried to do that himself, then he might have taken it off in such a manner that the lid would be flying away to some part of the plane and the food might spill all over the place.
8. What is the significance of the title?
Solution:
The title is significant because it is about a man who travels and lot and is always confused. He gets into trouble because of his acts which are not deliberate. The story depicts humorous travel experiences – like being pinned in a crashed position, spilling drink on a co-passenger, his gums and teeth covered in ink, etc. – when the author accidently gets into trouble. Thus, the title is apt for this story.
Talk about it
To get confused and behave in ‘unsuave’ ways like Bill Bryson is normal and human. Tell your class about any similar situation that you found yourself in.
Solution:
On January 1,20061 was invited to attend a party in a hotel. I was excited about it. When sitting round the table we were discussing about our past experiences, I got up to attend a telephonic call and moved outside. I was in such a hurry that I did not notice the waiter coming. I hit the tray and all the edibles fell upon the ladies and gentlemen sitting over there. Their clothes went dirty and they became furious. They started criticising me for my carelessness. It was such a scene where I felt embarrased. I left the party at once.
