NCERT Solutions Class 7, English, The Alian Hand (Supplementary Reader), Chapter "The Cop and the Anthem".
Exercises
Answer the following questions.
1. What are some of the signs of approaching winter referred to in the text?
Solution:
The signs of the approaching winter are the movement of birds to warm south, the woollens needed by people and the dead leaves covering the ground.
2. Write ‘True’ or ‘False’ against each of the following.
(i) Soapy did not want to go to prison.
Solution: False
(ii) Soapy had been to prison several times.
Solution: True
(iii) It was not possible for Soapy to survive in the city through the winter.
Solution: True
(iv) Soapy hated to answer questions of a personal nature.
Solution: True
3. What was Soapy’s first plan? Why did it not work?
Solution:
Soapy's first plan was to go and have a good dinner at some fine restaurant. He would then say that he had no money to pay. And then a cop would be called. It would all be done very quietly. The cop would arrest him. He would be taken to a judge. The judge would do the rest.
It did not work because as he put his foot inside the restaurant door, the head waiter saw his broken old shoes and the torn clothes that covered his legs. Strong and ready hands turned Soapy around and moved him quietly and quickly outside again.
4. "But the cop’s mind would not consider Soapy". What did the cop not consider, and why?
Solution:
The cop's mind didn't consider Soapy because the men who break windows do not stop there to talk to cops. They run away as fast as they can. The cop saw a man further along the street, running and they ran after him.
5. "We have orders to let them shout". What is the policeman referring to?
Solution:
The policeman referring to the orders that allowed college to shout as they would not hurt anything. He said this to a man standing near him when Soapy shouted as if he was drunk thinking that Soapy is a college boy.
6. Write ‘True’ or ‘False’ against each of the following.
(i) Soapy stole a man’s umbrella.
Solution: True
(ii) The owner of the umbrella offered to give it to Soapy.
Solution: False
(iii) The man had stolen the umbrella that was now Soapy’s.
Solution: True
(iv) Soapy threw away the umbrella
Solution: True
7. "There was a sudden and wonderful change in his soul". What brought about the change in Soapy?
Solution:
The sight of the home where Soapy had spent his childhood suddenly changed his outlook. The old memories of his mother and the sweet music revived his love for a decent life. He decided to work and become somebody in life.
Discuss the following topics in groups.
1. Suppose no cop came at the end. What would Soapy’s life be like through the winter?
Solution:
If no cop came at the end, there would have been significant and positive changes in his life. He would have looked for the man who had offered him a job and able to live a respectable life in the society. The changes brought in his soul may changed his whole life and he might have given up his bad habits as he was determined. The story had an happy ending with Soapy as a respectful man.
2. Retell an episode in the story which is a good example of irony in a situation.
Solution:
Soapy was keen to be sent to prison for the three cold months. He made several attempts to get arrested. But none of his plans worked. Finally, when he decided to live a decent life honestly, he was arrested. Such an episode is ironical.
