THE LOST CHILD - Q&A

THINK ABOUT IT

1. What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?
Answer:
On his way to the fair, the child sees a variety of things that fascinate him:
1. Toys: In the shops lining the way.
2. Nature: A flowering mustard field that looks like melting gold, and a grove with a banyan tree.
3. Insects and Birds: Dragonflies, a lone black bee or butterfly, little insects and worms coming out of the soil, and cooing doves.
4. Falling Petals: A shower of young flowers falls on him in the grove.

He lags behind because he is distracted and captivated by these sights. He stops to look at the toys, tries to catch the dragonflies, collects falling petals, and watches the insects, while his parents keep walking ahead and have to constantly call him to "Come, child, come."

2. In the fair he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?
Answer:
Upon entering the fair, the child desires several things:
1. Sweets: Specifically, "burfi" from the sweetmeat seller.
2. Flowers: A garland of gulmohur from the flower seller.
3. Balloons: Rainbow-colored balloons from the balloon seller.
4. Music: He wants to listen to the snake charmer's music.
5. A Ride: He wants to go on the roundabout swing.

He moves on without waiting for an answer for the first four items because he knows his parents well. He anticipates their refusal and the excuses they would make: that he is greedy (for sweets), that the flowers are cheap, that he is too old for balloons, or that the music is coarse. Since he knows a "no" is inevitable, he doesn't persist until he sees the roundabout.

3. When does he realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?
Answer:
Realization: He realizes he has lost his way when he finally makes a bold request to go on the roundabout saying, "I want to go on the roundabout, please, Father, Mother." When he gets no reply, he turns around to look for them and finds they are not there.

Description of Anxiety: His anxiety is described vividly:
• A deep cry rises in his throat.
• He jerks his body and runs in fear, shouting "Mother, Father."
• Tears roll down his eyes, and his face becomes flushed and convulsed with fear.
• He runs "hither and thither" in panic, not knowing where to go.
• His yellow turban gets untied and his clothes become muddy, symbolizing his loss of order and security.

4. Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier?
Answer:
The child loses interest in the sweets, flowers, balloons, and music because he has lost his most valuable possession: his parents.

Earlier, these items represented joy and excitement. However, once he is separated from his parents, fear and insecurity take over. The man tries to offer him all these things to soothe him, but the child only wants safety and love. He realizes that without his parents, material things hold no value or happiness for him. His only cry remains, "I want my mother, I want my father!"

5. What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents?
Answer:
(Explanation: This is an interpretive question, as the story has an open ending. Below is a logical conclusion based on the events.)

It is highly likely that the child finds his parents in the end. The man who rescued him is kind and responsible; he would likely take the child to the police or wait at the temple entrance where the crowd was thickest.

Meanwhile, the parents, realizing the child is missing (just as they noticed him lagging behind earlier), would frantically search for him. Since the fair is a confined space and the child was crying loudly near the shrine, it is probable they would be reunited. The story focuses on the child's realization of his parents' value, which is complete, so the physical reunion is left to the reader's imagination.

TALK ABOUT IT

1. How to ensure not to get lost.
Answer:
To ensure you do not get lost in crowded places like a fair, you can follow these safety steps:
1. Stay Close: Always hold the hand of your parents or guardians.
2. Designate a Meeting Point: Before entering, agree on a specific spot (like the entrance gate or a specific shop) to meet if you get separated.
3. Carry Contact Info: Keep a slip of paper with your parents' phone number in your pocket.
4. Do Not Wander: If you stop to look at something, tell your parents first.
5. Ask for Help Correctly: If lost, stay in one place or go to a police assistance booth rather than running around in panic.