GSEB Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 1 The Ant and the Cricket Solutions

GSEB Solutions

The Ant and the Cricket Class 8 Questions and Answers GSEB

Working With The Poem

Question 1. The cricket says, “Oh! What will become of me?” When does he say it, and why?
Answer: The cricket spoke these words when it discovered that its cupboard was empty and the cold winter had come. It could not find a single crumb of food on the snow-covered ground and there were no flowers or leaves on the trees. It wondered what would happen to it because the weather was getting cold, and since there was nothing to eat, it would starve and pass away.
In simple words: The cricket said this when it found no food at home in winter. It was cold and hungry, fearing it would starve.

Exam Tip: For "when and why" questions, always provide both the timing and the reasons for the character's actions or words to get full marks.

Question 2.
(i) Find in the poem the lines that mean the same as “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” (Shakespeare).
Answer: The lines in the poem that convey the same meaning as “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” are: 'But we ants never borrow; we ants never lend.'
In simple words: The poem says, "We ants do not borrow, and we do not lend." This means the same thing.

Exam Tip: When asked to find specific lines, always quote them exactly as they appear in the poem, including punctuation.

(ii) What is your opinion of the ant's principles?
Answer: I agree with what the ant says initially, that one should save things for the future so that they do not need to borrow. However, I do not agree with the ant's idea of closing the door on a friend. If the ant claims to be a friend to the cricket, then it should help the cricket during its time of trouble, as I believe that a true friend helps when needed.
In simple words: I agree that saving for the future is good. But I do not agree with the ant not helping a friend in need.

Exam Tip: When expressing an opinion, state your viewpoint clearly and support it with reasons or common sayings, such as "a friend in need is a friend indeed."

Question 3. The ant tells the cricket to "dance the winter away". Do you think the word 'dance' is appropriate here? If so, why?
Answer: The ant told the cricket to "dance the winter away" because when it asked what the cricket did during the summers and why it had not stored any food for those months, the cricket replied that it sang throughout the warm and sunny summer days. Therefore, in response to this, the ant asked the cricket to 'dance' the winter away, just as it 'sang' throughout the summers. Although it seems a bit harsh on the part of the ant, the expression sounds fitting in this situation.
In simple words: Yes, 'dance' is fitting. The ant told the cricket to dance away winter because the cricket spent summer singing, not working. The ant used the same idea to mock its carelessness.

Exam Tip: When analyzing word choice, connect the word's meaning to the character's actions and the overall context of the situation to explain its appropriateness.

Question 4.
(i) Which lines in the poem express the poet's comment? Read them aloud.
Answer: The lines in the poem that show the poet's comment are “Folks call this a fable. I'll warrant it true."
In simple words: The poet's lines are, "People call this a fable. I guarantee it's true."

Exam Tip: When asked to identify lines, quote them accurately and ensure they are exactly as they appear in the original text.

(ii) Write the comment in your own words.
Answer: This comment by the poet means that this poem is actually a fable because it carries a moral message. The cricket had nothing to eat during the winter because it did not bother to put aside some food in the summer. It was careless and spent all summer singing. The ant, on the other hand, had constructed a good home for itself and gathered a store of food so that it would not go hungry during the winters. It worked hard in the summer to achieve this. Therefore, the lesson of the poem is to be prepared for difficult times and always work hard instead of being lazy.
In simple words: The poet's comment means the poem is a fable with a moral. The cricket was lazy, but the ant worked hard. We should learn from the ant to be ready for hard times by working now.

Exam Tip: To rephrase a comment, explain its meaning clearly, breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms while retaining the original message.

GSEB Class 8 English The Ant and the Cricket Additional Important Questions and Answers

Select The Most Appropriate Options As Answers And Complete The Following Sentences:

Question 1. The young cricket used to ..........
(a) dance through summer and spring.
(b) sing all through summer and spring.
(c) complain about his poor condition.
(d) enjoy bathing in the heavy rain.
Answer: (b) sing all through summer and spring.
In simple words: The young cricket spent its time singing and making merry during the warm seasons of summer and spring.

Exam Tip: For multiple-choice questions, eliminate obviously incorrect options first, then choose the option that most accurately reflects the details from the story.

Question 2. The cupboard of the ant was empty of ..........
(a) food.
(b) woollen clothes.
(c) fire-wood.
(d) All of the options
Answer: (a) food.
In simple words: The cricket’s cupboard was found to be empty of any food supplies when winter arrived.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the specific details mentioned in the text to correctly identify what was missing or present.

Question 3. What made the cricket visit the ant's place?
(a) his cheerful nature.
(b) his miserly nature.
(c) starvation and famine.
(d) Both 'A' and B'
Answer: (c) starvation and famine.
In simple words: The cricket went to the ant's house because it was extremely hungry and suffering from a lack of food.

Exam Tip: Identify the main problem or crisis faced by the character to determine the primary reason for their actions.

Question 4. The young cricket went to the ant to ask for ..........
(a) clothes to keep away from cold.
(b) shelter to protect himself from rain and cold.
(c) food.
(d) Both 'B' and 'C'
Answer: (d) Both 'B' and 'C'
In simple words: The young cricket approached the ant to request both shelter from the rain and cold, and also food to eat.

Exam Tip: Read all options carefully and consider if multiple options are true, especially when "Both A and B" or "All of these" are choices.

Question 5. When, according to the ant, should the cricket save food for himself?
(a) in summer
(b) in winter
(c) in rainy season
(d) when he is free.
Answer: (a) in summer
In simple words: The ant believed that the cricket should have gathered and stored food during the warm summer months.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific character mentioned (the ant, in this case) and their advice or perspective to answer the question correctly.

Answer The Following Questions In Two To Three Sentences Each:

Question 1. What does the cricket symbolise in the poem 'The Ant and the Cricket'?
Answer: In the poem 'The Ant and the Cricket,' the cricket represents someone who spends their life in joyful activities. It never thinks about its duties, nor does it worry about the difficult period it will have to face if it does not work and save for the future days.
In simple words: The cricket shows us people who only want to have fun. It stands for those who ignore their responsibilities and do not save for tough times ahead.

Exam Tip: When asked about symbolism, clearly state what the character represents and explain the characteristics that lead to this interpretation.

Question 2. Why does the cricket complain?
Answer: The cricket spent the entire summer season singing, dancing, and being merry. This left the cricket without food at the start of winter. Now it is hungry and has no grain to eat and no shelter to protect itself from dripping rain. This makes it complain loudly.
In simple words: The cricket complains because it spent all summer singing and playing. Now, in winter, it has no food or shelter and is hungry and cold.

Exam Tip: Explain the direct cause-and-effect relationship between the cricket's actions and its current predicament to fully answer "why."

Question 3. What has made the cricket bold?
Answer: The cricket’s playful activities during the pleasant summer season left it without food at the beginning of winter. This extreme hunger and food shortage caused by starvation and famine have made the cricket daring enough to seek help.
In simple words: The cricket's fun in summer left it with no food for winter. Being so hungry and facing a famine made it brave enough to ask for help.

Exam Tip: Identify the extreme circumstances that force a character to act unusually, linking their desperation to their sudden bravery.

Question 4. Why does the cricket go to the ant?
Answer: Because of not storing any food in summer, the cricket is condemned to face a difficult time of hunger and lack of supplies during the winter season. Therefore, the cricket approaches the ant to beg for shelter and something to eat.
In simple words: The cricket goes to the ant because it didn't save any food during summer. It needs to beg for shelter and food to survive the harsh winter.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the cricket's dire situation and its immediate needs as the reasons for seeking the ant's help.

Question 5. What does the ant tell the cricket?
Answer: The cricket pleads for shelter and food from the frugal ant to survive the harsh winter. However, the ant clarifies to the cricket that ants neither borrow nor lend anything.
In simple words: The ant tells the cricket that ants do not lend or borrow. This means it will not give the cricket any food or shelter.

Exam Tip: Summarize the ant's main point or policy clearly, as it is key to understanding its character and the poem's message.

Question 6. What does the ant ask the cricket?
Answer: Without having anything stored in its cupboard, the cricket helplessly goes to the frugal ant, hoping to borrow some food and shelter. The ant then asks the cricket what it was doing during the summer months when it was supposed to save grain for the future.
In simple words: The ant asks the cricket what it was doing all summer when it should have been gathering food for winter.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific question the ant poses, as it highlights the central theme of preparation and responsibility.

Question 7. What is the ant's suggestion to the cricket?
Answer: In response to the ant’s question about what it was doing in summer, the cricket says it was singing in the lovely and delightful summer weather. So, the ant suggests that the cricket should now engage in dancing during the harsh winter season.
In simple words: Since the cricket sang all summer, the ant suggests it should now dance through the winter. This is meant to be sarcastic.

Exam Tip: Recognize the sarcastic tone of the ant's suggestion and explain its implication rather than just stating the literal words.

Question 8. What is the lesson given by the poem to mankind?
Answer: Through this poem, the lesson provided to humanity is that we should enjoy happy moments but not by ignoring our future. Careful planning is essential for everyone, and it helps ensure a secure future.
In simple words: The poem teaches us to enjoy life but also to plan for the future. Saving and being prepared helps ensure a safe and secure life later on.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the moral or message of the poem, emphasizing the importance of foresight and hard work for future security.

Answer The Following Questions In Four To Five Sentences Each:

Question 1. Narrate the story of the ant and the cricket in about 50 words. What moral or message does it convey?
Answer: The cricket was very fond of fun and enjoyed singing throughout the summer. It did not store any food for the winter. Naturally, this careless creature started to go hungry when snow covered everything. Wet and cold, it went to the ant to beg for help and shelter, promising to repay the borrowed food the next day. The ant refused, stating that they neither lend nor borrow. Since the cricket had spent summer singing, the ant told it to dance the winter away. The moral of this poem is that we should enjoy our good times but never ignore our future. Careful planning today helps ensure a safe tomorrow.
In simple words: A fun-loving cricket sang all summer and didn't save food for winter. When winter came, it was hungry and wet, so it asked a miserly ant for help. The ant refused, telling the cricket to dance away the winter since it sang all summer. The lesson is to plan and work hard for the future, not just enjoy the present.

Exam Tip: When summarizing a story, include key characters, the main plot points, and the resolution. Clearly separate the summary from the moral message.

Question 2. Bring out the central idea of the poem, 'The Ant and the Cricket'.
Answer: This poem conveys a very true message. It shows that if one does not think about the future, one is certain to suffer. The cricket in the story represents those people who are not wise enough to save for later. Such poor individuals face very difficult situations, just as the cricket suffers. It is a shameful situation that makes them weak and morally down. But there are people like the ant who act wisely. They plan their lives in a way that allows them to live happily forever. This reflects our real lives. We should be like the ant, not like the cricket, as it makes our lives more comfortable.
In simple words: The poem's main idea is that future planning is important. The cricket represents people who live only for the present and suffer later. The ant represents those who work hard and save, securing their future. We should be wise and prepared like the ant.

Exam Tip: To explain the central idea, discuss the main theme, how it is illustrated through the characters, and its broader relevance or message.

Question 3. What is the difference between the attitudes of the cricket and the ant?
Answer: The cricket's joyful, care-free attitude encourages it to lead a life without worry. The cricket spends its time singing during the pleasant summer season. Eventually, it ignores preparations for the future. This irresponsible action by the cricket leads it to hunger and famine. This shows the difference between the thoughtless young cricket and the ant, as the cricket is forced to go to the frugal ant for some help. Ants, by their basic nature, are very hard-working and economical. Unlike the cricket, the ant spends the entire season gathering food and preparing shelters for the future.
In simple words: The cricket has a carefree attitude, enjoying summer without planning for winter, which leads to hunger. The ant, however, is hardworking and frugal, spending summer collecting food and building shelter. This difference highlights responsibility versus irresponsibility.

Exam Tip: Compare and contrast the characters' traits, habits, and their impact on their situations, highlighting how their differing attitudes shape their outcomes.

Read The Following Stanzas And Answer The Questions Given Below Them:

(1) A silly young cricket, accustomed to sing Through the warm, sunny months of gay summer and spring, Began to complain when he found that, at home, His cupboard was empty, and winter was come. Not a crumb to be found On the snow-covered ground; Not a flower could he see, Not a leaf on a tree. “Oh! what will become,” says the cricket, “of me?”

Questions:

(1) What does the expression 'sunny months' mean?
Answer: The expression 'sunny months' signifies the months when the sun shines brightly. In cold countries, these months are summer and spring, which are warm and pleasant.
In simple words: 'Sunny months' mean the periods when the sun is bright and warm. These are usually summer and spring in colder regions.

Exam Tip: Define literal terms first, then add contextual details (like "in cold countries") to provide a complete explanation.

(2) Why is 'Not a crumb to be found'?
Answer: 'Not a crumb to be found' means that the entire land is now covered in snow, and there is no possibility of finding any grain on the ground.
In simple words: There were no crumbs because snow covered all the land, making it impossible to find any food or grain.

Exam Tip: Link the phrase directly to the specific environmental condition mentioned in the stanza (snow-covered ground).

(3) What does the last line of this stanza suggest?
Answer: The last line of this stanza suggests that the cricket has not saved any grain to eat in winter. It is greatly concerned about what to consume when the whole land is covered in snow.
In simple words: The last line shows the cricket is very worried because it didn't save any food for winter and now has nothing to eat with snow everywhere.

Exam Tip: Interpret the character's direct quote to reveal their underlying feelings or the consequences of their actions.

(2) At last by starvation and famine made bold, All dripping with wet, and all trembling with cold, Away he set off to a miserly ant, To see if, to keep him alive, he would grant Him shelter from rain, And a mouthful of grain. He wished only to borrow; He'd repay it tomorrow; If not, he must die of starvation and sorrow.

Questions:

(1) What was the condition of the cricket?
Answer: The cricket’s situation was sad and pitiful. It was completely wet from the snowfall and shivering terribly due to the intense cold.
In simple words: The cricket was in a bad state, wet from snow and shaking with cold.

Exam Tip: Use strong adjectives to describe the cricket's physical state as conveyed by the poem, such as "pitiable" and "terribly cold."

(2) What could keep the cricket alive?
Answer: Only a safe shelter and some food could keep the cricket alive and help it survive.
In simple words: Only getting shelter and food could save the cricket's life.

Exam Tip: Identify the most basic necessities required for survival in the given context of the poem.

(3) What assurance did the cricket was ready to give?
Answer: The cricket was prepared to promise the ant that if it provided him with food that day, he would return it the following day.
In simple words: The cricket was ready to promise the ant that it would pay back any food received by the very next day.

Exam Tip: Pinpoint the specific promise or guarantee the character makes, as this reveals their desperation and hope.

(3) Says the ant to the cricket, “I'm your servant and friend, But we ants never borrow; we ants never lend. But tell me, dear cricket, did you lay nothing by When the weather was warm?" Quoth the cricket, “Not I! My heart was so light That I sang day and night, For all nature looked gay." "You sang, Sir, you say? Go then," says the ant, “and dance the winter away.”

Questions:

(1) What attitude of the ant is expressed by the words “I'm your servant and friend”?
Answer: When the ant says, “I'm your servant and friend,” it appears to be very polite. However, this impressive phrase turns out to be quite sarcastic in light of its direct refusal to help soon after.
In simple words: The ant uses polite words like "servant and friend" but it is being sarcastic. It says this just before refusing to help, showing its unhelpful attitude.

Exam Tip: Look beyond the literal meaning of words to understand the speaker's true intent or tone, especially in conversations that precede a contradictory action.

(2) What explanation did the cricket give to the ant's query?
Answer: The cricket, admitting its mistake, explained that since all of nature was pleasant, it was also happy. It did nothing but sing day and night during that time.
In simple words: The cricket explained that it was cheerful because nature was happy, so it spent its time only singing all day and night.

Exam Tip: Focus on the direct response given by the cricket to the ant's question, capturing the essence of its excuse.

(3) What was the reaction of the ant to the cricket's reply?
Answer: Since the ant was hard-working and careful by nature, it could not approve of the cricket's joyful attitude and directly asked it that since it wasted time singing, it should now leave and dance.
In simple words: The ant, being hardworking, disliked the cricket's carefree attitude. It bluntly told the cricket that since it spent summer singing, it should now go and dance through winter.

Exam Tip: Describe the ant's emotional response (e.g., could not approve) and its subsequent action (bluntly asked it to leave and dance) to fully capture its reaction.

(4) Thus ending, he hastily lifted the wicket, And out of the door turned the poor little cricket. Folks call this a fable. I'll warrant it true: Some crickets have four legs, and some have two.

Questions:

(1) How did the ant behave with the cricket?
Answer: The ant was very irritated by the cricket’s reply. It quickly opened the door and forced the cricket out of its home.
In simple words: The ant was annoyed and quickly threw the cricket out of its house.

Exam Tip: Describe the ant's actions and inferred emotions (annoyed, hastily lifted the wicket, turned him out) to portray its behavior.

(2) What is this story of the ant and the cricket is called by people?
Answer: People refer to this story as a 'Fable'.
In simple words: People call this story a 'Fable'.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific term used in the poem itself to describe the type of story.

(3) What does the last line of the poem suggest?
Answer: This poem is symbolic. Here, the cricket represents a happy-go-lucky person who lives in the present and never considers planning for their future, just like the cricket. In reality, all crickets possess four legs, but here 'two legs' hints at a human being.
In simple words: The last line means the poem is symbolic. The cricket stands for carefree people, and "two legs" refers to humans. It suggests that humans can also be like the cricket, living without planning for the future.

Exam Tip: Explain the allegorical meaning, connecting the animal characters to human traits and the symbolic numbers to their implied subjects.

The Ant And The Cricket Summary In English

The Ant And The Cricket Summary:

The silly young cricket was fun-loving. It loved to make merry. It used to sing all through the pleasant summer and spring months. It did not bother to store food for the rainy season and cold winter. When the ground was covered with ice and snow, it discovered that it had nothing to eat. There were no flowers or leaves on the trees. It grew anxious. It could no longer tolerate hunger. With the boldness that comes with desperation, it started its journey. Wet with rain and shivering with cold, the cricket went to a frugal ant, hoping to get shelter and food. It assured the ant that it would return the borrowed grain the next day. But the ant said, "As a matter of principle, we ants never borrow nor lend.” It asked the cricket why it didn't store anything for rainy days when the days were bright. The cricket admitted that it was careless and foolish not to do so. It enjoyed the beauty of summer and sang joyfully. The ant, then, bluntly told it to go and dance all winter. It sent the poor cricket away.

8th Std English Questions And Answers: