Letter to God

 

Chapter 3 – Two Stories about Flying

I - His First Flight

 Introduction

“His First Flight” is a beautiful and inspiring story that teaches us an important lesson about fear, courage, and self-confidence. The story revolves around a young seagull who is afraid to fly for the first time. While his brothers and sister have already learned how to fly, he remains alone because he is too scared to trust his wings.

The story shows how fear can stop us from moving forward in life, but courage and necessity help us overcome that fear. Just like the young seagull, young children/students also hesitate before trying something new—speaking on stage, participating in competitions, or facing examinations. This story helps us understand that success comes only when we take the first step with confidence.

Summary

The story is about a young seagull who is afraid to fly. His two brothers and sister had already learned to fly, but he could not gather enough courage to jump from the ledge.

His parents encouraged him, scolded him, and even threatened him, but he refused to fly. As a result, he was left alone on the ledge without food. He felt lonely, hungry, and helpless while watching his family flying happily and enjoying fish.

At last, his mother came near him with a piece of fish in her beak. Driven by hunger, he jumped forward to snatch the food. In doing so, he fell into space and soon he spread his wings and discovered that he could fly.

 

Themes

1. Fear and Courage

The main theme of the story is fear and courage. The young seagull was afraid of flying, but finally he gathered courage and succeeded.

2. Self-Confidence

The story teaches that we must trust our own abilities. The seagull could fly, but he did not believe in himself.

3. Family Support

The parents and siblings encouraged the young seagull to fly. Their support played an important role in helping him succeed.

4. Necessity is the Best Teacher

Hunger forced the young seagull to jump for food. Sometimes difficult situations push us to discover our hidden strengths.

5. Freedom and Growth

Flying symbolizes freedom and independence. The first flight marked the beginning of the seagull’s growth and maturity.

 

Additional Questions

1.    What did the baby seagull do to draw the attention of its mother and father?

2.    Why did the mother bring a piece of fish near the baby seagull?

3.    What happened when the baby seagull tried to catch the piece of fish?

4.    What, according to you, could be stopping the young seagull from taking his first flight?

5.    The attitude of the parents of the young seagull towards him was very harsh and threatening. Do you approve of this attitude of the parents or not? Why?

Extract-Based Question

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

 

“But when she was just opposite to him, she halted, her wings motionless, the piece of fish in her beak almost within the reach of his beak. He waited a moment in surprise, wondering why she did not come nearer, and then, maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish.”

 (a) Who are ‘she’ and ‘him’ referred to in the extract? Why did she halt just opposite to him?

(b) Why was she carrying a piece of fish in her beak?

(c) Explain the meaning of the phrase “maddened by hunger.”

(d) What happened after he dived at the fish?

Long Answer Questions (do any one from (a) and (b))

      (a) The young seagull was afraid to take his first flight, but hunger and his mother’s cleverness helped him overcome his fear. Describe how the young seagull finally succeeded in flying for the first time. What lesson does this teach us about fear and self-confidence.

           (b)   His First Flight” is not just a story about a bird learning to fly, but also a lesson for human beings. Explain how the story highlights the importance of courage, family support, and believing in one’s own abilities. Support your answer with examples from the chapter.

 

 

Board Questions

Short Answer Type Questions (30–40 words)

1.    Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? What did his parents do to help him overcome his fear? [2020]

 

2.    How did the seagull’s family help him overcome his fear and teach him the art of flying? [2019]

 

3.    What was the young seagull’s first experience of flight? [2018]

 

4.    How did the young seagull feel when he saw his mother with food? [2023]

 

5.    How did the young seagull react when he finally took his first flight? [2022]

 

6.    How did the young seagull’s family treat him when he failed to gather courage to fly? [2021]

 

7.    Why did the seagull fail to muster the courage to fly? [2017]

 

8.    What role did the seagull’s mother play in making him fly? [2016]

 

9.    What was the reaction of the seagull’s family when he took his first flight? [2023]

 

Long Answer Questions

1.    Fear and lack of confidence stop us from learning new things. Do you agree? How did these traits affect the young seagull in the story "His First Flight"? How did he overcome them? [2020]

2.    You are the young seagull. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings after your first flight and how it changed you. [2022]

3.    The story is a metaphor for the first step one takes towards independence. Justify with reference to the story. [2019]

4.    Fear is only as deep as the mind allows. Explain how the young seagull’s fear was turned into confidence. [2021]

5.    The seagull’s first flight is a symbol of transformation and growing up. Discuss. [2017]