Chapter 6: A Tiger in the House

English - An Alien Hand • Class 7

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate7 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter 'A Tiger in the House' tells the story of a tiger cub named Timothy that Grandfather finds in the forest and brings home. Raised by Grandmother, Timothy becomes a playful but eventually dangerous pet, which leads to his relocation to the zoo. The story culminates with a surprising twist when Grandfather visits the zoo after six months, believing he sees Timothy, only to learn that the tiger he was affectionately interacting with is not his beloved Timothy, who had passed away earlier.

Key Topics

  • Wild animal domestication
  • Human-animal relationships
  • Moral dilemmas of pet ownership
  • Wildlife conservation
  • Family and companionship
  • Stories of Ruskin Bond

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the ethical concerns of keeping wild animals as pets.
  • Analyze the themes of human-animal relationships and attachment.
  • Discuss the moral implications of wildlife captivity.
  • Interpret the behaviors and instincts of wild animals.
  • Reflect on the responsibilities of pet ownership.
  • Identify narrative techniques used by Ruskin Bond.

Questions in Chapter

Where was the tiger cub hiding when Grandfather found him?

Answer: The tiger cub was hiding among the intricate roots of a banyan tree.

Page 36

What did Toto do to entertain Timothy?

Answer: Toto would pull Timothy by the tail.

Page 37

What made Grandfather decide to transfer Timothy to the zoo?

Answer: Grandfather decided to transfer Timothy when he began to stalk Mahmoud with villainous intent.

Page 38

Why did Grandfather want Timothy to be put in another enclosure?

Answer: Grandfather wanted Timothy to be moved because a leopard in the next cage kept frightening him.

Page 41

What shocked Grandfather in the end?

Page 42

Additional Practice Questions

Explain why Grandfather initially chose to bring Timothy home instead of leaving him in the forest.

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Answer: Grandfather's decision was likely driven by his compassion and interest in unusual pets. He saw potential in raising Timothy and believed he could provide a good home for him.

Discuss the implications of keeping wild animals as pets as depicted in the story.

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Answer: The story suggests that while wild animals like Timothy can be raised as pets, they inherently possess instincts that make them unpredictable and potentially dangerous, illustrating the risks and ethical concerns of keeping wild animals in domestic environments.

How does the story reflect themes of attachment and loss?

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Answer: The story explores attachment through Grandfather's bond with Timothy, highlighting the deep affection he feels. The twist ending, where Grandfather realizes Timothy has died, poignantly conveys themes of loss and the transient nature of life.

What message does the story convey about respecting wildlife?

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Answer: The story suggests a message of respecting wildlife by showing the potential consequences and ethical dilemmas of removing animals from their natural habitats and raising them in unnatural environments.

Illustrate the change in Timothy's behavior as he grows from a cub into a full-grown tiger.

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Answer: As Timothy grows, he evolves from a playful cub into a less friendly and more dangerous animal, demonstrating his natural instincts by stalking prey and showing aggressiveness, which ultimately leads to his transfer to the zoo.