Ch - 6 The Fight

1. In what way is the forestry pool different from the one which Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert?

Explanation:

The forestry pools are known for their cleanliness, refreshing coolness, and alluring nature, whereas the pools found in the Rajputana desert are recognized for their muddy consistency. It is not uncommon to find buffaloes wallowing and women washing their clothes in these pools.


2. The other boy asked Ranji to ‘explain’ himself.

  1. What did he expect Ranji to say?

  2. Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this question?

Explanation:

  1. A boy demanded that Ranji ask for forgiveness for infiltrating the well without authorization and asked him to vacate the pool instantly.


(ii) It was inappropriate for him to ask Ranji to get out from the forestry pool since it is a public property accessible to everyone, and he has no exclusive ownership over it.



3. Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a quarrel? Give a reason for your answer.

Explanation:

Another boy initiated a fight with Ranji, as evidenced by Ranji's non-confrontational behavior upon seeing him in the pool. This boy seemed to be interested in befriending the other boy but had malicious intent towards Ranji. The other boy was insistent that the pool belonged to him and his associates, and he needed permission for others to use it. Eventually, a fight ensued between the two, during which the other boy mentioned to himself as a "soldier," to which Ranji retorted that he too was a "soldier."


4. “Then we will have to continue the fight,” said the other.

  1. What made him say that?

  2. Did the fight continue? If not, why not?

Explanation:

(i) Ranji engaged in a prolonged fight with another boy who demanded that he vacate the pool. Despite the other boy's insistence, Ranji refused to leave, resulting in the altercation. When it became apparent that Ranji was unwilling to surrender and heed the other boy's demands, the latter threatened to resume the fight the subsequent day.


(ii) It appears that the competition did not resume the succeeding day as neither party seemed interested in perpetuating the traumatic experience. Despite their initial intention to continue the feud, neither of them made an effort to instigate any trouble. Suraj, another boy present at the pool, was impressed by Ranji's diving skills and expressed a desire to learn from him. In return for teaching him to swim and dive, Suraj offered to help Ranji become a wrestler.


5. What is it that Ranji finds difficult to explain at home?

Explanation:

Upon returning home, Ranji bore conspicuous cuts and bruises on his face, legs, and arms, making it challenging to conceal the fact that he had engaged in a ferocious brawl with Suraj. Consequently, his mother demanded that he remain indoors for the day time.


6. Ranji sees his adversary in the bazaar.

  1. What does he wish to do?

  2. What does he actually do, and why?

Explanation:

(i) Upon encountering his challenger in the marketplace, Ranji averted his gaze and attempted to evade him. Fueled by anger, he contemplated hurling a bottle of lemonade at his foe.


(ii) Ranji refrained from taking any action and stood motionless, scowling at the passing boys. He had no desire to engage in an unwarranted altercation with another bazaar vendor. Similarly, the other boy remained silent and glared back menacingly.


7. Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight. Why does he go back to the pool, then?

Explanation:

Despite his reluctance to engage in another altercation, Ranji reluctantly departed from his household. He recollected that he had acknowledged the contest and recognized that he must confront his adversaries to earn admiration. Succumbing would imply relinquishing to the other boy.


8. Who was the better swimmer? How do you know it?

Explanation:

It is evident that Ranji is a proficient swimmer, as demonstrated when the other boy taunted him about his swimming skills. In response, Ranji promptly dove into the pool and swiftly swam to the opposite end, impressing another boy named Suraj. Suraj expressed his admiration and asked Ranji to teach him how to swim and dive submerged, offering to assist Ranji in his ambition to convert a combatant in return.


9. What surprises the warrior?

Explanation:

Suraj was taken aback by Ranji's flawless diving technique. Ranji also displayed his proficiency in swimming by circling Suraj and swimming behind him, which surprised and impressed Suraj, who greatly admired Ranji's whirling abilities.


10. Now that they are at the pool, why don’t they continue the fight?

Explanation:

Even though both the boys were present there at the pool, they did not engage in a fight. Suraj, who was known as a warrior, was impressed by Ranji's expertise in diving and swimming underwater, and expressed a desire to acquire these services from Ranji.


11. Ranji’s superiority over the other boy is obvious in the following:

physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming under water, making a

good point, willingness to help.

Underline the relevant phrases.

Explanation:

Good diver, has a sense of humor, can swim underwater and is willing to help others.


12. What, according to you, makes the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes? Explain it as you have understood it.

Explanation:

The two rivals quickly became helpers in a matter of minutes, complimenting respectively each other's services and talent and agreeing to learn from one another. Upon seeing Ranji's impressive diving and underwater swimming abilities, another boy named Suraj, who was watching, nearly disremembered about the contest and asked Ranji to explain him. Suraj, who had a sturdy build, promised to help Ranji develop a good combatant if Ranji agreed to teach him how to swim. Ranji readily accepted Suraj's proposal. Eventually, the two former opponents abandoned their conflict and became decent allies.


13. Is fighting the only way of resolving differences of opinion? What else can be done to reach a mutually acceptable settlement?

Explanation:

The notion that arguing is the sole means of resolving differences is false. Conflict resolution can be achieved through peaceful discussion between two parties or factions. Even in cases where disagreement remains, a mediator should work towards resolving the conflict in a non-violent manner.


14. Have you ever been in a serious fight only to realize that it was unnecessary and futile? Share your experience/views with others frankly and honestly.

Explanation:

Certainly, disagreements over trivial matters can escalate into physical altercations, but it is important to remember that conflicts can also be resolved through effective communication and mutual respect. By acknowledging each other's perspectives and working towards a peaceful resolution, individuals can avoid causing harm to each other's emotional and mental well-being.


15. Why do some of us find it necessary to prove that we are better than others? Will you be amused or annoyed to read the following sign at the back of the car in front of you?


“I may be going slow but I am ahead of you.”

Explanation:

The human tendency to undermine others and assert one's superiority is a common occurrence. It is essential to steer clear of conflicts arising from ego clashes and misunderstandings in our relationships with others. On a lighter note, we can find humor in situations like reading a sign that says, "I may be slow, but I'm way ahead of you" and laugh it off to ease tensions.