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    1. The Lost Child - Class 9 - Moments

    Updated: 4 hours ago

    Author: Mulk Raj Anand

    Textbook: Moments (Class IX)

    Genre: Realistic Fiction / Emotional Narrative

    Mind Map (Click on the panels to expand)


    Listen to a quick Hindi audio summary below for better understanding.


    📝 Summary

    “The Lost Child” is a touching and symbolic story of a small child who visits a village fair with his parents. Initially full of joy and curiosity, the child is captivated by the sights and sounds — toys, sweets, garlands, snake charmers, and roundabouts. Each time he expresses a desire to have something, he restrains himself, knowing his parents would disapprove.


    But suddenly, in the midst of the fair, he realizes he is separated from his parents. Fear replaces joy, and everything he once desired becomes meaningless. Though a kind stranger offers him sweets, balloons, flowers, and even a ride — all of which he previously longed for — the child now wants only one thing: his parents.


    The story highlights the innocence of childhood, the intensity of fear and emotional security tied to parents, and how love overrides all material desires.


    👦 Character Sketch: The Lost Child

    • Curious and Innocent – Drawn to every colourful sight in the fair

    • Obedient – Follows his parents, though hesitantly, when called

    • Emotional – Expresses joy, fear, and deep attachment honestly

    • Vulnerable – Becomes terrified and panicked when he loses his parents

    • Symbol of Universal Childhood – Represents every child’s dependence on love and security over material pleasures


    📚 Themes

    Theme

    Description

    Childhood Innocence

    The child’s excitement at simple things reflects innocence

    Parent-Child Bond

    The child’s greatest emotional need is his parents’ presence

    Materialism vs. Emotional Need

    Desire for things fades when emotional security is lost

    Fear and Loneliness

    The moment of separation shows raw human fear and helplessness

    Loss and Realisation

    The story portrays how loss deepens our understanding of love

    ✨ Literary Devices

    Device

    Example / Function

    Imagery

    Vivid descriptions of the fair bring the scene to life

    Repetition

    “I want my mother, I want my father” – emphasizes desperation

    Contrast

    Before and after losing parents – joy vs. fear

    Symbolism

    Fair = worldly distractions; Parents = security and love

    Tone

    Shifts from playful and joyful to anxious and emotional

    📖 Title Justification

    The title “The Lost Child” is apt because the story revolves around a child who loses his parents at a fair. But it also symbolizes a deeper emotional and moral journey — how material attractions are overshadowed by emotional needs when one is truly lost. It reflects both the physical and emotional disconnection the child experiences.


    ✅ One-Mark Questions (One-Sentence Answers)

    Q1. Where was the child going with his parents?

    👉 He was going to a village fair to celebrate the festival of spring.


    Q2. What was the child’s reaction to the toys in the shops?

    👉 He was fascinated and wanted to have them, but didn’t insist when his parents disapproved.


    Q3. What did the child want at the sweetmeat seller’s shop?

    👉 He wanted a burfi, his favourite sweet.

    Q4. What changed the mood of the story?

    👉 The child realized he had lost his parents and panic overtook his excitement.


    Q5. What did the stranger offer to cheer the child?

    👉 The stranger offered sweets, balloons, a ride, and flowers, but the child only wanted his parents.


    ✅ Three-Mark Questions

    Q1. Why did the child not insist on getting the things he wanted at first?

    👉 The child knew from past experience that his parents would not agree. He feared rejection and moved on silently each time he desired something, showing his awareness and obedience.

    Q2. How did the child react upon realizing he had lost his parents?

    👉 He cried loudly, became panicked, and ran in all directions. His playful spirit vanished, replaced by a desperate need to find his mother and father.

    Q3. What message does the story convey about childhood and emotional priorities?👉 It teaches that love and emotional bonds are far more powerful than any material attraction. A child may be drawn to toys and sweets, but nothing can replace the comfort and safety of parents.


    🧠 Value-Based Question

    Q. What does “The Lost Child” teach us about what truly matters in life?

    👉 The story shows that in the face of fear and separation, all material desires fade. What matters most is emotional connection, security, and love. It’s a gentle reminder that relationships are more valuable than possessions.



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