2.4 The Fall of Troy - Part 2 - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Author: Retold from Homer’s The Iliad

Genre: Mythological Narrative / Epic Retelling

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

This lesson describes the clever trick that led to the downfall of the mighty city of Troy. After years of siege, Greek hero Odysseus devised a cunning plan: the Greeks built a huge wooden horse to hide soldiers inside. Pretending to retreat, the Greeks sailed away, leaving behind the horse as an offering to the sea god. A Greek spy convinced the Trojans to drag it into the city. Ignoring their priest's warnings, the Trojans celebrated and went to sleep. At night, the hidden Greeks emerged from the horse, opened the gates for their army, and attacked the city. Troy was destroyed, King Priam and his sons were killed, and Hector’s family was captured. Helen, ashamed, returned to Menelaus. The once-proud city was left in ruins.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson shows that overconfidence and ignoring wise advice can lead to downfall. It highlights themes of deception, destruction, and the tragic consequences of war.

Character Sketches

1. Odysseus

• Greek warrior, clever and strategic

• Planned the wooden horse trick

• Played a crucial role in ending the war

• Known for wisdom and cunning

  
  

2. The Greek Spy (Left Behind)

• Pretended to be scared and captured

• Lied about the horse to convince Trojans

• Manipulated the Trojans effectively

• Symbol of deceptive intelligence

  
  

3. The Trojan Priest

• Wise and cautious

• Warned the Trojans not to break the wall

• His advice was ignored

• Represents wisdom and foresight

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: Let us build a horse big enough to hold men inside.

   Question: Identify the infinitive.

   Answer: to hold

2. Passive Voice / Indirect Speech

   Sentence: They broke down the wall.

   Question: Change into passive voice.

   Answer: The wall was broken down by them.

3. Modal

   Sentence: You will bring disaster on the city.

   Question: Identify the modal verb and its use.

   Answer: will – shows certainty/future prediction

   
   

4. Tense / Transformation

   Sentence: They feasted and drank.

   Question: Change into present continuous tense.

   Answer: They are feasting and drinking.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Sentence: Odysseus planned the trick.

   Question: Who planned the trick?

   Answer: Odysseus

   
   

Personal Response Questions

1. Do you think the Trojans were foolish to believe the spy? Why?

   Yes, they believed a stranger too quickly and ignored wise advice. Their excitement led them to make a careless decision.

   
   

2. Why do you think Odysseus’s plan was successful?

   It used clever deception, and the Trojans let down their guard. The plan took advantage of emotion and superstition.

   
   

3. What would you have done if you were the Trojan priest?

   I would have gathered the leaders and insisted on checking the horse thoroughly. I would try to convince them using logic and examples.

   
   

4. What lesson can we learn from this story?

   We should not blindly trust appearances. Listening to wise counsel and thinking critically is very important.

   
   

True or False

1. The Trojans celebrated the arrival of the wooden horse.

   → True

   
   

2. Odysseus was killed in the wooden horse.

   → False

   
   

3. Helen returned to Troy at the end.

   → False

   
   

Probable Board Questions

1. What was the trick used by the Greeks to conquer Troy?

   The Greeks built a huge wooden horse, hid soldiers inside it, and pretended to sail away. At night, the hidden soldiers attacked Troy from within.

   
   

2. What warning did the Trojan priest give?

   He warned the Trojans not to break down the wall and bring in the horse, as it could be a trap that would destroy the city.

   
   

3. How did the spy mislead the Trojans?

   He claimed the horse was an offering to the sea god and that the Greeks made it large so it couldn't be taken inside, hoping for bad luck to fall on Troy if they did.

   
   

4. How did Troy fall in the end?

   At night, the Greeks returned, the hidden soldiers

   came out of the horse, opened the gates, and the army destroyed Troy while the citizens slept.

   
   

Appreciation or Reflection Paragraph

The Fall of Troy – Part II is a powerful conclusion to the tale of war and deception. The story shows how a clever plan, combined with false trust and blind joy, can destroy even the strongest city. Odysseus's strategy stands out for its brilliance, but the tragedy of Troy evokes sympathy. The suspenseful narration and emotional end leave a lasting impact. It teaches us to listen to wise advice and never underestimate the power of trickery. This mythological lesson is still relevant today.

English Worksheet:

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