3.3 A Crow in the House - Class 7 - Balbharati

Author: Ruskin Bond (from Grandfather’s Private Zoo)

Genre: Short Story / Autobiographical Anecdote

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

A Crow in the House by Ruskin Bond tells the story of a young crow rescued by the narrator. The bird, later named Caesar, was weak and near death, but Grandfather and the narrator nursed it back to health with bread, milk, and plum wine. Caesar refused freedom and became part of the household, joining meals, tugging at dogs’ tails, tearing papers, and collecting toothbrushes. Though Grandmother found him a pest, the narrator loved his antics. Caesar even learnt to say “Hello” and “Kiss, Kiss.” He troubled neighbours by stealing items like clothes pegs, ribbons, and sweets. Eventually, Caesar’s mischief led to disaster when a neighbour injured him with a stick. Despite efforts to cure him, Caesar died, and the narrator buried him with the objects he had stolen. The story is a touching mix of humour and sadness, showing the bond between humans and animals.

Theme / Central Idea

The story highlights love for animals, the joy and trouble they bring, and the unpredictability of keeping pets. It conveys that kindness and attachment to animals also involve responsibility and loss.

Character Sketches

Caesar (the crow)

• Mischievous and playful; loved tearing papers and stealing objects.

• Intelligent and talkative; learnt to say “Hello” and “Kiss, Kiss.”

• Troublesome to neighbours but loyal to the family.

• His mischiefs made him both a pest and a loved pet.

The Narrator (Ruskin Bond as a boy)

• Compassionate, rescued and cared for Caesar.

• Enjoyed the crow’s company and tricks.

• Showed affection and loyalty till Caesar’s death.

Grandfather

• Animal lover who helped nurse Caesar back to health.

• Sympathetic and patient with pets.

Grandmother

• Irritated by Caesar’s mischief.

• Saw him as a pest, though tolerated him reluctantly.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “The boy loved to play with Caesar.”

   Infinitive: to play – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: The neighbour broke Caesar’s leg.

   Passive: Caesar’s leg was broken by the neighbour.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We should take care of our pets.”

   Should shows advice.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Grandmother said, “That crow will be the ruin of us.”

   Indirect: Grandmother said that the crow would be the ruin of them.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: The narrator buried Caesar in the garden.Question: Where did the narrator bury Caesar?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What do you like most about Caesar’s character?

   I like Caesar’s playful and intelligent nature. He was full of energy and always curious, making life lively and entertaining.

   
   

2. Do you think Caesar was a pet or a pest? Why?

   Caesar was both a pet and a pest. He gave joy through his talk and play, but also created trouble by stealing and annoying neighbours.

   
   

3. How did the narrator show his love for Caesar?

   The narrator rescued him, fed him, taught him words, and finally buried him respectfully. These actions show real affection and loyalty.

   
   

4. What lesson does this story give us about pets?

   The story teaches that pets bring happiness but also responsibility. They need care, patience, and acceptance of their flaws.

   
   

5. Have you ever cared for an injured bird or animal? Describe your experience.

   Yes, once I cared for an injured pigeon. I gave it food and water daily until it recovered. It made me feel kind and responsible.

True or False (5)

1. Caesar was a jungle crow or raven. → True

2. Caesar enjoyed staying in a cage. → False (He hated being caged.)

3. Grandmother always loved Caesar. → False (She saw him as a pest.)

4. Caesar collected toothbrushes and clothes pegs. → True

5. The narrator buried Caesar along with his stolen objects. → True

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. How did Caesar become part of the narrator’s household?

   The narrator saved him when he fell from a nest and nursed him back to health. Instead of flying away, Caesar stayed and became part of the family.

   
   

2. What mischiefs of Caesar troubled the family and neighbours?

   He tore papers, overturned vases, pulled dogs’ tails, and stole objects like ribbons, toothbrushes, and pegs, troubling everyone.

   
   

3. How did Caesar learn to say “Hello”?

   Caesar copied the family members’ greetings and the sound of the gate, learning to say “Hello” in a cracked voice.

   
   

4. Why did Caesar’s life end early?

   Caesar’s habit of troubling neighbours led to his injury. A neighbour broke his leg, and despite care, he grew weak and died.

   
   

5. What message does A Crow in the House give us?

   The story conveys love for animals, patience with their mischiefs, and the sadness of losing them. It shows the bond between humans and pets.

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

A Crow in the House by Ruskin Bond is a delightful yet touching story of a mischievous crow. Its humour lies in Caesar’s pranks, like stealing toothbrushes and tugging dogs’ tails. At the same time, it moves the reader when Caesar dies, showing the emotional bond between humans and pets. The story combines love, humour, and loss in a simple narrative style. It is memorable because it reflects both the joy and responsibility of keeping pets.

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