4.2. The Storyteller - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Author: Sudha Murty

Genre: Reflective Essay

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

This essay by Sudha Murty narrates a simple yet thought-provoking incident that changed her perspective towards money and happiness. While traveling daily to work, she often noticed a beggar who seemed cheerful and content despite having nothing. His smile and carefree attitude made her realize that happiness does not depend on wealth but on one’s mindset. Through this encounter, Sudha Murty understood that material possessions cannot guarantee peace of mind. The beggar’s ability to remain joyful amidst hardship became a silent lesson in living a satisfied life. The essay reminds us that gratitude and contentment are greater sources of happiness than riches or luxury.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson emphasizes that happiness lies not in wealth but in contentment. It conveys that true peace comes from a positive attitude, simplicity, and the ability to find joy in small things.

Character Sketches

1. Sudha Murty

• Educated, thoughtful, and observant.

• Reflective in nature and willing to learn from everyday experiences.

• Realizes that money cannot buy happiness.

• Values human emotions and simplicity.

  
  

2. The Beggar

• Poor and destitute in appearance.

• Always smiling, cheerful, and content despite hardships.

• Becomes an inspiration through his carefree attitude.

• Symbol of positivity and acceptance in life.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

1. Infinitive/Gerund

   Sentence: Happiness does not depend on wealth.

   Q: Identify the infinitive/gerund.

   A: to depend (infinitive).

2. Passive Voice

   Sentence: Money cannot buy happiness.

   Q: Change into passive voice.

   A: Happiness cannot be bought with money.

   
   

3. Modal

   Sentence: One should remain content in life.

   Q: Replace the modal with another suitable modal.

   A: One must remain content in life.

   
   

4. Tense/Transformation

   Sentence: The beggar smiled every day. (Past tense)

   Q: Change into future tense.

   A: The beggar will smile every day.

   
   

5. Wh-question

   Sentence: The beggar smiled every day.

   Q: Frame a Wh-question.

   A: When did the beggar smile?

   
   

Personal Response Questions

1. Do you think happiness is dependent on wealth? Explain.

   Happiness is not dependent on wealth because many people with money are unhappy, while some poor people live cheerfully. True happiness comes from contentment and peace of mind.

   
   

2. Have you ever met someone who inspired you like the beggar inspired Sudha Murty?

   Yes, I once met an elderly shopkeeper who always smiled even during hardships. His optimism inspired me to face my struggles with courage.

   
   

3. What lesson did Sudha Murty learn from the beggar?

   She learned that happiness is a state of mind and not related to wealth. The beggar’s joy despite poverty made her realize the value of contentment.

   
   

True or False

1. Sudha Murty believed money always brings happiness. – False

   
   

2. The beggar was always smiling and content. – True

   
   

3. The essay teaches the importance of wealth. – False

   
   

4. The beggar was well dressed and rich. – False

   
   

5. Sudha Murty learned a life lesson from a beggar. – True

   
   

Probable Board Questions

1. Why did Sudha Murty admire the beggar?

   She admired him because, despite poverty, he always smiled and remained cheerful, which showed true contentment in life.

   
   

2. How did the beggar influence Sudha Murty’s outlook?

   The beggar influenced her outlook by teaching her that happiness lies in contentment and not in material possessions.

   
   

3. What important truth about life does the essay highlight?

   It highlights that money cannot buy happiness, and peace of mind comes from gratitude, positivity, and simple living.

   
   

4. How is the beggar a contrast to wealthy people?

   While wealthy people often remain dissatisfied, the beggar showed that even without riches one can live with joy and contentment.

   
   

5. What lesson can students learn from this story?

   Students can learn that a positive attitude and simplicity bring more happiness than wealth, power, or luxury.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

This essay is memorable because it carries a timeless message about the value of contentment. Sudha Murty’s encounter with the beggar is simple yet deeply meaningful. It shows how even ordinary people can teach extraordinary lessons. The beggar symbolizes optimism, reminding us that money is not the source of peace. His carefree smile reflects true freedom from worries. The essay also urges us to appreciate what we already have. It teaches us to focus on gratitude instead of desires. Overall, it leaves the reader with an inspiring thought that contentment is the real treasure of life.

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