6. The fight - Class 8 - It So Happened
- BhashaLab
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read

š The Fight- Notes
Author:Ā Ruskin Bond
Textbook: It So HappenedĀ (Supplementary Reader)
Genre:Ā Fiction
š Summary
Ranji, a lonely boy new to the semi-hill town of Rajpur, discovers a beautiful forest pool during the scorching summer. He dives into it with joy, finding comfort in its cool, translucent water. The next day, he returns, only to be confronted by a local boy who claims the pool belongs to him. This boy, Suraj, calls himself a Warrior and challenges Ranji, who asserts he is a Fighter. A fierce, unscientific fight ensues, but ends without a clear winner.
The next day, although both boys are tired and sore, they return to the pool. Instead of fighting again, they begin to communicate. Ranji impresses Suraj with his swimming and diving skills. Suraj, surprised and humbled, asks Ranji to teach him how to dive and swim underwater. In exchange, he promises to help Ranji become a wrestler. Their shared interest in learning from each other turns hostility into friendship. The story ends on a warm note as the boys agree to share the pool as friends.
š¤ Character Sketch
Ranji:Ranji is a brave, determined, and skilled swimmer. Though quiet and new to town, he stands up for himself with courage when challenged. He has a calm sense of humour, a forgiving nature, and is quick to make peace. His friendliness and sense of fairness ultimately help turn a rival into a friend.
Suraj:Suraj is physically strong, proud, and quick to anger. He initially comes across as territorial and aggressive. However, he is also open to learning, and once he sees Ranji's strengths, he is humble enough to ask for help. His willingness to be friends shows his good heart and emotional maturity.
š Themes
Theme | Description |
Friendship | The story shows how enmity can transform into deep friendship through respect. |
Conflict and Resolution | The boys initially fight but later resolve their issues through understanding. |
Courage and Determination | Both boys display bravery, first in fighting, later in admitting and learning. |
Growth and Learning | Personal growth comes from humility, respect, and a willingness to improve. |
⨠Literary Devices
Device | Example |
Imagery | "His dark body glistened in patches of sunlit water" |
Dialogue | Builds character and conflict: āI am a Fighter!ā āI am a Warrior!ā |
Irony | A fight turns into a friendship through shared interests. |
Simile | āCutting through it like a knifeā ā for Ranjiās dive |
š Title Justification:
The title "The Fight"Ā is appropriate because the physical altercation between Ranji and Suraj is the central incident that drives the story forward. However, it also metaphorically refers to the inner struggle each boy faces ā between pride and friendship, conflict and resolution. The title captures the tension that transforms into a valuable lesson about understanding and companionship.
ā One-Mark Questions
Where did Ranji find the pool?
Ranji found the pool deep in the forest near his new town, Rajpur.
Why was the forest pool special to Ranji?
It was clean, cool, and unlike the muddy pools he knew in the desert.
What name did the other boy give himself?
He called himself a Warrior.
Why did Ranji not want to skip going to the pool again?
He did not want to appear weak or admit defeat.
What was the final outcome between Ranji and Suraj?
They became good friends and agreed to share the pool.
ā Three-Mark Questions
Describe the fight between Ranji and the other boy.
The fight between Ranji and Suraj was wild and untrained, involving slapping, rolling in the mud, and grappling in the water. Despite their efforts, neither boy won, and they ended in a draw.
What qualities impressed Suraj about Ranji?
Suraj was impressed by Ranjiās diving and underwater swimming abilities. He realized that Ranji was skilled and brave, and not someone to be dismissed.
How did the two boys become friends?
After the initial tension, Suraj asked Ranji to teach him to dive and swim, and in return, he offered to train Ranji to be a wrestler. Their mutual respect and willingness to learn brought them closer as friends.
š§ Value-Based Question
What moral lesson do you learn from Ranji and Surajās story?
The story teaches us that conflicts and fights do not solve problems ā understanding and empathy do. True strength lies in learning from others, respecting differences, and building friendships, even with former rivals.
End
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