7. Jalebis - Class 8 - It So Happened
- BhashaLab
- May 27
- 4 min read
šJalebis - Notes
Author: Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi
Translated by Sufiya Pathan
Textbook : It So HappenedĀ (Supplementary Reader)
Genre:Ā Fiction / Short Story
š Summary
The story āJalebisā is a humorous and thoughtful narrative about a young boy studying in Class V. One day, he goes to school with four rupees to pay his school fees, but the teacher is absent. On his way home, he is tempted by the sight of hot, syrupy jalebis being made. The coins in his pocket metaphorically ātalkā to him, urging him to spend the money on the sweets. After much inner conflict, he gives in to temptation and buys and eats a heap of jalebis. Feeling generous and playful, he even distributes some to other children.
However, the real trouble begins when he learns the scholarship money he was relying on to repay the fee would be given the next month, not the next day. Filled with guilt, fear, and helplessness, he prays sincerely to God to miraculously send him the money. His innocent prayers go unanswered, and he finally realizes the value of responsibility and effort. The story ends with his understanding that if humans received everything just by asking, they would never learn lifeās important lessons.
š¤ Character Sketch
The Narrator (Unnamed Boy):The boy is intelligent, sincere, and respectful. Initially disciplined, he falls prey to temptation but deeply regrets his mistake. His internal moral conflict is portrayed with humour and honesty. He tries to correct his actions by praying and reasoning with God. By the end, he grows wiser, realizing that hard work and self-reliance are more meaningful than quick fixes.
š Themes
Theme | Description |
Temptation and Guilt | The boy's struggle between desire and duty reflects common human dilemmas. |
Innocence of Childhood | His reasoning with coins and God shows the simplicity and imagination of children. |
Consequences of Actions | The story teaches that actions have consequences and shortcuts often fail. |
Realization and Growth | The boy matures through the experience and understands life's practical truths. |
āØ Literary Devices
Device | Example |
Personification | The coins ātalkā to the boy, urging him to spend them. |
Irony | He eats the sweets thinking he will repay the money, but the scholarship is delayed. |
Hyperbole | āIf anyone pressed my stomach a little, jalebis would have popped outā¦ā |
Humour | His fear of being discovered and his conversations with Allah are witty yet touching. |
š Title Justification
The title āJalebisāĀ is symbolic and central to the story. The entire plot revolves around the boyās decision to buy and eat jalebis, despite knowing it is wrong to use his school fee money. The jalebis become a symbol of temptation, consequences, and eventual realization. Through this innocent yet impactful act, the story teaches deeper life lessons. Hence, the title is simple yet powerful in capturing the essence of the story.
ā One-Mark Questions
Why didnāt the boy pay his school fees on the first day?
Because the fee-collecting teacher, Master Ghulam Mohammed, was on leave.
What tempted the boy in the market?
The sight and smell of hot, syrupy jalebis being freshly made.
How much money did the boy have in his pocket?
He had four rupees for paying the school fees and fund.
Why did the boy run away from school during recess?
Because he was scared he couldnāt pay the fees and feared punishment.
What did the boy pray for under the tree?
He prayed to Allah to send four rupees so he could pay his fees.
ā Three-Mark Questions
Describe the boyās internal conflict before buying the jalebis?
The boy was torn between his duty to pay the fees and his desire to eat the tempting jalebis. He tried reasoning with himself but eventually gave in to temptation after much hesitation and persuasion from the 'talking' coins.
How did the boy try to make things right after spending the money?
He prayed sincerely to Allah, recited religious verses, and even played a game hoping for a miracle. His innocence and desperation showed his genuine regret, but he received no divine help.
What realization does the boy come to by the end of the story?
He understands that if everyone received what they asked for, they would never learn important life skills or responsibilities. He realizes that hard work and self-effort are necessary for growth.
š§ Value-Based Question:
Q. What lesson does the story āJalebisā teach about temptation and responsibility?
The story teaches that while temptations are strong and mistakes can happen, one must take responsibility for their actions. True growth comes from learning from errors, not from expecting miracles. The boyās realization shows that honesty, accountability, and self-discipline are more valuable than momentary pleasures.
End
About BhashaLab
BhashaLabĀ is a dynamic platform dedicated to the exploration and mastery of languages - operating both online and offline. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020Ā and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), we offer language education that emphasizes measurable learning outcomes and recognized, transferable credits.
We offer:
1. NEP alligned offline language courses for degree colleges - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi
2. NEP alligned offline language courses for schools - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi
3. Std VIII, IX and X - English and Sanskrit Curriculum Tuitions - All boards
4. International English Olympiad Tuitions - All classes
5. Basic and Advanced English Grammar - Offline and Online - Class 3 and above
6. English Communication Skills for working professionals, adults and students - Offline and Online
Contact: +91 86577 20901, +91 97021 12044
Mail: info@bhashalab.com
Website: www.bhashalab.com
Comments