The Fight

AP/ NCERT Solutions Grade 8 Supplementary Reader
Chapter 6 The Fight

Comprehension Check (Page 49)

1. In what way is the forest pool different from the one which Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert?

The forest pool was very clean, cold and inviting, whereas the one in the Rajputana desert was known to be sticky and muddy, where buffaloes wallowed, and women washed clothes.

2. The other boy asked Ranji to ‘explain’ himself.

(i) What did he expect Ranji to say?

The other boy expected Ranji to apologize to him for entering the forest pool without seeking his permission. He wanted Ranji to leave the pool immediately.

(ii) Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this question?

He was wrong to expect and ask Ranji to leave the pool because the forest pool was open to everyone, and he did not have a personal right to the property.

3. Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a quarrel? Give a reason for your answer.

The quarrel started when the other boy, not Ranji, wanted to fight. Even though Ranji tried to be friendly, the boy insisted the pool was his. He demanded permission to use it and began a fight. The boy called himself a 'Warrior,' and Ranji said he was a 'Fighter.'

4. “Then we will have to continue the fight,” said the other.

(i) What made him say that?

Ranji and the other boy fought for a long time over the pool. Ranji wouldn't leave, so the fight went on. The boy, seeing Ranji wouldn't give up, said they would continue the next day.

(ii) Did the fight continue? If not, why not?

The fight didn't happen the next day because both Ranji and Suraj had a bad experience. Although they thought about fighting, neither wanted to start it again. Suraj, impressed by Ranji's diving skills, asked him to teach and promised to help Ranji become a wrestler in return.

Comprehension Check (Page 53-54)

1. What is it that Ranji finds difficult to explain at home?

When Ranji reached home, he found it difficult to explain the cuts and bruises that showed on his face, leg and arms. It was difficult to conceal the fact that he had been in an unusually violent fight with Suraj. Therefore, his mother insisted on him staying at home for the rest of the day.

2. Ranji sees his adversary in the bazaar.

(i) What does he wish to do?

When Ranji saw his adversary in the bazaar, he tried to avoid him by turning away and looking elsewhere. He was so angry at that boy that he felt like throwing the lemonade bottle at his enemy.

(ii) What does he actually do, and why?

Ranji did not do anything. He just stood his ground and scowled at the passing adversary. He did not want to pick unnecessary fights with the other boy in the market. Even that boy said nothing either but scowled back with equal ferocity.

Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight. Why does he go back to the pool, then?

Although Ranji was not at all eager for a second fight with the other boy, he left his home unwillingly. He remembered that he had accepted the challenge and he had to defy his enemy in order to gain respect. If he gave up, this meant that he had acknowledged his defeat to the other boy.

4. Who was the better swimmer? How do you know it?

Ranji was a good swimmer, but Suraj teased him, asking if he could swim across the pool. Ranji dove in and quickly reached the other side. Suraj was amazed and asked Ranji to teach him. In return, Suraj promised to help Ranji become a wrestler.

5. What surprises the warrior?

When Ranji dived into the water perfectly, Suraj was amazed to see this. Ranji was able to swim underwater as he circled Suraj and came up from behind him. This surprised Suraj, and he admired Ranji’s swimming skills.

6. Now that they are at the pool, why don’t they continue the fight?

Although both the boys were at the pool together, they were not fighting with each other. Suraj, the warrior was taken by surprise when he saw Ranji’s skills like diving and swimming underwater. He wanted to learn these skills from Ranji.

7. Ranji’s superiority over the other boy is obvious in the following:

physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming underwater, making a good point, willingness to help.

Underline the relevant phrases.

Good diving, sense of humour, swimming underwater, willingness to help.

8. What, according to you, makes the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes? Explain it as you have understood it.

Ranji and Suraj, once foes, became friends within minutes. Admiring each other's skills, they decided to learn from one another. Suraj, impressed by Ranji's diving, asked for lessons. Suraj, with a strong build, offered to help Ranji become a wrestler in exchange for swimming lessons. The former adversaries happily gave up the fight.

Exercise (Page 54)

Discuss the following topics in small groups.

1. Is fighting the only way of resolving differences of opinion? What else can be done to reach a mutually acceptable settlement?

No, fighting is never the only way to resolve differences of opinion. Any differences between two parties or people can be resolved in a coolheaded manner through discussion. Even if the difference of opinion continues, a middleman should try to resolve the conflict between the two parties peacefully.

2. Have you ever been in a serious fight only to realize that it was unnecessary and futile? Share your experience/views with others frankly and honestly.

Yes, it is in human nature to pick a fight on minor issues sometimes. However, such fights or arguments can be resolved through discussion and respecting each other’s point of view. Once both parties agree to resolve the conflict, they can do it peacefully without hurting each other’s emotions and sentiments.

3. Why do some of us find it necessary to prove that we are better than others? Will you be amused or annoyed to read the following sign at the back of the car in front of you?

“I may be going slow, but I am ahead of you.”

People often try to show they're better than others, creating problems in relationships. It's important to avoid ego clashes and misunderstandings. If I saw a sign saying, "I may be going slow, but I am ahead of you," I'd find it funny, taking it lightly and laughing it off.