Important Questions Class 7 English An Alien Hand Chapter 6
FAQs on Important Questions Class 7 English An Alien Hand Chapter 6
1. What were the most important questions a Class 7 student should prepare regarding Timothy’s initial days at Grandfather’s house?
For a good score, students should focus on Timothy's arrival and upbringing. Grandfather discovered the tiger cub, Timothy, near the intricate roots of a banyan tree in the Terai jungle. He was brought home and initially raised on a diet of milk, given by the cook, Mahmoud, in a feeding bottle. His companions were Toto, the monkey, who was brave enough to pull the young tiger by the tail, and a small mongrel puppy.
2. What behavioural changes in Timothy are important to note for exams as he grew older?
As Timothy reached about six months old, his wild instincts became more prominent, a key point for exam answers. The important changes were:
- He grew less friendly and more difficult to control on walks.
- He started stalking cats and pet dogs with what the author describes as “villainous intent”.
- He began hunting poultry at night, leaving feathers on the veranda as evidence.
- The most alarming change was when he started to stalk the cook, Mahmoud, around the house, which Grandfather saw as a sign of him becoming dangerous.
3. Why did Grandfather decide to transfer Timothy to a zoo? This is a frequently asked question.
Grandfather decided to transfer Timothy to a zoo because his natural predatory instincts were becoming too strong and dangerous for a domestic environment. The safety of the family and other pets was at risk, especially after Timothy began to stalk Mahmoud, the cook. Grandfather concluded that a zoo would be a safer and more suitable environment for a full-grown tiger. He arranged for Timothy to be sent to the well-run zoo at Lucknow.
4. Describe the scene of Grandfather’s reunion with the tiger at the zoo. Why was he so confident it was Timothy?
Six months after leaving Timothy at the zoo, Grandfather went to visit him. He went to his old cage and found a tiger there. Believing it to be Timothy, he put his arms through the bars. The tiger approached and allowed Grandfather to pet his head and tickle his ears. It even licked Grandfather’s hands, showing affection. This familiar, gentle behaviour convinced Grandfather that he was interacting with his beloved pet, Timothy.
5. What was the shocking revelation made by the zookeeper at the end of the story?
While Grandfather was lovingly petting the tiger, a keeper watched him with alarm. When Grandfather complained about a leopard in the next cage scaring his tiger, the keeper revealed the shocking truth. He informed Grandfather that his tiger, Timothy, had died of pneumonia two months ago. The tiger Grandfather had been petting was a different, very dangerous tiger that was trapped in the hills only the previous month.
6. From an exam perspective, what is the central theme of the story 'A Tiger in the House'?
The central theme is the complex relationship between humans and wild animals. It explores the idea that while affection and care (nurture) can temporarily tame a wild creature, its innate, wild nature is powerful and will eventually surface. The story also highlights the theme of love and misunderstanding, as seen in Grandfather’s deep affection for Timothy, which blinds him to the reality of the tiger's identity at the zoo.
7. How does the story contrast the wild, instinctual nature of an animal with the affection shown by humans?
The story masterfully contrasts these two elements. Grandfather's affection is evident in how he raises Timothy with love, plays with him, and even visits him in the zoo. However, Timothy's wild instincts surface as he grows—stalking pets, hunting poultry, and becoming a threat. The ultimate contrast is at the zoo: Grandfather shows affection to a tiger he believes is his pet, while the zookeeper sees only a dangerous wild animal. This highlights that human love cannot completely erase the powerful, inherent nature of a wild creature.
8. Was Grandfather’s decision to send Timothy to the zoo a responsible one? Discuss why this is an important character-analysis question.
Yes, Grandfather's decision was highly responsible. This is an important question because it assesses his character. Although he loved Timothy deeply, he recognised the danger the growing tiger posed to others. His decision was based on logic and concern for safety rather than selfish emotion. By choosing a well-managed zoo, he tried to ensure Timothy would be cared for properly, proving he was a caring and pragmatic individual who understood the limits of keeping a wild animal as a pet.
9. Analyse the character of Grandfather. What qualities does he display in his interactions with animals?
Grandfather is portrayed as a kind, compassionate, and brave man with a deep love for animals. Key qualities to mention for a full-mark answer are:
- Affectionate: He raises Timothy with great love and care.
- Brave: He is not afraid to handle a tiger cub or even pet a fully grown tiger in the zoo.
- Perceptive: He is quick to notice the change in Timothy’s behaviour and understands when he becomes a danger.
- Responsible: He makes the difficult but correct decision to send Timothy to the zoo for everyone's safety.
- Trusting: He believes in the bond he shares with animals, which is why he is so shocked at the story's end.























