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FAQs on NCERT Solutions For Class 6 English A Pact With The Sun Chapter 4 The Old - 2025-26
1. What were the key events that occurred in Ray’s shop on Christmas Eve, as outlined in the NCERT solutions for Chapter 4?
The NCERT solution for 'The Old-Clock Shop' highlights several key events. It was late on Christmas Eve, and Ray, the old, deaf shop owner, was about to close. Two men entered, one young and one older and unfriendly. Ray noticed the older man had a gun in his pocket and understood they were in desperate need of money. Instead of panicking, he communicated calmly using a notepad and offered them a generous fifty-dollar loan for their ordinary watch, treating it as a purchase. This act of kindness defused the tension, and the men left peacefully just as the clocks chimed midnight, signifying peace and goodwill.
2. How does the NCERT solution explain Ray's handling of the two visitors?
The NCERT solution explains that Ray handled the situation with immense wisdom and calmness. Despite his fear upon seeing the gun, he did not show it. He used his notepad to communicate, which prevented any spoken confrontation. By offering a fifty-dollar note for a watch that was not worth that much, he extended a helping hand rather than engaging in conflict. This act of goodwill was a 'loan' in disguise, allowing the men to leave with their dignity intact.
3. According to the textbook exercises for Class 6 English Chapter 4, why did the unfriendly man's face turn friendly?
The unfriendly man’s expression changed from hostile to friendly because he was met with unexpected kindness instead of resistance. Ray’s generous offer of fifty dollars for his old watch was a gesture of peace and goodwill. The man understood that Ray knew the watch wasn't valuable but was helping him out of a difficult situation. This compassionate act touched him, causing his unfriendly feelings to melt away, which is a key point in the chapter's solutions.
4. What is the moral of the story 'The Old-Clock Shop', as per the 2025-26 CBSE syllabus?
The central moral of the story is that kindness and empathy are powerful tools that can overcome anger and hostility. The story teaches that a peaceful and compassionate approach can resolve even the most dangerous situations. Ray’s act of goodwill not only prevented a potential robbery but also brought about a change of heart in his visitor, proving that a message of peace is more effective than force.
5. How does Ray's deafness play a crucial role in the story's resolution?
Ray's deafness is a critical element in the story's plot. Because he could not hear, he had learned to be a keen observer of people's expressions and actions. This allowed him to quickly assess the visitors' desperation without any words being exchanged. Furthermore, his reliance on a notepad for communication slowed down the interaction, preventing any hasty, aggressive speech and forcing a calmer, more deliberate exchange, which was essential for a peaceful resolution.
6. Why is the setting of Christmas Eve significant for understanding the theme of Chapter 4?
The setting of Christmas Eve is highly significant as it is a time universally associated with peace, hope, and goodwill toward others. Ray’s act of kindness perfectly embodies the spirit of Christmas. The story concludes with all the clocks chiming at midnight, which not only marks Christmas Day but also symbolises a hopeful, new beginning, reinforcing the central message of peace and reconciliation.
7. In solving the NCERT questions, how should a student interpret the 'message of peace and goodwill' from the ringing clocks?
A student should interpret the chiming clocks as a symbolic conclusion that reinforces the story's theme. The sound is described as a 'musical message filled with hope.' It signifies that:
- The immediate crisis has passed peacefully.
- Ray's act of kindness has restored harmony.
- It represents the timeless message that peace and goodwill can triumph over conflict, especially during a time like Christmas.
