The Great Stone Face–II (Chapter-10)

What did the poet himself say about his thoughts and poems?

(i) Complete these pieces of conversation using will or going to with the verbs given.

(a) Rani : Why are you turning on the radio?

Ravi : I ___________ (listen) to the news.

(b) Rani : Oh, I can't buy this book. I have no money.

Ravi : Don't worry. I ___________ (lend) you some.

(c) Rani : Look at those dark clouds.

Ravi : I think it ___________ (rain).

(d) Rani : What shall we have for dinner?

Ravi : I can't decide.

Rani : Make up your mind.

Ravi : All right, then. We ___________ (have) fried rice and dry beans.

(e) Rani : Why are you filling the kettle with water?

Ravi : I ___________ (make) coffee.

(f) Rani : We need some bread and butter for breakfast.

Ravi : All right. I ___________ (go) to the bakery and get some.

(Before he goes out, Ravi talks to their father.)

Ravi : I ___________ (get) some bread and butter. Do you want any thing from the bakery?

Father : Yes, I want some salt biscuits.

Ravi : Fine, I ___________ (get) you a packet.

(ii)Which form of the verb is more natural in these sentences?

(a) I'm not free this evening. I will work/am working on a project.

(b) Have you decided where you will go for your higher secondary?

Yes, I have. I will go/am going to the Kendriya Vidyalaya.

(c) Don't worry about the dog. It won't hurt/isn't hurting you.

(d) The weatherman has predicted that it will snow/is snowing in Ranikhet tonight.

(e) Swapna can't go out this evening. Her father will come/is coming to see her

(i) Who, by common consent, turned out to be like the Great Stone Face?

(ii)Did Ernest believe that the old prophecy had come true?

What did he say about it?

Write 'Ernest' or 'Poet', against each statement below.

(i) There was a gap between his life and his words.

(ii) His words had the power of truth as they agreed with his thoughts.

(iii) His words were as soothing as a heavenly song but only as useful as a vague dream.

(iv) His thoughts were worthy.

(v) Whatever he said was truth itself.

(vi) His poems were noble.

(vii) His life was nobler than all the poems.

(viii) He lacked faith in his own thoughts.

(ix) His thoughts had power as they agreed with the life he lived.

(x) Greatness lies in truth. Truth is best expressed in one's actions. He was truthful, therefore he was great.

What made the poet proclaim Ernest was the Stone Face?

Why did Ernest think the poet was like the Stone Face?

Mark the meaning that best fits the word or a phrase in the story.

How was Ernest different from others in the valley?

Write 'True' or 'False' against each of the following statements.

1. Ernest's words reminded people of the wise old sayings. ___________

2. Total strangers from far away, who visited Ernest in the valley, found his face familiar. _____________

3. The Great Stone Face confirmed Ernest's view that the poet could be worthy of its likeness. ______________

4. When Ernest and the poet met, they respected and admired each other equally. ______

5. The poet along with Ernest addressed the inhabitants of the valley. ____________

6. The poet realised that Ernest's thoughts were far nobler than his own verses. ________