Class 12 English (Elective) Fiction – A Tiger for Malgudi Important Question Answers
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A Tiger for Malgudi Question Answers
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words (2 marks each)
Q1. What prompts Raja, the Tiger to make peace with the tigress and live together? [CBSE PYQP 2024, 30-40 words]
Ans. Raja, the tiger, is encouraged by a wise old jackal to make peace with the tigress after a fierce battle. Exhausted, they decide to talk instead of fight and eventually live together as a family with their cubs.
Q2. How is Raja tamed by the Captain for his circus performances? [CBSE PYQP 2024, 30-40 words]
Ans. The Captain uses a long whip to beat and intimidate Raja, forcing him to obey commands and perform tricks. Raja is often kept hungry, and food is used as a reward for performing correctly.
Q3. What confusion was created after Tiger escaped from the shooting site? [CBSE PYQP 2023, 30-40 words]
Ans. The escape of the tiger from the shooting site has caused panic in the town. People stayed indoors as conflicting rumours about the tiger’s size and location spread, leading to uncoordinated search efforts. Chaos reigned until Raja was ultimately found.
Q4. What is the central conflict in ‘A Tiger for Malgudi.’ [CBSE SQP 2024-25, 30-40 words]
Ans. In A Tiger for Malgudi, the central conflict arises from the clash between nature and human exploitation. Raja, a majestic tiger, is captured and mistreated within the circus, highlighting his struggle for freedom and dignity against human dominance and the conflict between wild instincts and forced domestication.
Q5. What is the significance of the title “A Tiger for Malgudi”? [CBSE SQP 2023-24, 30-40 words]
Ans. The title “A Tiger for Malgudi” reflects the clash between nature and human civilization, highlighting the intrusion of a powerful wild creature into the familiar world of Malgudi and the conflict that arises from human exploitation.
Q6. What lesson is learnt by the tragic event at the end of the novel? [CBSE SQP 2023-24, 30-40 words]
Ans. The tragic death of the Captain at the end serves as a stark lesson about the consequences of cruelty and the exploitation of nature. It underscores the idea that the wild spirit cannot be suppressed and that mistreatment of it can lead to severe repercussions.
Q7. How did the captain’s behavior change in front of the cameraman? [CBSE SQP 2022-23, 30-40 words]
Ans. In front of the cameraman, the Captain shifted from his usual harshness to a display of feigned gentleness towards Raja, the tiger. This act aimed to create a positive image for the film while hiding his true cruelty and profit motives.
Q8. What were the instructions of the captain regarding the show and animals of the circus? [CBSE SQP 2022-23, 30-40 words]
Ans. His instructions for the circus emphasized strict discipline and obedience, prioritizing entertainment over the well-being of performers and animals. He demanded flawless execution from trainers, often using fear to ensure the animals performed as rehearsed.
Answer the following questions in 50-60 words (3 marks each)
Q1. Compare and contrast Raja’s life before and after he came in contact with Swamiji. [CBSE PYQP 2024, 50-60 words]
Ans. Before meeting Swamiji, Raja lived a wild life as the “Supreme Lord” of the jungle, which changed dramatically when he was captured and abused in a circus. Swamiji’s influence transformed Raja’s life, bringing him peace, understanding, and spiritual awakening. Through Swamiji’s teachings on life, death, and non-violence, Raja learned to control his aggression and found contentment. His later years were filled with calm and purpose, contrasting sharply with his past of violence and captivity.
Q2. What assignment does the Swami make for Raja when Raja is sent to a circus? [CBSE PYQP 2024, 50-60 words]
Ans. Raja is not sent to a circus; instead, he finds refuge with a kind old man known as the Swami. Understanding Raja’s trauma, the Swami teaches him about peace, detachment, and the cycle of life and death. Rather than forcing him to perform, the Swami’s assignment focuses on spiritual learning and inner peace, helping Raja shed his aggression. This guidance ultimately leads to Raja’s peaceful acceptance of his transfer to the zoo in his old age.
Q3. Summarise the arguments exchanged between Alphonse and the Chairman of ‘Sava Tiger Committee’? [CBSE PYQP 2023, 50-60 words]
Ans. Alphonse pushed for urgent action to “save” the headmaster from a supposed threat, advocating for making noise to provoke and shoot the tiger. He disregarded the committee’s rules, viewing the tiger as a man-eater. The Chairman emphasized the ‘Save Tiger Project’s’ goal of protecting declining tiger populations and the government’s ban on shooting them, outlining the legal process for handling man-eaters and prioritizing conservation over Alphonse’s hasty approach.
Q4. How did the Captain train Tiger for his circus show? [CBSE PYQP 2023, 50-60 words]
Ans. The Captain trained Raja for his circus show using harsh and cruel methods. He employed a long whip to beat and intimidate the tiger into obedience, forcing him to learn tricks through pain and fear. Food was used as a reward for compliance, creating a system of deprivation and forced performance. The Captain psychologically manipulated Raja, breaking his spirit to assert dominance and ensure he performed for the entertainment of the circus audience, prioritizing profit over the tiger’s well-being.
Q5. What efforts did Captain make to tame the tiger for his circus? [CBSE PYQP 2020, 60-80 words]
Ans. The Captain employed a regime of fear and control to tame Raja for his circus performances. He used a long whip relentlessly to beat and intimidate the tiger, forcing him to obey commands and learn tricks through pain. Food was strategically used as a reward for successful performances, creating a powerful incentive for Raja to comply. The Captain also utilized psychological manipulation, understanding animal instincts to break Raja’s spirit and establish dominance. Through this combination of physical abuse, deprivation, and psychological pressure, the Captain aimed to subdue Raja’s wild nature and mould him into a performing animal for the entertainment of the circus audience, prioritizing spectacle and profit above the tiger’s well-being.
Q6. The tiger is generally a peace-loving animal unless provoked or pressed to satisfy his hunger. On what occasions does the tiger become violent and why? [CBSE PYQP 2020, 60-80 words]
Ans. Raja, like other tigers, is generally peaceful and prefers solitude, but violence erupts when his survival instincts are triggered. He becomes aggressive when threatened or when his territory or cubs are at risk. Most notably, his need to hunt for food drives him to violence, as killing prey is a natural act viewed as violent from their perspective. Thus, self-preservation and the need for sustenance primarily motivate his violent behavior.
Q7. How does Narayan use symbolism to represent Raja’s character in the novel? [CBSE SQP 2023-24, 50-60 words]
Ans. Narayan uses Raja, the tiger, as a symbol of untamed nature and the dignity of the wild spirit. His initial freedom in the Mempi hills represents natural harmony, while his captivity in the circus illustrates human exploitation of nature. Raja’s peaceful coexistence with the Swami and later at the zoo shows a potential for harmony between humans and animals, emphasizing compassion and respect for all living beings. His journey reflects the loss of freedom and the yearning for peace.
Q8. How does Narayan use humor in the novel, and what effect does it have on the story? [CBSE SQP 2023-24, 50-60 words]
Ans. Narayan uses gentle irony and subtle wit in “A Tiger for Malgudi.” Humor emerges from the contrast between Raja’s innocent observations and human behavior, particularly the absurdities of circus life and the Captain’s exaggerated statements. This understated humor lightens the narrative, making it engaging while subtly critiquing human follies without being harsh. It deepens the reader’s connection to Raja’s experience and softens the serious themes of captivity and exploitation.
Answer the following questions in 120 – 150 words (5 marks each)
Q1. Is R.K. Narayan, the novelist, right in giving his novel the title ‘A Tiger for Malgudi’? [CBSE PYQP 2024, 120-150 words]
Ans. R.K. Narayan’s title, “A Tiger for Malgudi,” captures the essence of the novel well and highlights its main themes. It shows a clear contrast between Malgudi, which represents ordinary life in South India, and the wildness of a tiger. This clash adds an exciting element and looks at the tension between nature and human society. The word “for” suggests that the tiger has a specific purpose in Malgudi. At first, he is an outsider, but he changes the lives of the people in the town, becoming a source of fear, fascination, and deep thoughts about how humans connect with nature. The title also highlights themes of captivity and freedom. The tiger’s journey from the Mempi Hills to the circus and then to the zoo shows his exploitation and desire for freedom. Malgudi acts as the setting for this story, linking the tiger’s journey to the human experience. A Tiger for Malgudi sums up the main conflict and the way the wild intrudes into daily life, inviting readers to think about its complex themes of nature, humanity, and the search for peace.
Q2. “Raja’s short-lived experience in the children’s school and his subsequent rescue brings a complete transformation in Raja’s behaviour.” Explain. [CBSE PYQP 2024, 120-150 words]
Ans. Raja’s brief experience in the children’s school marks a pivotal transformation in his behaviour after his dramatic escape from captivity. Initially driven by instinct and a need for freedom, Raja stumbles into the school seeking shelter. His unexpected encounter with the children, who greet him with innocent curiosity and kindness, contrasts sharply with the cruelty he has known. This gentle interaction plants a seed of change in his perception of humans. The arrival of the Swami further deepens this transformation. The Swami’s calm and compassionate nature resonates with Raja, introducing him to concepts of non-violence and interconnectedness. This guidance helps quell Raja’s built-up aggression and resentment, facilitating his metamorphosis from a potentially dangerous animal into a peaceful creature capable of understanding and acceptance. Ultimately, Raja’s time in the school, influenced by the children’s kindness and Swami’s teachings, leads him to a tranquil existence under Swami’s care and later in the zoo.
Q3. Do you think the Tiger enjoyed a carefree and happy life in the forest before being captured? [CBSE PYQP 2023, 120-150 words]
Ans. While the forest granted Raja freedom from human exploitation, his life was not entirely “carefree and happy.” As a dominant predator, he enjoyed power and autonomy, roaming his territory and experiencing the satisfaction of successful hunts, companionship, and raising a family. However, life in the wild also posed significant challenges. The need to hunt for survival involved danger and energy expenditure. Territorial disputes could lead to aggression and injury, while natural calamities and prey scarcity increased stress, especially concerning his cubs. Thus, Raja’s life blended freedom with responsibility and power with vulnerability. His existence was shaped by natural instincts and the struggle for survival. While it was more fulfilling than captivity, it was still far from the human ideal of a carefree life, reflecting a life of sovereignty and instinct tempered by hardship and worry.
Q4. “R.K. Narayan succeeds in giving human qualities to the Tiger.” Discuss. [CBSE PYQP 2023, 120-150 words]
Ans. R.K. Narayan skillfully portrays Raja, the tiger in “A Tiger for Malgudi,” with human-like qualities that resonate emotionally with readers. This anthropomorphism is vital to the novel’s exploration of freedom, captivity, and the interconnectedness of life. Raja’s capacity for introspection, memory, and understanding allows readers to experience his confusion over captivity, resentment towards the Captain’s cruelty, and eventual grasp of the Swami’s teachings. His internal thoughts reflect feelings of pride, anger, fear, and philosophical contemplation, especially in his later introspections. Raja also shows human-like reactions, feeling humiliation during demeaning tricks and gratitude towards the Swami. His interactions, especially with children, illustrate his ability to learn and form bonds beyond instinct. Yet, Narayan retains Raja’s essential tiger nature, balancing human-like traits with the tiger’s primal instincts. This blend creates a compelling character who serves as a poignant commentary on human-animal relationships and the universal quest for freedom and dignity, urging readers to empathize with a creature often viewed as fearsome.
Q5. “You may get in now, Raja, a new life opens before you. Men, women and children, particularly children, hundreds of them will come to see you. You will make them happy.” Who speaks these words to Raja and what is the occasion? [CBSE PYQP 2022, 120-150 words]
Ans. These words are spoken by the Swami to Raja on the occasion of Raja’s departure to the zoo. As Raja ages and his health declines, the Swami realizes that relocating him to the city zoo is necessary for his well-being. With gentle resignation, the Swami seeks to reassure Raja about this change, emphasizing the joy he will bring to visitors, especially children. This poignant moment marks the end of their unique companionship but highlights the continuing purpose in Raja’s life. The Swami’s farewell serves to ease Raja’s transition into a new environment, suggesting that even in captivity, he can still make a positive impact. This scene encapsulates the theme of finding peace and purpose in different circumstances.
Q6. “I’ll look into your case. I can’t promise anything. How do you know that there is a tiger around ?” Who speaks these words to whom? How does this question reflect on the speaker’s attitude towards public grievances? [CBSE PYQP 2022, 120-150 words]
Ans. The Forest Officer’s dismissive words, “I’ll look into your case. I can’t promise anything. How do you know that there is a tiger around?” are addressed to the frantic Headmaster reporting a tiger in the school. This response reveals a bureaucratic attitude towards public grievances. The officer’s inability to promise immediate action suggests a system prioritizing procedure over urgency, hinting at potential resource limitations or detachment from public concerns. Questioning the tiger’s presence implies skepticism towards the Headmaster’s account, reflecting a lack of trust in the common person’s assessment of a crisis. The officer’s unempathetic tone underscores a disconnect between officialdom and the community’s immediate anxieties, highlighting a common critique of bureaucratic systems where protocol and doubt can impede prompt and empathetic responses to public safety issues.
Q7. R.K. Narayan’s novel is about a tiger which possessed the soul of an enlightened human being who tells the story of his life. Describe. [CBSE PYQP 2020, 120-160 words]
Ans. R.K. Narayan’s “A Tiger for Malgudi” features a first-person narrative from Raja, a tiger who carries the soul of an enlightened human from a past life. This unique perspective lends him profound understanding and introspection beyond typical animal consciousness. Through Raja’s eyes, we witness his experiences in the wild, his harsh treatment in the circus, and his eventual bond with the Swami. His observations comment on human cruelty and absurdity, and his enlightened soul allows for reflections on life, death, and existence. This narrative choice invites exploration of themes like freedom, captivity, and the interconnectedness of life from an unconventional angle. Raja’s thoughts create a poignant commentary on the human condition and our ties to the animal kingdom, turning the novel into a philosophical exploration rather than just a story about a tiger.
Q8. In “A Tiger for Malgudi,” how is the theme of the interaction between humans and animals examined? [CBSE SQP 2024-25, 120-150 words]
Ans. In “A Tiger for Malgudi,” R.K. Narayan explores the complex relationship between humans and animals through Raja, the tiger. The novel highlights a range of human behaviors, from the Captain’s cruel exploitation of Raja in the circus for profit to the Swami’s compassionate understanding, which fosters a harmonious coexistence. The Swami’s ability to communicate with Raja reflects empathy and respect. Reactions from the villagers and the Forest Officer to Raja’s escape illustrate the fear and desire for control over nature, emphasizing the human tendency to view it as a threat. Ultimately, the novel advocates for recognizing the intrinsic value of all life, as shown in the bond between Raja and the Swami.
Q9. The Grand Malgudi Circus is a prominent setting in R.K. Narayan’s novel “A Tiger for Malgudi. Discuss. [CBSE SQP 2023-24, 120-150 words]
Ans. The Grand Malgudi Circus is a crucial setting in R.K. Narayan’s “A Tiger for Malgudi,” representing human exploitation and contrasting Raja’s natural freedom. Within this chaotic environment, animals, including Raja the tiger, are reduced to mere spectacles for entertainment, highlighting the harsh realities of captivity and obedience. Raja’s training under the Captain illustrates the brutal methods used to dominate the wild, revealing the power imbalance driven by profit. The circus also explores varied human reactions toward animals, from the entertained audience to the callous Captain, with Raja’s reflections critiquing this interaction. Raja’s eventual escape and the disruption caused by a film shoot emphasize the tension between wildness and human control. Thus, the Grand Malgudi Circus symbolizes the exploitation of nature, loss of freedom, and the clash between the human and animal worlds, making it a vital element of the narrative.
Q10. How does “A Tiger for Malgudi” explore the theme of the relationship between humans and animals? [CBSE SQP 2023-24, 120-150 words]
Ans. “A Tiger for Malgudi” explores the complex relationship between humans and animals through the journey of Raja, the tiger. Narayan highlights both the cruelty and compassion inherent in this connection. The Grand Malgudi Circus represents exploitation, where Raja endures brutal training for entertainment, showcasing humanity’s tendency to dominate animals while ignoring their suffering. This is further emphasized when Raja is treated as a mere prop during film shooting. In contrast, Raja’s bond with the Swami transcends typical interactions, rooted in mutual understanding and respect. Their spiritual connection illustrates the potential for empathy and harmonious coexistence between species.
The villagers and Forest Officers’ reactions to Raja’s escape reflect human fear and a need to control the wild, emphasizing the ongoing tension in this relationship. Ultimately, “A Tiger for Malgudi” serves as a poignant commentary on the ethical implications of human-animal interactions, advocating for compassion and recognizing the intrinsic value of all living beings.
Q11. The Master advised the frightened villagers not to use the words ‘beast’ or ‘brute’. Discuss his rationale behind it. [CBSE SQP 2022-23, 120-150 words]
Ans. In R.K. Narayan’s “A Tiger for Malgudi,” the Master, or Swami, advises the villagers against using derogatory terms like ‘beast’ or ‘brute’ to refer to Raja, the tiger. He believes such labels dehumanize the animal and foster fear and animosity, making peaceful coexistence difficult. The Swami understands that Raja, shaped by his wild instincts and past suffering, is not inherently malicious. Negative labels obscure the tiger’s complexity and individuality. He emphasizes empathy and the interconnectedness of all living beings, urging the villagers to recognize their shared existence with Raja. Ultimately, Swami’s teachings promote compassion and respect for all life, as he seeks to counter fear and prejudice driven by language, encouraging a more enlightened perspective toward both Raja and the natural world.
Q12. The Master’s early life is a total contrast to his present philosophical leanings. Comment. [CBSE SQP 2022-23, 120-150 words]
Ans. The Master’s life in “A Tiger for Malgudi” presents a stark contrast between his past worldly existence and his current philosophical detachment. He once lived a conventional life, experiencing marriage, fatherhood, and professional pursuits, likely driven by ambition and familial duties. However, a pivotal moment led him to renounce these ties, embracing a life of simplicity and spiritual contemplation.
Now residing in a humble dwelling, his focus has shifted to understanding life’s deeper essence. He communicates with gentle wisdom and shares a unique connection with animals, especially Raja. This transformation from societal engagement to peaceful withdrawal underscores a disillusionment with material pursuits and a quest for profound meaning. His evolution highlights the possibility of personal growth through renunciation, finding solace and wisdom in detachment and reflection, a stark departure from his earlier life immersed in worldly affairs.