MY ELDER BROTHER BY MUNSHI PREMCHAND
About the Author
Munshi Premchand was one of the greatest writers of Hindi and Urdu literature. His real name was Dhanpat Rai Srivastava. He wrote many short stories and novels based on real-life situations, focusing on poverty, social issues, and human values. His writing is simple, meaningful, and full of moral lessons. My Elder Brother is written by him and shows the relationship between two brothers in a realistic and touching way. He is also known as the “Upanyas Samrat”.
Summary
The story describes the relationship between two brothers with very different personalities. The elder brother is serious, hardworking, and always studying, though he does not score well in exams. The younger brother, who is the narrator, enjoys playing games and flying kites instead of studying. The elder brother often scolds him and gives long lectures about discipline and hard work. However, despite his strict nature, he cares deeply for his younger brother. In the end, when the elder brother joins the younger one in flying kites, their bond grows stronger, showing love, understanding, and balance in life.
C. Read the statements and answer the questions
1. "English is not child's play..."
a. Whose words are these?
These words are spoken by the elder brother.
b. What is the speaker suggesting?
He is suggesting that learning English requires hard work, discipline, and constant practice, not fun or carelessness.
2. "He would say the most hurtful things..."
a. Who said the most hurtful things?
The elder brother said the most hurtful things.
b. How did the words influence the listener?
The words made the younger brother lose confidence, feel discouraged, and even think of giving up his studies.
3. "He reached out and caught the string"
a. Who is ‘he’? What is he doing?
‘He’ refers to the elder brother, and he is catching a kite string in the field.
b. How did the narrator feel after this action?
The narrator felt happy, proud, and developed more love and respect for his elder brother.
D. Answer the questions
1. Character sketch of the elder brother
The elder brother is a serious, disciplined, and hardworking student who believes strongly in the importance of education. He spends most of his time studying and avoids all forms of entertainment. Though he works very hard, he does not achieve success in exams, which shows that effort alone is not always enough. He often scolds his younger brother and gives long lectures, but his intentions are good. He is responsible, mature, and deeply cares for his younger brother, as seen in the end when his softer side is revealed.
2. How did the elder brother react when he found out that the younger brother had been playing rather than studying?
Whenever the elder brother discovered that the younger brother had been playing instead of studying, he became very angry and upset. He would question him in a strict tone and deliver long lectures about the importance of education and discipline. He criticised him for wasting time and warned him that he would fail in life if he did not take studies seriously.
3. After the elder brother failed the exam, what insight did he share with the younger brother?
After failing the exam, the elder brother shared an important insight about life and experience. He explained that even if the younger brother performed better in studies, he could never match his elder brother’s experience and maturity. He emphasised that age brings wisdom, and this difference would always remain between them. He wanted his younger brother to respect him and understand that life is not only about academic success but also about learning from experience.
4. Did the elder brother practise what he preached?
Not completely. He preached balance and discipline, but he himself studied too much without success and did not allow time for relaxation. However, by the end, when he flies kites, he shows some understanding of balance.
E. Think and answer
1. How does the author challenge academic success as worth?
The author challenges this idea by showing that academic success does not always reflect a person’s true abilities or worth. The elder brother studies very hard but fails, while the younger brother, who spends more time playing, manages to pass. This contrast highlights that intelligence, happiness, creativity, and practical understanding are equally important. It suggests that a person should not be judged only by marks but by their overall personality and approach to life.
2. Factors of a well-rounded personality
A well-rounded personality depends on balance between studies and play, emotional strength, practical experience, creativity, and social interaction. Both discipline and enjoyment are important.
What message does the story convey regarding individuality and the value of listening to one's heart?
The story conveys that every individual is unique and should follow their own interests and strengths. While discipline and guidance are important, one should not ignore their own happiness and natural inclinations. The younger brother enjoys playing, which makes him happy and active, while the elder brother focuses only on studies. The story suggests that listening to one’s heart and maintaining balance leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
ADVERB
ADVERBS – NOTES
Definition
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
It gives more information about how, when, where, how often, or to what extent an action happens.
Adverbs Modifying Adjectives
An adverb can describe an adjective by telling how much or to what extent.
Examples:
-
She is very happy.
(very → describes the adjective happy) -
He is extremely tall.
(extremely → describes tall) -
The question is quite easy.
(quite → describes easy) -
The weather is too hot.
(too → describes hot)
Adverbs Modifying Other Adverbs
An adverb can also describe another adverb.
Examples:
-
She runs very fast.
(very → describes the adverb fast) -
He works quite carefully.
(quite → describes carefully) -
The car moved too slowly.
(too → describes slowly) -
She spoke very softly.
(very → describes softly)
Types of Adverbs
1. Adverbs of Manner (How?)
They describe how an action is done.
Examples:
- She danced gracefully.
- He spoke politely.
- The boy ran quickly.
- The spider climbed steadily.
- They worked hard.
- She answered correctly.
2. Adverbs of Time (When?)
They tell when an action happens.
Examples:
- I will finish this tomorrow.
- She arrived late.
- He called me yesterday.
- We are leaving soon.
- I met him recently.
- She is working now.
3. Adverbs of Place (Where?)
They tell where an action happens.
Examples:
- The children are playing outside.
- He looked everywhere.
- Come here.
- The dog ran away.
- She searched inside the box.
- The bird flew above.
4. Adverbs of Frequency (How often?)
They tell how often an action happens.
Examples:
- I always complete my homework.
- She often visits her grandparents.
- He rarely watches television.
- They sometimes go out.
- I never tell lies.
- We usually eat dinner at 8 pm.
5. Adverbs of Degree (How much / To what extent?)
They tell the intensity or degree of an action, adjective, or another adverb.
Examples:
- She is very intelligent.
- The movie was quite interesting.
- He is too tired to work.
- I am almost ready.
- The water is extremely cold.
- She runs very fast.
Formation of Adverbs
Most adverbs are formed by adding –ly to adjectives.
Examples:
- slow → slowly
- happy → happily
- careful → carefully
- quick → quickly
- easy → easily
Important Exceptions
Some adverbs do not follow the “–ly” rule:
Examples:
- fast → fast
- hard → hard
- late → late
- well (from “good”)
Examples in sentences:
- He runs fast.
- She works hard.
- He arrived late.
- She sings well.
Position of Adverbs
-
After the verb:
-
She sings beautifully.
-
Before an adjective:
-
He is very tall.
-
At the beginning of a sentence:
-
Yesterday, we visited the museum.
-
Between auxiliary and main verb:
- She has already finished her work.
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