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CBSE Class 9 English Question 29 of 33

The Little Girl — Question 32

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Question
Kezia decides that there are “different kinds of fathers”. What kind of father was Mr. McDonald, and how was he different from Kezia’s father ? (Board Term 1,2012fcELl-028) Or How is Kezia’s father different from Mr. McDonald ? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-037)
Answer

Mr. McDonald was their next door neighbour. Once Kezia saw her neighbours playing “tag” together in the evening. Mr. McDonald with the baby Mao, on his shoulders and the two little girls ‘ hanging on to his coat pockets. They ran round and round shaking with laughter. On the other hand, her own father was very disciplined and strict. He never played with her and neither interact much. He even beat her up for her little mistakes.

Overview: The Little Girl

Kezia, a small girl, is terrified of her stern, authoritarian father. She stutters in his presence and sees him only as a figure of punishment. Her grandmother encourages her to make a birthday gift (a pin-cushion) for him, but Kezia accidentally tears up his important papers to stuff it. He punishes her. She compares him unfavourably with the gentle Mr. Macdonald next door. However, when her mother is away and Kezia has a nightmare, her father holds her close and comforts her. She realises he is simply a tired man who works hard and loves her in his own way.

Key Points

  • Kezia is afraid of her father — stutters in his presence
  • Grandmother encourages her to make a pin-cushion for father's birthday
  • She tears up his important speech papers to stuff the cushion
  • Father punishes her with a ruler
  • She compares her father with the gentle Mr. Macdonald
  • During a nightmare, father comforts her — holds her close
  • She feels his heartbeat and realises he has "a big heart"
  • Theme: Different people express love differently
  • Theme: Children often misunderstand parents' behaviour
  • The story shows growth in understanding — Kezia's perception changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
Kezia's father appeared stern, cold, and authoritarian. He gave orders, spoke in a commanding voice, and punished her strictly. She saw him as a figure of fear and discipline, not warmth.
How did Kezia's view change?
When Kezia had a nightmare and her father held her close, she felt his warmth and heartbeat. She realised he worked hard all day and was too tired for playfulness. She understood that he loved her in his own way — different from Mr. Macdonald but equally genuine.

Common Mistakes

  • Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
  • Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
  • Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
  • Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

  • For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
  • For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
  • For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
  • Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.