The Book That Saved the Earth - Footprints Without Feet - Class 10 - CBSE English

Claire Boiko was an primarily known as an American children's author. She wrote numerous books which are distinguished by their witty imagination and sense of fun. Boiko's work is often characterized by its humor and creativity, which helped to engage children in reading. She [meticulously ] used the medium of fantasy and fiction to subtly educate children on important themes and life lessons. Her work still resonates today and continues to entertain and educate young readers.

I. Introduction

The play begins in the Museum of Ancient History in the Twenty-fifth century . The Historian introduces herself and their exhibits, particularly their section on the Twentieth Century. She shares a Critical incident - the Martian invasion of 2040 and how a single book (an Unassuming Mother Goose nursery rhyme book), stopped it.

II. The Martians on Earth

We are then introduced to the Martians, led by Think-Tank, and their exploration of Earth. They have taken shelter in ...

🗣️ Importance of Communication and Knowledge

The main theme of this play is the importance of communication and knowledge for understanding other cultures. The Martians, led by Think-Tank, make several misguided assumptions about humans based on their failure to understand Earth's books and their contents. They mistake the books (specifically a Mother Goose nursery rhyme book) for "sandwiches" and for coded messages about Earth's technological advances and plans for interplanetary warfare . If the Martians had understood human language and culture, they would have realized their mistakes and not retreated in fear.

😶 Misinterpretation and Miscommunication

Misinterpretation and miscommunication form another key theme in the play. The Martians’ inability to understand ...

1. "The twentieth century was often called the Era of the Book...They illustrated, educated, punctuated, and even decorated. But the strangest thing a book ever did was to save the Earth." This line sets the theme of the play - the power and influence of literature.

2. "You haven’t heard about the Martian invasion of 2040? Tsk, tsk... A single book stopped it." This line introduces the main event around which the plot revolves - Martians planning to invade Earth and how a single book thwarted their plans.

3. “That item in your hand is called a sandwich.” This line ....

Think-Tank

Think-Tank is the Great and Mighty ruler on Mars. He is depicted as a character with an enormous ego and an inflated sense of self-importance. Throughout the story, he demands full respect and obedience from his subordinates.

1. Arrogant and Egotistical: Think-Tank is quite self-absorbed, considering himself the "most powerful and intelligent creature in the whole universe". He insists on his full salutation being used every time he is addressed, underscoring his inflated ego.

2. Demanding: He is a very ....

1. easel : wooden frame to support a blackboard or a picture
   The artist set up her easel in the park and started painting a beautiful landscape.

2. Zulus : an African ethnic group belonging to South Africa
   The Zulus are known for their rich cultural traditions and vibrant music and dance.
   apprentice : learner of a trade who has agreed to work for a certain period of time in return for being taught
   The young apprentice eagerly learned the techniques of woodworking from his master.

3. peevishly : irritably
   The child crossed her arms and pouted peevishly when her parents denied her request for candy.

4. riffling : quickly turning over the pages of a book
   The student was......................