The White Elephant - English Literature - Class 6 - English

Ruskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent, known for his prolific writing and contributions to children's literature. Born in 1934 in Kasauli, India, Bond grew up in various places in the country due to his father's work in the Royal Air Force. He began his writing career in England but eventually returned to India, where he has been living since 1963.

Bond's writing mostly revolves around the beauty of nature and the simplicity of life in the hills. His stories are set in the backdrop of Himalayan landscapes, lush valleys, and dense forests. He has written over a hundred books catering to different age groups - from children's stories, novellas, essays, to travelogues. Some of his most popular works include "The Blue Umbrella," "A Flight of Pigeons," "The Room on the Roof," and "The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories." Over the years, Bond has received numerous awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan, for his significant contribution to Indian literature.

1. Mother and Son Move Away 
   • A rare white elephant and his old, blind mother move to a distant cave to live alone as the other elephants had been stealing the mother's food.
2. Cries for Help
   • One evening, they hear cries coming from a man in distress. The white elephant wants to help him, but his mother warns against it.
3. Saving the Forester
   • Despite his mother's warning, the white elephant finds the l...

1. Love and Devotion: The love and devotion between the mother and son elephants are central to the story. The white elephant cares deeply for his blind mother, gathering fruit for her and ensuring her well-being. When he is captured, both mother and son are filled with worry for each other, showcasing the strength of their bond. The white elephant's desire to return to his mother eventually leads to his release, reinforcing the importance of familial love.
2. Compassion and Empathy: The white elephant's compassion and empathy are demonstrated when he decides to help the lost forester, despite his mother's warning. ...

1. "Long ago, a great herd of elephants lived in a forest near the Himalaya mountains."
   • This line is important as it sets the scene for the story, introducing the location and the protagonists.
2. "The finest elephant in the tribe was a rare white animal."
   • This line tells us about the main character, the white elephant, and is important as it establishes him as a unique and special being.
3. "Although her son gathered sweet wild fruits for her everyday, he was often angry to find that the other elephants had stolen his mother’s food."
   • This line highlights the challenges faced by the white 

1. The White Elephant: The White Elephant is the protagonist of the story and is a rare, beautiful creature. A compassionate and noble character, he selflessly helps others even if it means going against his mother's advice. However, his kindness leads him to be captured by humans, and he must learn to be wary of their treachery. In the end, he is grateful for the king's goodness and continues to see the best in people.
2. The Mother Elephant: The Mother Elephant is an old and blind elephant, who is wise and experienced. She is ...

1. glade: an open place in a forest 
   The animals gathered at the glade to bask in the sunlight.
2. distress: extreme danger that needs urgent help 
   He called for help in distress as he was stuck in the raging river.
3. outskirts: bordering areas 
   The city was expanding and engulfing the outskirts of the small town.
4. betrayed: deceived 
   She felt betrayed............................