Extra Questions for Class 8 English Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant

Question 1: Who is the author of the story "The Selfish Giant"?

Answer : Oscar Wilde.

Question: What is the giant's initial attitude towards the children playing in his garden?

Answer : The giant is selfish and doesn't want the children to play in his garden.

Question: Why does the giant build a high wall around his garden?

Answer : The giant builds the wall to keep the children out and enjoy the garden all by himself.

Question: What happens to the garden when the giant banishes the children?

Answer : Winter comes, and the garden becomes desolate and covered in snow.

Question: How does the giant's attitude change towards the children over time?

Answer : The giant's attitude changes from selfishness to warmth and kindness.

Question: Who brings spring back to the giant's garden?

Answer : A little boy, who is actually the Christ Child, brings spring back to the garden.

Question: How does the giant help the small boy on the tree?

Answer : The giant allows the boy to climb the tree by stepping on his back.

Question: What does the little boy say about his wounds?

Answer : The little boy says that they are the wounds of love.

Question: How do the other children react when the giant returns to the garden?

Answer : The other children welcome the giant, and the garden becomes a place of joy and play.

Question: What does the giant realize about the consequences of his selfishness?

Answer : The giant realizes that his selfishness has led to the desolation of his garden and his own loneliness.

Question: How does the giant make amends for his past actions?

Answer : The giant makes amends by allowing the children to play in his garden and breaking down the high wall.

Question: What lesson does the giant learn through his encounters with the children?

Answer : The giant learns the importance of kindness, compassion, and the joy of sharing.

Question: How is the Christ Child described in the story?

Answer : The Christ Child is described as a small boy with nail prints on his hands and feet.

Question: What does the giant see when he wakes up in the morning after the long winter?

Answer : The giant sees that spring has returned, and the garden is filled with blossoms and the laughter of children.

Question: How do the seasons reflect the giant's emotions in the story?

Answer : The changing seasons mirror the giant's emotional transformation from cold and selfish to warm and compassionate.

Question: What does the giant realize when he sees the little boy on the tree?

Answer : The giant realizes that the little boy is the Christ Child, and his heart is filled with love and remorse.

Question: What role do the children play in the giant's life and the overall theme of the story?

Answer : The children represent innocence, joy, and the transformative power of love in the giant's life. They also symbolize the importance of selflessness and kindness.

Question: How does the giant's garden change after he allows the children back in?

Answer : The garden transforms into a vibrant and joyful place filled with the laughter and play of children.

Question: What is the significance of the Christ Child's wounds in the story?

Answer : The Christ Child's wounds symbolize the sacrifices made out of love, and they bring about a miraculous transformation in the giant's heart.

Question: How does the story "The Selfish Giant" convey its moral lesson?

Answer : The story conveys its moral lesson through the giant's journey from selfishness to selflessness, emphasizing the transformative power of love and kindness.

Question: Analyze the character of the giant at the beginning of the story. How does his selfishness impact the overall atmosphere of the narrative?

Answer : At the start, the giant is portrayed as selfish and unkind, banning children from his garden. This selfishness creates a somber and unwelcoming atmosphere, setting the tone for the narrative.

Question: Explore the symbolism of the high wall that the giant builds around his garden. What does it represent in terms of the giant's character and his relationship with others?

Answer : The high wall symbolizes the giant's emotional barriers and isolation. It represents his desire to keep others out and maintain a sense of control over his world, showcasing the extent of his selfishness.

Question: Discuss the significance of the changing seasons in the story, especially in relation to the giant's emotional state and the overall theme of transformation.

Answer : The changing seasons symbolize the giant's emotional journey. Winter reflects his selfishness and desolation, while spring signifies his transformation, emphasizing themes of renewal, redemption, and the cyclical nature of life.

Question: Examine the impact of the giant's banishment of the children on the garden. How does this act of selfishness contribute to the desolation of the environment and the giant's own sense of loneliness?

Answer : The giant's banishment of the children leads to the desolation of the garden, representing the consequences of his selfish actions. This desolation becomes a visual metaphor for the loneliness he experiences as a result of isolating himself from others.

Question: Delve into the symbolism of the little boy who visits the giant. What does he represent, and how does his presence initiate the giant's transformation?

Answer : The little boy symbolizes the Christ Child, embodying love, innocence, and selflessness. His presence initiates the giant's transformation by offering a lesson in compassion and awakening a sense of remorse and love within the giant.

Question: Analyze the role of the Christ Child in the story. How does his interaction with the giant contribute to the overarching theme of redemption and spiritual awakening?

Answer : The Christ Child serves as a catalyst for the giant's spiritual awakening. Through their interaction, the giant experiences redemption, learns the value of selflessness, and undergoes a profound transformation, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth.

Question: Explore the theme of sacrifice in the story, particularly concerning the Christ Child's wounds. How do these wounds become a powerful symbol of selfless love and redemption?

Answer : The Christ Child's wounds symbolize selfless love and sacrifice. They become a powerful symbol of redemption as the giant, moved by compassion, makes a sacrificial act by allowing the child to climb the tree, leading to the eventual healing of both the child and the giant.

Question: Discuss the symbolism of the blossoming garden after the giant's change of heart. How does the garden's transformation reflect the giant's inner transformation and the renewal of life?

Answer : The blossoming garden symbolizes the giant's inner transformation. Its renewal reflects the giant's newfound warmth and compassion, emphasizing the interconnectedness between nature and the protagonist's emotional state.

Question: Explore the metaphorical meaning of the giant's tears in the story. How do they represent a shift from emotional coldness to warmth, and what role do they play in the narrative's emotional arc?

Answer : The giant's tears symbolize a shift from emotional coldness to warmth. As he weeps for the little boy, the tears become a cathartic release, signifying the thawing of his heart and the beginning of his emotional healing.

Question: Reflect on the role of the other children who return to the garden. How do they contribute to the giant's joy and the overall message of the story?

Answer : The other children represent the collective joy that returns to the garden. Their presence signifies the giant's willingness to share and his newfound sense of community, reinforcing the story's message of the transformative power of generosity.

Question: Analyze the narrative's exploration of the themes of forgiveness and redemption in the giant's relationship with the children. How do these themes unfold throughout the story?

Answer : The narrative explores forgiveness and redemption as the giant's attitude shifts from selfishness to selflessness. His acceptance of the children back into the garden reflects a journey of forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption.

Question: Discuss the symbolism of the giant's departure from the garden at the end of the story. How does this departure tie into the overarching themes of love, sacrifice, and spiritual growth?

Answer : The giant's departure symbolizes a selfless act of sacrifice. It ties into the themes of love and spiritual growth as the giant chooses to leave the garden, demonstrating his commitment to a life of service and kindness beyond his personal desires.

Question: Examine the narrative's portrayal of the giant's realization of the consequences of his selfishness. How does this realization contribute to the story's moral message?

Answer : The giant's realization of the consequences of his selfishness serves as a moral message about the impact of one's actions on oneself and others. It becomes a turning point that prompts the giant to seek redemption and change his ways.

Question: Investigate the symbolism of the giant's heart in the story. How does the condition of his heart reflect his emotional state, and how does it evolve throughout the narrative?

Answer : The giant's heart symbolizes his emotional state. Initially cold and selfish, it gradually warms and expands as he undergoes a transformation. The evolving condition of his heart serves as a visual metaphor for his changing character.

Question: Explore the role of the garden as a setting in "The Selfish Giant." How does the garden evolve as the narrative progresses, and what symbolic significance does it hold in relation to the characters and themes?

Answer : The garden serves as a dynamic setting, evolving alongside the narrative. Initially desolate, it transforms into a vibrant and joyful space as the giant undergoes a change of heart. The garden symbolizes renewal, hope, and the potential for positive transformation.

Question: Reflect on the impact of the giant's actions on the children and the broader community. How do his choices influence the lives of those around him, and what broader societal messages can be gleaned from his story?

Answer : The giant's actions influence the lives of the children and the broader community positively. His transformation sends a powerful message about the ripple effects of individual choices, illustrating the potential for personal change to contribute to the well-being of the community.

Question: Delve into the narrative's exploration of the theme of spiritual awakening. How does the giant's encounter with the Christ Child lead to a profound spiritual change, and what spiritual lessons are conveyed through the story?

Answer : The giant's encounter with the Christ Child initiates a profound spiritual awakening. The story conveys spiritual lessons about love, compassion, and the transformative power of selflessness, suggesting that genuine spirituality involves a deep connection with others.

Question: Explore the potential cultural and religious influences in "The Selfish Giant." How might the story draw upon broader cultural or religious themes, and how do these influences contribute to the narrative's depth and meaning?

Answer : The story, with its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption, may draw upon cultural and religious influences, possibly reflecting universal values found in various faith traditions. These influences contribute to the narrative's depth, enriching its meaning and resonance.

Question: Discuss the narrative's treatment of time in relation to the giant's transformation. How does the passage of time contribute to the pacing of the story and the believability of the giant's character development?

Answer : The passage of time is crucial in depicting the giant's transformation. It adds realism to his character development, allowing the audience to witness the gradual change in his attitudes and behaviors, making his transformation more believable and impactful.

Question: Reflect on the universal themes present in "The Selfish Giant." How do the themes of love, selflessness, and redemption resonate with readers across different ages and cultures, making the story enduring and timeless?

Answer : The themes of love, selflessness, and redemption in "The Selfish Giant" are universal, transcending cultural and generational boundaries. The story's enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, offering timeless lessons about the transformative power of compassion and kindness.