Q2 of 34 Page 125

Why did the fakir put the spell on the paw? What did he want to prove to the people? Did he do anything good to the world by doing this? Justify?

The Fakir put the spell on the paw because he wanted people to realize that fate ruled people's lives, and anyone who tries to tamper with it has to pay a heavy price. According to him, every person on this earth came with his destiny pre-written, and no force could bring a change to it. The paw granted three wishes of its owner, but always brought evil outcomes so as to make the person understand that destiny should be best left untouched, otherwise it could bring destruction.

The Fakir must have witnessed the greed and the need for more that this world has indulged into, which leads people to cause hindrance in their destiny, trying to change it and mold it into their own desired way. But he wanted to give a punishment to such people for interfering in fate and make them realize that it rests above all. One has to accept whatever they are served with, unless they want a penalty for it.


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7

What does Mr. White see in the fire? Is it possible? Justify.

 1

'It moved! As I wished, it twisted in my hand, it twisted in my hand like a snake.'

'Nothing ... I ... haha! ... I saw faces in the fire'. How far did Herbert and Mrs. White believe Mr. White's remarks? Justify your answer by quoting from the text.

 1

Working in pairs, imagine the following scene:

• Mr. White's living room


• Midnight; Herbert's gone to work


• Mrs. and Mr. White seated on the armchairs, on each side of the fireplace; both watching faces in the fire with horror.


Role play Mrs. and Mr. White. Discuss what you are seeing and your plans to avert the impending disaster that might befall your household.

 2

Work in groups of four: One of you should act as Herbert and the other three as his friends at work.

Two of the friends are superstitious and warn Herbert about the premonition, whereas the other one is happy-go-lucky, like Herbert. They are talking about Herbert's experience the previous evening at home.


• Convince Herbert to take some precautions before it is too late.


• At the end of the conversation, write a message as Herbert to Mr. White, suggesting to him what precautions the family should take.