Madam Rides the Bus” by Vallikkannan explores a child’s first bus ride, life lessons, and understanding death. Find summary, word meanings, Q&A, and MCQs for Class X here.
- Summary of Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
- Explanation of Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
- Word Meaning of Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
- Oral Comprehension Check – I (Q&A)
- Oral Comprehension Check – II (Q&A)
- Oral Comprehension Check – III (Q&A)
- Thinking about the Text (Q&A of Madam Rides the Bus)
- Extract-Based MCQs from Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
- Extra Questions for Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
Summary of Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
The story revolves around Valli, an inquisitive eight-year-old girl whose desire for exploration leads her to embark on her very first solo bus journey to a nearby town. Fuelled by her boundless curiosity and a thirst for adventure, she carefully saves every coin she can find, resisting temptations like sweets and toys, and crafts a detailed plan for her trip. Her excitement knows no bounds as she boards the bus, eager to experience the world beyond her village.
As the bus rolls along, Valli takes in the stunning scenery with wide-eyed wonder. She delights in the sprawling green fields, the endless blue sky, and the sight of a carefree cow galloping down the road, which brings peals of laughter to her. Her heart swells with pride as she navigates the journey on her own, basking in the feeling of independence and self-reliance.
However, the joy of her adventure is abruptly tempered on the return trip. She sees the same playful cow lying lifeless by the roadside, struck by a passing vehicle. The image shakes her, forcing her to confront the harsh and inevitable realities of life and death for the first time. This bittersweet experience leaves her reflective and marks a poignant step in her journey from innocence to awareness.
Explanation of Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
Valli’s Curiosity and Desire
Valli, an inquisitive eight-year-old, finds joy in watching the street from her house. Her favourite sight is the bus travelling between her village and the nearby town. Over time, her fascination grows into a strong desire to ride the bus. She gathers information about the journey, fare, and timing through careful observation and discreet questioning.
Planning the Journey
Despite her young age, Valli demonstrates maturity in planning her trip. She saves sixty paise by forgoing small pleasures like sweets and a merry-go-round ride at a fair. Using her mother’s afternoon nap time, she sneaks out for her adventure, ensuring no one notices her absence.
The Bus Ride
On her journey, Valli experiences a mix of excitement and amusement. She enjoys the countryside view of canals, fields, and distant mountains, and even laughs heartily at the antics of a running cow. The conductor and passengers engage with her light-heartedly, referring to her as “madam” in jest.
Encounter with Death
During the return trip, Valli’s mood changes dramatically. She sees the same cow lying dead on the roadside, which deeply disturbs her. This marks her first realisation of mortality, bridging her childhood innocence with the complexity of life.
Return to Routine
Valli returns home quietly, without sharing her experience. Her mother and aunt continue their casual chatter, oblivious to the profound impact the journey has had on her. Valli smiles to herself, reflecting on the mysteries of life she has begun to comprehend.
Word Meaning of Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Curious | Eager to learn or know something |
| Fascinating | Extremely interesting |
| Wistfully | Longingly, with a sense of yearning |
| Discreet | Careful and cautious |
| Slack time | A period when activity is slow |
| Haughtily | Proudly or arrogantly |
| Repulsive | Causing strong dislike |
| Curtly | Briefly and rudely |
| Drivel | Silly or meaningless talk |
| Resolutely stifled | Suppressed or controlled with determination |
| Spreadeagled | Lying with arms and legs stretched out |
| Haunted | Repeatedly coming to one’s mind |
Oral Comprehension Check – I (Q&A)
1. What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
Valli’s favourite pastime was standing at her house’s doorway and watching the activities on the street outside.
2. What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
The sight of the bus passing through her street, with its new set of passengers each time, was a source of unending joy for Valli. Her strongest desire was to ride the bus, even if just once.
3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
Valli found out that the town was six miles away, the fare was thirty paise for a one-way trip, and the journey took forty-five minutes. She gathered this information by listening carefully to conversations and asking discreet questions.
4. What do you think Valli was planning to do?
Valli was planning to save money, sneak out during her mother’s nap time, and take a bus ride to the town and back, fulfilling her dream of riding the bus.
Oral Comprehension Check – II (Q&A)
1. Why does the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
The conductor calls Valli “madam” in a playful manner because she behaves in a serious and independent way, unusual for a child.
2. Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
Valli stands up on the seat to get a better view as the lower part of the window is covered by a blind. She sees green fields, palm trees, canals, distant mountains, and the blue sky.
3. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
When the elderly man calls her a child, Valli asserts that she is not a child and reminds him that she has paid her fare like any other passenger.
4. Why didn’t Valli want to make friends with the elderly woman?
Valli found the elderly woman repulsive due to her oversized earrings, the smell of betel nut, and the betel juice stains around her mouth, making her unsociable towards her.
Oral Comprehension Check – III (Q&A)
1. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
Valli saved money by resisting the temptation to buy sweets, toys, and a ride at the village fair. It wasn’t easy for her, especially when she had to stifle her desire for a merry-go-round ride.
2. What did Valli see on her way that made her laugh?
Valli laughed heartily at the sight of a cow running in the middle of the road with its tail up, amusing her greatly.
3. Why didn’t she get off the bus at the bus station?
Valli didn’t get off the bus at the station because she felt it wouldn’t be safe to explore the town all by herself.
4. Why didn’t Valli want to go to the stall and have a drink? What does this tell you about her?
Valli didn’t want to go to the stall because she didn’t have extra money and preferred not to accept treats from others. This shows her self-reliance and careful attitude towards money.
Thinking about the Text (Q&A of Madam Rides the Bus)
1. What was Valli’s deepest desire? Find the words and phrases in the story that tell you this. (Madam Rides the Bus)
Valli’s deepest desire was to ride the bus to the town and back. The phrases that express her longing include:
- “Day after day she watched the bus, and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there.”
- “She wanted to ride on that bus, even if just once.”
- “This wish became stronger and stronger, until it was an overwhelming desire.”
2. How did Valli plan her bus ride? What did she find out about the bus, and how did she save up the fare? (Madam Rides the Bus)
Valli carefully planned her bus ride by listening to conversations of regular passengers and asking discreet questions. She learnt that the fare was thirty paise one way, the town was six miles away, and the journey took forty-five minutes. To save money, she avoided spending on sweets, toys, and other pleasures, including a merry-go-round ride at the village fair.
3. What kind of a person is Valli? To answer this question, pick out the following sentences from the text and fill in the blanks. The words you fill in are the clues to your answer.
(i) “Stop the bus! Stop the bus!” And a tiny hand was raised commandingly.
(ii) “Yes, I have to go to town,” said Valli, still standing outside the bus.
(iii) “There’s nobody here who’s a child,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
(iv) “Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself. You don’t have to help me.”
“I’m not a child, I tell you,” she said, irritably.
(v) “You needn’t bother about me. I can take care of myself,” Valli said, turning her face toward the window and staring out.
(vi) Then she turned to the conductor and said, “Well, sir, I hope to see you again.”
4. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’? (Madam Rides the Bus)
The conductor refers to Valli as “madam” to humour her, as she acts with great seriousness and independence, like an adult.
5. Find the lines in the text which tell you that Valli was enjoying her ride on the bus. (Madam Rides the Bus)
- “Oh, it was all so wonderful!”
- “Valli devoured everything with her eyes.”
- “Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with glee.”
6. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back? (Madam Rides the Bus)
Valli refuses to look out of the window on her return journey because she is disturbed by the sight of the dead cow. The memory of the once lively and playful cow lying lifeless haunts her, dampening her excitement.
7. What does Valli mean when she says, “I was just agreeing with what you said about things happening without our knowledge.” (Madam Rides the Bus)
When Valli says this, she refers to her secret bus ride, which her mother and aunt are unaware of. She finds it amusing that her mother speaks about unknown events, not realising that Valli has experienced one herself.
8. The author describes the things that Valli sees from an eight-year-old’s point of view. Can you find evidence from the text for this statement? (Madam Rides the Bus)
Yes, the descriptions of Valli’s observations reflect an eight-year-old’s perspective. For example:
- The sight of the cow running in front of the bus amuses her greatly.
- She views the canal, green fields, and distant mountains with a sense of wonder.
- Her excitement over the bus ride and her reactions to the passengers reveal her childlike innocence.
Extract-Based MCQs from Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
Extract 1:
“There was a girl named Valliammai who was called Valli for short. She was eight years old and very curious about things. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the street outside.”
- What was Valli’s age?
a) Six years
b) Eight years
c) Ten years
d) Twelve years - What was Valli’s favourite activity?
a) Playing with friends
b) Watching the street
c) Going to the market
d) Riding the bus - What does the word “curious” mean in the context?
a) Careless
b) Interested to learn
c) Fearful
d) Confused
Answer Key:
- b) Eight years
- b) Watching the street
- b) Interested to learn
Extract 2:
“Day after day she watched the bus, and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there: she wanted to ride on that bus, even if just once. This wish became stronger and stronger, until it was an overwhelming desire.”
- What was the “tiny wish” that Valli developed?
a) To visit the town with her family
b) To ride the bus at least once
c) To drive the bus
d) To talk to the passengers - How did Valli feel about her desire to ride the bus?
a) Indifferent
b) Overwhelmed
c) Frightened
d) Disappointed - Which phrase suggests that Valli’s wish kept growing?
a) “Day after day”
b) “Overwhelming desire”
c) “Even if just once”
d) “Tiny wish”
Answer Key:
4. b) To ride the bus at least once
5. b) Overwhelmed
6. b) “Overwhelming desire”
Extract 3:
“The bus was now going along the bank of a canal. The road was very narrow. On one side there was the canal and, beyond it, palm trees, grassland, distant mountains, and the blue, blue sky.”
- What was on one side of the road?
a) A deep ditch
b) A canal
c) Green fields
d) A railway track - What natural features did Valli see beyond the canal?
a) Houses and buildings
b) Mountains and palm trees
c) Animals and hills
d) Rivers and green fields - Which word best describes the view Valli saw?
a) Monotonous
b) Boring
c) Spectacular
d) Repulsive
Answer Key:
7. b) A canal
8. b) Mountains and palm trees
9. c) Spectacular
Extract 4:
“Suddenly Valli clapped her hands with glee. A young cow, tail high in the air, was running very fast, right in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus.”
- How did Valli react to seeing the cow?
a) She cried out in fear
b) She clapped her hands with joy
c) She ignored it
d) She shouted at the cow - Why was the cow running?
a) It was chasing another animal
b) It was frightened by the horn
c) It was following the bus
d) It was playing on the road - What does the word “glee” mean here?
a) Disappointment
b) Excitement and joy
c) Anger
d) Fear
Answer Key:
10. b) She clapped her hands with joy
11. b) It was frightened by the horn
12. b) Excitement and joy
Extract 5:
“Suddenly she saw a young cow lying dead by the roadside, just where it had been struck by some fast-moving vehicle. What had been a lovable, beautiful creature just a little while ago had now suddenly lost its charm and its life.”
- What was Valli’s reaction to seeing the cow?
a) She ignored it
b) She was disturbed and saddened
c) She laughed at the sight
d) She felt relieved - How does the author describe the cow after its death?
a) Horrible and frightening
b) Lovable and charming
c) Calm and peaceful
d) Beautiful and lively - What lesson does this moment signify for Valli?
a) The joy of life
b) The reality of death
c) The importance of saving money
d) The thrill of adventure
Answer Key:
13. b) She was disturbed and saddened
14. a) Horrible and frightening
15. b) The reality of death
Extra Questions for Madam Rides the Bus by Vallikkannan
Very Short Answer Type Questions:
- What was Valli’s favourite pastime?
Watching the street outside her house. - How old was Valli?
She was eight years old. - How much was the fare for a one-way bus trip?
Thirty paise. - What disturbed Valli on her way back?
Seeing the dead cow by the roadside. - Why didn’t Valli buy anything at the town?
She didn’t have enough money.
Short Answer Type Questions:
- What details did Valli gather about the bus journey before making her plan?
Valli learnt that the fare was thirty paise for a one-way trip, the distance to the town was six miles, and the journey took forty-five minutes each way. - Why did the conductor call Valli ‘madam’?
The conductor jokingly called her “madam” because of her serious and independent behaviour, which was unusual for a child. - What did Valli find fascinating about the bus ride?
Valli was amazed by the sights outside, like green fields, distant mountains, and the antics of a running cow. - Why didn’t Valli get off the bus at the town?
She felt it wasn’t safe to explore the town alone, so she stayed on the bus for the return journey. - What qualities of Valli’s character are revealed in the story?
Valli’s curiosity, determination, independence, and sensitivity are evident through her planning, behaviour on the bus, and her reaction to the dead cow.
Long Answer Type Questions:
- Describe how Valli prepared for her first bus ride.
Valli saved money carefully by resisting the temptation to buy small treats and toys. She gathered information about the bus timings, fare, and duration by listening to neighbours and asking discreet questions. She also chose a time when her mother was napping to make her plan successful. - How does the story highlight the contrast between innocence and maturity in Valli’s character?
Valli’s childlike excitement during the bus ride reflects her innocence, while her careful planning and money-saving show maturity. The transition becomes evident when she confronts the harsh reality of death upon seeing the dead cow, adding depth to her character.
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