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A Shipwrecked Sailor: WBBSE Class 9 English (Second) notes
Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guide of Class 9 English textbook, chapter 11 A Shipwrecked Sailor by Daniel Defoe which is part of the syllabus of students studying under West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
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Summary
The chapter “A Shipwrecked Sailor” from Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe narrates the experiences of Robinson Crusoe after he is stranded on a deserted island. Crusoe is shipwrecked on September 30, 1659, following a violent storm, leaving him the only survivor. With no shelter, food, or clothing, he feels hopeless and fears attacks by wild animals. On the first night, he sleeps in a tree for safety amidst heavy rain.
The next day, Crusoe observes the wreckage of his ship at low tide and swims to retrieve useful items. He collects provisions like food, wood, a hammock, canvas, tools, and a gun. Although he finds money, it holds no value on the island. To ensure safety, he builds a tent and fortifies it with stakes and cables, creating a secure enclosure he can access with a ladder.
Concerned about losing track of time, Crusoe carves notches on a post for each day. After persistent rain, the weather clears in early November. He crafts wooden boxes to protect his supplies and discovers green barley growing from the remains of poultry feed he had discarded earlier. This unexpected crop boosts his chances of survival.
Crusoe later explores the island, finding fresh water, fertile plains, and abundant fruits, including melons, grapes, and citrus. Though tempted to relocate to this fruitful area, he decides to stay near the sea, hoping for rescue. He also innovates by making a lamp from animal fat.
To cope with isolation, Crusoe begins a journal to document his daily activities, though he eventually runs out of ink. One year after his shipwreck, he reflects on his resourcefulness and resilience, marking the date and acknowledging his year-long survival on the island.
Textbook solutions
Exercise 1
Tick the correct answer from the given alternatives:
1. Robinson Crusoe was shipwrecked in
A. 1659
B. 1559
C. 1359
D. 1959
Answer: A. 1659
2. Robinson Crusoe used canvas to make a
A. bed
B. sail
C. tent
D. curtain
Answer: C. tent
3. The distance between the stakes Robinson Crusoe drove into the ground was
A. five inches
B. seven inches
C. four inches
D. six inches
Answer: D. six inches
4. Crusoe saw some fair weather in the month of
A. December
B. November
C. September
D. October
Answer: B. November
5. The journey homeward with the fruit parcel took Crusoe
A. five days
B. ten days
C. three days
D. four days
Answer: C. three days
Exercise 2
Answer the following questions within fifteen words:
1. What name did Crusoe give to the dismal island?
Answer: The Island of Despair.
2. Where did he pitch the tent?
Answer: On a little plain near the side of a rising hill.
3. How did Crusoe go over the fence?
Answer: By using a short ladder and withdrawing it after climbing.
4. Why did he keep a journal?
Answer: To describe his state of affairs and track everyday’s employment.
Exercise 3
Answer the following questions within twenty five words:
1. What were the items Robinson Crusoe collected from the wrecked ship?
Answer: Wood, cable, string, knife, nails, gun, hammock, canvas, ink, paper, food, and useless money.
2. How did Crusoe keep track of the number of days he spent on the island?
Answer: By cutting a notch on a large post with his knife for every day.
3. In what way did Crusoe make himself a lamp?
Answer: By using tallow in a small clay dish with a wick to create light.
Exercise 4
Underline the adverbs and state their kinds:
(a) It is too hot today.
Answer: The adverbs are too and today.
- Too is an adverb of degree.
- Today is an adverb of time.
Explanation:
- An adverb of degree tells us about the intensity or extent of something. For example, in “too hot,” the word “too” shows the degree of heat, meaning it is more than normal.
- An adverb of time tells us when something happens. “Today” tells us when it is hot.
(b) The girl seldom visits my house.
Answer: The adverb is seldom.
- Seldom is an adverb of frequency.
Explanation:
- An adverb of frequency shows how often something happens. “Seldom” means not very often. For example, if the girl rarely visits, it happens occasionally or almost never.
(c) He searched everywhere for the book.
Answer: The adverb is everywhere.
- Everywhere is an adverb of place.
Explanation:
- An adverb of place shows where an action takes place. “Everywhere” tells us that he looked in all possible locations. For example, “I looked everywhere in my room” means searching in all parts of the room.
(d) The boy runs fast.
Answer: The adverb is fast.
- Fast is an adverb of manner.
Explanation:
- An adverb of manner describes how an action is done. “Fast” tells us the way the boy runs, which is quickly. For example, “She sings beautifully” shows the manner of singing, just as “fast” shows the manner of running.
Exercise 5
Underline the clauses in the following sentences and state what kind of clauses they are:
(a) She asked me what my name was.
Answer: The clause is what my name was.
- It is a noun clause.
Explanation:
- A noun clause acts like a noun in a sentence and is often used as a subject, object, or complement. Here, “what my name was” is the object of the verb “asked.” For example, in “I know where he lives,” the clause “where he lives” is a noun clause acting as the object of “know.”
(b) He is a friend who has always helped me.
Answer: The clause is who has always helped me.
- It is a relative clause.
Explanation:
- A relative clause provides more information about a noun and usually starts with words like “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” or “that.” Here, “who has always helped me” describes the noun “friend.” For example, in “The book that you gave me is interesting,” the clause “that you gave me” gives more details about “book.”
(c) Please enter the room when you are asked to.
Answer: The clause is when you are asked to.
- It is an adverb clause.
Explanation:
- An adverb clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb and tells us when, why, how, where, or under what conditions something happens. Here, “when you are asked to” tells us the time for entering the room. For example, in “I will call you when I get home,” the clause “when I get home” is an adverb clause explaining the time of the action.
(d) That he will win is known to us.
Answer: The clause is That he will win.
- It is a noun clause.
Explanation:
- A noun clause functions as a noun. Here, “That he will win” is the subject of the verb “is known.” For example, in “What she said surprised me,” the clause “What she said” is a noun clause acting as the subject.
Exercise 6
Identify the following sentences as simple , complex and compound:
(a) They predicted that it would rain.
Answer: This is a complex sentence.
Explanation:
- A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Here, “They predicted” is the independent clause, and “that it would rain” is the dependent clause. For example, “She believes that he is honest” is also a complex sentence because it has an independent clause and a dependent clause.
(b) The weather being fine, the children went out to play.
Answer: This is a simple sentence.
Explanation:
- A simple sentence has only one main clause. Here, the sentence has one subject-verb relationship: “the children went out to play.” “The weather being fine” is a phrase that adds detail but does not make the sentence complex. For example, “Her smile lighting up the room, she greeted everyone” is another simple sentence with a phrase providing context.
(c) Ravi woke up early but he could not reach school on time.
Answer: This is a compound sentence.
Explanation:
- A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., “but,” “and,” “or”). Here, “Ravi woke up early” and “he could not reach school on time” are two independent clauses connected by “but.” For example, “I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining” is another compound sentence.
(d) Finishing his work, my father returned home.
Answer: This is a simple sentence.
Explanation:
- A simple sentence contains only one main clause. In this sentence, “my father returned home” is the main clause, and “Finishing his work” is a participial phrase that describes the subject. For example, “Hearing the good news, she smiled with joy” is another simple sentence with a similar structure.
Exercise 7
Do as directed:
(a) Tatar hoped to do well in the examination. (Change into a complex sentence)
Answer: Tatar hoped that he would do well in the examination.
Explanation:
- A complex sentence includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. In this case, “Tatar hoped” is the independent clause, and “that he would do well in the examination” is the dependent clause. The conjunction “that” helps form the dependent clause. For example, “She believed that she could win” is another complex sentence.
(b) The Headmistress arrived and the meeting began. (Change into a complex sentence)
Answer: When the Headmistress arrived, the meeting began.
Explanation:
- A complex sentence is formed by joining an independent clause with a dependent clause. Here, “When the Headmistress arrived” becomes the dependent clause, and “the meeting began” remains the independent clause. The conjunction “when” introduces the dependent clause. For example, “When the bell rang, the students left the class” is a similar structure.
(c) Ayesha was surprised when she heard the news. (Change into a simple sentence)
Answer: Hearing the news, Ayesha was surprised.
Explanation:
- A simple sentence contains only one main clause. The dependent clause “when she heard the news” is transformed into a participial phrase, “Hearing the news,” to make the sentence simple. For example, “Seeing the results, she smiled” is another example of simplifying a complex sentence.
(d) You must work hard to be successful in life. (Change into a compound sentence)
Answer: You must work hard, or you will not be successful in life.
Explanation:
- A compound sentence is made by combining two independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction like “and,” “but,” or “or.” Here, “You must work hard” and “you will not be successful in life” are two independent clauses joined by “or.” For example, “He studied hard, and he passed the exam” is a similar compound structure.
Exercise 8
You had been ill for three days. Write a letter to the Headmaster/Headmistress of your school seeking leave of absence for those days.
To
The Headmistress
Kendriya Vidyalaya
Imphal, Manipur – 795001
Dec. 30, 2024
Dear Madam,
I am writing to inform you that I was unable to attend school from 25 September to 27 September 2024 due to illness. I have now recovered and am ready to resume classes.
I kindly request you to excuse my absence for those days. I assure you that I will catch up on any missed lessons and assignments.
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Anjali Devi
Exercise 9
You want to visit a tourist spot during the Puja vacation. Write a letter within 100 words to the manager of a hotel enquiring about the availability of rooms, cost involved and sites to be seen.
27 September 2024
B-34, Green Park
Kolkata – 700016
To
The Manager
Seaside Hotel
Puri – 752001
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this message finds you well. I am planning to visit Puri during the upcoming Puja vacation with my family. I would like to enquire about the availability of rooms in your hotel from October 15 to October 20.
Please inform me about the cost of a double room and any additional charges. Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could provide details about nearby tourist attractions and sightseeing options.
I look forward to your response at the earliest.
Yours sincerely,
Ananya Sen
Extras
Additional MCQs
1. Where did Crusoe pitch his tent?
A. On a plain
B. Near a beach
C. Inside a cave
D. On a rocky wall
Answer: A. On a plain
2. How did Crusoe protect his tent?
A. With ropes
B. By building a fence
C. With large stones
D. Using wild plants
Answer: B. By building a fence
3. What did Crusoe use to climb over his fence?
A. A ladder
B. A rope
C. A wooden plank
D. A staircase
Answer: A. A ladder
4. What method did Crusoe use to keep track of time?
A. Built a sundial
B. Marked a post with notches
C. Used a calendar
D. Created a clock
Answer: B. Marked a post with notches
5. What did Crusoe initially find in the bag of poultry feed?
A. Barley grains
B. Husk and dust
C. Wheat stalks
D. Rat droppings
Answer: B. Husk and dust
6. When did Crusoe find green barley stalks growing?
A. One week later
B. Two months later
C. One month later
D. Six months later
Answer: C. One month later
7. What type of trees did Crusoe discover further into the land?
A. Pine and cedar
B. Cocoa and orange
C. Oak and apple
D. Mango and palm
Answer: B. Cocoa and orange
8. Why did Crusoe decide not to move to the valley of fruits?
A. Fear of wild animals
B. Lack of fresh water
C. Hope of rescue by ship
D. Too far from the beach
Answer: C. Hope of rescue by ship
9. When did Crusoe recover from his high fever?
A. Around July 15
B. Around June 30
C. Around September 30
D. Around July 30
Answer: D. Around July 30
10. What did Crusoe use to make his lamp?
A. Clay and oil
B. Tallow and clay
C. Wood and oil
D. Wax and string
Answer: B. Tallow and clay
11. What did Crusoe use to store his provisions?
A. Metal boxes
B. Wooden crates
C. Small wooden boxes
D. Canvas bags
Answer: C. Small wooden boxes
12. How many days after landing did Crusoe start tracking time?
A. 7 days
B. 10 days
C. 12 days
D. 14 days
Answer: B. 10 days
13. What name did Crusoe give to the island?
A. Island of Hope
B. Island of Despair
C. Island of Survival
D. Island of Adventure
Answer: B. Island of Despair
14. How did Crusoe protect his provisions from rain?
A. Covered them with canvas
B. Built small wooden boxes
C. Dug underground storage
D. Used waterproof bags
Answer: B. Built small wooden boxes
15. How many months had Crusoe spent on the island when he resisted moving?
A. Six months
B. Eight months
C. Ten months
D. Twelve months
Answer: C. Ten months
16. What did Crusoe use to mark the date of his landing?
A. A large rock
B. A post
C. A tree trunk
D. A cave wall
Answer: B. A post
Additional questions and answers
1. Who is the author of Robinson Crusoe?
Answer: Daniel Defoe.
2. When was Robinson Crusoe shipwrecked on the island?
Answer: On September 30, 1659.
3. What name did Crusoe give to the island?
Answer: He called it the “Island of Despair.”
4. What did Crusoe fear when he first landed on the island?
Answer: He feared being devoured by wild beasts.
5. Where did Crusoe sleep on the first night on the island?
Answer: He slept in a tree to avoid wild creatures and for protection.
6. How long did it rain after Crusoe arrived on the island?
Answer: It rained continuously for the entire night and the next day, accompanied by gusts of wind.
7. What provisions did Crusoe retrieve from the wrecked ship?
Answer: Crusoe salvaged wood, cable, string, a knife, nails, a gun, a hammock, canvas for a tent, ink, paper, and some money. He also brought back food and other items necessary for survival.
8. Why was the money Crusoe found useless on the island?
Answer: The money had no value on the island as it could not buy food, shelter, or any necessities in a place devoid of trade and people.
9. What method did Crusoe use to mark the passage of days?
Answer: Crusoe carved a notch on a large post with his knife for every day that passed, helping him maintain a record of time.
10. On which date did Crusoe experience fair weather after the rain?
Answer: Crusoe saw fair weather on November 7.
11. What unexpected plant did Crusoe find growing from the poultry feed?
Answer: He found green barley growing from the poultry feed he had scattered outside his shelter.
12. What types of fruits did Crusoe discover during his exploration of the island?
Answer: He discovered melons, grapes, cocoa, oranges, and lemons during his exploration.
13. How long did it take Crusoe to carry the fruit home from the valley?
Answer: It took him three days to transport the fruit back to his shelter.
14. Why did Crusoe decide against relocating to the valley of fruits?
Answer: Crusoe preferred staying near the sea in case a passing ship might rescue him. He was reluctant to isolate himself further by moving inland, even though the valley offered abundant resources.
15. Describe how Crusoe fortified his tent for safety.
Answer: Crusoe built a secure shelter by driving stakes into the ground in a semi-circular pattern around his tent. He tied cables retrieved from the wrecked ship around the stakes, creating a strong protective fence. To enter and exit, he used a short ladder, which he removed once inside, ensuring that no wild animals or other threats could get in. This fortification offered him both physical security and peace of mind as he adjusted to life on the island.
16. What steps did Crusoe take to protect his provisions from rain?
Answer: Crusoe realized the need to shield his supplies from the persistent rain. He crafted small wooden boxes to store his provisions, ensuring they remained dry and usable despite the harsh weather conditions. This action demonstrated his foresight and ingenuity in adapting to the environment.
17. How did Crusoe adapt to the lack of artificial light after dark?
Answer: Crusoe created a lamp by using tallow (animal fat), which he melted and placed in a small clay dish. He added a wick to the dish, providing a functional light source at night. This simple invention allowed him to work and move around after sunset, highlighting his resourcefulness in dealing with his challenging circumstances.
18. Explain Crusoe’s daily routine as described in the text.
Answer: Crusoe’s days on the island were structured around survival. He spent time gathering food, fortifying his shelter, and retrieving supplies from the shipwreck. As he settled into his new reality, he developed a system for marking time by carving notches on a post. He also began keeping a journal to document his activities, although he eventually ran out of ink. Crusoe allocated part of his day to exploring the island, as seen during his discovery of fruit and fertile land. His routine evolved to include building and crafting, such as making boxes for provisions and creating a lamp for light. This meticulous approach to his day-to-day life reflects his resilience and determination to thrive despite the isolation.
19. How did the discovery of barley impact Crusoe’s survival on the island?
Answer: The discovery of barley significantly boosted Crusoe’s survival prospects. Initially surprised to see the barley sprouting from the poultry feed he had discarded, Crusoe realized that it could be cultivated as a sustainable food source. This discovery provided him with a sense of security, knowing he could grow crops to supplement his diet. It also gave him hope and reinforced the idea that careful effort and observation could yield unexpected rewards in even the harshest environments.
20. Why do you think Crusoe named the island “Island of Despair”?
Answer: Crusoe named it “Island of Despair” because of the overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and isolation he experienced upon being shipwrecked. Stranded far from human civilization and believing himself doomed to a solitary existence, he felt a profound sense of despair. The barren, desolate landscape and his initial struggle for survival further deepened this sentiment. However, the name also reflects his transformation, as the challenges on the island ultimately pushed him to find strength and resourcefulness he did not know he possessed.
21. What does Crusoe’s decision to keep a journal reveal about his character?
Answer: Crusoe’s decision to keep a journal underscores his resilience, discipline, and desire for structure in a chaotic situation. Writing in the journal provided him with a sense of control and normalcy, helping him to process his thoughts and feelings. It also served as a record of his survival journey, showcasing his determination to document and reflect on his efforts. This habit reveals his intellectual curiosity and introspection, traits that contributed to his adaptability and survival.
22. How does Defoe use imagery to convey the isolation Crusoe feels on the island?
Answer: Defoe employs vivid imagery to depict Crusoe’s isolation, describing the island as a “dismal” and desolate place. The stormy weather, the barren landscape, and the wrecked ship underscore the severity of Crusoe’s plight. The narrative focuses on Crusoe’s solitude through his interactions with the empty surroundings, like marking time with notches or writing in his journal. This imagery creates a stark contrast between the bustling world Crusoe left behind and the still, lonely environment he now inhabits, effectively immersing the reader in his experience of isolation.
23. If you were in Crusoe’s position, would you have handled the situation differently? Why or why not?
Answer: While it’s easy to speculate, Crusoe’s actions reflect careful consideration and adaptation to his circumstances. Personally, I might have explored the island more thoroughly early on to identify resources and dangers. However, Crusoe’s focus on immediate survival—building a shelter, securing food, and fortifying his space—was highly pragmatic and likely the best course of action under the circumstances. His balance of practicality and creativity makes his approach inspiring and effective.
24. How does the setting influence Crusoe’s actions and state of mind?
Answer: The harsh, isolated setting of the island profoundly impacts Crusoe’s behavior and emotions. The lack of human contact forces him to be self-reliant, pushing him to innovate and make the most of the resources at hand. The challenges of the environment—wild animals, unpredictable weather, and limited supplies—drive him to develop new skills and strategies for survival. Psychologically, the setting shifts him from despair to a sense of purpose as he gradually overcomes the obstacles around him. The island becomes both a prison and a canvas for his resilience and ingenuity.
25. Do you think the hardships Crusoe faced made him more resourceful? Support your answer with examples from the text.
Answer: Yes, the hardships Crusoe faced undeniably enhanced his resourcefulness. When faced with the absence of shelter, he built a fortified tent. To combat the darkness, he created a lamp from tallow. Discovering barley sprouting from poultry feed, he saw an opportunity for sustainable food production. Each of these examples reflects his ability to adapt and innovate, using limited resources to meet his needs. His struggles not only helped him survive but also showcased the human capacity to thrive under adversity.
26. What lessons can modern readers learn from Crusoe’s survival strategies?
Answer: Modern readers can draw several lessons from Crusoe’s experience. His resilience teaches the importance of maintaining hope and determination in the face of challenges. His resourcefulness highlights the value of creativity and adaptability, even when resources are scarce. Crusoe’s story also emphasizes the significance of self-reliance and the ability to prioritize and solve problems methodically. Ultimately, his journey reminds us that even in isolation and adversity, ingenuity and perseverance can lead to triumph.
