Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.
Unaware of what his name represents, he roams the streets with his friends, an army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and disappear at noon. Over the months, I have come to recognise each of them. “Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I ask one. “My mother did not bring them down from the shelf,” he answers simply. “Even if she did, he will throw them off,” adds another who is wearing shoes that do not match. When I comment on it, he shuffles his feet and says nothing. “I want shoes,” says a third boy who has never owned a pair all his life. Travelling across the country I have seen children walking barefoot, in cities, on village roads. It is not lack of money but a tradition to stay barefoot, is one explanation. (Lost Spring)
Explain any one possible inference that can be drawn from the line, "an army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and disappear at noon”.
Answer:
One possible inference that can be drawn from the line, "an army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and disappear at noon" is that the boys are overlooked or ignored by the wider society, and that they are not given the recognition or support that they need.
Step-by-step explanation by Teachoo:
- One possible inference that can be drawn from this simile is that the boys are overlooked or ignored by the wider society. This is because:👇
- The word "army" suggests that the boys are numerous and disciplined , but also poor and powerless. They have to stick together and follow orders, but they have no rights or protection.😔
- The comparison with "morning birds " suggests that the boys are active and cheerful, but also fragile and vulnerable . They have to wake up early and find food and shelter, but they can be easily harmed or scared away.😨
- The phrase "disappear at noon" suggests that the boys are temporary and invisible , but also mysterious and adventurous. They have to leave the streets when it gets too hot or crowded, but they also have their own secrets and stories.😎
- The use of the word "disappear" may also imply that the boys are not noticed or cared for by the people around them, and that they are not given the recognition or support that they need.😢
