Introduction-
His First Flight" by Liam O'Flaherty introduces the reader to a young seagull who struggles with
fear and the desire to fly. The story follows his development as he overcomes his
apprehension and finally takes his first flight. The story emphasizes the importance of courage,
self-confidence, and taking risks to achieve personal growth.
Theme-
The primary theme of Liam O'Flaherty's "His First Flight" is overcoming fear and embracing the
joy of taking risks. The story focuses on a young seagull who is afraid to fly, but ultimately
overcomes his fear and takes his first flight, discovering the exhilaration of freedom and the
potential within himself. This theme emphasizes the importance of facing one's fears and the
growth that comes from stepping outside of one's comfort zone.
Question 1.
Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
Answer:
The young seagull was afraid to fly because it was his first flight and he feared of falling and
hurting himself. He thought that his wings would not support him while flying.
Question 2.
“The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? What compelled the young
seagull to finally fly?
Answer:
The young seagull was very hungry. It was this hunger that ultimately compelled it to fly. Its
hunger intensified when it saw its mother tearing at a piece of fish that lay at her feet. It cried
to her, begging her to get some food. When its mother came towards it with food in her beak, it
screamed with joy and anticipation. However, she stopped midway. It wondered why she did
not come nearer. Not being able to resist or controfits hunger any longer, it dived at the food in
its mother’s beak. At that moment, his hunger overpowered his fear of the great expanse of
sea beneath the cliff. Finally, this plunge was followed by the natural reaction of its body, i.e. to
fly.
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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 3 Two Stories About Flying
I. His First Fight
Thinking about the Text
(Page 36)
Question 1.
Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their
first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human baby also finds it a
challenge to take its first step?
Answer:
The young seagull was afraid to fly because it was his first flight and he feared of falling and
hurting himself. He thought that his wings would not support him while flying. Yes, it is natural
that doing something for the first time is a bit challenging and fearful. All birds must be afraid
to make their first flight.
Similarly, a human baby is also afraid of taking the first step and find it challenging when he
learns to crawl or stand up without support.’
Question 2.
“The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? What compelled the young
seagull to finally fly?
Answer:
The young seagull was very hungry. It was this hunger that ultimately compelled it to fly. Its
hunger intensified when it saw its mother tearing at a piece of fish that lay at her feet. It cried
to her, begging her to get some food. When its mother came towards it with food in her beak, it
screamed with joy and anticipation. However, she stopped midway. It wondered why she did
not come nearer. Not being able to resist or controfits hunger any longer, it dived at the food in
its mother’s beak. At that moment, his hunger overpowered his fear of the great expanse of
sea beneath the cliff. Finally, this plunge was followed by the natural reaction of its body, i.e. to
fly.
Question 3.
They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten
him and cajole him to fly?
Answer:
Seagull’s parents had tried everything but he was reluctant to fly due to fear of falling down. He
looked at his brothers and sister but wouldn’t make any efforts. Thats why the whole family
had left him alone and threatened and cojoled him to come but every effort went in vain.
