9. The Monkey and the Crocodile

Introduction: A story from Panchatantra about friendship and betrayal. It highlights the importance of trust and quick thinking in difficult situations.

Summary

A monkey lived on a fruit tree on a river bank. He made friends with a crocodile who visited him daily. The monkey gave him delicious fruits. The crocodile took some home for his wife.

The crocodile's wife became jealous of their friendship and wanted to eat the monkey's heart. She forced her husband to bring the monkey home. Reluctantly, the crocodile invited the monkey for dinner and carried him on his back across the river.

Mid-stream, the crocodile revealed his wife's plan. The clever monkey kept his cool and said he had left his heart on the tree. The foolish crocodile swam back to the tree. The monkey jumped onto the tree and saved his life.

Moral: Presence of mind can save you from danger. Choose your friends wisely.

Word Meanings

Laden: Loaded heavily.
Annoyed: Angry / Irritated.
Sarcastic: Mocking.
Pester: To trouble or annoy someone.
Betray: To break trust.
Distress: Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

Question 1:

The monkey was happy living in the fruit tree, but his happiness was not complete. What did he miss?

Ans: He missed a companion to talk to and share the fruits with. He felt lonely.

Question 2:

What did the two friends generally talk about?

Ans: They talked about birds and animals, about the villages nearby, and the difficulties villagers faced in raising good crops for lack of rain.

Question 3:

Why was the crocodile’s wife annoyed with her husband one day?

Ans: She was annoyed because the crocodile stayed with the monkey longer than usual. She had to manage the young crocodiles all by herself.

Question 4:

Why was the crocodile unwilling to invite his friend home?

Ans: He knew his wife wanted to eat the monkey's heart. He didn't want to betray his best friend, so he was unwilling.

Question 5:

What did the crocodile tell the monkey midstream?

Ans: He told the monkey the truth: that he had brought him there to be killed by his wife, who wanted to eat his heart.

Question 6:

How did the monkey save himself?

Ans: The monkey used his presence of mind. He told the crocodile that he had left his heart on the tree. The foolish crocodile swam back to the tree to get it. The monkey jumped onto the tree and saved himself.

Grammar Rules: Compound Words

1. Compound Word

A word made up of two or more existing words.

2. Types

Closed form (notebook), Hyphenated (mother-in-law), Open form (post office).

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