THINK ABOUT IT

Q 1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?

Answer 1: Think-Tank is the proud and self-important king of Mars, who believes he is the most intelligent and knowledgeable being in his realm. However, in reality, he is quite ignorant and lacks true understanding. His assistant, Noodle, is not only more knowledgeable but also more intelligent. Understanding that a direct correction would hurt his master’s pride, Noodle chooses a more subtle approach.

For instance, Think-Tank confidently asserts that books are like sandwiches, suggesting that they should be “eaten” to appreciate them. When oops, one of the crew members, tries this and finds the books unappetizing, Noodle tactfully points out that in Earth films about books, people don’t eat them; they use them as tools for communication. Think-Tank, eager to prove his point, claims that this was his intention all along and instructs his crew to “listen” to the books.

When the books remain silent, Noodle gently reminds Think-Tank that Earthlings actually open and read the books rather than listening to them. Embracing the idea of visual communication, Think-Tank orders his crew to observe the books. Yet, when they struggle to decipher the text, Noodle politely suggests that they might benefit from the vitamins provided by their chemical department to enhance their intelligence.

Through these exchanges, we see how Noodle skillfully navigates Think-Tank’s arrogance by offering corrections in an indirect and respectful manner, using flattery to ensure that he does not offend his proud master.

Q 2. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?

Answer 2: Think-Tank was a proud and arrogant individual, holding himself in high regard. He believed he was the most powerful, intelligent, and knowledgeable person, convinced that he could never be wrong.

People like Think-Tank are often overly sensitive and can become easily upset or irritated when someone points out their mistakes. Even if they know deep down that the criticism is valid, they may refuse to listen and react defensively. Therefore, it’s essential to approach them with care, just as Noodle did. Noodle corrected Think-Tank in a subtle and indirect way, using suggestive language that encouraged Think-Tank to listen rather than react negatively.

If I were in Noodle’s shoes, I would adopt a similar approach. I would avoid directly confronting Think-Tank about his mistakes, as I wouldn’t want to appear more knowledgeable or undermine his confidence. Instead, I would strive to communicate in a way that respects his feelings while still conveying the necessary corrections.

Q 3. Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books?

Answer 3: To date, electronic media has not fully replaced traditional books. While we have seen some progress with the availability of e-books, I believe that physical books will continue to hold their value.

Books are our cherished companions and a wonderful way to spend time. They can be taken anywhere, even to the most remote locations. You can unwind and enjoy reading a book on a sunny beach or in a peaceful forest, sitting under a tree and immersing yourself in your favorite story. In contrast, e-books typically require you to sit in front of a computer screen, which doesn’t offer the same experience. Books are precious possessions, and I truly believe they will remain an essential part of our lives.

Q 4. Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.

Answer 4: The Power of Books as Our Closest Friends

There’s no doubt that books are our most loyal companions. They don’t demand anything from us but instead offer endless pleasure and knowledge. In times of solitude, they provide us with company. Whether we’re feeling sad, anxious, or joyful, books are there to resonate with our emotions. They inspire and uplift us when we feel down, and no matter where we are—even in the most remote locations—they are always ready to accompany us.

As Richard De Bury famously said, “If you approach them, they are not asleep; if you seek them, they do not hide; if you blunder, they scold; if you are ignorant, they do not laugh at you.” This perfectly captures the essence of books as invaluable friends.

Personally, I have a deep love for reading and have curated a wonderful collection of books. One that stands out as my favorite is Children Who Made It Big, authored by Thangamani and published by the National Book Trust. This book holds a special place in my heart, as I received it as the first prize in an Essay Writing Competition at the Zonal Science Fair.

Inside, it features twelve inspiring stories about remarkable individuals who started as ordinary young people, just like many of us. They had dreams, faced challenges, and experienced moments of joy and sorrow. Each of them encountered a pivotal moment that guided them toward their careers and shaped their identities. Through their experiences, they transformed into influential figures in various fields—be it science, industry, the arts, cinema, or social work—during the post-independence era.

This book is not just a collection of stories for me; it is a source of inspiration and motivation that continuously encourages me to pursue my own dreams.

TALK ABOUT IT

Q 1. In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians? Can you think of any incident where you misinterpreted a word or an action? How did you resolve the misunderstanding?

Answer 1: In “The Martian Chronicles” by Ray Bradbury, the Think-Tank misinterprets innocent nursery rhymes as threats to Martians due to their unfamiliarity with human culture and language. The Martians perceive phrases like “Rock-a-bye Baby” and “Humpty Dumpty” as potential warnings or indications of aggression, largely because they lack the contextual understanding that humans attribute to these nursery rhymes. This misunderstanding illustrates how language and culture can lead to misinterpretations, especially when one group lacks knowledge of the other’s symbols and expressions.

As for personal experiences, many people encounter moments of misunderstanding in communication. For example, if someone hears the word “sick” and interprets it as merely feeling ill, they might miss the slang meaning of something being “cool” or impressive in a different context.

To resolve such misunderstandings, one could ask clarifying questions or seek context to better understand the intent behind the words or actions. This promotes clearer communication and reduces the likelihood of further misinterpretations.

Q 2. The aliens in the play speak English. Do you think this is their language? What could be the language of the aliens?

Answer 2: I believe that English is not the language of aliens. If it were, they would have been able to read and comprehend nursery rhymes instead of relying on vitamin pills to decode them. This misunderstanding led the Think-Tank to mistakenly view them as a threat from Mars. In a way, it’s fortunate that they didn’t understand English; otherwise, Earth might have faced an invasion by Martians.

In my view, aliens likely didn’t use any traditional language. Given their advanced brains, they might have communicated through sensory waves instead.