About the Lesson
"Flames in the Forest," a gripping tale by Ruskin Bond, is set in the heart of a forest during a raging wildfire. This story showcases themes of courage, resilience, and the unspoken bond between humans and nature. Through the adventures of Romi, a determined schoolboy, and his unexpected companion Teju, the narrative takes readers on a thrilling journey of survival against the backdrop of a blazing forest.
Text/Analysis/ Summary/ Theme
The story Flames in the Forest by Ruskin Bond is an adventure and survival story.
Summary of Flames in the Forest by Ruskin Bond
Romi, a high school boy, sets off on his bicycle to deliver medicine to his ailing father, despite warnings of a spreading forest fire. Determined to reach home, he pedals through the forest, encountering smoke, heat, and fleeing wildlife. Along the way, he meets Teju, a younger boy from a nearby village, who is also trying to escape the fire. Romi offers Teju a ride on his bicycle, and together they navigate the treacherous journey.
As they progress, the boys face numerous challenges, including thick smoke, intense heat, and an elephant blocking their path. With quick thinking and teamwork, they overcome these obstacles and press on toward safety. The climax occurs when they reach the river, only to find the bridge ablaze. Undeterred, Romi guides the bicycle and Teju through the shallow waters of the river, ultimately emerging on the other side.
The story ends with the boys watching the fire consume the forest from a safe distance. Their shared ordeal transforms their acquaintance into a strong bond of friendship, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for life and courage in the face of adversity.
20 Word Meanings
Mount – To get on (a bicycle, horse, etc.) for riding.
Distant – Far away in space or time.
Timber – Wood prepared for use in building or carpentry.
Glide – To move smoothly and effortlessly.
Billow – To swell or puff out due to the wind.
Deserted – Empty or abandoned.
Scorched – Burned or singed slightly.
Clanging – A loud, resonant metallic sound.
Exodus – A mass departure of people or animals.
Restlessly – In a manner unable to stay still or at ease.
Trumpeted – Made a loud sound, typically by an elephant.
Shambled – Walked in an awkward or unsteady manner.
Exclaimed – Cried out suddenly in surprise or strong emotion.
Hesitate – To pause before doing something due to uncertainty.
Splashed – Moved through water in a way that sends drops flying.
Shallows – Areas of a body of water that are not deep.
Reflected – Threw back light or an image without absorbing it.
Crackling – Sharp, snapping or popping sounds.
Smouldering – Burning slowly with smoke but no flame.
Gritting – Clenching, typically one's teeth, as in determination.
10 Synonyms
Distant – Remote
Timber – Wood
Glide – Slide
Deserted – Abandoned
Scorched – Burned
Clanging – Clattering
Exodus – Migration
Trumpeted – Blared
Hesitate – Pause
Shallows – Shoals
10 Antonyms
Distant – Nearby
Deserted – Crowded
Glide – Stumble
Scorched – Unburned
Restlessly – Calmly
Exodus – Arrival
Hesitate – Act
Splashed – Still
Shallowed – Deep
Reflected – Absorbed
Critical Analysis of Flames in the Forest by Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond’s Flames in the Forest is a gripping short story that captures the vivid imagery of a forest fire and the bravery of two boys navigating through a perilous situation. The story intertwines adventure, survival, and the spirit of camaraderie while exploring human interaction with nature.
Themes
Man vs. Nature: The story highlights the unpredictability and power of nature, as represented by the forest fire. While the fire brings destruction, it also serves as a unifying force that propels Romi and Teju to work together for survival.
Courage and Perseverance: Romi embodies courage and determination, refusing to be deterred by the fire or the obstacles it presents. His resolve to reach home and deliver the medicine to his ailing father drives the story forward, showcasing human resilience.
Friendship and Solidarity: The story captures the bond that develops between Romi and Teju. Though initially acquaintances, the shared experience of surviving a life-threatening event deepens their friendship.
Characters
Romi: Romi is the protagonist, characterized by his bravery, sense of responsibility, and quick thinking. His commitment to his father and readiness to help Teju demonstrate his selflessness.
Teju: Teju is younger and more fearful, providing a contrast to Romi's composed demeanor. However, he complements Romi’s courage with his willingness to follow instructions, showing a different kind of resilience.
The Forest and Animals: The forest serves as both a setting and a character. The fleeing animals create an atmosphere of urgency and emphasize the catastrophic impact of the fire on wildlife.
Plot and Structure
The story is tightly woven, with each event escalating the tension:
Exposition: Romi begins his journey home, establishing the stakes with his father’s illness and the encroaching forest fire.
Rising Action: The vivid depiction of the fire, fleeing animals, and Romi meeting Teju intensify the sense of danger.
Climax: Their encounter with the elephant adds suspense and underscores the chaos caused by the fire.
Falling Action and Resolution: Their daring escape through the river marks the culmination of their ordeal, leaving them safe but changed by the experience.
Language and Style
Bond’s evocative prose paints a compelling picture of the fire and its effects on the landscape and inhabitants of the forest. The use of sensory details, such as the "crackling of dry leaves" and the "scorching heat," immerses the reader in the setting. Bond’s ability to weave humour into tense moments, such as Teju’s exaggerated fear of drowning, adds a human touch and balances the narrative.
Symbolism
The Fire: Represents both destruction and a test of human willpower, pushing the characters to their limits.
The Bicycle: Symbolizes resourcefulness and the means of escape from danger.
The Elephant: Acts as a reminder of the forest’s grandeur and the shared vulnerability of all creatures during a calamity.
Moral and Takeaways
The story conveys that determination, courage, and cooperation can help overcome even the most daunting challenges. It also sheds light on the devastating consequences of forest fires, urging readers to respect and protect nature.
Critique
While the story’s vivid imagery and engaging narrative create a thrilling experience, its brevity leaves some elements unexplored. For instance, the backstory of the fire remains unclear, and the impact on the broader community could have added depth. Nonetheless, the tight focus on Romi and Teju’s journey ensures a cohesive and impactful tale.
Conclusion
Flames in the Forest is a masterful blend of adventure, suspense, and emotional depth. Bond's storytelling not only entertains but also inspires, making it a memorable read for audiences of all ages. The story’s emphasis on friendship and resilience leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the strength found in unity and the indomitable human spirit.
Questions &Answrs/ MCQs/Reference/ Assessment
A. On the basis of your reading, complete these sentences.
1. As Romi rode out of the village, he noticed...
2. The hare that leapt across the road was followed by...
3. The road that cut through the forest was...
4. Romi brought his bicycle to a sudden stop because...
5. Romi and Teju looked at each other in the glow and felt...
Answers
Answers:
As Romi rode out of the village, he noticed smoke rising from the burning forest and the sky glowing red.
The hare that leapt across the road was followed by several more hares and a band of monkeys chattering excitedly.
The road that cut through the forest was rough, dusty, and surrounded by tall trees that cut off the last of the daylight.
Romi brought his bicycle to a sudden stop because an elephant was standing in the middle of the road, blocking their path.
Romi and Teju looked at each other in the glow and felt as though they had been friends for years, despite not knowing each other well before.
B. Answer the questions.
1. Why did Romi decide to ride home even though he could see the smoke from a
forest fire?
2. Which part of his ride to home did he enjoy the best?
3. What was unusual about the road through the forest that day?
4. What did Romi think when he saw the animals crossing the road?
5. How were the boys able to proceed. after their way was blocked by an elephant?
Answers:
Why did Romi decide to ride home even though he could see the smoke from a forest fire?
Romi decided to ride home because he had to deliver medicine to his ailing father, and he believed the fire was far off and would not affect the road he was taking.
Which part of his ride home did he enjoy the best?
Romi enjoyed the part of the ride where the road sloped downhill. He stopped pedalling, let the bicycle glide, and felt the wind rushing past him, making him feel free and joyful.
What was unusual about the road through the forest that day?
The road, usually deserted, was filled with wild animals fleeing from the forest fire. Hares, monkeys, deer, and even a python were seen crossing the road in a frantic attempt to escape the fire.
What did Romi think when he saw the animals crossing the road?
Romi thought that the fire must be very big, forcing all the animals to flee. He also felt reassured that the fire would not cross the road and the animals would be safe on the other side.
How were the boys able to proceed after their way was blocked by an elephant?
The elephant, initially standing in the middle of the road, moved away into the forest after hearing the trumpeting call of its herd. This cleared the way for Romi and Teju to continue their journey.
C. Read the lines and answer the questions.
l. A herd of deer crossed the road and Romi had to stop until they
had passed. "Then he mounted again and rode on; but now, for
the first time, he was feeling afraid.
a. Where was Romi?
b. Why was a herd of deer crossing the road?
c. Why had Romi not been frightened before? Why did he begin to feel afraid?
2. "Keep beating your cans so the animals will know we are
coming, " said Romi. "My bell doesn't make enough noise. "
a. Who was Romi speaking to?
b. Why was the person whom Romi was speaking to carrying cans?
c. What was the need to inform the animals of their presence?
3. Romi and Teju looked at each other in the glow from the fire. They hadn't known
each other very well before. But now they felt they had been friends for years.
a. Where were Romi and Teju?
b. What fire is referred to in these lines?
c. Why did they feel they had been friends for many years?
Answers
Answers:
1
.a. Where was Romi?
Romi was on the road that cut through the forest, heading toward the small wooden bridge over the river.
b. Why was a herd of deer crossing the road?
The herd of deer was fleeing from the forest fire that was rapidly spreading and forcing animals to move to safety.
c. Why had Romi not been frightened before? Why did he begin to feel afraid?
Romi had not been frightened before because he believed the fire was far off and that it wouldn’t cross the road. However, he began to feel afraid when he realized the fire was spreading faster, and the sight of fleeing animals indicated the danger was imminent.
2.
a. Who was Romi speaking to?
Romi was speaking to Teju, a younger boy from a neighboring village whom he had met on the road.
b. Why was the person whom Romi was speaking to carrying cans?
Teju was carrying milk cans, likely on his way home after delivering or collecting milk.
c. What was the need to inform the animals of their presence?
Romi wanted to make noise to alert the animals so they would clear the road, preventing any collisions or accidents as they rode through the forest filled with fleeing wildlife.
3.
a. Where were Romi and Teju?
Romi and Teju were on the opposite bank of the river, safe from the fire that was engulfing the forest behind them.
b. What fire is referred to in these lines?
The fire referred to is the forest fire that had been spreading rapidly, threatening both the boys and the wildlife.
c. Why did they feel they had been friends for many years?
Romi and Teju felt this way because their shared struggle and teamwork in escaping the dangerous fire created a strong bond of trust and camaraderie between them.
D. Think and answer.
1. Do you think it was foolish of Romi to ride through the forest when he saw there was a forest fire?
2. Why did the boys feel safe after they had crossed the river?
3. What words would you use to describe Romi's character and actions? Support your answer with evidence from the story.
Answers:
1. Do you think it was foolish of Romi to ride through the forest when he saw there was a forest fire?
It was not entirely foolish, but it was risky. Romi made a thoughtful decision based on his priorities—delivering medicine to his ailing father. He believed the fire was far from the road and would not pose an immediate threat. While his determination is admirable, he underestimated the fire's speed and unpredictability, which made his journey dangerous.
2. Why did the boys feel safe after they had crossed the river?
The boys felt safe after crossing the river because the river acted as a natural barrier against the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Additionally, they had left the burning forest behind, moving into open sugarcane fields, which posed no immediate threat from the flames.
3. What words would you use to describe Romi's character and actions? Support your answer with evidence from the story.
Romi is brave, determined, and resourceful.
Brave: Despite the dangers of the forest fire, Romi chose to ride through the forest to deliver medicine to his father. He remained calm when faced with challenges like fleeing animals and the blazing fire.
Determined: He was unwavering in his mission to get home, even when Prem advised him to stay back and the fire grew closer.
Resourceful: Romi helped Teju escape the fire by letting him ride on the bicycle and advised him to use the milk cans to alert animals of their presence. His quick thinking helped them cross the river when the bridge was on fire.
These traits highlight Romi's courage and ability to act decisively in a crisis.
