CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 9: The Great Stone Face – I NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 9, 'The Great Stone Face – I', from the CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew textbook. It covers comprehension questions related to the initial part of the story, focusing on the setting, Ernest's character, and the prophecy surrounding the Great Stone Face. The solutions clarify the significance of the Stone Face's appearance from a distance and Ernest's early life and relationship with his mother. It also touches upon the character of Gathergold, a wealthy merchant whose fate contrasts with the prophecy. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the narrative's nuances and prepare effectively for their exams by offering clear explanations for each question.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectEnglish Honeydew
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 9

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on the 'Comprehension Check' for 'The Great Stone Face – I'. It addresses questions about the physical location and appearance of the Great Stone Face, Ernest's filial duties, and the initial introduction of the prophecy concerning a wealthy man resembling the Stone Face. The solutions clarify the importance of perspective in viewing the Stone Face and the early life of Ernest.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the significance of the Great Stone Face's appearance from a distance.
  • Identify Ernest's early character traits and his relationship with his mother.
  • Recall details about the prophecy and the character of Gathergold.
  • Distinguish between true and false statements based on the text.
  • Analyze the initial setting and characters of 'The Great Stone Face – I'.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The Great Stone Face
  • Ernest's character
  • Prophecy
  • Gathergold
  • Comprehension Check
  • Character Analysis
  • Setting Description

Important topics

  • Appearance of the Great Stone Face
  • Ernest's early life and duties
  • The prophecy and Gathergold's fate
  • Understanding True/False statements

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

The Great Stone Face stood near where Ernest and his mother lived.
Solution: FALSE.

The Great Stone Face was situated at a considerable distance from Ernest's home. This distance was crucial because it allowed the distinctive features of the human-like face to be clearly visible. If it had been too close, it would have appeared merely as a jumble of large rocks, and its unique appearance would have been lost.

Question 2

One would clearly distinguish the features of the Stone Face only from a distance.
Solution: TRUE.

This statement is correct. The Great Stone Face was essentially a formation of huge rocks that, when viewed from afar, resembled a human face. However, the text emphasizes that if someone were to approach it closely, they would only see the individual large rocks and would not be able to discern the facial features.

Question 3

Ernest loved his mother and helped her in her work.
Solution: TRUE.

Ernest was depicted as a loving and dutiful son. Even from a young age, he actively assisted his mother with her daily chores and work. This helpfulness and affection continued as he grew older, highlighting his strong family bond and responsible nature.

Question 4

Though not very rich, Gathergold was a skillful merchant.
Solution: TRUE.

The statement is accurate. Gathergold, despite not starting with significant wealth, proved to be a highly capable and successful merchant. After leaving his city life, he established a business at a seaport and, through his commercial acumen and skills, managed to accumulate considerable riches.

Question 5

Gathergold died in poverty and neglect.
Solution: TRUE.

This statement is true. Towards the end of his life, Gathergold experienced a significant downfall. He lost all the wealth he had accumulated, and consequently, people lost interest in him. His diminished status meant he was no longer seen as resembling the Great Stone Face, and he passed away in a state of poverty and neglect.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the distance required to view the Stone Face's features.
  • Misinterpreting the fate of Gathergold in relation to the prophecy.
  • Overlooking Ernest's early helpfulness towards his mother.

Revision tips

  • Reread the chapter carefully, paying attention to descriptions of the Stone Face.
  • Summarize Ernest's early life and his mother's role.
  • Compare and contrast the character of Gathergold with the prophecy.
  • Practice answering the comprehension questions without referring to the solutions first.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Where was the Great Stone Face located in relation to Ernest's home?

Q2. What would happen if one were too close to the Great Stone Face?

Q3. How is Ernest described in his relationship with his mother?

Q4. What was Gathergold's profession?

Q5. What ultimately happened to Gathergold?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of these NCERT Solutions for Chapter 9?

These solutions focus on the 'Comprehension Check' questions for Chapter 9, 'The Great Stone Face – I', helping students understand the initial narrative, characters, and setting.

Why is the distance important for viewing the Great Stone Face?

The solutions explain that the features of the Great Stone Face are only distinguishable from a distance; up close, it appears as a mere pile of rocks.

How does Ernest's character develop in the early part of the story?

Ernest is portrayed as a loving and helpful son who assists his mother with her work, showing his dutiful nature from a young age.

What is the significance of the character Gathergold?

Gathergold is introduced as a wealthy merchant who was initially thought to resemble the Stone Face, but he ultimately loses his fortune and dies in neglect, contrasting with the prophecy.

Are these solutions helpful for exam preparation?

Yes, these solutions provide clear explanations for each question, aiding students in understanding the chapter's content and preparing for comprehension-based questions in exams.

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