CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3, 'The Selfish Giant,' from the CBSE Class 8 English curriculum. The solutions cover comprehension questions related to the story's plot, characters, and themes. Students will explore the Giant's transformation from selfish to kind, the symbolism of seasons in the garden, and the significance of the little child with nail marks. These solutions offer step-by-step explanations to help students grasp the nuances of the narrative, understand character development, and analyze the story's moral lessons. They are designed to aid in exam preparation by clarifying complex aspects of the text and reinforcing understanding of the story's message.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 8
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 3 The Selfish Giant

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'The Selfish Giant' (Chapter 3) for Class 8 English. This chapter focuses on a story about a giant who initially denies children access to his beautiful garden, leading to perpetual winter. The solutions explain the story's progression, the giant's eventual change of heart after encountering a special child, and the symbolic meaning of the seasons and the child's wounds. They help students analyze the themes of selfishness, redemption, and the importance of love and sharing.

Learning outcomes

Understand the character development of the Giant.
Analyze the symbolism of seasons in the story.
Identify the moral lessons conveyed by the narrative.
Explain the significance of the little child and the nail marks.
Interpret the story's themes of selfishness and redemption.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character Analysis: The Selfish Giant
Symbolism of Seasons (Winter, Spring)
Themes: Selfishness, Redemption, Love, Sharing
The Role of Children in the Story
Symbolism of the Little Boy
Narrative Interpretation
Moral Lessons from Literature
Understanding Figurative Language

Important topics

The Giant's Transformation
Symbolism of the Garden and Seasons
The Significance of the Child with Nail Marks
Themes of Selfishness vs. Generosity
The Story's Moral and Message

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Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check (Page 20) - Question 1

Why is the Giant called selfish?

Solution: The Giant is called selfish because he desired to keep his magnificent garden exclusively for his own enjoyment. He took measures to prevent anyone else, especially children, from entering his garden by building a high wall and putting up a notice board.

Comprehension Check (Page 20) - Question 2

On one occasion the children said: "How happy we are here!" Later they said: "How happy we were there!" What are they referring to in both the cases?

Solution: In both instances, the children are referring to the Giant's garden. The first statement, "How happy we are here!" expresses their current joy while playing inside the Giant's garden. The second statement, "How happy we were there!" reflects their longing and sadness because they are no longer able to access the garden, implying it is now beyond their reach.

Comprehension Check (Page 20) - Question 3 (i)

When spring came, it was still winter in the garden. What does winter stand for or indicate here?

Solution: In this context, 'winter' indicates a state of perpetual coldness, gloom, and lack of life within the Giant's garden. It signifies that the usual signs of spring—blooming flowers, singing birds, and greenery—were absent, reflecting the absence of joy and warmth due to the Giant's selfishness.

Comprehension Check (Page 20) - Question 3 (ii)

Winter has been presented like a story with its own characters and their activities. Describe the story in your own words.

Solution: The story of winter in the Giant's garden is one of desolation and lifelessness. The characters are Snow and Frost, who cover the trees in a white cloak, making them appear dead. The North Wind makes its home there, roaring constantly, and Hail dances relentlessly on the roof. This narrative portrays a scene devoid of warmth, color, and life, emphasizing the harshness of the season.

Comprehension Check (Page 20) - Question 3 (iii)

Was the Giant happy or sad over the state of the garden?

Solution: The Giant was sad over the state of his garden. He observed that the garden showed no change despite the arrival of different seasons. The persistent winter, with its lack of life and beauty, made him unhappy, though he initially didn't understand why.

Comprehension Check (Page 20) - Question 3 (iv)

What effect did the linnet's song have over Hail and the North Wind?

Solution: The linnet's song had a magical effect on the elements of winter. As the linnet sang, the Hail stopped its 'dancing' over the Giant's head, and the North Wind ceased its 'roaring'. This indicates that the return of life and joy, symbolized by the bird's song, could subdue the harshness of winter.

Comprehension Check (Page 24) - Question 1 (i)

The Giant saw a most wonderful sight. What did he see?

Solution: The Giant saw that the children had found a way back into his garden through a small hole in the wall. They were joyfully playing in the trees. In every tree he could see, a little child was sitting, and the trees themselves seemed delighted to have the children back, covering themselves with blossoms and gently waving their branches. Birds were flying and singing, and flowers were blooming and laughing, filling the garden with life and happiness.

Comprehension Check (Page 24) - Question 1 (ii)

What did he realise on seeing it?

Solution: Upon seeing the children joyfully playing in his garden and the trees blossoming again, the Giant realized that his own selfishness had caused the perpetual winter and lack of life in his garden. He understood that he was to blame for the sad state of his garden and acknowledged his own selfishness.

Comprehension Check (Page 24) - Question 1 (iii)

Why was it still winter in one corner of the garden?

Solution: It was still winter in one corner of the garden because a little boy, whom the Giant had tried to help, could not climb the tree. He stood beneath it, weeping. The Giant realized that this corner remained cold and barren because the child was sad and unable to experience the joy of spring like the others.

Comprehension Check (Page 24) - Question 3

Describe the first meeting of the little boy and the Giant.

Solution: During their first meeting, the Giant found the little boy crying under a tree because he was too small to climb it. Moved by compassion, the Giant gently lifted the boy and placed him on a branch of the tree. Instantly, the tree burst into blossoms, birds began to sing, and the boy, overjoyed, kissed the Giant's cheek. This encounter marked the beginning of the Giant's change of heart.

Comprehension Check (Page 24) - Question 4

Describe their second meeting after a long interval.

Solution: After many years had passed, the Giant, now old and frail, went into the garden. He saw the same little boy standing in a corner, and noticed wounds on his palms and feet, resembling nail marks. The Giant became furious, wanting to know who had dared to wound the child. The boy revealed that these were "wounds of love," implying a deeper, perhaps divine, significance.

Comprehension Check (Page 24) - Question 5

The Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. What does this sentence indicate about the once selfish Giant?

Solution: This sentence indicates that the Giant had undergone a profound transformation and found redemption. Being covered in white blossoms suggests purity, peace, and forgiveness. It implies that he was no longer selfish but had become a benevolent figure, possibly blessed by a higher power (like Lord Christ, as hinted by the nail marks on the boy), and was taken to paradise.

Exercise (Page 24) - Discussion Question 1

The little child's hands and feet had marks of nails. Who does the child remind you of? Give a reason for your answer.

Solution: The marks of nails on the little child's hands and feet strongly remind us of Lord Christ. This is because, according to Christian belief, Lord Christ was crucified on a cross, and nails were driven through his palms and feet, causing similar wounds. The presence of these marks on the child suggests a divine or sacred connection.

Exercise (Page 24) - Discussion Question 2

Is there something like this garden near where you live? Would you like one (without the Giant perhaps) and why? What would you do to keep it in good shape?

Solution: While the story's garden is private, public parks serve a similar purpose in providing green spaces. A park is vital for fresh air and offers a soothing visual experience with its greenery. If such a garden or park exists nearby, it should be treated with care and respect by everyone. To keep it in good shape, one should avoid damaging flower beds or lawns. Playing games like football should be restricted to designated areas to preserve the park's beauty and tranquility for all users.

Short Answer Type Questions - Question 1

Describe in brief the Giant's garden.

Solution: The Giant's garden was exceptionally beautiful and spacious. It featured soft, green grass dotted with lovely flowers that resembled stars. Additionally, there were twelve peach trees which would burst into delicate pink and pearl blossoms in the spring and yield rich fruit in the autumn, making it a place of great natural beauty.

Common mistakes

Confusing the symbolic meaning of winter and spring.
Misinterpreting the Giant's initial motivations.
Failing to connect the child's wounds to a larger religious or moral context.
Overlooking the importance of the children's role in the garden's revival.

Revision tips

Reread the story, paying close attention to the Giant's changing emotions.
Discuss the symbolic meanings of the garden and the seasons with classmates.
Summarize the Giant's transformation in your own words.
Consider the moral of the story and how it applies to real life.
Focus on the description of the child with nail marks and its significance.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why was the Giant initially called selfish?

Q2. What did the arrival of spring symbolize in the Giant's garden?

Q3. What was the reason for the perpetual winter in one corner of the garden?

Q4. What did the nail marks on the little boy's hands and feet remind the Giant of?

Q5. What does the Giant's death, covered in white blossoms, signify?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Selfish Giant'?

The main themes of 'The Selfish Giant' are selfishness, redemption, and the transformative power of love and generosity. It highlights how kindness can change even the most selfish individuals.

Why is the Giant called selfish in the story?

The Giant is called selfish because he builds a high wall around his beautiful garden to keep it exclusively for himself and prevents children from playing in it, denying them joy and access to nature.

What does the perpetual winter in the Giant's garden symbolize?

The perpetual winter symbolizes the Giant's cold, selfish heart and the lack of joy and life that his selfishness brings to his garden and himself. It represents a state of emotional barrenness.

Who is the little boy with nail marks, and why is he important?

The little boy is a representation of Lord Christ. He is important because his presence and the Giant's kindness towards him lead to the Giant's redemption and the return of spring to the garden.

How does the Giant change throughout the story?

The Giant initially is selfish and angry, but after seeing the children return and especially after befriending the little boy, he becomes kind, loving, and regretful of his past selfishness. His transformation is complete when he dies peacefully in the garden he learned to love.

What is the significance of the Giant's death covered in white blossoms?

The white blossoms signify purity, peace, and redemption. The Giant's death covered in blossoms indicates that he has been forgiven, has found peace, and has been taken to paradise, signifying the ultimate reward for his change of heart.

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