NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew: Chapter 6 — This is Jody's Fawn
This chapter, 'Jody's Fawn,' from NCERT's Class 8 English Honeydew book, begins with a reflection on home remedies for minor injuries. It then introduces Jody, whose father, Penny, has been bitten by a rattlesnake. Penny saves himself by using the heart and liver of a doe, but this leaves a young fawn motherless. Jody is deeply concerned about the fawn's fate and its hunger. He asks his father if he can go and find the fawn to raise it. Penny, recovering from the snakebite and acknowledging the doe saved him, feels 'hemmed in' by Jody's plea. He agrees, recognizing the boy's maturity and the moral obligation to care for the orphaned fawn, especially after taking its mother. The chapter sets the stage for Jody's journey to find and care for the fawn, highlighting themes of responsibility and compassion.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Honeydew |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — This is Jody's Fawn |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 428 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of home remedies and their effectiveness.
- Analyze Jody's concern for the orphaned fawn and his sense of responsibility.
- Recognize the moral dilemma of taking the doe's life and the subsequent obligation.
- Appreciate the father-son relationship and communication.
- Identify key vocabulary related to the chapter's events and emotions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| drift back | to go back to a previous thought or memory |
| dilated | enlarged (referring to pupils) |
| close shave | a narrow escape from danger |
| kept your head | stayed calm in a difficult situation |
| hemmed in | caught in a situation where one cannot say 'no' |
| acorns | small brown nuts from an oak tree |
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Practice questions
- What home remedies are mentioned in the beginning of the chapter? Answer: The chapter mentions using things available at home for quick and effective cures for small cuts or burns, though specific remedies are not detailed.
- What happened to Jody's father? Answer: Jody's father was bitten by a rattlesnake.
- How did Jody's father save himself? Answer: He killed a doe and used its heart and liver to draw out the poison.
- Why was Jody concerned about the fawn? Answer: Jody was concerned because the fawn's mother was killed, leaving it motherless, possibly hungry and scared.
- What did Jody want to do with the fawn? Answer: Jody wanted to go and find the fawn and raise it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main event that sets the story in motion?
Jody's father, Penny, is bitten by a rattlesnake, leading to a life-saving action that indirectly orphans a fawn.
What does 'close shave' mean in the context of the chapter?
It means Penny had a very narrow escape from death after being bitten by the rattlesnake.
Why does Jody feel it's important to raise the fawn?
Jody believes it's ungrateful to leave the fawn to starve, especially since its mother was used to save his father's life.
How does Penny react to Jody's request to raise the fawn?
Penny initially feels 'hemmed in' but ultimately agrees, recognizing Jody's maturity and the moral imperative.
What does the chapter suggest about Jody's character?
It suggests Jody is compassionate, responsible, and mature for his age.
What vocabulary is introduced in the 'Before you read' section?
The 'Before you read' section introduces terms like 'home remedies,' 'cut,' 'burn,' and 'bee sting' in the context of immediate cures.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 English — Honeydew — Chapter 6 — This is Jody's Fawn. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.