CBSE Class 7 English: Mystery of the Talking Fan (Poem) NCERT Solutions
This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for the CBSE Class 7 English poem, 'Mystery of the Talking Fan'. It breaks down the poem's imaginative concept of a talking fan, exploring the sounds it makes and the reasons behind them. The solutions clarify the difference between the fan's mechanical noise and actual speech, explaining the electrical nature of its operation and the perceived mystery. Students will find step-by-step answers to questions about the fan's demands, its air-throwing mechanism, and creative prompts like writing a dialogue. These solutions are designed to enhance comprehension and aid students in their exam preparation by offering clear explanations and insights into the poem's nuances.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | English |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | 16 Mystery of the Talking Fan (Poem) |
Chapter summary
This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on the CBSE Class 7 English poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan'. It addresses the imaginative premise of a fan that seems to 'talk', explaining the actual source of the sound as an electrical issue or friction. The solutions cover comprehension questions about the fan's 'demands', how it functions, and encourages creative writing through a dialogue. This section helps students understand poetic personification and the mechanics behind everyday objects.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of personification in poetry.
- Identify the source of sounds attributed to a 'talking fan'.
- Explain the electrical nature of a fan's operation.
- Analyze the reasons why a fan's sound might seem mysterious.
- Develop creative writing skills by composing dialogues.
- Answer comprehension questions related to the poem's themes.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Personification in poetry
- Interpreting poetic sounds
- Electrical operation of fans
- Mechanical issues (friction, oiling)
- Comprehension of poems
- Creative writing (dialogue)
- Imagination vs. Reality
Important topics
- Understanding the fan's 'chatter'
- The concept of mystery in the poem
- Fan's mechanical function
- Creative dialogue writing
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
While fans do not possess the ability to speak like humans, the poem invites us to imagine they can. The sound that resembles a fan's chatter is not actual speech but is typically caused by mechanical issues. This noise often arises from an electrical fault within the fan's motor or from friction, especially if the fan has not been properly oiled.
Question 2
- The chatter is electrical because...
- It is mysterious because...
- The chatter is electrical because the fan operates using electricity, and the sound produced is a mechanical noise rather than actual communication. Fans, being electrical appliances, do not have vocal cords to talk or chatter meaningfully.
- It is mysterious because the sound produced by the fan seems to mimic human chatter or speech, creating an illusion of communication. However, the poet is unable to understand any specific message or meaning from this sound, making its origin and nature puzzling.
Question 3
Based on the context of mechanical sounds and potential issues with fans, it is highly probable that the 'talking' fan was metaphorically demanding maintenance. Specifically, it was likely expressing a need for its motor to be oiled, which would reduce friction and eliminate the chattering noise.
Question 4
When an electric fan is switched on, it receives a significant amount of electrical power. This energy is used to operate its motor, which in turn rotates the metallic blades at a very high speed. The rapid rotation of these blades creates a strong airflow, effectively throwing air outwards and circulating it within the room.
Question 5
Yes, I have a metallic fan in my house that sometimes makes peculiar noises.
Dialogue:
Mechanic: Hello there, fan! How are you feeling today?
Fan: (With a whirring, slightly grating sound) Oh, not too good. I'm feeling quite hot and bothered by all this friction. Can you do something to help me?
Mechanic: I can see that. Let me take a closer look and see what the problem is. I'll try my best to fix you up.
Fan: Please do. I'm really struggling to keep cool and do my job properly. I'd appreciate any help you can give.
Mechanic: Alright, hold on. Let me just get my tools and give you a proper service.
(The mechanic works on the fan, oiling the motor and checking the blades.)
Mechanic: There we go! All fixed. How are you feeling now?
Fan: (Spinning smoothly and quietly) Ah, that's much better! I feel so much lighter and cooler. Thank you so much!
Mechanic: Great to hear! Just remember to let me know if you start feeling unwell again.
Fan: I certainly will. Thanks again for your help. Greetings to you!
Mechanic: You're most welcome. Take care, and keep those blades spinning!
Fan: Bye! You too!
Common mistakes
- Confusing the fan's mechanical noise with actual speech.
- Not differentiating between imagination and reality in poetry.
- Failing to explain the electrical basis of the fan's sound.
Revision tips
- Reread the poem to grasp the imaginative elements.
- Focus on the explanations provided for the fan's 'chatter'.
- Practice writing dialogues to improve creative expression.
- Review the answers to comprehension questions for key themes.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the actual reason for the sound that seems like a fan's chatter?
Explanation: The solution explains that the chattering sound is due to an electrical fault or friction, not actual communication.
Q2. Why is the fan's sound described as 'mysterious' in the poem?
Explanation: The mystery arises because the sound mimics speech, but the poet cannot decipher any actual words or meaning from it.
Q3. According to the solutions, what might the talking fan be demanding?
Explanation: The solutions suggest that the fan's 'chatter' is a way of expressing its need for maintenance, specifically oiling its motor.
Q4. How does an electric fan generate air movement?
Explanation: The solutions state that electricity provides power for the motor and blades to rotate very fast, thus throwing air.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan'?
The main theme is the imaginative idea of a fan that seems to talk, exploring the sounds it makes and the underlying mechanical reasons, contrasting imagination with reality.
Are fans really talking in the poem?
No, the poem uses personification. The 'talking' is an imaginative interpretation of the mechanical sounds the fan makes due to its electrical operation and potential friction.
What causes the sound that resembles a fan's chatter?
The sound is typically caused by an electrical fault or friction in the fan's motor, often because it needs oiling.
How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 7 students?
They provide clear, rewritten answers to all poem-related questions, helping students understand the poem's meaning, analyze its elements, and improve their creative writing skills.
What kind of creative exercise is included in the solutions?
The solutions include an example dialogue between a mechanic and a fan, encouraging students to use their imagination and writing skills.
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