CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 10: The Great Stone Face - II NCERT Solutions

1. True. Ernest's simple and sincere way of speaking often echoed the wisdom found in ancient sayings, making his words impactful.
2. True. People from distant places, who had never met Ernest before, often felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing him, drawn by his benevolent presence.
3. False. The Great Stone Face itself did not confirm anything; it was a natural formation. Ernest's belief was based on his interpretation and hope, not a direct confirmation from the Stone Face.
4. True. Both Ernest and the poet held mutual respect and admiration for each other, recognizing the unique qualities each possessed.
5. False. Only Ernest addressed the inhabitants of the valley. The poet was present but did not speak to the crowd in the same manner.
6. True. The poet came to understand that Ernest's inner thoughts and character held a depth and nobility that surpassed his own poetic creations.

Ernest stood apart from the other inhabitants of the valley primarily due to his profound wisdom and gentle sincerity. While others might have been concerned with daily life, Ernest possessed deep, thoughtful insights that resonated with people. His reputation for wisdom and kindness spread far beyond the valley, attracting visitors like college professors and city dwellers who sought his company and conversation. He welcomed them warmly and spoke openly from his heart, sharing his thoughts and listening to theirs, which set him apart from the ordinary folk.

Ernest initially believed the poet might bear a resemblance to the Great Stone Face because the poet had written beautiful verses celebrating the natural wonder. Ernest hoped that someone who could so eloquently capture the essence of the Stone Face in poetry might also possess a spirit or appearance that mirrored its noble features. He saw the poet's work as a potential sign that the prophecy might be coming true through him.

The poet humbly acknowledged that while his thoughts and poems might contain echoes of profound truths, like a "heavenly song," he felt a significant disconnect between his inner ideals and his outward life. He admitted to having grand dreams but confessed that they often remained just dreams, and at times, he even lacked the conviction or faith in his own noble ideas. This suggests a struggle within him to live up to the high standards his own words seemed to set.

The pivotal moment occurred when Ernest was addressing the people of the valley. As the poet observed Ernest, particularly when the setting sun cast a golden light, illuminating the white mists around Ernest's head in a way that resembled the Great Stone Face's features, a profound realization struck him. He saw that Ernest's life and character were far nobler and more authentic than any poetry. In that moment, Ernest's face seemed to take on a grand, serene expression, leading the poet to exclaim that Ernest was indeed the true likeness of the Great Stone Face.

1. Poet: The poet admitted his life did not match his words or dreams.
2. Ernest: Ernest's words were truthful because they stemmed from his sincere thoughts and aligned with his actions.
3. Poet: The poet described his words as beautiful but ultimately lacking substance or practical application in his life.
4. Ernest: Ernest's thoughts were recognized as noble and profound by others and himself.
5. Ernest: Ernest's sincerity meant that what he spoke was genuine and reflected his true self.
6. Poet: The poet's verses were acknowledged as noble in their expression and theme.
7. Ernest: The poet observed that Ernest's actual way of living was more virtuous and significant than any poem.
8. Poet: The poet confessed to sometimes doubting or lacking faith in his own lofty ideas.
9. Ernest: Ernest's thoughts were powerful because his life was a true reflection of them.
10. Ernest: This statement summarizes the essence of Ernest's character and the story's moral, highlighting his truthful actions as the source of his greatness.

1. By common consent, meaning everyone agreed, Ernest was recognized as the one who bore the likeness of the Great Stone Face. This recognition came after years of living a life of wisdom, kindness, and sincerity.
2. No, Ernest himself did not believe that the old prophecy had come true, even when others, including the poet, saw him as the fulfillment of the prophecy. He remained humble and perhaps did not see himself as fitting the grand image, continuing his simple, virtuous life.