CBSE Class 9 English NCERT Solutions: The Lost Child

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

CBSE Class 9 English, Chapter 1, 'The Lost Child' NCERT Solutions explore the poignant story of a young boy separated from his parents at a bustling fair. The solutions offer in-depth answers to questions, tracing the child's emotional arc from initial joy and wonder to mounting fear and despair. They highlight his desperate search for his parents amidst the vibrant fairground, where every attraction he once craved now holds no appeal. The analysis focuses on the child's deep-seated need for parental security, contrasting his earlier desires with his later desperate pleas for his mother and father. These explanations aim to deepen students' understanding of the narrative's themes and the child's psychological journey, providing a solid foundation for exam preparation.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	1. The Lost Child

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'The Lost Child' (Class 9 English) offers a detailed breakdown of the story's short and long answer questions. It explores the child's perspective at a fair, his initial joy and desires, the overwhelming fear and confusion of being lost, and his ultimate yearning for parental security over material pleasures. The solutions clarify the narrative's emotional arc and thematic elements, aiding students in understanding character development and plot.

Learning outcomes

Understand the emotional journey of a lost child.
Analyze the contrast between desire and security.
Identify the child's reactions to being separated from parents.
Explain the significance of parental presence over material attractions.
Summarize the events of the fair from the child's perspective.

Topics covered

Paper topics

The Lost Child story analysis
Child's emotions at a fair
Fear and panic of being lost
Parental love and security
Material desires vs. emotional needs
Character development of the child
Narrative structure of 'The Lost Child'
Understanding short answer questions
Analyzing long answer questions
Themes in CBSE Class 9 English

Important topics

Child's emotional transformation
The significance of parental presence
Contrast between desire and security
Analysis of the child's reactions
Themes of innocence and fear

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Questions and Solutions

Q.1. How did the child react when there was no sign of his parents?

How did the child react when there was no sign of his parents?

Solution: The child, being very innocent, became confused and panicked when he could not see his parents. He felt utterly alone amidst the large crowd. Despite attempts by a kind man to console him and offer him things, the boy remained inconsolable, his only desire being to find his parents. Monetary benefits or other attractions held no appeal for him in his distress.

Q.2. Where did the child go with his parents? What did he want there?

Where did the child go with his parents? What did he want there?

Solution: The child accompanied his parents to a village fair. At the fair, he was captivated by various attractions and expressed his desire for several things. He wanted to buy garlands, colourful balloons, and delicious sweets. He also wished to witness the snake charmer's performance and enjoy a ride on the merry-go-round swing.

Q.3. Why did the lost child refuse to take his favourite things in the fair after losing his parents?

Why did the lost child refuse to take his favourite things in the fair after losing his parents?

Solution: After realizing he was lost and separated from his parents, the child lost all interest in his favorite things. His primary concern and emotional state were dominated by the fear and sadness of being alone. He missed his parents intensely and his only wish was to be reunited with them, making all the toys, sweets, and other attractions meaningless to him.

Q.4. How did the mother distract the child's mind from the toy seller?

How did the mother distract the child's mind from the toy seller?

Solution: The mother cleverly diverted the child's attention away from the toy seller by pointing towards a vibrant mustard field in bloom. This visual spectacle captivated the child, and he became engrossed in watching colorful dragonflies flitting about and chasing them, momentarily forgetting his desire for the toys.

Q.5. How was the child separated from his parents?

How was the child separated from his parents?

Solution: The child's separation from his parents occurred due to his own fascination with the fair's attractions. He was drawn to the toys, balloons, and sweets displayed at various stalls. His attention was particularly captivated by the enchanting flute music played by a snake charmer. While engrossed in watching the snake charmer and later distracted by the roundabout swing, he lost sight of his parents in the bustling crowd.

Q.6. What happened when the lost child reached the temple door?

What happened when the lost child reached the temple door?

Solution: As the lost child struggled to find his parents, he was swept along by the surging crowd towards the temple door. In the dense throng, people were jostling each other aggressively. The child, being small and vulnerable, was knocked down and found himself in danger of being trampled by the crowd. He only managed to avoid serious harm by shouting at the top of his voice.

Q.7. Who rescued the lost child? What did he offer to buy him?

Who rescued the lost child? What did he offer to buy him?

Solution: A kind man, who was in the shrine, noticed the distressed child and rescued him from the dangerous crowd. He lifted the boy into his arms and attempted to comfort him. To appease the child, the man offered to buy him many things he might desire, including flowers, balloons, and sweets, and even suggested a ride on the nearest roundabout swing.

Q.8. Parents were in a hurry to reach the fair but the child was delaying them. How?

Parents were in a hurry to reach the fair but the child was delaying them. How?

Solution: The child delayed his parents' journey to the fair because he was easily distracted by the various sights and sounds along the way. He would stop to look at toys he wanted to buy, chase butterflies and dragonflies, and pause to gather flowers. His innocent fascination with these simple pleasures caused him to lag behind, making his parents hurry to keep pace.

Q.9. What was the first reaction of the child when he realized that he had lost his parents?

What was the first reaction of the child when he realized that he had lost his parents?

Solution: Upon realizing that he was no longer with his parents, the child's initial reaction was one of intense panic and confusion. He felt bewildered, angry, and desperate. He began to cry loudly and shout for his parents, running frantically in different directions in a desperate attempt to find them amidst the fair's crowd.

Q.10. Why didn't the boy wait for an answer after he had pleaded for sweets?

Why didn't the boy wait for an answer after he had pleaded for sweets?

Solution: The boy did not wait for his parents' response after asking for sweets because he already anticipated their reaction. He knew that his parents would likely refuse his request, perhaps calling him greedy, and would not buy him the sweets. This understanding of their probable response led him to move on without waiting for their decision.

Q.11. What happened when the "lost child" entered the grove? How did he enjoy there?

What happened when the "lost child" entered the grove? How did he enjoy there?

Solution: When the lost child entered a grove, a gentle shower of young flowers fell upon him, creating a magical experience. He began joyfully gathering the falling petals. He also heard the cooing of doves, which added to the serene atmosphere. Although he was still lost, he found a moment of splendid enjoyment in this natural setting before continuing his search for his parents.

Q.1. What changes do you notice in the behaviour of the child, once he is separated from his parents in the story "The Lost Child"?

What changes do you notice in the behaviour of the child, once he is separated from his parents in the story "The Lost Child"?

Solution: Initially, the child is full of excitement and joy at the fair, eagerly desiring toys, sweets, and other attractions. However, once he becomes separated from his parents, his behavior undergoes a dramatic transformation. His excitement turns into overwhelming fear, panic, and distress. He cries inconsolably and runs around frantically searching for his parents. The child, who previously wanted everything, now shows complete disinterest in all the fair's attractions, as his sole focus and yearning become being reunited with his parents. His priorities shift entirely from material desires to the fundamental need for parental security and comfort.

Q.2. Compare the attitude of the child before and after his separation from his parents.

Compare the attitude of the child before and after his separation from his parents.

Solution: Before his separation, the child's attitude is characterized by happiness, excitement, and a sense of wonder. He is fascinated by everything at the fair – the stalls filled with toys, the vibrant balloons, the tempting sweets, the snake charmer's performance, and the thrilling rides. He eagerly expresses his desires for these things. After he gets separated from his parents, his attitude shifts drastically. He becomes fearful, anxious, and desperate. The joy of the fair vanishes, replaced by tears and a relentless search for his parents. His previous desires become irrelevant; his sole focus is on finding the security and comfort of his parents' presence.

Common mistakes

Confusing the child's initial desires with his later feelings.
Underestimating the impact of fear and panic on the child's behavior.
Not fully appreciating the child's single-minded focus on finding his parents.
Failing to connect the child's refusal of gifts to his emotional state.

Revision tips

Reread the story, focusing on the child's changing emotions.
Use the solutions to understand the 'why' behind the child's actions.
Compare the child's behavior before and after getting lost.
Practice answering the questions in your own words, using the provided solutions as a guide.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the primary reason the child refused his favorite things after getting lost?

Q2. How did the mother initially distract the child before he got lost?

Q3. What was the child's reaction upon realizing he was separated from his parents?

Q4. Who rescued the child when he was struggling in the crowd near the temple?

Q5. Why did the child not wait for an answer when he pleaded for sweets?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Lost Child'?

The main theme of 'The Lost Child' is the overwhelming importance of parental love and security, which far surpasses any material desire or attraction a child might experience.

How does the child's behavior change after he gets lost?

Before getting lost, the child is excited and eager for various attractions. After getting lost, his excitement turns into fear, panic, and a desperate longing only for his parents, making him indifferent to all the things he previously desired.

Why are these NCERT Solutions important for Class 9 English students?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to the questions based on 'The Lost Child', helping students understand the story's nuances, character motivations, and themes, which is crucial for exam preparation.

What kind of questions are covered in these solutions?

The solutions cover both short answer questions (requiring brief explanations) and long answer questions (requiring more detailed analysis) related to the story 'The Lost Child'.

How can students use these solutions effectively for revision?

Students can use these solutions to review the story's plot, understand character development, and practice articulating their understanding of the themes and events in the context of exam questions.

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