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HSV GLOBAL SCHOOL, SECTOR - 46, GURUGRAM
Academic Session: 2026– 27 Grade X Subject: English Language and Literature Prose: Two Stories about Flying Part I: His First Flight Author: Liam O’Flaherty VOCABULARY LIST - His First Flight WORD / PHRASE MEANING Ledge A narrow shelf-like projection on a cli7 or wall Brink The edge of a high place Expanse A wide and open area Muster up courage To gather courage with e7ort Plunge A sudden jump or dive Desperate Full of fear, risk, or hopelessness Shrilly In a sharp, high-pitched voice Upbraiding Scolding or criticising Starve To su7er or die due to lack of food Perfecting Improving something until it becomes very good Skim To move lightly just above a surface Herring A soft-finned sea fish Devour To eat quickly and hungrily Plateau A flat raised area of land Taunting Mocking or teasing cruelly Cowardice Lack of courage Ascending Moving upwards Preening Cleaning and arranging feathers with the beak Whet To sharpen Derisively Mockingly; in a way that shows contempt Plaintively In a sad, pleading voice Eagerly With strong interest or desire Halted Stopped suddenly Motionless Without movement Monstrous terror Very great fear Headlong With the head first; uncontrolled downward movement Soaring Flying high and smoothly Swooped Moved rapidly downward through the air Curveting Leaping or moving playfully in curves Banking Flying with one wing higher than the other while turning Ridges Raised lines or waves on a surface Beckoning Calling or signalling someone to come closer Exhausted Extremely tired Dog-fish A small shark-like sea fish Foregone conclusion A result that is certain to happen Cajoled Persuaded gently or repeatedly Timid Shy, nervous, or lacking courage
IMPORTANT QUOTES WITH MEANINGS - His First Flight Quote Meaning / Exam Relevance “He had been afraid to fly with them.” Shows the young seagull’s fear and lack of confidence. Useful for questions on fear and hesitation. “He felt certain that his wings would never support him.” Highlights self-doubt. The seagull does not trust his natural ability. “He failed to muster up courage to take that plunge…” Shows that fear prevents him from taking the first step. Useful for theme of courage. “His father and mother had come around calling to him shrilly, upbraiding him…” Shows parental pressure and guidance. His parents want him to become independent. “The sight of the food maddened him.” Important turning point. Hunger becomes the force that compels him to fly. “Maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish.” Shows the exact moment when he leaves the ledge and begins his first flight. “A monstrous terror seized him and his heart stood still.” Shows his extreme fear when he first falls into space. Useful for extract-based questions. “The next moment he felt his wings spread outwards.” Marks the beginning of his realisation that he can fly. “He was not falling headlong now. He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards.” Shows his transition from fear to confidence. “He was no longer afraid.” Clear evidence that he has overcome his fear. “Then he completely forgot that he had not always been able to fly…” Shows his complete transformation. Flying now feels natural to him. “He had made his first flight.” Final line; confirms his success, independence, and victory over fear. CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF EVENTS His First Flight – Value Points
- The young seagull is alone on his ledge.
- His two brothers and sister have already flown away the previous day.
- The young seagull is afraid to fly.
- He had earlier tried to run to the brink of the ledge but became frightened.
- He feels that his wings will not support him.
- He runs back to the little hole under the ledge where he sleeps.
- His brothers and sister, whose wings are shorter than his, successfully fly away.
- He fails to gather courage to take the plunge.
- His parents call to him, scold him, and threaten to let him starve.
- Still, he is unable to move from the ledge.
- For twenty-four hours, nobody comes near him.
- He watches his parents teaching his siblings the art of flying.
- He sees his older brother catching his first herring.
- His family taunts him for his cowardice from the opposite cli7.
- The sun rises higher and the ledge becomes hot.
- The young seagull becomes extremely hungry because he has not eaten since the previous night.
- He pretends to sleep, hoping his family will notice him.
- His brothers and sister are resting on the plateau.
- His father is preening his feathers.
The young seagull is afraid to fly because he doubts his wings. Once he takes the plunge, he realises that he can fly. The story shows that fear can be overcome only through action.
2. Self-Confidence The seagull lacks confidence in the beginning. His first flight helps him discover his natural ability. Confidence comes when he experiences success. 3. Parental Guidance The seagull’s parents scold, threaten, and encourage him because they want him to become independent. Their strictness is actually a form of care. 4. Hunger as Motivation The mother uses food to push the young seagull out of his comfort zone. Hunger becomes the force that finally makes him fly. 5. Independence The seagull’s first flight symbolises his journey from dependence to independence. He learns to fly, float, and survive like the rest of his family. TITLE JUSTIFICATION His First Flight The title “His First Flight” is suitable because the entire story revolves around the young seagull’s first attempt to fly. At first, he is afraid and lacks confidence. However, through hunger, pressure, and parental encouragement, he finally takes the plunge and discovers his ability to fly. The first flight is not only a physical act but also a symbol of courage, growth, and independence. Therefore, the title is simple, meaningful, and appropriate. **SYMBOLISM His First Flight
- The Ledge** The ledge symbolises safety, fear, and dependence. The young seagull remains stuck there because he is afraid to move beyond his comfort zone. 2. The Sea The sea symbolises the unknown world. It frightens the young seagull at first, but later he learns to fly over it and float on it. 3. The Fish The fish symbolises motivation. The mother uses it to push the young seagull into action. 4. The First Flight The first flight symbolises courage, confidence, growth, and independence. MAIN CONFLICT His First Flight The main conflict is internal. The young seagull struggles between fear and the need to fly. He wants food and freedom, but fear holds him back. His family’s encouragement and his hunger finally help him overcome this fear. The conflict is resolved when he takes the plunge and successfully flies. Part II: Black Aeroplane Author: Frederick Forsyth VOCABULARY LIST - Black Aeroplane Word / Phrase Meaning Dakota aeroplane An old model of aircraft flown by the narrator Paris Control Air tra7ic control centre in Paris Compass An instrument used to find direction Fuel tank A container in an aircraft that stores fuel
Storm clouds Dark clouds that bring stormy weather Black mountains A comparison used for huge, dark storm clouds Take the risk To do something despite knowing the danger Instruments Devices in the aircraft that help the pilot fly safely Dead instruments Instruments that have stopped working Radar A system used to detect aircraft and their position Runway A long strip of ground where aircraft land and take o Control tower A building at an airport from where flights are guided Strange black aeroplane The mysterious plane that guides the narrator Obedient child A comparison showing how helplessly the narrator followed the black aeroplane Without lights A detail that makes the black aeroplane mysterious Safe landing Landing without accident or harm Mystery Something that cannot be fully explained Supernatural help Help that appears beyond normal human explanation IMPORTANT QUOTES WITH MEANINGS - Black Aeroplane Quote Meaning / Exam Relevance “Everything was going well — it was an easy flight.” Shows the calm beginning before the danger begins. Useful for contrast. “They looked like black mountains standing in front of me across the sky.” Describes the huge storm clouds and creates a sense of danger. “‘I’ll take the risk,’ I thought…” Important turning point. The narrator chooses danger because he wants to reach home. “Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black.” Shows the frightening experience inside the storm. “The compass was turning round and round and round. It was dead.” Shows that the pilot has lost direction and control. “I had no radio, no compass, and I could not see where I was.” Highlights the narrator’s helplessness and danger. “Then, in the black clouds quite near me, I saw another aeroplane.” Introduces the mysterious black aeroplane. “‘Follow me,’ he was saying. ‘Follow me.’” Shows that the strange pilot is guiding the narrator to safety. “I was very happy to go behind the strange aeroplane like an obedient child.” Shows the narrator’s relief and complete dependence on the mysterious pilot. “It was a runway! An airport! I was safe!” Shows the narrator’s joy and relief after escaping the storm. “No other aeroplanes were flying tonight. Yours was the only one I could see on the radar.” Creates the central mystery of the story. “Who was the pilot on the strange black aeroplane…?” The story ends with suspense and leaves the mystery unresolved. CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF EVENTS Black Aeroplane – Value Points
- The narrator is flying his old Dakota aeroplane over France.
- He is going back to England.
- The sky is clear, the stars are shining, and the moon is rising.
- The narrator is happy and looking forward to his holiday with his family.
- He contacts Paris Control.
CENTRAL IDEA
Black Aeroplane “Black Aeroplane” is a mysterious story about a pilot who is caught in a dangerous storm during a flight from France to England. The narrator takes a risk by flying into the storm because he wants to reach home. Soon, his compass, radio, and other instruments stop working, and he becomes completely lost. At this moment, a mysterious black aeroplane appears and guides him safely to an airport. Later, he learns that no other plane was seen on the radar. The story highlights risk, danger, mystery, and the possibility of unseen help in moments of crisis. MESSAGE OF THE STORY Black Aeroplane The story teaches that careless risk-taking can put a person in serious danger. The narrator knows that he should return to Paris, yet he enters the storm because of his desire to reach home. At the same time, the story also suggests that help can sometimes come in mysterious and unexpected ways. It leaves the reader with a sense of wonder and suspense. THEMES Black Aeroplane
1. Risk and Consequences The narrator knowingly flies into the storm despite limited fuel. His risky decision puts him in great danger. 2. Mystery and Suspense The strange black aeroplane appears suddenly, guides the narrator, and disappears without explanation. This creates mystery. 3. Helplessness in Danger When the compass, radio, and instruments fail, the narrator becomes completely helpless inside the storm. 4. Hope and Rescue The mysterious pilot gives the narrator hope when he is lost and frightened. The black aeroplane becomes a symbol of rescue. 5. Human Desire The narrator takes the risk because he wants to reach home and be with his family. His personal desire overpowers his better judgement. TITLE JUSTIFICATION Black Aeroplane The title “Black Aeroplane” is suitable because the mysterious black aeroplane is the most important element of the story. It appears when the narrator is lost in the storm and guides him safely to the airport. The black aeroplane has no lights and is not seen on the radar, which makes it mysterious. The title creates suspense and directly points to the central mystery of the story. MAIN CONFLICT Black Aeroplane The main conflict is between the narrator and the dangerous storm. The narrator is lost without a working compass, radio, or instruments. There is also an internal conflict between caution and desire. He knows he should return to Paris, but his desire to reach home makes him take the risk. CHARACTER SKETCHES AND ARCS Young Seagull – Character Sketch
The young seagull is nervous, hesitant, and full of self-doubt in the beginning. Though his wings are strong enough, he is afraid that they will not support him. He remains alone on the ledge while his brothers and sister fly away. His fear makes him dependent on his family. However, he is not weak by nature. Once hunger forces him to take the plunge, he discovers his natural ability to fly. His fear changes into confidence. By the end, he becomes independent and joyful. His character shows that courage often comes only after taking the first step. Young Seagull – Character Arc The young seagull changes from a frightened and dependent bird into a confident and independent one. At first, he refuses to fly because of fear. Later, hunger and his mother’s clever encouragement force him to dive from the ledge. Once he spreads his wings, he realises that he can fly. His journey is from fear to courage and from dependence to independence. Mother Seagull – Character Sketch The mother seagull is caring, wise, and practical. She knows that her young one must learn to fly in order to survive. She does not simply feed him on the ledge. Instead, she uses hunger as a strategy to make him leave his comfort zone. She brings the fish close to him but stops just out of reach. Her method appears harsh, but it helps him take his first flight. Mother Seagull – Character Arc The mother seagull remains stable throughout the story. She is caring but firm from beginning to end. Her main role is to guide the young seagull towards independence. Narrator / Pilot – Character Sketch Black Aeroplane The narrator is a pilot flying his old Dakota aeroplane from France to England. He is cheerful and excited to return home. However, he is also somewhat careless because he chooses to fly into the storm despite knowing the danger and having limited fuel. His decision shows that his desire to reach home overpowers his judgement. Once inside the storm, he becomes frightened and helpless because his compass, radio, and instruments stop working. However, he follows the mysterious black aeroplane carefully and lands safely. His character shows both human weakness and human hope in danger. Narrator / Pilot – Character Arc The narrator moves from confidence to fear and finally to wonder. At first, he feels that the flight is easy. Then, after entering the storm, he becomes lost and frightened. The black aeroplane saves him, but its disappearance leaves him confused and amazed. His journey is from overconfidence to helplessness and then to mystery. The Mysterious Pilot – Character Sketch The mysterious pilot appears suddenly in the storm clouds when the narrator is lost. He flies a black aeroplane without lights and signals the narrator to follow him. He guides the narrator safely through the storm towards the runway. However, after the narrator lands, the black aeroplane disappears. The control centre confirms that no other plane was flying that night. The mysterious pilot may be seen as a supernatural figure, an imaginary guide, or a symbol of unexpected help. His character adds suspense and mystery to the story. NCERT / TEXTBOOK QUESTION–ANSWERS HIS FIRST FLIGHT Q1. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Answer: The young seagull was afraid to fly because he lacked confidence. When he looked down from the ledge, the sea appeared far below, and he felt certain that his wings would not support him.
Answer: The young seagull’s parents played a very important role in helping him fly. They knew that flying was natural and necessary for his survival, but the young seagull lacked confidence. At first, they encouraged him by calling to him. Later, they scolded and threatened him so that he would leave the ledge. When this did not work, his mother used a clever method. She tempted him with a piece of fish but stopped before reaching him. Maddened by hunger, the young seagull dived towards the food and began flying. Their strictness was not cruelty but practical guidance. They helped him move from fear to independence. Q3. Hunger was both a physical need and a psychological trigger for the young seagull. Discuss. Answer: Hunger plays a decisive role in “His First Flight.” The young seagull had not eaten since the previous night and was growing weak. Though his parents had tried to make him fly through scolding and threats, fear held him back. However, when he saw his mother tearing a piece of fish, the sight of food maddened him. His physical hunger became stronger than his fear. When his mother stopped with the fish just out of reach, he dived towards it without thinking of the danger. This action forced him into the air, and he discovered that he could fly. Thus, hunger becomes the trigger that helps him overcome fear. Q4. “His First Flight” is not only about flying but also about growing up. Justify. Answer: “His First Flight” is a symbolic story about growing up. The young seagull’s fear of flying represents the fear of facing new challenges in life. The ledge symbolises safety and dependence, while the sea and sky represent the larger world. Initially, the seagull refuses to leave the ledge because he lacks confidence. His family’s encouragement and his mother’s clever trick push him into action. Once he spreads his wings, he realises that he is capable of flying. By the end, he becomes independent and joins his family. Therefore, the story is not merely about a bird learning to fly; it is about courage, self-confidence, and the journey towards independence. Q5. Compare the two stories in “Two Stories About Flying” in terms of fear and courage. Answer: Both stories deal with fear and courage, but in di7erent situations. In “His First Flight,” the young seagull is afraid to fly because he does not trust his wings. His fear is internal and related to self-doubt. He overcomes it when hunger forces him to take the first step. In “Black Aeroplane,” the narrator is an experienced pilot, but he becomes frightened when he is trapped in the storm without a working compass, radio, or instruments. His fear comes from danger and helplessness. The seagull’s courage comes from discovering his own ability, while the pilot survives through mysterious help. Both stories show that fear can be overcome in moments of crisis. Q6. The narrator in “Black Aeroplane” takes an avoidable risk. Do you agree? Give reasons. Answer: Yes, the narrator takes an avoidable risk. While flying his old Dakota aeroplane from France to England, he sees huge storm clouds ahead. He knows that he cannot fly over them and does not have enough fuel to go around them. He also thinks that he should return to Paris. However, his desire to reach home and enjoy breakfast with his family makes him ignore caution. He flies straight into the storm. Soon, the compass, radio, and other instruments stop working, and he becomes completely lost. His decision puts his life in danger. Therefore, the story shows that personal desire should never overpower safety and good judgement. Q7. How does “Black Aeroplane” create mystery and suspense? Answer: “Black Aeroplane” creates mystery and suspense through the narrator’s dangerous flight into the storm. At first, everything is calm and normal, but the huge storm clouds suddenly create tension. Inside the clouds, the pilot loses visibility, his compass stops working, and the radio goes dead. At this moment of helplessness, a strange black aeroplane appears without lights and guides him safely to a runway. The suspense increases when the narrator looks for the black aeroplane after landing but finds nothing. The woman in the control centre tells him that no other plane was flying that night. This unexplained ending creates mystery and leaves the reader wondering who the strange pilot was.
Q8. The black aeroplane may be interpreted in dikerent ways. Discuss. Answer: The black aeroplane is the central mystery of the story and can be interpreted in di7erent ways. One possibility is that it was a supernatural or mysterious helper who appeared to save the narrator in his moment of danger. Another possibility is that the pilot imagined it because he was frightened, lost, and desperate inside the storm. It may also symbolise hope, guidance, or divine help that appears unexpectedly when human beings feel helpless. The story does not give a clear answer. The woman at the control centre says that no other aeroplane was seen on the radar. This unresolved mystery makes the story interesting and open to interpretation. Q9. Compare the role of guidance in “His First Flight” and “Black Aeroplane.” Answer: Guidance plays an important role in both stories. In “His First Flight,” the young seagull is guided by his family, especially his mother. She understands his fear and uses hunger as a clever way to make him fly. Her guidance helps him discover his natural ability and become independent. In “Black Aeroplane,” the narrator is guided by the mysterious pilot of the black aeroplane. When his instruments fail and he is lost in the storm, the strange pilot signals him to follow and leads him safely to the runway. In the first story, guidance comes from family; in the second, it comes from an unknown source. Both forms of guidance help the characters overcome crisis. Q10. What common message do both stories in “Two Stories About Flying” convey? Answer: Both stories convey that fear and danger can be overcome through courage, guidance, and trust. In “His First Flight,” the young seagull is afraid of flying, but with his mother’s clever encouragement, he takes the plunge and discovers his ability. In “Black Aeroplane,” the narrator faces a life-threatening situation when he flies into a storm and loses control of his instruments. He survives by trusting the mysterious black aeroplane that guides him to safety. Both stories show that di7icult situations test us, but they also help us discover courage. The chapter teaches that one must not give up in fear and must move forward with trust and determination. CBSE-STYLE VALUE POINTS FOR 5/6 MARKS A good answer should include:
- Clear opening sentence linked to the question.
- Reference to the specific story or both stories, as required.
- 3 – 4 strong textual points.
- Explanation of theme/value, not just narration.
- Concluding sentence with message.
- Word limit: around 100–120 words for long-answer practice.
