Hiawatha – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

Previous Chapter Next Chapter
Hiawatha

Study Materials

4th

4th - English (Santoor)

Hiawatha

Jump to Question Sets

Overview of the Chapter

The chapter Hiawatha is part of the CBSE Grade 4 English curriculum. It introduces students to the story of Hiawatha, a Native American hero known for his wisdom, bravery, and contributions to his people. The chapter is written in a poetic form, making it engaging for young learners while teaching them about cultural diversity and moral values.

Summary of the Chapter

The poem Hiawatha narrates the life and adventures of a young Native American boy named Hiawatha. He learns from his grandmother, Nokomis, about the wonders of nature, the names of birds and animals, and the importance of living in harmony with the environment. Hiawatha grows up to be a wise and courageous leader who helps his people.

Hiawatha: A legendary Native American leader and hero known for his wisdom and bravery.

Key Themes

  • Respect for nature and wildlife
  • The importance of learning from elders
  • Leadership and bravery

Characters

  • Hiawatha: The protagonist, a curious and brave young boy.
  • Nokomis: Hiawatha's grandmother, who teaches him about nature.

Moral of the Story

The chapter teaches students the value of knowledge, respect for elders, and the importance of living in harmony with nature.

All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern

Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.

Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.

Question 1:
Name two animals Hiawatha could talk to.
Answer:

Hiawatha could talk to the squirrel and the reindeer.

Question 2:
Why did animals love Hiawatha?
Answer:

Animals loved Hiawatha because he was kind, understood their language, and never harmed them.

Question 3:
What did Hiawatha make from reeds?
Answer:

Hiawatha made arrows and bows from reeds to hunt and play.

Question 4:
How did Hiawatha learn about nature?
Answer:

Hiawatha learned about nature by observing and talking to animals, trees, and birds.

Question 5:
What is the meaning of Hiawatha's name?
Answer:

The name Hiawatha means "he who makes rivers", showing his connection to nature.

Question 6:
Name one quality of Hiawatha that made him special.
Answer:

Hiawatha was special because he was compassionate and understood the language of animals.

Question 7:
What did Hiawatha use to make his canoe?
Answer:

Hiawatha used the bark of birch trees to make his canoe.

Question 8:
Why is Hiawatha considered a hero?
Answer:

Hiawatha is considered a hero because he promoted peace, kindness, and harmony with nature.

Question 9:
Name two animals that Hiawatha could talk to.
Answer:

Hiawatha could talk to the squirrel and the reindeer. He understood their secrets and became their friend.

Question 10:
Why did the animals love Hiawatha?
Answer:

The animals loved Hiawatha because he was kind, listened to them, and never harmed them. He treated them like friends.

Question 11:
What did Hiawatha make for the birds?
Answer:

Hiawatha made arrows out of branches and played with the birds, pretending to shoot them in a friendly game.

Question 12:
Who taught Hiawatha about the stars and trees?
Answer:

Nokomis, his grandmother, taught Hiawatha about the stars, trees, and many wonders of nature.

Question 13:
What did Hiawatha use to make his bow?
Answer:

Hiawatha used a strong oak branch to make his bow, shaping it carefully for his games.

Question 14:
How did Hiawatha show kindness to animals?
Answer:

Hiawatha showed kindness by never hurting animals, listening to them, and treating them as equals.

Question 15:
What was Hiawatha's relationship with nature?
Answer:

Hiawatha had a deep bond with nature. He respected trees, animals, and rivers, seeing them as friends and teachers.

Question 16:
Why is Hiawatha an important character in Native American stories?
Answer:

Hiawatha is important because he teaches us to love nature, live peacefully with animals, and learn from the world around us.

Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.

Question 1:
Who was Hiawatha?
Answer:

Hiawatha was a young boy from Native American legends. He was known for his bravery and kindness towards animals and nature. He learned many things from his grandmother, Nokomis.

Question 2:
What did Hiawatha learn from the animals?
Answer:

Hiawatha learned the language of birds and animals. He understood their sounds and behaviors, which helped him live in harmony with nature.

Question 3:
Name two animals Hiawatha was friends with.
Answer:

Hiawatha was friends with the squirrel and the rabbit. He loved playing and talking with them.

Question 4:
What lesson does Hiawatha teach us?
Answer:

Hiawatha teaches us to respect and care for nature and animals. He shows that kindness and understanding can help us live peacefully with all creatures.

Question 5:
Where did Hiawatha live?
Answer:

Hiawatha lived in a forest near a lake with his grandmother, Nokomis. The forest was full of trees, birds, and animals.

Question 6:
How did Hiawatha help the animals?
Answer:

Hiawatha helped animals by understanding their needs and protecting them. He shared food and made sure they were safe from harm.

Question 7:
Why was Hiawatha special?
Answer:

Hiawatha was special because he could talk to animals and learn from them. His love for nature made him a hero in Native American stories.

Question 8:
What did Hiawatha call the birds?
Answer:

Hiawatha called the birds "Chickens of the wood" because they were like his little friends who lived in the forest.

Question 9:
Who was Hiawatha in the poem?
Answer:

Hiawatha was a young Native American boy who learned the secrets of nature from his grandmother, Nokomis. He could talk to animals and understood the language of birds and beasts.

Question 10:
Name two animals mentioned in the poem Hiawatha.
Answer:

Two animals mentioned in the poem are the beaver and the squirrel.

Question 11:
What was the name of Hiawatha's grandmother?
Answer:

Hiawatha's grandmother was named Nokomis.

Question 12:
What lesson does the poem Hiawatha teach us?
Answer:

The poem teaches us to respect nature and live in harmony with animals. It shows the importance of learning from the world around us.

Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.

Question 1:
Who was Hiawatha and what was special about him?
Answer:

Hiawatha was a young Native American boy who lived with his grandmother, Nokomis. He was special because he could talk to animals and learned many things from them, like the secrets of the forest. He was brave, kind, and loved nature.

Question 2:
Name two animals Hiawatha befriended and what he learned from them.
Answer:

Hiawatha befriended the squirrel and the beaver.
From the squirrel, he learned how to gather food and store it.
From the beaver, he learned how to build homes and work hard.

Question 3:
Why did Hiawatha love the birds and animals?
Answer:

Hiawatha loved birds and animals because they were his friends and teachers. They taught him important lessons about life, survival, and nature. He respected them and believed they had wisdom to share.

Question 4:
How did Hiawatha help his grandmother, Nokomis?
Answer:

Hiawatha helped Nokomis by gathering firewood, fetching water, and bringing food. He also protected her by learning skills from animals, like building strong shelters.

Question 5:
What lesson does the story of Hiawatha teach us about nature?
Answer:

The story teaches us to respect and love nature. Just like Hiawatha, we should learn from animals and plants, take care of them, and live in harmony with the environment.

Question 6:
Describe one adventure of Hiawatha in the forest.
Answer:

One adventure was when Hiawatha learned to shoot arrows with the help of his friend, the woodpecker. The bird taught him how to aim and hit targets, making him a skilled hunter.

Question 7:
Who was Hiawatha and what was his role in the story?
Answer:

Hiawatha was a young Native American boy who lived with his grandmother, Nokomis. He was curious and brave, learning from nature and animals around him. His role in the story is to show how kindness, wisdom, and respect for nature can help one grow.

Question 8:
Name two animals that Hiawatha befriended and what he learned from them.
Answer:

Hiawatha befriended the squirrel and the rabbit.
From the squirrel, he learned to be quick and agile.
From the rabbit, he learned to be gentle and cautious.

Question 9:
Why did Hiawatha call the birds and animals his brothers?
Answer:

Hiawatha called them his brothers because he believed all living creatures were connected. He treated them with kindness and learned valuable lessons from them, just like family.

Question 10:
How did Nokomis help Hiawatha in his adventures?
Answer:

Nokomis was Hiawatha's wise grandmother who taught him about nature, stories, and traditions. She guided him with love and wisdom, helping him understand the world around him.

Question 11:
What lesson does the story of Hiawatha teach about nature?
Answer:

The story teaches us to respect and learn from nature. Hiawatha shows that animals, plants, and even the stars can be our teachers if we observe and care for them.

Question 12:
Describe one adventure of Hiawatha that shows his bravery.
Answer:

One adventure was when Hiawatha faced the mighty Pearl-Feather, a fierce magician. He bravely fought him to protect his people, showing courage and determination.

Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.

Question 1:
Describe the character of Hiawatha based on the chapter. What qualities make him a hero in the story?
Answer:

Hiawatha is a brave, kind, and wise young boy who learns from nature and animals. He is the hero of the story because of his courage, curiosity, and respect for all living things.

He spends time observing and talking to animals like birds, squirrels, and beavers, showing his love for nature. He also learns important life lessons from his grandmother, Nokomis, which makes him wise beyond his years.

His bravery is seen when he faces challenges in the forest without fear. These qualities make him a true hero who inspires others to live in harmony with nature.

Question 2:
Explain how Hiawatha interacts with nature in the story. Why is this relationship important?
Answer:

Hiawatha has a deep connection with nature, treating animals and plants as his friends. He listens to the birds, talks to the squirrels, and learns from the beavers, showing his respect and curiosity for the natural world.

This relationship is important because it teaches us to live in harmony with nature. Hiawatha understands that every creature has a role in the world, and by learning from them, he becomes wiser and kinder.

The story shows that when we care for nature, nature cares for us in return. This lesson is still very important today, as we must protect our environment for future generations.

Question 3:
Describe the character of Hiawatha based on the chapter. What qualities make him a memorable figure?
Answer:

Hiawatha is a brave, kind, and wise young boy who learns from nature and the animals around him. He is curious and eager to understand the world, which makes him a memorable character. Key qualities include:

  • Bravery: He is not afraid to explore the forest and learn from his surroundings.
  • Kindness: He treats animals and nature with respect and care.
  • Wisdom: He listens to the teachings of his grandmother, Nokomis, and applies them in his life.

His love for nature and his ability to communicate with animals make him a unique and inspiring character in the story.

Question 4:
How does the chapter Hiawatha highlight the importance of nature and learning from it? Explain with examples.
Answer:

The chapter Hiawatha teaches us that nature is a great teacher. Hiawatha learns valuable lessons by observing and interacting with the natural world. Examples include:

  • Birds: He learns their languages and understands their songs, showing how nature communicates.
  • Animals: He befriends creatures like the beaver and the squirrel, learning about their habits and skills.
  • Seasons: He observes changes in weather and seasons, adapting to them wisely.

Through these experiences, the chapter emphasizes that nature is full of knowledge and wisdom if we pay attention to it.

Question 5:
Describe the character of Hiawatha based on the chapter. Highlight his qualities and how they helped him in his journey.
Answer:

Hiawatha is a brave, kind, and curious young boy who loves nature and learning from it. He is the main character in the poem and is known for his strong connection with animals, birds, and the environment.

Qualities of Hiawatha:

  • Bravery: He fearlessly interacts with wild animals and learns their languages.
  • Kindness: He treats all creatures with love and respect, making them his friends.
  • Curiosity: He is eager to learn from his surroundings, like understanding how birds build nests.

These qualities helped him in his journey because his bravery allowed him to explore, his kindness made animals trust him, and his curiosity helped him gain wisdom from nature.

Question 6:
Explain how Hiawatha communicates with animals and birds in the story. What lessons can we learn from his interactions?
Answer:

Hiawatha communicates with animals and birds by listening carefully to their sounds and observing their behavior. He learns their languages and understands their ways of life.

Examples of his communication:

  • He talks to the squirrels and learns how they store food.
  • He listens to the birds and discovers how they build nests.

Lessons we can learn:

  • Respect for nature: Hiawatha teaches us to value all living beings.
  • Patience and observation: By paying attention, we can learn many things from nature.
  • Harmony: Living peacefully with animals and birds creates a balanced world.

Hiawatha's interactions remind us that nature is a great teacher if we are willing to learn.

Question 7:
Explain how Hiawatha interacts with nature in the chapter. What lessons can we learn from his relationship with the natural world?
Answer:

Hiawatha has a special bond with nature, as he spends time observing and learning from animals, trees, and rivers. He listens to the sounds of birds and understands their languages, which helps him communicate with them.

Key interactions include:

  • Learning from animals: He talks to squirrels, beavers, and birds, gaining knowledge about their lives.
  • Respecting nature: He never harms the environment and appreciates its beauty.

From his relationship with nature, we learn:

  • Nature is a great teacher if we observe and listen carefully.
  • Living in harmony with the environment brings peace and wisdom.

His story reminds us to protect and cherish the natural world around us.

Question 8:
Explain how Hiawatha learns from nature and the animals in the story. Provide examples to support your answer.
Answer:

Hiawatha learns many valuable lessons from nature and the animals around him. Here are some examples:

  • Birds: He learns their languages and understands their songs, which teaches him about communication and harmony.
  • Beavers: From them, he learns the importance of hard work and teamwork as they build their dams together.
  • Animals of the forest: They teach him survival skills, like how to find food and shelter.

Through these interactions, Hiawatha gains wisdom and respect for all living creatures. His grandmother, Nokomis, also guides him to observe and learn from nature, making him a wise and compassionate person.

Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.

Question 1:
Read the following lines from Hiawatha:
'By the shores of Gitche Gumee,
By the shining Big-Sea-Water'

What does the poet describe in these lines? Explain the significance of the setting in the poem.
Answer:

The poet describes the beautiful and peaceful setting near Gitche Gumee, which is another name for Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The phrase 'shining Big-Sea-Water' highlights the vastness and shimmering beauty of the lake.

The setting is significant because:

  • It shows the deep connection between Hiawatha and nature.
  • The lake symbolizes peace, wisdom, and the importance of water in Native American culture.
  • It creates a calm and magical atmosphere for the story.
Question 2:
In Hiawatha, the young boy learns the language of birds and animals. How does this ability help him later in the story? Give examples from the poem.
Answer:

Hiawatha's ability to understand the language of birds and animals helps him in many ways:

  • He learns valuable lessons from them, like patience from the squirrel and bravery from the eagle.
  • He communicates with creatures like the woodpecker, who helps him find food.
  • This skill makes him wise and respected among his people.

For example, the chickadee teaches him about kindness, and the beaver shows him how to build strong homes.

Question 3:
Hiawatha's grandmother, Nokomis, plays an important role in his life. How does she guide him in the poem? Mention two lessons she teaches him.
Answer:

Nokomis is a wise and caring grandmother who teaches Hiawatha important life lessons:

  • She tells him stories about the stars and moon, teaching him to respect nature and the universe.
  • She guides him to be kind and brave, preparing him to become a great leader.

Two key lessons she teaches are:


1. Respect for all living things – She shows him how every creature has a purpose.
2. The value of wisdom – She encourages him to learn from elders and experiences.
Question 4:
Read the following lines from Hiawatha:
'Then the little Hiawatha
Learned of every bird its language,
Learned their names and all their secrets...'

Based on these lines, explain how Hiawatha's ability to communicate with birds helped him in his life. Provide examples from the chapter.

Answer:

Hiawatha's ability to understand the language of birds played a crucial role in his life. Communication with birds helped him learn valuable lessons about nature and survival. For example:

  • He learned the secrets of the forest, such as where to find food and shelter.
  • Birds warned him about dangers, like approaching storms or predators.
  • He gained wisdom from their behaviors, such as patience from watching birds build nests.

This skill made Hiawatha a wise and respected leader among his people, as he could share this knowledge with them.

Question 5:

In the chapter Hiawatha, the poet describes how Hiawatha could talk to animals and understand their ways. Imagine you are Hiawatha and a squirrel comes to you for help. Write a short conversation (4-5 lines) between you and the squirrel, showing how you would help it.

Answer:

Hiawatha: 'Little squirrel, why do you look so worried?'
Squirrel: 'I lost my acorns, and winter is coming!'
Hiawatha: 'Do not fear. I saw a fox burying some near the oak tree.'
Squirrel: 'Thank you, wise Hiawatha! I will go there now.'
Hiawatha: 'Remember, always store food in many places to keep it safe.'

This conversation shows Hiawatha's kindness and knowledge of animal behavior, helping the squirrel survive.

Question 6:

The chapter Hiawatha teaches us about living in harmony with nature. List three ways Hiawatha showed respect for nature, and explain how we can follow his example in our daily lives.

Answer:

Hiawatha's respect for nature is shown in these ways:

  • Learning from animals: He listened to birds and animals to understand their needs.
    Our example: Observe and protect local wildlife.
  • Using resources wisely: He took only what he needed from the forest.
    Our example: Avoid wasting water or food.
  • Teaching others: He shared his knowledge to help his tribe live sustainably.
    Our example: Educate friends about recycling.

By following these steps, we can protect our environment just like Hiawatha did.

Question 7:
Hiawatha was a young boy who learned the language of animals. Imagine you are Hiawatha and you meet a squirrel. Write a short conversation (4-5 lines) between Hiawatha and the squirrel, using simple and friendly language.
Answer:

Hiawatha: Hello, little squirrel! How are you today?

Squirrel: Hello, Hiawatha! I am busy gathering nuts for winter.

Hiawatha: That sounds like hard work! Can I help you?

Squirrel: Oh, thank you! You are very kind. Let's collect acorns together!

Key takeaway: This conversation shows Hiawatha's friendly nature and his ability to communicate with animals.

Question 8:
In the chapter, Hiawatha learns from his grandmother, Nokomis. List two important lessons he learned from her and explain why they were useful to him.
Answer:

Lessons Hiawatha learned from Nokomis:

  • Understanding nature: Nokomis taught Hiawatha about the trees, birds, and animals. This helped him live in harmony with nature.
  • Kindness and respect: She taught him to be kind to all living beings. This made him loved by animals and people alike.

These lessons helped Hiawatha become wise and compassionate.

Question 9:
Hiawatha could talk to animals. If you could talk to one animal for a day, which animal would you choose and why? Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) explaining your choice.
Answer:

If I could talk to one animal for a day, I would choose a dolphin. Dolphins are very smart and playful, and I would love to ask them about their life in the ocean. I would ask how they communicate with each other and what games they like to play. It would be amazing to learn about their underwater world and maybe even swim with them! Key takeaway: Talking to a dolphin would help me understand marine life better.

Question 10:
Hiawatha was a young boy who loved nature. Based on the chapter, describe two ways in which Hiawatha showed his love for animals and birds.
Answer:

Hiawatha showed his love for animals and birds in the following ways:

  • Communication: He learned the language of birds and animals, understanding their sounds and calls.
  • Friendship: He made friends with them, playing and spending time with creatures like beavers, squirrels, and birds.

This shows his deep connection with nature, as he respected and cared for all living beings.

Question 11:
In the chapter, Hiawatha's grandmother, Nokomis, taught him many things about nature. Explain one important lesson she taught him and how it helped Hiawatha.
Answer:

Nokomis taught Hiawatha about the stars and their stories. She explained how the Milky Way was formed and shared legends about the night sky.

This helped Hiawatha because:

  • He gained knowledge about the universe.
  • It deepened his curiosity and love for nature.

This lesson made him more observant and wise about the world around him.

Question 12:
Hiawatha was curious and eager to learn. Give an example from the chapter where his curiosity helped him discover something new.
Answer:

Hiawatha's curiosity led him to discover how the woodpecker got its red head. He observed the bird tapping on trees and learned from Nokomis that the woodpecker helped the Great Spirit by bringing fire to humans, which turned its head red.

This shows:

  • His keen observation skills.
  • His willingness to ask questions and learn from elders.

His curiosity helped him understand nature's mysteries.

Chat on WhatsApp