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Poetry: Mystery of the Talking Fan – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

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Poetry: Mystery of the Talking Fan

Study Materials

7th

7th - English

Poetry: Mystery of the Talking Fan

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Overview of the Chapter

The chapter "Mystery of the Talking Fan" is a poem included in the CBSE English curriculum for Grade 7. It explores the imaginative perspective of a child who personifies a ceiling fan, attributing human-like qualities to it. The poem highlights the child's curiosity and creativity while subtly addressing themes of perception and reality.

Mystery of the Talking Fan: A poem that personifies a ceiling fan, imagining it as a chattering entity, until it is oiled and becomes silent, leaving the narrator to wonder about its 'words'.

Summary of the Poem

The poem begins with the narrator describing a ceiling fan that seems to be "talking" as it whirs and creaks. The child imagines the fan is trying to communicate, creating a sense of mystery. However, when the fan is oiled, it stops making noise, leading the child to question where the fan's "words" have gone. The poem playfully blends reality with imagination, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood.

Key Themes

  • Imagination and Childhood: The poem reflects how children perceive ordinary objects with curiosity and creativity.
  • Personification: The fan is given human-like traits, making it seem alive and mysterious.
  • Change and Silence: The transition from noise to silence after oiling the fan symbolizes how small fixes can alter perceptions.

Literary Devices Used

  • Personification: The fan is described as if it can speak ("Once there was a talking fan").
  • Onomatopoeia: Words like "whirr" and "chatter" mimic the sounds of the fan.
  • Metaphor: The fan's noise is compared to speech, creating a playful tone.

Important Questions to Consider

  • Why does the child think the fan is "talking"?
  • How does the poem use sound to create imagery?
  • What does the silence of the fan at the end signify?

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:
What is the main theme of 'Mystery of the Talking Fan'?
Answer:

Imagination turning ordinary things magical.

Question 2:
Who is the speaker in the poem?
Answer:

A curious child observing the fan.

Question 3:
What does the fan seem to do in the poem?
Answer:

It appears to whisper secrets.

Question 4:
Name the poetic device used in 'whispering fan'.
Answer:

Personification.

Question 5:
Why does the fan stop talking at the end?
Answer:

Someone oils its noisy parts.

Question 6:
What sound does the fan make before being oiled?
Answer:

A chattering or clattering sound.

Question 7:
How does the child feel about the fan's noise?
Answer:

Fascinated and imaginative.

Question 8:
What action silences the fan's 'talking'?
Answer:

Oiling its mechanism.

Question 9:
Which line shows the fan's noise as mysterious?
Answer:

'Its chatter was electric.'

Question 10:
What does the poem teach us about imagination?
Answer:

It transforms ordinary things into wonders.

Question 11:
Identify the rhyme scheme of the first stanza.
Answer:

AABB.

Question 12:
What real-world object is personified in the poem?
Answer:

A ceiling fan.

Question 13:
Why is the fan's noise called 'electric'?
Answer:

It's powered by electricity.

Question 14:
What emotion does the poem evoke about childhood?
Answer:

Wonder and curiosity.

Question 15:
What is the central theme of the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan?
Answer:

The central theme of the poem is the imagination and childlike wonder of a fan that seems to 'talk' due to its creaking sound. The poet uses personification to bring the fan to life, making it seem like a mysterious companion.

Question 16:
Who is the poet of Mystery of the Talking Fan?
Answer:

The poet of Mystery of the Talking Fan is Maude Rubin. She beautifully captures the playful imagination of a child through the poem.

Question 17:
Why does the fan in the poem seem to be 'talking'?
Answer:

The fan seems to be 'talking' because of the creaking sound it makes while rotating. The poet uses personification to describe this sound as if the fan is whispering secrets.

Question 18:
What literary device is used to describe the fan's sound in the poem?
Answer:

The poet uses personification as the literary device, giving the fan human-like qualities by suggesting it 'talks' through its creaking noise.

Question 19:
What does the phrase 'whirring and whispering' suggest about the fan?
Answer:

The phrase suggests that the fan is not just making noise but seems to be communicating in a soft, secretive manner, adding to its mysterious nature.

Question 20:
How does the poem reflect a child's perspective?
Answer:

The poem reflects a child's perspective by turning an ordinary object (a fan) into something magical and alive, showing how children use imagination to see wonder in everyday things.

Question 21:
What emotion does the poem evoke in the reader?
Answer:

The poem evokes a sense of curiosity and amusement, as the reader imagines a fan 'talking' like a playful friend.

Question 22:
Why is the fan described as a 'mystery' in the poem?
Answer:

The fan is called a 'mystery' because its creaking sounds seem like hidden messages, making it appear as if it has a secret life of its own.

Question 23:
What is the tone of the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan?
Answer:

The tone of the poem is playful and whimsical, as the poet treats the fan's sound like a fun, imaginative conversation.

Question 24:
How does the poet make the fan seem alive in the poem?
Answer:

The poet makes the fan seem alive by using personification, describing its sounds as whispers and giving it human-like qualities, as if it has thoughts and secrets.

Question 25:
What lesson can readers learn from Mystery of the Talking Fan?
Answer:

Readers learn to appreciate imagination and find joy in simple things, just like how the poet turns a noisy fan into a magical, talking companion.

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 is the speaker in the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan?
Answer:

The speaker is a child who observes the fan and imagines it as a talking entity. The child's innocent perspective drives the narrative of the poem.

Question 2:
Why does the fan in the poem make a noise?
Answer:

The fan makes a noise because it is old and needs oiling. The child, however, interprets this sound as the fan trying to speak or share a secret.

Question 3:
What literary device is used when the fan is described as 'talking'?
Answer:

The poet uses personification, giving human-like qualities to the fan by suggesting it can talk. This device enhances the playful and imaginative tone of the poem.

Question 4:
How does the child react when the fan stops making noise?
Answer:

The child feels that the fan has finally shared its secret and is now quiet and content. This reflects the child's imaginative interpretation of the fan's behavior.

Question 5:
What does the phrase 'mystery of the talking fan' suggest?
Answer:

The phrase suggests the child's fascination with the fan's noise, turning a mundane occurrence into an enigmatic and exciting event. It emphasizes the wonder in everyday life.

Question 6:
How does the poem depict the relationship between humans and machines?
Answer:

The poem shows how a child humanizes a machine (the fan) by attributing emotions and intentions to it. This reflects a playful and imaginative connection rather than a purely functional one.

Question 7:
Why is the fan's noise compared to 'chattering' in the poem?
Answer:

The comparison to chattering reinforces the idea that the fan is communicating like a person. It adds to the playful imagery and the child's imaginative interpretation.

Question 8:
What lesson can be learned from the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan?
Answer:

The poem teaches us to appreciate childlike wonder and find joy in simple things. It encourages us to see the world with curiosity and imagination.

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:
How does the poet describe the sound of the talking fan?
Answer:

The poet describes the sound of the talking fan as a mysterious chatter or a whispering secret. The fan's noise is compared to a language that only it understands, creating an air of enigma and playfulness. The description adds to the poem's imaginative and whimsical tone.

Question 2:
Why does the poet refer to the fan as a 'mystery'?
Answer:

The poet refers to the fan as a mystery because its sounds and movements seem unexplainable and intriguing. The fan's rhythmic whirring and creaking make it appear as if it has a hidden personality or a secret to share. This personification makes the ordinary fan seem magical and mysterious.

Question 3:
What literary device is prominently used in Mystery of the Talking Fan? Explain with an example.
Answer:

The poem prominently uses personification, giving human-like qualities to the fan. For example, the line 'The fan was talking in a language strange' suggests the fan can speak, which is a human trait. This device makes the fan seem alive and adds a playful tone to the poem.

Question 4:
How does the poem create a sense of wonder in the reader?
Answer:

The poem creates a sense of wonder by turning a simple, everyday object like a fan into something magical. The poet's imaginative description of the fan's sounds as secret conversations makes the reader see the world with curiosity and amazement. This approach encourages readers to find joy in ordinary things.

Question 5:
What message does the poet convey through Mystery of the Talking Fan?
Answer:

The poet conveys the message that imagination can transform mundane objects into sources of fascination. By viewing the fan as a mysterious, talking entity, the poem teaches us to appreciate the little wonders around us and to nurture a sense of creativity in our daily lives.

Question 6:
How does the poet describe the sound of the fan in the poem?
Answer:

The poet describes the sound of the fan as a mysterious chatter, comparing it to a secret language or code. The fan's noise is personified as if it is trying to convey a message, making it seem like a talking entity rather than just a mechanical device.

Question 7:
What literary device is prominently used in the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan? Explain with an example.
Answer:

The poem uses personification as a key literary device. For example, the fan is given human-like qualities, such as 'talking' or 'chattering,' even though it is an inanimate object. This device helps create a playful and imaginative tone in the poem.

Question 8:
How does the poem make a simple household object like a fan interesting?
Answer:

The poem transforms a mundane fan into something fascinating by attributing human characteristics to it. The idea that the fan could be talking in a secret language sparks imagination, making readers view everyday objects in a new and creative light.

Question 9:
What message does the poet convey through the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan?
Answer:

The poet encourages readers to use their imagination to find wonder in ordinary things. By personifying the fan, the poem suggests that even simple objects can hold mysteries and stories if we observe them with curiosity and creativity.

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:
Explain how the poet uses personification in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' to create a sense of mystery. Provide examples.
Answer:
Introduction

In 'Mystery of the Talking Fan,' the poet uses personification to make the fan seem alive, adding mystery.


Argument 1
  • The fan 'talked' and 'whispered,' as if it had human qualities.
  • This makes readers curious about what the fan is saying.

Argument 2
  • Our textbook shows the line 'The fan was talking in a secret code,' which deepens the mystery.
  • It feels like the fan knows something we don’t.

Conclusion

By giving the fan human traits, the poet makes us wonder and imagine more.

Question 2:
How does the setting of the poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' contribute to its eerie mood?
Answer:
Introduction

The poem’s setting in a quiet room at night creates an eerie mood.


Argument 1
  • The fan’s noise stands out because the room is silent.
  • This makes the 'talking' seem strange and mysterious.

Argument 2
  • Our textbook describes 'shadows' and 'whispers,' adding to the spooky feeling.
  • Nighttime settings often feel more suspenseful.

Conclusion

The quiet, dark room makes the fan’s 'voice' feel ghostly and unreal.

Question 3:
Describe the central theme of 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' and how the poet conveys it.
Answer:
Introduction

The central theme is how ordinary things can seem magical if we imagine.


Argument 1
  • The poet turns a noisy fan into a mysterious 'talker.'
  • This shows how creativity changes how we see things.

Argument 2
  • Our textbook shows the line 'It spoke in a language only I could hear,' highlighting imagination.
  • The fan isn’t really talking, but the child believes it is.

Conclusion

The poem teaches us to find wonder in everyday life.

Question 4:
Analyze the sound devices used in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' to mimic the fan’s noise.
Answer:
Introduction

The poet uses sound devices like onomatopoeia to imitate the fan’s sounds.


Argument 1
  • Words like 'whirr' and 'click' sound like a fan’s noise.
  • This makes the poem feel more real and lively.

Argument 2
  • Our textbook has the line 'It hummed and rattled,' using repetition for rhythm.
  • These sounds help us 'hear' the fan.

Conclusion

Sound devices make the fan’s 'voice' clear and engaging.

Question 5:
How does the child’s perspective in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' make the poem more interesting?
Answer:
Introduction

The child’s perspective makes the poem fun and imaginative.


Argument 1
  • Children see magic in simple things, like a talking fan.
  • This makes the poem feel playful and curious.

Argument 2
  • Our textbook shows the child 'decoding' the fan’s sounds, like a game.
  • Adults might ignore the noise, but the child finds a story.

Conclusion

The child’s view turns an ordinary fan into a mystery.

Question 6:
Explain how the personification of the fan in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' makes the poem interesting. Give examples.
Answer:
Introduction

In 'Mystery of the Talking Fan,' the poet uses personification to bring the fan to life, making the poem engaging.


Argument 1
  • The fan is described as 'talking' and 'whispering,' which makes it seem like a human.
  • Our textbook shows how this creates curiosity, as fans don’t actually talk.

Argument 2
  • The poet compares the fan’s noise to a 'mystery,' adding suspense.
  • For example, the line 'It whirred and clattered' gives it a playful personality.

Conclusion

By using personification, the poet turns a simple fan into a magical character, making the poem fun to read.

Question 7:
How does the poet create a sense of mystery in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan'? Support your answer with examples.
Answer:
Introduction

The poet builds mystery in the poem by making the fan’s sounds seem puzzling and magical.


Argument 1
  • The fan’s noises are called 'whispers' and 'clatters,' making us wonder what it’s saying.
  • Our textbook highlights how this makes the fan seem alive.

Argument 2
  • The poet doesn’t explain the sounds, leaving it to our imagination.
  • For example, 'Nobody knew what it said' adds to the suspense.

Conclusion

By not revealing the fan’s 'words,' the poet keeps the mystery alive, making the poem exciting.

Question 8:
Describe the imagery used in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' and how it helps us visualize the scene.
Answer:
Introduction

The poet uses vivid imagery to paint a clear picture of the talking fan in our minds.


Argument 1
  • Words like 'whirred' and 'clattered' help us hear the fan’s sounds.
  • Our textbook shows how this makes the scene feel real.

Argument 2
  • The fan is described as 'talking,' which makes us imagine it like a person.
  • For example, 'It talked and talked' creates a playful image.

Conclusion

The imagery in the poem helps us see and hear the fan, making the poem lively.

Question 9:
Why do you think the poet chose a fan as the subject of the poem? Discuss its symbolism.
Answer:
Introduction

The poet picks a fan to show how ordinary objects can hide symbolism and wonder.


Argument 1
  • A fan is common, but the poem makes it special by giving it a voice.
  • Our textbook explains how this teaches us to find magic in everyday things.

Argument 2
  • The fan’s 'talking' could symbolize hidden stories around us.
  • For example, its noises remind us to listen closely to small details.

Conclusion

By using a fan, the poet reminds us that even simple things can be full of symbolism.

Question 10:
How does the rhyme scheme of 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' contribute to its playful tone?
Answer:
Introduction

The poem’s rhyme scheme makes it sound musical and fun, matching its playful theme.


Argument 1
  • Lines like 'It whirred and clattered' have a rhythmic, sing-song quality.
  • Our textbook shows how this makes the poem enjoyable to read aloud.

Argument 2
  • The rhymes are simple, like 'said' and 'head,' making it easy to follow.
  • For example, 'Nobody knew what it said' sounds light and catchy.

Conclusion

The rhyme scheme adds to the poem’s charm, making it feel like a playful riddle.

Question 11:
Explain how the poet uses personification in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' to create a sense of wonder.
Answer:
Introduction

In 'Mystery of the Talking Fan,' the poet gives human qualities to a fan, making it seem alive. Our textbook shows this technique as personification.


Argument 1
  • The fan 'talks' and 'mutters,' just like a person.
  • This makes the fan mysterious and interesting.

Argument 2
  • The poet describes the fan's sounds as if it has emotions.
  • This helps us imagine the fan as a character.

Conclusion

By using personification, the poet turns an ordinary object into something magical, sparking our curiosity.

Question 12:
How does the poet create a mysterious mood in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan'? Give examples.
Answer:
Introduction

The poet builds a mysterious mood by describing the fan's strange behavior. Our textbook highlights this through vivid imagery.


Argument 1
  • The fan's 'chatter' and 'whirr' sound like secret messages.
  • This makes us wonder what the fan is 'saying.'

Argument 2
  • The line 'Nobody knew what it said' adds suspense.
  • The unknown sounds keep us guessing.

Conclusion

The poet's choice of words and sounds makes the fan seem like a puzzle, creating a sense of mystery.

Question 13:
Describe the central theme of 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' and how it connects to everyday life.
Answer:
Introduction

The poem's central theme is finding magic in ordinary things. Our textbook shows how the fan becomes special through imagination.


Argument 1
  • The fan seems alive, showing how we can see wonder in simple objects.
  • This reminds us of how children imagine toys talking.

Argument 2
  • The poem teaches us to observe small details.
  • For example, the fan's sounds are usually ignored but become fascinating here.

Conclusion

The theme encourages us to look beyond the ordinary and find joy in little mysteries around us.

Question 14:
Compare the rhyme scheme and rhythm in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' to another poem from your textbook.
Answer:
Introduction

'Mystery of the Talking Fan' has a playful rhyme scheme and rhythm, similar to 'The Squirrel' in our textbook.


Argument 1
  • Both poems use short lines and simple rhymes (AABB).
  • This makes them fun to read aloud.

Argument 2
  • 'The Squirrel' has a bouncy rhythm like hopping, while the fan's rhythm mimics its whirring sound.
  • Both match the poem's mood.

Conclusion

The rhyme and rhythm in both poems make them lively and easy to remember.

Question 15:
How does the poet use sound words (onomatopoeia) in 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' to bring the fan to life?
Answer:
Introduction

The poet uses sound words like 'chatter' and 'whirr' to make the fan seem real. Our textbook calls this onomatopoeia.


Argument 1
  • Words like 'click' and 'clack' imitate the fan's noises.
  • This helps us 'hear' the fan while reading.

Argument 2
  • The sounds change from 'chatter' to 'silent,' showing the fan's 'mood.'
  • This makes the fan feel like a character.

Conclusion

By using sound words, the poet turns simple noises into a lively personality for the fan.

Question 16:
In the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan, the poet describes the fan's noise as a 'mystery'.

Explain how the poet uses personification and imagery to bring the fan to life, making its sound seem like a secret language. Also, discuss what the fan's 'talking' might symbolize in the poem.

Answer:

The poet uses personification by giving the fan human-like qualities, such as the ability to 'talk' and share a 'mystery'. This makes the fan seem alive, as if it has its own thoughts and secrets. The imagery in the poem, like 'whirr and whisper', helps us visualize and hear the fan's sound, making it feel like a conversation.

The fan's 'talking' could symbolize the unnoticed sounds in our daily lives that we often ignore. It might also represent how even simple objects have a story or a 'voice' if we pay attention. The mystery adds a playful and imaginative touch, encouraging readers to find wonder in ordinary things.

Question 17:
The poem Mystery of the Talking Fan ends with the fan being oiled and becoming silent.

Analyze how this change affects the mood of the poem. What message do you think the poet is conveying through this shift from noise to silence?

Answer:

At the start, the fan's noisy 'talking' creates a curious and slightly chaotic mood, as the poet wonders about its mysterious sounds. When the fan is oiled and falls silent, the mood shifts to one of calm and resolution, as if the 'mystery' has been solved.

The poet might be conveying that small actions, like oiling a fan, can bring peace and order. It could also suggest that sometimes, what seems mysterious or annoying (like the fan's noise) has a simple solution. The silence after the oiling reminds us to appreciate quiet moments and the importance of fixing small problems before they grow.

Question 18:
In the poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan', the poet describes the fan's noise as a 'mystery'. Explain how the poet uses personification and imagery to bring the fan to life and create a sense of wonder for the reader.
Answer:

The poet uses personification by giving the fan human-like qualities, such as the ability to 'talk' and 'chatter'. This makes the fan seem alive and mysterious, as if it has its own thoughts and secrets. The poet also uses imagery to paint a vivid picture of the fan's sounds, describing them as 'a steady chatter' and 'a clatter'. These descriptions help the reader imagine the fan's noise as something more than just a mechanical sound, turning it into a lively conversation.

Additionally, the poet creates a sense of wonder by suggesting that the fan's noise is a 'mystery'. This makes the reader curious about what the fan might be 'saying' and why it makes such sounds. The combination of personification and imagery makes the fan seem almost magical, transforming an ordinary object into something fascinating and full of life.

Question 19:
The poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' ends with the fan becoming silent after being oiled. Discuss the theme of curiosity and discovery in the poem and how the poet conveys the idea that even everyday objects can hold surprises.
Answer:

The poem explores the theme of curiosity and discovery by showing how the narrator is intrigued by the fan's unusual noises. At first, the fan's sounds are puzzling, almost like it's trying to communicate. This sparks the narrator's imagination, making them wonder what the fan is 'saying'.

The moment the fan is oiled and falls silent symbolizes the end of the mystery, but also highlights how small discoveries can bring joy. The poet suggests that even mundane objects like a fan can seem magical if we pay attention. The line 'And the fan was no longer a talking fan' implies that the fan's 'voice' was just a result of needing care, but the experience of solving the mystery makes the ordinary feel extraordinary.

This theme encourages readers to stay curious and find wonder in the world around them, even in simple things.

Question 20:
In the poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan', the poet describes the fan's noise as a 'mystery'. Explain how the poet uses personification and imagery to bring the fan to life. Support your answer with examples from the poem.
Answer:

The poet uses personification by giving human-like qualities to the fan, making it seem as if it can 'talk' or communicate. For example, the line 'It whirred and it clicked' suggests the fan is making sounds similar to human speech. This creates a playful and mysterious tone.


Additionally, imagery is used to paint a vivid picture of the fan's actions. Phrases like 'a steady chatter' and 'a sudden hush' help readers visualize and hear the fan as if it were alive. The poet's choice of words makes the fan seem like a character with its own personality, enhancing the poem's charm.

Question 21:
The poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' explores the idea of finding wonder in everyday objects. How does the poet convey this theme through the structure and language of the poem? Provide examples to justify your answer.
Answer:

The poet conveys the theme of finding wonder in ordinary things by using a simple yet engaging structure. The poem is written in short, rhythmic lines that mimic the fan's sounds, making it feel lively and interactive. For instance, the repetition of words like 'whirred' and 'clicked' mimics the fan's noise, drawing attention to its seemingly magical qualities.


Language-wise, the poet uses playful and imaginative descriptions, such as 'a steady chatter' and 'a sudden hush', to transform the fan from a mundane object into something mysterious and fascinating. This encourages readers to see everyday objects in a new light, appreciating their hidden 'voices' and stories.

Question 22:
In the poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan', the poet describes the fan's noise as a 'mystery'.

Explain how the poet uses personification and imagery to bring the fan to life, making it seem like it has a voice of its own. Also, discuss what the 'mystery' might symbolize in real life.

Answer:

The poet uses personification by giving the fan human-like qualities, such as the ability to 'talk' or 'chatter'. This makes the fan seem alive, as if it has its own personality and voice. For example, the line 'It whirred and it chirred' suggests the fan is making sounds similar to a person speaking or an animal communicating.

The imagery in the poem helps us visualize and hear the fan's noises vividly. Words like 'click', 'clack', and 'whirr' create a clear auditory picture, making the reader feel as if they are listening to the fan's 'conversation'.

The 'mystery' of the talking fan could symbolize how ordinary objects in our lives sometimes seem to have hidden stories or personalities if we pay attention. It reminds us to find wonder in everyday things, just like how the poet turns a simple fan into something magical and mysterious.

Question 23:
The poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' ends with the line: 'But the mystery was solved—the fan was simply talking!'.

Analyze how this conclusion adds humor and a sense of realization to the poem. How does this line connect with the overall theme of finding joy in small, everyday moments?

Answer:

The concluding line adds humor because it reveals that the 'mystery' was not something grand or supernatural—it was just the fan making noise. This playful twist makes the reader smile, as the poet turns a simple observation into an amusing revelation.

It also brings a sense of realization by showing that what seemed mysterious at first was actually ordinary. This mirrors how we sometimes overthink small things, only to realize later that they are just part of daily life.

The line connects with the theme of finding joy in small moments because it encourages us to appreciate the little wonders around us. Instead of ignoring the fan's noise, the poet listens closely and finds entertainment in it. This teaches us to slow down and enjoy the simple, often overlooked aspects of life.

Question 24:
The poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' explores the idea of finding wonder in everyday objects. How does the poet's perspective encourage readers to look at common things in a new way? Support your answer with examples from the poem.
Answer:

The poet encourages readers to see everyday objects with a sense of curiosity and imagination. Instead of viewing the fan as just a machine, the poet imagines it as a mysterious being that 'talks' and 'chatters'. This perspective invites readers to think beyond the ordinary and find magic in simple things.

For example, the poet describes the fan's noise as 'a steady chatter', which makes it seem like the fan is having a conversation. This playful interpretation turns a mundane sound into something intriguing. The poet also calls the fan's noise a 'mystery', which sparks the reader's imagination and makes them wonder what the fan might be 'saying'.

By giving the fan a voice and personality, the poet shows how even the most common objects can become sources of wonder if we look at them with creativity and an open mind. This teaches readers to appreciate the small, everyday things in life and find joy in the unexpected.

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:
In The Mystery of the Talking Fan, the poet describes the fan's noise as a 'chatter'. Case Summary: How does this personification help us understand the fan's behavior?
Answer:
Case Summary:

The poet uses personification to compare the fan's noise to human chatter, making it relatable.

Analysis:
  • It helps us imagine the fan as a talkative person, creating a playful tone.
  • Our textbook shows similar examples, like the 'whispering trees' in other poems.
Conclusion:

This technique makes the fan's mysterious sound easier to visualize and adds humor to the poem.

Question 2:
Case Summary: The fan stops making noise after being oiled. Why does the poet call this event a 'mystery solved'? How does this relate to real-life problem-solving?
Answer:
Case Summary:

The poet highlights how a simple fix (oiling) ends the fan's noise, calling it a 'mystery solved'.

Analysis:
  • Like in science experiments, small actions can have big effects, just as oiling fixed the fan.
  • Our textbook shows similar mysteries, like finding why a bulb won't light.
Conclusion:

The poem teaches us to observe and solve everyday puzzles patiently.

Question 3:
The poem uses rhyme (e.g., 'chatter-clatter'). Case Summary: How does this technique make the fan's description more engaging for readers?
Answer:
Case Summary:

Rhyming words like 'chatter-clatter' create a musical rhythm, mimicking the fan's sound.

Analysis:
  • It makes the poem fun to read aloud, like in our textbook's 'The Squirrel' poem.
  • The repetition helps us remember the fan's noisy behavior.
Conclusion:

Rhyme adds energy to the poem, just like the fan's movement.

Question 4:
Case Summary: The fan is described as 'talking' first, then 'quiet'. Contrast these two states. How does this change create interest in the poem?
Answer:
Case Summary:

The shift from noisy to silent fan builds curiosity about the cause.

Analysis:
  • It creates suspense, like when our textbook's 'Garden Snake' poem changes tone.
  • The contrast shows how small actions (oiling) bring big changes.
Conclusion:

This keeps readers engaged, making them wonder what happened to the fan.

Question 5:
In The Mystery of the Talking Fan, the fan's noise is compared to a human trait. Case Summary: The poet describes the fan's sound as 'chatter'.

How does this personification help us understand the fan's behavior? Give two examples of similar comparisons from the poem.
Answer:
Case Summary: The fan's noise is personified as 'chatter', making it seem alive.

Analysis:
  • This personification helps us imagine the fan as a talkative person.
  • Examples: The fan 'whirrs' like whispers and 'clatters' like sudden shouts.

Conclusion:

Our textbook shows how comparisons make poetry lively. We studied how objects act like humans in poems.

Question 6:
Case Summary: The poem ends with the fan being oiled and becoming silent.

What does this silence symbolize? How does it contrast with the earlier noise?
Answer:
Case Summary: The silent fan shows a solved mystery.

Analysis:
  • The silence symbolizes peace after fixing a problem.
  • Earlier noise was like unsolved questions; silence is the answer.

Conclusion:

We studied how changes in sound create meaning. Our textbook uses such contrasts in poems.

Question 7:
The poet uses onomatopoeia like 'whirr' and 'clatter' for the fan's sounds. Case Summary: These words imitate actual noises.

Why are such words effective in poetry? Identify two more sound-words from the poem.
Answer:
Case Summary: Sound-words make the poem realistic.

Analysis:
  • Onomatopoeia helps readers 'hear' the scene.
  • Examples: 'chatter' and 'click' are other sound-words used.

Conclusion:

We studied how poets use sounds to create images. Our textbook has many such examples.

Question 8:
Case Summary: The fan's noise is called a 'mystery' in the title.

How does the poem build curiosity about this mystery? Mention two poetic devices used for this.
Answer:
Case Summary: The poem slowly reveals the fan's secret.

Analysis:
  • It uses questions ('What was it saying?') to create suspense.
  • Imagery of sounds makes us wonder about the fan.

Conclusion:

We studied how poems use devices to engage readers. Our textbook shows similar techniques.

Question 9:
In Mystery of the Talking Fan, the poet describes the fan's noise as a 'chatter'. Case Summary: The fan seems to communicate. Analysis: Why does the poet compare the fan's sound to human speech? Conclusion: How does this comparison enhance the poem's theme?
Answer:
Case Summary:

The fan's noise is personified as 'chatter', making it seem alive.

Analysis:
  • The poet uses personification to create a playful tone.
  • Our textbook shows how everyday objects can 'speak' in poetry, like the 'talking' kettle in another poem.
Conclusion:

This comparison makes the fan mysterious and fun, fitting the poem's lighthearted theme.

Question 10:
Case Summary: The fan stops talking after being oiled. Analysis: What does this suggest about the fan's 'talking'? Conclusion: How does this event resolve the poem's mystery?
Answer:
Case Summary:

The fan's noise disappears when fixed, ending its 'speech'.

Analysis:
  • The 'talking' was just mechanical noise, showing how imagination transforms reality.
  • Like our textbook's The Shed, ordinary things spark curiosity.
Conclusion:

The simple explanation contrasts with the playful mystery, creating surprise.

Question 11:
Case Summary: The poet calls the fan's noise a 'secret'. Analysis: Why is this word effective? Conclusion: How does it connect to the title's 'mystery'?
Answer:
Case Summary:

The word 'secret' makes the fan's sound intriguing.

Analysis:
  • It builds suspense, like the hidden clues in our textbook's The Detective poem.
  • Secrets invite readers to 'solve' the noise's meaning.
Conclusion:

This word choice strengthens the title's promise of a puzzle to uncover.

Question 12:
Case Summary: The poem ends with the fan 'talking no more'. Analysis: Why might the poet leave the fan silent at the end? Conclusion: What mood does this create compared to the noisy beginning?
Answer:
Case Summary:

The fan's silence contrasts with its earlier chatter.

Analysis:
  • The quiet ending feels peaceful, like the resolved conflict in The Quarrel from our textbook.
  • It shows how small fixes change our experiences.
Conclusion:

The shift from noise to calm leaves readers satisfied, like solving a riddle.

Question 13:
Read the following lines from the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan:

'The fan began to whirr and whine,
It spoke in a language quite divine.'

(a) What does the poet mean by 'language quite divine'?
(b) How does the poet use personification to describe the fan's behavior?
Answer:

(a) The phrase 'language quite divine' suggests that the fan's sound is unusual and almost magical, as if it is speaking in a heavenly or extraordinary way. The poet uses this to create a sense of wonder and mystery around the fan's actions.


(b) The poet uses personification by giving the fan human-like qualities, such as the ability to 'speak' and 'whine.' This makes the fan seem alive and adds to the playful and imaginative tone of the poem. For example, describing the fan's sound as 'whirr and whine' makes it seem like it has emotions or a voice.

Question 14:
In the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan, the poet writes:

'Nobody knew just what he said,
And nobody knew what went on in his head.'

(a) Why does the poet use the word 'nobody' twice in these lines?
(b) How does this create a sense of mystery in the poem?
Answer:

(a) The repetition of the word 'nobody' emphasizes that the fan's thoughts and sounds are completely unknown and puzzling to everyone. It highlights the idea that the fan's behavior is a true mystery.


(b) This creates a sense of mystery by making the fan seem like a secretive or enigmatic character. The lines suggest that the fan has a hidden inner world ('what went on in his head') that no one can understand, which adds to the playful and curious mood of the poem.

Question 15:
In the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan, the poet describes the fan's noise as a 'chatter'.

How does this personification help the reader understand the fan's behavior? Provide two examples from the poem to support your answer.

Answer:

The poet uses personification by describing the fan's noise as a 'chatter', making it seem like the fan is talking like a human. This helps the reader imagine the fan as a lively character rather than just a machine.

  • Example 1: The line 'It whirred and it chirred' gives the fan animal-like qualities, making its sound playful and mysterious.
  • Example 2: The phrase 'a steady and quiet tongue' suggests the fan has a voice, reinforcing the idea that it is 'talking'.

This creative description makes the poem more engaging and relatable, as readers can connect human traits to the fan's actions.

Question 16:
The poem Mystery of the Talking Fan ends with the fan becoming silent after being oiled.

What message do you think the poet is trying to convey through this ending? Explain with reference to the poem.

Answer:

The poet likely conveys that simple solutions can resolve what seems mysterious or troubling. The fan's 'talking' (noise) stops when it is oiled, showing that its 'mystery' was just a need for maintenance.


Reference to the poem: The lines 'Then somebody oiled his little whirling motor... And the fan was as silent as a mouse' highlight how a small action (oiling) fixed the problem.


This teaches readers that not all mysteries are complex—sometimes, the answer is straightforward. It also adds a humorous twist, as the 'talking' fan was just in need of care.

Question 17:
In the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan, the poet describes the fan's sound as a 'chatter'.

How does this personification help the reader understand the fan's behavior? Provide examples from the poem to support your answer.

Answer:

The poet uses personification by describing the fan's sound as a 'chatter' to make it seem like the fan is alive and communicating. This helps the reader imagine the fan as a talkative creature rather than just a machine.


For example, the line 'It whirred and it clattered, it squeaked and it sang' gives the fan human-like qualities, making its noises seem like speech or song. This creative description makes the poem more engaging and helps readers connect emotionally with the fan.


Additionally, the comparison to a 'mystery' suggests that the fan has secrets, just like a person might, further enhancing its lifelike portrayal.

Question 18:
The poem Mystery of the Talking Fan ends with the line 'Then somebody oiled his little whirling throat'.

How does this line resolve the 'mystery' of the talking fan? Explain the significance of this ending in the context of the poem.

Answer:

The line 'Then somebody oiled his little whirling throat' resolves the mystery by revealing that the fan's 'talking' was actually due to a lack of oil, causing it to make noisy, irregular sounds.


This ending is significant because:

  • It shows that the fan's personified 'chatter' was just mechanical noise, turning the magical idea into a simple, practical solution.
  • It contrasts the playful imagination of the earlier lines with a sudden, realistic explanation, creating a humorous twist.
  • The phrase 'little whirling throat' maintains the fan's human-like image even after the mystery is solved, keeping the poem's whimsical tone.

This ending teaches us that sometimes, things we imagine as magical have ordinary explanations, but the fun lies in the way we perceive them.

Question 19:
In the poem Mystery of the Talking Fan, the poet describes the fan's sound as a 'chatter'.

How does this word choice help the reader understand the fan's behavior? Also, mention any two other poetic devices used in the poem with examples.

Answer:

The word 'chatter' personifies the fan, making it seem like a human who is talking non-stop. This helps the reader imagine the fan as a lively, noisy character rather than just a machine.

Two other poetic devices used in the poem are:

  • Alliteration: Example - 'whirr and whisper' (repetition of 'w' sound)
  • Onomatopoeia: Example - 'click' (a word that imitates the sound it describes)

These devices make the poem more engaging and help create a vivid image of the fan's sounds.

Question 20:
The poet in Mystery of the Talking Fan creates a sense of suspense about whether the fan is actually talking.

How does the poet build this suspense through the poem? Support your answer with two examples from the text.

Answer:

The poet builds suspense by making the reader question whether the fan is really talking or if it's just imagination. This is done through:

  • Uncertain descriptions: 'Some people say it talks all day' - this makes us wonder who these 'some people' are and if they're reliable.
  • Mysterious sounds: 'A riddle wrapped in whirr and whisper' - the fan's sounds are described as puzzling, making us curious about their meaning.

These techniques keep the reader guessing about the fan's true nature until the end of the poem, where we learn it was just the oil needing to be applied.

Question 21:
In the poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan', the poet describes the fan's noise as a 'chatter'.

How does this personification enhance the reader's understanding of the fan's behavior? Provide examples from the poem to support your answer.

Answer:

The poet uses personification by describing the fan's noise as a 'chatter', giving it human-like qualities. This helps the reader imagine the fan as a talkative person, making the scene more lively and relatable.


For example, the line 'It whirred and it clattered, it muttered and chattered' suggests the fan is expressing itself like a human. The words 'muttered' and 'chattered' are typically used for people, making the fan seem playful or even annoyed.


This figurative language makes the poem more engaging and helps readers connect emotionally with an otherwise ordinary object.

Question 22:
The poem 'Mystery of the Talking Fan' ends with the fan becoming silent after being oiled.

What message do you think the poet is trying to convey through this ending? Explain with reference to the poem.

Answer:

The poet likely conveys that simple solutions can resolve what seems like a big mystery. The fan's 'talking' was just a mechanical issue fixed by oiling, showing how misunderstandings can be cleared with patience and care.


For instance, the lines 'Then somebody oiled his little whirling motor, And all the mystery was gone—' suggest that the 'talking' was just noise due to friction. The poet teaches us to look for logical explanations before assuming something is mysterious or magical.


This ending also highlights how everyday objects can spark curiosity, but the truth is often simpler than we imagine.

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