The Magic Brush of Dreams

1. Mention a magical object that you would like to have. Give a reason for your choice.
I would like to have a magic carpet. I could fly anywhere in the world in a few minutes.

2. What would you draw for yourself, if you had a magic paint brush? Why?
I would draw a big library full of books, because I love reading.

3. Would you use the magic paint brush to draw for someone else?
Yes. I would draw food, clothes and books for poor children. Their happiness would make me happy too.

1. The poem is rich in imagery. For example, ______.
“Gopi sits beneath the banyan, / A twig is in her hand.” Also, “She paints a mighty river wide, / Its currents fast and deep.”

2. What is the effect of repetition in the line—‘On you, and you and you!’?
Gopi points at each man one by one. The repetition makes the threat strong and dramatic. It shows that no one will be spared, so the men become scared.

(i) The man whispering and telling Gopi to keep the brush a secret reflects his ______ nature.
careful and secretive

(ii) What is the significance of the man slipping the brush into Gopi’s hand?
It shows that he is quietly passing on a special and secret gift. He trusts Gopi to use its power wisely.

(iii) The man instructs Gopi to ‘Paint not for the wealthy ones, but only for the poor’ because he ______.
wants the magic to help the needy. He does not want it to make the rich even richer.

(iv) Select the most appropriate title for the extract.
A. The Magic Brush’s Secret

(i) The news spreads ‘through forests, fields, and plains’ because of its ______.
amazing magical power to make paintings real.

(ii) Why does the poet refer to things painted by Gopi’s paintbrush as ‘magic gains’?
Whatever Gopi painted became real. The villagers gained useful things like food, a muffler, a plough and a shawl by magic.

(iii) Which statement is false? Rectify it.
Statement B is false.

Correct: The Zamindar orders Gopi to paint a grand fortress and jewels.

(iv) What does the Zamindar’s demand reveal about his character?
It shows that he is greedy, selfish and power-hungry. He wants wealth to rule the land.

1. Explain why Gopi made the right decision by refusing to paint for the Zamindar.
Gopi had promised to paint only for the poor. The Zamindar was already rich and greedy. Painting treasures for him would only make him more powerful. So, she kept her promise and did the right thing.

2. Gopi threatens to draw a beast to scare away the Zamindar. Justify her action. How would you have dealt with the situation differently?
Her action was right. The Zamindar and his men were chasing her to capture her again. She only threatened them and did not harm anyone.

I would have painted a tall wall or a deep pit between us. This would also have stopped them without any harm.

3. What is the significance of Gopi celebrating with the villagers at the end of the poem?
It shows the victory of good over evil. Gopi shares her joy with the villagers. It also shows that her magic is meant for the whole community.

4. Compare Gopi’s use of the magic brush to how the Zamindar would have used it.
Gopi used the brush for the needy. She painted khichdi, a muffler, a plough, a shawl and a fan. The Zamindar would have used it for himself. He wanted a grand fortress, gold and jewels to rule the land.

5. What can be inferred about Gopi’s character based on her refusal to follow the Zamindar’s orders?
Gopi is brave and honest. She keeps her promise even when she is threatened. She is kind and not greedy at all.

6. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.
The whole poem is about the magic brush. It makes the dreams of the poor villagers come true. It also helps Gopi escape. So, ‘The Magic Brush of Dreams’ is a suitable title.

7. If you had the magic brush, how would you use it in today’s world?
I would paint food for the hungry and trees to reduce pollution. I would also paint schools, hospitals and clean water for villages that need them.