The Day the River Spoke Class 7 English Summary, Analysis & Notes
Introduction to The Day the River Spoke
Welcome, Class 7 students and English learners! Today, we dive into a beautiful and inspiring chapter from your NCERT English textbook, "The Day the River Spoke" by Kamala Nair. This story is more than just a tale; it's about the power of dreams, the courage to chase them, and finding help in the most unexpected places. We will explore a detailed summary in English and Hindi, a line-by-line textual analysis with word meanings, and key takeaways to help you understand the chapter thoroughly. Let's get started!
Summary of "The Day the River Spoke" class 7 English POORVI
English Summary
Jahnavi is a young girl who longs to go to school like her elder brother, Gopi (Ettan), and sister, Meena. However, her family tells her she is too small and later assigns her the duty of minding her younger brothers. By the time she is nearly ten, she feels left out and hopeless.
One day, while crying by the river, she is startled to hear a sleepy, murmuring voice. To her amazement, she realizes the River itself is speaking to her! The River listens patiently as Jahnavi pours her heart out about her deepest desire: to learn to read and understand the world around her.
The River, in a kind and conspiratorial tone, encourages her to be brave. It suggests that she simply go to school one morning and listen, assuring her that the teacher might let her stay. Initially scared, Jahnavi gathers courage from the River's words.
The next day, she bravely goes to the school, listens to a lesson about King Ashoka, and is noticed by the teacher. The teacher, impressed by her determination, visits her home and convinces her parents to let her study. Jahnavi’s dream finally comes true, and she is filled with gratitude for her magical friend, the River.
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हिंदी सारांश (Summary in Hindi) Of The Day The River Spoke Class 7 NCERT ENGLISH POORVI
जाह्नवी एक छोटी लड़की है जो अपने बड़े भाई, गोपी (एट्टन), और बहन, मीना की तरह स्कूल जाना चाहती है। हालाँकि, उसका परिवार उसे बताता है कि वह बहुत छोटी है और बाद में उसे अपने छोटे भाइयों की देखभाल का काम सौंप देता है। जब वह लगभग दस साल की हो जाती है, तो वह खुद को उपेक्षित और निराश महसूस करती है।
एक दिन, नदी के किनारे रोते हुए, वह एक उनींदी, बुदबुदाती आवाज सुनकर चौंक जाती है। उसके आश्चर्य के लिए, उसे एहसास होता है कि नदी खुद उससे बात कर रही है! नदी धैर्यपूर्वक सुनती है जब जाह्नवी अपने सबसे गहरे सपने के बारे में बताती है: पढ़ना सीखना और अपने आस-पास की दुनिया को समझना।
नदी, एक दयालु और रहस्यमय अंदाज में, उसे बहादुर बनने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करती है। यह सुझाव देती है कि वह एक सुबह बस स्कूल चली जाए और सुनें, और उसे आश्वासन देती है कि शायद शिक्षक उसे रुकने देंगे। शुरू में डरी हुई, जाह्नवी नदी के शब्दों से साहस जुटाती है।
अगले दिन, वह बहादुरी से स्कूल जाती है, राजा अशोक के बारे में एक पाठ सुनती है, और शिक्षक की नजर में आ जाती है। शिक्षक, उसके दृढ़ संकलप से प्रभावित होकर, उसके घर जाता है और उसके माता-पिता को पढ़ाई करने देने के लिए मनाता है। जाह्नवी का सपना आखिरकार सच हो जाता है, और वह अपने जादुई दोस्त, नदी के प्रति आभार से भर जाती है।
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Textual Analysis of The Day the River Spoke Class 7 NCERT English POORVI
Original passage:
"A big bright tear splashed down her nose. And another.
A kingfisher swept down, its wings an arrow of blue in the sunlight. And a green lizard slithered down to the river’s edge to bask in the sun.
“Dear, dear!” said a sleepy, murmuring voice, “What’s the matter?”
Jahnavi was startled, because she was sure she had been quite alone. It couldn’t have been the lizard. And the kingfisher was up in the thicket of bamboo eating the fish it had caught. It couldn’t be the parrots, because parrots shrieked and this was such a sleepy voice. She looked around her. There wasn’t a soul in sight. She was rather scared and wanted to run away."
Analysis:
The story begins by immediately showing us that Jahnavi is sad and crying. The author uses strong verbs like "splashed" to make her tears seem big and heavy with emotion. The description of the kingfisher and lizard paints a vivid picture of the peaceful riverside setting, which contrasts with Jahnavi's inner sadness. The "sleepy, murmuring voice" creates a sense of mystery and magic. We can feel Jahnavi's confusion and fear as she tries to find the source of the voice, realizing she is alone. This makes the reader curious about who is speaking.
Word Meanings:
- splashed: Fell heavily and suddenly, like a drop of liquid.
- slithered: moved smoothly and quietly, like a snake.
- bask: To lie in warmth and sunlight.
- startled: Shocked or surprised.
- shrieked: Gave a loud, sharp cry.
Original passage:
"“You shouldn’t cry, you know,” the voice went on. “And you really shouldn’t be scared, when you have been coming here to see me every day, well, almost every day.”
She was puzzled. It was such a voice, like the river. It couldn’t be the river!
“Well, tell me all about it,” said the River, for it was the River. “I’ve got to hurry to reach the sea, you know.”"
Analysis:
The voice continues to speak to Jahnavi, showing it is kind and familiar with her. It points out that she visits this spot daily, which means the river is her special place. Jahnavi's realization that the River itself is talking to her is the magical heart of the story. Giving the River a personality—it's sleepy, it has a destination (the sea)—makes it a friendly and wise character instead of just a body of water. This personification makes the story enchanting.
Word Meanings:
- puzzled: Confused.
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Original passage:
"“They won’t let me go to school,” said Jahnavi. “I asked my mother, ‘Why can’t I go to school like Ettan and Meena?’ And Mother had replied, ‘You are too small, baby. Maybe later.’ ” But when she was five, little Ramu was born and Mother still said, “Maybe next year. Jahnavi, mind your little brother while I go to the fields.” Now, she was nearly ten and minding Little Appu, who was the smallest. “They don’t want me. They only...”—she stopped with a sob...
“I am scared to go to school. And I’m so old now, they’ll never let me go. But I want to go. I want to learn to read like Ettan and Meena.” Jahnavi called her brother ‘Ettan’. Ettan means ‘Elder brother’, but his real name was Gopi. “I want to know why spiders are yellow in yellow flowers, why bamboo trees rustle, why the moon always comes from behind the hills, never the other way, why the baby fish in the field water become frogs, why...”"
Analysis:
Here, Jahnavi explains the core problem. Her family has consistently put off her education, first because of her age and then because they need her for work at home (minding her brothers). This is a reality for many children. Her feeling that "They don't want me" shows how sad and excluded she feels. Her list of "whys" is very important. It shows she is not just curious but has a deep, scientific curiosity about nature. She doesn't just want to go to school; she wants answers about the world, which makes her dream very powerful and relatable.
Word Meanings:
- Ettan: A Malayalam word for 'Elder Brother'.
- rustle: A soft sound made by things like leaves or paper moving against each other.
Original passage:
"“Stop!” said the River. “You make me breathless. So many whys! I can tell you where the moon goes,” the River said conspiratorially. “It goes down towards the sea. I’ve seen; it always takes the same way—over the mountains and down to the sea, like me!”
“Even little Ramu goes to school,” said Jahnavi, “pity, the school isn’t by the sea,” said the River. “Then I could take you along, you know. But, I suppose I couldn’t really. You’d get your feet wet. And that would never do! I’m afraid there’s only one thing you can do.”
“Can I do something?” asked Jahnavi. “Well, it’s up to you,” said the River. “Seems to me little girls can do as much as little boys—they swim as fast as little boys. You just slip along one morning and sit there in the school and listen to what’s going on, and maybe the teacher will let you stay.”"
Analysis:
The River is a wonderful listener and advisor. It doesn't dismiss her questions but playfully says they are too many. It shares a "secret" about the moon, acting like a friend. Its key advice is not a magical solution but a very practical one: be brave and take the first step yourself. The line "little girls can do as much as little boys" is powerful. It directly challenges the idea that might have held Jahnavi back and empowers her. The River is teaching her about self-reliance and courage.
Word Meanings:
- conspiratorially: In a way that suggests sharing a secret.
- It’s up to you: It is your decision or responsibility.
Original passage:
"“I couldn’t,” gasped Jahnavi. “I couldn’t! They’d scare me! They’d chase me out.”
The River laughed. “You? Scared?” the River said, “when you’re not afraid of the green lizard, or of the snake in the bamboo clump, (Jahnavi startled) or the big trains rattling past that bridge.” “Trains are noisy; I prefer ships,” said the River.
Jahnavi never knew the snake lived in the bamboo clump.
“What are ships?” she asked.
“Big boats,” said the River, “so big that they can take hundreds of people, and they sail along the sea with lights that shine all night.”
Jahnavi held her breath. “Will they come here?” she asked. “I’m afraid not,” said the River. “Too large, you know. Chandu’s catamaran is good enough for me. Chandu can take you to see a ship, someday.”
“They’d never let me!” wailed Jahnavi.
“Try going to school first,” said the River. “Remember—it’s up to you!”"
Analysis:
This part shows a conversation between friends. Jahnavi is immediately scared, but the River boosts her confidence by reminding her of all the brave things she already does without realizing it. The River also expands her world by telling her about ships, showing her that there is a much bigger world beyond her village to explore through learning. The River wisely links this bigger world back to her immediate goal: to achieve bigger dreams like seeing a ship, she must first achieve her current dream of going to school.
Word Meanings:
- clump: A small group of trees or plants growing together.
- rattling: Making a rapid series of short, sharp sounds.
- catamaran: A type of boat with two parallel hulls.
- wailed: Cried loudly.
Original passage:
"Jahnavi gathered courage. The next day she reached the school, panting and out of breath and stood by the door listening while the teacher read out the lesson. It was a story about a prince called Ashoka, who became a great king. Little Appu had fallen asleep on her shoulder. She crept nearer and nearer till she was in the back row, squatting with the others on the earthen floor. Little Appu made no noise and she listened.
“Where did you spring from, little girl?” asked the teacher. “And what is your name? You’re new in my class.”
“She’s Gopi’s sister, Gopi is in the next class,” said one of the boys.
“It’s Jahnavi,” said another.
“So, you’re Gopi’s little sister? Nice lad, Gopi.”
“If you really, really want to come to my school, Jahnavi,” the teacher had said, “we’ll talk to your father about it. Don’t you worry. We’ll find a way.”"
Analysis:
This is the climax where Jahnavi turns her dream into action. The phrases "gathered courage" and "crept nearer" show how nervous but determined she is. She is so interested in the lesson about Ashoka that she forgets her fear. The teacher's reaction is crucial—he is not angry but kind and inquisitive. The other children know who she is, which makes the scene feel real. The teacher's immediate promise to "find a way" shows that he supports her desire to learn and recognizes her bravery.
Word Meanings:
- panting: Breathing with short, quick breaths.
- squatting: Sitting on one's heels with the knees bent.
- sprung from: Appeared from.
Original passage:
"Jahnavi saw the teacher walking up the steps to their gate the next evening when she was lighting the lamp. She could see her father scratching his cheek the way he did when he was worried and the teacher was nodding and saying something she couldn’t make out. And Mother said, “Little Jahnavi, I shall miss you when you go to school. Girls should learn as much as they want. When I was your age, I wanted to go to school, but your grandmother said ‘No’, but now, I am glad the teacher came to talk to your father.”
And Jahnavi said, “Mother, when I grow up, I’ll be a teacher and I’ll go from house to house in our village and ask all the little girls to come to my school. And I’ll teach them all that I’m going to learn.”
And she went down the path between the fields the next morning before school began, to meet the River. “I did it!” she told the River. “I was scared, but I did it! And they’re letting me go. I’m going to learn to write my name and do sums and find out why our little fishes in the rice fields turn into frogs.” She heard the river’s sleepy chuckle, “Come again, little girl, and I’ll tell you all about the ships that sail the sea.”"
Analysis:
The story ends on a very happy and hopeful note. The teacher keeps his promise, and Jahnavi's parents agree. Her mother's confession is powerful—she also wanted an education but was denied it, showing that this is a cycle Jahnavi is breaking. The most inspiring part is Jahnavi's new dream: to become a teacher and ensure other girls don't face the same obstacles. This shows how her experience has made her empathetic and ambitious. Her final conversation with the River is like thanking a friend; the River is proud of her, and their friendship continues, now filled with hope and promises of future stories.
Word Meanings:
- make out: Understand or hear something clearly.
- chuckle: A quiet or suppressed laugh.
The Day the River Spoke" Class 7 English POORVI Questions Answers
Let us think and reflect
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. “You shouldn’t cry, you know,” the voice went on. “And you really shouldn’t be scared, when you have been coming here to see me every day, well, almost every day.” She was puzzled. It was such a voice, like the river. It couldn’t be the river! “Well, tell me all about it,” said the River, for it was the River. “I’ve got to hurry to reach the sea, you know.”
(i) Complete the sentence with the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The tone of the River in the given extract is __________________. (assuring/sympathising)
Answer: The tone of the River in the given extract is assuring.
(ii) Select a phrase from the extract which shows that Jahnavi was a frequent visitor to the spot.
Answer: The phrase is "you have been coming here to see me every day, well, almost every day."
(iii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
The use of an exclamation mark at the end of the line, ‘It couldn’t be the river!’ expresses __________________.
A. excitement B. hesitation C. irritation D. disbelief
Answer: D. disbelief
(iv) Choose three qualities of the River highlighted in the extract from the words in the box given below.
affectionate forgiving thoughtful impatient kind-hearted
Answer: affectionate, thoughtful, kind-hearted
2. “Can I do something?” asked Jahnavi. “Well, it’s up to you,” said the River. “Seems to me little girls can do as much as little boys—they swim as fast as little boys. You just slip along one morning and sit there in the school and listen to what’s going on, and maybe the teacher will let you stay.”
“I couldn’t,” gasped Jahnavi. “I couldn’t! They’d scare me! They’d chase me out.”
(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
According to the River, there was no difference between girls and boys because __________________.
Answer: According to the River, there was no difference between girls and boys because they swim as fast as little boys.
(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
The River encourages Jahnavi to have faith in herself and fulfill her desire to go to school.
Answer: True
(iii) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
When the River suggests that Jahnavi should ‘slip along’, it means that she should move __________________.
A. quickly
B. casually
C. quietly
D. confidently
Answer: C. quietly
(iv) What does the repetition of the phrase I couldn’t, tell us?
Answer: The repetition of the phrase "I couldn't" tells us that Jahnavi is extremely scared, lacks confidence, and feels certain that she cannot do what the River suggests. It emphasizes her fear and hesitation.
II Answer the following questions.
1. Why does the writer describe different aspects of nature in great detail at the beginning of the story? Why do you think the writer does this?
Answer: The writer describes different aspects of nature in great detail to create a vivid and peaceful setting. This contrast makes Jahnavi's sadness stand out more. It also establishes a strong connection between Jahnavi and her natural surroundings, which makes the River speaking to her seem more believable and magical.
2. How did the River know so much about Jahnavi?
Answer: The River knew so much about Jahnavi because she visited the riverbank "almost every day." The River had observed her daily routines, her habits, and her fearless nature over a long period of time.
3. Jahnavi says, “And I’m so old now, they’ll never let me go.” What can you infer about Jahnavi and the school from this line?
Answer: From this line, we can infer that Jahnavi feels she has missed her chance and is too old to start school now. It also suggests that in her community, children typically start school at a much younger age.
4. Why did the River laugh when Jahnavi said she would be scared at school?
Answer: The River laughed because it found it ironic that Jahnavi, who was not afraid of things like lizards, snakes, or noisy trains, was scared of going to school. The River was pointing out that she was already braver than she thought.
5. Why should Jahnavi follow the River’s advice?
Answer: Jahnavi should follow the River’s advice because it is practical and empowering. The River does not offer a magical solution but encourages her to take action herself. The advice is based on the River's belief in her capabilities.
6. How does the conversation between Jahnavi and the River make the story more appealing?
Answer: The conversation between Jahnavi and the River makes the story more appealing by adding a layer of magic and fantasy. It personifies nature as a wise and caring friend, which is captivating. This dialogue also reveals Jahnavi's inner thoughts and fears in a more engaging way than simple narration.
7. What is the main message that the writer intends to convey?
Answer: The main message the writer intends to convey is that everyone, regardless of gender, has the right to education. It also emphasizes that courage and self-belief are important to overcome obstacles and achieve one's dreams. Furthermore, it suggests that sometimes help and encouragement can come from the most unexpected places.
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