The Lost Child

Summary of "The Lost Child"

1. Introduction to the Story

   • "The Lost Child" is a short story written by Mulk Raj Anand.

   • It explores the innocence of childhood, the bond between parents and children, and how a child’s desires change when he is separated from his parents.

2. The Setting and the Fair

   • The story takes place during a spring festival, where people are heading towards a fair.

   • A young boy is excited and eager to see everything around him.

   • He is fascinated by the toys, balloons, sweets, and other attractions at the fair.

3. The Child’s Desires

   • As they walk through the fair, the child asks for a toy from a shop, but his parents divert his attention instead of buying it.

   • He sees a sweet shop selling gulab jamun, rasgulla, and burfi, and he wants them, but he does not insist because he knows his parents won’t buy them.

   • He then sees a garland of flowers and colorful balloons, but again, he does not ask because he fears his parents will refuse.

   • He also sees a snake-charmer playing music, but he does not ask to stop because his parents don’t like such things.

4. The Moment of Separation

   • The child is attracted to a roundabout ride and finally gathers the courage to ask his parents for a ride.

   • As he turns around, he realizes that his parents are nowhere to be seen.

   • He panics and starts crying for his parents.

5. The Child’s Change in Priorities

   • A kind stranger notices the lost child and tries to comfort him.

   • The man offers him the same toys, sweets, balloons, and rides that he wanted earlier.

   • However, the child refuses everything and keeps crying for his parents.

   • This shows that a child’s greatest desire is not material things but the love and security of parents.

6. The Theme of the Story

   • The story highlights the innocence of childhood and how children feel safe only with their parents.

   • It also shows how materialistic attractions lose meaning when a child is separated from his loved ones.

   • The story conveys an important message that parents are the most precious part of a child’s life.

7. Conclusion

   • "The Lost Child" beautifully captures a child’s emotions, desires, and fears.

   • It teaches us the importance of family, love, and emotional security over materialistic things.

NCERT Questions and Answers

1. What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?

The child sees toys, flowering fields, butterflies, dragonflies, and little insects on the ground. He lags behind because he is curious and excited. Everything around him catches his attention, so he stops often to look and explore, forgetting to follow his parents.

2. In the fair he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?

He wants a toy, burfi, a garland, balloons, and a ride on the roundabout. But he knows his parents will say no. They often ignore his requests or say he’s too old or greedy. So, he doesn’t wait for their reply and keeps moving quietly.

3. When does he realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?

He realises he’s lost when he turns to ask for a ride and sees his parents are missing. He panics, cries loudly, runs around searching for them, and becomes frightened and helpless. His fear is shown through his tears, screams, and confused running.

4. Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier?

After losing his parents, nothing else matters to him. Toys, sweets, balloons, and music no longer bring joy. He only wants his parents. His fear and sadness are so strong that all his earlier desires become unimportant and meaningless to him.

5. What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents?

The story doesn’t tell us clearly, but we can imagine that the kind man who tries to comfort the child helps him find his parents. Since the parents were in the same fair, it's likely they were also searching and finally found him.

Extra Question Answers

3-Mark Questions (30–40 words each)

1. Why do you think the child does not press his parents for things he wants at the fair?

The child knows from past experiences that his parents won’t buy him the things he asks for. They may scold him or call him greedy. So, he silently moves on without insisting.

2. How does the mustard field add to the mood of the story in the beginning?

The mustard field, with its golden color and playful dragonflies, creates a joyful and peaceful setting. It shows the child’s happiness and innocence before the tension of getting lost begins.

3. What shows that the child was deeply attached to his parents?

After getting lost, the child forgets all his wishes and pleasures. He cries only for his mother and father, proving that their presence meant more than anything else to him.

4. How does the author show the child’s excitement as he approaches the fair?

The child’s eyes sparkle with joy. He is drawn to every little thing — toys, sweets, balloons — showing his curiosity and wonder. His excitement reflects the innocence of childhood.

5. Why did the child ignore the kind man’s offers in the end?

The child was no longer interested in any fun. His mind was filled with fear and sadness. He only wanted to be with his parents again, which shows emotional depth.

6-Mark Questions (100–120 words each)

6. Describe the emotional journey of the child in the story “The Lost Child.”

At the beginning of the story, the child is full of happiness and excitement. He is amazed by everything around him — toys, sweets, flowers, and the fair. However, this joy quickly turns into fear when he realizes he has lost his parents. His cheerful mood becomes filled with anxiety and sadness. He runs around in panic, crying for his mother and father. Even when a kind stranger offers him everything he once wanted, the child refuses. This emotional shift from joy to fear shows how important parents are in a child’s life and how all material things lose value in their absence.

7. What role does the stranger play in the story? How does he reflect human kindness?

The stranger in the story appears at a moment of crisis. When the child gets lost and starts crying, a kind man from the crowd picks him up gently. He tries to comfort the child by offering him sweets, a ride, balloons, and flowers. Although the child refuses everything, the man does not give up. He keeps trying to calm him down and reunite him with his parents. This character shows that humanity still exists, and strangers can show great kindness. His calm behavior and gentle care show how one kind act can help someone in distress.

8. How does the story highlight the contrast between a child’s desires and emotional needs?

In the beginning, the child is driven by his desires. He wants toys, sweets, balloons, and to enjoy the fair. These material things seem very important to him. But as soon as he gets separated from his parents, all those desires vanish. He no longer wants sweets or rides. All he cries for is his mother and father. This contrast shows that while children may ask for many things, what they truly need is emotional security, love, and the presence of their family. The story teaches us that emotional needs are far deeper and stronger than material wants.