Two Stories About Flying MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding “Two Stories About Flying”

“Two Stories About Flying” from the Class 10 English textbook ‘First Flight’ comprises two compelling narratives: “His First Flight” by Liam O’Flaherty and “The Black Aeroplane” by Frederick Forsyth. Both stories explore themes of overcoming fear, courage, determination, and the mysterious forces that guide us in times of crisis, presented through powerful experience narratives.

“His First Flight”: Conquering Fear and Embracing Courage

This story chronicles the journey of a young seagull who is terrified of flying, despite his siblings and parents having already mastered it. His fear of falling and the vastness of the sea below paralyzes him. The narrative effectively portrays his internal conflict and the psychological battle against his own inhibitions. His family’s persistence, especially his mother’s clever strategy involving food, ultimately pushes him to take the leap. This experience narrative is a powerful allegory for facing one’s fears and the importance of self-belief and external motivation in achieving personal growth.

• Theme: Overcoming fear, courage, self-reliance, parental encouragement, the journey of growing up.
• Experience Narrative: Focuses on the internal struggle and the physical act of learning to fly, making the reader empathize with the young seagull’s anxiety and eventual triumph.
• Inference-based Q&A: Questions often require inferring the seagull’s emotions, the family’s intentions, or the significance of his first flight beyond the literal act.

“The Black Aeroplane”: Mystery, Trust, and Providence

Frederick Forsyth’s “The Black Aeroplane” is a gripping tale of a pilot flying his old Dakota aeroplane from Paris to London. He encounters a terrifying storm, losing radio contact and sight. Just as he loses hope, a mysterious black aeroplane appears, guiding him out of the storm to safety. The story is a classic example of an experience narrative focusing on survival and the inexplicable. The pilot’s trust in the unknown guide and the subsequent disappearance of the black aeroplane leave him, and the reader, wondering about the nature of the help he received.

• Theme: Mystery, courage in adversity, trust in the unknown, the presence of inexplicable help (providence/divine intervention), human vulnerability.
• Experience Narrative: Emphasizes the pilot’s terrifying ordeal in the storm, his relief, and the lingering mystery, creating suspense and a sense of wonder.
• Inference-based Q&A: Often involves inferring the pilot’s psychological state, the symbolism of the black aeroplane, or the open-ended nature of its identity.

Connecting the Two Stories: Shared Learning

Both stories, though different in context, share a core message about confronting challenging situations. They highlight that growth and survival often come from stepping out of one’s comfort zone or trusting in guidance when faced with insurmountable obstacles. They teach us the value of courage and the complex layers of an experience, whether it’s the thrill of a first achievement or the enigma of a rescue.

Quick Revision Points:

• “His First Flight” is about a young seagull’s psychological and physical struggle to fly.
• Parental nudging and the lure of food push the seagull to take his first flight.
• “The Black Aeroplane” features a pilot lost in a storm, guided by a mysterious black plane.
• The pilot safely lands but finds no evidence of the black aeroplane or its pilot.
• Both stories emphasize overcoming fear and facing challenges.
• “His First Flight” is a clear narrative of personal triumph.
• “The Black Aeroplane” introduces an element of supernatural or unexplained aid.

Practice Questions:

1. What was the main reason the young seagull was afraid to fly?
2. How did the mother seagull finally motivate her son to fly?
3. What kind of weather did the pilot of the Dakota encounter on his way to London?
4. What was the most mysterious aspect of the black aeroplane?
5. Both stories suggest that facing challenges is crucial for what?