Lost Spring : Questions and answers

(Book : Flamingo, Class: 12, Sub: English)

Q1. Why is the chapter named “Lost Spring”?

Ans:

The title “Lost Spring” means the lost childhood of poor children. “Spring” stands for happiness, freshness and childhood. The chapter shows that poverty forces children to work instead of studying and playing, so their childhood is destroyed.

Q2. Who is Saheb-e-Alam? Describe his life.

Ans:

Saheb is a young poor boy living in a slum. His family migrated from Bangladesh for a better life. He survives by collecting waste materials from garbage to earn money. He wants to go to school but cannot because of poverty. Later, he works at a tea stall, which gives him money but takes away his freedom and happiness.

Q3. What does garbage mean for Saheb and his family?

Ans:

For Saheb, garbage is a source of income because he finds useful items to sell. For his family and other poor people, garbage is equal to gold because it helps them survive. But for rich people, garbage is just waste and dirt.

Q4. What is Mukesh’s dream? Can he achieve it easily?

Ans:

Mukesh dreams of becoming a motor mechanic, unlike other children who work in bangle factories. However, achieving this dream is not easy because poverty, lack of education, social pressure and limited opportunities make the path difficult.

Q5. Describe the working conditions of children in Firozabad’s bangle industry.

Ans:

Children work in extremely hot glass-melting furnaces, in dark, small rooms with toxic smoke. These conditions damage their eyesight and lungs. They are paid very little and are forced into child labour at an early age. They lose both health and education.

Q6. Why don’t bangle-maker families try to change their situation?

Ans:

Many families accept this work as their destiny due to deep-rooted traditions and poverty. They are controlled by middlemen and do not have proper education or financial support. Fear and unawareness also stop them from raising their voice.

Q7. What is the contrast between Saheb and Mukesh?

Ans:

Saheb gives up school and works to earn money but loses his freedom.

Mukesh works too, but still dares to dream of a different life.

Saheb represents lost freedom, while Mukesh represents hope and the wish to change his future.

Q8. What social issues are highlighted in “Lost Spring”?

Ans:

The chapter highlights:

• Poverty
• Child labour
• Lack of education
• Exploitation by middlemen
• Unsafe working conditions
• Social inequality
• Loss of childhood dreams

Q9. What message does the writer want to give to society?

Ans:

The writer wants society and authorities to understand the pain of poor children. She calls for action against child labour and exploitation. She believes that every child deserves education, freedom and a happy childhood.

Q10. How was Saheb’s happiness affected after getting the tea shop job?

Ans:

Although Saheb earns money at the tea stall, he is no longer free. He works under someone’s control. The smile and carefree nature he once had while collecting garbage slowly disappear. This shows that money without freedom cannot give true happiness.

Also read : LOST SPRING SUMMARY IN HINDI AND ENGLISH