The Book That Saved the Earth
The Book That Saved the Earth.”
Read and Find Out (Page 1)
1. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?
Ans. The twentieth century was called the ‘Era of the Book’ because “in those days, there were books about everything, from anteaters to Zulus”. Books “taught people how to, and when to, and where to, and why to”. They also “illustrated, educated, punctuated, and even decorated”.
2. Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
Ans. The Martians tried to invade Earth. The Historian mentions the “Martian invasion of 2040”.
Read and Find Out (Page 3)
3. What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on earth?
Ans. Think-Tank makes several incorrect guesses about the books:
* First, he guesses the library is a “crude refreshment stand” and that the books are “sandwiches”.
* After Sergeant Oop attempts to eat one, Noodle suggests they are “communication device[s]”. Think-Tank steals this idea and calls them “communication sandwiches”.
* He first orders the crew to “listen to them” for “ear communication”.
* When that fails, Noodle suggests Earthlings “opened them and watched them”. Think-Tank then declares they are for “eye communication”.
Think about it (Page 12)
1. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
Noodle manages this by being very diplomatic and careful with his wording.
* He never directly states Think-Tank is wrong.
* He presents his correct suggestions as “an insignificant bit of data” or “a cloudy piece of information” that just “floated into” or is “twirling around” in his head.
* He uses flattering titles like “O Great and Mighty Think-Tank”, “your Brilliance”, and “your Cleverness” to soften his corrections.
* This allows the arrogant Think-Tank to take Noodle’s ideas and claim them as his own, as he does when he exclaims, “Stop! A thought of magnificent brilliance has come to me” right after Noodle mentions the vitamins.
2. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?
(This is a personal opinion question)
Ans. If I were in Noodle’s place, I would likely handle Think-Tank’s mistakes in a similar way. The best approach for dealing with an arrogant and powerful leader like Think-Tank is to guide him to the right answer without making him feel foolish. I would use phrases like, “Forgive my question, your Intelligence, but could it also be possible that…” or “I seem to recall a very minor detail that might support your Brilliance’s next point…” This way, he can maintain his ego while I can ensure the correct action is taken.
3. Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
(This is a discussion question)
Ans. It’s true that electronic media like e-books, audiobooks, and websites are replacing physical books for many purposes, such as quick research and portable entertainment. However, I don’t think we can do away with books altogether. Physical books offer a different, distraction-free reading experience that many people prefer. They are also a durable form of knowledge that doesn’t rely on power or specific devices to be read, which is important for long-term preservation. Both formats will likely coexist, each serving different needs.
4. Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.
(This is a personal opinion question)
Ans. Books are often called a man’s best companion because they are always available, patient, and full of new ideas, stories, and knowledge. They can transport you to different worlds, teach you new skills, and offer comfort or escape without asking for anything in return. A book is a loyal friend that waits for you to return.
(The second part of this question requires a personal answer about your favorite book.)
Talk about it (Page 12)
1. In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians? Can you think of any incidents where you misinterpreted a word or an action? How did you resolve the misunderstanding?
Ans. Think-Tank grossly misinterprets the nursery rhymes as military threats:
* “Mistress Mary, quite contrary…”: He believes Earthlings are “combin[ing] agriculture and mining” to grow “rare metals such as silver” and “high explosives” (“cockle shells”).
* “Hey diddle diddle…”: He thinks Earthlings have “reached a high level of civilisation,” teaching their “domesticated animals musical culture and space techniques”. He fears they are “launching an interplanetary attack of millions of cows!”.
* “Humpty Dumpty…”: He sees the picture of Humpty Dumpty and, in his vanity, believes it is a picture of his own “Great and Mighty Balloon Brain”. He interprets “had a great fall” as a direct threat that Earthlings plan to “capture Mars Central Control and me!”.
(The second part of this question requires a personal anecdote about a misunderstanding.)
2. The aliens in this play speak English. Do you think this is their language? What could be the language of the aliens?
(This is a discussion question)
Ans. No, it is highly unlikely that their language is English. The play is written in English so that the audience can understand the characters. This is a common dramatic convention. The aliens’ real language could be anything; it might be a series of electronic beeps (like those heard from the switchboard), a language based on different sounds, or even a non-verbal language.
Grammar (from the Glossary, Page 11)
Glossary with definitions for vocabulary words used in the play:
* easel: wooden frame to support a blackboard or a picture
* Zulus: an African ethnic group belonging to South Africa
* apprentice: learner of a trade who has agreed to work for a certain period of time in return for being taught
* peevishly: irritably
* riffling: quickly turning over the pages of a book
* barn: covered building for storing hay
* haberdashery: shop which sells clothing, small articles of dress, pins, cotton, etc.
* squiggles: scrawls; illegible writing or markings
* decipher: find the meaning of something which is puzzling or difficult to understand
* transcribe: write in full form from short-hand
* levity: tendency to treat serious matters without respect; lack of seriousness