THE TIGER IN THE TUNNEL
Ruskin Bond
Summary
A Tiger in the Tunnel by Ruskin Bond is a short story that focuses on courage, responsibility, and the bond between a father and his son. The main character of the story is Baldeo, a night watchman who guards a railway tunnel in a dense forest. Baldeo's job is to make sure that the tunnel is safe and to signal the passing train if there is any danger.
Baldeo lives with his wife and two children, including his son, Tembu. The family lives a simple and difficult life, relying on Baldeo's small earnings. Despite the dangers of the jungle, Baldeo takes pride in his work and carries a sharp axe for protection. One night, when Baldeo goes to his post at the tunnel, Tembu stays back in their hut, waiting for his father's return.
While checking the tunnel, Baldeo hears a train approaching and prepares to perform his duty. Suddenly, a tiger appears, blocking Baldeo's path. Though scared, Baldeo faces the tiger bravely, using his axe to defend himself. He strikes the tiger, but the animal is strong and attacks him. Unfortunately, Baldeo loses his life in the fight, but his courage leaves a mark. The wounded tiger is later killed by the train as it enters the tunnel.
The next morning, Tembu learns about his father's death. Though heartbroken, he decides to take over his father's job, showing the same courage and responsibility. The story highlights Baldeo's bravery and dedication to his duty. It also shows Tembu's strength in handling the loss of his father and continuing his legacy.
A Tiger in the Tunnel teaches us about the power of courage and responsibility. It shows that even in the face of danger, one can act with bravery and strength. Ruskin Bond's story is a tribute to those who face challenges bravely and fulfill their responsibilities, no matter how difficult they may be.
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I. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two:
1. Who is the main character in A Tiger in the Tunnel?
Ans: The main character in A Tiger in the Tunnel is Baldeo, a watchman who guards a railway tunnel at night.
2. What is Baldeo’s job in the story?
Ans: Baldeo works as a watchman to ensure that the railway tunnel is clear for passing trains. He is responsible for signaling the train and keeping the tunnel safe.
3. Where is the setting of A Tiger in the Tunnel?
Ans: The story is set near a railway tunnel surrounded by a dense forest. The area is isolated and known to have wild animals like tigers.
4. What is the main danger that Baldeo faces in the story?
Ans: The main danger Baldeo faces is a fierce tiger that roams near the tunnel, posing a threat to his life.
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5. Why does Baldeo stay in the tunnel despite the threat of the tiger?
Ans: Baldeo stays in the tunnel because it is his duty to ensure the safety of the railway line. He takes his responsibility seriously, even though it is dangerous.
6. What happens to Baldeo at the end of the story?
Ans: At the end of the story, Baldeo bravely faces the tiger but is killed in the fight. However, he manages to wound the tiger with his axe before dying.
7. What role does the tiger play in the story?
Ans: The tiger symbolizes the harsh, dangerous environment that Baldeo faces. It also serves as a test of Baldeo's courage and responsibility.
8. What does Baldeo use to defend himself against the tiger?
Ans: Baldeo uses his sturdy axe, a family heirloom, to defend himself against the tiger.
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9. Which of the following best describes Baldeo’s character?
Ans: Baldeo is brave, responsible, and committed to his duty. He faces danger fearlessly to fulfill his responsibilities.
10. What lesson can be learned from A Tiger in the Tunnel?
Ans: The story teaches us about bravery, responsibility, and dedication. It shows that courage does not always mean victory, but it reflects one's strength and character.
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II. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1. Discuss the theme of bravery in A tiger in the tunnel. How does Baldeo’s courage in the face of danger reflect the broader human struggle between fear and duty?
Ans:he theme of bravery is central to A Tiger in the Tunnel by Ruskin Bond. The story shows how courage can help a person face difficult and dangerous situations. Baldeo, the main character, works as a watchman near a railway tunnel. His job is risky because the area is surrounded by a dense forest filled with wild animals, including a fierce tiger.
Baldeo’s bravery is shown when he faces the tiger alone. Despite knowing the danger, he does not run away or hide. Instead, he stands firm to protect the tunnel and fulfill his duty. He uses his axe, a symbol of strength and tradition, to defend himself. Even when faced with the powerful and deadly tiger, Baldeo does not give up easily. His courage in fighting the tiger, even though it costs him his life, shows his strong sense of duty.
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Baldeo’s courage reflects the broader human struggle between fear and duty. Many times in life, people face situations where they are afraid, but their sense of responsibility pushes them to act bravely. Baldeo knew the risks of his job, but he also understood the importance of his role in protecting the railway line. His courage does not come from a lack of fear but from his strong dedication to his work.
The story teaches us that bravery is not the absence of fear but the strength to face fear for a greater purpose. Baldeo’s sacrifice also inspires his son, Tembu, to take on his father’s role, showing that courage can inspire others to be strong. Through Baldeo’s character, the story reminds us that real bravery is standing up to fear and doing what is right, even when the outcome is uncertain.
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2. Examine the character of Baldeo in detail. How does his role as a night watchman shape his actions throughout the story, and what does his ultimate sacrifice reveal about his character?
Ans:Baldeo is the main character in A Tiger in the Tunnel by Ruskin Bond. He works as a night watchman near a railway tunnel, and his job is to ensure that the tunnel is safe for passing trains. This role is difficult and risky because the tunnel is surrounded by a dense forest full of wild animals, including a dangerous tiger.
As a watchman, Baldeo is responsible and committed. He understands the importance of his duty, even though it means facing danger alone. His sense of responsibility shapes his actions throughout the story. He does not let fear stop him from doing his job. When he hears the train approaching, he checks the signal lamp to make sure everything is clear, showing that he takes his duty seriously.
Baldeo is also a loving and caring father. He works hard to support his family, and his job is a way to provide for them. Despite the danger, he faces his duties bravely because he knows his family depends on him.
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His ultimate sacrifice — fighting the tiger even when he knows the risk — reveals his courage and dedication. Baldeo does not run away from the tiger; instead, he fights with his axe, a symbol of his strength and tradition. Although he loses his life, his brave act shows that he values his duty and family more than his own safety. His sacrifice also inspires his son, Tembu, to take on his role and be strong.
Baldeo's character teaches us that true bravery is not the absence of fear, but the strength to face danger for a greater purpose. His dedication, courage, and sense of responsibility make him a memorable and admirable character in the story.
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3.Ruskin Bond creates an atmosphere of suspense and tension. How does the author in setting, imagery, and pacing to build this sense of danger throughout the story?
Ans:Ruskin Bond uses setting, imagery, and pacing to create suspense and tension in A Tiger in the Tunnel. The story takes place near a railway tunnel in a dense, dark forest. This isolated and wild setting makes the story feel dangerous from the beginning. The forest is home to wild animals, especially a fierce tiger, adding to the feeling of fear. The description of the silent, empty forest at night, combined with the lonely sound of the wind, makes the atmosphere tense and uneasy.
Imagery plays an important role in building suspense. Ruskin Bond uses detailed descriptions to help readers imagine the dark and mysterious forest. The "silent jungle," the "rustling of leaves," and the "dark, shadowy tunnel" all create a sense of fear and uncertainty. The description of the tiger as a "terrible beast" with "burning eyes" adds to the tension, making the danger feel real and immediate. The sounds, like the crack of a twig or the growl of the tiger, make readers feel the danger that Baldeo faces.
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Pacing is also used to increase suspense. The story moves slowly at first, describing Baldeo’s routine, his thoughts, and his care for his family. However, when the tiger appears, the pacing becomes faster, matching the speed of the intense, life-threatening moment. The quick, sharp actions of Baldeo fighting the tiger and the sudden end of the fight leave readers in shock. This shift in pace mirrors the sudden danger Baldeo faces, making the reader feel the urgency of the moment.
Together, the setting, imagery, and pacing create a strong sense of suspense and danger in the story. Ruskin Bond skillfully builds tension, making the reader feel the fear and risk that Baldeo faces as he bravely defends himself against the tiger.
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ASSIGNMENT TOPICS
1. Imagine you are Baldeo. Write a diary entry from his perspective the night before his encounter with the tiger. Reflect on his feelings of fear, responsibility, and courage and describe his thoughts as he prepares for his night watch in the tunnel.
Ans:Diary Entry
Date: 25th March, 2025
The night before my watch
Dear Diary,
Tonight, as I sit by the small fire outside our hut, I think about my duty as a watchman near the railway tunnel. It is a lonely and risky job, but it is what I must do to support my family. The forest is dark and silent, and I know that wild animals roam nearby. The thought of the tiger that lives in the jungle sometimes frightens me. I have heard stories of its strength, and I know it is not an easy creature to face. Still, I cannot let fear control me.
Tembu is growing up, and he depends on me. I want to set a good example for him — to show him that a man must face his duties with courage, even when it is hard. My axe is strong and sharp, a gift from my father. It has protected me before, and I trust it will protect me again. When I hold it, I feel a little more confident, knowing that I have something to defend myself if needed.
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Tomorrow night, I will go back to the tunnel. I will check the signal lamp, listen for the train, and make sure everything is safe. It is my responsibility, and I take it seriously. There is always a risk, but it is a part of my work. I hope the night will pass quietly, without danger. Yet, I am prepared for whatever may come.
I pray for strength and courage to face the night. I do this not just for myself, but for my family, for Tembu, and for the duty I must fulfill. Whatever happens, I want to face it with courage.
Good night.
Baldeo
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2. Illustrate the key events of the story in the form of a comic strip. Focus on the climatic moment when Baldeo faces the tiger. Use visuals and dialogue to capture the suspense, emotion, and tension of the scene.
Ans:Comic Strip Plan – A Tiger in the Tunnel
Panel 1: Night at the Tunnel
Visual: A dark forest with the railway tunnel in the background. Baldeo, holding his axe, walks towards the tunnel. The full moon casts shadows.
Dialogue (Baldeo thinking):“Another long night... I must check the signal lamp before the train arrives.”
Panel 2: A Sound in the Darkness
Visual: Baldeo standing near the tunnel, looking around as he hears rustling in the bushes. The forest is silent except for the faint sound of leaves moving.
Sound Effect:Rustle... Crack!
Dialogue (Baldeo thinking):“What was that? An animal? Or... the tiger?”
Panel 3: The Tiger Appears
Visual: A fierce tiger with glowing eyes steps out from the bushes, growling. Baldeo grips his axe tightly, sweat on his face.
Sound Effect:Grrrr...
Dialogue (Baldeo):“I cannot run. I must fight!”
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Panel 4: The Battle Begins
Visual: The tiger leaps at Baldeo. Baldeo swings his axe at the beast’s shoulder.
Sound Effect:SWOOSH! THUD!
Dialogue (Baldeo):“Take this, beast!”
Panel 5: The Final Blow
Visual: The wounded tiger roars in pain but strikes Baldeo with its massive paw. Baldeo falls to the ground, his axe slipping from his hands.
Sound Effect:ROAAARR!
Dialogue (Baldeo’s last thoughts):“I have done my duty... the train must pass safely.”
Panel 6: The Aftermath
Visual: The next morning, Tembu finds his father’s body. The tiger, badly wounded, lies dead nearby.
Dialogue (Tembu thinking):“Father was brave... I will take his place.”
This comic strip plan captures the suspense, bravery, and sacrifice of Baldeo’s final battle. You can illustrate it with bold colors, sharp contrasts for the night setting, and intense expressions on Baldeo and the tiger’s faces. Let me know if you need help with more details!
Comprehension
Questions
I.
Answer the following questions in a sentence
or two
1) Who
is Tembu?
Ans: Tembu was
a 12 year old tribal boy and Baldeo’s son who lived in a tribal village with
his mother and little sister on the outskirts of the forest.
2)
Who is Baldeo?
Ans: Baldeo was
a watchman. His duty was to signal the trains, entering the tunnel through the
cutting, whether the passage was clear or not.
3) How
old is Tembu?
Ans: Tembu was a 12 year old tribal boy.
4) Who
all live with Baldeo’s family?
Ans: Baldeo’s wife and two children (a son and a
daughter) live in his family.
5) How
far is the section from Baldeo’s tribal village?
Ans: Baldeo’s tribal village is three miles far from section.
6) Where
did Baldeo spend the night?
Ans: Baldeo
spent the night in a hut in the
middle of a jungle.
7) What
was Baldeo responsible for?
Ans: He was responsible for signaling the trains whether or not the
tunnel was clear of obstruction, and his hand-worked signal stood before the
entrance.
8) Where
did Baldeo’s family live?
Ans: Baldeo's
family lived in a small tribal
village on the outskirts of the forest, about three miles from the station.
9) Why
did Baldeo have to take up the job of a Khalasi?
Ans: The family's small rice fields did not provide them with more
than a bare living, so Baldeo had
to take up the job of Khalasi at
the small station in the jungle. Name four wild animals which were to be found in the forest.
10)
Name the four wild animals which were to be
found in the forest.
Ans: The four wild animals one could
encounter in the jungle were man-eating tigers, panthers, boars and barking
deer.
11)
What weapon did Baledo carry?
Ans: Baldeo
carried with him a steel axe to
protect himself from the wild animals lurking around in the dark near the
tunnel.
12)
How did Tembu know that the train was coming?
Ans: Tembu got to know that the train was coming by the trembling sound of the
earth he has heard.
13)
What made Baldeo’s job as a signal-man
dangerous?
Ans: Baldeo had to be constantly wary of the threat of dangerous wild animals like man eaters and panthers.
14)
What was Baldeo more worried about: his own
safety or his son’s?
Ans: When Baldeo heard a thump and the
rattle of small stones, he knew the tiger had sprung into the cutting. Baldeo
listened carefully, wondering whether the beast was heading towards the tunnel
or going in the opposite direction, to the hut. His first thought was for the
safety of Tembu, because his son lay unprotected in the hut.
15)
Why did Baldeo decide to fight the tiger?
Ans: Baldeo listened carefully, wondering
whether the beast was heading towards the tunnel or going in the opposite
direction, to the hut. His first thought was for the safety of Tembu, because
his son lay unprotected in the hut. So, he decided to fight the tiger.
16)
How did Baldeo die?
Ans: Although Baldeo injured the tiger, the
beast sprang on him, tearing down his broken body. Baldeo was killed by the tiger's attack.
17)
Why did the tiger enter the tunnel?
Ans: The tiger was in agony because of its wounded leg and did not notice the faint rumble
in the earth, caused by the moving train. Since there was no escape through the
cutting, the tiger entered the
tunnel, running as fast as his wounded leg would carry him.
18)
What happened to the tiger?
Ans: The train passed through the tunnel
and the tiger was cut into half by the engine. A major portion of the beast’s
body got stuck in the train’s cow catcher.
19)
Why was there excitement at the station?
Ans: When the engine slowed down at the
next station, the driver decided to examine the head-lamps. His discovery of
the dead tiger’s body lying above the cow catcher created considerable
excitement at the station.
20)
What was happening at the cutting?
Ans: While there was an air of excitement
at the next station, back at the cutting there was no sound except for the sobs
of the boy sitting beside the body of his father.
21)
Why did Tembu sit by his father’s body?
Ans: Tembu sat there for a long time,
unafraid of the darkness, guarding his father’s body from jackals and hyenas
until the relief-watchman arrived at the first light of dawn.
22)
Why did Tembu take up his father’s job soon
after his death?
Ans: His father’s death plunged Tembu,
his sister and mother in grief for two whole days. Tembu took up his father’s
job soon after his death because life had to go on and he was now the only
earning member of the family. The responsibility of providing for the family
now fell on Tembu.
23)
Who takes over the charge of watchman after
the death of Baldeo?
Ans: Tembu takes over the charge of watchman after the death of Baldeo.
24)
What is the duty of Baldeo?
Ans: Baldeo was responsible for
signaling whether or not the tunnel was clear of obstruction, and his manual
signal stood before the entrance. At night it was his duty to see that the lamp was
burning, and that the overland mail passed through safely.
II.
Answer the following questions.
1) Write
a critical appreciation of the story, “Tiger in the Tunnel”.
Ans: 'The Tiger in the
Tunnel' is a simple, yet touching story by Ruskin Bond. It depicts the courage
and the trials and tribulations of ordinary men like Baldeo who run risks and
face the dangers of jungle beasts which prowl at night. He lays down his life
in the line of duty so that the train, the night mail, may travel safely with
all its passengers. The author has very deftly depicted the eeriness of the
jungle at night, with the wild animals lurking in the darkness. The cold night,
the stillness, the cutting before the tunnel with its overhanging sheer rocks
and the denseness of the jungle, all of these build up an atmosphere suited to
the story of Baldeo’s courage, his fight with the tiger, and his death. The
story also brings out with a few clever strokes the fears of the boy Tembu, his
concern for his father, and then his quick adjustment to being the bread–winner
of his poor tribal family after the death of his father. The final touching
scene of the story shows Tembu taking up his late father’s duty as a night
watchman, holding the sharp axe with which his father had fought his last
losing battle with the tiger. He is no longer afraid, yet ready to face any new
danger that might confront him. The axe in his hand becomes a symbol – a symbol
of commitment to duty and a symbol of man’s lasting war against the forces of
nature.
2) Give
an account of Baldeo’s encounter with man-eater tiger.
Ans: This is a
tale about a man Baldeo and his child Tembu. They had a place with a modest
foundation. Baldeo took up a task at a station as a night-guard and his
obligation was to guarantee that the oil-lamp at the tunnel in front of the
station was constantly lit to help the train drivers. This station was situated
in a backwoods which was supposed to be an abode of a tiger which was a
'man-eater'. However, Baldeo was a fearless man and had confidence in his
capacity and his familial axe to manage such circumstances.
One night, when Baldeo leaves his hut to check
the oil-lamp, he discovers the 'man-eater' there at the tunnel. Maybe than
fleeing, he chooses to battle this monster. At the point when the tiger
assaults Baldeo, he jumps to his side and wounds the tiger's shoulder with his
axe, which makes it more savage. The tiger again rushes at Baldeo and he reacts
in a similar way, yet this time the axe stalls out in the tiger's shoulder bone
and leaves Baldeo weaponless. The tiger assaults him this time and destroys him
with his paws. However, this whole cycle leaves the tiger in profound agony and
it stays there licking its own injuries and doesn't understand a moving toward
train. The train runs over the tiger cutting it into equal parts. Accordingly,
Baldeo's mental fortitude ultimately slaughters the 'man-eater', however, at
the expense of his own life.
3) Sketch
the character of Baldeo.
Ans: Baldeo was a tribal who had found a new line of work in the forest. His work was exceptionally simple. He was a daring man and performed his responsibility truly. He was brave as he had the destructive axe of his dad which he conveyed any place he went. He was a decent dad and allowed Tembu to rest in the cabin as he probably was aware the threat prowling in the timberland and because of the wild creatures. He was answerable for flagging whether the passage was clear of check, around evening time it was his obligation to see that the light was consuming, and that the overland mail went through securely. He is an amazingly bold and venturesome individual. He battles fearlessly, injuring the tiger with his axe twice. In any case, he was somewhat disastrous. The tiger in the end tears his body and stops the existence of poor however bold Baldeo.
4) Describe
the courage, honour and duty consciousness of Baldeo.
Ans: Baldeo exhibits
the courage to keep on taking care of his work even with overpowering
conditions. One manner by which Baldeo shows mental fortitude is in his
tirelessness in taking care of his work. Baldeo works late hours at a station
that is a station He buckles down for a task that doesn't convey much in the
method of notoriety and little remuneration. This can be seen when he needs to
get up in the center of the night to do his obligation. The tiger approaches
Baldeo unquestionably on the grounds that he can see obviously in obscurity.
Furthermore, the tiger can stand to be sure: it is a quick, incredible animal
and has an inborn capacity to hold its endurance in any pursuit.
The tiger has likewise gone
after man for quite a long time, and it knows about the propensities for
people. Concerning Baldeo, he is crushed in light of the fact that he loses his
weapon during his battle with the tiger. The tiger first hits out at Baldeo
with his paw. Baldeo, expecting the tiger's turn, jumps to the side and brings
his axe down on the creature's shoulder. The tiger thunders in agony and
searches for another opening. In the mean time, Baldeo cuts his axe down once
more, this time on the tiger's leg. The blow nearly cuts off the creature's
leg. Sadly, the fight isn't finished. Baldeo's hatchet gets stopped in the bone
of the tiger's leg. Without his axe, Baldeo is unprotected. Seeing its chance,
the tiger jumps and cuts its human adversary down. The horrendous experience
closes with Baldeo's deplorable demise.
5) Write
two incidents to show the quality of responsibility in Baldeo and Tembu.
Ans: Baldeo is responsible
in light of the fact that he takes up another work to accommodate his family.
Cultivating in the little rice fields scarcely created enough for their food,
and the work as a rail line station guard was a decent chance for Baldeo to
acquire some pay. Baldeo shows obligation since he plays out his obligations
constantly. Regardless of working cold evenings and confronting the danger of
perilous wild creatures, Baldeo consistently answered to work and played out
his assignment. He wandered out around evening time to guarantee the signal
lamp was alight. Tembu shows obligation by accompanying his dad to work at the
station. He later takes up his dad's situation after his dad is slaughtered by
the ravaging tiger. He comprehends that the work is significant both to his
family and the railroad organization. Tembu is likewise capable in light of the
fact that he assists with the errands back home.
