Word Meanings
What does ‘revive’ mean?
In the context of this chapter, ’revive‘ means become interested again.
Who was Ranga and what did he do?
Ranga was a thief who robbed houses in the neighbourhood, including Attila’s home.
What is the name of the author?
The name of the author is R.K. Narayan.
What does ‘disconcerting’ mean?
In the context of this chapter, ’disconcerting’ means upsetting.
What names were suggested and rejected before the family chose ‘Attila’ and why?
Many heroic and fierce names had been suggested (like Caesar, Tiger, etc.), but they were rejected because the family felt Attila looked too mild, innocent, and foolish to suit such powerful names.
What is the difference between the expected character traits of a dog as compared to the character traits actually shown by Attila?
Typically, a dog is expected to be a fierce guardian, with an intimidating bark and protective instincts to scare away intruders. However, in reality, Attila is a gentle giant, a tail-wagging, stranger-greeting softie!
What does ‘obligingly’ mean?
In context of this chapter, ‘obligingly’ means in a way that shows willingness or eagerness to help.
What issue did the speaker’s mother have with the dog?
The mother felt that Attila ate like an elephant. One could employ two watchmen for the price of rice and meat he consumed. Even in his presence, flowers were stolen from the garden in the morning. She feared that a burglar might be easily shown around the house as he was the most noiseless dog she had ever seen in life.
What are the major themes of this chapter?
The major themes of this chapter are loyalty, faith, and perception vs. reality. It highlights how a guard dog is seemingly unhelpful in the beginning - but because of his gentle nature and attachment to humans, he ultimately ended up saving the day.
What does ‘cynicism’ mean?
In context to this chapter, ‘cynicism’ means the feeling that nothing good will happen.
Was the bond between Ranga and Attila that of mutual respect? Give reasons for your answer.
It was of mutual respect because when Ranga sat down to eat, he lay before him. He sat on the edge of his mat when Ranga went to sleep in his hut. He waited patiently at the edge of the pond when Ranga went there for a wash and slept on the roadside when Ranga was at work.
What is the message of this chapter?
The lesson of this chapter is to expect the unexpected. Life has a funny way of working out. What we think we need isn't always what we actually get. Attila may not have been the guard dog they wanted, but he brought something unexpected: joy, laughter, and one very confused burglar.