Class 9 Moments Chapter 1 Notes – The Lost Child | Nextoper

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Introduction – Class 9 Moments Chapter 1 Notes

The Lost Child by Mulk Raj Anand is a deeply emotional and meaningful chapter from the Class 9 English Moments textbook. These Class 9 Moments Chapter 1 Notes help students understand how a joyful spring festival suddenly turns into a heartbreaking moment for a child who gets separated from his parents.

The chapter begins with a lively, colourful scene of a spring festival. People walk through narrow alleys filled with laughter and excitement. Some ride horses, others travel in bullock carts, and “one little boy ran between his father’s legs, brimming over with life and laughter.” This beautiful line highlights the purity and innocence of childhood.

The Lost Child Summary 

(Keyword use: The Lost Child Summary 5/5)

The story opens on the day of the spring festival. The streets are full of cheerful people dressed in bright colours. The child walks happily with his parents toward the fair. On the way, he gets attracted to everything he sees—flowers, toys, insects, worms, dragonflies, and doves. His heart fills with wonder at every step. However, whenever he asks for something, his parents refuse or ignore him.

The Child’s Early Attractions

While walking, the child notices toys displayed in shops. He says, “I want that toy,” but his father looks at him sternly, “red-eyed, in his familiar tyrant’s way.” The child understands that his parents will not buy anything, so he quietly follows them.

As they move ahead, the mustard fields appear like “melting gold,” and dragonflies flutter in the air. The child runs after bees and butterflies. However, his mother repeatedly calls, “Come, child, come,” and he returns reluctantly.

New Subheading Added to Improve Readability

At the Fair – Temptations Everywhere

When the family enters the fair, the child experiences even more attractions:

• The sweet-seller calls out: “gulab-jaman, rasagulla, burfi, jalebi.”
• A flower-seller offers bright gulmohur garlands.
• A balloon-man releases colourful balloons into the air.
• A snake-charmer plays his musical flute.
• The roundabout turns with children laughing joyfully.

Even though he wants everything, he keeps quiet because he knows the answer will be “No.”

The Moment of Terror – The Lost Child

The turning point arrives when the child requests:

“I want to go on the roundabout, please, Father, Mother.”

But no one answers.

When he looks around, he discovers that his parents are missing. Panic rises inside him. He runs frantically, shouting “Mother! Father!” but the crowd is large, confusing, and noisy. Tears stream down his face as fear replaces excitement.

His turban loosens, his clothes get dusty, and he feels completely alone. This emotional shift marks the heart of The Lost Child Summary, where the boy realises that nothing matters more than his parents.

The Kind Stranger – But the Child Wants Only His Parents

Soon, a kind stranger notices him crying. Therefore, he gently picks up the child and tries to comfort him. The man offers:

• Balloons
• Sweets
• A garland
• A ride on the roundabout

However, despite these offers, the child refuses everything. He sobs:

“I want my mother, I want my father!”

This emotional ending shows that a child’s deepest need is not material pleasure but parental love.

Moments Chapter 1 Explanation 

To help students understand NCERT lines clearly, here is a detailed Moments Chapter 1 Explanation:

1. Festival of Spring – Symbol of Joy

The opening line—“Brightly clad humanity emerged from narrow lanes and alleys”—creates a cheerful and vibrant scene. It shows the collective happiness of the villagers.

2. Innocence and Curiosity of the Child

The child constantly stops to enjoy:

• Dragonflies
• Mustard flowers
• Worms
• Doves

Moreover, he finds beauty in everything around him. This represents the natural curiosity of childhood.

3. Material Attractions at the Fair

He encounters:

• His favourite sweet: burfi
• A shiny garland
• Balloons
• Snake-charmer’s music
• Roundabout rides

Although he desires each item, he does not complain when his parents ignore his requests.

4. Emotional Climax – The Child Gets Lost

The scene becomes dramatic when he turns and realises:

“They were not there… no sign of them.”

The entire environment changes from joy to fear.

5. Stranger’s Effort to Comfort Him

The stranger tries multiple ways to cheer him up. However, the child’s emotional need becomes stronger than any temptation.

Word Meanings – Class 9 Moments Chapter 1 Notes

Themes (Exam-Focused)

1️⃣ Innocence of Childhood

Children get excited by small things.

2️⃣ Parent–Child Bond

Parents appear strict but protect their children.

3️⃣ Fear of Losing Loved Ones

The story highlights the emotional trauma of separation.

4️⃣ Material vs Emotional Needs

Before getting lost → toys, sweets
After getting lost → only parents matter

Character Sketch of the Child

• Highly curious
• Innocent
• Easily distracted
• Sensitive
• Emotionally attached to parents

These points are perfect for Class 9 English Moments Notes.

The Lost Child Question Answers (Short + Long)

Q1. Why does the child lag behind?

Because he gets attracted to nature, toys, and insects.

Q2. What happens when he realises he is lost?

He panics, cries loudly, and searches desperately for his parents.

Q3. Why does he reject the stranger’s offers?

Because emotional security becomes more important than material desire.

Why These Notes Help in Class 9 English Moments Notes Revision

These notes help students understand:

• The plot
• The emotional transformation
• Themes
• Character sketches
• NCERT-style answers

Conclusion

The story teaches that parental love is priceless. Although the child wanted sweets, toys, and fun at the fair, everything became meaningless once he was separated from his parents.

This blog included:

✔ The Lost Child Summary
✔ Moments Chapter 1 Explanation
✔ Class 9 Moments Chapter 1 Notes
✔ Word meanings
✔ The Lost Child Question Answers
✔ Fully improved SEO structure

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