The Fight Summary & Solution - CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 6

Summary 

In "The Fight" by Ruskin Bond, the story revolves around a schoolboy named Ranji, who gets into a fight with another boy named Mani. The incident takes place in a small town in India.

Ranji is a smaller and weaker boy compared to Mani, who is bigger and stronger. Ranji's decision to engage in a fight with Mani stems from a sense of pride and a desire to prove himself, but unfortunately, he ends up losing the fight and feeling humiliated. This defeat deeply affects Ranji, and he feels ashamed to face his friends and the other kids at school.

Unable to cope with the humiliation, Ranji seeks solace and guidance from his grandfather. His grandfather responds by narrating a story about a mongoose and a snake. In the story, the mongoose bravely fights and defeats a snake to protect a family, but in the process, it sustains injuries. Despite winning the battle, the mongoose is wounded.

Through this tale, Ranji's grandfather imparts the lesson that sometimes, the outcome of a fight doesn't determine one's strength or courage. Instead, it's the willingness to face challenges and stand up for what is right that defines true bravery. He emphasizes that losing a fight doesn't diminish one's worth or character.

The story serves as a lesson to Ranji about the importance of courage, resilience, and the value of standing up for oneself, even in the face of defeat. It teaches him that the true victory lies not in winning fights but in having the courage to confront challenges and do what is right.

Ranji's experience with the fight and the subsequent advice from his grandfather lead to his personal growth and understanding that winning isn't always the most important thing. It's the lesson learned from the experience and the courage displayed that truly matter.

Ultimately, "The Fight" conveys the message that bravery isn't solely defined by victory but also by the willingness to confront challenges, stand up for oneself, and learn from the experiences, regardless of the outcome.

NCERT solutions for class 8 English It So Happened The fight

Comprehension Check on page 49 

1. In what way is the forest pool different from the one which Ranji knew

in the Rajputana desert?

2. The other boy asked Ranji to ‘explain’ himself.

(i) What did he expect Ranji to say?

(ii) Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this question?

3. Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a quarrel? Give

a reason for your answer.

4. “Then we will have to continue the fight,” said the other.

(i) What made him say that?

(ii) Did the fight continue? If not, why not?

Answers :

1. In the Rajputana desert, the pools were sticky and muddy where women washed clothes or buffaloes wallowed. But forest pool was clean, cold and inviting. So Ranji leapt into the water for swimming.

2. (i) The other boy, Suraj, expected Ranji to say ‘sorry’.

(ii) Suraj was a bully. He was wrong to prevent Ranji from using the pool. The pool was common property.

3.It is Suraj who starts the quarrel. He asks Ranji to run away from the pool. He even threatens to beat him.

4. (i) Suraj spoke the above words because he was tired but he did not want to spare Ranji who refused to accept defeat. So he deferred the fight for the next day.

(ii) No, the fight didn’t continue the next day. Both Suraj and Ranji needed each other’s help, so they compromised. Suraj asked Ranji to teach him to dive and swim under water. While Ranji agreed to become a wrestler with the help of Suraj.

Comprehension Check on page 53 

Questions 

1.What is it that Ranji finds difficult to explain at home?

2.Ranji sees his adversary in the bazaar.

(i) What does he wish to do?

(ii) What does he actually do, and why?

3.Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight. Why does he go back to the pool, then?

4.Who was the better swimmer? How do you know it?

5.What surprises the warrior?

6.Now that they are at the pool, why don’t they continue the fight?

7.Ranji’s superiority over the other boy is obvious in the following:

Physical strength:, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming under water, making a good point, willingness to help.

8. Underline the relevant phrases.

What, according to you, makes the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes? Explain it as you have understood it.

Answers. 

1.Ranji's face and arms were covered in wounds and bruises. He is having difficulty explaining his injuries at home.

2.(i) Ranji first considered turning away and looking the other way. His second idea was to smack his adversary in the face with the lemonade bottle.

(ii) He truly maintains his position and simply scowls at Suraj.

3.Ranji chooses to return to the pool in order to regain his self-esteem. If he surrenders now, he will be beaten for the rest of his life.

4. Ranji was clearly the superior swimmer. When he swims across the pool, as his opponent claims, we will know. He dove into the water for a long time.

5.Ranji pulls off another flawless dive. He swims under water, surrounds Suraj, and approaches him from behind. Suraj, the warrior, is taken aback by Ranji's prowess.

6. The two participants forgot to continue the battle at the pool. Swimming and swinging (diving) become more appealing to them.

7. Excellent diving, swimming underwater, desire to assist, and sense of humour.

8.Ranji and Suraj, two opponents, became excellent friends in a matter of minutes for a variety of reasons. Both of them were sick of arguing. Both required one other's assistance, direction, and support. Suraj wanted to learn how to dive from Ranji. While Ranji relished the thought of becoming a strong wrestler with Suraj's assistance.

Discuss the following topics in small groups.

Question 1:

Is fighting the only way of resolving differences of opinion? What else can be done to reach a mutually acceptable settlement?

Answer 1. 

Fighting is not the only method to settle a disagreement. The greatest approach is to begin a conversation with a level mind. If they can't agree on anything, they can select an arbitrator or mediator who is acceptable to both.

Question 2:

Have you ever been in a serious fight only to realise later that it was unnecessary and futile? Share your experience/views with others frankly and honestly.

Answer 2.

People generally fight about little matters that can be settled over a cup of tea. Such aggressive squabbles hurt both sides. In a conflict, neither side wins. Both suffer equally and subsequently express regret. Everyone can recollect one or two instances of this type.

Question 3:

Why do some of us find it necessary to prove that we are better than others? Will you be amused or annoyed to read the following sign at the back of the car in front of you?

Answer: 3

I May be going slow but I am ahead of you.

It is our common weakness to do better than others or to pull somebody down. Some pretend to be superior to others and try to hurt them. This is, in fact, a symptom of their inferiority complex. We should avoid ego clash.