Abdul Becomes a Courtier
Summary
The story “Abdul Becomes a Courtier” is about a young man named Abdul who really wants to learn and become knowledgeable. However, his family is not wealthy, and buying books is a challenge. Despite his father’s initial attempt to borrow books, they face difficulties.
Determined to pursue his education, Abdul decides to work for a rich merchant in exchange for access to books. His hard work and intelligence make the merchant notice him, leading to a positive outcome for Abdul.
Due to a mix-up, Abdul ends up in charge of the Royal Poultry House, an unexpected and seemingly less prestigious role. However, Abdul doesn’t let this setback discourage him. He cleverly manages the hens’ diet without spending much money, impressing the Emperor.
Later in the story, Abdul uses his resourcefulness to save money on book jackets by repurposing discarded materials. The Emperor is amazed by Abdul’s clever approach and recognizes his merit. Eventually, Abdul achieves his dream of becoming a courtier, showcasing how determination, clever thinking, and hard work can lead to success.
The play highlights the importance of determination, resourcefulness, and making the most of opportunities in achieving one’s goals.
Explanation
1. Introduction:
The story begins with Abdul, a young man with a strong desire for knowledge. His family’s financial constraints make it challenging for him to afford books.
2. Abdul’s Request for Books:
Abdul approaches his father, expressing his aspirations for learning. His father, a schoolmaster, laments the high cost of books but promises to try borrowing some from the school.
3. Father’s Attempt to Borrow Books:
Despite his father’s efforts, obtaining books proves difficult, leaving Abdul disappointed.
7. Abdul’s Resourcefulness:
In managing the poultry house, Abdul cleverly ensures the hens’ health without spending much money, catching the attention of the Emperor.
8. Book Jacket Innovation:
Abdul further surprises by saving expenses on book jackets. He repurposes discarded materials, demonstrating his ingenuity.
9. Recognition by the Emperor:
The Emperor, impressed by Abdul’s resourcefulness, realizes his merit and appoints him as a courtier.
10. Moral Lessons:
The story conveys important lessons about determination, adaptability, resourcefulness, and making the most of unexpected opportunities. Abdul’s journey illustrates how hard work and intelligence can lead to success, even in unconventional paths.
11. Resolution:
Abdul, despite facing unexpected twists, achieves his dream of becoming a courtier, highlighting the theme of perseverance and the fulfillment of his educational aspirations.
In short, “Abdul Becomes a Courtier” is a tale of ambition, resilience, and intelligence, emphasizing that one’s journey may take unexpected turns, but with determination and clever thinking, success can be achieved.
English Workshop
Questions and Answers
1. From the play, find all the words that are related to the following:
- Knowledge and Learning:
- aspire, study, books, erudition, borrow, study, brighter tomorrow, scholar, philosophy, astronomy, intellectual, sagacious, astute, library, courtier, perseverance, determination, ambition.
- Fabrics:
- gold, silk, velvet, brocade.
- Books:
- books, manuscripts, read, library.
- Work:
- work, serve, clerk, reward, duties, handle.
- Additional Words:
- opportunity, resources, initiative, unexpected, adaptability, resourcefulness, recognition, success.
2. Discuss the following:
(a) Abdul gets what he wants in the end. What is the major factor that contributes to this success?
- Answer: His intelligence and resourcefulness are the major factors contributing to Abdul’s success. (b) The Emperor says he had realized earlier that Abdul has great talent. Does this tally with his actions? Give your opinion.
- Answer: Yes, the Emperor’s actions align with his words as he eventually recognizes Abdul’s talent and appoints him as a courtier.
3. Write a letter from Abdul to the Emperor, requesting the Emperor to give Abdul a suitable job.
Dear Emperor,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to express my deep gratitude for the opportunities you have provided me. Your wisdom and insight have been a guiding light in my journey.
I am eager to contribute further to the royal service and humbly request your consideration for a suitable job befitting my skills and aspirations. I am committed to serving with diligence and loyalty.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Abdul
4. Rewrite the play in the form of a short story.
- The story revolves around Abdul, a determined young man facing financial challenges in pursuing education. Undeterred, he takes initiative, working for a merchant in exchange for access to books. Unexpectedly placed in charge of the Royal Poultry House, Abdul’s clever approach catches the Emperor’s attention. His resourcefulness in book jacket innovation further impresses the Emperor, leading to Abdul’s appointment as a courtier.
5. Suggest at least one method of creating something useful or beautiful from waste.
- One method is recycling. By collecting and repurposing materials like paper, plastic, or glass, we can create useful and beautiful items. For example, turning old newspapers into papier-mâché art or using glass bottles for creative DIY projects.
6. Write how you take care of your books.
- I take care of my books by handling them with clean hands, avoiding food or drinks near them. I use bookmarks to keep my place and store them on a shelf away from direct sunlight and moisture. Regular dusting and gentle handling help preserve their condition.
7. Language Study: Common Nouns – 3:
- Concrete Nouns: school, house, bags, butterflies, child.
- Abstract Nouns: life, time, goodness, progress, kindness, childhood, honesty, mathematics.
Can you spot at least three abstract nouns in the following paragraph?
- Change, surprise, intelligence.
Now you know that plural forms of nouns have -s, -es, or -ies at the end. But the plurals of some nouns are formed differently. Look at the following forms.
- Child – Children
- Man – Men
- Tooth – Teeth
- Foot – Feet
- Leaf – Leaves
- Mouse – Mice Some nouns have the singular and the plural alike.
- Examples: sheep, deer.
