The Conch Bearer - How to answer PASSAGE BASED questions?

FOCUS on Question 1

1. Who is the old man (line 2) in the extract? Apart from him having handpicked Anand to be his assistant, in what ways is he an important character between Chapters 1 and 10?

Where can you find the RELEVANT points to write about Abhaydatta?

Chapter 1 A Strange Old Man Abhaydatta’s very presence before Anand at Haru’s tea stall allows him to show his unconditional kindness towards a stranger - He offers him his ration of breakfast without a second thought because Anand thinks the old man needs it more than him. Anand is by nature a kind child but it is Abhaydatta who gives him the opportunity to show kindness to a stranger.

Chapter 2 The Night Visitor Abhaydatta answers to Anand’s inner cry for help and visits Anand at his home in the slum when he is most afraid. Abhaydatta fulfils Anand’s thirst in his belief of magic – that when you believe, there is hope and things may really change for the better.

Chapter 3 The Silver ValleyAbhaydatta introduces the existence of the Silver Valley and the world of the brotherhood of the healers to Anand. He invites Anand to join him on his mission to deliver the conch to the Silver Valley. Abhaydatta provides the opportunity for Anand to learn the necessary skills to change his life.

Chapter 4 What Anand Saw Anand sees the full glory of the conch as shown to him by Abhaydatta.

Chapter 5 The Message Abhaydatta wants Anand to know that he will have to look where he usually wouldn’t / that it would be hard to see him / that things aren’t what they seem.

Chapter 6 Things Aren’t What they Seem Abhaydatta saves Anand and Nisha from the clutches of Surabhanu on the train at the station. Abhaydatta shows Anand what the world is like when fantasy (the magical) and reality meet and merge.

Chapter 7 The Meeting Point Abhaydatta shows he is kind and bighearted enough to give Nisha a name to call her own and to include her as a member of their mission. He has practically given a new lease of life to a young child – Nisha feels like a whole new person after she is being christened by him. Abhaydatta forms a relationship with the two young travelling companions asking them to pretend to be his grandchildren. Abhaydatta gives them also the opportunity to leave Kolkata, for better or for worse. Nisha does not have to be a street child and Anand can hope to fulfil his wish to change his life with his personal potential through his belief in magic.

Chapter 8 A Change of Plan Abhaydatta takes good care of both his young travelling companions.Abhaydatta impresses upon Anand the extent he goes about trying to throw Surabhanu off their trail with his immaculate preparations. He helps the young children understand the importance of their mission to deliver the conch to the safe haven of the Silver Valley and also the increasing dangers and challenges ahead of them. Abhaydatta makes Anand the conch bearer to trick Surabhanu but he actually senses Anand’s ability to connect with the conch and trusts his young male companion.Abhaydatta alerts and forewarns his young companions of the two major obstacles on the path to the Silver Valley – the fast-flowing river and the rumbling and rolling boulders.

Chapter 9 The One-Eyed Deer Abhaydatta warns Anand not to be too fixated on just one direction from which he thinks danger or harm might show up. He reminds Anand that dangers can come from any other directions and that he must learn how to deal with dangers with his intelligence. Abhaydatta acts as the father figure from which Anand can learn about how to cope with the increasing demands of life on a young child or teenager.

Chapter 10 The Voice in the Night Abhaydatta is a tenacious protector and survivor with a strong fighting instinct – on the side of justice and righteousness. Abhaydatta tries to protect his young companions to the end. He has never once deserted them. Even when the cave is being invaded by Surabhanu, Abhaydatta transforms himself into a mongoose to attack

The Conch Bearer - How to answer PASSAGE BASED questions?

FOCUS on Question 1

Surabhanu in his snake form to protect Anand and Nisha.