The Tiger in the Tunnel
Author: Ruskin Bond
Class: XI – General English
Book: A Panorama of Life
Part C: Lessons for Extensive Study
Comprehension Questions
I. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. What were the sounds that broke the silence of the night?
The silence of the night was occasionally broken by the shrill cry of a cicada, the hollow hammering of a woodpecker and, later, the frightened cry of a barking deer. The tiger’s grunt, the sound of its movement and the approaching train also disturbed the silence.
2. What duties had Baldeo to perform?
Baldeo was responsible for checking whether the railway tunnel was clear of obstructions. At night, he had to ensure that the signal lamp was burning properly and that the overland mail train passed through safely.
3. Why had Baldeo to work as a Khalasi?
Baldeo belonged to a poor tribal family. His small rice fields could provide only a bare living, so he considered himself fortunate to get the job of a Khalasi at the small wayside signal station.
4. What were the factors that contributed to the eeriness of the place?
The absence of moonlight, the deathly stillness of the jungle, the occasional cries of insects and birds, the darkness of the railway cutting, the towering rock walls and the black entrance to the tunnel contributed to the eeriness of the place. The possibility of encountering wild animals made it even more frightening.
5. What was Baldeo’s axe like?
Baldeo’s axe was small and appeared fragile, but it was extremely effective when used. Its thin head was made of pure steel by his father over a charcoal fire. Baldeo could cut down a tree with a few swift strokes and was proud of his skill in using it against wild animals.
6. How did Baldeo know that a tiger was nearby and later that it had sprung into the cutting?
Baldeo first heard a low grunt, which he recognised as the sound of a tiger. Soon afterwards, he heard a thump and the rattle of small stones, which told him that the tiger had sprung into the cutting.
7. Why did Baldeo not run away from the tiger?
Baldeo did not run away because he was brave and accustomed to living in the jungle. More importantly, he feared that the tiger might move towards the hut where his son, Tembu, was sleeping unprotected. He decided to face the animal rather than risk his son’s life.
8. Describe the fight between Baldeo and the tiger.
Baldeo stood firmly with his axe as the tiger approached. He avoided the animal’s first attack with an agile leap and struck its shoulder with his axe. He attacked again, but the axe became stuck in the tiger’s bone. Left without a weapon, Baldeo was overpowered and killed by the wounded tiger.
9. How did the tiger die?
After killing Baldeo, the wounded tiger entered the tunnel to escape the approaching train. The overland mail rushed into the tunnel and struck it. At the next station, the driver discovered the major portion of the tiger’s body lying on the front of the engine.
10. How did his father’s death affect Tembu?
Tembu and his family were plunged into grief for two days after Baldeo’s death. However, Tembu understood that life had to continue and that the family needed to earn a living. Just three nights later, he was performing his father’s duty of lighting the signal lamp. He was no longer afraid because he believed his father had killed the tiger and he had his father’s axe with him.
II. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Write a brief character sketch of Baldeo.
Baldeo is the central character of Ruskin Bond’s story The Tiger in the Tunnel. He is a poor tribal watchman who performs his duties bravely despite the dangers of the jungle.
- Hardworking and responsible: Baldeo works as a Khalasi at a small wayside signal station. He checks the railway line and ensures that the signal lamp is burning so that the overland mail can pass safely.
- Poor but contented: His family owns small rice fields that provide only a bare living. He considers himself fortunate to have obtained employment at the signal station.
- Brave and fearless: Baldeo is accustomed to the jungle and its dangers. When he encounters the tiger, he does not run away but prepares to face it.
- Skilled with weapons: He carries a small steel-headed axe made by his father. He is proud of his ability to use it and has previously killed a young boar with it.
- A loving father: Baldeo is deeply concerned about the safety of his son, Tembu. He fears that the tiger might attack the boy sleeping in the hut, and this concern strengthens his resolve to confront the animal.
- Self-sacrificing: Baldeo fights the tiger despite the danger to his own life. Although he is killed in the encounter, his courage and concern for his son remain central to the story.
Thus, Baldeo represents courage, duty and parental love. His tragic death also shows the dangers faced by people who work in isolated places.
2. Describe Baldeo’s encounter with the tiger.
Baldeo’s encounter with the tiger is the most dramatic episode in the story.
- The warning sound: While waiting near the signal post, Baldeo hears a low grunt. He immediately recognises it as the sound of a tiger.
- The tiger appears: After a brief silence, he hears a thump and the rattle of small stones. The tiger has sprung into the railway cutting and is moving towards him.
- Concern for Tembu: Baldeo realises that the tiger might move towards the hut where his son is sleeping. He therefore decides to face the animal instead of running away.
- The first attack: The tiger rushes at Baldeo and strikes out with its right paw. Baldeo avoids the attack with a swift leap and brings his axe down on the tiger’s shoulder.
- The fatal mistake: Baldeo strikes again, but the axe becomes stuck in the tiger’s bone. He is left without a weapon.
- Baldeo’s death: The wounded tiger springs upon Baldeo, knocks him down and tears at his body. Baldeo dies within a few minutes.
- The tiger’s death: The approaching mail train frightens the wounded tiger into entering the tunnel. The train strikes and kills it.
The encounter highlights Baldeo’s bravery and his instinct to protect his son. Although he kills neither the tiger nor escapes death, he faces the danger courageously.
3. Write a note on the message contained in the story.
Ruskin Bond’s The Tiger in the Tunnel conveys a message of courage, duty, sacrifice and the need to face life’s challenges.
- Courage in the face of danger: Baldeo does not flee when he encounters the tiger. He faces the danger despite knowing that the animal is much stronger than he is.
- Sense of duty: Baldeo continues to perform his railway duties in a lonely and dangerous place. His responsibility is to keep the railway line safe for the passing train.
- Parental love and sacrifice: Baldeo’s concern for Tembu influences his decision to confront the tiger. He fears that the animal may attack his son if it reaches the hut.
- Acceptance of life’s difficulties: After Baldeo’s death, Tembu and his family grieve, but they eventually resume their lives. Tembu takes over his father’s responsibility because the family needs to survive.
- Courage passed to the next generation: Tembu returns to the signal station only three nights after his father’s death. Carrying his father’s axe, he performs the same duty without fear.
- The need to move forward: The story shows that grief cannot stop life completely. People must gather strength and continue fulfilling their responsibilities even after suffering a great loss.
Thus, the story teaches us to face difficulties with courage, fulfil our duties sincerely and find the strength to move forward after tragedy.
4. Describe, in brief, the scene and the setting of the place where Baldeo worked.
The setting of the story is a lonely railway signal station surrounded by a dense jungle. The atmosphere is dark, silent and frightening.
- The small station: Baldeo works at a small wayside signal station that is little more than a shack. Trains stop there, if at all, only for a few seconds before entering the railway cutting and tunnel.
- The surrounding jungle: The station is backed by heavy jungle. Wild animals such as panthers and tigers are known to inhabit the area, making the place dangerous for anyone working there at night.
- The railway cutting: The railway line passes through a deep cutting with steep rock walls rising high above the tracks. The cutting curves sharply, and its dark entrance makes it appear threatening.
- The tunnel: The black tunnel is an important part of the setting. It creates a sense of danger and becomes the place where the wounded tiger seeks refuge from the approaching train.
- The darkness and silence: There is no moonlight on the night of the incident. The silence is broken only occasionally by the cries of insects and birds. The darkness, cold air and mysterious sounds increase the feeling of fear.
- The approaching train: The rumble, whistle and sparks of the overland mail train create a dramatic contrast with the stillness of the jungle. The train ultimately kills the wounded tiger inside the tunnel.
The lonely station, dense forest, dark cutting and tunnel create a tense and eerie atmosphere. This setting plays a vital role in developing the suspense and tragedy of the story.