Games at Twilight's Heart-Games at Twilight-Anita Desai-Summary-Qs-Ans

Detailed Summary of Games at Twilight by Anita Desai

Anita Desai's short story "Games at Twilight" takes place on a hot afternoon, where a group of restless children are finally allowed to play outside after being cooped up inside all day. As soon as their mother drops them off, they run outside with pent-up energy, eager to begin a game of hide and seek. The setting of the story is ‘ek bageeche me hai’ which highlights the oppressive (cruel) heat and lifelessness.

 

The environment itself seems tired from the hot summer day, which reflects the children's struggle against the restrictions of being indoors. The children quickly decide to play hide and seek, and through a process of removal, Raghu, the eldest and strongest of the children, is chosen to be "It". While the rest of the children scatter to find a hiding place, Ravi, one of the younger children, is nervous and feels insecure.

 

He hides behind an old shed, sneaks (slips)  in through a small opening in the door, and tucks himself into a dark corner inside the damp space. The shed is full of old and useless objects, which frightens him, but his desperation to avoid being caught by Raghu outweighs (exceeds) his fear.

 

From his hiding place, Ravi listens to the sounds of the game outside, sometimes even hearing Raghu's movements. He remains absolutely silent, without moving, and trembles with both fear and excitement, determined to outwit his elder brother.

As time passes, he begins to realise that he can actually win the game. He imagines the thrill of being the last man standing, and ‘apne aap ko vijayi man se lag jata hai.’ Ravi's resolve (decision) to stay hidden grows stronger.

 

However, as the evening falls and the garden grows dark, Ravi suddenly realizes that he has forgotten a crucial part of the game: touching the "den" and declaring himself the winner. He bursts out of the shed and runs across the yard, but when he reaches the veranda and yells, "Den! Den! Den!" he is met with a shocking sight.

 

The other children are no longer playing hide and seek. They have completely moved on, are engrossed in new games, have already found all the other players. Ravi, ‘ke bare me ve sab bhul chuke the’. Now there was no point in him trying and hiding.

 

The children look at him in confusion, and even his mother, who is worried by his crying, does not understand his discomfort. ‘Ravi ka plan chaupat ho ho gaya’. He tries to claim his victory, shouting that Raghu didn't find him but the others dismiss him. They have already changed games several times, eaten fruits from the garden, and even chatted with their parents. His absence has gone unnoticed, and the game that meant so much to him has long been over in the eyes of everyone else.

 

The children continue their new game, sing a sad poem, and exclude Ravi, and leave him to grapple with his sense of insignificance. Feeling completely humiliated, Ravi collapses on the lawn, overwhelmed by a "terrible sense of insignificance".

Qs-Ans: Games at Twilight-Anita Desai

Long Answer-type Qs

Q1. Why did Ravi want to defeat Raghu in the game of hide and seek? Give reasons.

Ans. Ravi hid himself in a shed, where no one could find him out. In the beginning, he was scared of the darkness spread around it. But then he longed for becoming the champion of the same by defeating Raghu, a football champion.  

He wanted to catch every one’s attention by winning hide and seek. As a reward, he would get a whole piece of chocolate by his uncle and in addition, a free pony ride. These are the reasons that motivated Ravi to win the same.

Q2. Describe the place where Ravi had hidden himself during the game ‘hide and seek’?

Ans. The shed in which Ravi hid himself remained locked almost for the whole year. One may imagine what kind of creatures could be seen inside the shed. The door was big with its colour green. It was locked from outside, but there was an opening between two parts of the door. Ravi had entered through it. The hinges of the door were rusty. 

It was full of broken pieces of furniture and rolls of matting, etc. It smelt of dampness, rats, mud-hills, and dust and spider webs. There was frightening darkness inside it and light peeped only through the cracks in the door.

Q3. What game did Ravi play with his siblings? What were his feelings towards others?

Ans. Ravi played ‘hide and seek’ game with his siblings. In the beginning, Ravi’s feelings were the same as a sibling feels. But, when he was ignored and forgotten by them, his feelings were bitter towards his siblings. He felt that they thought him unimportant and so, they forgot to find him out.

Q4. Suppose you are Ravi. Describe your experience of the game and how you felt after being ignored by your siblings.

Ans. One afternoon, we all the siblings decided to play the game ‘hide and seek’. Raghu was to play as ‘It’ and he would find out us all to declare us dead or caught. My siblings hid themselves at several places of the garden. I hid myself in a shed that remained closed for the whole year.

There was a fearful atmosphere inside it. In the beginning, I was able to listen to the sound made by Raghu’s movements, But after that, all sounds died down. During this time, I was imagining that Raghu would not be able to find me out and it was true. I thought myself to be the winner of the game. I started feeling the great moments of victory when all of his siblings would be surprised to see me as a winner. 

But suddenly, I realised that Iwould have to touch the pole and cry out ‘den, den, den’. So, I came out to declare myself the winner. I cried aloud ‘den, den, den’. But all of my siblings had forgotten to find me out. They had started playing other games. It made me feel isolated, ignored and disappointed.

Q5. What impression do you form of Ravi after study the text of the short story ‘Games at Twilight’?

Ans. Ravi is a very sensitive boy among his siblings. He is very much conscious of his self-esteem. He thinks himself as important as his other siblings and, so, he cannot bear that others may ignore him. His brother Raghu is a foot ball champion. He also thinks to become a champion even of a small game like ‘hide and seek’.  When his sibling forgot to find him out in the game, he feels hurt and ignored. 

His heart was full of resentment and wounded feelings. That was why, he started crying loudly and hid his face into the grass of the lawn. His brothers and even his mother could not understand his odd behaviour. Raghu calls him foolish and advises him to forget all that. Later on, Ravi also realised his mistake of feeling so much sentimental at such a small issue.

Q6. What impression do you form of Raghu on the basis of your study ‘Games at Twilight’?

Ans. Raghu is the eldest of his siblings, strongly built having long hairy legs of a footballer as Ravi thinks him to be. He is very straight forward in what he says. When Ravi kept crying at the end of the story, he tells him to stop it as it was his foolishness to behave like that. 

He is a bully-type of a boy and we may say that his siblings scared of him. In the game also, he tries to bully the hiders by striking his stick on the objects here and there. He was not ready to become ‘It’ in a wrong way. He was in favour of a fair selection for that. But, finally, he has to perform his part of becoming “it’.

 Q. Describe how Ravi was forgotten to be found out by Raghu and how he felt hurt.

Ans. Ravi was one among the prominent names of his siblings like Raghu, Manu. All of them hid themselves at several places while playing hide and seek game. Raghu was to discover them. Ravi hid himself in a dark shed, that was full of foul smell. He remained there for a long time despite the fearful atmosphere inside it. In the beginning, he was able to listen to the sound made by Raghu’s movements, But after that, all sounds died down. During this time, Ravi was imagining that Raghu would not be able to find him out and it was true. He thought himself to be the winner of the game. 

He started feeling the great moments of victory when all of his siblings would be surprised to see him as a winner. But suddenly, he realised that he would have to touch the pole and cry out ‘den, den, den’. So he came out the hiding place, touched the pole and cried out ‘den, den, den’. But no one was there to recognise his victory. 

Raghu and his other brothers had forgotten to find out Ravi and now, they were busy playing other games. He felt ignored and unimportant. It all made him disappointed. He started crying, lay down flat on the ground and hid his face into the grass. Thus the moments of his victory were totally destroyed by his siblings.

Animal Farm-Charcters-Old Major-Napoleon

Q1.Character of Old Major

Ans. Old Major, in Animal Farm, is one of the most respected animals on the farm. Though old and nearing the end of his life, he is wise, thoughtful, and visionary. The other animals listen to him with deep respect, showing the influence he holds. In his famous speech, Old Major shares his dream of a world free from human oppression, where animals live equally and enjoy the fruits of their labor. This vision becomes the foundation of Animalism.

Old Major’s role is not as a ruler but as a guide and an inspiration. He identifies man as the enemy and urges the animals to unite in a struggle for freedom. He even teaches them the revolutionary song “Beasts of England”, which gives them hope and courage. Although he dies before the rebellion takes place, his teachings ignite the spark that leads to it. Symbolically, Old Major represents Karl Marx and Lenin, whose ideas inspired the Russian Revolution. His character shows how powerful ideals can inspire change, even if the originator does not live to see it.

एनिमल फ़ार्म में ओल्ड मेजर, फ़ार्म के सबसे सम्मानित जानवरों में से एक है। हालाँकि वह बूढ़ा है और अपने जीवन के अंतिम चरण में है, फिर भी वह बुद्धिमान, विचारशील और दूरदर्शी है। अन्य जानवर उसे गहरे सम्मान के साथ सुनते हैं, जो उसके प्रभाव को दर्शाता है। अपने प्रसिद्ध भाषण में, ओल्ड मेजर मानव उत्पीड़न से मुक्त एक ऐसी दुनिया का सपना साझा करते हैं जहाँ जानवर समान रूप से रहते हैं और अपने श्रम का फल भोगते हैं। यह दृष्टि पशुवाद की नींव बन जाती है।

ओल्ड मेजर की भूमिका एक शासक के रूप में नहीं, बल्कि एक मार्गदर्शक और प्रेरणा के रूप में है। वह मनुष्य को शत्रु के रूप में पहचानता है और जानवरों से स्वतंत्रता के संघर्ष में एकजुट होने का आग्रह करता है। वह उन्हें क्रांतिकारी गीत "इंग्लैंड के जानवर" भी सिखाता है, जो उन्हें आशा और साहस देता है। हालाँकि विद्रोह होने से पहले ही उसकी मृत्यु हो जाती है, लेकिन उसकी शिक्षाएँ उस चिंगारी को प्रज्वलित करती हैं जो विद्रोह की ओर ले जाती है। प्रतीकात्मक रूप से, ओल्ड मेजर कार्ल मार्क्स और लेनिन का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हैं, जिनके विचारों ने रूसी क्रांति को प्रेरित किया। उनका चरित्र दर्शाता है कि कैसे शक्तिशाली आदर्श परिवर्तन को प्रेरित कर सकते हैं, भले ही उसके सूत्रधार जीवित न रहें।

Q2. Character of Napoleon

Ans. Napoleon, a Berkshire boar, is the central figure and main antagonist in Animal Farm. From the beginning, he is portrayed as ambitious, cunning, and power-hungry. Unlike Snowball, who is more idealistic, Napoleon focuses on consolidating control. He secretly raises the puppies into loyal guard dogs, later using them as instruments of fear and violence. This shows his manipulative and authoritarian nature.

Napoleon gradually seizes leadership after expelling Snowball and becomes the unquestioned ruler of Animal Farm. He presents himself as the protector of the animals, but in reality, he exploits them for his own comfort and power. Under his rule, the original ideals of Animalism are corrupted—he and the pigs enjoy luxuries, while the common animals suffer. He also uses Squealer’s propaganda and the sheep’s mindless chanting to maintain control and suppress dissent.

Symbolically, Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin. His rise to power shows how revolutions, though born out of noble ideals, can lead to tyranny when leadership becomes corrupt. Napoleon’s character warns against unchecked authority and blind obedience.

नेपोलियन, एनिमल फ़ार्म का केंद्रीय पात्र और मुख्य प्रतिपक्षी है। शुरुआत से ही, उसे महत्वाकांक्षी, चालाक और सत्ता-लोलुप के रूप में चित्रित किया गया है। स्नोबॉल, जो अधिक आदर्शवादी है, के विपरीत, नेपोलियन नियंत्रण को मजबूत करने पर ध्यान केंद्रित करता है। वह गुप्त रूप से पिल्लों को वफ़ादार रक्षक कुत्तों के रूप में पालता है, और बाद में उन्हें भय और हिंसा के साधन के रूप में इस्तेमाल करता है। यह उसके चालाक और सत्तावादी स्वभाव को दर्शाता है।

स्नोबॉल को निष्कासित करने के बाद नेपोलियन धीरे-धीरे नेतृत्व पर कब्ज़ा कर लेता है और एनिमल फ़ार्म का निर्विवाद शासक बन जाता है। वह खुद को जानवरों का रक्षक बताता है, लेकिन वास्तव में, वह अपने आराम और शक्ति के लिए उनका शोषण करता है। उसके शासन में, पशुवाद के मूल आदर्श भ्रष्ट हो जाते हैं—वह और सूअर विलासिता का आनंद लेते हैं, जबकि आम जानवर कष्ट सहते हैं। वह नियंत्रण बनाए रखने और असहमति को दबाने के लिए स्क्वीलर के प्रचार और भेड़ों के नासमझ मंत्रोच्चार का भी इस्तेमाल करता है।

प्रतीकात्मक रूप से, नेपोलियन जोसेफ स्टालिन का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है। सत्ता में उसका उदय दर्शाता है कि कैसे क्रांतियाँ, भले ही महान आदर्शों से जन्मी हों, नेतृत्व के भ्रष्ट होने पर अत्याचार का कारण बन सकती हैं। नेपोलियन का चरित्र अनियंत्रित सत्ता और अंध आज्ञाकारिता के विरुद्ध चेतावनी देता है।

Animal Farm-Charcters-Snowball-Squealer-Boxer

Q3.Character of Snowball

Ans. Snowball, a young boar in Animal Farm, is intelligent, energetic, and deeply committed to the ideals of Animalism. He is an eloquent speaker, quick thinker, and enthusiastic about improving life for all animals. After Old Major’s death, Snowball works hard to spread the message of rebellion and organizes committees to educate the animals. He truly believes in equality and progress.

One of Snowball’s greatest contributions is his plan to build a windmill. He sees it as a means to ease the animals’ workload and bring comfort to the farm. His vision is practical and future-oriented, showing his idealistic nature. Snowball is also brave, as seen in the Battle of the Cowshed, where he leads the animals with courage and strategy.

However, despite his dedication, Snowball is betrayed by Napoleon. Using force and propaganda, Napoleon drives him away and later blames him for all misfortunes on the farm. Symbolically, Snowball represents Leon Trotsky, a revolutionary leader exiled by Stalin. His character highlights how noble ideas and visionary leaders can be destroyed by ruthless ambition and power politics.

एनिमल फ़ार्म का एक युवा सूअर, स्नोबॉल, बुद्धिमान, ऊर्जावान और पशुवाद के आदर्शों के प्रति गहराई से प्रतिबद्ध है। वह एक वाक्पटु वक्ता, तीव्र विचारक और सभी जानवरों के जीवन को बेहतर बनाने के लिए उत्साही है। ओल्ड मेजर की मृत्यु के बाद, स्नोबॉल विद्रोह का संदेश फैलाने के लिए कड़ी मेहनत करता है और जानवरों को शिक्षित करने के लिए समितियों का गठन करता है। वह वास्तव में समानता और प्रगति में विश्वास करता है।

स्नोबॉल के सबसे बड़े योगदानों में से एक पवनचक्की बनाने की उसकी योजना है। वह इसे जानवरों के काम का बोझ कम करने और फ़ार्म में आराम लाने के एक साधन के रूप में देखता है। उसकी दृष्टि व्यावहारिक और भविष्योन्मुखी है, जो उसके आदर्शवादी स्वभाव को दर्शाती है। स्नोबॉल बहादुर भी है, जैसा कि गौशाला की लड़ाई में देखा गया है, जहाँ वह साहस और रणनीति के साथ जानवरों का नेतृत्व करता है।

हालाँकि, अपने समर्पण के बावजूद, नेपोलियन स्नोबॉल को धोखा देता है। बल और दुष्प्रचार का उपयोग करके, नेपोलियन उसे भगा देता है और बाद में फ़ार्म पर होने वाली सभी विपत्तियों के लिए उसे दोषी ठहराता है। प्रतीकात्मक रूप से, स्नोबॉल स्टालिन द्वारा निर्वासित एक क्रांतिकारी नेता लियोन ट्रॉट्स्की का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है। उनका चरित्र इस बात पर प्रकाश डालता है कि कैसे महान विचारों और दूरदर्शी नेताओं को क्रूर महत्वाकांक्षा और सत्ता की राजनीति द्वारा नष्ट किया जा सकता है।

Q4. Character of Squealer

Ans.Squealer, the small, fat pig in Animal Farm, is one of the most significant characters because he serves as Napoleon’s mouthpiece. Clever, persuasive, and an excellent speaker, Squealer has the ability to twist language and present lies as truth. The animals often find his arguments confusing but convincing, which shows the power of propaganda.

Whenever the pigs break the commandments, Squealer justifies their actions by using clever reasoning. For example, he explains why the pigs need milk and apples, why they should sleep in beds, and why the commandments must be “adjusted.” He appeals to fear, often warning the animals that Mr. Jones might return if they disobey. By using manipulation and half-truths, he ensures that Napoleon’s rule is never questioned.

Symbolically, Squealer represents the propaganda machine of a totalitarian state, especially Stalin’s use of state-controlled media in Soviet Russia. His character demonstrates how language and misinformation can control thought and suppress opposition. Without Squealer’s constant justifications, Napoleon’s dictatorship would not have survived.

एनिमल फ़ार्म का एक युवा सूअर, स्नोबॉल, बुद्धिमान, ऊर्जावान और पशुवाद के आदर्शों के प्रति गहराई से प्रतिबद्ध है। वह एक वाक्पटु वक्ता, तीव्र विचारक और सभी जानवरों के जीवन को बेहतर बनाने के लिए उत्साही है। ओल्ड मेजर की मृत्यु के बाद, स्नोबॉल विद्रोह का संदेश फैलाने के लिए कड़ी मेहनत करता है और जानवरों को शिक्षित करने के लिए समितियों का गठन करता है। वह वास्तव में समानता और प्रगति में विश्वास करता है।

स्नोबॉल के सबसे बड़े योगदानों में से एक पवनचक्की बनाने की उसकी योजना है। वह इसे जानवरों के काम का बोझ कम करने और फ़ार्म में आराम लाने के एक साधन के रूप में देखता है। उसकी दृष्टि व्यावहारिक और भविष्योन्मुखी है, जो उसके आदर्शवादी स्वभाव को दर्शाती है। स्नोबॉल बहादुर भी है, जैसा कि गौशाला की लड़ाई में देखा गया है, जहाँ वह साहस और रणनीति के साथ जानवरों का नेतृत्व करता है।

हालाँकि, अपने समर्पण के बावजूद, नेपोलियन स्नोबॉल को धोखा देता है। बल और दुष्प्रचार का उपयोग करके, नेपोलियन उसे भगा देता है और बाद में फ़ार्म पर होने वाली सभी विपत्तियों के लिए उसे दोषी ठहराता है। प्रतीकात्मक रूप से, स्नोबॉल स्टालिन द्वारा निर्वासित एक क्रांतिकारी नेता लियोन ट्रॉट्स्की का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है। उनका चरित्र इस बात पर प्रकाश डालता है कि कैसे महान विचारों और दूरदर्शी नेताओं को क्रूर महत्वाकांक्षा और सत्ता की राजनीति द्वारा नष्ट किया जा सकता है।

Q5. Character of Boxer

Ans. Boxer, the strong cart-horse in Animal Farm, is one of the most admirable yet tragic characters in the novel. He is massive, hardworking, and possesses great physical strength, which he dedicates fully to the success of the farm. His personal mottos—“I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right”—reflect his blind loyalty and unshakable faith in the leadership.

Although Boxer is not very intelligent, he is sincere, dedicated, and honest. During the building of the windmill and in battles, he works beyond his capacity, inspiring the other animals with his endurance. However, his lack of critical thinking makes him vulnerable to exploitation. Napoleon and the pigs use his strength until he collapses from overwork. Instead of being rewarded, Boxer is cruelly sold to the knacker for money, while the pigs falsely claim he was taken to a hospital.

Symbolically, Boxer represents the working class—loyal, hardworking, and exploited under corrupt regimes. His tragic fate highlights how tyrannical leadership often betrays those who sacrifice the most. Boxer’s story remains one of the most moving critiques of blind obedience and misplaced trust.

एनिमल फ़ार्म का मज़बूत घोड़ा, बॉक्सर, उपन्यास के सबसे प्रशंसनीय लेकिन दुखद पात्रों में से एक है। वह विशालकाय, मेहनती और अपार शारीरिक शक्ति से संपन्न है, जिसे वह फ़ार्म की सफलता के लिए पूरी तरह समर्पित कर देता है। उसके व्यक्तिगत आदर्श वाक्य—“मैं और अधिक मेहनत करूँगा” और “नेपोलियन हमेशा सही होता है”—नेतृत्व में उसकी अंध निष्ठा और अटूट विश्वास को दर्शाते हैं।

हालाँकि बॉक्सर ज़्यादा बुद्धिमान नहीं है, फिर भी वह सच्चा, समर्पित और ईमानदार है। पवनचक्की के निर्माण और युद्धों के दौरान, वह अपनी क्षमता से बढ़कर काम करता है, और अपनी सहनशक्ति से दूसरे जानवरों को प्रेरित करता है। हालाँकि, उसकी आलोचनात्मक सोच की कमी उसे शोषण का शिकार बनाती है। नेपोलियन और सूअर उसकी ताकत का इस्तेमाल तब तक करते हैं जब तक कि वह अत्यधिक काम से गिर नहीं जाता। इनाम पाने के बजाय, बॉक्सर को पैसे के लिए क्रूरतापूर्वक एक कसाई को बेच दिया जाता है, जबकि सूअर झूठा दावा करते हैं कि उसे अस्पताल ले जाया गया था।

प्रतीकात्मक रूप से, बॉक्सर मज़दूर वर्ग का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है—वफ़ादार, मेहनती और भ्रष्ट शासन के अधीन शोषित। उनका दुखद अंत इस बात पर प्रकाश डालता है कि कैसे अत्याचारी नेतृत्व अक्सर उन लोगों के साथ विश्वासघात करता है जो सबसे ज़्यादा त्याग करते हैं। बॉक्सर की कहानी अंध आज्ञाकारिता और गलत भरोसे की सबसे मार्मिक आलोचनाओं में से एक है।

Animal Farm-Chapter VIII - Summary in Hindi-Animal Farm- Summary in Hind...

Animal Farm-Summary

Chapter VIII – Absolute Power and Further Corruption

The Commandments Altered

After the executions in Chapter VII, some animals recall that the Sixth Commandment read: “No animal shall kill any other animal.”

 

To their surprise, the wording on the barn wall now includes the phrase “without cause.” This subtle but significant change justifies Napoleon’s purges as lawful under Animalism. The animals, though uneasy, convince themselves they must have remembered it incorrectly.

 

Napoleon’s Growing Cult of Personality

Napoleon begins to distance himself from the other animals physically and symbolically. He is rarely seen in public, and when he appears, it is with pomp and ceremony, attended by fierce guard dogs and surrounded by signs of status. The animals refer to him formally as “Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon,” and a poem in his praise is written by Minimus, the farm’s poet.

 

Trade and Deception

Napoleon continues dealings with the neighbouring farms, especially Mr. Frederick of Pinchfield and Mr. Pilkington of Foxwood. He plays the two against each other to secure better terms for selling timber.

 

Eventually, he chooses Frederick, believing him to be trustworthy. Soon after the deal, it is discovered that Frederick has paid with forged banknotes. The loss enrages Napoleon, who declares Frederick a traitor and calls for his capture.

 

The Second Battle of the Windmill

Frederick and his men launch a fierce attack on Animal Farm. Armed with guns, they drive the animals back into the farmyard. The attackers blow up the windmill with explosives, destroying months of hard work. Though the animals rally and drive the men away, their victory feels hollow. They have lost the windmill entirely, and many are injured.

 

Napoleon’s ‘Victory’ Narrative

Despite the destruction, Squealer announces that the battle was a glorious success, claiming the windmill’s loss is insignificant compared to the bravery shown. Medals are awarded, including one to Napoleon himself, and the day is celebrated with a banquet.

 

Luxury for the Pigs

Around this time, the pigs discover a cache of whisky in the farmhouse. They drink heavily, and the next day, Squealer is found injured near the barn with a suspicious ladder. The animals are told he had been working hard to revise the farm’s records. Later, the Fifth Commandment—“No animal shall drink alcohol”—is quietly altered to read: “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.”

 

Propaganda and Control Intensified

Napoleon’s use of propaganda deepens. Any problem is blamed on Snowball, and fear is maintained through constant warnings about human treachery. The animals, worn down by work and shortages, accept the official version of events without question.

 

Themes in This Chapter

Corruption of Language and Law: Small changes to the Commandments allow Napoleon to legalize his crimes.

Propaganda and Personality Cult: Napoleon becomes the central figure in a quasi-religious state ideology.

Illusion of Victory: Losses are reframed as triumphs to maintain morale and obedience.

 

Foreshadowing

The events suggest that the animals’ labor will continue to be exploited for the pigs’ gain. The rebuilding of the windmill will be repeated, further draining the animals without bringing them closer to the original dream of freedom.

 

 

Noun Clause-Types of Noun Clause-Subordinate Clauses-English Grammar

Noun Clause and Its Types (Detailed Explanation with Examples)

What is a Noun Clause?

A Noun Clause is a subordinate (dependent) clause that does the work of a noun in a sentence.

Just as a noun can function as a subject, object, or complement, a noun clause can also perform these functions.

Definition: A Noun Clause is a group of words containing a subject and a finite verb that functions as a noun in a sentence.

 

Examples

1.  That he is honest is known to everyone.

2.  I know what he wants.

3.  The problem is that we have no money.

 

In the above examples, the highlighted groups of words are Noun Clauses because they perform the functions of nouns.

 

How to Recognize a Noun Clause

Method 1: Ask "What?"

Sentence:

He told me that the rain was scanty last year.

 

Ask: He told me what?

Answer: that the rain was scanty last year

Therefore, it is a Noun Clause.

Types of Noun Clauses

1. Noun Clause as the Subject of a Verb

When a noun clause acts as the subject of the main verb, it is called a Noun Clause as Subject.

Examples

1.  That he will help me is certain.

2.  What you said is untrue.

3.  Whoever works hard succeeds.

4.  Whether he will come is uncertain.

Analysis

What you said is untrue.

 

Subject = What you said (Noun Clause)

Verb = is

Complement = untrue

Therefore, the clause functions as the subject.

2. Noun Clause as the Object of a Verb

When a noun clause receives the action of a verb, it acts as the object.

Examples

1.  I know that he is honest.

2.  She asked what my name was.

3.  He told me that he would help me.

4.  We do not know where he lives.

Analysis

I know that he is honest.

Ask: I know what?

Answer: that he is honest

Therefore, it is the object of the verb know.

 

3. Noun Clause as the Object of an Infinitive

An infinitive is usually to + first form of verb.

 

Examples

1.  He stood up to ask what the teacher was saying.

2.  I want to know where he lives.

3.  She tried to discover who had taken her bag.

Analysis

He stood up to ask what the teacher was saying.

Infinitive = to ask

Object of infinitive = what the teacher was saying

Hence, it is a Noun Clause functioning as the object of an infinitive.

4. Noun Clause as the Object of a Present Participle

A present participle ends in -ing.

Examples

1.  Thinking that you would help me, I came here.

2.  Believing that he was innocent, they supported him.

3.  Knowing that she was ill, we visited her.

Analysis

 

Thinking that you would help me

Present Participle = thinking

Object = that you would help me

Thus, the clause is a Noun Clause.

 

5. Noun Clause as the Object of a Preposition

A noun clause may come after a preposition such as of, to, about, with, etc.

Examples

1.  He is fond of what you sing.

2.  He objected to what I said.

3.  I agree with what you suggest.

4.  We are interested in how the machine works.

Analysis

He objected to what I said.

Preposition = to

Object of preposition = what I said

Hence, it is a Noun Clause.

6. Noun Clause as a Complement

 

A complement completes the meaning of a subject, adjective, or verb.

(a) Subject Complement

Examples

1.  Life is what we make it.

2.  The truth is that he is innocent.

3.  My wish is that everyone should succeed.

Analysis

Life is what we make it.

The clause completes the meaning of the subject Life.

(b) Adjective Complement

Examples

1.  I am happy that I have completed my work.

2.  She is sad that she lost her necklace.

3.  We are glad that you came.

Analysis

The clause completes the meaning of the adjective (happy, sad, glad).

7. Noun Clause in Apposition to a Noun or Pronoun

A noun clause may explain or rename a noun or pronoun placed before it.

 

Examples

1.  The news that India has won the match spread quickly.

2.  The fact that the results will be declared tomorrow excited students.

3.  The belief that honesty is the best policy is universal.

Analysis

The fact that the results will be declared tomorrow

The clause explains the noun fact.

Therefore, it is a Noun Clause in Apposition.

Common Words that Introduce Noun Clauses

Conjunctions: that, whether, if

Interrogative Words: what, who, whom, whose, which,

Where, when, why, how

Examples

1.  I know that he is honest.

2.  I don't know whether he will come.

3.  Tell me where you live.

Explain why you were absent.

Difference Between a Noun Clause and an Adjective Clause

Noun Clause: I know what he wants.

Ask: I know what?

Answer: what he wants

It functions as an object (noun).

Adjective Clause

The boy who won the prize is my brother.

The clause ‘who won the prize’ describes the noun boy.

Therefore, it is an Adjective Clause.

Quick Summary

Type of Noun Clause                     Example

1.Subject of Verb               What you said is true.

2.Object of Verb                 I know what you want.

3.Object of Infinitive  He tried to find where she lived.

4.Object of Present Participle 

                        Thinking that you would help me, I came.

5.Object of Preposition     He objected to what I said.

6.Subject Complement      Life is what we make it.

Adjective Complement       I am happy that you succeeded.

7.Apposition to Noun The fact that he is honest is known to all.

Important Rule for Examination

To identify a Noun Clause:

1.  Find the main verb in the principal clause.

2.  Put the question "What?"

3.  If the subordinate clause answers that question, it is usually a Noun Clause.

Example

She told me that she would come.

Question:

She told me what?

Answer:

‘that she would come’

Therefore, that she would come is a Noun Clause.

Practice Questions

Identify the Noun Clause and state its type:

 

1.  What he said is true.

2.  I know that he is honest.

3.  He asked where I lived.

4.  The fact that he succeeded surprised everyone.

5.  Life is what we make it.

Answers

1.  What he said – Subject of Verb

2.  that he is honest – Object of Verb

3.  where I lived – Object of Verb

4.  that he succeeded – Apposition to Noun

5.  what we make it – Subject Complement