English Notes Chapter 1.2 – Androcles, and the Lion Class 8 Maharashtra Board

1. Introduction

• The story is about Androcles, a kind and gentle slave, and a lion who became his friend.
• It highlights themes of kindness, gratitude, and bravery.

2. Summary of the Story

(a) Androcles’ Life as a Slave

• Androcles was a slave under a cruel master who treated his slaves harshly.
• Slaves in ancient times had no rights or freedom and were forced to obey their masters.
• Androcles suffered a lot and wanted to escape from slavery.

(b) Androcles Escapes

• One day, he got an opportunity to escape and ran away into a dense forest.
• Though he had no shelter or food, he was happy to be free.

(c) Meeting with the Lion

• While wandering in the forest, Androcles suddenly came face to face with a lion.
• The lion did not attack him but looked at him with pain and sorrow.
• Androcles noticed that the lion had a thorn stuck in its paw, which was causing severe pain.

(d) Androcles Helps the Lion

• Summoning up his courage, Androcles carefully removed the thorn from the lion’s paw.
• He bandaged the wound using a piece of his own clothing.
• The lion licked his hand to show gratitude and friendship.
• They became good friends, and the lion followed Androcles everywhere.

(e) Capture of Androcles and the Lion

• Androcles’ master reported his escape, and soldiers were sent to capture him.
• Both Androcles and the lion were caught and taken to the city.
• Androcles was thrown into prison, while the lion was caged.

(f) The Punishment in the Arena

• At that time, slaves who ran away were punished by being thrown to wild animals in a public arena.
• Androcles was brought to the circus arena, and a hungry lion was released to attack him.
• To everyone’s surprise, the lion did not attack Androcles but instead recognized him.
• It licked him and showed affection, making the audience and the emperor amazed.

(g) The Emperor’s Decision

• The emperor asked Androcles for an explanation, and Androcles narrated the whole story.
• The emperor was moved by the lion’s gratitude and friendship.
• He freed Androcles and allowed him to live freely.
• Androcles requested the emperor to free the lion as well, and the emperor agreed.
• Androcles and the lion returned to the forest, where they lived as free companions.

3. Moral of the Story

• Kindness is always rewarded.
• Gratitude and friendship can exist between humans and animals.
• Bravery and compassion can change lives.

4. Important Word Meanings

5. Answering Key Questions

(a) Match the Phrases

(b) Different Meanings of ‘Bound’

1. They were bound by law to obey their master. → (b) Forced to follow
2. The kind man bound up the lion’s injured paw. → (c) Tied up
3. The lion bounded towards Androcles again. → (a) Rushed forward

(c) Antonyms from the Story

(d) Five Sounds Made by the Lion

1. Moaned
2. Whimpered
3. Growled
4. Roared
5. Purred

(e) Reactions to Actions

1. Androcles did not like his cruel master, so he escaped into the forest.
2. The lion looked at Androcles piteously, so Androcles decided to help him.
3. Androcles bandaged the lion’s injured paw, so the lion became his friend.
4. A hungry ferocious lion was released into the arena, so the crowd expected it to attack Androcles.
5. The lion reached Androcles and recognized him, showing affection instead of attacking.
6. The emperor asked Androcles what reward he wanted, so he requested the lion’s freedom.

6. Writing Practice

(a) Slavery in Ancient Rome

• Slaves had no freedom and were treated as property.
• Masters were often cruel and harsh towards slaves.
• Running away from a master was considered a serious crime.

(b) Qualities of Androcles

• Kind and compassionate (helped the lion).
• Brave (removed the thorn despite fear).
• Grateful and loyal (helped the lion even after being free).

(c) Even Wild Animals Can Be Our Friends

• Animals respond to kindness and remember help given to them.
• The lion in the story showed gratitude and friendship towards Androcles.
• Humans and animals can form strong bonds of trust.

7. Story Writing

Title: The Power of Kindness

• A young boy once saved a wounded bird by taking care of it.
• Later, the bird returned to warn him of danger.
• This teaches us that kindness is always repaid in unexpected ways.

8. Conclusion

• “Androcles and the Lion” is a timeless tale about how kindness, bravery, and friendship can bring about freedom and happiness.
• It teaches us to be compassionate towards others, including animals.