CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 1 Notes

CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 1 Notes: It So Happened supplementary reader for CBSE Class 8 English follows the prescribed Class 8 syllabus created by the Central Board of Secondary Education. This chapter, How the Camel Got His Hump, is an important chapter of the curriculum, aiming to enhance students' reading, comprehension, and analytical skills through fiction.

The syllabus emphasizes understanding the themes, characters, and moral lessons in stories, along with developing vocabulary and writing skills. For the English exam, students are expected to understand the plot, key events, character motivations, and underlying messages of the story.

The exam pattern for CBSE Class 8  English includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short-answer questions, long-answer questions, and questions that assess students' writing skills. The story's moral, about the consequences of laziness and the value of hard work, is likely to feature in both objective and subjective questions in the exam.

CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 1 Notes How the Camel Got His Hump

Introduction

The CBSE Class 8 English supplementary reader It So Happened begins with an intriguing and engaging story titled How the Camel Got His Hump, written by Rudyard Kipling.

This fictional fable is a fun and imaginative tale about how the camel, a hardworking yet lazy animal, earned his distinctive hump. The chapter carries an important lesson about the consequences of laziness and the need to fulfill one's responsibilities.

Below, we will break down the chapter into easy-to-understand notes, summarizing the plot, key events, character analysis, and moral of the story.

Summary of How the Camel Got His Hump

The story takes place during a time when animals had just begun working for humans. It introduces us to a lazy camel who lived in the middle of the Howling Desert. The camel’s primary food consists of sticks, prickles, and thorns, and he does not engage in any work. Whenever anyone asks him to help, his only response is, “Humph!” This shows his utter indifference to the tasks assigned to him, unlike the other animals who work diligently.

Key Events:

1. The Camel’s Laziness: The camel’s lazy nature is highlighted when various animals ask him to help with work. The horse, the dog, and the ox all approach him at different times, but the camel’s response is always the same: "Humph!" He refuses to contribute, despite the fact that everyone else is working hard.

2. The Animals’ Complaints: After being consistently ignored, the horse, the dog, and the ox go to the man, telling him about the camel’s refusal to work. As a result, the man has no choice but to divide the camel’s work among the other animals. This decision makes the three animals angry and frustrated.

3. The Panchayat: In their frustration, the three animals hold a panchayat (a meeting) on the edge of the Desert. They discuss the camel’s laziness and decide to take action. Just then, the Djinn of All Deserts arrives in a large cloud of dust. The animals complain to him about the camel’s refusal to work, and the Djinn promises to solve the problem.

4. The Djinn’s Intervention: The Djinn finds the camel sitting idle in the desert, admiring his reflection in a pond. When the Djinn asks the camel to work, the lazy animal responds with his usual "Humph!" This time, the Djinn punishes the camel by magically creating a hump on his back. The camel is shocked by this transformation and asks why it happened.

5. The Explanation and Consequences: The Djinn explains that the camel’s hump was a consequence of his laziness. The camel had not worked for three days, and now he would have to carry the weight of his hump for three days without food or water. This way, the camel would learn to work just like the other animals. Realizing that his pride and laziness had led to his transformation, the camel accepts his punishment.

6. The Camel’s Change of Heart: From that day on, the camel begins to work alongside the other animals, contributing his share of the work. His hump becomes a symbol of his earlier laziness and serves as a reminder that even the laziest of animals must work to survive.

Character Analysis

1. The Camel:  The camel is portrayed as the main character of the story, and his laziness forms the crux of the plot. At the beginning of the story, the camel is selfish and refuses to work, leading to his transformation.
   His behavior of saying "Humph!" symbolizes his reluctance to do any work. The camel represents those individuals who avoid their responsibilities, expecting others to take care of their duties. However, after his encounter with the Djinn, the camel learns the value of hard work and begins contributing just like the other animals.

2. The Horse, The Dog, and The Ox: These animals are hardworking and diligent. They represent the working class who do their part, despite facing challenges. They are initially frustrated with the camel’s laziness, and their complaints lead to the intervention of the Djinn.
   
   The Djinn: The Djinn is a supernatural spirit who holds the power to change situations. In the story, the Djinn of All Deserts plays a crucial role in transforming the camel by giving him a hump.
   The Djinn can be seen as a figure of justice, ensuring that the lazy camel learns a lesson. The Djinn's intervention symbolizes the idea that laziness will eventually catch up with an individual and they must face the consequences.
   
   

Moral of the Story

The central moral of How the Camel Got His Hump is that laziness has consequences. The story teaches that one must not waste time idly. Those who shirk their responsibilities will eventually face hardships. Just like the camel’s hump, which is a constant reminder of his laziness, we too must learn to take responsibility and work towards achieving our goals.

It also teaches the importance of fairness and hard work. The other animals, who work diligently, serve as role models for the camel. They show that everyone has a role to play, and avoiding work not only harms the individual but also affects the community.

CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 1 Conclusion

In conclusion, How the Camel Got His Hump is a delightful fable by Rudyard Kipling carries an important moral lesson about the consequences of laziness and the value of hard work.The story revolves around a lazy camel who refuses to work, and as a result, he is punished by the Djinn of All Deserts, who gives him a hump.

This hump acts as a reminder of the camel’s earlier laziness and forces him to work for three days without food or water. The moral of the story teaches students that avoiding responsibilities will lead to difficulties in life, and hard work is essential for success and growth. Through this simple yet impactful tale, students learn the importance of fulfilling their duties and not procrastinating. 

CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 1 PDF Download

Students who wish to revise or study Chapter 1 How the Camel Got His Hump from the CBSE Class 8 English It So Happened textbook can download the notes in PDF format. These notes provide a detailed summary of the chapter, along with explanations of key themes, character analysis, and moral lessons.

The simplified breakdown of the story ensures a clear understanding of the plot and the message conveyed by the author, Rudyard Kipling. The PDF format makes it convenient for students to access the material anytime for efficient exam preparation. You can download the PDF using the link provided below for easy reference and study.