His First Flight (Story) English class 10 in English Medium ncert book solutions Story Summary

Chapter 3. (Story) His First Flight

His First Flight is a beautiful story written by Liam O'Flaherty. It tells the inspiring story of a young seagull who is afraid to fly for the first time. Through the seagull's fear, hesitation, and eventual success, the author conveys that courage, self-confidence, and determination are essential for overcoming challenges in life. The story also highlights the importance of encouragement and guidance from parents in helping children become independent. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Story Summary (English)

The story begins with a young seagull sitting alone on the ledge of a cliff. His brothers and sister have already learnt to fly, but he is too frightened to take his first flight. Whenever he comes near the edge of the cliff, he looks at the vast sea below and becomes terrified. He believes that his wings are too weak to support him, so he loses confidence and runs back to safety. His parents scold him and even threaten to leave him hungry until he learns to fly, but he remains too afraid to make the attempt. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

As time passes, the young seagull becomes extremely hungry because his family refuses to feed him. He watches his parents and siblings flying freely, catching fish, and enjoying themselves. The sight of food increases his hunger. Seeing his suffering, his mother picks up a piece of fish and flies towards him. However, instead of giving him the food, she stops just out of his reach. Driven by intense hunger, the young seagull jumps forward in an attempt to catch the fish. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

At first, the seagull feels that he is falling into the deep sea. Fear grips him, but within moments his wings spread automatically. The wind lifts him, and he realises that he can actually fly. Soon he begins to soar, glide, dive, and enjoy the freedom of flying. His fear disappears completely and is replaced by confidence and excitement. His parents and siblings happily encourage him as he successfully completes his first flight. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Finally, the young seagull lands safely on the surface of the sea, where his family warmly welcomes him and offers him pieces of fish. The story ends on a joyful note, showing that fear can be overcome through courage, practice, and self-belief. It teaches readers that success comes only when we gather the confidence to face our fears. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Story Summary (Hindi / सारांश)

'His First Flight' प्रसिद्ध लेखक Liam O'Flaherty द्वारा लिखी गई एक प्रेरणादायक कहानी है। यह कहानी एक छोटे समुद्री पक्षी (सीगल) की है, जो पहली बार उड़ने से बहुत डरता है। उसके भाई-बहन पहले ही उड़ना सीख चुके हैं, लेकिन वह ऊँची चट्टान से नीचे फैले विशाल समुद्र को देखकर घबरा जाता है। उसे विश्वास नहीं होता कि उसके पंख उसका भार उठा पाएँगे। इसलिए वह हर बार उड़ने की कोशिश करने से पहले ही पीछे हट जाता है। उसके माता-पिता उसे साहस दिलाने का प्रयास करते हैं और उसे आत्मनिर्भर बनाने के लिए भोजन देना भी बंद कर देते हैं। :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

लगातार भूखा रहने के कारण छोटा सीगल बहुत कमजोर और बेचैन हो जाता है। वह अपने माता-पिता और भाई-बहनों को मछलियाँ पकड़ते और खुले आकाश में उड़ते हुए देखता है। उसकी माँ एक मछली का टुकड़ा लेकर उसके पास आती है, लेकिन उसे देने के बजाय थोड़ी दूरी पर रुक जाती है। भूख से विवश होकर सीगल मछली पाने के लिए आगे छलांग लगा देता है। उसी क्षण उसे लगता है कि वह नीचे गिर जाएगा, परन्तु उसके पंख स्वतः फैल जाते हैं और हवा उसे संभाल लेती है। धीरे-धीरे वह उड़ना सीख जाता है और उसका डर पूरी तरह समाप्त हो जाता है। :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

पहली सफल उड़ान के बाद उसका आत्मविश्वास कई गुना बढ़ जाता है। वह खुशी-खुशी आकाश में उड़ता है, गोते लगाता है और समुद्र के ऊपर स्वतंत्र रूप से उड़ने का आनंद लेता है। उसका पूरा परिवार उसकी सफलता पर प्रसन्न होता है और उसे मछली खिलाकर उसकी पहली उड़ान का उत्सव मनाता है। यह कहानी हमें सिखाती है कि डर केवल मन की कमजोरी है। यदि हम साहस, आत्मविश्वास और निरंतर प्रयास करें, तो जीवन की सबसे कठिन चुनौतियों पर भी विजय प्राप्त कर सकते हैं। :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Difficult Words and Meanings

1. Ledge – A narrow shelf projecting from a cliff.

2. Brink – The edge of a steep place.

3. Muster – To gather or collect.

4. Plunge – To jump or dive suddenly.

5. Upbraiding – Scolding severely.

6. Skim – To move lightly over a surface.

7. Plateau – A flat elevated area of land.

8. Taunting – Mocking or teasing someone.

9. Preening – Cleaning and arranging feathers.

10. Derisively – In a mocking manner.

11. Whet – To sharpen.

12. Soaring – Flying high in the air.

13. Swooped – Moved rapidly downward through the air.

14. Curveting – Leaping or moving gracefully in the air.

15. Banking – Flying with one wing higher than the other.

16. Beckoning – Signalling someone to come.

17. Exhausted – Extremely tired.

18. Courage – The ability to face fear.

19. Timid – Shy or lacking confidence.

20. Triumph – A great success or victory.

Character Sketch (Main Characters)

The Young Seagull

The young seagull is timid, hesitant, and lacking in self-confidence at the beginning of the story. He is afraid to take risks because he doubts his own abilities. However, after overcoming his fear, he becomes courageous, confident, and independent. His transformation teaches that self-belief and determination are the keys to success. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

The Mother Seagull

The mother seagull is loving, intelligent, and encouraging. Instead of helping her young one directly, she cleverly motivates him to take his first flight by tempting him with food. Her actions show that true parents prepare their children to become independent. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Theme / Message of the Story

The story teaches that fear is a natural part of life, but it should never stop us from trying. Confidence grows only when we take the first step towards our goal. The chapter also highlights the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and parental guidance in achieving success. Every challenge becomes easier once we gather the courage to face it. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

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