Short Questions of Fable, Wisdom literature and epic

Fables
Q1: What is a fable?

Ans: A fable is a short story that teaches a moral lesson in an entertaining way. It usually has
animal characters that talk and act like humans.

Q2: What is the difference between a fable and a parable?

Ans: A fable uses animals or non-human characters to teach a moral lesson to children, while a
parable uses human characters to teach deeper moral or spiritual truths, usually meant for
adults.

Q3: Who wrote the Fables of Bidpai?

Ans: The Fables of Bidpai were originally written in Sanskrit and are linked to a wise man
named Bidpai (or Vidya Pati), though he may be a fictional figure.

Q4: What is Panchatantra?

Ans: Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of fables written in Sanskrit. It teaches

wisdom and life lessons through animal stories.

Q5: Who was Ibn-e-Muqaffa?

Ans: Ibn-e-Muqaffa was a Persian writer who translated the Indian Panchatantra into Arabic as
“Kalila wa Dimna". His translation helped spread these fables across the Islamic world.

Fable 1

The Lion and the Bull

Q1: Describe the character of Schanzabeh.

Ans: Schanzabeh is loyal and honest. He truly cares for the lion. But he trusts too easily, which
leads to his downfall. He symbolises the risk of innocence and blind loyalty.

Q2: What does the lion symbolise in the fable?

Ans: In The Lion and the Bull, the lion is a strong and just ruler who values friendship and
loyalty. However, his blind trust in the deceitful jackals becomes his weakness and leads to
Schanzabeh’s death. His character teaches that true leaders must think wisely and not rely
blindly on others.

Q3: What are the qualities and symbolic role of Dimna?

Ans: Dimna is clever but selfish and cunning. He symbolises the danger of ambition without
morality. His treachery destroyed the friendship of the Lion and the Bull. Dimna’s character
warns against the harm caused by manipulation.

Q4: What does Kalila represent in the story?

Ans: Kalila, the brother of Dimna, represents the positive voice of truth and wisdom. He stands
for truth and wisdom. He stays calm and honest. His role shows that real power lies in clear
thinking and sincere advice.

Q5: What is the moral lesson of The Lion and the Bull?

Ans: The story teaches that honesty and loyalty build true friendship, but treachery and lies
destroy it. It also shows that a wise leader should think carefully and not trust others blindly.

Q6: What are the main themes of the story The Lion and the Bull?

Ans: The themes include loyalty, honesty, betrayal, and the danger of false advice. It shows that
real strength comes from trust, treachery. It also highlights the importance of wise leadership.

Fable 2

The Ring Dove

Q1: Describe the character of the Crow.

Ans: The crow is wise and friendly. He believes in teamwork and supports others. He symbolises
friendship, wisdom, and trust. In The Ring Dove, he serves as the positive voice of reason and
unity.

Q2: What qualities does the Ring Dove show?

Ans: The Ring Dove is calm, wise, and a responsible leader. He symbolises unity and teamwork,
and shows that good leaders care for others and make smart decisions.

Q3: What does Zirak symbolise in the fable?

Ans: Zirak is brave and clever. He helps his friends and stays strong in hard times. He
symbolises courage, loyalty, and wisdom.

Q4: What is the main moral lesson of The Ring Dove?

Ans: The story teaches that real strength lies in unity, kindness, and helping each other. Loyalty
brings peace, but selfishness causes harm.

Q5: What are the themes of The Ring Dove?

Ans: The themes include teamwork, friendship, courage, and loyalty. The fable highlights that
working together leads to success in tough times. It also shows that good leaders care for others
and make smart decisions.

Fable 3

Owl and the Crows

Q1: What qualities does the Crow King possess and what does he symbolise?

Ans: The Crow King is wise, brave, and a smart leader. He protects his group with wise
planning. He symbolises unity, wisdom, and strong leadership.

Q2: Describe the character and role of the advisor to the Crow King.

Ans: The advisor is clever, careful, and plans well. He helps the king win through spying and
smart ideas. He symbolises strategy and wise support.

Q3: How is the King of the Owls portrayed in the story?

Ans: The Owl King is proud and harsh. He does not listen to advice and uses force. He
symbolises arrogance and failed leadership.

Q4: What is the moral lesson of the story "The Owls and the Crows"?
Ans: The story teaches that smart thinking and teamwork are stronger than power. It warns
against pride and shows the value of unity and planning.

Q5: What are the main themes of the story "The Owls and the Crows"?

Ans: The story shows that wisdom beats strength. It highlights teamwork, good leadership, and
planning for safety.

HIKAYAT

Q1: What is a Hikayat or Parable?

Ans: A Hikayat or parable is a short moral story that teaches a lesson through simple events,
often using characters like kings, animals, or common people.

Q2: What is Wisdom Literature?

Ans: Wisdom literature includes stories, sayings, and poems that teach life lessons, morals, and
values. It guides people on how to live wisely and lead an ethical life.

Q3: What are the traits of a good ruler according to Gulistan?

Ans: A good ruler is just, kind, wise, and fair. He has moral strength, protects the weak, listens to
wise counsel, and governs with honesty and care for his people.

Story 1

Q1: What is the main theme of the story about King Naushirwan and the salt?

Ans: The main theme is justice and fairness. It shows that true leaders follow rules themselves
and set a good example for others.

Q2: What moral lesson does the story of King Naushirwan teach us?

Ans: The story teaches that one should not take anything without paying. Even small acts of
injustice and dishonesty can harm and even destroy society. It emphasises the importance of
integrity for building a just and peaceful community.

Story 2
Q1: What is the main theme of the story about the royal revenue collector and the Sultan?

Ans: The main theme is justice and kindness. It shows that cruelty and misuse of power cause
failure, while humility, compassion and helping others show true strength.

Q2: What moral lesson does the story teach us through the humble ass and ox?

Ans: The story teaches that God values kindness, humility, and service more than pride or power.
Helping others is better than being proud and cruel.

Story 3

Q1: What is the main theme of the story about the man who cheated the poor?

Ans: The main theme is that greed and injustice lead to punishment. It shows that harming the
poor cause negative consequences and wrong actions cannot remain hidden.

Q2: What moral lesson does the story teach us about the man’s punishment?

Ans: The story teaches us to be fair and kind. Hurting the poor brings trouble because God does
not allow injustice to go unpunished.

Story 4

Q1: How does the story of the king and the faqir show the true meaning of leadership?

Ans: The story’s main theme is true leadership and humility. It teaches that a real leader serves
the people and does not demand respect or pride from them.

Q2: What lesson about power and responsibility does the king learn from the faqir?

Ans: The story teaches that power comes with responsibility. A good leader must be humble and
care for the people. His status is a responsibility given by God, and he should not demand
obedience just because he is king.

Story 5

Q1: What is the main theme shown in the story of the raging king and the innocent man?

Ans: The main theme is injustice and guilt. It shows that cruelty and misuse of power bring
lasting regret and suffering for the wrongdoer.
Q2: What moral lesson does the story teach us through the innocent man’s words?

Ans: The story teaches that injustice never goes unpunished. Hurting the innocent may bring
temporary pleasure of power, but it leaves the oppressor with a lifetime of guilt.

Story 6

Q1: How does the story of the poor labourer and his rich brother show the difference between
freedom and dependence?

Ans: The story shows that real freedom comes from honest work and self-reliance. The service of
the rich may provide comfort and material benefits, but it costs dignity, while self-reliance brings
true freedom of the soul and lasting contentment.

Q2: What moral lesson does the poor labourer teach his brother?

Ans: The story teaches that living simply and independently is better than depending on others’
wealth. Self-respect and freedom matter more than luxury and power.

Story 7

Q1: How does the story of King Naushirwan and his enemy’s death show the theme of wisdom
and humanity?

Ans: The story teaches that true wisdom is understanding that death comes to everyone, friend
or foe. King Naushirwan knows this reality and therefore acts fairly and with humility.

Q2: What moral lesson does the story teach about life and death?

Ans: The story teaches us not to celebrate anyone’s death. It reminds us to be humble because
life is short and all humans share the same fate.

Story 8

Q1: What is the main theme of the story about Alexander the Great and how he won
kingdoms?
Ans: The story teaches that true greatness comes from respect and good character. Alexander
succeeded by honouring others and not belittling them. The story shows that real bravery and
greatness lie in humility and compassion, not just in power or wealth.

Q2: What moral lesson does Alexander the Great teach us in this story?

Ans: The story teaches that wealth and power are temporary, but respect , compassion, humility
and integrity last forever. True greatness comes from honouring others.

Story 9

Q1: What is the main theme of the story and moral lesson about the man who pretended to be
pious in front of the sultan?

Ans: The main theme is religious hypocrisy and false goodness. The story shows that true faith
comes from a sincere heart, not from pretending to be holy to gain praise from others. It teaches
that God values honest intentions, not apparent show to impress others.

Story 10

Q1: What is the moral lesson of the story about the law professor and his father’s advice?

Ans: It also highlights the importance of learning with an open mind. Wisdom can come from
imperfect people if we listen carefully.

Q2: What moral lesson does this story teach about learning and judgement?

Ans: The story teaches two lessons. First, preaching based on practice touches the heart.
Second, learners should focus on the knowledge, not the teacher. It reminds us to seek wisdom
and not judge others.

POEMS

Q1: What is Bang-e-Dra?

Ans: Bang-e-Dra(The Call of the Marching Bell) is a famous Urdu poetry book written by
Allama Iqbal. It has poems about love for the country, Muslim unity, spiritual strength, and self-
awareness.

Q2: What is the message of Bang-e-Dra?

Ans: The message is to inspire Muslims, especially the youth, to wake up, stay united, gain
knowledge, and become brave and self-respecting.

Q3: How many parts is Bang-e-Dra divided into, and when were they written?

Ans: Bang-e-Dra has three parts. The first part (1905–1908) includes poems on patriotism
written during Iqbal’s stay in Europe. The second part (1908–1913) focuses on Islamic history
and awakening of Muslims. The third part (1914–1923) contains deep poems about Khudi
(selfhood), faith, and revival.

Poem 1

Q1: What is the theme of poem Sympathy?

Ans The poem highlights compassion, kindness, and empathy. It teaches that the best people are
those who help others in need, showing that kindness is the highest virtue.

Q2: What is the Moral Lesson of poem Sympathy?

Ans: The poem teaches that helping others in need with empathy and selflessness is a moral
duty. Such acts bring peace, harmony, and true goodness in life.

Q3: What does Nightingale symbolise?

Ans: The nightingale represents sadness and loneliness. It shows feelings of pain and sorrow,
singing in the dark when no one is around.

Q4: What does Glow Worm represent?

Ans: The glow worm represents hope and light in darkness. Even though it is small, it shines
brightly and gives comfort and courage during hard times.

Poem 2

Q1: What is the main theme of the poem "The Spider and the Fly"?

Ans: The theme is deception and the danger of flattery. It shows how people can be misled by
sweet words and false praise.

Q2: What moral lesson does the poem teach?

Ans: The poem warns us not to trust flattering words, especially from enemies. It teaches us to
stay alert and not be fooled by false kindness.

Q3: What does the spider symbolise in the poem?

Ans: The spider symbolises a clever deceiver, often like colonial powers or enemies who use
sweet words to trap the weak.

Q4: What does the fly symbolise in the poem?

Ans: The fly symbolises a naive and innocent person who is easily influenced by flattery and
ends up in danger.

Poem 3

Q1: What is the main theme of the poem "The Mountain and the Squirrel"?

Ans: The theme is that every creature has a purpose. Big or small, everything in creation has
value and plays a unique role in God’s plan.

Q2: What is the moral lesson of the poem?

Ans: The poem teaches us not to look down on others. We should respect all of Allah’s creations,
as nothing is useless or meaningless.

Q3: What does the mountain symbolise in the poem?

Ans: The mountain symbolises pride and arrogance. It represents those who think size or power
makes them greater than others.

Q4: What does the squirrel symbolise in the poem?

Ans: The squirrel symbolises wisdom, humility, and purpose. It represents small beings who
recognise their blessings, use their skills, and remain thankful instead of complaining.

Poem 4

Q1: What is the main theme of the poem The Cow and the Goat?

Ans: The main theme is gratitude and contentment. The poem teaches us to stay thankful to
Allah for what we have instead of complaining.
Q2: What moral lesson does the poem teach?

Ans: The poem teaches that we should be grateful in every situation. Complaining brings no
benefit, but gratitude leads to peace and happiness.

Q3: What does the goat symbolise in Iqbal’s poem The Cow and the Goat?

Ans: The goat symbolises wisdom and thankfulness. It represents a person who values safety,
blessings, and advises others to be grateful.

Q4: What does the cow symbolise in Iqbal’s poem The Cow and the Goat?

Ans: The cow symbolises discontent and ignorance. It represents a person who complains and
fails to see the value of the blessings they already have.

Poem 5

Q1: What is the main theme of Iqbal’s poem "The Firefly"?

Ans: The main theme is courage and hope. The poem tells us to stay strong and keep shining
even when things are difficult or dark around us.

Q2: What does the firefly symbolise in Iqbal’s poem?

Ans: The firefly represents a small but powerful light. It shows that even something small can
give hope and help others in dark times.

Q3: What is the moral lesson of the poem "The Firefly"?

Ans: The poem teaches us to believe in ourselves and keep trying no matter how hard life is.
Even small efforts can inspire others and make a difference. Even in dark times, believing in
ourselves and shining our light can inspire hope and guide others.

Poem 6

Q1: What is the poem A Bird’s Complaint about?

Ans: The poem is about a bird trapped in a cage. It remembers the time when it was free and
happy in the garden. Now it feels sad, lonely, and wants freedom. It teaches the value of freedom.

Q2: What does the caged bird represent in the poem?

Ans: The caged bird represents the people of India under British rule. Just like the bird wants to
be free, the people wanted freedom from British control.

Q3: What is the message of the poem?

Ans: The poem gives the message that freedom is very important. Life is only joyful when we are
free. Without freedom, even beauty and spring feel sad

Q4: What is the meaning of spring in the poem?

Ans: Spring represents happiness, new life, and beauty. For the caged bird, however, it brings
pain because it cannot enjoy it. The poem shows that true happiness comes from within, not from
outward beauty or comfort

Q5: Why does the bird cry in the poem?

Ans: The bird cries because it is separated from its home and loved ones. Its cry is full of pain,
not joy. The poem shows that true happiness comes from within, not from outward beauty or
comfort.

Poem 7

Q1: What is the moral lesson of the poem “Bird and Firefly”?

Ans: The poem teaches us to respect all creatures and their unique roles. Harmony comes from
accepting diversity, as every being has special qualities that together enhance the beauty of the
universe.

Q2: what is the Theme of the poem?

Ans: The themes of firefly revolves around diversity, harmony in nature, purpose of life, and
peaceful coexistence of all living beings.

Q3: what does the bird symbolise in the poem?

Ans: The bird symbolises expressive talents like music, speech, and communication. Its song
represents beauty that is heard and appreciated, showing human qualities that are outwardly
visible and praised.

Q4: What does the firefly symbolise in the poem?

Ans: The firefly symbolises inner light, wisdom, and quiet strength. Its glow represents hidden
qualities that may not be noticed easily but are deeply meaningful and powerful.

Poem 8

Q1: What are the main themes of the poem The Wave of the River?

Ans: The main themes are restlessness, search for purpose, freedom, and the journey of self-
discovery.

Q2: Who is the main character in the poem The Wave of the River?

Ans: The wave is the main character. It represents a restless soul, always moving forward in
search of its goal.

Q3: What is the moral lesson of the poem The Wave of the River?

Ans: The poem teaches us to never give up in the face of struggle. Life is a journey, and we must
keep moving to find our true purpose.

SHAHNAMEH

Q1: What is an epic?

Ans: An epic is a long narrative poem that tells the story of a hero’s brave deeds and adventures,
often with historical or mythical elements.

Q2: Who was Ferdowsi?

Ans: Ferdowsi was a renowned Persian poet, known for preserving Persian history and culture
through his works. He wrote the Shahnameh, one of the world’s longest epic poems, which tells
the stories of ancient kings, heroes, and legends of Persia.

Q3: What is Shahnameh?

Ans: Shahnameh means “The Book of Kings”. It is a Persian epic that tells the history, myths,
and heroic tales of ancient Iran.

Q4: Who was Rustam?

Ans: Rustam was a great warrior in the Shahnameh. He was brave and strong, and the father of
Sohrab. His character flaw was impulsiveness and lack of foresight, which led to the tragedy of
unknowingly killing his own son.

Q5: Who was Tahmineh?

Ans: Tahmineh was a princess and the wife of Rustam. She is intelligent, courageous, and
devoted. She wisely chooses Rustam as her husband and shows strength and care as the mother
of Sohrab.

Q6: Who was Sohrab?

Ans: Sohrab, son of Rustam and Tahmineh, became a great warrior but tragically died fighting
his own father. His tragic flaw was not knowing his parentage, which led to his fatal battle.

Q 7: Discuss Rustam and Sohrab as a tragedy of love.

The story of Rustam and Sohrab is a tragic tale of love and fate. Father and son, unaware of
each other, fight on the battlefield. Their tragedy happens because Rustam did not know Sohrab
was his son, turning a loving bond into sorrow.

8: Discuss SHhanameh as an epic poem

The Shahnameh is a Persian epic poem written by Ferdowsi. It tells the history, legends, and
myths of Persia through heroic deeds, battles, and moral lessons. As an epic, it celebrates
courage, honor, and the struggles between good and evil over generations.