The boy who broke the bank/std 10/Personal Responses

THE BOY WHO BROKE THE BANK

The Boy Who Broke the Bank by Ruskin Bond is a humorous story that explores how rumors can lead to chaos. The story revolves around a sweeper boy named Nathu, who expresses frustration about not being paid on time, leading to a rumor that the bank is going bankrupt. This rumor quickly spreads, causing panic and confusion in the town. The story highlights the impact of gossip and the importance of verifying facts.

1. Why do you think people were so quick to believe the rumor about the bank?
Ans: People believed the rumor because they already had some doubts and worries about the bank’s management. Also, when news spreads quickly, especially when it’s negative, people tend to believe it without confirming it. The fear of losing their money added to the panic.

2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a rumor spreading quickly? What happened?
Ans: Yes, I once saw how a rumor about a teacher leaving spread across the school. Everyone talked about it, but later we found out it wasn’t true. This showed me how easily people can believe and spread rumors.

3. What lesson can we learn from this story about communication?
Ans: The story teaches us that it’s important to verify information before passing it on. Miscommunication and rumors can lead to unnecessary chaos and panic, so it’s better to check facts and avoid spreading unverified information.

4. Why do you think Nathu was frustrated, and how did his small complaint lead to big consequences?
Ans: Nathu was frustrated because he hadn’t been paid on time, which made him feel undervalued. His small complaint, when overheard and misunderstood by others, led to the spread of a false rumor. This shows how even minor complaints can be blown out of proportion if people misinterpret them.

5. Do you think Nathu should have been more careful with his complaint? Why or why not?
Ans: Yes, Nathu could have been more careful because sharing his frustration in a public space led to a misunderstanding. However, I also think he didn’t realize that his words would create such a big reaction. Sometimes, people don’t think that a small comment could be taken so seriously.

6. Why do you think the townspeople were so affected by the rumor?
Ans: The townspeople were affected because they trusted the bank to keep their money safe. Hearing that the bank might close made them anxious, as they feared losing their savings. This fear drove them to act without verifying the information.

7. What would you do if you heard a similar rumor about something important?
Ans: If I heard a similar rumor, I would try to confirm it with reliable sources before reacting. I think it’s better to check the facts instead of making assumptions, as acting on rumors can lead to unnecessary stress and misunderstandings.

8. How does the story show the impact of gossip on a community?
Ans: The story shows that gossip can create panic and disrupt everyday life. A simple rumor about the bank spread quickly and caused everyone to react without thinking. It demonstrates how gossip can harm a community and even damage trust.

These questions help students reflect on the themes of rumor, trust, and the importance of verifying information before reacting, enhancing their understanding of the story.