Get complete, textbook-grounded solutions for DAV Class 5 Moral Science Chapter 11: The Power of Speech (Child & Society – Observation). Explore the famous fable of the king, the bodyguard, the minister, and the blind sage, discover why speech reveals one’s character, and solve all textbook questions according to the DAV CMC curriculum.
Story Summary: Speech as the Mirror of Personality
Words possess extraordinary power. While a kind word can heal deep sorrow and create lifelong bonds, harsh or arrogant speech wounds relationships irreparably. The proverb rightly observes: “Speech is the index of one’s personality.”
The Story of the King and the Blind Sage:
A king hunting in a dense forest got separated from his chief minister and bodyguard. While wandering, he met a blind holy hermit meditating under a banyan tree. The king bowed reverently, inquired gently about the sage’s well-being, and asked if anyone had passed by. The hermit replied: “Your Excellency, first your Chief Minister and then your bodyguard passed by heading north.” Amazed, the king asked how a blind man could discern their identities. The hermit explained: “By the quality of their speech! The bodyguard commanded rudely: ‘O Blind Man! What is the way to the town?’ The Minister inquired politely: ‘Holy man, accept my greetings and tell me the way.’ But you greeted me with deep humility, inquired of my health, and addressed me as ‘Revered Sir’. Only a true King speaks with such nobility!”
Thought of the Day: “Speak so that I may know you.” — William Shakespeare
Textbook Exercises & Solved Questions
A. Answer the Following Questions
Q1. When the king got lost in the forest whom did he meet?
Answer: When the king got lost in the forest, he met a blind holy sage meditating peacefully under a tree.
Q2. Who were accompanying the King?
Answer: The King was accompanied by his Chief Minister and his bodyguard.
Q3. How did the blind man know that the King’s Chief Minister and bodyguard passed him by?
Answer: The blind holy man recognized each person solely by their tone and manner of speech:
- The bodyguard spoke crudely and insensitively: “O Blind Man! What is the way to the town?”
- The Chief Minister spoke respectfully and courteously: “Holy man, accept my greetings…”
- The King spoke with supreme humility, compassion, and royal reverence: “Revered Sir, how is your health?”
B. Importance of Courtesy in Speech
Do you think courtesy in speech is important? Give reasons.
Answer: Yes, courtesy in speech is essential because:
- Speech reflects our character, moral upbringing, and inner culture.
- Polite language resolves friction and builds warm, harmonious social relations.
- Harsh and arrogant words hurt people’s self-esteem and destroy mutual trust.
- Gentle speech inspires cooperation and earns universal goodwill.