Day 1: Princess September Class VIII | English | Butterfly Memory in Marble NOTES

Chapter Intro: Princess September

Class VIII | Blossoms

Princess September

A tale of freedom, love, and the song of the soul.

Subject

English

The Story

"Princess September, the daughter of the king of Siam, was very unhappy. She was weeping alone when a little bird hopped in and began to sing a beautiful song about the king’s garden..."

গল্পের সারসংক্ষেপ

সিয়ামের রাজার কন্যা রাজকুমারী সেপ্টেম্বর খুব অসুখী ছিলেন। একদিন তিনি নিজের ঘরে একা কাঁদছিলেন, তখন দেখলেন একটি ছোট্ট পাখি লাফিয়ে ঘরে ঢুকল এবং সুন্দর গান গাইতে শুরু করল...

Key Themes & Moments

The Perch of Friendship

The bird uses the Princess's finger as a perch, symbolizing trust.

The Golden Cage

Possessiveness leads September to cage the bird, silencing his song.

Freedom to Love

"I cannot sing unless I’m free." The bird returns only when granted liberty.

Grammar Spotlight: Phrases & Clauses

Phrases (শব্দগুচ্ছ)

The wind blew with great speed.
A crown made of diamond.
A lady of great patience.

Dependent Clauses (নির্ভরশীল খণ্ডবাক্য)

...when she carried him to the cage.
...which was very beautiful.
...as I was unwell.

Ready to test your knowledge?

Based on WBBSE Blossoms VIII Curriculum

WBBSE Notes: Princess September

WBBSE AI Engine Class VIII • Blossoms

Lesson: Princess September

Comprehensive Question Bank & Detailed Solutions

Short Answer Questions (Small)

1. Who was Princess September?

Ans: Princess September was the daughter of the King of Siam.

2. Why was the Princess weeping alone in her room?

Ans: The Princess was very unhappy, which is why she was weeping alone in her room.

3. What did the little bird sing about?

Ans: The bird sang about the lake in the king’s garden and the willow trees reflected in the still water.

4. How did the Princess react after hearing the bird's song?

Ans: The Princess stopped crying and remarked that it was a very nice song.

5. What did the bird do to put the Princess to sleep?

Ans: The little bird hopped onto the end of her bed and sang her to sleep.

6. What did the Princess use as a perch for the bird?

Ans: She stretched out the first finger of her right hand to serve as a perch.

7. Why were the other princesses jealous?

Ans: They were jealous because September's bird was unique and could fly in and out as he liked.

8. Where did the bird go when the other princesses visited?

Ans: The bird had gone off to visit his home.

9. What sound did September hear behind her ear?

Ans: She heard a "tweet-tweet" sound just behind her ear.

10. Why did September's heart go "thump-thump"?

Ans: Her heart beat fast because she was worried the bird might not return and decided to take no more risks.

11. What was the bird's perch in the cage made of?

Ans: The perch in the cage was made of ivory.

12. What excuse did September give for caging the bird?

Ans: She said that her mamma’s cats were prowling about and he would be safer in the cage.

13. On what condition did the bird agree to stay in the cage for one night?

Ans: He agreed on the condition that she would let him out in the morning.

14. What did the bird see from the corner of his cage?

Ans: He looked out at the blue sky.

15. Why couldn't the bird sing in the cage?

Ans: He couldn't sing because he wanted to see the trees, the lake, and the green rice fields.

16. What did the bird look like when September found him the next morning?

Ans: He lay with his eyes closed and looked as if he were dead.

17. Why did September give a sob of relief?

Ans: She felt that the bird's little heart was still beating.

18. What happens to the bird if he cannot sing?

Ans: The bird said that if he cannot sing, he dies.

19. Where did September place the bird after releasing him?

Ans: She gently placed him on the window sill.

20. Why did September keep her window open day and night?

Ans: She kept it open so that the bird might come into her room whenever he wished.

Long Answer Questions (Big)

1. Describe the circumstances under which the little bird first met Princess September.

Solution: Princess September, the daughter of the King of Siam, was feeling very unhappy and was weeping alone in her room. While she was in this state of distress, she saw a little bird hop into her room. The bird then began to sing a beautiful song about the king's garden, the lake, and the willow trees. This unexpected visit and the lovely music comforted the Princess so much that she stopped crying.

2. How did the bird convince the Princess to let him stay with her?

Solution: After finishing his first song, the bird asked the Princess if she wanted him to live with her. The Princess was so delighted that she clapped her hands. The bird then hopped onto the end of her bed and sang her to sleep. The next morning, he was still there and greeted her with a "good morning." This display of affection and talent convinced the Princess to keep him as a companion.

3. Why were the other princesses jealous of September, and what did they do?

Solution: The other princesses were jealous because September had a bird that was not only beautiful and talented but also free to fly in and out as he pleased. They visited September together and tried to make her feel insecure by pointing out that the bird might not come back. They asked her where the bird was and questioned why she thought he would return, aiming to plant seeds of doubt in her mind.

4. Explain the internal conflict September faced when the bird returned late.

Solution: When the bird returned quietly after visiting his home, September felt her heart "thump-thump" against her chest. She was torn between her love for the bird and her fear of losing him, fueled by her sisters' warnings. This fear led her to the decision that she could no longer take risks. Consequently, she decided to cage the bird to ensure he would never leave her again, even though it went against the bird's nature.

5. How did September trick the bird into the cage?

Solution: September used the bird's trust against him. When he returned, she took hold of him. Since the bird was used to her touch, he suspected nothing. She then carried him to the cage, put him inside, and shut the door. When the bird asked what was wrong, she lied, saying she was caging him for his own safety because her mother's cats were prowling about that night.

6. Describe the bird's reaction to being imprisoned in the cage.

Solution: Initially, the bird was surprised and asked what was wrong. He agreed to stay for one night only if he was let out in the morning. However, once inside, he became miserable. He stood in the corner of the cage, looking out at the blue sky, and refused to sing even a single note. He explained that he could not sing because he missed seeing the natural world—the trees, the lake, and the green rice fields.

7. Why did the bird refuse to sing and eat while in the cage?

Solution: The bird's song was a product of his freedom and his connection to nature. In the cage, he felt trapped and disconnected from the world he loved. He told September, "I want to see the trees and the lake and the green rice growing in the fields." Without the inspiration of the open sky and nature, he lost his joy, which resulted in his inability to sing or eat.

8. What did September discover the next morning, and how did she react?

Solution: The next morning, September found the little bird lying with his eyes closed, looking as if he were dead. She gave a startled cry, opened the cage, and lifted him out. She was overcome with grief and began to cry. However, when she felt his heart still beating, she gave a "sob of relief" and desperately tried to wake him up, realizing how much she had hurt him.

9. "I cannot sing unless I’m free and if I cannot sing, I die." Explain this statement.

Solution: This statement highlights the bird's fundamental need for liberty. For the bird, singing is not just a skill but his very essence of life. His songs are inspired by the freedom of the sky and the beauty of nature. If that freedom is taken away, his spirit breaks, he loses the will to sing, and eventually, he loses the will to live. Freedom is synonymous with life for him.

10. How did Princess September show her true love for the bird at the end?

Solution: September showed true love by choosing the bird's happiness over her own selfish desire to keep him near. After realizing that the cage was killing him, she threw open the window and placed him on the sill, giving him his freedom. She sacrificed her own security and companionship to ensure the bird could live and be happy in his own way.

11. What promise did the bird make before flying away?

Solution: The bird promised that he would return because he loved the Princess. He assured her that he would sing her the loveliest songs he knew. Even though he would go far away, he promised he would always come back and would never forget her. This showed that freedom actually strengthened the bond between them rather than breaking it.

12. What is the significance of the open window in the story?

Solution: The open window symbolizes trust and the Princess's new understanding of freedom. By keeping the window open day and night, September showed that she was no longer afraid of the bird leaving. It allowed the bird to come and go as he pleased, representing a healthy relationship based on mutual respect and freedom rather than possession and cages.

13. Compare the advice given by the sisters with September's final decision.

Solution: The sisters' advice was based on jealousy and the idea of "possession." They suggested caging the bird to ensure he couldn't leave. September initially followed this advice out of fear. However, her final decision was based on "selflessness." She realized that true love means letting the other person (or bird) be happy in their own way, even if it means letting them go.

14. How does the story illustrate the theme of 'Freedom vs. Imprisonment'?

Solution: The story illustrates that imprisonment, even if done out of "love" or for "safety," leads to the death of the spirit. The bird, while in the cage (imprisonment), lost his song and health. In contrast, freedom allowed the bird to thrive and sing. The story teaches that beauty and creativity (the bird's song) cannot exist in captivity; they require the vastness of the "blue sky" to survive.

15. Describe the change in Princess September's character throughout the story.

Solution: At the start, September is unhappy and lonely. When she finds the bird, she becomes happy but also possessive and fearful, influenced by her sisters. By the end, she matures significantly. She learns the painful lesson that caging what you love will destroy it. She transforms from a fearful, possessive girl into a selfless, wise individual who understands that true companionship is based on freedom.

16. What role does nature play in the bird's songs?

Solution: Nature is the source of the bird's inspiration. His songs are about the lake, the willow trees, and the rice fields. When he is removed from nature and placed in a cage, he loses his ability to sing. This suggests that the bird's art is a reflection of the natural world, and without a direct connection to it, his music ceases to exist.

17. Why did the bird say he would come back because he loved the Princess?

Solution: The bird recognized that the Princess had made a great sacrifice by letting him go. Her act of freeing him, despite her desire to keep him, proved her genuine love. In return, the bird's love for her became a choice rather than a compulsion. He returned not because he was forced, but because he valued the bond they shared.

18. Analyze the sisters' motive in advising September to cage the bird.

Solution: The sisters' motive was purely malicious and born of jealousy. They were unhappy that September had something special that they didn't. By advising her to cage the bird, they likely knew it would make the bird miserable or cause him to stop singing, thereby ruining September's happiness. They used the guise of "sisterly concern" to manipulate her.

19. How does the story end on a hopeful note?

Solution: The story ends hopefully as the bird flies away into the "blue," but with a promise to return. September keeps her window open, showing her enduring trust. This conclusion suggests a future where the bird and the Princess share a bond that is free, respectful, and filled with music, proving that love thrives best in freedom.

20. What is the central message or moral of the story "Princess September"?

Solution: The central message is that "True love is selfless and requires freedom." Possessiveness and the desire to control others only lead to misery and the destruction of beauty. To truly love someone is to want their happiness, even if it means letting them go. The story also emphasizes that liberty is the most precious gift for any living being.

CLASS 5 BUTTERFLY

Lesson 4: Memory in Marble

1. Let’s Read (চলো পড়ি)

Tarun, a class five student, was given a task to write a paragraph on the Taj Mahal. Worried, he asked his grandfather for help. His grandfather told him the story of Prince Khurram, son of Jehangir. One day, Khurram saw an extremely beautiful girl, Arjumand Banu Begum, in the Meena Bazaar and wanted to marry her.

তরুণ, পঞ্চম শ্রেণীর ছাত্র, তাজমহলের উপর একটি অনুচ্ছেদ লেখার কাজ পেয়েছিল। চিন্তিত হয়ে, সে তার দাদুকে সাহায্য করতে বলল। তার দাদু তাকে রাজকুমার খুররমের গল্প বললেন, যিনি ছিলেন জাহাঙ্গীরের পুত্র। একদিন, খুররম মীনা বাজারে এক অত্যন্ত সুন্দরী মেয়ে, আরজুমান্দ বানু বেগমকে দেখতে পান এবং তাকে বিয়ে করতে চান।

Prince Khurram was later known as Shah Jahan and became emperor in 1628. Arjumand Banu Begum was renamed Mumtaz Mahal, meaning “the brightest crown of the world.” When Mumtaz was on her deathbed, Shah Jahan promised her he would not marry again and would build the most beautiful mausoleum over her grave.

রাজকুমার খুররম পরে শাহজাহান নামে পরিচিত হন এবং ১৬২৮ সালে সম্রাট হন। আরজুমান্দ বানু বেগমের নতুন নাম হয় মমতাজ মহল, যার অর্থ “বিশ্বের সবচেয়ে উজ্জ্বল মুকুট।” মমতাজ যখন মৃত্যুশয্যায়, শাহজাহান তাকে প্রতিশ্রুতি দেন যে তিনি আর বিয়ে করবেন না এবং তার কবরের উপর সবচেয়ে সুন্দর সমাধিসৌধ নির্মাণ করবেন।

Shah Jahan was so sad after her death that he ordered the court to mourn for two years. He then started building the monument beside the river Yamuna. It took 22 years and 22,000 workers to build. The Taj Mahal was built entirely out of white marble. When Shah Jahan died in 1666, his body was placed next to the grave of Mumtaz Mahal. It is now considered one of the seven wonders of the World.

তার মৃত্যুর পর শাহজাহান এতই দুঃখিত হয়েছিলেন যে তিনি দরবারকে দুই বছর শোক পালনের আদেশ দেন। এরপর তিনি যমুনা নদীর তীরে স্মৃতিস্তম্ভটি নির্মাণ শুরু করেন। এটি তৈরি করতে ২২ বছর এবং ২২,০০০ কর্মী লেগেছিল। তাজমহল সম্পূর্ণরূপে সাদা মার্বেল দিয়ে তৈরি। ১৬৬৬ সালে শাহজাহান মারা গেলে, তার দেহ মমতাজ মহলের কবরের পাশে রাখা হয়। এটি এখন বিশ্বের সাতটি আশ্চর্যের মধ্যে একটি হিসাবে বিবেচিত হয়।

2. What We Learn (আমরা যা শিখি)

The Power of a Promise

Shah Jahan built the magnificent Taj Mahal to keep a promise he made to his dying wife. This teaches us the importance of keeping our promises and honoring our commitments.

শাহজাহান তার মৃত্যুপথযাত্রী স্ত্রীকে দেওয়া একটি প্রতিশ্রুতি রাখতে magnificently তাজমহল নির্মাণ করেছিলেন। এটি আমাদের প্রতিশ্রুতি রাখা এবং আমাদের অঙ্গীকার সম্মান করার গুরুত্ব শেখায়।

Love and Memory

The Taj Mahal is a symbol of Shah Jahan’s deep love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It shows how art and architecture can be used to create a timeless memorial to remember a loved one forever.

তাজমহল শাহজাহানের তার স্ত্রী মমতাজ মহলের প্রতি গভীর ভালোবাসার প্রতীক। এটি দেখায় যে কীভাবে শিল্প এবং স্থাপত্যকে একজন প্রিয়জনকে চিরকাল স্মরণ করার জন্য একটি চিরন্তন স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ তৈরি করতে ব্যবহার করা যেতে পারে।

Hard Work and Dedication

Building the Taj Mahal took 22 years and 22,000 workers. This incredible feat of construction teaches us that great things can be achieved through long-term dedication, patience, and the hard work of many people.

তাজমহল নির্মাণে ২২ বছর এবং ২২,০০০ কর্মী লেগেছিল। এই অবিশ্বাস্য নির্মাণকার্য আমাদের শেখায় যে দীর্ঘমেয়াদী উৎসর্গ, ধৈর্য এবং অনেক মানুষের কঠোর পরিশ্রমের মাধ্যমে মহান জিনিস অর্জন করা যেতে পারে।

3. Vocabulary (শব্দভান্ডার)

Word (শব্দ)	Meaning (অর্থ)
Monument স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ	A building or structure built to remember a person or event.
Glimpse এক ঝলক	A brief or partial view.
Emperor সম্রাট	A ruler of great power and rank.
Mausoleum সমাধিসৌধ	A building built to house the dead.
Mourn শোক করা	To feel or show deep sorrow or regret for someone’s death.
Magnificent চমৎকার	Impressively beautiful or grand.

4. Activities 1 & 2

Activity 1: Fill in the blanks

(a) Prince Khurram was later known as ___.

(b) Mumtaz Mahal means ___.

Activity 2: True or False

(a) Shah Jahan was the grandson of Akbar the Great.

(b) The Taj Mahal is in Delhi.

5. Activities 3, 4 & 5

Activity 3: Cause and Effect

Cause	Effect
(a) Shah Jahan was sad after the death of his wife.	He ordered the court to mourn for two years.
(b) Shah Jahan wanted to build a beautiful monument.	The Taj Mahal was built.

Activity 4 & 5: Vocabulary

(a) A building built to house the dead: ___

(b) A brief or partial view: ___

6. Activities 6 & 7

Activity 6: Complete the sentences

(a) Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of…

(b) It took ___ years and ___ workers to build the Taj Mahal.

Activity 7: Fill in the chart

Who	What
Shah Jahan	built the Taj Mahal
Tarun’s Grandfather	told the story of the Taj Mahal
Mumtaz Mahal	was the wife of Shah Jahan

7. Grammar Practice (ব্যাকরণ অনুশীলন)

Activity 12: Modals

(a) I ___ finish my homework before going to school.

(b) We ___ save trees for a better future.

Activity 13: Negative Modals

(a) I ___ help you. I am sorry.

(b) One ___ go for swimming when the sea is rough.

8. Creative Writing (সৃজনশীল লেখা)

Activity 14: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Write a story in about 75 words about a cart-man whose cart gets stuck in the mud.

Activity 16: A Tree Plantation Drive

Write a paragraph on a recent Tree Plantation Drive undertaken by your school.

Day 2: Princess September Class VIII | English | Butterfly Memory in Marble ACTIVITIES

Day 3: Princess September Class VIII | English | Butterfly Memory in Marble MOCK TEST

Princess September - Para Translation | WBBSE AI Engine

Class VIII | Blossoms WBBSE AI Engine

Princess September

Complete Side-by-Side Paragraph Translation (English | Bengali)

Princess September, the daughter of the king of Siam, was very unhappy. She was weeping alone one day in her own room when she saw a little bird hop in. Then the little bird began to sing. He sang a beautiful song all about the lake in the king’s garden and the willow trees reflected in the still water. When he had finished, the Princess was not crying any more. “That was a very nice song”, she said.

সিয়ামের রাজার কন্যা রাজকুমারী সেপ্টেম্বর খুব অসুখী ছিলেন। একদিন তিনি নিজের ঘরে একা কাঁদছিলেন, তখন দেখলেন একটি ছোট্ট পাখি লাফিয়ে ঘরে ঢুকল। তারপর ছোট্ট পাখিটি গান গাইতে শুরু করল। সে রাজার বাগানের হ্রদ এবং স্থির জলে উইলো গাছের প্রতিচ্ছবি নিয়ে একটি সুন্দর গান গাইল। গান শেষ হলে রাজকুমারী আর কাঁদছিলেন না। “খুব সুন্দর গান,” তিনি বললেন।

“Would you want me to live with you?” said the little bird. Princess September clapped her hands with delight. Then the little bird hopped on to the end of the bed and sang her to sleep. When she awoke the next day the little bird was still sitting there, and as she opened her eyes he said good morning. She stretched out the first finger of her right hand so that it served as a perch. The little bird flew down and sat on it.

“তুমি কি চাও আমি তোমার সাথে থাকি?” ছোট্ট পাখিটি বলল। রাজকুমারী সেপ্টেম্বর আনন্দে হাততালি দিলেন। তারপর ছোট্ট পাখিটি বিছানার প্রান্তে লাফিয়ে উঠে তাকে গান গেয়ে ঘুম পাড়িয়ে দিল। পরের দিন যখন তিনি জাগলেন, ছোট্ট পাখিটি তখনও সেখানে বসে ছিল, এবং তিনি চোখ খুলতেই সে সুপ্রভাত জানাল। তিনি তার ডান হাতের প্রথম আঙুলটি বাড়িয়ে দিলেন যাতে পাখিটি বসতে পারে। ছোট্ট পাখিটি উড়ে এসে তার উপর বসল।

The other princesses were jealous and visited September together. “Well, my dear,” they said, “your little bird flies in and out just as he likes.” They looked round the room. “Where is your bird now?” they said. “He’s gone off to visit his home,” said September. “And what makes you think he’ll come back?” asked the princesses. “He always does come back”, said September.

অন্যান্য রাজকুমারীরা ঈর্ষান্বিত হয়ে সেপ্টেম্বরের কাছে একসঙ্গে এলেন। “বেশ, প্রিয়,” তারা বলল, “তোমার ছোট্ট পাখিটা যখন খুশি উড়ে আসে আর যায়।” তারা ঘরের চারপাশে তাকাল। “তোমার পাখি এখন কোথায়?” তারা বলল। “সে তার বাড়িতে গেছে,” সেপ্টেম্বর বলল। “আর তুমি কী করে ভাবলে সে ফিরে আসবে?” রাজকুমারীরা জিজ্ঞেস করল। “সে সবসময় ফিরে আসে,” সেপ্টেম্বর বলল।

Suddenly, September heard a tweet-tweet just behind her ear. The bird had come in quietly. September felt her heart go thump-thump against her chest, and she made up her mind to take no more risks. She put up her hand and took hold of the bird. The bird was quite used to this, so he suspected nothing. He was surprised when she carried him to the cage, put him in, and shut the door on him.

হঠাৎ, সেপ্টেম্বর তার কানের ঠিক পিছনে একটি কিচিরমিচির শব্দ শুনতে পেল। পাখিটি চুপচাপ ভিতরে এসেছিল। সেপ্টেম্বর তার বুকের মধ্যে হৃদয়ের ধুকপুক শব্দ অনুভব করল, এবং সে আর কোনো ঝুঁকি না নেওয়ার সিদ্ধান্ত নিল। সে হাত বাড়িয়ে পাখিটিকে ধরে ফেলল। পাখিটি এতে অভ্যস্ত ছিল, তাই সে কিছুই সন্দেহ করল না। সে অবাক হল যখন রাজকুমারী তাকে খাঁচার কাছে নিয়ে গেল, ভিতরে রাখল, এবং দরজা বন্ধ করে দিল।

He hopped up on the ivory perch and said, “What is wrong?” September said, “Some of mamma’s cats are prowling about tonight, and I think you are much safer out here.” “Well, just for this once I don’t mind” said the little bird, “so long as you let me out in the morning.”

সে হাতির দাঁতের দাঁড়টির উপর লাফিয়ে উঠে বলল, “কী হয়েছে?” সেপ্টেম্বর বলল, “মায়ের কিছু বিড়াল আজ রাতে ঘুরে বেড়াচ্ছে, এবং আমি মনে করি তুমি এখানে অনেক বেশি নিরাপদ থাকবে।” “আচ্ছা, শুধু আজকের রাতের জন্য আমার কোনো আপত্তি নেই,” ছোট্ট পাখিটি বলল, “যতক্ষণ তুমি সকালে আমাকে বাইরে যেতে দেবে।”

“I’ve only put you in the cage because I’m so fond of you”, said Princess September. But the little bird stood in the corner of his cage, looking out at the blue sky, and never sang a note. “Why don’t you sing and forget your troubles?” said September. “How can I sing?” answered the bird. “I want to see the trees and the lake and the green rice growing in the fields.”

“আমি তোমাকে খাঁচায় শুধু এইজন্য রেখেছি কারণ আমি তোমাকে খুব ভালোবাসি,” রাজকুমারী সেপ্টেম্বর বলল। কিন্তু ছোট্ট পাখিটি তার খাঁচার কোণে দাঁড়িয়ে নীল আকাশের দিকে তাকিয়ে রইল, এবং একটিও গান গাইল না। “তুমি গান গেয়ে তোমার দুঃখ ভুলে যাচ্ছ না কেন?” সেপ্টেম্বর জিজ্ঞেস করল। “আমি কিভাবে গাইব?” পাখিটি উত্তর দিল। “আমি গাছ, হ্রদ এবং মাঠে সবুজ ধান জন্মাতে দেখতে চাই।”

She gave a startled cry, for there the little bird lay with his eyes closed, and he looked as if he were dead. She opened the door and lifted him out. She gave a sob of relief, for she felt that his little heart was beating still. “Wake up, wake up, little bird,’ she said. She began to cry and her tears fell on the little bird. ‘I cannot sing unless I’m free and if I cannot sing, I die,” he said.

সে চমকে উঠে চিৎকার করে উঠল, কারণ ছোট্ট পাখিটি চোখ বন্ধ করে শুয়ে ছিল, এবং তাকে দেখে মনে হচ্ছিল যেন সে মরে গেছে। সে দরজা খুলে তাকে বাইরে বের করে আনল। সে স্বস্তির নিঃশ্বাস ফেলল, কারণ সে অনুভব করল যে তার ছোট্ট হৃদয় তখনও স্পন্দিত হচ্ছে। “জেগে ওঠো, জেগে ওঠো, ছোট্ট পাখি,” সে বলল। সে কাঁদতে শুরু করল এবং তার চোখের জল ছোট্ট পাখিটির উপর পড়ল। “আমি মুক্ত না হলে গাইতে পারি না, আর যদি গাইতে না পারি, আমি মরে যাই,” সে বলল।

She threw open the window and gently placed the little bird on the sill. “I will come because I love you, little Princess,” said the bird. “And I will sing you the loveliest songs I know. I shall go far away, but I shall always come back, and I shall never forget you.” Then he opened his wings and flew right away into the blue. September kept her window open, day and night, so that the little bird might come into her room whenever he wished.

সে জানালা খুলে দিয়ে আলতো করে ছোট্ট পাখিটিকে জানালার ধারে রাখল। “আমি আসব কারণ আমি তোমাকে ভালোবাসি, ছোট্ট রাজকুমারী,” পাখিটি বলল। “এবং আমি তোমাকে আমার জানা সবচেয়ে সুন্দর গানগুলো শোনাব। আমি অনেক দূরে চলে যাব, কিন্তু আমি সবসময় ফিরে আসব, এবং আমি তোমাকে কখনো ভুলব না।” তারপর সে তার ডানা মেলে নীল আকাশে উড়ে গেল। সেপ্টেম্বর দিনরাত তার জানালা খোলা রাখত, যাতে ছোট্ট পাখিটি যখনই চায় তার ঘরে আসতে পারে।

Exercises & Activities

Activity 1: Tick the correct alternative

(i) When the little bird hopped into Princess September’s room, she was...
(ii) The little bird perched on the...
(iii) The sisters of Princess September...
(iv) Princess September was advised to...

Activity 2: Rearrange the sentences (Correct Order)

Princess September was crying alone in her room.
A little bird hopped on to the end of the Princess’s bed.
The bird sang a beautiful song.
All the sisters came together to advise Princess September.
Princess September feared that the bird might forget her.
The Princess was advised to put the bird into a cage.

Activity 8: Grammar (Phrases & Clauses)

Identifying Phrases:

The wind blew with great speed. (Adverb Phrase)
The king wore a crown made of diamond. (Adjective Phrase)
The little girl did not know what to do. (Noun Phrase)
She is a lady of great patience. (Adjective Phrase)

Identifying Clauses (Dependent):

He was surprised when she carried him to the cage.
He drew a picture which was very beautiful.
I did not go to school as I was unwell.
Indian cricket team is confident that it will win the match.

Day 4: Princess September Class VIII | English | Butterfly Memory in Marble ONLINE EXAM

WBBSE Blossoms VIII - Princess September Activities

Princess September

Class: VIII | Subject: Blossoms VIII

Activity Solutions

Activity 1: Tick the correct alternative

(i) When the little bird hopped into Princess September’s room, she was…
Answer: weeping alone in her own room.

(ii) The little bird perched on the…
Answer: end of the bed (and later the Princess's finger).

(iii) The sisters of Princess September…
Answer: were jealous.

(iv) Princess September was advised to…
Answer: put the bird into a cage.

Activity 2: Rearrange the sentences

The correct chronological order of events is:

Princess September was crying alone in her room.
A little bird hopped on to the end of the Princess’s bed.
The bird sang a beautiful song.
All the sisters came together to advise Princess September.
Princess September feared that the bird might forget her.
The Princess was advised to put the bird into a cage.

Activity 3: Answer the question

Question: How do you think Princess September spent her days when the bird was away?

Answer: Princess September likely spent her days in anxiety and worry. She felt her heart go "thump-thump" with fear that the bird might not return, especially after her sisters filled her mind with doubts. She was so restless that she eventually decided to cage the bird to ensure he stayed with her.

Activity 4: Complete the sentences

(a) The little bird was surprised when the Princess carried him to the cage, put him in, and shut the door on him.

(b) At dawn, the little bird wished to be let out because he wanted to see the trees, the lake, and the green rice growing in the fields.

(c) Princess September told the bird he was better off in the cage because some of her mother's cats were prowling about that night and he would be safer there.

(d) The bird told the Princess that it could not sing as it was not free, and without freedom, it would die.

Activity 5: Answer the questions

(a) Who is ‘he’? Why did he not suspect anything?

Answer: ‘He’ refers to the little bird. He did not suspect anything because he was quite used to the Princess holding him in her hand, so he didn't realize she was going to cage him.

(b) Why did the little bird stop in the middle of his song?

Answer: The little bird stopped in the middle of his song because he felt unhappy and confined within the cage. He missed the natural beauty of the trees and the lake, which inspired his music.

(c) How did he try to free himself from the cage?

Answer: He tried to free himself by appealing to the Princess's emotions, refusing to eat or sing, and finally by explaining that he would die if he were not free to fly in the open sky.

Activity 6: True or False

(a) The little bird was happy to see the rice fields and the lake from within the cage.
False. (He said he couldn't sing unless he was free to see them properly.)

(b) When the bird did not eat a thing, Princess September grew anxious.
True. (She gave a sob of relief when she found his heart still beating.)

(c) The next morning Princess found the bird hopping around the cage.
False. (She found him lying with his eyes closed, looking as if he were dead.)

(d) The bird was granted freedom.
True. (The Princess opened the window and let him fly away.)

Activity 7: Answer the questions

(a) How did Princess September try to make the little bird happy?

Answer: Initially, she tried to make him happy by keeping him safe in a cage and encouraging him to sing to forget his troubles. However, when she realized this made him miserable, she made him truly happy by setting him free.

(b) Why did the Princess give “a sob of relief”?

Answer: She gave a sob of relief because, after fearing the bird had died, she felt his little heart still beating and realized he was alive.

(c) “I love you enough to let you be happy in your own way.” Who said this to whom?

Answer: Princess September said this to the little bird as she released him from the cage.

Activity 8 & 9: Grammar (Phrases & Clauses)

Identifying Phrases (Underlined):

The wind blew with great speed.
The king wore a crown made of diamond.
The little girl did not know what to do.
She is a lady of great patience.

Identifying Dependent Clauses (Underlined):

He was surprised when she carried him to the cage.
He drew a picture which was very beautiful.
I did not go to school as I was unwell.
Indian cricket team is confident that it will win the match.

Activity 10: Creative Writing

10(a) Conversation with a Monkey in chains:

Me: Hello little friend, why do you look so sad while performing these tricks?

Monkey: How can I be happy? These chains hurt my neck, and I miss the tall trees of the forest.

Me: I feel very sorry for you. People clap, but they don't see your pain.

Monkey: I wish I could swing from branch to branch instead of dancing for a few pieces of food. Freedom is better than any treat.

10(b) Paragraph: Feelings of being controlled

Obeying someone else's orders all day without the freedom to act on my own will feels like living in a dark room without windows. It creates a sense of helplessness and frustration. When my choices are taken away, my creativity and joy vanish, much like the little bird who stopped singing in the cage. True happiness comes from the freedom to explore and express oneself. Without autonomy, life becomes a mechanical routine, and the spirit feels heavy and trapped.

Day 5: Princess September Class VIII | English | Butterfly Memory in Marble Activities Revision + Mistake Analysis Active Recall / Teaching Leave a Reply

WBBSE Revision: Princess September

WBBSE AI Engine • Revision Tab

Princess September

Class VIII | Blossoms | Lesson Analysis

Mistake Analysis: Pitfalls & Corrections

Common Student Mistake	The Correct Understanding
Thinking Princess September caged the bird out of cruelty or hatred.	Correction: She caged him out of insecurity and fear of losing him, influenced by her sisters' jealousy.
Believing the bird actually died at the end of the story.	Correction: The bird appeared dead because he was unhappy and couldn't sing, but he revived once he was promised freedom.
Confusing the sisters' "advice" as helpful or well-meaning.	Correction: Their advice was driven by jealousy; they wanted September to be as unhappy as they were.
Grammar: Identifying "with great speed" as a Clause.	Correction: It is a Phrase because it lacks a subject and a finite verb.
Assuming the bird would never return if the window was left open.	Correction: The bird returns because he is free. Freedom creates a bond of love, not a cage.

Power Revision Summary

Key Plot Highlights

• The Encounter: September is weeping alone; a bird enters and sings about the King's garden.
• The Conflict: Jealous sisters persuade September to cage the bird for "safety."
• The Consequence: In the cage, the bird stops singing and eating, stating he cannot sing unless he is free.
• The Resolution: September chooses the bird's happiness over her own and releases him. He returns faithfully.

Themes & Symbols

• Freedom vs. Captivity: True art (singing) and life require liberty.
• Possessiveness: Trying to own someone leads to their destruction.
• The Window: Symbolizes an open heart and the bridge between freedom and home.
• Nature: The bird needs the lake, willow trees, and rice fields to be inspired.

Grammar: Phrases vs. Clauses

Phrases

No Subject + No Finite Verb

"with great speed" (Adverb) "made of diamond" (Adjective)

Dependent Clauses

Has Subject + Predicate (Incomplete thought)

"when she carried him to the cage" "as I was unwell"

Active Recall Toolkit: Princess September

WBBSE AI Engine Class VIII • Blossoms

Princess September: Active Recall Toolkit

Master the lesson through memory retrieval and conceptual simplification.

1. Blind Questions (Memory Test)

Try to answer these without looking back at the text. Cover the source material!

Who was Princess September's father?
What was the Princess doing when the bird first hopped into her room?
What specific things did the bird sing about in his first song?
How did the Princess react when the bird asked to live with her?
Which finger did September use as a "perch" for the bird?
Why were the other princesses jealous of September?
What reason did September give the bird for putting him in a cage?
What was the bird's perch inside the cage made of?
Why did the bird stop singing while he was inside the cage?
What did the bird want to see in the fields instead of the cage bars?
What did September fear when she saw the bird lying with his eyes closed?
What condition did the bird give for his survival? ("I die if...")
Where did September place the bird when she finally set him free?
Why did September keep her window open day and night after the bird left?
What is the difference between a "Phrase" and a "Clause" as mentioned in the grammar section?

2. The Feynman Method (Explain to a 5-Year-Old)

Core Concept: True Love vs. Possessiveness

"Imagine you have a beautiful, singing toy bird. You love it so much that you want to keep it in a box so you never lose it. But wait! The bird isn't a toy; it's alive. Inside the box, it gets very sad and stops singing because it can't see the blue sky or the green trees. It almost gets sick because it's not free.

Princess September learned that if you really love someone, you don't lock them up. You open the window and let them fly! Because she let him go, the bird was happy and *wanted* to come back to visit her. Love is like an open window, not a locked cage."

3. Spaced Repetition Schedule

Day 1: Recall Facts

• Re-read the story sequence.
• Identify the characters: September, the Bird, and the jealous sisters.
• Vocabulary: 'Prowling', 'Perch', 'Jealous'.

Day 3: Deep Dive

• Explain *why* the bird couldn't sing in the cage.
• Grammar: Practice identifying **Phrases** vs **Clauses** from Activity 8.
• Compare the sisters' advice with September's final decision.

Day 7: Creative Mastery

• Write the imaginary conversation with the monkey (Activity 10a).
• Summarize the theme of "Freedom" in your own words.
• Final self-test using the 15 Blind Questions above.

Princess September

The Story

গল্পের সারসংক্ষেপ

Key Themes & Moments

The Perch of Friendship

The Golden Cage

Freedom to Love

Grammar Spotlight: Phrases & Clauses

Phrases (শব্দগুচ্ছ)

Dependent Clauses (নির্ভরশীল খণ্ডবাক্য)

Ready to test your knowledge?

Short Answer Questions (Small)

Long Answer Questions (Big)

1. Let’s Read (চলো পড়ি)

2. What We Learn (আমরা যা শিখি)

The Power of a Promise

Love and Memory

Hard Work and Dedication

3. Vocabulary (শব্দভান্ডার)

4. Activities 1 & 2

Activity 1: Fill in the blanks

Activity 2: True or False

5. Activities 3, 4 & 5

Activity 3: Cause and Effect

Activity 4 & 5: Vocabulary

6. Activities 6 & 7

Activity 6: Complete the sentences

Activity 7: Fill in the chart

7. Grammar Practice (ব্যাকরণ অনুশীলন)

Activity 12: Modals

Activity 13: Negative Modals

8. Creative Writing (সৃজনশীল লেখা)

Activity 14: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Activity 16: A Tree Plantation Drive

Lesson: Princess September

Hello, Student!

Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions

Part 2: True or False

Part 3: Complete the Sentences

Part 4: Grammar (Phrases & Clauses)

Test Completed!

1 Multiple Choice Questions (10 x 1 Mark)

2 Descriptive Questions (10 x 4 Marks)

Exam Submitted!

Word Meanings

Exercises & Activities

Activity 1: Tick the correct alternative

Activity 2: Rearrange the sentences (Correct Order)

Activity 8: Grammar (Phrases & Clauses)

Activity 1: Tick the correct alternative

Activity 2: Rearrange the sentences

Activity 3: Answer the question

Activity 4: Complete the sentences

Activity 5: Answer the questions

Activity 6: True or False

Activity 7: Answer the questions

Activity 8 & 9: Grammar (Phrases & Clauses)

Identifying Phrases (Underlined):

Identifying Dependent Clauses (Underlined):

Activity 10: Creative Writing

10(a) Conversation with a Monkey in chains:

10(b) Paragraph: Feelings of being controlled

Princess September

Mistake Analysis: Pitfalls & Corrections

Power Revision Summary

Key Plot Highlights

Themes & Symbols

Grammar: Phrases vs. Clauses

1. Blind Questions (Memory Test)

2. The Feynman Method (Explain to a 5-Year-Old)

3. Spaced Repetition Schedule

Day 1: Recall Facts

Day 3: Deep Dive

Day 7: Creative Mastery

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