Maharashtra State Board Textbook Solutions
Standard VI – English
Chapter 4.7 – The Sword in the Stone
Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ancient | very old |
| traitors | disloyal people |
| pillaging | plundering or looting |
| insecure | lacking confidence |
| assembled | gathered together |
| attempted | tried |
| foster child | a child raised by someone who is not its natural or adoptive parent |
| signified | shown by a sign |
| valiant | brave and courageous |
| excelled | performed extremely well |
| fencing | a sport in which two people fight using swords |
| archery | a sport that uses a bow to shoot arrows |
| implied | meant indirectly |
| integrity | strong moral principles and honesty |
| intended | planned to do something |
| grip | a firm hold |
| hesitation | delay because of uncertainty |
| overwhelmed | affected emotionally in a powerful way |
| bewitching | very charming or delightful |
| entrusted | handed over responsibility |
| solemn | serious in behaviour or attitude |
| forthwith | immediately |
| Archbishop | a bishop or priest of the highest rank |
| assembly | a group of people gathered together |
| anvil | a heavy block of iron used by a blacksmith |
Pointers
1. Read the passage. Underline the new words. Guess their meaning from the context. Verify it from a good dictionary.
Ans: Refer to the words and their meanings given at the beginning of the chapter.
2. Put the following events in chronological order.
(a) The sword in the stone appeared in the churchyard.
(b) Lord Uther died.
(c) Lord Uther drove the barbarians away.
(d) The Lords and knights began to fight for the kingdom.
(e) Sir Kay left his sword behind at home.
(f) Merlin announced that Arthur was the son of Lord Uther.
(g) Arthur brought the sword from the churchyard.
(h) Ancient Britain was invaded by wild barbarians.
(i) Many knights tried to pull the sword out of the stone.
(j) Arthur grew up in Sir Ector’s house.
(k) Merlin entrusted a baby to Sir Ector.
Ans:
- Ancient Britain was invaded by wild barbarians.
- Lord Uther drove the barbarians away.
- Merlin entrusted a baby to Sir Ector.
- Arthur grew up in Sir Ector’s house.
- Lord Uther died.
- The Lords and Knights began to fight for the kingdom.
- The sword in the stone appeared in the churchyard.
- Many knights tried to pull the sword out of the stone.
- Sir Kay left his sword behind at home.
- Arthur brought the sword from the churchyard.
- Merlin announced that Arthur was the son of Lord Uther.
3. What do the following events/actions tell us about the characters? Discuss.
(a) The Archbishop announced that everyone was free to try his hand at the sword and called all the Lords to a Tournament.
Ans: The Archbishop was a bishop or priest of the highest rank. By allowing all the lords to try their hand at pulling the sword from the stone, he showed that he was fair and impartial. His decision proved that he believed in giving everyone an equal opportunity. Through this action, he acted responsibly in finding the rightful King of Britain.
(b) Arthur agreed to bring Sir Kay a sword at once.
Ans: Arthur wanted his brother Sir Kay to win the tournament. He was dutiful and ready to help him in every possible way. This action shows that Arthur was kind, helpful, and loyal to his brother.
(c) Sir Ector asked Sir Kay to show him whether he could draw the sword out of the stone.
Ans: Sir Ector was a man of honesty and integrity. He believed in always speaking the truth and doing the right thing. Therefore, he asked Sir Kay to prove whether he had really drawn the sword from the stone. This shows that Sir Ector valued truth and honesty.
(d) Sir Ector kneeled before Arthur.
Ans: Sir Ector had brought up Arthur like his own son. However, when he realised that Arthur was the son of Lord Uther Pendragon and the rightful King of Britain, he bowed before him with respect. This shows that Sir Ector respected the authority of the true king.
4. Write five words each –
(a) With the suffix
– less
Ans:
- speechless
- thankless
- helpless
- aimless
- careless
– ly
Ans:
- angrily
- neatly
- urgently
- gently
- silently
– ness
Ans:
- lawlessness
- anxiousness
- brightness
- carelessness
- farsightedness
(b) With the prefix
un –
Ans:
- unsafe
- uncomfortable
- unaware
- unknown
- uncommon
in –
Ans:
- insecure
- insignificant
- infamous
- incomplete
- inactive
5. Visit a library: Read the stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
Ans: Students should do this activity on their own.