How the Little Kite Learned to Fly – Questions and Answers

Question

Write the questions and answers for the poem "How the Little Kite Learned to Fly."

Answer

Here are detailed questions and answers for the poem "How the Little Kite Learned to Fly" by Katharine Pyle — perfect for Class 6 English exams (CBSE, ICSE, BSEB Blossoms, and State Boards).

About the Poem

The Full Text of the Poem

"I never can do it," the little kite said, As he looked at the others high over his head. "I know I should fall if I tried to fly." "Try," said the big kite, "only try! Or I fear you never will learn at all." But the little kite said: "I'm afraid I'll fall."

The big kite nodded: "Ah, well, good-by; I'm off." And he rose toward the tranquil sky. Then the little kite's paper stirred at the sight, And trembling, he shook himself free for flight. First whirling and frightened, then braver grown, Up, up he rose through the air alone, Till the big kite looking down could see The little one rising steadily.

Then how the little kite thrilled with pride, As he sailed with the big kite side by side! While far below he could see the ground, And the boys like small spots moving round. They rested high in the quiet air, And only the birds and clouds were there.

"Oh, how happy I am!" the little kite cried, "And all because I was brave and tried."

Questions and Answers

Q1: What was the little kite afraid of in the beginning?

Answer: At the beginning of the poem, the little kite was afraid that it could not fly. It said, "I know I should fall if I tried to fly." The little kite was scared of falling and lacked confidence in its own ability.

Q2: Who encouraged the little kite to fly, and how?

Answer: The big kite encouraged the little kite. It advised the little kite to "only try" and warned that it would never learn at all if it didn't make the attempt. More importantly, the big kite led by example — it flew up into the sky, showing the little kite that flying was possible.

Q3: What made the little kite finally decide to try flying?

Answer: Two things motivated the little kite:

1. Watching the big kite rise toward the "tranquil sky"
2. A growing inner desire to fly — described as its paper "stirring at the sight"

The combination of an inspiring example and a spark of internal courage pushed the little kite to overcome its fear.

Q4: How did the little kite feel while flying alongside the big kite?

Answer: The little kite felt thrilled with pride and immense happiness. It cried out, "Oh, how happy I am!" It experienced the joy of achievement after successfully overcoming its fear and proving it could fly.

Q5: How did things look from high up in the sky?

Answer: From high up in the sky:

• The ground was far below
• The boys on the ground looked like small spots moving round
• The only companions in the sky were birds and clouds

This description emphasizes how high the little kite had risen.

Q6: What is the core theme or moral of the poem?

Answer: The core theme of the poem is courage and the importance of trying. The moral is: Fear is natural, but it can only be overcome by taking action. Success and happiness come to those who dare to try.

"Oh, how happy I am! the little kite cried, And all because I was brave and tried."

Detailed Stanza-by-Stanza Summary

Stanza 1 (Lines 1–6)

The little kite looks at other kites flying high and believes it cannot do the same. It fears falling. The big kite offers encouragement: "Try, only try!" But the little kite is still afraid.

Key emotion: Fear, self-doubt, lack of confidence

Stanza 2 (Lines 7–14)

The big kite flies away, setting an example. Inspired, the little kite's paper stirs. It trembles but frees itself for flight. Initially whirling and frightened, it gradually grows braver and rises steadily into the air.

Key emotion: Transition from fear to courage

Stanza 3 (Lines 15–20)

Now flying high, the little kite feels thrilled with pride. It sails alongside the big kite. From this height, it sees the ground far below and boys looking like tiny spots.

Key emotion: Pride, joy, accomplishment

Stanza 4 (Lines 21–22)

The little kite expresses its happiness, attributing its success to bravery and the decision to try.

Key emotion: Pure joy and self-realization

Character Analysis

The big kite does not force or push. It simply shows the way by flying. This is a powerful lesson in leadership: sometimes the best teaching is demonstration.

Literary Devices Used

Practice Questions

Q1: The poem is written by:

• A) William Wordsworth
• B) Katharine Pyle ✅
• C) Rabindranath Tagore
• D) Robert Frost

Q2: What was the little kite's initial reaction to flying?

• A) Excitement
• B) Fear and self-doubt ✅
• C) Anger
• D) Indifference

Q3: The big kite's advice to the little kite was:

• A) "Give up now"
• B) "Only try" ✅
• C) "Fly higher"
• D) "Wait for the wind"

Q4: After flying, the little kite felt:

• A) Scared
• B) Proud and happy ✅
• C) Tired
• D) Confused

Q5: The moral of the poem is:

• A) Never take risks
• B) Be brave and try ✅
• C) Listen to elders only
• D) Flying is dangerous

Summary for Quick Revision

Final Answer (One-Liner for Exams)

"How the Little Kite Learned to Fly" by Katharine Pyle teaches that courage and the willingness to try help us overcome fear. The little kite transforms from a scared beginner to a proud flyer, proving that achievement follows effort.