The Fun They Had — Class 9 English Notes

Topics covered in The Fun They Had

1. 1.The Fun They Had

   Short Summary:

   The chapter consists of two parts. The first part, "The Fun They Had," is a futuristic story by Isaac Asimov about two children, Margie and Tommy, who find a real book about schools from centuries past. They learn about traditional schools and human teachers, contrasting them with their mechanical teachers and virtual classrooms. The second part, "The Sound of Music," comprises two biographical pieces celebrating the achievements of musicians Evelyn Glennie, a deaf percussionist, and Bismillah Khan, a renowned shehnai player. Their stories highlight determination, talent, and the rich cultural heritage of Indian music.
   
   

   Long Summary:

   Part I: The Fun They Had

   • Setting: The story is set in the future where traditional schools no longer exist, and education is provided by mechanical teachers in students' homes.
   • Plot:
     • Margie and Tommy discover a physical book about ancient schools, which fascinates them as they are used to digital books on screens.
     • They discuss how different the old education system was, with human teachers and communal learning in school buildings.
     • Margie dislikes her mechanical teacher, especially after it gives her difficult geography tests, and she envies the fun and social aspects of old schools.
     • The story ends with Margie daydreaming about the joy of learning in a traditional school environment.
       
       

   Part II: The Sound of Music
   
   

   • Evelyn Glennie:

     • Despite becoming profoundly deaf by the age of twelve, Evelyn pursued her passion for music.
     • She learned to feel music through vibrations and became a world-renowned percussionist.
     • Evelyn's story emphasizes her perseverance and dedication to overcoming her disability.
       
       

   • Bismillah Khan:

     • Bismillah Khan was a celebrated Indian musician famous for his skill with the shehnai.
     • He played a significant role in popularizing the instrument and performed at prestigious events, including India's Independence Day.
     • His life story highlights his deep connection to his cultural roots and the impact of his music on Indian heritage.
       
       

   Key Events:

   1. Margie and Tommy find an old book about traditional schools.
   2. Discussion on the differences between old and future schools.
   3. Margie’s struggles with her mechanical teacher.
   4. Evelyn Glennie’s journey to becoming a successful deaf musician.
   5. Bismillah Khan’s contributions to Indian music and culture.
      
      

   Lessons to Learn:

   • The importance of adaptability and embracing change in education.
   • The value of social interaction and communal learning.
   • Perseverance and determination can help overcome significant challenges.
   • Cultural heritage and individual contributions can shape national identity and pride.
     
     

   Solve Find Out Section:

   1. How old are Margie and Tommy?

      • Margie is eleven years old and Tommy is thirteen years old.
        
        

   2. What did Margie write in her diary?

      • Margie wrote, "Today Tommy found a real book!" in her diary.
        
        

   3. Had Margie ever seen a book before?

      • No, Margie had never seen a book before.
        
        

   4. What things about the book did she find strange?

      • She found it strange that the words did not move and remained the same on each page.
        
        

   5. What do you think a telebook is?

      • A telebook is a digital book read on a screen.
        
        

   6. Where was Margie’s school? Did she have any classmates?

      • Margie’s school was in her home, and she did not have classmates.
        
        

   7. What subjects did Margie and Tommy learn?

      • Margie and Tommy learned subjects like geography and arithmetic.

   
   Character Analysis:

   • Margie: Curious and nostalgic about old schools, struggles with the impersonal nature of mechanical teaching.
   • Tommy: More knowledgeable about old books, finds them intriguing but prefers modern technology.
   • Evelyn Glennie: Determined, resilient, and innovative in overcoming her disability to achieve musical success.
   • Bismillah Khan: Dedicated to his craft, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, and influential in popularizing the shehnai.

   
   Important Quotes:

   1. “Today Tommy found a real book!” - Reflects the novelty of physical books in Margie’s world.
   2. “But my mother says a teacher has to be adjusted to fit the mind of each boy and girl it teaches.” - Highlights personalized learning in the future.
   3. “I want to capture the sounds and rhythms of my home town.” - Bismillah Khan’s deep connection to his roots.
   4. “Music is not just about sound. It’s about feeling.” - Evelyn Glennie’s unique approach to experiencing music.

   
   Understanding the Subject:

   To grasp the lessons effectively:

   • Relate futuristic concepts to current technological trends.
   • Discuss the value of traditional education systems.
   • Explore biographies and stories of overcoming adversity to inspire perseverance and dedication.
   • Appreciate cultural contributions to understand heritage and identity.