Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he thought that his wings wouldn't support him. No, all birds aren't afraid to make their first flight. In the story, the young seagull's little sister wasn't afraid of flying. We can say that some birds are more timid than others. It can be said that human babies find it challenging to take their first steps but its very rare that they are afraid of it.
'The sight of the food maddened him'. What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?
Have you ever had a similar experience, where your parents encouraged you to do something that you were too scared to try? Discuss this in pairs or groups.
In the case of a bird flying, it seems a natural act, and a foregone conclusion that it should succeed. In the examples you have given in answer to the previous question, was your success guaranteed, or was it important for you to try, regardless of a possibility of failure?
“They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?
