“They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?
The young seagulls parents threatened and cajoled him to fly because they wanted him to become self dependent. They knew that he would never be able to do anything if didn't learn to fly. He would become completely dependent upon others for basic necessities of life.
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.
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 sight of the food maddened him'. What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?
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?
