READING COMPREHENSION:

Answer the following questions.

1. Which ‘feathered’ friend do you like? Why?

ANSWER:

I like parrot 9any other bird that you like) as my feathered friend. It is very intelligent, and can imitate the voice of human beings.

2. Do you think a ‘feathered’ or a furry’ friend can accompany astronauts to space? If yes, why? If no, why not?

ANSWER:

No, I don’t think a furry friend can accompany astronauts to space. Furry friends are very disturbing. They Will always create problems for astronauts in the aircraft by their bad/notorious activities.

3. How did Claribel adjust to the new surroundings?

ANSWER:
Claribel learnt to operate without using her wings or much efforts. She learnt to simply hang in the air, motionless with her wings folded. This adaptation allowed her to thrive and even gain weight in the unique conditions of her new surroundings.

4. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the story.

ANSWER:

The title of the story, ‘Feathered Friend’ is appropriate. The story directly related to the core theme of friendship and the bond between humans and animals i.e. birds. The title creates in our mind the image of a bird as a companion and a source of joy. It supports the narrator’s focus on the relationship between Sven and Claribel, who is a canary bird.

5. Explain how has the writer presented science fiction with a touch of humour.

ANSWER:

The narrator’s doubt about whether the canary can survive in space, and his relaxed attitude toward rules, creates humor by contrasting with the seriousness of the mission. The funny descriptions of the space station’s equipment, such as the alarm that does not work, and the crew’s reactions, especially the narrator’s laziness, add to the comedy. Sven’s strange and unpredictable behavior also makes the story humorous. Claribel’s unexpected recovery and later incidents, like the air purifier freezing, add light and amusing moments to the story.