The Little Match Girl Answer Key Class X a. Describe the vision that the little girl had just seen. [3] - The little match girl saw a Christmas tree which was larger and lovelier than the one she had seen last year through the glass doors of the rich merchant’s house. - A thousand candles lit up the green branches which were decorated with gaily coloured balls. - The candles on the tree rose and turned into bright stars. b. What do the goose in the second vision and the tree in the third vision symbolise? [3] - The goose symbolises how hungry the girl was. It shows the need of a poor hungry child to partake of such a delicious meal which only the rich could enjoy. - The Christmas tree symbolises undying life as it is forever green even in the winter months. - It also symbolises her longing for celebration and enjoyment. c. What belief did the girl have about falling stars? Why? [3] - The girl believed that whenever a star fell, a soul went up to God. - She had this belief because her grandmother had told her so. - As her grandmother was the only one who had ever loved her, the girl believed whatever she said. d. Analyse the relationship between the girl and her grandmother. [3] - Strong bond of love…the grandmother was the only one who had ever cared for the girl. - The grandmother was her source of strength, love, trust and affection. - On one hand, the girl keeps lighting the matches to keep her grandmother with her. On the other hand, the grandmother comes like an angel and takes the girl to a better world. e. What are the sources of light used in the story? What does the final one represent? [4] - Matchsticks followed by the iron stove - Brightly lit candles which transformed into stars - The final source of light is a blaze brighter than broad daylight. - It symbolises hope, happiness and release from misery. The blaze represents the light of God and hope, leading the girl to a world where there was love – and no hunger, cold or pain. Dear Class X, The answers are given in bullets for you to understand the mark division. In your classwork, homework or examination you will have to write the answers in paragraph form.
