The Lost Child by Mulk Raj Anand

 

 1. What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind? 

 On the way to the fair, the child sees a beautiful mustard field, dragonflies, worms and insects. In the fair, he is attracted by toys, sweetmeats like gulab jamun and jalebi, garlands of gulmohur, colorful balloons, a snake-charmer, and a roundabout. All these sights have filled him with excitement and wonder that he lags behind. 

 2. In the fair he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer? 

 In the fair, the child wants toys, balloons, burfi, f lowers, and a ride on the roundabout. However, each time he asks for something and moves on without waiting for an answer because he instinctively knows his parents would refuse, calling them "cheap" or unnecessary. His desire shifts quickly to the next exciting thing, showing his innocent, restless curiosity. 

 3. When does he realise that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?

 The child realizes he has lost his way when he stops near a roundabout, excitedly asking his parents for a ride, but gets no reply. When he turns around, he cannot see them anywhere, and panic sets in. His anxiety and insecurity are vividly described— he cries uncontrollably, runs around frantically searching and feels terrified amidst of the crowd. The once-attractive fair now feels scary and overwhelming with the noises becoming harsh and disorienting. His desperate cries of "Mother! Father!" show his helplessness and fear of being alone. 

 4. Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier? 

 The lost child loses interest in the toys, sweets, balloons, and roundabout that he had desperately wanted earlier because his only desire now is to find his parents. The overwhelming fear of separation makes all other attractions seem meaningless. The lesson shows how a child’s deepest need is security and love—material things bring joy only when shared with loved ones. Without his parents, even the most exciting fair loses its charm, leaving him frightened, lonely, and indifferent to what once delighted him. 

 5. What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents? 

 The story "The Lost Child" ends on an ambiguous note, leaving the child's fate open to interpretation. However, there are strong hints that he is eventually reunited with his parents. When the kind stranger tries to comfort him by offering the same things he once desired—toys, balloons, sweets, and a ride—the child only cries for his mother and father, showing that no material comfort can replace their love. This emotional climax suggests that someone in the crowd (possibly his parents or a villager) would recognize him and take him back to his family, as fairs were community gatherings where lost children were often reunited. While the author doesn’t explicitly confirm the reunion, the child’s innocence and the stranger’s concern imply a hopeful ending. The story underscores that a parent’s love is irreplaceable, and society (represented by the stranger) would prioritize reuniting the child with his family.