Q. Why was the twentieth century called the ‘‘Era of the Book’’?
Ans. In those days, there were books about everything, from anteaters to Zulus. All sort of books were available and on all possible topics. Books taught people ‘how to’, and ‘when to’, and ‘why to’. They illustrated, educated, punctuated, and even decorated. So the twentieth century was called the ‘‘Era of the book’’.
Q. Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
Ans. The Martians tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century, i.e. in 2040.
Q. What guesses are made by Think-Tank about the books found on earth?
Ans. Think-Tank says that these are sandwiches. He tells the crew that sandwiches are the staple diet of Earth. To confirm his opinion, he ordered the crew to eat it. Sergeant Oop bites it and declares that it is not delicious. He is surprised how the earthlings can get those sandwiches down without water. Noodle says that he has noticed that the earthlings do not eat them. They use them as some sort of communication device. Think-Tank says that these are actually communication sandwiches. So he orders them to listen to the books. Noodle again suggests that earthlings do not listen to them. They open them and watch them. So, Think-Tank declares that these are not for ear communication. They are for eye communication. Captain Omega opens it and notices the colourful pictures of earthlings. In reality, it is a volume of nursery rhymes titled ‘Mother Goose’ the colourful pictures of earthlings. In reality, it is a volume of nursery rhymes titled ‘Mother Goose’.
Q. Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
Ans. Noodle retains his calm and cool. His patience and intelligence help him to correct Think-Tank’s mistakes without offending him. He does not want to irritate him because he is the Ruler of Mars. He considers himself the most brilliant creature of the cosmos. So Noodle is careful while giving suggestions to Think-Tank. He speaks very politely. Think-Tank takes books for sandwiches, but Noodle tells him that the earthlings don’t eat them. These are communication devices. But Think-Tank again makes a mistake and asks the crew to listen to them. Noodle again interferes and tells that these are for eye communication. Noodle also asks them to take vitamins to increase intelligence. He takes care that the Ruler of Mars must not get annoyed and uses the phrases ‘forgive me, Please, excuse me, your Brilliance’.
Q. If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle ThinkTank’s mistakes?
Ans. I would have dealt with him calmly. I would have convinced him to behave properly.
Q. Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
Ans. The scientific advancement and innovation of new electronic devices have proved the fact that the human brain is capable of achieving anything. The young generation of today’s era uses Internet facility to update their knowledge. Computers have changed the entire scenario. There is no doubt that books are being replaced by the electronic media. But the significance of books cannot be ignored. Books are essential and indispensable for everyone. Moreover, everybody does not possess the knowledge of the latest techniques. People can’t use Internet in villages. Some can’t afford to avail themselves of the electronic media. So, books are required and one cannot do anything without books.
Q. Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about the book.
Ans. It is pertinent to say that books are a man’s best companion. They give their company to human beings and instill a sense of sophistication in them. One never feels alone in the midst of books. They keep enlightening the human beings and familiarize them with the latest technologies used in various fields. Books never allow a man to waste their time in idle gossiping. Those who are passionate readers never get time to criticise anyone. My favourite book is You Can Win written by Shiv Khera. I like it because it motivates me and bolsters my confidence. Its stories are very interesting and they are incorporated in the text to teach the mortals the lessons in humanity. It helps a person to attain considerable success in this world by bringing change in their personality and attitude.
Q. In what ways does Think-Tank misinterpret innocent nursery rhymes as threats to the Martians? Can you think of any incidents where you misinterpreted a word or an action? How did you resolve the misunderstanding?
Ans. Think-Tank thinks that the Earthling have seen him and they are after him. ‘‘Had a great fall’’ implies that they have planned to capture Mars’ central control. He considers it an invasion of Mars so he decides to escape without delay.
Q. The aliens in this play speak English. Do you think this is their language? What could be the language of the aliens?
Ans. No, English is not their mother tongue. If English had been their language, they would not have misinterpreted the nursery rhymes. They could have understood them easily.