Central Ideas - NCERT Class 10 English (First Flight)
Prose
A Letter to God
The central idea of this story is unwavering faith. Lencho, a poor farmer, shows deep faith in God
even during extreme hardship. His belief in divine help highlights the simplicity and innocence of
rural life.
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
This chapter focuses on the themes of freedom, struggle, and leadership. Mandela's transformation
from a common man to a global leader symbolizes the fight against apartheid and the value of
forgiveness.
Two Stories about Flying
These stories depict overcoming fear through courage and trust. Both young birds learn to fly by
pushing past their fear, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and growth.
From the Diary of Anne Frank
The excerpt shows Anne's thoughts and emotions during hiding. It highlights the horrors of war and
the resilience of a teenager, capturing her desire for expression and understanding.
The Hundred Dresses - I
This story explores themes of bullying, prejudice, and social class. Wanda is mocked for her
appearance, and the story critiques the insensitivity often shown to those who are different.
The Hundred Dresses - II
In this continuation, the classmates realize their mistake and feel guilty. The story promotes
empathy, regret, and the importance of treating others kindly before it's too late.
Glimpses of India
This chapter presents the cultural and geographical diversity of India through three short stories. It
celebrates regional beauty, food, traditions, and heritage.
Mijbil the Otter
The chapter focuses on the bond between a human and an animal. It portrays themes of
companionship, curiosity, and the challenges of caring for a wild creature.
Madam Rides the Bus
The story follows a young girl, Valli, as she experiences independence and the real world. It
highlights childlike curiosity, innocence, and the transition from naivety to awareness.
The Sermon at Benares
This lesson conveys Buddha's message about the inevitability of death and suffering. It teaches
detachment and wisdom through the story of Kisa Gotami.
The Proposal
A humorous play that satirizes materialism and petty arguments in marriage alliances. It highlights
how social expectations often override genuine emotions.
Poems
Dust of Snow
This poem expresses how small acts of nature can uplift one's mood and bring a positive change.
Fire and Ice
The poem reflects on destructive human emotions like desire and hatred, warning that either can
end the world.
A Tiger in the Zoo
It contrasts the life of a tiger in the zoo with its natural habitat, conveying the pain of captivity.
How to Tell Wild Animals
A humorous poem that describes various wild animals in a playful and exaggerated tone.
The Ball Poem
This poem deals with the theme of loss and learning to cope with it, symbolizing growing up.
Amanda!
The poem shows the conflict between a child's imagination and adult restrictions, emphasizing
freedom.
Animals
The poet admires animals for their simplicity and honesty, contrasting them with the complex nature
of humans.
The Trees
This poem highlights deforestation and the silent rebellion of nature as trees 'move' back to forests.
Fog
Using a cat as a metaphor, the poem describes how fog moves silently and mysteriously.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
A humorous poem that teaches not to judge by appearance; even the timid can be brave when
needed.
For Anne Gregory
It explores the idea of inner versus outer beauty, questioning whether true love can go beyond
looks.
