‘The Journey Down’ by Wodehouse: Summary, meanings, Question and Answers Class 6 English Wind Chimes

This article consists of Question and Answers of the “The Journey Down” (Novel ‘Mike; 2nd chapter) Lesson given in English textbook ‘Wind Chimes’. The Notes Section include Summary in English and Hindi, and Vocabulary Notes (Word meanings).

Notes: The Journey Down by Wodehouse

The Journey Down by P. G. Wodehouse

Summary in English:

“The Journey Down” by P.G. Wodehouse is a humorous short story about a young boy named Mike Jackson who is traveling to a new school. He is excited about the journey and is lost in his thoughts about his future at the school, imagining what it will be like. On the train, Mike meets a boy, who is much older than him, and who seems arrogant and mysterious. Mike mistakenly throws the boy’s bag out of the window, thinking he had gotten off the train, only to realize later that the boy was still aboard. Mike feels guilty but is relieved when his brother Bob arrives and they are able to handle the situation. The story ends with a funny twist, showing Mike’s innocent mistake and the humorous misunderstanding that follows.

Summary in Hindi:

“The Journey Down” P.G. Wodehouse की एक हास्यपूर्ण कहानी है, जिसमें एक युवा लड़का माइक जैक्सन अपनी नई स्कूल यात्रा के लिए जा रहा है। वह यात्रा के बारे में उत्साहित है और स्कूल में अपने भविष्य के बारे में सोचते हुए खो जाता है। ट्रेन में, माइक एक लड़के से मिलता है, जो उससे काफी बड़ा और घमंडी सा प्रतीत होता है। माइक गलती से उस लड़के का बैग खिड़की से बाहर फेंक देता है, यह सोचते हुए कि वह उतर चुका है, लेकिन बाद में उसे एहसास होता है कि लड़का अभी भी ट्रेन में था। माइक को पछतावा होता है, लेकिन जब उसका भाई बॉब आता है, तो वे स्थिति को संभाल लेते हैं। कहानी एक मजेदार मोड़ के साथ खत्म होती है, जिसमें माइक की मासूम गलती और उसके बाद हुई हास्यपूर्ण गलतफहमी को दिखाया गया है।


Vocabulary Notes: (Word Meanings)

Word/PhraseMeaning in EnglishMeaning in Hindi
Further down the lineAt a later point along the train route.ट्रेन मार्ग पर आगे की ओर।
State entryA grand or formal arrival.एक शानदार या औपचारिक आगमन।
Not numerous nor profoundNot many and not deep or serious.न तो अधिक और न ही गहरे या गंभीर विचार।
PetitioningRequesting something earnestly or formally.कुछ विनम्रतापूर्वक या औपचारिक रूप से मांगना।
The thing had come aboutThe event had happened or taken place.यह घटित हो गया था
ReflectionsThoughts or considerations.विचार या चिंतन।
Pince-nezGlasses that clip onto the nose instead of having sidepieces (without ear pieces).नाक पर क्लिप होने वाला चश्मा।
SuperciliousArrogant, bbehaving or looking as though one thinks they are superior to others.घमंडी, दूसरों से ऊपर समझने वाला।
PortmanteauA large suitcase or travel bag.एक बड़ा सूटकेस।
ScrutinisedExamined closely or carefully.ध्यान से या सावधानीपूर्वक निरीक्षण करना।
AfterIn pursuit of or searching for.पीछा करते हुए या खोजते हुए।
SkimmingMoving quickly and lightly.तेज़ी और हल्के ढंग से चलना।
RowA quarrel or argument.झगड़ा या बहस।
Carry enough side for threeActing with exaggerated pride or arrogance.अत्यधिक घमंड के साथ व्यवहार करना।
OverturesAttempts to establish a relationship or start a conversation.संबंध बनाने या बातचीत शुरू करने का प्रयास।
Good businessA fortunate or desirable situation.लाभकारी या अच्छा सौदा।
SnuglyComfortably or securely.आरामदायक या सुरक्षित रूप से।
From the best motivesWith good intentions or for the right reasons.अच्छे इरादों के साथ।
FatalLeading to an undesirable or disastrous outcome.एक अवांछनीय, गंभीर या विनाशकारी परिणाम की ओर ले जाने वाला।
Line of fireIn a situation where one is likely to be harmed or attacked.ऐसी स्थिति जहाँ खतरे का सामना करना पड़ता है।
Risen successfully to a sudden emergencyResponded effectively and appropriately to an unexpected situation.एक अप्रत्याशित स्थिति पर प्रभावी ढंग से प्रतिक्रिया देना। अचानक आई समस्या का सफलता से समाधान किया।
AbruptlySuddenly and unexpectedly.अचानक और बिना चेतावनी के।
SurmountedOvercome or placed on top of something.कुछ पर काबू पाना या ऊपर रखा होना।
Dash itAn exclamation of frustration or annoyance.झुंझलाहट या नाराज़गी का एक भाव।
Frightful bagA bag causing annoyance or trouble (humorously exaggerated).एक बैग जो परेशानी पैदा कर रहा हो (हास्यपूर्वक बढ़ा-चढ़ाकर)।
Life teems with embarrassing situationsLife is full of awkward or uncomfortable moments.जीवन अजीब या असहज क्षणों से भरा होता है।
Chucked it outThrew it out.इसे बाहर फेंक दिया।
SolemnitySeriousness or dignity.गंभीरता, गरिमा या ईमानदारी।
Fitting solemnityAppropriate seriousness or dignity.उचित गंभीरता, ईमानदारी या गरिमा के साथ।
In the small of the backThe lower part of the back.पीठ का निचला हिस्सा।
BereavedSomeone who has suffered a loss.जिसने कुछ खोया हो।
LevityHumour or lack of seriousness in a serious situation.एक गंभीर स्थिति में हास्य या हल्कापन।
FlingingThrowing something carelessly or forcefully.कुछ लापरवाही या ज़ोर से फेंकना।
GatheredUnderstood or inferred.समझना या अनुमान लगाना।
RuffledDisturbed or irritated.परेशान या चिढ़ा हुआ।
Make an ass of oneselfAct foolishly or embarrassingly.खुद को बेवकूफ बनाना।
RotterA mildly insulting term for someone behaving poorly.किसी के खराब व्यवहार के लिए हल्का अपमानजनक शब्द। घिनौना या गंदा व्यक्ति।
NuisanceA source of annoyance or inconvenience.परेशानी या असुविधा का कारण।
Cropped upAppeared or occurred unexpectedly.अप्रत्याशि, अचानक प्रकट होना।
Cropped up with some frequencyAppeared or occurred quite often.बार-बार प्रकट होना।
Made of rowsInvolved in quarrels or disputes.झगड़ों या विवादों में शामिल।
Get onHave a good relationship.अच्छा संबंध होना।
It’s a bit thickIt’s unfair or unreasonable. Referring to a difficult or awkward situation.यह अनुचित या अयथार्थ है। एक कठिन स्थिति।
RotWaste time or behave aimlessly.समय बर्बाद करना या उद्देश्यहीन व्यवहार करना।
Beastly bankA derogatory term used to express dislike for something, in this case, a job at a bank. (as described humorously).एक बहुत ही अप्रिय या अवांछनीय बैंक की नौकरी (हास्यपूर्ण रूप से वर्णित)।

Textbook Questions and Answers (The Journey Down)

Comprehension:

  1. Where was Bob and where would he join Mike?
    Ans: Bob was spending the last week of the holidays with an aunt further down the line. He would join Mike at East Wobsley station.
  2. What does the boy’s conversation with the porter indicate about the boy?
    Ans: The boy’s conversation with the porter shows that he was very particular about his belongings and perhaps a bit arrogant, as he spoke in a commanding tone.
  3. Mike acted from the best motives, which is always fatal. Was the consequence really fatal?
    Ans: No, the consequence was not truly fatal. It was embarrassing and inconvenient for the boy because his bag was thrown out at the wrong station, but it was not a serious disaster.
  4. Why did the boy get off the carriage?
    Ans: The boy got off the carriage to buy a magazine at a station.
  5. What is Wain’s?
    Ans: Wain’s is the house at Wrykyn school where Mike was going to stay.
  6. Who were Gazeka and Firby-Smith?
    Ans: Gazeka was the nickname for Firby-Smith. He was the head of Wain’s house at Wrykyn school.
  7. At what point was Mike not a part of the conversation and why?
    Ans: Mike was not a part of the conversation when Bob and Firby-Smith started discussing school politics and events from the previous term, which Mike did not know about.
SEE Another Set of Answers

Another Set of Answers

  1. Where was Bob and where would he join Mike?
    Ans: Bob had been spending the last week of the holidays with an aunt further down the line, and he was to join Mike at East Wobsley, after which they would travel together to Wrykyn.
  2. What does the boy’s conversation with the porter indicate about the boy?
    Ans: The boy’s conversation with the porter indicates that he is rather arrogant and has a superior attitude. He seems very concerned about the safety of his belongings, expecting special attention.
  3. Mike acted from the best motives, which is always fatal. Was the consequence really fatal?
    Ans: The consequence was not fatal in the literal sense, but it was certainly embarrassing for Mike. His good intentions led to a big mistake when he threw the boy’s bag out of the window.
  4. Why did the boy get off the carriage?
    Ans: The boy got off the carriage because he was traveling a short distance and was getting off at the next station.
  5. What is Wain’s?
    Ans: Wain’s is a house at the school where Mike is going. It is part of the school system at Wrykyn, where students are divided into different houses.
  6. Who were Gazeka and Firby-Smith?
    Ans: Gazeka was the boy Mike mistakenly threw the bag out for, and Firby-Smith is the boy’s full name. He was also a student at Wrykyn, and Mike later finds out that he is in the same house as him.
  7. At what point was Mike not a part of the conversation and why?
    Ans: Mike was not a part of the conversation when Bob and Firby-Smith started discussing Wrykyn school matters. Mike didn’t know much about the topics they were talking about, such as past events or school politics, so he remained quiet and listened.

1. That explained his magazineless condition.

a. Who is being talked about here?
Ans: The boy with the pince-nez (Firby-Smith) is being talked about.

b. What became clear?
Ans: It became clear that the boy did not have any magazines because he was only traveling a short distance and did not need them.

c. What is the ‘magazineless condition’?
Ans: The ‘magazineless condition’ refers to the fact that the boy had no magazines to read during his short journey.

2. Then he sat down again with the inward glow of satisfaction which comes to one when one has risen successfully to a sudden emergency.

a. Whose condition is being described here?
Ans: Mike’s condition is being described here.

b. Why was the person feeling the ‘inward glow of satisfaction’?
Ans: Mike felt satisfied because he thought he had acted quickly and responsibly by throwing the forgotten bag out of the train for the boy to retrieve.

c. How did he rise up to the ‘sudden emergency’?
Ans: He quickly noticed the boy had forgotten his bag and immediately threw it out of the window, assuming the boy would get it back.

3. Against his will, Mike grinned at the recollection.

a. Why did Mike grin?
Ans: Mike grinned because he remembered how the porter looked when the bag hit him on the back, which seemed funny to him.

b. Why was it against his will?
Ans: It was against his will because he knew the situation was serious and not the right time to laugh.

c. What was the reaction of the other person?
Ans: The other person (Firby-Smith) was angry and scolded Mike for finding humour in the situation, calling him a “little beast.”

SEE Short Answers

Shorter Answers:

  1. That explained his magazineless condition.
    a. The boy with the pince-nez (Firby-Smith).
    b. He didn’t have magazines because he was traveling a short distance.
    c. Not having magazines to read.
  2. Then he sat down again with the inward glow of satisfaction which comes to one when one has risen successfully to a sudden emergency.
    a. Mike’s.
    b. He thought he had helped by throwing out the bag.
    c. By quickly throwing the bag out of the train.
  3. Against his will, Mike grinned at the recollection.
    a. Remembering the porter’s funny reaction.
    b. The situation was serious, not funny.
    c. Firby-Smith got angry and scolded him.

1. What were Mike’s thoughts as he settled in the carriage?

Ans. Mike was excited about joining Wrykyn. He thought about cricket, his brother Bob’s chances in the first eleven, and whether he would fit in at the new school.

2. Describe, in your own words, the boy who entered Mike’s carriage.

Ans. The boy was sharp-featured, wore pince-nez, a bowler hat, and seemed older than Mike. He appeared proud and demanding, as seen from his interaction with the porter.

3. What were the first thoughts of Mike when the boy entered the carriage?

Ans. Mike found the boy arrogant and did not like his attitude. He felt no desire to share his magazines with him.

4. Mike acted from the best motives, which is always fatal. Why does the writer say so?

Ans. The writer says this humorously because, although Mike meant well by throwing out the bag, his quick action caused trouble instead of helping.

5. Describe Mike’s thoughts when he saw the forgotten bag.

Ans. Mike felt responsible and decided to return the bag immediately by throwing it out of the moving train.

6. How did the boy react when he realised that his bag had been thrown out of the train?

Ans. The boy was furious and scolded Mike, calling him careless and saying he deserved a scolding.

7. How did Bob handle the situation? What does it tell us about him?

Ans. Bob calmly reassured Firby-Smith that the bag would be returned. This shows that Bob was practical, composed, and had a sense of humour.

8. Write brief character sketches of:

  • a. Mike
  • b. Firby-Smith

Ans.

a. Mike: Mike was well-meaning, kind, and quick to act, but sometimes impulsive and naive.
b. Firby-Smith: Firby-Smith was proud, demanding, and short-tempered but seemed to have a sense of responsibility as head of Wain’s house.

9. What do you like about Mike? Would you like to have a friend like him? Give reasons.

Ans. I like Mike’s helpful and good-hearted nature. Yes, I would like a friend like him because he genuinely cares about others, even if he makes mistakes.

10. Do you think that Mike and Firby-Smith would ever become good friends? Support your answer with reasons.

Ans. Yes, they could become friends. Although they had a rocky start, Mike’s sincerity and Bob’s support might help them understand each other better over time.

Long Answers:

  1. What were Mike’s thoughts as he settled in the carriage?
    Ans. Mike was excited about joining Wrykyn school and wondered about his house, his chances in cricket, and whether his brother Bob would get his first eleven cap.
  2. Describe, in your own words, the boy who entered Mike’s carriage.
    Ans. The boy was older than Mike, with a sharp face, a prominent nose, and pince-nez glasses. He wore a bowler hat and carried a small bag. He had an arrogant attitude and seemed to look down on Mike.
  3. What were the first thoughts of Mike when the boy entered the carriage?
    Ans. Mike thought the boy looked rather pompous and didn’t seem friendly. He felt uncomfortable and wasn’t inclined to offer him any magazines.
  4. Mike acted from the best motives, which is always fatal. Why does the writer say so?
    Ans. The writer means that Mike, trying to help, made a mistake by throwing the bag out of the window. His good intentions led to a bad outcome, showing that sometimes trying to do the right thing can lead to trouble.
  5. Describe Mike’s thoughts when he saw the forgotten bag.
    Ans. Mike realized the boy had forgotten his bag and felt it was the right thing to return it. He acted quickly, thinking the boy would be grateful.
  6. How did the boy react when he realised that his bag had been thrown out of the train?
    Ans.
    The boy was furious. He shouted at Mike, calling him a “little beast” for throwing his bag out without asking.
  7. How did Bob handle the situation? What does it tell us about him?
    Ans. Bob calmly explained to Mike that the bag would be fine and would be sent back. He didn’t make a big fuss and showed understanding, suggesting he was level-headed and practical.
  8. Write brief character sketches of:
    a. Mike
    Ans. Mike is a young, excited boy starting at a new school. He is kind-hearted and tries to do the right thing, but his eagerness sometimes leads to mistakes. He is a bit unsure about fitting in at Wrykyn and admires his older brother Bob.

    Ans. b. Firby-Smith
    Firby-Smith, also called Gazeka, is a proud and slightly arrogant boy. He is confident in his position but shows little patience or kindness to others. His appearance and attitude suggest he feels superior.
  9. What do you like about Mike? Would you like to have a friend like him? Give reasons.
    Ans. I like Mike because he is well-meaning, excited about school, and eager to help. I would like to have a friend like him because he is caring, even if he sometimes makes mistakes, and he tries his best to do the right thing.
  10. Do you think that Mike and Firby-Smith would ever become good friends? Support your answer with reasons.
    Ans. It is unlikely that Mike and Firby-Smith would become good friends. Firby-Smith seems too arrogant and rude, while Mike is more friendly and humble. Their personalities are very different, and Firby-Smith’s attitude would likely prevent them from forming a close friendship.

Vocabulary:

leave behind, left over, come over, came across, look around, look out
  1. ………. there’s a car coming.
  2. The refugees had to …….. a lot of precious belongings.
  3. I had to give away the …….. food.
  4. …….. in the garden for leaves of different shapes.
  5. …….. to my house, we can play some games.
  6. While cleaning the cupboards, I ……. to my grandmother. a diary which belonged

Answer:

  1. Look out, there’s a car coming.
  2. The refugees had to leave behind a lot of precious belongings.
  3. I had to give away the left over food.
  4. Look around in the garden for leaves of different shapes.
  5. Come over to my house, we can play some games.
  6. While cleaning the cupboards, I came across a diary which belonged to my grandmother.

Grammar

  1. Will you eat that last pastry, …….. will you leave it for me?
  2. Sadyah collected the biggest amount for charity, …….. she got a medal.
  3. Tenzing had a terrible headache, …….. he went to work in the morning.
  4. It’s snowing,…….. please wear your overcoat.
  5. He has done his duty, …….. he is a sincere man.
  6. Namrata overslept …….. thus missed the train again

Answer:

  1. Will you eat that last pastry, or will you leave it for me?
  2. Sadyah collected the biggest amount for charity, so she got a medal.
  3. Tenzing had a terrible headache, but he went to work in the morning.
  4. It’s snowing, so please wear your overcoat.
  5. He has done his duty, and he is a sincere man.
  6. Namrata overslept and thus missed the train again.

This is a simple recipe for cooking oats. Notice the highlighted words.

  • Firstly, mix 1½ a teaspoon of salt in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  • Then, add in 1 cup of oats and turn the heat to low.
  • After this, cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Once the mixture looks thick, take it off the heat.
  • Finally, serve with honey, milk and chopped nuts.
    All the highlighted words here indicate the sequence of action. Similarly, there are words and phrases we use to express the relationship between different ideas in a sentence. Such words and phrases are called linkers.

Answer: Here’s the recipe for cooking oats in a proper sequence:

  1. Firstly, mix 1½ teaspoons of salt into 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Then, add 1 cup of oats and reduce the heat to low.
  3. After this, cover the pot and cook the oats for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the mixture thickens, take it off the heat.
  5. Finally, serve the oats with honey, milk, and chopped nuts.

Examples to show associated Linkers.

  1. Both … and: Both oats and nuts make a healthy breakfast.
  2. Either … or: You can either add honey or sugar to your oats.
  3. Neither … nor: Neither the oats nor the nuts should be overcooked.
  4. Not only … but also: Not only are oats nutritious, but they also taste delicious with milk.
  5. Whether … or: Whether you serve it with fruits or nuts, oats are always healthy.
  6. As … as: The oats should be as thick as a porridge before serving.
  1. Jyoti promised to look after Shahid’s cat …….. (so that/while) he was on holiday.
  2. He decided to buy a car ……. (in spite of/although) having lost his job.
  3. …….. (In spite/Despite) it being cold outside, they went ahead with the picnic.
  4. Harendra’s mother waited on the platform …….. (until/before) the train had disappeared into the distance.
  5. I have to get this assignment in …….. (until/by) the end of the week.
  6. …….. (Since/All in all), it was a good experience.
  7. Mohun Bagan was the best team and …….. (furthermore/ likewise), they were the fairest too.
  8. Ramona will not join the event ……….. (due to/unless) the organisers donate to charity.

Answers:

  1. Jyoti promised to look after Shahid’s cat while he was on holiday.
  2. He decided to buy a car in spite of having lost his job.
  3. Despite it being cold outside, they went ahead with the picnic.
  4. Harendra’s mother waited on the platform until the train had disappeared into the distance.
  5. I have to get this assignment in by the end of the week.
  6. All in all, it was a good experience.
  7. Mohun Bagan was the best team and furthermore, they were the fairest too.
  8. Ramona will not join the event unless the organisers donate to charity.
  1. My cousin lives ………. New York.
  2. Please put these books ………. the table.
  3. This is an old film, it was made ……….1958.
  4. I am ………. the theatre.
  5. The meeting is ………. principal’s office. ………. 3 p.m. the
  6. The yoga class will be held ………. Holi evening.
  7. You always come late. Please be …….time today.
  8. My friend lives ………. the end of Park Lane. Sector 3.

Answer:

  1. My cousin lives in New York. (P)
  2. Please put these books on the table. (P)
  3. This is an old film, it was made in 1958. (T)
  4. I am at the theatre. (P)
  5. The meeting is in the principal’s office at 3 p.m. (P for place, T for time)
  6. The yoga class will be held on Holi evening. (T)
  7. You always come late. Please be on time today. (T)
  8. My friend lives at the end of Park Lane. (P)

Writing

Diaries are a wonderful way to let out pent up emotions, record dreams or ideas, and reflect on daily life. They are not just records of what happened in the course of a period of time. They contain reflections, thoughts and feelings about what happened in that space of time.

There is no single, definitive way to maintain a diary, although there are some very popular conventions. Most people name their diaries because it makes the exercise feel more intimate. Entries are also usually dated.

Answer: Some sample Diary Entries are given here.

Firby-Smith’s Diary Entry – Set 1

Firby-Smith’s Diary Entry – Set 1

Date: 29th December, 2024

Today, I find myself reflecting on the few days I’ve spent with Mike here at Wrykyn. I can’t help but feel a little perplexed by him. On the surface, Mike seems like a person of simple motives, always keen on doing the right thing, or at least that’s what I believed. However, today proved that acting from the best intentions doesn’t always end well. I’ve always admired his confidence, his ability to take charge of situations, but I’m starting to wonder if there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Earlier today, he threw out a poor boy’s bag from the train, thinking it was an old piece of luggage, not realizing it was valuable. The boy’s reaction was more than just frustration; he was utterly heartbroken. Mike, however, seemed blissfully unaware of the damage he had done, convinced that his actions were justified.

I’ve always thought of myself as the one with reason, and Mike with his impulsive nature. Still, I can’t help but respect the man’s heart, despite his poor decisions. He’s certainly a character I can’t fully understand, but that’s what makes him intriguing, I suppose.

I will have to spend more time with him to truly understand where he’s coming from, but for now, I’ll keep my distance and observe carefully.

Diary Entry by Firby-Smith Set 2

Diary Entry by Firby-Smith Set 2

Date: 29th December, 2024

Today, I have spent a few more days with Mike at Wrykyn, and I must admit, I’m still not sure what to make of him. Mike is quite a character, always acting from the best of intentions, but somehow things seem to always go wrong. His charm and wit are undeniable, but his impulsive actions often lead to unexpected results.

For instance, today, he threw the boy’s bag out of the train by mistake. Although he meant well, his quick thinking didn’t really help the situation. The boy’s reaction was dramatic, and Mike, as usual, found himself trying to fix things, but only making them worse. The entire situation seemed to unfold as a comedy, and I couldn’t help but grin at the chaos.

Yet, despite everything, there is something endearing about him. He always means well and tries to do the right thing, even if he doesn’t always succeed. There is a certain loyalty in Mike’s actions, even though he often ends up in trouble. He’s the type of person who’s hard to stay angry at, and that’s a rare quality. I wonder what life would be like without him. It’s certainly never dull with Mike around!

-Firby-Smith

Diary Entry by Firby-Smith Set 3

Diary Entry by Firby-Smith Set 3

Date: 29th December, 2024

Spending time with Mike at Wrykyn has been quite an experience. He’s always acting with the best intentions, but things often go wrong. Today, he threw the boy’s bag out of the train by accident. He meant well, but it only made things worse. The boy was furious, but Mike tried his best to fix it, even though it didn’t quite work out.

Despite all this, there’s something likeable about him. He’s loyal and always tries to do the right thing, even if his actions don’t always lead to the best results. It’s hard to stay upset with him for long. Life with Mike is never boring, and I suppose that’s something special.

-Firby-Smith


This Post Has One Comment

  1. Anonymous

    Nothing was understood so bad 😞😞😞😞😔

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