Chapter 5 and 6

.:. Chapters .:.

5 & 6

Chapter 5

The chapter begins with a sad Maia comparing herself to ‘Cinderella’ for the fact that while her step-sisters get to dress up and see Clovis’ show, Maia is house-bound and unable to keep her promise to Clovis. Once the twins and Mrs. Carter leave, Maia decides to settle for a day of exploration with Miss Minton, but alas that plan also falls through due to Miss Minton’s severe migraine. Left to herself, Maia finds it difficult to concentrate on reading, and makes a dangerous and reckless decision to go to Manaus on her own. Soon she gets lost in the vast jungle, but fortunately, a mysterious Indian boy comes in a canoe and helps her find her way to Manaus. She is, not only, fascinated by the strange but friendly boy who didn’t speak her language, she remains always eternally grateful to him for saving her life, not once, but twice- by showing her the way as well as saving her from getting blinded by thorny branches. Finally they reach her destination, ‘Teatra Amazonas’ and he dropped Maia swiftly rowing back with a wave and a smile.

Summary

Q & A

• What do you think Maia meant when she said to Miss Minton ‘she knew how Cinderella felt’?
• How do you think Maia would have felt as she watched the twins and Mrs. Carter going off to see the show?
• Write a paragraph of how Maia got to Manaus.
• Make some notes about how Maia feels about her first visit to the Amazon.
• In your opinion do you think Maia was justified in sneaking away to Manaus on her own? If you were Maia would you have done the same? Give reasons.

“Miss Minton’s books gave her back the mysterious country she had longed to see, and which Carters had shut out.”

Chapter 4, Journey to the River Sea.

• What was it that Maia had longed to see in Manaus?
• How does Maia’s experience of the jungle change after Chapter-5?
• Who, according to you, might the mystery boy be?

Chapter 6

The ‘Crows’ return in this chapter, still looking for Taverner’s son with the help of the police. The police chief, Colonel da Silva, informs the duo about a local rumour that that the Taverner’s son might be living with the Ombuda Indians. Though the Crows initially scrap the idea, they soon believe him enough to go hunting for the boy. As the Crows leave to find out more about the boy, the Chief’s thoughts reveal that he as well Professor Glastonberry are protecting the identity of Finn as friends of Bernard Taverner. Meanwhile, the Carters are in the theatre waiting for Clovis’ show to begin. Maia makes it to the theatre just in time to watch the show and she thoroughly enjoys the show, especially Clovis’ performance. Unfortunately, at a crucial moment in the last act, Clovis’ voice breaks much to his chagrin, and the whole theatre breaks into laughter and jeer. Later, Maia finds Clovis heartbroken and he begs Maia to help him get back home to England. Once again, Maia makes a promise to Clovis

Summary

Q&A

1. Why was the police chief unable to go to the theatre?
2. Why do you think the Colonel and Professor Glastonberry were hiding ‘Finn’, the boy the Crows were looking for?
3. Describe the outside of the theatre in Manaus.
4. What opinion do you form of the twins at this point in the story?
5. How did Maia get to see the show?
6. Why was Clovis so upset with his performance on stage?

Compare & Contrast

Recall and reflect on the actions of Clovis and the twins in Chapter-6 and compare their personalities. How do you feel about these characters as you turn each page of the novel?

VS

.:.Thank You .:.