Welcome to BD JOBZ PREPARATION, where we explore not just the world of job opportunities and career advice, but also dive into the realms of captivating literature that nurtures our minds. Today, we bring to you the enchanting story of The River Bank by Kenneth Grahame. This timeless tale, with its charming characters and vivid imagery, takes readers on a delightful journey through the natural world. As we follow the curious Mole on his first adventure outside his burrow, we are reminded of the simple joys of discovery and the beauty of life by the riverbank. Join us in experiencing this heartwarming story, where nature, friendship, and the thrill of new experiences come to life.
Read More: The Pied Piper
The River Bank
The mole had been working very hard all the morning spring-cleaning his little home. First with brooms, then with dusters; then on ladders and steps and chairs, with a brush and a pail of whitewash; till he had dust in his throat and eyes, and splashes of whitewash all over his black fur, and aching back and weary arms. Spring was moving in the year above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house. He suddenly flung down his brush on the floor, said ‘Brother!’ and ‘O blow!’ and also ‘Hang is spring-cleaning’ and bolted out of the house without even waiting to put on his coat. Something up above was calling him, and he made for the steep little tunnel. He scraped and scratched and scrabbled and scrooged and then he scrooged again and scrabbled and scratched and scraped, working busily with his little paws and muttering to himself, ‘Up we go! Up we go!’ till at last, pop! His snout carne out into the sunlight, and he found himself rolling in the warm grass of a great meadow.
‘This is fine!’ he said to himself. ‘This is better than whitewashing!’ The sunshine struck hot on his fur, soft breezes caressed his heated brow. Jumping off all his four legs at once, in the joy of living and the delight of spring without its cleaning, he pursued his way across the meadow till he reached the hedge on the further side.
‘Hold up!’ said an elderly rabbit at the gap. ‘Sixpence for the privilege of passing by the private road!’ He was bowled over in an instant by the impatient Mole, who trotted along the side of the hedge chaffing the other rabbits as they peeped hurriedly from their holes to see what the row was about. ‘Onion-sauce! Onion-sauce!’ he remarked jeeringly and was gone before they could think of a thoroughly satisfactory reply. Then they all started grumbling at each other. ‘How Stupid you are! Why didn’t you tell him-’ ‘Well, why didn’t You say-’ ‘You might have reminded him-’ and so on, in the usual way; but, of course, it was then much too late, as is always the case.
It all seemed too good to be true. Hither and thither through the meadows he rambled busily, along the hedgerows, finding everywhere birds building, flowers budding, leaves thrusting-everything happy.
He thought his happiness was complete when, as he meandered aimlessly along, suddenly he stood by the edge of a full-fed river. Never in his life had he seen a river before. All was glints and gleams and sparkles, rustle and swirl, chatter and bubble. The Mole was bewitched, entranced, fascinated. By the side of the river he trotted as one trots, and when tired at last, he sat on the bank.
As he sat on the grass and looked across the river, a dark hole in the bank opposite, just above the water’s edge, caught his eye. As he gazed, something bright and small, seemed to twinkle down in the heart of it, vanished, then twinkled once more like a tiny star. But it could hardly be a star in such an unlikely situation, and it was too glittering and small for a glow-worm. Then, as he looked, it winked at him. A small face began gradually to grow up round it, like a frame round a picture.
A brown little face, with whiskers.
A grave round face, with the same twinkle in its eye that had first attracted his notice.
Small neat ears and thick silky hair.
It was the Water Rat!
Then the two animals stood and regarded each other cautiously.
‘Hello, Mole!’ said the Water Rat.
‘Hello, Rat!’ said the Mole.
‘Would you like to come over?’ enquired the Rat presently.
‘Oh, it’s all very well to Talk,’ said the Mole, rather pettishly, he being new to a river and riverside life and its ways.
The rat said nothing, but stooped and unfastened a rope and hauled on it; then lightly stepped into a little boat which the Mole had not observed. It was painted blue outside and white within, and was just the size for two animals; and the Mole’s whole heart went out to it at once, even though he did not yet fully understand its uses.
The Rat sculled smartly across and made fast. Then he held up his forepaw as the Mole stepped down. ‘Lean on that!’ he said. ‘Now then, step lively!’ and the Mole to his surprise and rapture found himself actually seated in the stern of a real boat.
‘This has been a wonderful day!’ said he, as the Rat shoved off and took to the sculls again. ‘Do you know, I’ve never been in a boat before in all my life.’
‘What?’ cried the Rat, open-mouthed: ‘Never been in a-you neve-well I-what have you been doing, then?’
‘Is it so nice as all that?’ asked the Mole shyly, though he was quite prepared to believe it as he leant back in his seat and surveyed the cushions, the oars, the rowlocks, and all the fascinating fittings, and felt the boat sway lightly under him.
‘Nice? It’s the Only thing,’ said the Water Rat, as he leant forward for his stroke. ‘Believe me, my young friend, there is Nothing-absolute nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing, ‘he went on dreamily: ‘messing-about-in-boats; messing-’
‘Look ahead, Rat!’ cried the Mole suddenly.
It was too late. The boat struck the bank full tilt. The dreamer, the joyous oarsman, lay on his back at the bottom of the boat, his heels in the air.
‘-about in boats or with boats,’ the Rat went on, picking himself up with a pleasant laugh. ‘In or out of’ em, it does’t matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that’s the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don’t; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you’re always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you’ve done it there’s always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you’d much better not. Look here! If you’ve really nothing else on hand this morning, supposing we drop down the river together, and have a long day of it?’
The Mole waggled his toes from sheer happiness, spread his chest with a sigh of full contentment, and leaned back blissfully into the soft cushions. ‘What a day I’m having!’ he said. ‘Let us start at once!’
‘Hold hard a minute, then!’ said the Rat. He climbed up into his hole, and after a short interval reappeared staggering under a fat, wicker luncheon basket.
‘Shove that under your feet,’ he observed to the Mole, as he passed it down into the boat. Then he took the sculls again.
‘What’s inside it?’ asked the Mole, wriggling with curiosity.
‘There’s cold chicken inside it,’ replied the Rat briefly; ‘cold tongue cold ham cold beef pickled gherkins salad french rolls cress sandwiches potted meat ginger beer lemonade soda water-’
‘O stop,’ stop,’ cried the Mole in ecstasies: ‘This is too much!’
‘Do you really think so?’ enquired the Rat seriously. ‘It’s only what I always take on these little excursions!’
The Mole never heard a word he was saying. Absorbed in the sparkle, the ripple, the scents and the sounds, and the sunlight, he trailed a paw in the water and dreamed long waking dreams. The Water Rat, like the good little fellow he was, sculled steadily on.
‘I like your clothes, old chap,’ he remarked after some half an hour or so had passed. ‘I’m going to get a black velvet suit myself someday, as soon as I can afford it.’
‘I beg your pardon,’ said the Mole, pulling himself together with an effort. ‘You must think me very rude; but all this is so new to me. So-this-is-a- River!’
‘The River,’ corrected the Rat.
‘And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!’
Kenneth Grahame (Abridged)
Bangla Translation of the story, The River Bank
নদীর পাড়ে (বাংলা অনুবাদ)
কেনেথ গ্রাহাম (সংক্ষিপ্ত)
মোল (ছুঁচো) সকাল থেকে তার ছোট্ট বাড়িতে বসন্তকালীন পরিষ্কার-পরিচ্ছন্নতার কাজে খুব পরিশ্রম করছিল। কখনও ঝাড়ু দিয়ে, কখনও কাপড় দিয়ে, কখনও আবার মই, সিঁড়ি আর চেয়ারে উঠে ব্রাশ আর সাদা রঙের বালতিতে করে কাজ করছিল। এত বেশি ধুলো আর সাদা রঙ তার চোখ-মুখে লেগে গিয়েছিল যে শ্বাস নিতে কষ্ট হচ্ছিল, আর তার পিঠ ও হাত ব্যথায় অবসন্ন হয়ে পড়েছিল।
বসন্ত তার চারপাশে প্রকৃতিতে প্রবেশ করছিল, এমনকি তার অন্ধকার, ছোট্ট গুহা-ঘরেও। হঠাৎ সে ব্রাশটা মেঝেতে ছুড়ে ফেলে দিয়ে বলল, “আহ ভাই!”, “ওহ কী বিরক্তিকর!”, “ধুর এই পরিষ্কারের কাজ!” — আর কোনো কোট না পরেই ছুটে বেরিয়ে গেল ঘর থেকে। উপরের কোথাও কিছু যেন তাকে ডাকছিল।
সে একটি খাড়া ছোট টানেলের দিকে ছুটে গেল। নিজের ছোট্ট পায়ের নখ দিয়ে সে মাটি খুঁড়তে লাগল, আঁচড়াতে লাগল, গর্ত করতে লাগল, আবার আঁচড়াতে লাগল। সে নিজেকে উৎসাহ দিচ্ছিল, “চলো উপরে! চলো উপরে!” শেষ পর্যন্ত হঠাৎ করেই তার ছোট্ট নাকটা বেরিয়ে এলো রোদে, আর সে গড়িয়ে পড়ল একটি বিশাল ঘাসে ঢাকা মাঠে।
“এই তো জীবনের মজা!” নিজেকে বলল মোল। “সাদা রঙ লাগানো থেকে এটা অনেক ভালো!” রোদের উষ্ণতা তার গায়ে লাগছিল, হালকা বাতাস তার কপাল ছুঁয়ে যাচ্ছিল। জীবনের আনন্দে সে চার পায়ে লাফাতে লাফাতে ছুটল মাঠের এক প্রান্তে।
“দাঁড়াও!” গর্তের মুখে এক বৃদ্ধ খরগোশ বলল, “এটা একটা ব্যক্তিগত রাস্তা—পেরোতে হলে ছয় পয়সা দিতে হবে।” কিন্তু অধৈর্য মোল তার কথায় কান না দিয়ে ছুটে চলে গেল, আর হেজের পাশে থাকা অন্য খরগোশদের উদ্দেশে ঠাট্টা করে বলল, “পেঁয়াজ-সস! পেঁয়াজ-সস!”—এবং তারা কিছু বুঝে ওঠার আগেই সে অদৃশ্য হয়ে গেল।
বাকি খরগোশরা নিজেদের মধ্যে ঝগড়া শুরু করল—“তুমি ওকে থামালে না কেন?”, “তুমিই বলতে পারতে!”, “তুমি মনে করিয়ে দিতে পারতে!”—এইসব বলে চলল। কিন্তু তখন তো অনেক দেরি হয়ে গেছে।
সবকিছুই যেন স্বপ্নের মতো লাগছিল। মোল আনন্দে ঘুরে বেড়াতে লাগল মাঠের এদিকে-ওদিকে, ঝোপঝাড়ের মাঝে পাখিরা বাসা বানাচ্ছে, ফুল ফুটছে, পাতারা গজাচ্ছে—সবকিছুই ছিল আনন্দময়।
তার আনন্দ আরও বেড়ে গেল যখন সে হঠাৎ এক নদীর ধারে এসে পৌঁছাল। সে জীবনে কখনও নদী দেখেনি। চারপাশে আলো ঝলকানি, শব্দ, ফোঁটা ফোঁটা বুদবুদ—সবকিছু যেন মোহময়। মোল যেন মুগ্ধ হয়ে গেল। সে নদীর ধারে হাঁটতে লাগল, তারপর ক্লান্ত হয়ে বসে পড়ল।
সে যখন বসে ছিল, তখন ওপাশের পাড়ে পানির একটু ওপরে একটা অন্ধকার গর্ত তার চোখে পড়ল। সে তাকিয়ে দেখল ভিতরে কিছু একটা চকচক করল, যেন ছোট্ট একটা তারা। পরে আবার সেটা জ্বলে উঠল। কিন্তু তা কি সত্যিই তারা হতে পারে? হঠাৎ সেটা যেন তাকে চোখ টিপে ইশারা করল! তারপর ধীরে ধীরে একটা ছোট বাদামী মুখ আবির্ভূত হলো—গম্ভীর এক মুখ, কিন্তু চোখে সেই আগের মতোই ঝিলিক। ছোট্ট কান আর নরম মখমলের মতো লোম।
এটা ছিল ওয়াটার র্যাট (জলের ইঁদুর)!
তখন দু’জন প্রাণীই একটু সাবধানে একে অপরকে দেখতে লাগল।
“হ্যালো মোল!” বলল র্যাট।
“হ্যালো র্যাট!” জবাব দিল মোল।
“তুমি কি এদিকে আসতে চাও?” র্যাট জিজ্ঞেস করল।
“এভাবে বলা সহজ!” বলল মোল একটু রাগ করে, কারণ নদী ও তার চারপাশের জগত তার কাছে একেবারে নতুন ছিল।
র্যাট কিছু না বলে একটা দড়ি খুলে টানতে লাগল, আর তারপর হালকা পায়ে একটা ছোট নৌকায় উঠে গেল—যেটা মোল আগে দেখেইনি। নৌকাটা নীল রঙের, ভিতরটা সাদা আর একেবারে দুই জন প্রাণীর জন্য যথেষ্ট। মোলের মন তৎক্ষণাৎ সেটার দিকে ঝুঁকে পড়ল, যদিও সে তখনও জানত না এটা কীভাবে ব্যবহার হয়।
র্যাট দক্ষতার সঙ্গে নদী পেরিয়ে এলো আর মোলকে সাহায্য করল নৌকায় উঠতে। “এই ধরো!” বলল সে। “এগিয়ে চলো!” এবং মোল বিস্ময় আর আনন্দে আবিষ্কার করল যে সে সত্যিকারের একটি নৌকার পেছনের সিটে বসে আছে।
“এই দিনটা কত অসাধারণ!” বলল সে। “জানো, আমি জীবনে কখনও নৌকায় উঠিনি।”
“কি!” চমকে উঠল র্যাট। “তুমি কখনও… না, এটা তো বিশ্বাসই হচ্ছে না! তাহলে এতদিন কী করছিলে?”
“এটা কি সত্যিই এত সুন্দর?” লজ্জা ভরে জিজ্ঞেস করল মোল, যদিও সে এরইমধ্যে বিশ্বাস করতে শুরু করেছে। সে নৌকার বসার জায়গা, দণ্ড, আসন সব দেখে মুগ্ধ হয়ে গেল।
“সুন্দর? এটা-ই তো একমাত্র কাজ,” বলল র্যাট। “বিশ্বাস করো বন্ধু, জীবনে সবচেয়ে আনন্দদায়ক কাজ হলো নৌকা নিয়ে ঘোরা। শুধু এদিক ওদিক নৌকায় ভেসে থাকা।” সে স্বপ্নে বিভোর হয়ে আবার বলল, “নৌকা নিয়ে ঘোরা… ঘোরা…”
“সামনে দেখো র্যাট!” হঠাৎ চিৎকার করল মোল।
ততক্ষণে দেরি হয়ে গেছে। নৌকাটা ধাক্কা খেয়ে পাড়ে গিয়ে ঠেকল। র্যাট পিছনে পড়ে গেল, দুই পা উপরে।
“নৌকায়, নৌকা ছাড়া, বা শুধু ঘোরাঘুরি—এসব কিছুতেই কিছু এসে যায় না,” র্যাট হাসতে হাসতে উঠে বলল। “তোমার যদি সকালে কিছু করার না থাকে, তাহলে চল আমরা নদী ধরে এক লম্বা ভ্রমণে যাই!”
মোল খুশিতে পায়ের আঙুল নাড়িয়ে বলল, “আজকের দিনটা স্বপ্নের মতো! চল, এখনই শুরু করি!”
“আরে দাঁড়াও তো একটু!” বলল র্যাট। সে তার গর্তে উঠল, আর কিছুক্ষণের মধ্যে একটি বড় খাবারে ভরা ঝুড়ি নিয়ে ফিরে এল।
“পায়ের নিচে রাখো এটা,” বলল সে মোলকে।
“এর ভেতরে কী আছে?” আগ্রহে জিজ্ঞেস করল মোল।
“ঠান্ডা মুরগি, ঠান্ডা জিভ, হ্যাম, বিফ, আচারের শশা, সালাদ, রোল, স্যান্ডউইচ, পটেড মিট, আদার বিয়ার, লেমনেড, সোডা ওয়াটার…”
“ও থেমে যাও! থেমে যাও!” আনন্দে চিৎকার করল মোল। “এটা অনেক বেশি!”
“তোমার কি তাই মনে হয়?” র্যাট গম্ভীরভাবে জিজ্ঞেস করল। “আমি প্রতিবারই এসব নিয়ে যাই!”
মোল তখন আর কিছুই শুনছিল না। সে মুগ্ধ হয়ে নদীর আলো, পানি, গন্ধ, শব্দ আর রোদের মধ্যে হাত ডুবিয়ে দিল, আর স্বপ্নে হারিয়ে গেল। র্যাট তার মতোই ভালো বন্ধু, শান্তভাবে বৈঠা চালাতে লাগল।
“তোমার জামা-কাপড় দারুণ লাগছে,” কিছুক্ষণ পরে বলল র্যাট। “আমি ভবিষ্যতে একটা কালো মখমলের জামা বানাবো।”
“ক্ষমা চাও,” হঠাৎ নিজের ভাবনায় ফিরে এসে বলল মোল, “তোমার কথায় ঠিক মনোযোগ দিতে পারিনি। সবকিছু আমার কাছে একদম নতুন লাগছে। তাহলে এই জিনিসটাই হচ্ছে নদী!”
“না, এটা হচ্ছে নদী,” র্যাট ঠিক করল।
“তুমি কি সত্যিই নদীর পাশে থাকো? কী মজার জীবন!”
Some Important Vocabulary with Bangla and English Meaning
1. Mole (noun) [English: a small burrowing mammal | Bangla: ছোঁচার মতো ছোট একটি প্রাণী]:
The mole came out of its hole after the long winter.
2. Spring-cleaning (noun) [English: thorough cleaning in spring | Bangla: বসন্তকালে ঘরদোয়ার ভালোভাবে পরিষ্কার করা]:
Mother started the spring-cleaning with great energy.
3. Brooms (noun) [English: tools for sweeping | Bangla: ঝাড়ু]:
The old brooms were replaced with new ones during spring-cleaning.
4. Dusters (noun) [English: cloths for cleaning dust | Bangla: ধুলা মুছার কাপড়]:
She handed me two dusters to clean the furniture.
5. Whitewash (noun) [English: a liquid for whitening walls | Bangla: সাদা রঙের প্রলেপ]:
We applied a fresh coat of whitewash on the walls.
6. Dust (noun) [English: fine particles of dirt | Bangla: ধুলা]:
Dust covered everything after the long winter.
7. Splashes (noun) [English: small drops scattered by a liquid | Bangla: ছিটানো ফোঁটা]:
There were splashes of paint on his shirt.
8. Fur (noun) [English: soft hair of animals | Bangla: পশম]:
The rabbit’s fur was soft and white.
9. Aching back (noun phrase) [English: pain in the back | Bangla: পিঠের ব্যথা]:
He sat down to rest his aching back.
10. Weary arms (noun phrase) [English: tired arms | Bangla: ক্লান্ত হাত]:
After sweeping for hours, his weary arms begged for rest.
11. Penetrating (adjective) [English: able to enter or pass through | Bangla: প্রবেশক্ষম বা গভীরে পৌঁছাতে সক্ষম]:
A penetrating wind chilled him to the bone.
12. Bolted out (verb phrase) [English: ran out suddenly | Bangla: হঠাৎ দৌড়ে বেরিয়ে যাওয়া]:
He bolted out of the room when he heard the noise.
13. Steep (adjective) [English: having a sharp slope | Bangla: খাড়া বা ঢালু]:
The path was too steep for an easy climb.
14. Scraped (verb) [English: to rub against a surface to remove something | Bangla: ঘষে কিছু সরানো]:
She scraped the mud off her boots.
15. Scratched (verb) [English: to mark or damage with sharp object | Bangla: আঁচড় কাটা]:
The cat scratched the furniture again.
16. Scrabbled (verb) [English: to scratch or grope around with hands | Bangla: হাত-পা দিয়ে তাড়াহুড়ো করে খোঁজা]:
He scrabbled around in the dark for his keys.
17. Scrooged (verb – dialect) [English: to crouch or huddle | Bangla: কুঁকড়ে যাওয়া বা চুপচাপ হয়ে থাকা]:
He scrooged in the corner to avoid being seen.
18. Paws (noun) [English: the feet of an animal | Bangla: পশুর থাবা]:
The dog placed its muddy paws on the sofa.
19. Muttering (verb) [English: speaking in a low voice | Bangla: চাপা স্বরে কিছু বলা]:
He kept muttering to himself in annoyance.
20. Pop (verb) [English: to appear or move suddenly | Bangla: হঠাৎ বেরিয়ে আসা বা হওয়া]:
The rabbit popped out of its burrow to look around.
21. Snout (noun) [English: the long nose of some animals | Bangla: শূকরের মত প্রাণীর লম্বা নাক]:
The pig rooted through the soil with its snout.
22. Came (verb – past of come) [English: to move towards a place | Bangla: আসা]:
He came running when he heard his name.
23. Meadow (noun) [English: a field of grass and wildflowers | Bangla: ঘাস ও বুনো ফুলে ভরা মাঠ]:
The children ran freely through the meadow.
24. Caressed (verb) [English: to touch gently in a loving way | Bangla: মমতার সঙ্গে স্পর্শ করা]:
The breeze caressed his face softly.
25. Brow (noun) [English: the forehead | Bangla: কপাল]:
Sweat dripped down his brow after the hard work.
26. Jumping off (verb phrase) [English: leaping down from something | Bangla: লাফিয়ে নেমে পড়া]:
The boy kept jumping off the bench for fun.
27. At once (phrase) [English: immediately | Bangla: সঙ্গে সঙ্গে]:
He left at once without saying a word.
28. Hedge (noun) [English: a fence made of shrubs or bushes | Bangla: ঝোপঝাড়ের বেড়া]:
A small rabbit darted into the hedge.
29. Privilege (noun) [English: a special advantage or right | Bangla: বিশেষ অধিকার বা সুযোগ]:
It’s a privilege to study at such a fine school.
30. Bowled (verb) [English: to roll something, especially a ball | Bangla: গড়িয়ে দেওয়া বা ফেলা]:
He bowled the ball straight at the stumps.
31. In an instant (phrase) [English: very quickly; immediately | Bangla: এক মুহূর্তে]:
The rabbit disappeared in an instant.
32. Impatient (adjective) [English: not willing to wait | Bangla: অধৈর্য]:
The child grew impatient while waiting for the bus.
33. Trotted (verb – past of trot) [English: to move at a moderate pace like a horse | Bangla: দৌড়ে যাওয়া (অল্প গতিতে)]:
The pony trotted across the field gracefully.
34. Chaffing (verb) [English: teasing in a friendly way | Bangla: মজা করে ঠাট্টা করা]:
They were chaffing each other about their messy hair.
35. Peeped (verb – past of peep) [English: to look secretly or quickly | Bangla: উঁকি মারা]:
She peeped through the keyhole curiously.
36. Row (noun) [English: a line of things or people | Bangla: সারি]:
A neat row of flowers lined the garden path.
37. Jeeringly (adverb) [English: in a mocking or rude way | Bangla: ব্যঙ্গ করে]:
He laughed jeeringly at his opponent’s mistake.
38. Thoroughly (adverb) [English: completely, in detail | Bangla: পুরোপুরি বা বিশদভাবে]:
She cleaned the house thoroughly before guests arrived.
39. Grumbling (verb/gerund) [English: complaining in a low voice | Bangla: গজগজ করা]:
He kept grumbling about the extra homework.
40. Hither and thither (phrase) [English: here and there | Bangla: এদিক সেদিক]:
The leaves blew hither and thither in the wind.
41. Rambled (verb – past of ramble) [English: to walk or travel without a fixed route | Bangla: এলোমেলোভাবে ঘোরা]:
The animals rambled through the woods without any destination.
42. Hedgerows (noun) [English: rows of bushes forming a boundary | Bangla: ঝোপঝাড়ের সারি]:
They walked along the hedgerows that bordered the field.
43. Flowers budding (phrase) [English: flowers beginning to bloom | Bangla: কুঁড়ি ফোটানো ফুল]:
Spring had come, and flowers budding everywhere brought joy.
44. Thrusting (verb) [English: pushing forcefully | Bangla: ঠেলে ধরা]:
The mole was thrusting his head out of the tunnel.
45. Meandered (verb – past) [English: to move slowly without direction | Bangla: এঁকেবেঁকে চলা]:
The stream meandered gently through the valley.
46. A full-fed river (phrase) [English: a river full of water, flowing strongly | Bangla: পূর্ণ জলে ভরা নদী]:
A full-fed river roared past the hills.
47. Glints (noun) [English: small flashes of light | Bangla: ক্ষণিক ঝলক]:
The glints of the sun sparkled on the water.
48. Gleams (noun) [English: a soft or brief light | Bangla: মৃদু আলো]:
He saw the gleams of moonlight on the leaves.
49. Sparkles (noun) [English: tiny bright flashes | Bangla: দীপ্তি বা ঝিলিক]:
The lake had sparkles dancing on its surface.
50. Rustle (noun/verb) [English: soft sound of moving leaves or paper | Bangla: খসখস শব্দ]:
They heard a rustle in the bushes and stood still.
51. Swirl (verb/noun) [English: to move in a twisting or spiraling pattern | Bangla: ঘূর্ণায়মান হওয়া বা ঘূর্ণি]:
The leaves began to swirl in the breeze.
52. Chatter (verb/noun) [English: to talk quickly or make a series of quick sounds | Bangla: বকবক করা বা খটখট শব্দ করা]:
The birds’ chatter filled the morning air.
53. Bewitched (verb – past) [English: to cast a magical spell on; to enchant | Bangla: মুগ্ধ করা বা জাদু করা]:
He stood bewitched by the beauty of the river.
54. Entranced (verb – past) [English: filled with wonder and delight | Bangla: মোহিত হওয়া]:
Mole was entranced by the shining water.
55. Fascinated (verb – past) [English: extremely interested or attracted | Bangla: মোহিত বা আকৃষ্ট]:
He was fascinated by the sparkle of the stream.
56. Whiskers (noun) [English: long hairs on the face of an animal, like a cat or mole | Bangla: গোঁফের লোম]:
The mole’s whiskers twitched as he sniffed the air.
57. A grave round face (phrase) [English: a serious, round-shaped face | Bangla: গম্ভীর গোলাকৃতি মুখ]:
He looked up to see a grave round face peering at him.
58. Regarded (verb – past) [English: looked at with attention | Bangla: লক্ষ্য করা বা তাকানো]:
The Rat regarded the Mole curiously.
59. Cautiously (adverb) [English: carefully to avoid danger | Bangla: সতর্কভাবে]:
Mole stepped cautiously into the boat for the first time.
60. Pettishly (adverb) [English: in a childishly bad-tempered manner | Bangla: রাগী বা অস্থিরভাবে):
He replied pettishly when the Rat teased him.
61. Stooped (verb – past) [English: bent down or over | Bangla: নিচু হওয়া বা ঝুঁকে পড়া]:
Mole stooped to examine the oars closely.
62. Hauled on it (phrase/verb) [English: pulled it with effort | Bangla: জোরে টেনে তোলা]:
He hauled on it until the rope came loose.
63. Sculled (verb – past) [English: rowed a boat using a single oar | Bangla: এক হাতের দাঁড় দিয়ে নৌকা চালানো]:
Rat sculled the boat gently across the stream.
64. Forepaw (noun) [English: front foot of an animal | Bangla: সামনের থাবা]:
He wiped his face with his forepaw.
65. Rapture (noun) [English: great joy or delight | Bangla: পরম আনন্দ বা উল্লাস]:
Mole listened in rapture to the sounds of the river.
66. The stern of a real boat (phrase) [English: the back part of a real boat | Bangla: একটি আসল নৌকার পেছনের অংশ]:
He sat proudly at the stern of a real boat.
67. Shoved off (verb – past) [English: pushed a boat away from land | Bangla: ঠেলে পানিতে নামানো]:
They shoved off into the glistening water.
68. Sculls (noun) [English: short oars used for rowing | Bangla: ছোট আকারের দাঁড়]:
Rat handed him the sculls to practice rowing.
69. Oars (noun) [English: long poles with flat ends used for rowing boats | Bangla: নৌকা চালানোর জন্য ব্যবহৃত দাঁড়]:
The oars dipped smoothly into the water.
70. Rowlocks (noun) [English: U-shaped devices that hold oars in place | Bangla: নৌকার পাশে দাঁড় ধরে রাখার যন্ত্র]:
The oars rested snugly in the rowlocks.
71. Fascinating (adjective) [English: extremely interesting | Bangla: মন্ত্রমুগ্ধকর বা অত্যন্ত আকর্ষণীয়]:
The river had a fascinating charm that Mole couldn’t resist.
72. Sway (verb) [English: to move gently from side to side | Bangla: দুলতে থাকা]:
The boat began to sway slightly in the water.
73. For his stroke (phrase) [English: to make his rowing movement | Bangla: তার দাঁড় চালানোর সময়ে]:
Rat waited patiently for Mole to be ready for his stroke.
74. Messing about (phrasal verb) [English: spending time doing nothing important, especially with boats | Bangla: নৌকায় সময় কাটানো বা খেলা করা]:
“There’s nothing quite like messing about in boats,” said Rat.
75. Tilt (verb) [English: to move or cause to move into a sloping position | Bangla: কাত হওয়া বা করা]:
The boat began to tilt dangerously when Mole leaned too far.
76. Waggled (verb – past) [English: moved quickly up and down or side to side | Bangla: দুলানো বা নাড়ানো]:
He waggled his toes in the cool water.
77. Toes (noun) [English: the digits of the foot | Bangla: পায়ের আঙুল]:
Mole dipped his toes into the flowing river.
78. Blissfully (adverb) [English: in a way that shows happiness or joy | Bangla: আনন্দময়ভাবে]:
They lay back blissfully in the boat, enjoying the sunshine.
79. Interval (noun) [English: a short period of time between activities | Bangla: বিরতি বা ফাঁক]:
They rested during a short interval before rowing again.
80. Staggering (adjective) [English: deeply shocking or astonishing | Bangla: বিস্ময়কর বা হতবাক করা]:
The view from the boat was staggering in its beauty.
81. Wicker (noun) [English: pliable twigs used for making baskets or furniture | Bangla: বেত বা বেতজাত বস্তু]:
They sat on a wicker picnic basket by the riverside.
82. Luncheon (noun) [English: a formal word for lunch | Bangla: দুপুরের খাবার]:
Rat packed a delicious luncheon for their river outing.
83. Shove (verb) [English: to push something roughly | Bangla: ধাক্কা দেওয়া]:
Rat gave the boat a strong shove to get it moving.
84. Sculls (noun) [English: small oars used for rowing a boat | Bangla: নৌকা চালানোর ছোট প্যাডেল]:
He held the sculls firmly as he rowed down the stream.
85. Wriggling (verb) [English: twisting and turning with quick movements | Bangla: কুঁচকানো বা মোচড়ানো]:
Mole was wriggling in excitement before getting in the boat.
86. Gherkins (noun) [English: small pickled cucumbers | Bangla: আচারের ছোট শসা]:
They enjoyed sandwiches with gherkins and cheese during their picnic.
87. Cress sandwiches (noun) [English: sandwiches filled with garden cress leaves | Bangla: শাকপাতা দিয়ে তৈরি স্যান্ডউইচ]:
Their luncheon included fresh cress sandwiches and lemonade.
88. Ecstasies (noun – plural) [English: overwhelming feelings of joy | Bangla: উচ্ছ্বাস বা পরম আনন্দ]:
Mole experienced ecstasies as he explored the river with Rat.
89. Excursions (noun – plural) [English: short trips or outings for pleasure | Bangla: ভ্রমণ বা আনন্দ ভ্রমণ]:
They went on many exciting excursions along the riverbank.
90. Sparkle (verb) [English: to shine brightly with flashes of light | Bangla: ঝলমল করা]:
The water began to sparkle in the afternoon sun.
91. Ripple (noun) [English: a small wave or undulation on the surface of water | Bangla: জলরেখার ঢেউ]:
The ripple of the water created a calming sound as they floated down the river.
92. Trailed (verb) [English: to follow or drag something behind | Bangla: পিছন পিছন চলা]:
Mole trailed his paw in the cool water, feeling the soft current.
93. Old chap (noun) [English: a friendly term for a man or companion | Bangla: বন্ধু বা পুরনো সঙ্গী]:
“Well done, old chap!” said the Rat, patting Mole on the back.
94. Velvet suit (noun) [English: a suit made from velvet fabric, often luxurious | Bangla: ভেলভেট কাপড়ের স্যুট]:
Rat dreamed of buying a velvet suit when he could afford it.
Exercise
Questions
Which words and phrases in the first paragraph tell us that the Mole wanted to be out in the fresh Spring air?
Ans: Words and phrases like “flung down his brush,” “said ‘Brother!’ and ‘O blow!'” and “bolted out of the house without even waiting to put on his coat” suggest that the Mole was eager to leave his stuffy, hard work indoors. The exclamations and immediate action indicate his strong desire to be out in the fresh air of Spring.
How did the rabbits react when the Mole passed by the private road?
Ans: The rabbits were surprised and annoyed by the Mole’s sudden passing. They were caught off guard and began grumbling at each other, blaming one another for not dealing with the situation earlier. One rabbit even tried to charge a “sixpence” for the privilege of passing, but the Mole quickly ignored them, making a mocking comment, “Onion-sauce! Onion-sauce!” and continued on his way.
Which words and phrases tell us that the Mole was enjoying the Spring?
Ans: Phrases like “this is fine!” and “This is better than whitewashing!” show the Mole’s excitement and happiness. Additionally, the description of the warm grass of the meadow and the soft breezes on his brow indicate that he was thoroughly enjoying the Spring air and the peaceful surroundings.
What seemed even more attractive than the Spring to the Mole, and what was good about it?
Ans: The Mole found the river even more attractive than Spring. He was fascinated by the glints, gleams, and sparkles of the water, the rustle and swirl of the river, and the sense of magic it held. The river provided a new sense of wonder and joy, far beyond the pleasures of Spring.
Did the Water Rat emerge quickly or slowly from his hole? How do we know?
Ans: The Water Rat emerged quickly from his hole. This is evident from the Mole’s surprise when he saw the rat suddenly appear at the riverbank and quickly start to prepare his boat without any delay. The Water Rat’s actions are swift and purposeful, giving the impression of someone who is accustomed to the river and eager to begin their journey.
What clues are there to tell us how the Water Rat felt about his boat and the river?
Ans: The Water Rat’s deep affection for the boat and the river is shown by his enthusiastic response to Mole’s question about boating. He says, “there is nothing—absolute nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” His dreamy, passionate description of the joys of being on the water, as well as his casual yet expert handling of the boat, indicate his love for both the boat and the river.
What kind of picnic were they going to have?
Ans: The picnic they were going to have was a lavish and delightful one. The Water Rat brought along a wicker basket filled with an assortment of delicious food like cold chicken, cold ham, pickled gherkins, sandwiches, and ginger beer. The Mole was overwhelmed with joy, expressing how it was “too much” but still enjoying the bounty. The picnic was filled with simple pleasures and good food.
B. Reference to context
As he sat on the grass and looked across the river, a dark hole in the bank opposite, just above the water’s edge, caught his eye.
Who is sitting on the grass and what was the ‘dark hole’ that he saw?
Ans: The character sitting on the grass is the Mole. The ‘dark hole’ he saw was a small opening or burrow in the bank of the river, just above the water’s edge. It intrigued the Mole because it seemed like a place of interest on the opposite side of the river.What does he see in the hole at first?
Ans: At first, the Mole sees nothing but a dark, mysterious hole in the bank. There is no clear activity or movement at this point.Then what does he see?
Ans: Later, the Mole sees a small figure, which turns out to be the Water Rat, coming out of the hole, preparing to get into his boat. The mole’s initial curiosity about the hole was followed by the sight of the Water Rat emerging from it.‘Is it so nice as all that?’ asked the Mole shyly.
What is the Mole talking about?
Ans: The Mole is talking about the experience of boating. He is referring to the Water Rat’s enthusiastic description of the pleasures of being on the water and messing about in boats.Why does he ask this question?
Ans: The Mole asks this question because he is curious and unsure about whether boating is as wonderful as the Water Rat claims. He is intrigued by the idea but feels shy about his lack of experience with it.What does the Mole think was special about ‘it’?
Ans: The Mole thinks that what is special about boating is the sense of freedom and excitement that the Water Rat describes. He is intrigued by the idea of being on the river, enjoying the scenery, and the joy of messing about in boats, which seems entirely new and enticing to him.
C. Words and meaning
… penetrating even his dark and lowly little house.
How is the word ‘lowly’ a good one to use here?
Ans: The word ‘lowly’ is a good choice because it emphasizes the humble, simple, and modest nature of the Mole’s house. The Mole’s home is small and unpretentious, and using “lowly” helps convey this sense of being low in status or humble in comparison to grander dwellings.He scraped and scratched and scrabbled and scrooged …
You will not find the word ‘scrooged’ in the dictionary. What do you think it means? Why has it been used?
Ans: The word ‘scrooged’ likely means something like a distorted or twisted action, where the Mole is struggling or fumbling around. The author has probably used it to evoke the idea of the Mole desperately or clumsily trying to move or get something, perhaps in a way that’s a bit comical. The choice of this word, blending it with “scraped,” “scratched,” and “scrabbled,” shows the Mole’s clumsy efforts, possibly in a frustrated or hurried manner, and adds a whimsical touch.‘Onion-sauce! Onion-sauce!’ he remarked jeeringly …
Why do you think the Mole used these words? What did he mean?
Ans: The Mole uses the words “Onion-sauce! Onion-sauce!” in a teasing or mocking way, which is reflected in the word “jeeringly.” He is likely making fun of something that seems overly dramatic or perhaps a bit ridiculous, using this phrase to express disbelief or light-hearted sarcasm. It could be that he is poking fun at the idea or the enthusiasm of another character about something that seems trivial or exaggerated.
2. Use the following in sentences of your own:
Thoroughly satisfactory: The project was thoroughly satisfactory, and the manager praised everyone’s efforts.
Rambled busily: He rambled busily around the room, collecting papers and making phone calls.
Meandered aimlessly: After lunch, they meandered aimlessly through the park, enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company.
Unlikely situation: It was an unlikely situation to find ourselves in, but somehow we managed to solve the problem.
Rapture: The children looked on in rapture as the fireworks lit up the night sky.
3. Find examples of the use of the dash (-) in the story. Note how the dash is used.
The dash is often used to indicate an abrupt break in thought or speech, to add emphasis, or to introduce additional information that clarifies or expands on a statement.
Examples from the story:
“…penetrating even his dark and lowly little house—”
(The dash is used to emphasize the penetrating effect of the spring air on the Mole’s humble home.)“…he scraped and scratched and scrabbled—and scrooged—” (The dash is used to add dramatic effect and heighten the feeling of struggle and effort in the Mole’s actions.)
Three sentences of my own using the dash:
She was so excited to meet him—her favorite author—that she could barely speak.
He took a deep breath, ready to face the challenge—and failed.
The book—though not widely known—was a hidden gem, full of insight and wisdom.
D. Discuss and write
1. Work with a partner and make up a list of things you would take with you on a picnic. When you have finished, find out what the others thought of taking. Are there many changes you would make to your list?
Example List for Picnic:
Sandwiches (cheese, cucumber, and ham)
Fruits (apples, bananas, and grapes)
Cold drinks (water, lemonade, and iced tea)
Chips and dip
Cookies and brownies
A blanket to sit on
Sunscreen and hats
A frisbee or ball to play with
A first-aid kit
Music player or a small guitar for some tunes
When you check with others:
If your partner suggests adding some salads or a thermos of soup, you could agree to the idea. Maybe you would decide to swap the cookies with some healthy snack bars or remove the music player if the place is peaceful enough to enjoy nature sounds.
You might also decide to add a camera to capture the moments or change the drinks to something healthier like fruit-infused water.
2. Read the Mole’s description of the river and his excitement about it. Write a short description of a river using your own words.
Ans: The river was a shimmering stretch of water, glistening like silver in the sunlight, its surface rippling with a gentle, calming flow. The soft current carried tiny twigs and leaves, moving them gracefully along its path. The sound of the water splashing against the banks was soothing, like a melody from nature itself. Along its edges, the reeds swayed in the breeze, and the air was fresh, crisp, and full of life. The river seemed to invite you to follow its winding course, leading to places unknown, filled with adventure and peace at once.
Read More: Sheep by W H Davies
We hope you enjoyed this delightful journey through The River Bank with us here at BD JOBZ PREPARATION. Just as Mole discovered the wonders of the river, we encourage you to explore new adventures in your own life. Literature not only enriches our minds but also opens doors to endless possibilities. Stay tuned for more literary treasures and career tips as we continue to provide valuable content that inspires and educates. Until next time, may your journey be as fulfilling and exciting as Mole’s adventure by the riverbank!
