Madam Rides the Bus ||First Flight|| Class 10 English Chapter 7
Summary Of Madam Rides the Bus
(by Vallikkannan)
The story revolves around an eight-year-old girl named Valli, who lives in a village and is filled with a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around her. She is particularly fascinated by the bus that passes by her house every day, taking passengers to the nearby town. Watching the bus from her doorstep becomes a daily ritual, and Valli dreams of one day taking a ride on it.
Valli starts planning for her first bus ride by gathering information from regular passengers. She learns that the bus fare for a trip to the town and back is thirty paise, and the journey takes forty-five minutes each way. Determined to experience this adventure, Valli secretly saves money by forgoing small treats and pleasures, like candy or rides at the village fair.
One afternoon, when her mother is asleep, Valli finally gets the chance to fulfill her dream. She boards the bus, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The bus conductor humorously addresses her as “Madam” because of her confident attitude, even though she’s just a little girl. Valli is captivated by the views outside—the green fields, trees, and distant mountains—and feels an overwhelming sense of joy as she experiences the world from the bus window.
During the ride, Valli behaves like a mature adult, refusing to be treated like a child, and insists that she can take care of herself. She engages in a conversation with the passengers and observes everything keenly. However, when she sees a dead cow lying by the roadside, she becomes very quiet and sad. This moment marks the stark realization of life’s harsh realities, contrasting with her joyful ride earlier.
After reaching the town, Valli decides not to get off the bus because she is only interested in the ride itself, not the destination. She takes the same bus back to her village, feeling triumphant and accomplished. However, she doesn’t reveal her adventure to anyone at home, keeping it as her little secret.
Themes:
- Curiosity and Innocence of Childhood: Valli’s excitement to explore the world beyond her village reflects the innocent curiosity that drives children to seek new experiences.
- Independence and Maturity: Despite being a young girl, Valli displays a strong sense of independence, planning her trip with careful precision and handling herself maturely during the journey.
- The Reality of Life and Death: The sight of the dead cow on the road introduces Valli to the concept of death, leaving a deep impact on her, which contrasts with the carefree joy she felt earlier.
"Madam Rides the Bus" is a heartwarming tale that captures the innocence of childhood, the joy of small adventures, and the bittersweet moment when a child encounters the harsher realities of life. 🚌🌼