A Terrible Loss

1. 'She isn't in her room now, so she must have gone out.'

a) Who says this and to whom?
Ans: Jellia Jamb, Ozma's maid, says this to Dorothy.

b) Whom is the speaker referring to?
Ans: The speaker is referring to Princess Ozma.

c) Was the speaker correct in presuming that she must have gone out?
Ans: The speaker was only partially correct. While Ozma was not in her room, she hadn't just "gone out"; she had mysteriously disappeared from the palace entirely.

d) Did the listener agree with the speaker?
Ans: No, the listener (Dorothy) did not fully agree. She found it strange because she didn't understand how Ozma could have gone out without her seeing.

2. 'Of course!' cried Dorothy. 'Why didn't I think of that before?'

a) What does 'that' refer to?
Ans: 'That' refers to Betsy Bobbin's suggestion to use the Magic Picture to find out where Princess Ozma is.

b) How would 'that' help them?
Ans: The Magic Picture was one of Ozma's greatest treasures. It had the power to show what any person in the world was doing at any moment. By using it, the girls hoped to see where Ozma was and what she was doing.

c) Did 'that' help them?
Ans: No, it did not help them because when they went to the room where the Magic Picture was kept, they discovered that it too was gone.

3. 'You, however, are a privileged character, Princess, and I am sure that Ozma wouldn't mind at all if you went in to see her.'

a) Who is the speaker?
Ans: The speaker is Jellia Jamb, Princess Ozma's maid.

b) Whom is she speaking to?
Ans: She is speaking to Dorothy.

c) Why does the speaker call the listener a privileged character?
Ans: The speaker calls Dorothy a "privileged character" because Dorothy was a Princess of the Realm and, more importantly, Ozma's dearest friend. This close relationship gave her the special privilege to enter Ozma's private rooms without needing a formal invitation.

1. What was there no doubt about?
Ans: There was no doubt that Princess Ozma, the lovely girl ruler of the Fairyland of Oz, was lost.

2. Who discovered that Princess Ozma was lost?
Ans: Dorothy was the first to discover that Princess Ozma was lost.

3. How many girls from outside lived in the palace? Who were they?
Ans: Three girls from the outside world lived in the palace. They were Dorothy, a little Kansas girl; Betsy Bobbin; and another girl named Trot.

4. Who had been living in the palace for the longest time?
Ans: Dorothy had been living in the palace for the longest time, much longer than Betsy Bobbin or Trot.

5. What did Betsy Bobbin suggest?
Ans: Betsy Bobbin suggested using the Magic Picture to find out where Princess Ozma had gone.

6. How would taking Sawhorse and Red Wagon help them in their journey?
Ans: Taking the Sawhorse and the Red Wagon would be much nicer for them than having to walk all the way, especially since the Land of Oz is a big place.

7. What made Dorothy go to Princess Ozma?
Ans: Dorothy, Betsy, and Trot were planning a journey to the Munchkin Country, and Dorothy wanted to go and ask Princess Ozma about it.

8. Who is Jellia Jamb? What was she doing when Dorothy approached her?
Ans: Jellia Jamb is Princess Ozma's maid. When Dorothy approached her, she was busily sewing in a waiting room.

9. How did the girls react when they discovered that the Magic Picture was gone?
Ans: When they discovered the Magic Picture was gone, Dorothy stared in amazement, while her two friends uttered exclamations of disappointment.

10. Name the people Dorothy met and questioned about Princess Ozma. What were their replies?
Ans: Dorothy met and questioned the Scarecrow, Tik-Tok, the Shaggy Man, Button-Bright, Cap'n Bill, and the Wizard of Oz. However, none of them had seen Ozma since she parted with them the evening before.

1. Who was Princess Ozma? What had happened to her?
Ans: Princess Ozma was the lovely and kind girl ruler of the Fairyland of Oz. She was loved by all her subjects and friends. What had happened to her was a complete mystery; she had completely disappeared from her royal palace one morning. Not even her closest friends knew where she had gone or what had become of her.

2. Find evidence from the text that shows that Princess Ozma loved Dorothy.
Ans: The text provides clear evidence of Ozma's love for Dorothy. It states that Ozma had given Dorothy, a little Kansas girl, "a delightful suite of rooms in Ozma's royal palace just because Ozma loved Dorothy and wanted her to live as close to her as possible." This act of giving her dear friend a special place to live right next to her shows the deep affection Ozma had for Dorothy.

3. What made the bond between the three girls strong?
Ans: The bond between the three girls—Dorothy, Betsy, and Trot—was strong because they were all from the outside world and had come to live in the magical Land of Oz. They were great playmates and shared wonderful, faithful companionship. Being of a similar age and having a shared experience of leaving their old homes for this new, magical one brought them very close together.

4. How many countries were there in the land of Oz? Name any one of them and describe it briefly.
Ans: The text mentions that the Land of Oz has great countries ruled by Ozma. One of them mentioned is the Munchkin Country. Betsy Bobbin describes it as one of the "great countries of the Land of Oz," and the Scarecrow had once told her that it is the "prettiest country in all Oz."

5. Besides the three girls, who were the other residents of the palace? Name some of them.
Ans: Besides the three girls, many other famous and magical characters were residents of the palace. Some of them mentioned in the story are the Scarecrow, Tik-Tok, the Shaggy Man, Button-Bright, Cap'n Bill, and the powerful Wizard of Oz.

6. When and how was the disappearance of Princess Ozma discovered?
Ans: The disappearance was discovered in the morning. Dorothy wanted to talk to Ozma about a planned trip. She went to Ozma's suite of rooms, but Ozma wasn't there. Her maid, Jellia Jamb, hadn't seen her either. Dorothy then entered Ozma's private boudoir and bedroom, only to find them vacant. This confirmed that the princess was missing, as there was no trace of her anywhere.

7. What was the other name of Scraps? Do you think the name suited her well?
Ans: The other name of Scraps was 'the Patchwork Girl'. Yes, the name suited her perfectly because she was made from a gay-colored patchwork quilt. Her head was a round ball stuffed with cotton, and her body and limbs were also made from the same quilt. Her entire appearance was that of a girl made from scraps of patchwork cloth.

8. What was special about the Magic Picture?
Ans: The Magic Picture was one of the royal treasures and was incredibly special. It was a large gold-framed canvas that could magically show what any person in the world was doing at any given moment. One only needed to stand before it, wish to see a certain person, and the scene would appear on the canvas. This allowed the girls to learn things quickly from it.

1. important -> unimportant

2. punctual -> unpunctual

3. consider -> consideration

4. even -> evenly

5. usual -> usually

6. common -> uncommon

1. visible -> invisible

2. appeared -> disappeared

3. easy -> difficult (found in "more difficult than I had expected" in the Language section)

4. powerless -> powerful

5. faithless -> faithful

6. impossible -> possible

1. That pond is -> the shallowest in the village.

2. The test was -> more difficult than I had expected.

3. The actress lives in a locality -> which is one of the most expensive in the city.

4. This book is -> better than the previous edition.

5. What is -> the farthest distance you have ever run?

(Note: Pronunciation can be tricky! Here's a guide.)

• boudoir: BOO-dwahr (The 'r' is soft)

• suite: sweet

• breakfast: BREK-fust

• solemn: SOL-em (The 'n' is silent)

• antechamber: AN-tee-chaym-bur

• laboratory: luh-BOR-uh-tree (UK) or LAB-ruh-tor-ee (US)

• knob: nob (The 'k' is silent)

(This is a creative speaking task. Here is a sample description.)

"In our story, a character I like is Dorothy. She is brave, loyal, and a natural leader. She is proactive and doesn't wait for others to act when her friend is in trouble. She is caring and determined.

A character I don't like as much in some stories, though not this one, could be someone who is selfish or lazy. For example, a character who refuses to help their friends in need or only thinks about themselves would be someone I don't like. They might be described as unhelpful, inconsiderate, and self-centered."

1. Who was the ruler of the Fairyland of Oz?
Ans: Princess Ozma was the ruler.

2. From where had Dorothy originally come?
Ans: Dorothy had originally come from Kansas.

3. Who was the newest girl to come and live in the royal palace?
Ans: Trot was the newest girl.

4. What were the three girls planning to do together?
Ans: They were planning to make a journey into the Munchkin Country.

5. What did Jellia Jamb say was far past the usual time for Ozma?
Ans: It was far past her usual time for her bath or her breakfast.

6. What rooms did Dorothy search before realizing Ozma was truly gone from her suite?
Ans: She searched the boudoir, the music room, the library, the bath, the wardrobe, and the great throne room.

7. Who appeared to be a little uneasy when Ozma was missing?
Ans: Jellia Jamb, the maid, appeared to be a little uneasy.

8. Who did Dorothy almost stumble over in the corridors?
Ans: She almost stumbled over Scraps, the Patchwork Girl.

9. What was Scraps's nose made of?
Ans: Her nose was made from a part of the quilt pulled out into the shape of a knob and tied with a string.

10. What kind of teeth did Scraps have?
Ans: She had two rows of pearls for teeth.

11. What did Dorothy's friends do when they realized the Magic Picture was gone?
Ans: They uttered exclamations of disappointment.

12. Where did the three girls hurry away to after Betsy's suggestion?
Ans: They hurried away to Ozma's boudoir.

13. What was the Magic Picture's canvas described as?
Ans: It was described as a bluish-gray canvas.

14. Who was described as a "wonderful fairy"?
Ans: Trot was described as a wonderful fairy.

15. Who did Scraps say had led her to Aunt Em that morning?
Ans: Button-Bright had led her to Aunt Em.

1. Why was Dorothy given a suite of rooms in the royal palace?
Ans: Dorothy was given a delightful suite of rooms in the palace because Princess Ozma loved her very much and wanted her dear friend to live as close to her as possible. This shows the special and privileged bond they shared.

2. What was Jellia Jamb's initial explanation for Ozma's absence, and why didn't Dorothy believe it?
Ans: Jellia Jamb's initial explanation was that Ozma had simply gone out. Dorothy didn't believe it because she found it strange that Ozma could have left the palace without Dorothy seeing her. She later confirmed her suspicion by searching all of Ozma's rooms.

3. Describe the character Scraps, the Patchwork Girl. What makes her unique?
Ans: Scraps is a unique and magical character made entirely from a patchwork quilt. Her head is a stuffed ball, her nose is a tied knob, and she has pearls for teeth. She is described as rather flighty and erratic, but also loved by her friends. What makes her truly unique is that despite being made of cloth, she is magically alive, able to dance, do handsprings, and talk.

4. How did the girls plan to use the Magic Picture to solve the mystery?
Ans: The girls planned to use the Magic Picture's magical ability to find Ozma. They intended to stand before it and make a wish to see what Princess Ozma was doing. They believed the picture would then show them a scene of Ozma's current location and activity, instantly solving the mystery of her disappearance.

5. What did Dorothy do immediately after discovering Ozma was missing from her rooms?
Ans: Immediately after discovering Ozma was missing, Dorothy's first action was to search for her throughout the palace. She went to all the places Ozma might be, like the music room and library, and then she systematically questioned all of Ozma's closest friends—the Scarecrow, the Wizard, and others—to see if they knew where she was.

6. Explain the friendship between Dorothy, Betsy Bobbin, and Trot.
Ans: Dorothy, Betsy Bobbin, and Trot shared a strong and special friendship. All three were girls from the "outside world" who had come to live in Oz, which created a unique bond between them. They were great playmates and described as having "wonderful, faithful companionship," spending their time together and planning adventures like the trip to Munchkin Country.

7. Why was Jellia Jamb's information not very helpful to Dorothy?
Ans: Jellia Jamb's information wasn't helpful because she knew nothing more than Dorothy did. She confirmed that she hadn't heard from Ozma all morning and that it was past her usual time for her bath and breakfast. While this confirmed that something was unusual, it didn't provide any clues as to where Ozma might have gone.

8. What were the different rooms that were part of Ozma's royal suite?
Ans: Ozma's royal suite was very grand and consisted of several rooms. The text mentions her private boudoir (a lady's private sitting room), her bedroom, the music room, the library, the bath, and the wardrobe. The great throne room was also adjoined to her suite.

9. How does the story create a sense of mystery and urgency?
Ans: The story builds mystery and urgency by starting with the simple absence of Ozma, which then escalates. The fact that no one, not even her maid or closest friends, has seen her is the first clue that something is wrong. The urgency increases when Dorothy's most logical solution—using the Magic Picture—is also gone, deepening the mystery and leaving the characters (and the reader) with no easy answers.

10. Describe the Magic Picture and its frame.
Ans: The Magic Picture was one of Ozma's greatest treasures. It was a large picture set in a constant gold frame located in the center of Ozma's boudoir. The canvas itself was a bluish-gray color, on which various scenes would magically appear and disappear according to the user's wish.

1. The title of the story is "A Terrible Loss." What are the two major losses described in the chapter, and how do they impact the characters?
Ans: The story describes two terrible losses that deeply impact the characters. The first and most significant loss is the mysterious disappearance of Princess Ozma, the beloved ruler of Oz. This loss creates immediate confusion, worry, and a sense of urgency among her friends, especially Dorothy. The entire palace is thrown into a state of concern as they search for their leader.

The second loss is the disappearance of the Magic Picture. This loss is terrible because it was their best and quickest hope of finding Ozma. When Dorothy, Betsy, and Trot discover it is gone, their hope turns to disappointment and amazement. This second loss deepens the mystery and heightens their challenge, as they now have no magical means to solve the first problem, forcing them to rely on their own courage and resourcefulness.

2. Analyse the character of Dorothy. What do her actions and thoughts reveal about her personality?
Ans: Dorothy's character is central to the story, and her actions reveal she is a natural leader who is loyal, proactive, and intelligent.

• Loyal and Caring: Her immediate and tireless search for Ozma shows her deep love and loyalty for her friend. She doesn't wait for others but takes charge herself.
• Proactive and Determined: Instead of just worrying, Dorothy takes immediate action. She systematically searches the rooms and then questions all the important residents of the palace. She is determined to solve the mystery.
• Intelligent and Logical: When Betsy suggests using the Magic Picture, Dorothy instantly recognizes it as the best solution, showing her practical and logical mind. She doesn't give up even when the picture is gone, immediately deciding to start a physical search.

Overall, Dorothy is portrayed as a brave and resourceful young leader, embodying the qualities that make her a true Princess of Oz.

3. Compare and contrast the characters of Jellia Jamb and Scraps. How do their reactions to Ozma's disappearance differ?
Ans: Jellia Jamb and Scraps are two very different characters who react to Ozma's disappearance in distinct ways. Jellia Jamb, the maid, is a responsible and serious character. Her reaction is one of concern and slight unease. She knows Ozma's routine and is worried because the princess has broken it, but she remains formal and tries to maintain palace decorum.

Scraps, the Patchwork Girl, is the complete opposite. She is flighty, erratic, and carefree. Her initial reaction is not of worry but of her own playful concerns, talking about losing her eyes in a tussle. She is not serious and is seen "dancing lightly along the passage." However, when she understands the gravity of the situation, she immediately shows her loyalty by offering to join the search, saying her eyes are "brighter than yours." While Jellia represents the formal concern of the palace staff, Scraps represents the quirky but loyal nature of Oz's magical inhabitants.

4. How does the author build a sense of a magical and whimsical world in this chapter? Give examples from the text.
Ans: The author builds a magical and whimsical world through the descriptions of characters, places, and objects.

• Characters: The residents of the palace are not ordinary people. They include a living Scarecrow, a mechanical man named Tik-Tok, a Shaggy Man, and the magical Wizard of Oz. The character of Scraps, a living girl made from a patchwork quilt, is a prime example of the whimsical nature of Oz.
• Objects: The most important magical object is the Magic Picture, which can show anything happening anywhere in the world. Other magical items like the Sawhorse (a living wooden horse) are mentioned as normal modes of transport.
• Places: The royal palace itself is described as splendid, with a grand throne room, a boudoir with pure gold drapery, and a suite of rooms for Dorothy. The mention of places like the Munchkin Country adds to the fairy-tale setting.

These elements combine to create a world where the impossible is ordinary and magic is a part of everyday life.

5. Imagine you are Dorothy. Write a diary entry for the day you discovered Princess Ozma was missing.
Ans:

Dear Diary,

Today has been the most dreadful day since I came to live in Oz. Our dearest Ozma is gone! It all started this morning. Betsy, Trot, and I were so excited about our trip to the Munchkin Country, and I just wanted to pop into Ozma's rooms to tell her about it. But she wasn't there. Jellia Jamb hadn't seen her, and her bed hadn't been slept in. A cold feeling of dread started to creep into my heart.

We searched everywhere—the library, the throne room, everywhere. No one has seen her since last night. I thought for sure we could solve it all with the Magic Picture. I felt a spark of hope when Betsy suggested it. But that hope was crushed in an instant. We rushed to her boudoir, and the picture... it was gone too. Just an empty space on the wall.

How can both Ozma and the Magic Picture disappear without a trace? I've spoken to everyone, and no one knows anything. I'm trying to be brave for Betsy and Trot, but I'm so scared. Where is she? What has happened to my dearest friend? We must find her. I don't know how, but we will.