About the Author
The story "A Tiger in the House" is written by Ruskin Bond, a famous Indian writer who lives in the hills of Mussoorie. He loves writing stories for children about nature, animals, and simple life. His stories are easy to read and full of heartwarming moments. Ruskin Bond makes his stories feel real because he writes about places and feelings that children can understand.
What’s the Story About?
This is a sweet and funny story about a man who finds a tiger cub and tries to keep it as a pet. The story starts when the narrator’s grandfather, who loves animals, goes hunting in a forest near Dehra. Instead of hunting, he finds a tiny tiger cub, just a few months old, hiding in the roots of a tree. He feels sorry for the cub and brings it home, naming it Timothy.
At home, the family treats Timothy like a pet cat. The grandmother feeds him milk from a bottle, and later he eats rice, meat, and even bits of chapati. Timothy is playful and friendly. He sleeps in the house, follows the family around, and loves to play with the narrator and a puppy named Toto. The cook, Mahmoud, takes care of Timothy’s food, and the cub becomes a happy part of the family.
As Timothy grows bigger, he becomes stronger and a bit naughty. He chases cats and scares people in the house. Grandfather decides to send Timothy to a zoo in Lucknow because a tiger is not safe to keep at home. Everyone feels sad, but they know it’s the right thing to do.
Six months later, Grandfather visits the zoo to see Timothy. He finds the tiger in a cage and calls out to him. The tiger seems to recognize him and licks his hands through the bars. Grandfather pets him and tells the zoo keeper that Timothy is gentle and was raised like a pet. But the keeper says this tiger is not Timothy. The real Timothy died two months ago, and this is a new, wild tiger who is not friendly. Grandfather is shocked and sad but leaves quietly, saying goodbye to the tiger he thought was Timothy.
The story shows how much love the family had for the tiger cub, but also how wild animals belong in the wild or in safe places like zoos, not in homes.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Grandfather: A kind man who loves animals. He finds the tiger cub and brings it home to raise as a pet.
- Grandmother: A caring woman who feeds and looks after the tiger cub like a baby.
- Narrator: The person telling the story, likely a young family member who plays with the tiger cub.
- Timothy: The tiger cub, playful and friendly at first, but grows bigger and wilder.
- Toto: A puppy in the house who becomes Timothy’s playmate.
- Mahmoud: The cook who helps feed and take care of Timothy.
- Zoo Keeper: A man at the zoo who tells Grandfather the truth about the tiger.
Themes and Moral
The story is about love for animals, growing up, and understanding nature. It shows how people can care deeply for animals, but wild animals like tigers are not meant to live in homes. It also teaches about letting go, as the family had to send Timothy to the zoo. The moral is: Love animals, but respect their nature. Wild animals need to live in their natural homes or safe places like zoos, not as pets.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
- Cub: A baby animal, like a young tiger or lion.
- Playful: Loving to play and have fun, like jumping or running around.
- Naughty: Doing small, harmless mischief, like chasing things or making trouble.
- Cage: A metal box with bars where animals are kept in a zoo.
- Gentle: Kind and soft, not hurting anyone.
- Recognize: To know someone or something from before, like remembering a friend.
- Wild: Not tame; living free in nature and not used to people.
- Phrase "Made himself at home": Acting comfortable in a new place, like it’s your own house.
- Phrase "Heart sank": Feeling very sad or disappointed suddenly.