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Class 6: Unit-1A: Cobra Kite by Mahani Zubaidy Gunnell

Cobra Kite by Mahani Zubaidy Gunnell (Summary Only For Reading)

Cobra Kite by Mahani Zubaidy Gunnell is set in a village in Malaysia, where the harvest festival is being celebrated. Kite fights take place during this time where people try to cut each other’s kites. The fallen kite belongs to the person who finds it first.

The speaker in the story—a young girl—is watching a kite fight between two kites—Cobra Kite and Moon Kite. All the villagers, including the speaker are fascinated by Cobra Kite because it has an unusual design unlike Moon Kite which has a traditional design. The fight starts and is over quickly with Moon Kite cutting Cobra Kite. The speaker is stunned but quickly realises she has a chance to get Cobra Kite for herself. She chases the kite across the village. The kite falls inside the headman’s goose pen. Without a second thought, the speaker jumps in and braves the angry geese to grab the kite before anyone else can. The other villagers try to persuade her to give them the kite but she refuses. Then the headman orders the others to let her have the kite because she has won it fairly after a lot of effort and is now the rightful owner.

The story is a lesson on the power of perseverance to achieve one’s goals. As it is told in first person, we feel the speaker’s emotions as she struggles to get the kite. The narration is fastpaced making it seem as if the event is unfolding before our eyes. 

Notebook Work 

Background of the Story

The story is set in a village in Malaysia during a harvest festival where kite fighting is a popular activity. In these kite fights, participants try to cut down each other’s kites. Whoever finds the fallen kite first becomes its owner. The story follows a young girl who is determined to win the beautiful Cobra Kite after it falls from the sky.

Summary in Points

  1. The harvest festival is being celebrated in a Malaysian village.
  2. Villagers gather to watch exciting kite fights.
  3. Two kites compete — Cobra Kite and Moon Kite.
  4. Cobra Kite attracts everyone because of its unusual and striking design.
  5. Moon Kite has a traditional appearance.
  6. During the fight, Moon Kite unexpectedly cuts Cobra Kite.
  7. The speaker is shocked but quickly runs after the falling kite.
  8. The kite lands inside the headman’s goose pen.
  9. The girl bravely jumps into the pen despite the angry geese.
  10. She successfully grabs the kite before anyone else.
  11. Villagers ask her to give up the kite, but she refuses.
  12. The headman declares that she has fairly earned the kite.

Flowchart

Harvest Festival Begins
↓
Kite Fight Starts
↓
Cobra Kite vs Moon Kite
↓
Moon Kite Cuts Cobra Kite
↓
Speaker Runs After the Falling Kite
↓
Kite Lands in Goose Pen
↓
Girl Faces Angry Geese
↓
She Captures Cobra Kite
↓
Headman Declares Her the Rightful Owner

Setting

  • Place: A village in Malaysia
  • Time: During the harvest festival
  • Environment: Festive, lively, competitive, and energetic atmosphere

Tone & Mood

Tone

  • Excited
  • Adventurous
  • Suspenseful

Mood

  • Thrilling
  • Energetic
  • Tense during the chase
  • Victorious at the end

Perspective - The story is told in the first-person perspective by the young girl. This allows readers to experience her excitement, determination, fear, and triumph directly.

Central Idea

The story highlights that courage, determination, and perseverance help people achieve their goals even in difficult situations.

Themes

  1. Perseverance and Determination – The girl refuses to give up despite obstacles.
  2. Courage – She bravely enters the goose pen.
  3. Competition – The kite fight creates excitement and rivalry.
  4. Fairness and Justice – The headman rewards her rightful effort.
  5. Desire and Ambition – The girl strongly wants the Cobra Kite.

Message - The story teaches us that:

  • Hard work and persistence lead to success.
  • Courage helps us overcome challenges.
  • People deserve rewards for their honest efforts.

Literary Devices

1. Imagery

The vivid description of the kite fight and goose pen helps readers visualize the scene.

2. Symbolism

  • Cobra Kite symbolizes dreams, ambition, and determination.
  • Goose Pen symbolizes obstacles and challenges.

3. Suspense

The fast-paced chase creates excitement and tension.

4. First-Person Narration

Makes readers emotionally connected to the speaker.

5. Contrast

  • Cobra Kite’s unusual design contrasts with Moon Kite’s traditional design.

Title Justification & Significance

The title “Cobra Kite” is appropriate because the entire story revolves around this unique kite. It captures everyone’s attention due to its unusual appearance and becomes the object of the speaker’s determination. The kite also symbolizes ambition and the reward earned through courage and perseverance.

Motif - Competition and Pursuit

The repeated idea of chasing victory and striving to achieve something valuable appears throughout the story.

Characters and Character Traits

1. The Speaker (Young Girl)

  • Determined
  • Brave
  • Quick-thinking
  • Persistent
  • Adventurous

2. Headman

  • Fair
  • Wise
  • Respectful of honest effort

3. Villagers

  • Excited
  • Competitive
  • Curious

4. Cobra Kite

  • Unique
  • Attractive
  • Symbolic of ambition

5. Moon Kite

  • Traditional
  • Skilled competitor

HOTS Question (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

Question: Why do you think the speaker refused to give up the Cobra Kite even after villagers pressured her?

Answer:

The speaker refused because she believed she had earned the kite through courage and effort. She risked herself by entering the goose pen and worked hard to capture it fairly. Giving it away would mean losing the reward she deserved.

VBQ (Value-Based Question)

Question: What values can we learn from the young girl in the story?

Answer: We learn values such as determination, bravery, confidence, and honesty. The girl teaches us that we should work hard for our goals and never give up even when faced with difficulties.

Revision Points 

Central Idea: The story highlights determination and courage in pursuing a goal against all odds.

Themes: Perseverance, bravery, tradition, and the spirit of competition.

Message: Success comes to those who persist and take bold actions despite challenges.

Setting: A Malaysian village during the vibrant harvest festival with traditional kite fight

Question and Answers









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