NCERT MCQ Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 7 A Visit to Cambridge

A metaphor is a figure of speech where a thing is symbolic of something else. For the writer, Cambridge represented the intellectual and cultural heart of England.

This physical struggle with the phone cord symbolizes the writer’s own physical limitations and the extra effort required for disabled individuals to perform everyday tasks.

The writer’s guilt stems from his empathy. He is acutely aware of the immense physical effort Hawking must expend to communicate, making each question feel like an imposition.

Representation matters. Seeing someone with similar challenges achieve greatness provides powerful inspiration and expands one’s own sense of what is possible, fostering strength and ambition.

This response reframes bravery not as a choice, but as a necessity for survival. For many disabled people, daily life requires a level of endurance others might call courage.

This powerful metaphor suggests that the physical body is merely a fragile vessel. The true essence of a person is their mind and spirit—the “inner light”—shining from within.

This perspective finds a silver lining in adversity. The writer suggests that vulnerability and dependence can reveal the immense capacity for kindness and compassion in other people.

Hawking’s view suggests that disabled individuals should focus on their unique strengths rather than competing in areas where their disability is a disadvantage. It promotes specialization over imitation.

The strict time limit highlights the immense demand on Hawking’s time and energy. It makes the brief meeting a precious and significant event for the writer.

Witnessing extreme disability can make one appreciate their own limited mobility. The writer’s small movements feel like a great freedom in contrast to Hawking’s complete stillness.

“Incandescence” here refers to a person’s brilliant spirit or intellect. It is the “inner glow” that shines brightly, irrespective of the condition of the physical body.

This metaphor contrasts the active, “buoyant” mind with the static body. It emphasizes the theme that the mind can be free and vibrant even when the body is confined.

This simple act of touching the shoulder is a moment of profound, non-verbal connection. It expresses empathy, respect, and a shared understanding that transcends words.

Hawking becomes a symbol of the writer’s own potential for courage. He represents the ideal of what a person can achieve and endure, inspiring the writer’s own journey.

This term describes the feeling of being trapped in a confined space. It is used metaphorically to describe how a disabled body can feel like a prison for the mind.

This act symbolizes letting go of unrealistic goals. The writer decides to stop pursuing something his disability makes difficult, a choice echoed in Hawking’s advice to focus on strengths.

The shock comes from the stark contrast between Hawking’s dynamic mind and his almost completely still, lifeless-looking body. It highlights the profound mind-body disconnect.

Meeting his inspiration was the climax of his journey. This encounter provided such profound insight and perspective that it felt like a destination, bringing his quest to a satisfying close.

The torso, or the upper part of the body, is mentioned to describe Hawking’s physical state. The anatomical term adds a clinical, detached feel to the description.

This powerful comparison diminishes the importance of the physical body. It suggests the body is merely an “accessory” to the mind, which is the true essence of a person.