A Tiger in The House Class 7 Notes: CBSE English (An Alien Hand) Chapter 6

About the Author 

Ruskin Bond is a renowned Indian author known for his simple yet captivating storytelling, often inspired by nature, animals, and the hills of India. His works, like The Blue Umbrella and The Room on the Roof, are widely read by students and literature enthusiasts. His stories often revolve around human emotions, relationships, and nature’s beauty, making them relatable and engaging.

About the Story / Synopsis of the Story

A Tiger in the House is a heartwarming story about a tiger cub named Timothy, adopted by the narrator’s grandfather. The cub is raised like a pet in their home, growing fond of the family, especially the cook, Mahmoud. However, as Timothy grows older and becomes dangerous, the family decides to send him to a zoo for safety. When the narrator visits the zoo later, an unexpected twist unfolds, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wild animals.

Theme of the Story

1. Man and Nature – The story emphasizes the deep connection between humans and animals, showing how love and care can nurture even a wild creature.

2. Wild vs. Domestic – It explores the fine line between domestication and a wild animal’s true instincts.

3. Compassion and Responsibility – The grandfather’s kindness towards Timothy reflects the theme of responsibility towards animals.

Character Sketches

• Grandfather – A kind-hearted and compassionate man who adopts Timothy and raises him with love. His deep understanding of animals reflects his wisdom.

• Timothy (The Tiger) – A playful and affectionate tiger cub who enjoys human company but later shows signs of his wild nature.

• Mahmoud (The Cook) – Initially afraid of Timothy but later becomes one of his closest companions.

• Narrator – Observes the bond between Timothy and the grandfather, providing insights into their relationship.

Summary of the Story

The story A Tiger in the House by Ruskin Bond is a heartwarming yet thought-provoking tale about a tiger cub named Timothy, who is raised like a pet by the narrator’s grandfather. The story beautifully captures the bond between humans and animals while also highlighting the unpredictability of nature.

The story begins when the narrator’s grandfather discovers a tiny tiger cub hiding among bushes during one of his hunting trips. He decides to bring the cub home and names him Timothy. Timothy is raised in the household alongside other pets—a small monkey and a puppy. Initially, Timothy is friendly, playful, and affectionate, often playing with the dog and the monkey. His favourite spot is on the bed of the cook, Mahmoud, with whom he shares a strong bond.

As time passes, Timothy grows bigger and stronger. His playful bites and swipes become more aggressive, and he starts showing signs of his wild instincts. He begins stalking chickens, eyeing goats hungrily, and even growling at strangers. Realizing that Timothy might become dangerous, the grandfather decides to send him to a zoo where he can be taken care of properly and live in a more suitable environment.

After six months, the narrator and his grandfather visit the zoo to check on Timothy. They find a fully grown tiger in a cage, which they believe to be their beloved Timothy. The grandfather, excited to see his pet again, speaks to him lovingly and even pats his forehead. He scolds the keeper for not taking proper care of Timothy, as he appears lean and restless. However, to everyone’s shock, the zookeeper informs them that Timothy had died two months earlier. The tiger they were interacting with was a completely different, wild one!

This unexpected twist leaves the reader with a sense of mystery and irony. The grandfather, unaware of the tiger’s true identity, had unknowingly shown affection to a completely wild animal, who, surprisingly, did not attack him. The story subtly highlights the thin boundary between love and instinct, domesticity and wildness, and human understanding versus nature’s unpredictability.

Important Points of English Class 7 Chapter 6 A Tiger in the House

1. Bond Between Humans and Animals – The story highlights how a wild animal, like a tiger, can be raised as a pet but will eventually return to its natural instincts.

2. Timothy’s Growth and Changing Behavior – Initially playful and friendly, Timothy starts showing signs of wild behaviour as he grows older.

3. Decision to Send Timothy to the Zoo – Grandfather realizes that Timothy can no longer be kept at home safely and decides to send him to a zoo.

4. Unexpected Twist at the Zoo – The grandfather mistakenly believes a wild tiger in the zoo is Timothy, unaware that the real Timothy had died.

5. Themes of Nature vs. Nurture – The story emphasizes that no matter how much care and affection a wild animal receives, it remains governed by its natural instincts.

Importance of English Class 7 Chapter 6 A Tiger in the House Notes 

• The chapter is part of the CBSE English Class 7 Syllabus and helps students develop an understanding of human-animal relationships.

• It encourages students to think about the balance between affection and wild instincts.

• The story teaches an important life lesson—wild animals cannot be domesticated forever.

• It includes an element of irony and humour, making it an enjoyable read.

• The story provides insights into Ruskin Bond’s storytelling style, which is simple, engaging, and thought-provoking.

Tips for Learning Class 7 English Chapter 6 A Tiger in the House

• Read the story carefully to understand the emotional connection between the grandfather and Timothy.

• Focus on the character traits of the grandfather, Timothy, and the zoo officials.

• Pay attention to the twist at the end, as it highlights the theme of mistaken identity and irony.

• Make a note of key events—how Timothy is found, raised, sent to the zoo, and the shocking revelation at the end.

• Practice writing short answers based on themes like "Nature vs. Nurture," "Human-Wildlife Relationship," and "Unexpected Twists in the Story."

• Refer to the revision notes PDF below for a quicker understanding of this chapter.

Conclusion

A Tiger in the House by Ruskin Bond is a delightful yet meaningful story that explores human affection for animals and nature’s unpredictability. It teaches that wild creatures, no matter how lovingly raised, eventually follow their natural instincts. The unexpected ending leaves a lasting impression, making this story both entertaining and thought-provoking for students.

Related Study Materials for Class 7 English Chapter 6 A Tiger in the House

Chapter-wise Revision Notes for Class 7 English 

You can also download CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb Notes for thorough preparation.

Important Study Materials for Class 7 English