# Ch-10 Heaven Lake

# -Vikram Seth
I. APPLICATION BASED QUESTIONS-
i. Why does Mr. Cao avoid directly discouraging the narrator from
swimming?
Ans- Mr. Cao uses indirect warnings because he doesn’t want to alarm or
discourage the narrator in a confrontational way. Instead, he casually
mentions past drownings to subtly highlight the lake's dangers.
ii. What does the Beijing athlete’s story signify?
Ans- The story of the Beijing athlete illustrates that even skilled swimmers
can underestimate the risks posed by nature. It serves as a cautionary
tale, showing that confidence in one’s abilities is no match for nature’s
unpredictability.
iii. How does the setting of the lake contribute to the theme?
Ans- The lake is described as calm and inviting, which tempts the narrator
into thinking it is safe. However, the revelation of drowning incidents
creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the theme that appearances can be
deceptive, and that nature must be approached with caution.
iv. What lesson does the narrator learn from this interaction?
Ans- The narrator realizes the importance of respecting nature and being
cautious. The serene lake, combined with the Beijing athlete’s fate,
teaches them to think critically before acting on impulse, understanding
that not everything is as safe as it seems.
v. If you have a choice between being adventurous and isolated,
what would you choose?
Ans-If I had a choice between being adventurous and isolated, I would
undoubtedly choose to be adventurous.
Life is a journey meant to be explored, and adventure allows us to
embrace the unknown, learn from new experiences, and grow as
individuals.
By stepping out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves to opportunities
that enrich our perspectives and challenge our understanding of the
world.
Adventure fosters curiosity, creativity, and resilience. Whether it’s
exploring a new place, trying a new activity, or meeting new people, it
brings excitement and fulfilment that isolation cannot provide.
Character Sketches-

I. THE AUTHOR

Adventurous and Curious: The narrator’s desire to swim in the lake shows
an eagerness to explore and embrace new experiences, even in
unfamiliar surroundings.

Naïve but Reflective: The narrator initially underestimates the potential

risks but becomes more cautious after hearing Mr. Cao’s subtle warnings
and the Beijing athlete’s story.

Observant: The narrator notices Mr. Cao’s exaggerated interest in

receipts, hinting at their keen perception of small details.

II. MR CAO

Relaxed and Friendly: Mr. Cao lends the narrator trousers, showing his
hospitable and easy-going personality.
Humorous but Wise: His offhand remarks about drownings combine
humour with subtle caution, indirectly warning the narrator about the
lake’s dangers.
Practical and Experienced: He understands the risks of the lake and uses
the Beijing athlete’s story to convey his knowledge without being overly
serious.
Theme of the Lesson-
The passage highlights how nature, while serene and inviting, can
conceal unexpected dangers, as seen with the seemingly tranquil lake
hiding a history of drownings.
It explores the balance between human curiosity, as the narrator
contemplates swimming, and the need for restraint in the face of
potential risks.
By recounting the story of the Beijing athlete, the narrative shows how
past events serve as warnings for future behaviour.
The theme underscores the need to respect nature’s unpredictability and
to be mindful of life’s fragility.
Moral in this Chapter-
Nature’s calm and beauty can be deceptive. It is vital to approach it with
caution, as even experienced individuals may face unforeseen dangers.

The story of the Beijing athlete teaches us the importance of heeding past
warnings and incidents to avoid repeating mistakes.

Reckless decisions, driven by curiosity or overconfidence, can lead to

serious consequences. Thoughtfulness and precaution are essential. Life
is unpredictable, and one must be careful and alert in the face of risks to
ensure safety.

To travel with an open mind makes the journey more enjoyable.

QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK-

i. What is a travelogue?
Ans- Travelogue is a description of someone’s travel in the form of a
narrative.
ii. What did Vikram Seth do?
Ans- After, completing a course at a Chinese university, Vikram Seth
decided to explore the country as a backpacker.
iii. What type of writing is "Heaven Lake"?
Ans- The type of writing is travelogue in “Heaven Lake”.
iv. What time does the public bus leave from Urumqi to Heaven Lake?
Ans-The public bus leaves at eight from Urumqi to Heaven Lake.
v. Why couldn’t the travellers take a bus to the city centre?
Ans-The travellers could not take a bus to the city centre because their
hotel was at a considerable distance outside the city, and there were no
buses available.
vi. Who is Ann, and where is she going?
Ans-Ann is a friend of John's, and she is going to Heaven Lake for a day.
vii. What impression is created by the fields of sunflowers in the
countryside?
Ans- The fields of sunflowers created a sense of vastness and natural
beauty because their heads were all facing them.
viii. Describe the journey from Urumqi to Heaven Lake as
mentioned in the passage.
Ans-The public bus leaves at eight in the morning. The travellers couldn’t
reach the city centre as their hotel was far, and no buses were available.
The bus left the drab grid of the city and entered open countryside, with
fields of sunflowers stretching as far as the eye could see.
ix. What are some challenges faced by the travellers in reaching the
bus to Heaven Lake?
Ans- The travellers had to start early because their hotel was far from the
city centre, and no buses were available. They had to wait at a deserted
firing range for the bus.
x. Who were the forlorn knot of three?
Ans- The forlorn knot of three were Ann, the narrator, and a friend of
John’s.
xi. What is drab grid?
Ans- Drab grid is the non-interesting part therefore the boring area of the
city.
xii. Where is Mount Bogda located, and what is its height?
Ans-Mount Bogda is located in a desert region, and it is over 5,000 meters
high.
xiii. What lies partway up Mount Bogda, and at what height is it
located?
Ans-Heaven Lake lies partway up Mount Bogda, about 2,000 meters
above sea level.
xiv. Describe the appearance of Mount Bogda as seen from a
distance.
Ans-From a distance, Mount Bogda appears abrupt and looks like a
shining prism laid horizontally on the desert surface.
xv. How does the vegetation change as the bus climbs higher?
Ans-The landscape changes from arable land to pastures. The ground
becomes green with grass, and the slopes grow dark with pine trees.
xvi. What and why does the author wish they had brought along
during the ascent?
Ans-The author wishes they had brought something warmer than the pair
of shorts they were wearing because it had started to grow colder and
colder up their ascent.
xvii. How is Heaven Lake formed, and what feeds it?
Ans-Heaven Lake is formed by snowmelt and is fed by a stream at its
head.
xviii. What dominates the vista at the head of the lake?
Ans-A massive snow-capped peak dominates the vista at the head of the
lake.
xix. How is the sky described as the bus begins its climb?
Ans-The sky, initially brilliant, grows overcast as the bus climbs.
xx. What is the resort area near Heaven Lake like, according to the
author?
Ans-The resort area near Heaven Lake has small cottages with thick quilts
on the beds, providing a cozy stay.
xxi. What is the colour of Heaven Lake, and what surrounds it?
Ans-Heaven Lake is an intense blue and is surrounded by green mountain
walls dotted with distant sheep.
xxii. What was the man behind the author doing to keep himself
warm?
Ans- The man behind the author in the bus was eating overpoweringly
smell goats’ cheese.
xxiii. How was the Heaven Lake?
Ans- The Heaven Lake was a long, sardine-shaped and fed by snowmelt
from a stream at its head.
xxiv. Describe the journey to Mount Bogda, highlighting the changes
in the landscape and the author's experiences.
Ans-The journey to Mount Bogda begins in a flat desert area. As the bus
climbs, the landscape transitions from desert to arable land and then to
pastures, with green grass and pine-covered slopes. The weather
becomes colder, and the sky turns overcast. It began raining. The author
passes by streams and wishes for warmer clothing. Eventually, they reach
Heaven Lake and find accommodations in a small cottage at the resort
area.
xxv. Explain the significance of Heaven Lake and its surroundings as
described in the passage.
Ans-Heaven Lake is a stunning natural feature located about 2,000
meters above sea level. It is fed by snowmelt and surrounded by green
mountain walls. The lake’s intense blue colour contrasts beautifully with
the surrounding peaks and pastures. It serves as a serene and
picturesque destination for visitors.
xxvi. Discuss the climatic and geographical contrasts observed by
the author between the desert and the mountainous region.
Ans- The desert is flat, dry, and barren, with no vegetation. In contrast,
the mountainous region is green and lush, with pastures, pine trees, and
flowing streams. The desert is warm, but as the author ascends, the
climate becomes colder and overcast. Heaven Lake, located in the
mountains, is a stark and beautiful contrast to the arid desert below.
xxvii. How does the author describe the view and experience upon
reaching the resort area near Heaven Lake?
Ans-Upon reaching the resort area near Heaven Lake, the author finds a
small, comfortable cottage with thick quilts on the beds. Standing outside,
they marvel at the intense blue colour of the lake, surrounded by green
mountain walls and distant sheep. The view is dominated by a massive
snow-capped peak, creating a breath taking and peaceful atmosphere.
xxviii. Analyse the impact of nature's beauty and challenges on the
author during their ascent to Mount Bogda.
Ans-The author is captivated by the scenic beauty of the changing
landscapes, from the desert to the lush greenery of the mountains.
However, they face challenges, such as the cold weather and lack of
appropriate clothing. Despite these difficulties, the natural beauty of
Heaven Lake and the surrounding peaks leaves an impression,
highlighting both the majesty and harshness of nature.
xxix. What kind of food is available at the mess-hall by the shore?
Ans-The mess-hall serves kababs and naan, which are cooked on skewers
over charcoal braziers. They are highly spiced and well-done.
xxx. Who was Mr Cao? What does he give the author?
Ans- Mr Cao, a relaxed young man who runs the mess, lends me a spare
pair of trousers, several sizes too large but more than comfortable.
xxxi. What does the narrator use as a changing room?
Ans-The narrator uses the little mess as a changing room to change into a
pair of trousers before swimming.
xxxii. Why does Mr. Cao ask, “When was the last one?”
Ans-Mr. Cao asks this question because people often drown in the lake,
and he wants to know when the last drowning incident occurred.
 xxxiii. What happened to the Beijing athlete who swam across the
lake every day?
Ans-The Beijing athlete swam across the lake daily, but one day, he swam
to the other side and disappeared on his way back. He drowned.
xxxiv. How does the cook confirm the identity of the drowned person?
Ans-The cook confirms it by repeating “Every day” and acknowledging
that the Beijing athlete swam across the lake daily before drowning.
xxxv. What does the phrase “placidity of this water must be
deceptive” suggest
Ans-It suggests that although the lake appears calm and peaceful, it is
actually dangerous and has caused people to drown
xxxvi. Describe the atmosphere of the resort cottage and the mess-
hall by the shore
Ans-The resort cottage is near a small mess-hall by the shore. The
atmosphere is lively as people eat there and buy food from vendors
selling kababs and naan. The kababs are highly spiced and cooked over
braziers. The presence of horse’s milk and warm hospitality, like Mr. Cao
lending trousers, adds to the rustic and welcoming setting.
xxxvii. How does the passage build suspense regarding swimming in
the lake?
Ans-The passage builds suspense by delaying Mr. Cao’s response when
the narrator asks about swimming. Mr. Cao avoids answering immediately
and examines receipts instead. The suspense deepens when Mr. Cao
casually mentions that people often drown there and inquiries about the
last incident. The revelation about the Beijing athlete who swam daily and
suddenly drowned heightens the tension, making the lake seem
dangerous.
xxxviii. Discuss the narrator’s attitude towards swimming in the lake.
How does it change throughout the passage?
Ans-Initially, the narrator is excited and eager to swim. He looks at the
water, describing it as "inviting and smooth" and wishes to "luxuriate in
its clear depths." However, as Mr. Cao reveals information about past
drownings, including the story of the Beijing athlete, the narrator’s
excitement likely turns into hesitation and fear.
xxxix. Why had the writer untied his shoelaces?
Ans-The writer had untied his shoelaces to swim in the clear waters of
Heaven Lake. The water was inviting and smooth as if begging to slice
through it, to luxuriate in its clear depth.
xl. How did Mr Cao try to discourage the author from his endeavour?
Ans-Mr Cao attempted to discourage him by informing him offhandedly
that people often drowned in the lake. The last one to be drowned being
the celebrated Beijing athlete.
xli. What was the Beijing athlete’s background?
Ans-He was from an athletics college in Beijing or possibly Tianjian.
xlii. What possible reasons were given for the Beijing athlete’s
drowning?
Ans-The cook and Mr. Cao speculated that he might have had a heart
attack, suffered from cramps, or that the water was too cold. Another
possibility was a current under the surface.
xliii. Why was the Beijing athlete’s body never found?
Ans-The passage does not provide a definitive answer, but Mr. Cao and
the cook suggest that underwater currents might have carried his body
away.
xliv. What does the phrase "temptation overcomes caution" mean in
the passage?
Ans-It means that despite knowing about the dangers of the lake, the
narrator could not resist taking a swim.
xlv. How is the water of the lake described when the narrator swims
in it?
Ans-The water is clean and extremely cold, and the narrator feels blue
and refreshed after splashing around for a few minutes.
xlvi. What do the narrator and John look for near the lake
Ans-They search for the point where the lake’s water flows out into a
stream.
xlvii. Describe the pool that the stream flows into.
Ans-The stream plunges downward in a series of cataracts through the
pines into a small round blue pool, which is surrounded by forested
slopes.
xlviii. What is strange about the small round blue pool?
Ans-The stream that must flow out of it is not visible, making it seem as if
the whole pool is enclosed.
xlix. How does the weather change during their stay at Heaven
Lake?
Ans-The weather alternates between drizzling and brilliantly sunny.
l. How do the narrator and his friends spend their time at Heaven
Lake?
Ans-They wander around, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a picnic lunch
provided by Mr. Cao, consisting of bread, dry cooked meat, peanuts,
tomatoes, and oranges.
li. How does the passage create an atmosphere of mystery and danger
regarding the lake?
Ans-The passage builds suspense by revealing that a Beijing athlete
drowned in the lake, and his body was never found. Mr. Cao and the cook
provide uncertain explanations about his death, such as a heart attack,
cramps, cold water, or underwater currents. This uncertainty makes the
lake appear ominous. Even though the narrator is aware of this,
"temptation overcomes caution", and he takes a short dip. The eerie
description of the hidden stream flowing out of the small round blue pool
adds to the mysterious atmosphere.
lii. Describe the narrator’s experience of swimming in the lake.
Ans-Initially, the narrator is cautious and stays close to the shore. The
water is clean and extremely cold, but after a few minutes of splashing,
he feels blue and refreshed. His brief swim contrasts with the earlier
warnings about the lake’s dangers, making his decision seem reckless but
thrilling.
liii. Explain the significance of the line "temptation overcomes
caution" in the context of the passage.
Ans-This line reflects the narrator’s inner conflict. Despite knowing the
dangers of the lake, he cannot resist taking a swim. The phrase highlights
a common human tendency to take risks for pleasure. In the broader
context, it may symbolize the allure of adventure despite potential
dangers.
liv. How does the landscape around Heaven Lake contribute to the
overall experience of the narrator and his friends?
Ans-The landscape is described as breathtaking and serene, with a
multicolored sunset, pines, forested slopes, and a hidden pool. The
narrator and his friends explore the area, swim, and enjoy a picnic. The
secluded and untouched beauty of the place makes them feel cut off from
the world, adding to the sense of adventure.
lv. How does the passage reflect the theme of travel and exploration?
Ans-The passage captures the excitement and unpredictability of travel.
The narrator and his friends discover new places, interact with locals like
Mr. Cao, and experience both thrilling and mysterious moments. The line
"To travel with an open mind makes the journey more enjoyable"
reinforces the idea that embracing new experiences enhances the
journey.