Here are the key word meanings from Rudyard Kipling's famous story, "How the Camel Got His Hump," suitable for a Class 8 understanding. The tale explains the origin of the camel's distinctive feature as a consequence of its initial laziness.
Word Meanings for 'How the Camel Got His Hump' (Class 8)
Rudyard Kipling's classic short story, "How the Camel Got His Hump," is a fascinating fable that explains why the camel has its unique physical characteristic. The story primarily teaches a lesson about laziness and the consequences of avoiding work.
In the story, the Camel, living in the middle of the Howling Desert, constantly said "Humph!" when asked to do any work, much to the exasperation of the Horse, the Dog, and the Ox. His refusal to contribute for three full days led to the magical intervention of the Djinn of All Deserts. The Djinn, the overseer of work in the desert, decided to give the Camel a special 'humph' on its back. This humph was a direct result of the three days the Camel spent without doing any work. With this new humph, the Camel could now work for extended periods without needing to eat, a permanent reminder of its past idleness.
Understanding the vocabulary used in this story helps readers grasp its moral and enjoy Kipling's masterful storytelling.
Key Vocabulary and Definitions
Here is a table of important words from the story, along with their simple meanings and context:
| Word | Meaning | Context in the Story |
|---|---|---|
| Djinn (or Jinn) | A powerful, supernatural being, often a genie. | The Djinn of All Deserts came to sort out the Camel's laziness. |
| Humph | 1. A sound expressing doubt or refusal. 2. The hump on the camel's back. |
The Camel only said "Humph!" when asked to work, which later became its physical burden. |
| Idle | Not active; doing nothing; lazy. | The Camel was idle for three whole days, refusing to help the other animals. |
| Grumble | To complain in a bad-tempered or resentful way. | The Horse, Dog, and Ox would often grumble about the Camel's lack of work. |
| Patience | The capacity to accept delay, trouble, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. | The Djinn's patience ran out with the Camel's persistent refusal to work. |
| Exasperated | Intensely annoyed and frustrated. | The other animals grew exasperated by the Camel's constant "Humph!" and idleness. |
| Consequence | A result or effect of an action or condition. | The hump was a direct consequence of the Camel's three days of inaction. |
| Remedy | A cure or a solution for a problem. | The Djinn found a remedy for the Camel's laziness by giving it a hump. |
| Desert | A barren or desolate area, often sandy, with little or no vegetation. | The story is set in the vast, open Desert, where the animals lived. |
| Indignantly | In a manner indicating anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair. | The Horse spoke indignantly about having to do the Camel's share of work. |
Understanding the Story's Core Message
The story emphasizes that everyone has a role to play and that laziness can lead to unwanted consequences. The camel's hump, though now a vital part of its anatomy enabling it to store fat and water to work long days without eating, originated as a punishment for its refusal to contribute. It serves as a permanent reminder to the camel of its past idleness. This timeless fable from Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories continues to entertain and educate young readers about responsibility and the value of hard work.
