Welcome to the ultimate study resource for WBBSE Class 9 English Lesson 2. (নবম শ্রেণীর ইংরেজি দ্বিতীয় পাঠের সম্পূর্ণ স্টাডি গাইডে আপনাদের স্বাগতম।) Following the humorous “Tales of Bhola Grandpa,” we now explore a thought-provoking essay: “All About a Dog” by A.G. Gardiner.
This story captures a small conflict inside a London bus that teaches us a big lesson about humanity and rules. To help you master this text, we have broken down the entire story into three distinct parts. In each part, you will find our special Interactive Tool featuring line-by-line Bengali meanings and quizzes.
About the Author: A.G. Gardiner
Alfred George Gardiner (1865–1946) was a British journalist and essayist who wrote under the famous pen name ‘Alpha of the Plough’. His essays are highly regarded for their elegant style, humour, and ability to teach basic truths of life amusingly. Some of his well-known works include Pebbles on the Shore, Many Furrows, and Leaves in the Wind.
Complete Story Summary
(গল্পের সম্পূর্ণ সারাংশ)
The story is set on a freezing night in London. The narrator boards a bus where a younger woman enters carrying a small Pekingese dog. The conductor, a man with a general grievance against everything, spots the dog and immediately orders the woman to take it out. The woman refuses, fearing the bitter cold on the open top of the bus might kill her. The other passengers support her, but the conductor stops the bus and refuses to move until the dog is removed.
A standoff ensues. The passengers protest, calling the conductor’s action shameful, but he remains unmoved, feeling triumphant that the law is on his side. Even a policeman supports the conductor’s adherence to rules. Finally, to let the other passengers go, the lady agrees to go to the freezing top deck.
Ironically, soon after, the bus develops engine trouble. While the conductor helps the driver fix it, the lady quietly returns to the warmth inside. When the engine is fixed, the conductor spots the dog again, and the struggle restarts. The lady is forced back up. Eventually, the bus empties, leaving only the narrator and the conductor. The narrator advises him that while some rules (like traffic rules) are “hard and fast” for safety, others are meant for passengers’ comfort and should be observed in the spirit (intention) rather than the letter (strict words). The conductor accepts this advice amiably.
Study Guide: Chapter Breakdown
Select a section below to access the detailed line-by-line Bengali analysis and interactive quizzes.
📖 Part 1: The Conflict Begins
The cold night, the entry of the dog, and the conductor’s harsh order.
📖 Part 2: The Bus Stops
The standoff between the conductor and passengers, police intervention, and the lady’s surrender.
📖 Part 3: The Moral Lesson
Engine trouble, the repeated struggle, and the narrator’s advice on “Spirit vs. Letter” of rules.
Comprehensive Vocabulary List (শব্দার্থ)
Here is a long list of important words from the entire story to help you improve your vocabulary.
| Word | Bengali Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bitterly | তীব্রভাবে বা হাড়কাঁপানো (Extremely) |
| Vacant | খালি বা শূন্য (Empty) |
| Beady-eyed | পুঁতির মতো উজ্জ্বল চোখযুক্ত (Small, round bright eyes) |
| Grievance | ক্ষোভ বা অভিযোগ (Complaint) |
| Shivered | শীতে কাঁপা (Trembled from cold) |
| Evidently | স্পষ্টতই (Clearly) |
| Triumph | বিজয় (Victory) |
| Indifferent | উদাসীন (Unconcerned) |
| Unconscious | অসচেতন বা বেখবর (Unaware) |
| Gale | ঝড়ো হাওয়া / উত্তেজনার ঝড় (Strong wind/outburst) |
| Indignant | ক্ষুব্ধ (Angry at unfairness) |
| Genially | অমায়িকভাবে (Cheerfully) |
| Criticized | সমালোচনা করা (Found fault with) |
| Stole down | চুপিচুপি নিচে নেমে এল (Came down secretly) |
| Justify | যৌক্তিকতা প্রমাণ করা (Defend one’s action) |
| Guidance | নির্দেশনা (Advice or direction) |
| Spirit | মর্ম বা আসল উদ্দেশ্য (Real intent) |
| Amiably | বন্ধুত্বপূর্ণভাবে (In a friendly way) |
Conclusion
“All About a Dog” teaches us that while rules are necessary for society, they should be applied with common sense and humanity. A little goodwill can make the world a much more comfortable place. Use the links above to start your detailed study of the text!