📚 Class 10 English Chapter 10 – The Book That Saved the Earth (Summary, Q&A, PDF)
Book: Footprints Without Feet
Chapter: 10 – The Book That Saved the Earth
Author: Claire Boiko
Board: CBSE Class 10 (2025)
✍️ Introduction
“The Book That Saved the Earth” is a humorous science fiction play written by Claire Boiko. It is set in the 25th century and revolves around a group of Martians who come to invade Earth but misunderstand a book of nursery rhymes, believing it to be a powerful weapon. The story blends humor with satire and highlights the role of imagination and miscommunication.
📖 Summary of the Chapter
The story takes place in the 25th century in a Museum of Ancient History on Earth. A historian tells the tale of how the planet was once almost invaded by Martians in the 21st century. The Martians' leader, Think-Tank, plans to attack Earth, considering humans to be an inferior species.
Think-Tank sends a team of Martians to gather intelligence. They land in a library and try to understand human thought by examining books. However, since they do not understand human languages or culture, they misinterpret a book of nursery rhymes—believing it to be secret codes or Earth’s war strategies.
One rhyme about a cow jumping over the moon makes Think-Tank believe that Earthlings have advanced space technology. Another rhyme makes them fear that humans have developed dangerous weapons. Panicked by these "discoveries," Think-Tank orders a retreat and cancels the invasion.
The story ends with humor and irony, showing how a simple children’s book saved Earth from destruction. It also underlines the power of literature and imagination.
🌟 Central Theme
The story presents themes of miscommunication, satire on power and intelligence, and the value of literature. It shows how lack of understanding and overconfidence can lead to foolish decisions. It also humorously celebrates how imagination can unexpectedly change the course of history.
👤 Character Sketches
- Think-Tank: The leader of the Martians, arrogant and overconfident. He is fooled by nursery rhymes and cancels the invasion due to his ignorance.
- Omega, Iota, and Oop: Members of the Martian crew who carry out Think-Tank’s orders. They are confused but obedient.
- The Historian: The narrator who tells the story to the audience in the 25th century.
📚 Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Invasion | Entering a place to conquer or attack |
| Nursery Rhyme | Simple songs or poems for children |
| Misinterpret | To understand something wrongly |
| Satire | Use of humor to criticize people or ideas |
| Intelligence (in context) | Information gathered for military use |
❓ Important Questions and Answers
- Q1. What is the significance of the book in the story?
Ans: The book, a collection of nursery rhymes, was misunderstood by Martians as a dangerous military code. This misunderstanding led to the cancellation of Earth’s invasion. - Q2. Why did Think-Tank cancel the invasion of Earth?
Ans: He thought Earthlings had advanced technology and dangerous weapons after misinterpreting the nursery rhymes. Out of fear, he ordered his crew to leave Earth immediately. - Q3. What message does the story convey?
Ans: The story teaches that overconfidence and lack of proper understanding can lead to irrational decisions. It also celebrates creativity and the power of books. - Q4. What kind of story is “The Book That Saved the Earth”?
Ans: It is a humorous science fiction play with satire that imagines a future event involving aliens and Earth’s literature.
📥 Download PDF Notes
👉 Click here to download PDF of The Book That Saved the Earth Notes
📌 Tags: Class 10 English Chapter 10, The Book That Saved the Earth Summary, Claire Boiko, CBSE 2025 English Notes, Think-Tank Character, ToppersNoteHub
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