The Great Stone Face II Class 8 English Notes

Chapter Overview and Central Theme

This chapter is the continuation of Ernest's story. Years have passed, and Ernest is now an old man with white hair, residing peacefully in the valley. Despite his advanced age, he has become wise, humble, and highly respected by the villagers and visiting scholars. The prophecy—that a person with the exact likeness of the Great Stone Face would be born in the valley—still remains unfulfilled in Ernest's eyes.

A new character, a gifted Poet born in the valley but living in a distant city, enters the story. He writes beautiful poems, some of which celebrate the Great Stone Face. When he reads about Ernest's wisdom, he decides to visit him. This chapter focuses heavily on the contrast between superficial greatness and genuine goodness. It teaches us that true wisdom and beauty reside in a simple, honest life where one's thoughts, words, and actions are fully aligned.

Character Comparison: Ernest vs. The Poet

Important Vocabulary & Glossary

Venerable

Worthy of deep respect because of age, wisdom, or noble character.

Benign

Gentle, kind, and warm-hearted in appearance or disposition.

Diffident

Lacking self-confidence; shy, modest, or reserved.

Hallowed

Honored as holy, sacred, or highly respected.

Chambered

Divided into rooms or compartments (used to describe the poet's mind/thoughts).

Prophecy

A prediction of future events, believed to be divinely inspired.

Key Plot Points (Must Remember)

• Ernest is now an elder in the valley, famous for his selfless wisdom and gentle preaching.
• Unlike Gathergold, Blood-and-Thunder, and Old Stony Phiz, Ernest never sought fame or power.
• The poet's writings move Ernest deeply, and Ernest hopes that this poet is the savior from the prophecy.
• The poet visits Ernest's cottage and finds him reading a book with a peaceful, loving expression.
• While talking, the poet confesses that his actual life has not been as grand or pure as his poetry.
• At sunset, Ernest speaks to a gathering of neighbors, sharing thoughts that come straight from his heart.
• Watching Ernest speak, the poet notices the uncanny physical and spiritual resemblance between Ernest and the Great Stone Face.
• The poet shouts out the revelation, and the crowd agrees that Ernest is indeed the likeness.
• Ernest remains humble, hoping that a wiser and better man will appear in the future to fulfill the prophecy.

Steps to the Final Revelation

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Exam Tips & Tricks

1. Character Sketches: Expect questions comparing Ernest with the previous candidates (Gathergold, etc.). Remember, Ernest represents inner beauty while others represent external, material success.
2. The Poet's Role: Note that the Poet is the one who discovers the truth. He possesses the vision to see greatness in others, even if he feels he lacks it himself.
3. Theme-based Answers: Focus on keywords like humility, alignment of speech and action, and natural wisdom to secure high marks in long-answer questions.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• How did Ernest's life change as he grew old? He became widely respected for his wisdom. Scholars, thinkers, and ordinary people came from far away just to talk to him and listen to his gentle advice.
• Why did the poet feel he was not worthy of being the Great Stone Face? The poet felt that his life and deeds did not match the noble thoughts in his poetry. He had lived an inconsistent life, lacking solid faith in his own grand ideas.
• What did the poet observe when Ernest spoke to the assembly? He observed a deep, natural nobility in Ernest. In the soft light of the setting sun, Ernest's face took on a benevolent expression that perfectly matched the Great Stone Face.
• What was Ernest's reaction when he was declared the likeness of the Great Stone Face? He remained completely humble and unaffected. He quietly hoped that a man wiser and better than himself would eventually come to fulfill the prophecy.

Frequently Asked Questions