Short Stories » The Forest of Lilacs

The Forest of Lilacs

WHEN Blondine entered the forest she commenced gathering the beautiful branches of lilacs. She rejoiced in their profusion and delighted in their fragrance.

As she made her selection, it seemed to her that those which were more distant were still more beautiful so she emptied her apron and her hat, which were both full and filled them again and again.

Blondine had been thus busily occupied for about an hour. She began to suffer from the heat and to feel great fatigue. She found the branches of lilacs heavy to carry and thought it was time to return to the palace. She looked around and saw herself surrounded with lilacs. She called Gourmandinet but no one replied.

"I have wandered further than I intended," said Blondine. "I will return at once, though I am very weary. Gourmandinet will hear me and will surely come to meet me."

Blondine walked on rapidly for some time but she could not find the boundaries of the forest. Many times she called anxiously upon Gourmandinet but he did not respond and at last she became terribly frightened.

"What will become of me, all alone in this vast forest? What will my poor papa think when I do not return? And Gourmandinet, how will he dare go back to the palace without me? He will be scolded, perhaps beaten and all this is my fault because I would leave my carriage to gather lilacs? Unfortunate girl that I am! I shall die of hunger and thirst in this forest if the wolves do not eat me up this night."

Weeping bitterly, Blondine fell on the ground at the foot of a large tree. She wept a long time. At last her great fatigue mastered her grief. She placed her little head upon her bundle of lilacs, and slept peacefully.

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The Forest of Lilacs - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Working together with kindness and understanding can help solve problems and make everyone happy.

The Forest of Lilacs - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

In the story "Forest of Lilacs," we learn that with kindness and understanding, even unlikely friendships can blossom and brighten our lives.

The Forest of Lilacs - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

True friendship and kindness can help overcome any obstacle, just like the boy and the fairy in the "Forest of Lilacs" worked together to find their way home.

3 Fun Facts

• The story takes place in a magical forest where lilacs bloom all year round, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.
• Creatures in the forest, like the wise old owl and the playful squirrels, can communicate with a kind-hearted girl named Lily.
• Lily discovers that the forest thrives on kindness, and every good deed she performs makes the lilacs bloom even brighter.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What magical forest did Lily and her friends decide to explore?
• Who did Lily and her friends meet in the forest who needed their help?
• What good deed did Lily and her friends do to help the forest regain its beauty?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What was the name of the forest where the children in the story went on an adventure?
• Who was the first animal that the children encountered in the Forest of Lilacs?
• What did the children learn by the end of their journey in the forest?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What task does Milo undertake upon returning to the Forest of Lilacs after attending university, and how does he plan to accomplish it?
• Describe the changes Milo observes in the Forest of Lilacs that prompt him to take action. What specific aspects of the forest's condition does he focus on addressing?
• How does Milo's education help him in his efforts to restore the Forest of Lilacs, and what does this reveal about the importance of knowledge in solving real-world problems?