The Firework Maker's Daughter - Chapter 1 - Reading Comprehension answers

The opening chapter of 'The Firework Maker's Daughter' introduces us to the main characters: Lila, her father Lalchand, and her friend Chulak. Lila, who is poised to be the heroine of the story, is a passionate and curious firework maker, much like her father. Despite their shared love for the craft, Lila and Lalchand harbour contrasting aspirations for her future; Lila is averse to the idea of marriage and is determined to pursue her passion, while Lalchand holds traditional views. The setting of the tale unfurls in Lalchand's workshop, nestled in a winding alley, where the intricacies of their relationship are explored.

Lila's fascination with fireworks is rooted in her lifelong exposure to them, sparking her interest in creating and innovating new ones. Her apprenticeship began as soon as she was old enough to learn the trade, with the most perilous challenge being the journey to acquire Royal Sulphur from the Grotto of Razvani, the Fire-Fiend. Chulak, Lila's loyal and cunning friend, serves as the personal attendant to the White Elephant, Hamlet, who is adorned with writing for advertising purposes. The chapter reveals Lalchand's reluctance to disclose the final secret of firework making to Lila, stemming from his desire to steer her away from the profession. Chulak's sharp vigilance over rickshaw drivers is humorously described, and Lalchand's exasperation with Chulak's antics is evident when he refers to him as 'pestilential'.