Working through Class 9 English Notes and Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 Follow That Dream Summary in English simplifies the understanding of long chapters.
Summary of Follow That Dream Class 9
Follow That Dream Summary Class 9
- The chapter ‘Follow that Dream’ is an excerpt from the collection ‘My Daughter, My Friend’ by Irene Chua. It is written in the form of a heartfelt letter from a mother to her daughter Ming.
- Through this letter, the mother shares valuable life insights and prepares Ming for future challenges.
About the Author
Irene Chua is a Singaporean writer and author. Her writing is warm, thoughtful and rooted in real-life experiences, often focusing on family bonds, life lessons and guidance for young people.
Main Characters
MING
Ming is the daughter to whom the letter is written. She represents young people who are standing at the beginning of their journey and thinking about their future dreams.
MOTHER (WRITER OF THE LETTER)
The mother is experienced, practical and encouraging. She encourages her daughter to follow her dreams, explaining the need for hard work and sacrifice.
Follow That Dream Summary in English
A Mother’s Letter of Advice
- The excerpt is written as a letter dated 19 June 1995 from a mother to her daughter Ming.
- The mother encourages Ming to follow her dream and explains that great people become successful because they work hard and continue pursuing their dreams until they come true.
Dedication and Effort Lead to Greatness
- The mother explains that the difference between ordinary and great people lies in the effort and sacrifices they invest in their dreams.
- To reach a world-class level in any field, a person must work single-mindedly for at least ten years and stay committed to their goal.
Passion and Determination Keep the Journey Alive
- A dream begins with passion, which grows into strong belief and confidence.
- The journey is long and difficult but if the desire remains strong even after challenges, one should keep pursuing the dream.
- The love for what one does becomes the motivation to continue.
Success Needs Support
- The mother gives the example of Academy Award winners who always thank their support teams.
- This shows that behind every successful person, there are many people who helped and supported them. No one achieves success alone.
Reality: Many Dreams Remain Dreams
- The mother explains that although it is good to have dreams, many people cannot fulfil them. Sometimes people choose a safe and secure life instead of chasing their dreams.
- In other cases, life circumstances force people to give up their ambitions.
Examples of Dreams Changed by Circumstances
- Some students dreamed of studying at Raffles College (now the National University of Singapore), but the Japanese invasion during World War II changed their lives forever.
- Others wanted to finish school but had to start working early to support their siblings.
Think Carefully Before Choosing a Dream
- The mother clarifies that she is not discouraging Ming from dreaming.
- Instead, she wants her to carefully think about the years of effort and sacrifices required to achieve a dream. Dreams need commitment and patience.
Follow the Dream if Passion Remains Strong
- The mother advises Ming that after considering all obstacles and sacrifices, if the passion still burns strongly, then she should go ahead and pursue her dream.
- The mother shares her own experience. The dream she has followed for the last ten years was not her childhood dream. Her dream changed over time and now she feels excited about it.
A Loving Conclusion
The letter ends on a hopeful note. The mother expresses her wish that at least one of Ming’s dreams comes true and signs the letter with love.
The title ‘Follow That Dream’ is suitable because the chapter is a mother’s advice to her daughter about pursuing dreams with dedication and patience. It highlights the effort, sacrifices, challenges and changing nature of dreams, while encouraging readers to stay committed and follow their passion despite difficulties.
Themes (Main Ideas) of Follow That Dream
Power of Dreams
Dreams gives direction and purpose to life. The chapter encourages young people to identify their passion and work towards it with dedication.
Hard Work and Perseverance
Success requires years of effort, sacrifice and determination. Greatness is achieved through consistent commitment and patience.
Reality vs. Idealism
While dreams are important, life circumstances can sometimes change or delay them. The chapter balances encouragement with practical advice.
Changing Nature of Dreams
Dreams can evolve with time and experience. It is natural for ambitions to change as life moves forward.
Hope and Encouragement
Despite challenges and uncertainties, the chapter ends with a hopeful message that pursuing dreams is always worthwhile.
Literary Devices of Follow That Dream
- Epistolary Form (Letter Writing) The chapter is written in the form of a personal letter from a mother to her daughter. This makes the message warm, direct and emotionally engaging.
- Allusion The writer refers to the Academy Awards and the Japanese invasion during World War II to give real-life examples and strengthen her message about success and changing circumstances.
- Examples/Anecdotes Real-life examples of students and the author’s own experience make the advice practical and relatable.
- Motivational Tone The encouraging and hopeful tone inspires readers to pursue their dreams while staying realistic.
- Imagery Phrases like ‘the road may be uphill’ and ‘burning conviction’ create vivid mental pictures of the journey towards success.
- Contrast The chapter contrasts
- Dream vs. Reality
- Passion vs. Practicality This highlights the balance between ambition and real life limitations.
Follow That Dream Class 9 Word Meanings
- Sole – Only; single in number
- Ply – Move
- Hamlets – Settlements
- Hefted – Lifted or carried with effort
- Oases – Fertile spots in a desert
- Stipulate – Specify
- Far-flung – Very distant or remote
- Mojri – Traditional footwear of Rajasthan
- Sizzle – To burn or heat intensely
- Dhaanis – Scattered desert dwellings
- Desolate – Empty and barren
- Operating – Working