The Making of Earth Lesson Summary Notes and Explanation in English Class 10th

Introduction:

‘The Making of the Earth’ is an excerpt from the text ‘Letters from a Father to His Daughter’ by Nehru, addressed to his daughter Indira Gandhi. As the title suggests, it delves into how Nehru describes the Earth came about, elaborating on the solar system, the planets, and creation of life forms as he compares this with life in general.

About the Author:

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) was the first prime minister of India. He was an avid reader and writer. Famous works of his include ‘Letters from a Father to His Daughter’, ‘Glimpses of World History,’ and ‘Discovery of India’.

Theme:

The theme of this text is science. Nehru describes in great detail about the solar system and the way of planets, connecting it with life. 

Summary:

The Real Stars:

The text begins with Nehru explaining in great detail about the solar system, how planets revolve around the sun. He calls this the happy family with the sun being the ‘father’. He goes on to talk about stars, how they can be distinguished from planets by the way they twinkle. He connects this with the sun, how the sun is what shines and is the real star. People who are the real stars are very much like the sun for they shine on themselves, burning bright.

The Rope:

Nehru proceeds to make a humbling observation. He states how Earth, although appearing huge to us, was a mere speck in the entirety of the universe. He also points out how as astronomers had said, all the planets had been part of sun, the father, before becoming separate units, retaining their rope like connection with their father nonetheless. It was after this that the earth and subsequently moon, a part of it had cooled down.

Conclusion:

This excerpt ends with Nehru stating how the moon being smaller had cooled down much faster while the earth’s interiors remain red hot till this day, even as its surface had cooled. It was after this, Nehru states, that oceans and water bodies came, making way for life forms to exist.