Chapter: 08. A Real Santa Claus
Comprehension Exercises - Answer Key
A. Fill in the blanks to complete these sentences.
The poet hangs two stockings, one for himself and one for another boy he knows. The room the poet describes is so empty that not even a stocking could be found. The poor boy’s Christmas joy is confined to his dreams. B. Answer these questions.
What does the poet want Santa to fill his (the poet’s) stocking with? The poet wants Santa to fill his own stocking with all the pretty toys and joys that the poor boy dreams of. How does the poet know that the other boy is “just about like me”? The poet knows the other boy is “just about like me” because he likely imagines the boy’s age and desires to be similar to his own, based on their shared childhood experiences and wishes. What condition does the poet set for himself to become “Santa Claus” to the other boy? The poet’s condition is that his own stocking must be filled “up to the brim” by Santa with the items the poor boy dreams of, before he can become Santa Claus to him. Why do you think the poet chose to help a specific boy he knows, rather than just asking Santa to help all poor children? The poet chose to help a specific boy perhaps because it makes the act of generosity more personal and tangible. Knowing a particular child’s situation can inspire more direct and immediate action than thinking about a general group of people. It also shows a deep personal connection and empathy. What message about the true spirit of giving does this poem convey to young readers? The poem conveys that the true spirit of giving means putting others’ happiness before your own and finding joy in making someone else’s dreams come true. It teaches that being “Santa Claus” is not just about a magical figure, but about anyone who shows kindness, generosity, and compassion. C. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“Not a stocking could you spy,
Matters not how you might try;”
a. What does “Matters not how you might try” suggest about the room? It suggests that the room is truly empty and bare, indicating an extreme lack of possessions, making it impossible to find any stockings.
b. What does the absence of stockings imply about the family living there? The absence of stockings implies that the family living there is very poor and does not have the means or tradition to celebrate Christmas with gifts in the usual way.
c. How does this detail contribute to the overall picture of the poor boy’s life? This detail highlights the harsh reality and deprivation in the poor boy’s life, showing that his home lacks even the basic items associated with Christmas joy. It makes his dreams of “pretty toys” even more poignant and emphasizes the poet’s compassionate desire to help. 
Answer key