Question

Why did Valli not like to be called a child?

Hint:

Focus on the character's personality traits. Valli's strong sense of self-respect and independence is the primary reason she rejects the label 'child'.

Answer 1

Valli did not like to be called a child because she considered herself to be a mature and independent person. Despite being only eight years old, she had meticulously planned her secret bus journey all by herself. She felt that the term 'child' was patronizing and did not acknowledge her intelligence and self-respect. She wanted to be treated as an equal to the other adult passengers.