Comprehension I: The Bicycle Thief

Question 1.
Why did Roger steal a bicycle?

Answer:
Roger stole a bicycle because he was in a hurry to reach his airbase in Polebrook, which was 30 kilometres away. It was midnight, and there was a possibility of a morning bombing mission. Realizing he wouldn’t make it on time by walking, he took a rusty bicycle he found leaning against a fence, thinking he was just “borrowing” it.

Question 2.
How was Roger able to make amends for his theft of a bicycle?

Answer:
Nearly fifty years after the incident, Roger Johnson decided to make amends by donating 100 new bicycles to the children of the Pole brook area. He sent $19,000 to the Raleigh bicycle company in England before his visit in 1992. His generous act received appreciation from the local children and gained worldwide media attention.

Additional Questions and Answers: The Bicycle Thief

Question 3.
What dangerous task did Roger perform during the bombing mission?

Answer:
Roger had to dislodge two bombs that were stuck in their racks after the others had been released. He climbed through a hatch and carefully moved along a narrow platform in the open bomb bay, eight kilometers above the ground. Despite the danger, he managed to open the release mechanism and let the bombs drop safely.

Question 4.
What were some of Roger Johnson’s achievements after the war?

Answer:
After the war, Roger Johnson became a successful trauma surgeon, a licensed pilot, and also earned a law degree. He was also decorated with several medals for his service during the war.

Question 5.
Why did the bicycle incident continue to bother Roger for many years?

Answer:
Although Roger became successful and was honored for his bravery, he felt guilty for taking the bicycle from someone in a country where people had been kind to him. The memory of not returning the bike stayed with him as an unresolved moral issue.

Question 6.
How did the people of Polebrook respond to Roger’s act of kindness?

Answer:
The people of Polebrook, especially the children, responded warmly to Roger’s generous donation of 100 bicycles. They welcomed him with songs, dances, and gifts, and his gesture received worldwide media coverage.

Question 7.
What does Roger Johnson’s story teach us about conscience and redemption?

Answer:
Roger Johnson’s story shows that even small wrongs can weigh heavily on a person’s conscience. It also teaches that it’s never too late to make amends. His effort to correct his past mistake highlights the values of honesty, responsibility, and redemption.

“The Bicycle Thief” Summary