My Big Brother
Questions & Answers
Question 1: The elder brother was not good at
academics. How does the narrator convey this?
Answer:
The narrator shows that the elder brother was not good at
studies by saying that he kept studying all the time, covered
everything in the syllabus, yet he still failed and had to
repeat the same class for two or three years. This shows that
even with hard work, he could not score well.
Question 2: What was the difference in the routines of
the two brothers?
Answer:
The elder brother spent all his time studying and never
played, while the younger brother played most of the day
and studied only a little. This was the main difference in
their daily routines.
Question 3: Read and answer the questions:
“But the moment I returned to the room, I would freeze
in my tracks to see my brother’s red face.”
(a) Whose thoughts are expressed through the above line?
Answer:
These are the thoughts of the younger brother, the narrator.
(b) What do the words ‘brother’s red face’ mean?
Answer:
The phrase ‘brother’s red face’ means that the elder brother
was very angry.
Question 4: What was the impact of the elder brother’s
lectures on the narrator?
Answer:
The narrator would feel upset and low in confidence after his
elder brother scolded or lectured him. He felt worthless for
some time.
Question 5: How did the elder brother’s sermons change
when he failed for the first time?
Answer:
After failing for the first time, the elder brother stopped
calling the narrator useless. Instead, he began to advise him
not to become too proud of his success.
Question 6: What was the elder brother’s reaction to
failing for the second time?
Answer:
When he failed for the second time, the elder brother was
deeply hurt and stopped scolding the narrator. He became
silent, especially as the narrator had topped the class.
Question 7: Do you think that the elder brother had to
suppress his desires to be a role model to his younger
brother? Why do you think so?
Answer:
Yes, the elder brother had to sacrifice his own wishes to be a
good example for his younger brother. He never played or
went out for fun because he wanted to set a serious and
disciplined example for the narrator.
Question 8: Bring out the humour in the story – both in
words as well as in situations.
Answer:
The story is full of humour. It’s funny how the serious elder
brother keeps failing despite all his hard work, while the
playful younger brother tops the class. Humorous situations
include the elder brother’s long lectures, the narrator’s lazy
study habits, and the elder brother’s anger and helplessness.
The contrast between their efforts and results adds to the
comedy.
Question 9: Bring out the irony in the story.
Answer:
The irony in the story is that the elder brother, who studies
all the time, fails in his exams, while the younger brother,
who spends most of his time playing, stands first. It’s also
ironic that despite the title "My Elder Brother," by the end,
both brothers are shown as equals running after the kite.
Question 10: Whom do you like more – the narrator or
his brother? Give reasons.
Answer:
I like the elder brother more because he is sincere,
responsible, and hardworking. He sacrifices his fun to guide
his younger brother and shows dedication even when he
fails. His efforts and intentions are truly admirable.
Question 11: “Then he ran at top speed towards the
hostel and I ran behind him.” What does the last line
reflect about the interpersonal relationship between the
siblings?
Answer:
The last line shows that the formal, teacher-like relationship
between the two brothers had changed. When they both run
after the kite, they behave like friends. It reflects warmth,
equality, and a playful bond between them.
Question 12: Read and answer the questions:
“My eyes were turned upwards and riveted on the air
traveller that was reeling gently towards its downfall.”
(a) What does the word ‘riveted’ mean?
Answer:
The word ‘riveted’ means firmly fixed or focused.
(b) Who is the air traveller referred to in the given line?
Answer:
The ‘air traveller’ here refers to the kite that was floating in
the air and slowly coming down.
