The Last Lesson Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous

years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Chapter 1, “The Last Lesson”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. It was so warm, so
bright! The birds were chirping at the edge of the woods; and in the open field back of the sawmill
the Prussian soldiers were drilling. It was all much more tempting than the rule for participles, but
I had the strength to resist, and hurried off to school.

(i) List two sensory details present in the extract.

Ans. Warm and bright weather
Birds chirping at the edge of the woods

(ii) Why is the narrator tempted to spend the day out of doors?
Ans. The narrator is tempted because of the pleasant weather, the chirping birds, and the sight
of Prussian soldiers drilling in the open field.

(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.

I hurried off to school resisting _______________.
Ans. I hurried off to school resisting the temptation to skip the day and enjoy the outdoors.

(iv) Why does the narrator want to bunk school?

(A) He doesn’t like the teachers.
(B) He doesn’t like his classmates.
(C) He wasn’t prepared for the test on participles.
(D) He had forgotten to complete his homework.
Ans. (C) He wasn’t prepared for the test on participles.

(v) Which trait of the protagonist is revealed in the sentence ‘I had the strength to resits’?
(A) sincerity
(B) determination
(C) bravery
(D) kindness
Ans. (B) determination

(vi) Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?
(A) The Drilling of Prussian Soldiers
(B) The Rule of Participles
(C) Strength to Resist
(D) Out of Doors
Ans. (C) Strength to Resist

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

I heard M. Hamel say to me, “I won’t scold you, little Franz : you must feel bad enough, see how
it is ! Everyday we have said to ourselves. Bah! I’ve plenty of time I’ll learn it tomorrow. And now
you see where we’ve come out. Ah, that’s the great trouble with Alsace; she puts off learning till
tomorrow. Now those fellows out there will have the right to say to you. ‘How is it; you pretend to
be Frenchmen, and yet you can neither speak nor write your own language?’ But, you are not the
worst, poor little Franz. We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with”.
 (i) ‘And now you see where we’ve come out.’ The tone of M. Hamel in the above line is that
of :
(A) kindness
(B) happiness
(C) regret
(D) enthusiasm
Ans. (C) regret

(ii) ‘We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with.’

Select the option, which conveys the meaning of ‘reproach’ as reflected in the above line.
(A) The player received a reprimand for breach of rules.
(B) The students approached the management with a demand for new canteen.
(c) The clerk received a letter of appreciation for his innovative ideas
(D) She could not find a way to broach the subject with her boss.
Ans. (A) The player received a reprimand for breach of rules.

(iii) State whether the following statement is true or false with reference to the extract.
1. Hamel endorses the belief that there is plenty of time to learn their language.
Ans. False

(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately.

‘You must feel bad enough.’ Through these words M. Hamel urges the people _______.
Ans. ‘You must feel bad enough.’ Through these words M. Hamel urges the people to realize the
consequences of their procrastination and neglect of their language.

(v) Identify the line from the text that reinforces the theme of patriotism in the story.
Ans. “How is it; you pretend to be Frenchmen, and yet you can neither speak nor write your own
language?”

(vi) She puts off learning till tomorrow. The phrase ‘puts off” suggests _____.
Ans. She puts off learning till tomorrow. The phrase “puts off suggests procrastination.

Q3. We miss a thing when we are in fear of losing it. Substantiate this statement with two
examples from ‘The Last Lesson’, how the people in the story suddenly realised how
precious their language was to them. [40-50 Words]
Ans. In ‘The Last Lesson,’ villagers regret not valuing their language when they learn it will no
longer be taught. M. Hamel’s sorrowful farewell emphasizes the significance of their native
tongue, which they had taken for granted.

Q4. What was more tempting for Franz than the rule for participles? Did he get
tempted? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The idea of running away and spending the day outdoors was tempting. The birds were
chirping and the open field behind which the Prussian soldiers were drilling was tempting but
Franz resisted the temptation and went to school.

Q5. Why were the villagers seated in the back benches? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The villagers were seated at the back bench of the classroom to pay respect to M Hamel
for forty years of service. They were there because it was his last day in the school.

Q6. What was the ‘thunderclap’ the narrator received as Hamel began the lesson? [40-50
Words]
Ans. The ‘thunderclap’ was the shock and realisation that this was the last French lesson he
would ever attend, as he had not appreciated his education and now faced the loss due to the
war.

Q7. Explain the inference that can be drawn from the line : “Will they make them sing in
German, even the pigeons?” [40-50 Words]
Ans. The line suggests that the imposition of the German language on the French people is so
complete that even the natural elements, like pigeons, would be forced to conform. It highlights
the oppressive nature of the conquerors in erasing the local culture and language.

Q8. M. Hamel in ‘The Last Lesson’ and Gandhiji in ‘Indigo’ were both concerned about the
state of education in the face of oppression. Write a speech to be shared with your peers
on the importance of education. You may use cues from the two texts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Good morning to one and all present here. Today, I stand before you to throw light upon the
topic – Importance of education.
In the story titled ‘The Last Lesson’, we get to know about the importance of one’s mother tongue
which is the key to freedom from slavery. M Hamel points out that if one is attached to one’s
mother tongue, then he can escape the clutches of slavery. He also praises his native language
– French and calls it the most logical and most beautiful language. The teacher is sad because
now the students will no longer study the language. Schools in the districts of Alsace and
Lorraine which were annexed by Prussia will now teach German language instead of French.
Even in the story ‘Indigo’ we see that Gandhiji wanted to uplift the peasants and requested
volunteer teachers Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh and others. They opened primary schools
in six villages.
Thus, we can conclude that education is empowering and crucial for becoming self-reliant.

Q9. Franz in “The Last Lesson” realizes the importance of going to school while Saheb in
“Lost Spring” yearns to go to school. Write a paragraph exploring the different
perspectives of these two young boys on learning and education. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Franz and Saheb offer contrasting perspectives on education that highlight the value and
challenges of schooling. In “The Last Lesson,” Franz’s realization of the importance of school
comes too late, as he is faced with the harsh reality of losing his opportunity to learn due to the
German occupation. His regret underscores how education is often undervalued until it is
threatened. Conversely, Saheb in “Lost Spring” yearns for school as a means of escape from the
harsh life of rag-picking. His desire for education represents hope and a vision for a better future.
Saheb’s longing illustrates how education is seen as a pathway to opportunity, reflecting its
critical role in transforming lives. While Franz’s experience is shaped by loss and missed
chances, Saheb’s perspective is driven by a yearning for change and improvement.

Q10. Imagine you are Mukund Padmanabhan (The Interview) and you interviewed M.
Hamel, after he had finished delivering the last lesson (The Last Lesson). Write a
paragraph on Hamel’s views on individual responsibility and nationalism. [120-150 Words]
Ans. It is an individual’s responsibility towards his nation, to protect its freedom. M hamel insists
that an individual can retain his freedom and his country’s sovereignty if he is attached to the
mother tongue. Hamel lays stress on the importance of one’s language which is a key to freedom
from slavery. When Germany annexes two districts of France, it orders that German instead of
French be taught in the schools. This order shows the importance of language and the enemy is
trying to snatch the mother tongue from the people so that they can be enslaved. The language
of a country plays a major role in display of nationalism because it s binding factor which runs
through the fabric of the country.

Q11. Franz from ‘The Last Lesson’ and the peddler from ‘The Rattrap’ demonstrate the
importance of learning from one’s mistakes and rising up to evolve as a better person.
Write an article based on the two texts on how a man evolves after learning from his
mistakes. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In order to achieve success, it is crucial that we learn from our mistakes and improvise
ourselves. In the story ‘The Last Lesson’ we see the young boy Franz who is shocked to know
that it is his last lesson of French and that he will never get a chance to study it. This news
transforms him and he develops a liking for studies. He starts admiring his teacher and
acknowledges his dedication. That day Franz is able to understand all that is taught in the class.
Similarly, we see the character of the peddler in the story ‘The Rattrap’. The peddler reacts to
Edla’s selfless kindness and gets over his acts of petty thievery to be an army captain in the true
sense. He does not want her to feel humiliated that she had considered him to be a gentleman.
As a mark of acknowledgement of Edla’s kindness, the peddler returns the stolen money and
requests her to hand it over to the old crofter.
Thus, we see that these two characters learnt precious lessons and incorporated them to
become better versions of themselves.

Q12. While M. Hamel talks of language being the key to nationalism. Gandhi tells the court
it is a ‘conflict of duties’. On the one hand, not to set a bad example as a law breaker, on
the other hand, to render the humanitarian and national service. You get inspired and
decide to write an article for a youth magazine urging the youth to dedicate themselves to
the service, of the nation.
You may begin like this,
Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation ……… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation. Thus, it becomes their
responsibility to ensure that they seek the progress of the nation alongwith their personal
progress. One must remain attached to one’s mother tongue because it is the key to freedom
from slavery. If we want to retain our freedom, then we must guard our native language. Also, we
must be watchful that our acts are not against the law and also, we must try to help fellow
citizens in their progress. As the saying goes, ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. All the people of
the country must make a combined effort to shine and rise together in order to ensure the
progress of the nation.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. What were Franz’s feelings as he set out for school and why? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Franz was terrified of getting reprimanded since M. Hamel would demand that he prepare
his lesson on participles. in addition, the pleasant, sunny weather, the sound of birds, and the
presence of Prussian soldier made him want to skip class.

Q2. Why was M. Hamel dressed in formal clothes in school? [40-50 Words]
Ans. M. Hamel was dressed in formal clothes in school because it was his last lesson before
leaving Alsace. He wore his beautiful green coat, frilled shirt, and a little black silk cap, all
embroidered. This attire was reserved for special occasions like inspections and prize days. M.
Hamel’s formal dressing on this particular day symbolized the significance and solemnity of the
occasion, marking the end of his forty years of faithful service as a teacher in Alsace.

Q3. When do the residents of Alsace realise how precious their language is to them? [40-
50 Words]
Ans. When the people of Alsace learn that French will no longer be taught to them, they discover
how important their native tongue is to them. Mr. Hamel explains to them that “when people are
enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if they have the key to their prison.”

Q4. The last lesson reflects the flaws in human character that led to the sad plight of
people in Alsace. Substantiate your answer with evidences from the text. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The text suggests the flaws in human character that contributed to the sad plight of the
people in Alsace. M. Hamel, in his final lesson, points out the procrastination and neglect of
learning among both the students and their parents. He mentions how everyone, including
himself, had put off learning, thinking they had plenty of time. The teacher acknowledges his own
role in diverting students from studies, such as sending them to water flowers or giving holidays
for fishing.
Moreover, the mention of the old men of the village sitting in the back of the room with regretful
expressions indicates a collective sense of remorse. Their failure to prioritize education and
language learning contributed to the vulnerability of the community when faced with the
imposition of German as the sole language of instruction. Overall, the text suggests that personal
shortcomings, including procrastination and a lack of commitment to education, played a part in
the cultural and linguistic crisis faced by the people of Alsace.
Questions that appeared in 2020 Board Exams
Q1. What was the mood in the classroom when M. Hamel gave his last lesson? [30-40
words]
Ans. The entire classroom was silent when M.Hamet began his final lecture, every single student
was quiet and paying attention to Mr. Hamel’s words, even everyone was sitting quietly in their
own seat without making a fuss. Everyone was there that day and Mr. Hamel was completely
absorbed in his thoughts.

Q2. What was the importance of the bulletin-board near the town hall? [30-40 words]
Ans. All the important news was put up on this bulletin board. News of lost battles, the draft, the
order of the commanding officer – all the bad news came from there.

Q3. Why was the order from Berlin called a thunderclap by Franz? [30-40 words]
Ans. It was a shock for the young boy because now he could no longer learn french language.

Q4. Why did M. Hamel blame the parents for their children’s poor performance at school?
[30-40 words]
Ans. He blamed the parents for sending the kids to earn money instead of sending them to
school. They put them at work in farms and mills so that the family could earn extra money.

Q5. Why did the narrator want to skip school on the day of the last lesson? [30-40 words]
Ans. He was scared of the teacher because he did not know the topic of Participles which the
teacher had ordered them to prepare. Thus, he wanted to skip school and spend the day outside.

Q6. How is the mother tongue important to a person? What does M. Hamel, the teacher
say about it? [30-40 words]
Ans. Mother tongue is a key to freedom from slavery. M Hamel says that one must remain
attached to one’s mother tongue to remain free from oppression.

Q7. Why was there a crowd in front of the bulletin-board? [30-40 words]
Ans. There was a crowd in front of the bulletin board because a news had been put up. It
announced that as Prussia had annexed the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine, German
instead of French would be taught in the schools there.

Q8. Why did the elders of the village attend the last lesson? [30-40 words]
Ans. The elders of the village attended the class that day as a mark of respect towards M Hamel
who had taught there for forty years.

Q9. Educating children is the responsibility of society. Justify the statement in view of
‘The Last Lesson’. [120-150 words]
Ans. Children are the future of a nation and so, educating them is the responsibility of the society
to ensure a better, brighter future. In the story, ‘The Last Lesson’ we see that the enemy country
targets the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. After defeating France, Prussia annexed the districts
of Alsace and Lorraine and replaced French subject with German in the schools there. They
targeted school children to weaken the future of France. When the students would grow up, they
would feel alienated from their motherland France and would gradually get inclined towards
Germany. Thus, this plan of Prussians shows that children are the future of a nation and thus,
their education has to be ensured by the society.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the chapter

Q1. How and why was M. Hamel dressed differently that day? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. It was in honour of the last lesson that M. Hamel had put on his fine Sunday clothes. He
was wearing his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt and his little black silk embroidered cap that
he wore only on inspection and prize days.
Q2. Why were the old men of the village sitting in the classroom on the last day of the
lesson? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. They were there to pay respect to M Hamel’s service of forty years as it was his last day in
the school.

Q3. Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz? [30
– 40 words]
Ans. M. Hamel blamed the parents for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz
because their parents wanted them to work on farm to earn some money. Franz himself wanted
to enjoy his time and thus, avoided going to school. M. Hamel blamed himself too for the neglect
as he made the boys work in the garden which made them miss their lessons and whenever he
wanted to go fishing, he gave them a holiday.

Q4. Why did the village elders occupy the back benches in the classroom to attend the
last lesson delivered by M. Hamel? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The village elders occupied the back benches in the classroom to attend the last lesson
delivered by M. Hamel because they felt sorry for not attending the school ever. They wanted to
show their sympathy and respect for the teachers. They thanked M. Hamel for his long and
devoted service of forty years to teach the children of the school.

Q5. How did M. Hamel make his last lesson a special one? What did he emphasize in it?
[30 – 40 words]
Ans. M. Hamel made his last lesson special by wearing a special outfit and talking about the
French language at length. He told that it was the most beautiful language in the world the
clearest and the most logical. He asked the students that they must guard it because when
people are enslaved, the language is the only key to their prison.

Q6. Everybody during the last lesson was filled with regret. Comment. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. According to the order from Berlin, only German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace
and Lorraine. This order left Mr. Hamel, the village people and the Mr. Hamel’s students in deep
regret. The villagers regretted not having made utmost use of the French lessons that they had
been given by Mr Hamel. They had engaged themselves in their profession to earn a living and
had not taken their French lessons seriously. The children and the villagers sitting in the class
had always thought that they had enough time to learn the language. But now, during the last
French lesson, everybody realised their mistake. They realised how little they knew their native
language. They all attended the last lesson to show their respect to their teacher and their
country, which was no longer theirs.

Q7. ‘The Last Lesson’ shows that people suddenly realised how precious their language
was to them. Comment. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The story was written in the days of the Franco-Prussian war in which France was defeated
by Prussia. In this story the French districts of Alsace-Lorraine have passed into Prussian hands.
M. Hamel is the teacher of French and a boy, Franz who never serious in the class of M. Hamel.
One day he was late for school. He feared that his teacher would scold as he was not very sure
about participles which the teacher, M. Hamel, is going to test that day. But finally he decided to
go to school. As he entered he saw the crowd has gathered round the bulletin board. He did not
stop there. On arriving at school, he noted an unusual silence. He entered into the class and was
greeted with a strange sight. The last benches which were always empty were occupied by the
village elders who look grim and solemn. Franz noticed M. Hamel was dressed nicely and asked
Franz to sit so that he could start his lesson. The teacher made a startling announcement that
this would be their last lesson in French as the new teacher would be arriving the following day.
He said, “The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine. The new teacher comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be
very attentive.” There came a sudden change in the minds of the people and they developed a
new profound love French. Franz was overcome with a feeling of remorse and regretted for
wasting his time in trivial pursuits. He decided to pay attention to the lesson since school had
become very important for him. The people and Franz himself realized how precious their
language is to them. M. Hamel had been teaching in that school for last forty years. His
dedication, devotion, discipline impressed them. He realizes the real worth of his school and the
teacher whom they have all taken for granted all these years. M. Hamel in his last address told
about the importance of French. He called that it was the most beautiful language in the world. It
is the clearest and the most logical one. M.Hamel was overcome by strong emotions and in large
letter he wrote on the board ‘Viva La France’ — long live France!

Q8. What was unusual in the market and in the classroom on the day of the last lesson?
[120 – 150 words]
Ans. There was a huge crowd around the bulletin board which displayed all news and
announcements related to the war. It indicated that something new had been put up there. The
school was unusually quiet like it used to be on a Sunday morning. There was no hustle bustle,
no sound of desks creaking. M Hamel was walking in one of the classrooms with his stick under
his arm. He wore a solemn expression and was gentle. Franz was scared of being reprimanded
for coming late to school. However, M Hamel spoke gently and was unusually calm. All these
changes made Franz wonder.

Q9. How was M. Hamel different in his last lesson? Who did he scold and for what? [120 –
150 words]
Ans. M Hamel had taught in the school for the last forty years. However, an order from Prussia,
made it his last lesson that day because now, French would no longer be taught in schools of the
French districts of Alsace and Lorraine. This announcement had a deep impact on the teacher.
He was solemn and gentle. He walked up and down the rows of the classroom with his stick
placed under his arm. However, his behaviour was unusual. He was gentle and calm in
opposition to his strict demeanour. He did not scold Franz for being late that day. That day, M
Hamel was dressed in his formal attire which he would wear only on special occasions. He sat
motionless, gazing at things, perhaps to fix the setting of the classroom in his mind.
That day, he did not scold Franz for being late or for not preparing the topic of Participles. He
rued that the French did not take studies seriously and put it off for another day. The parents and
teachers were to be blamed for not taking academics seriously. M Hamel blamed himself also for
going fishing and sending students to water the plants instead of teaching them. Thus, he made
confessions and tried to amend by conveying the importance of the mother tongue to the
students.

Q10. ‘The order from Berlin banning teaching of French stunned everyone. Comment. [120
– 150 words]
Ans. As Berlin annexed the French districts of Alsace and Lorraine, Prussia announced that
instead of French language, German would be taught in the schools there. This order came as a
thunderclap for the students, especially Franz. Now he wanted to study and that day he was able
to understand the entire lesson that was taught in the class. He even developed a liking for M
Hamel whom he had found to be strict earlier. Franz lamented for not being serious towards
studying his mother tongue. Now he would not get a chance to study it. His dejection and
anguish is evident from his insight when he questions whether they would teach the pigeons
cooing on the roof of the class to coo in German language. By this, Franz displayed his protest
against the order that snatched away their mother tongue from them.

Lost Spring Stories of Stolen Childhood Previous Year Questions with Answers
– Question Answers from Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable
insights into how chapters are typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for
the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions
commonly asked and highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have
shared Previous Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Chapter 2, “Lost Spring Stories of
Stolen Childhood”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
They have lived here for more than thirty years without an identity, without permits but with ration
cards that get their names on voters’ lists and enable them to buy grain. Food is more important
for survival than identity. “If at the end of the day we can feed our families and go to bed without
an aching stomach, we would rather live here than in the fields that gave us no grain,” say a
group of women in tattered saris when I asked them why they left their beautiful land of green
fields and rivers. Wherever they find food, they pitch their tents.

(i) The ragpickers have been living there for ____________ decades.
(A) three
(B) four
(C) two
(D) five
Ans. (A) three

(ii) Why do these people have ration cards?

Ans. These people have ration cards to get their names on voters’ lists and enable them to buy
grain.

(iii) What do you infer about their lifestyle from the phrase ‘pitch their tents’?
Ans. Their lifestyle is nomadic and transient, as they move frequently in search of food and
shelter.

(iv) In spite of the hardships, they are not willing to go back to their homeland
because__________.
Ans. They believe that finding food and feeding their families is more important than returning to
their fields.

(v) The women had a/an __________ approach towards life.

(A) idealistic
(B) passive
(C) indifferent
(D) practical
Ans. (D) practical

(vi) What does the term ‘go to bed without an aching stomach’ indicate?
Ans. It indicates having enough food to eat and not going hungry.

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

“Children grow up in them, becoming partners in survival. And survival in Seemapuri means rag-
picking. Through the years, it has acquired the proportions of a fine art. Garbage to them is gold.
It is their daily bread, a roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof. But for a child it is even
more.”

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.

Children become partners in survival suggests that ________.
Ans. they are deeply involved in the struggle for basic needs and livelihood, which is a part of
their daily lives.

(ii) Rag-picking has acquired the proportion of a fine art means :

(A) artistic bend of mind is required.
(B) it has proportionately displaced art.
(C) it has become a highly skilful activity.
(D) it has discovered pieces of art.
Ans. (C) it has become a highly skilful activity.

(iii) State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to the extract.
The children and their parents have left Dhaka to live in Seemapuri.
Ans. False

(iv) Why does the author say ‘survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking’?
Ans. The author says this because rag-picking is the only means by which the people of
Seemapuri can earn their livelihood and survive.

(v) What does the phrase “for a child it is even more” reveal about the children’s dreams?
Ans. It reveals that for children, rag-picking represents not just survival but also a loss of their
innocence and dreams, as it becomes their whole world.

(vi) Which of the following headlines suggests the central idea of the extract?
(A) Seemapuri, A Pot of Gold
(B) Rag-picking – Different Perspectives
(C) Art in Delhi and in Seemapuri
(D) Saheb-e-Alam in Seemapuri
Ans. (B) Rag-picking – Different Perspectives

Q3. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

“Why do you do this?” I ask Saheb whom I encounter every morning scrounging for gold in the
garbage dumps of my neighbourhood. Saheb left his home long ago. Set amidst the green fields
of Dhaka, his home is not even a distant memory. There were many storms that swept away their
fields and homes, his mother tells him. That’s why they left, looking for gold in the big city where
he now lives.
“I have nothing else to do,” he mutters, looking away.
“Go to school,” I say glibly, realizing immediately how hollow the advice must sound.
“There is no school in my neighbourhood. When they build one, I will go.”

(i) Choose the correct option.

The expression ‘scrounging for gold’ refers to
(A) searching for gold items.
(B) looking for something that can fetch money.
(C) rummaging the garbage.
(D) digging to find food to eat.
Ans. (B) looking for something that can fetch money.

(ii) The influence of nature in Saheb’s life was that it _______.

(A) brought prosperity
(B) yielded food for them
(C) gave them home
(D) brought disaster
Ans. (D) brought disaster

(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate word.

Saheb’s conversation with the narrator draws _____ of readers towards Saheb.
Ans. Saheb’s conversation with the narrator draws sympathy of readers towards Saheb.

(iv) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line “…… realizing how hollow the
advice must sound”.
Ans. The narrator understands that advising Saheb to go to school is impractical because there
are no schools in his neighborhood, and his immediate need is survival.

(v) The expression ‘when they build one, I will go’ indicates Saheb’s _______ to go to
school.
Ans. The expression ‘when they build one, I will go’ indicates Saheb’s willingness to go to
school.
(vi) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.
‘… his home is not even a distant dream’ states that Saheb sees his home often in his
dream.
Ans. FALSE

Q4. Explain the sentence “an army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds
and disappear at noon.” [40-50 Words]
Ans. The sentence describes the children who come to school early in the morning, much like
birds that appear at dawn, and leave by midday, highlighting their transient presence and the
daily routine of rag-picking.

Q5. Why is Mukesh’s dream compared to a mirage? [40-50 Words]

Ans. Mukesh’s dream of becoming a motor mechanic is compared to a mirage because it seems
distant and unattainable due to his impoverished background and the limited opportunities
available to him in the oppressive environment of Firozabad.

Q6. In spite of the conditions prevailing in Seemapuri, children like Saheb and Mukesh are
not devoid of hope. How far do you agree? [40-50 Words]
Ans. I agree with the statement. In the story we see the ragpicker boy named Saheb-e-Alam who
wants to go to school, play tennis and wants a pair of shoes. All these wishes indicate his
ambitions. He has desires which shows that he has hopes that they will get fulfilled. Another
young boy named Mukesh dares to dream and become a mechanic. He dares to pursue a
profession which is different from the traditional family occupation of bangle-making.

Q7. When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh, I am cheered. How is Mukesh’s attitude of life
different from that of his family and friends? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Mukesh’s attitude is different because he dreams of becoming a car mechanic, whereas his
family and friends are resigned to their fate of working in the bangle-making industry. His desire
to break free from the cycle of poverty and pursue a different path gives hope.

Q8. Franz in “The Last Lesson” realizes the importance of going to school while Saheb in
“Lost Spring” yearns to go to school. Write a paragraph exploring the different
perspectives of these two young boys on learning and education. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Franz and Saheb offer contrasting perspectives on education that highlight the value and
challenges of schooling. In “The Last Lesson,” Franz’s realization of the importance of school
comes too late, as he is faced with the harsh reality of losing his opportunity to learn due to the
German occupation. His regret underscores how education is often undervalued until it is
threatened. Conversely, Saheb in “Lost Spring” yearns for school as a means of escape from the
harsh life of rag-picking. His desire for education represents hope and a vision for a better future.
Saheb’s longing illustrates how education is seen as a pathway to opportunity, reflecting its
critical role in transforming lives. While Franz’s experience is shaped by loss and missed
chances, Saheb’s perspective is driven by a yearning for change and improvement.

Q9. Compose an oral presentation to be shared with your peers on what Gandhi’s advice
(Indigo) would be to the bangle makers of Firozabad (Lost Spring). [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi would advice the bangle-makers to come together and involve in non-cooperation.
We see that he employed peaceful means like non-cooperation and self rule to put the idea
forward that Indians would not tolerate being ordered around in their own land. Similarly, the
bangle-makers should also unite and take steps against the nexus of politicians and money
lenders. They must get the weapon of education which will enable them on the path of self
reliance and self dependence.

Q10. ‘A Roadside Stand’ and ‘Lost Spring’ depict two contrasting worlds existing in
society.
Justify this statement with reference to the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ and the text ‘The
Lost Spring’.
You may begin.
social satire in the two texts portrays two contrasting worlds that exist in society. [120-150
Words]
Ans. Contrasting Worlds in ‘A Roadside Stand’ and ‘Lost Spring’
Social satire in the two texts portrays two contrasting worlds that exist in society. In ‘A Roadside
Stand’, the poet highlights the plight of rural people who set up a stand by the roadside, hoping to
earn a living from passing city dwellers. Their aspirations and struggles reflect the stark contrast
between urban prosperity and rural poverty.
In ‘Lost Spring’, the focus shifts to the harsh realities faced by children like Mukesh and Saheb,
who are trapped in a cycle of poverty and labor. Their dreams and aspirations are crushed by the
socio-economic conditions they live in.
These contrasting worlds show the disparity in opportunities, living conditions, and the dreams of
people from different strata of society. While one group struggles for basic survival, the other
enjoys the fruits of progress and development. Addressing these disparities is crucial for a just
and equitable society.

Q11. ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ highlight the apathy of society and exploitation by those in
power. Elaborate. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In both the stories we see how the men in power try to exploit the underprivileged. In Lost
Spring story one, we see that the ragpickers who have migrated from Bangladesh have settled in
a slum colony called Seemapuri. They have access to ration cards only because these enable
them to vote for the politicians who lure them with free supplies of small amount of ration every
month. Other than this, no one ever bothers about the inhuman conditions in which these slum
dwellers live. In the second story we see the bangle-makers of Firozabad who are involved in the
traditional work which is harmful for their health and does not fetch enough money too. However,
these people have accepted this as their fate and do not dare to break the vicious trap of
politicians and money lenders. In the story titled Indigo we see the historical event wherein the
poor peasants of Champaran were exploited by the British landowners. The peasants were
forced to plant indigo and had to pay entire crop as rent. They even had to pay a compensation.
This entire system was crushing the poor peasants who did not have a voice.
Thus, both the stories reflect the societal attitude of exploitation of the poor.

Q12. She gave a little cry of joy. She found a small rattrap, … (The Rattrap)
Saheb-e-Alam received a pair of discarded shoes with a hole in one of them. In spite of
this he was very happy.
Compare the joy that both Edla and Saheb experience after receiving their respective
gifts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Edla and Saheb, though from different backgrounds, experience similar joy from receiving
gifts that symbolize kindness and hope.
Edla, in “The Rattrap,” is overjoyed to find a small rattrap left by the peddler, along with a note
and money he had stolen. This gift represents the peddler’s transformation and redemption,
brought about by Edla’s kindness. Her joy stems from witnessing the positive change her
compassion has inspired.
Saheb, in “Lost Spring,” receives a pair of discarded shoes with a hole in one of them. Despite
the shoes being imperfect, Saheb’s joy is immense because they represent a rare luxury in his
impoverished life. The shoes give him a sense of dignity and a small escape from his harsh
reality.
Both Edla and Saheb find happiness in these simple gifts because they carry deeper meanings
of hope, transformation, and the human capacity for kindness.

Q13. Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. The
real relief for them is to be free from fear (Indigo). The people of Firozabad (Lost Spring)
are fear stricken to form a cooperative as there is a vicious circle of middlemen,
politicians etc. These exploiters don’t allow them to take any initiative. You agree that fear
is the worst deterrent factor in one’s life.
As a motivational speaker, give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and
lead a successful life. Use material from the two texts to support your views.
You may begin like this.
 Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success …… [120-150
Words]
Ans. Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success. When someone
instils fear in us, he wants to fulfil some unlawful targets which will lead to our exploitation. Thus,
we have to remain away from such traps and also be alert to identify potential traps. In the story
Lost Spring we see the poor oppressed bangle makers who live in utter poverty and accept it as
their fate but are so fear-sticken that they do not form a co-operative due to the fear of the
politicians and money lenders. They do not dare to do some other work also because they are
trapped by these exploiters. Sometimes, people can blackmail us to get their ransom. In such
cases, we must not remain cocooned but we need to discuss the issue with our kin or even raise
the matter with our parents and teachers. While being fearless, one must be rational and
practical too. One must be able to judge and identify if the fear is real of if someone is instilling
the fear only to fulfil his motives. The poor peasants of Champaran get rid of their fear when they
realize they are strong in number and have the support of outsiders like Gandhiji as well as the
local lawyers. This empowers them and they are able to speak up for their rights.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
“I sometimes find a rupee, even a ten rupee note”, Saheb says, his eyes lighting up when you
can find a silver coin in a heap of garbage, you don’t stop scrounging, for there is hope of finding
more. It seems that for children, garbage has a meaning different from what it means to their
parents. For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders it is a means of survival.
One winter morning I see Saheb standing by the fenced gate of the neighbourhood club,
watching two young men dressed in white, playing tennis. “I like the game”, he hums, content to
watch it standing behind the fence. “I go inside when no one is around” he admits. “The gate
keeper lets me use the swing.”

(i) Saheb found a rupee

(a) on the street
(b) in the garbage dump
(c) in Firozabad
(d) on the tennis court
Ans. (b) in the garbage dump

(ii) Which emotion of Saheb is revealed in the phrase ‘his eyes lighting up’?
(a) anxiety
(b) envy
(c) happiness
(d) greed
Ans. (c) happiness

(iii) For the elders garbage is ____ and for children it is ________.
Ans. a means of survival, while for children, wrapped in wonder.

(iv) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to I and II given
below :
1. Saheb watches the game from outside.
2. Saheb had lost the previous match.
(a) I is true but II is not
(b) II is true but I is not
(c) Both I and II are true
(d) Both I and II are untrue
Ans. (a) I is true but II is not
(v) ‘Scrounging’ in the passage most nearly means.
(a) digging
(b) searching
(c) flinging
(d) burying
Ans. (b) searching

(vi) ‘There is hope for finding more’. Explain with reference to the above extract.
Ans. Saheb says that he finds a rupee or even a ten-rupee note in the garbage sometimes, and
when he does find something valuable, his eyes light up with happiness. He adds that even if he
finds a silver coin, he doesn’t stop scrounging, because there is always hope of finding more.This
implies that despite the fact that Saheb’s family relies on garbage to survive, he is able to find
some joy and excitement in the activity of scrounging. The hope of finding more valuable items is
what motivates him to continue searching through the garbage, and this hope gives him a sense
of purpose and optimism even in difficult circumstances

Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
And in dark hutments, next to lines of flames of flickering oil lamps, sit boys and girls with their
fathers and mothers, welding pieces of coloured glass into circles of bangles. Their eyes are
more adjusted to the dark than to the light outside. That is why they often end up losing their
eyesight before they become adults.

(i) Complete the sentence with reference to the extract :

Their eyes are more adjusted to the dark than to the light outside because ____.
Ans. They regularly work in flickering dim lights, in dark hutments so they are more adjusted to
the dark.

(ii) Which of the following would NOT be true?

(a) The hutments were shining and inviting.
(b) The children’s lives were as bleak as their surrounding.
(c) There were no electricity connections.
(d) The boys and girls had got used to the dark.
Ans. (a) The hutments were shining and inviting.

(iii) The bangle workers lose their eyesight before they became adults because
(a) they already have poor eyesight.
(b) they work in dim light.
(c) they are married in childhood.
(d) they are malnourished.
Ans. (b) they work in dim light.

(iv) Which of the following most nearly means ‘adjusted’ in the context of the extract?
(a) conditioned
(b) favoured
(c) accepted
(d) reconciled
Ans. (a) conditioned

(v) ‘Flickering oil lamps’ suggests _____.

Ans. The dim lights.

(vi) What is the antonym from the extract of the word ‘rarely’?
Ans. ‘often’

Q3. What vicious circle are the bangle-makers trapped in? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Middlemen and money lenders exploited the bangle makers. They would be beaten and
imprisoned if they attempted to organise and form cooperative societies. They lacked leaders
who could steer them in a different direction. They were forced to continue their hereditary
occupation, which resulted in a lifetime of insufficient food and clothing.

Q4. Why can the bangle-makers not organise themselves into a cooperative? [40-50
Words]
Ans. The bangle-makers cannot organise themselves into a cooperative because they are
burdened by the vicious cycle of poverty and exploitation. They lack the resources, education,
and collective strength needed to fight the powerful forces that exploit them, including the
middlemen and moneylenders.

Q5. The description of Seemapuri creates a very dismal picture. Explain. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Seemapuri is a garbage dump on the outskirts of Delhi. The writer says that it is miles away
from the city to indicate that it is strikingly opposite to the city of Delhi in terms of amenities and
infrastructure. The slum is occupied by Bangladeshi refugees who came there in 1971. It was
then a wilderness devoid of sewage, drainage and running water till date. Thus, we see a dismal
picture of the area.

Q6. Firozabad presents a strange paradox — the beauty of the glass bangles and the
misery of the people who make bangles. Discuss. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Firozabad, known for its exquisite glass bangles, presents a stark paradox between the
beauty of its products and the misery of the artisans who create them. The glass bangles of
Firozabad are admired for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, symbolizing beauty and
tradition. However, the lives of the bangle-makers are marked by extreme poverty, hazardous
working conditions, and exploitation.
These artisans, including children, work in dimly lit, poorly ventilated workshops for meager
wages. They are exposed to dangerous fumes and risk losing their eyesight and health. Despite
their hard work, they remain trapped in a cycle of debt and exploitation, unable to break free and
improve their living conditions. The contrast between the sparkling bangles and the bleak reality
of the bangle-makers’ lives underscores the social and economic injustices they face. This
paradox highlights the need for social reforms and better working conditions to uplift the lives of
these skilled but oppressed workers.

Q7. ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ bring out how the common man is a victim of exploitation.
Explain. [120-150 Words]
Ans. It is common knowledge that claims made regarding inheritance or lineage cannot be
contested. It is a known fact that we, as human beings, do not possess the capabilities
necessary to successfully contest our own destinies.
In the novel “Lost Spring,” the families of children like Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh are caught in
an unbreakable cycle of social stigma, which manifests itself in the form of poverty and
exploitation. They are compelled to obey and follow the powerful, and they are unable to
organise themselves into cooperative organisations for their own advancement.
In the same manner, the low-income sharecroppers in ‘Indigo’ were denied their right to legal
representation. At each and every turn, they were subjected to harassment at the hands of
government personnel, and the police did not listen to their concerns. In many cases, the legal
system is ruled by repressive laws that have the effect of dampening the spirit of the common
man. They lack the bravery to speak out against what they perceive to be unjust transactions,
and their legal battles result in a lack of clarity. Both ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ demonstrate how
the average man is a victim of exploitation as a result of this.

Questions that appeared in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. What change occurs in Saheb’s life? Is it a change for the better or worse? [30-40
words]
Ans. Saheb now has a steady source of income. He is paid 800 rupees every day and receives
all of his meals. As a result, food is not an issue. However, the casual expression on his face has
vanished. The steel canister he’s holding suddenly feels like a burden. He is no longer in charge
of himself. He would have to work longer shifts. He is depressed by his inability to undertake
things on his own initiative.

Q2. How bad were the living conditions in which Mukesh and his family survived? [30-40
words]
Ans. They lived in utter poverty. Stinking lanes choked with garbage led to the house with a
wobbly door. Humans and animals co-existed and it was a half-built shack. The walls were
damaged and the entire family – Mukesh, his brothers, their wives and the parents lived in a
small single room.

Q3. How was Saheb’s life at the tea-stall? [30-40 words]

Ans. Shahid got a job at a tea stall where he earned eight hundred rupees a month and got daily
meals as well. However, he had lost the freedom that he had enjoyed while rag picking.

Q4. For Saheb, how was work at the tea stall different from rag picking? [30-40 words]
Ans. At the tea stall, Saheb worked for the owner of the stall. He was no longer his own master
and lost the carefree look. The job assured a monthly pay and daily meals but took away his
freedom.

Q5. Mention any two difficulties faced by the bangle sellers of Firozabad. [30-40 words]
Ans. The bangle-makers of Firozabad have to work in unhealthy conditions which harm their
health permanently. They do not earn much and are forced into a vicious cycle of poverty
controlled by the moneylenders, police and politicians. They do not dare think of following any
other profession due to the fear of these powerful people.

Q6. What explanation did the children offer the writer for not wearing footwear? Did she
agree to it? [30-40 words]
Ans. They gave various reasons – one said that his mother did not get the chappals down from
the shelf and the other said that even if she did get them, the boy would have thrown them off.

Q7. Life of the bangle makers of Firozabad shows the grinding state of poverty and
traditions that condemn thousands of people to live a life of misery. Elaborate. [120-150
words]
Ans. Through the story of the bangle-makers of Ferozabad, the author expresses her concern
over their exploitation in the hazardous job of bangle-making. Extreme poverty, hard work and
dismal working conditions result in the loss of the childhood of children who are in this
profession. The working conditions of all bangle-makers are pathetic and miserable. They work in
high temperature, badly lit and poorly ventilated glass furnaces due to which child workers
especially are at risk of losing their eyesight at an early age and get prone to other health
hazards. The stinking lanes of Ferozabad are choked with garbage and humans and animals live
together in these hovels. There is no development or progress in their lives with the passage of
time. They have no choice but to work in these inhuman conditions. Mind-numbing toil kills their
dreams and hopes. The vicious circle of moneylenders and politicians does not allow them to
form co-operatives or take up alternate professions. They are condemned to live and die in
squalor, subjected to a life of poverty and perpetual exploitation.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. Describe the irony in Saheb’s name. [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Saheb-e-alam is a ragpicker but his name means the king of the Universe. This is ironical
because Saheb’s life is exactly opposite to that of a king. He just scrounges heaps of garbage in
search of any useful things like torn shoes, clothes and coins.

Q2. What change did Saheb feel working at the tea shop? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Saheb before was a rag-picker by chance he got a job to work at the tea stall down the
road. There he was paid 800 ruppes & all his meals. But his face lost his care free look. We were
no longer his own master. The steel milk canister seemed heavier than the the plastic bag. It
belonged to his teamster and the life under the master was not a life a happiness.

Q3. What is Mukesh’s dream? How can he achieve it? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Mukesh dreams to be a motor mechanic. He does not want to go for the traditional
profession of glass bangle-making which harms their health and does not provide much income.
He plans to learn to drive a car, go to a garage and learn the work of a motor mechanic. He is
ready to walk to the garage which is far from his home.

Q4. What are the two most admirable qualities in Mukesh? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Two admirable qualities in Mukesh are that he dares to dream and is focused on achieving
them. Mukesh refuses to accept his destiny as a bangle-maker like his father and ancestors. He
is ready to walk the long distance from his house to the garage were could learn to be a motor
mechanic which he aims to be.

Q5. ‘Garbage to them is gold.’ Why does the author say so about the ragpickers of
Seemapuri? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The author says that Garbage is like gold for the ragpickers metaphorically to indicate that
just like gold is precious for the common man, garbage is precious for the ragpickers. It is a
source of wonder and a means to fulfil their dreams. At times, while scrounging through the
heaps of garbage, they find precious articles which are as valuable to them as gold. They look for
discarded pairs of shoes, clothes, and even a coin or two. The ragpickers can not afford to buy
such articles and so, these garbage dumps are the only means to fulfil their desires.

Q6. “Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it, metaphorically.”
Explain. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The story ‘Lost Spring’ revolves around the pathetic lives of the poor children who live in the
slums and work in unhygienic conditions. Seemapuri is a slum area on the periphery of Delhi with
a settlement of more than 10,000 rag pickers. Those who live here are squatters who came from
Bangladesh back in 1971. They live in the structures of mud with roofs of tin or tarpaulin, devoid
of sewage systems, drainage or running water. One may think that the life of people living on the
periphery of the national capital must be very easy-going, rich and good but it is all opposite.
They have no identity or permits except ration cards as food is more important to them than any
identity. Children grow up only to become the supporters of their parents in survival. To them,
garbage means gold. It is their daily bread, a roof over their heads. It is a gift for them because
whenever they find some silver coin in a heap of garbage, they hope to survive on it for some
days.

Q7. What kind of life did children living in Seemapuri lead? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Seemapuri is a settlement of more than 10,000 rag pickers situated on the periphery of
Delhi. The people living there have migrated from Bangladesh. They lived in the structures of
mud with roofs of tin and tarpaulin. They did not have any identity or permits. Their children also
helped them in earning their livelihood. Saheb was one of the children who lived here. He was
from a poor family of Bangladesh. In order to earn their livelihood, his family shifted to Delhi
where they settled in Seemapuri. But when they found no work to do, they became rag pickers.
They had to search the garbage like others for something to make their livelihood. Sahib, whose
age was to enjoy the life, go to school and live his childhood, also looked into the heaps of
garbage for some coins. It was a tedious task as they used to leave their houses barefoot early in
the morning with a bag on their shoulders. They did not have chappals, so they were not in a
habit to wear them. Because their fields and homes were swept away in the flood in Bangladesh,
so they came to the big city with a hope but even here they led a miserable life.

Q8. What are the hazards of working in a glass bangle industry? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The workers in glass bangle industries have to work around hot furnaces, welding glass.
Although it is illegal for children to work in the glass furnaces with high temperatures in dingy
cells without air and light, these children slog the daylight hours and often lose the brightness of
their eyes. They end up losing their eye sight before attaining adulthood. The workers go blind
with the dust emanated from polishing of the glass bangles. Thus, the profession harms them
physically.

Q9. Mukesh dares to dream of a different life. What circumstances forced Mukesh not to
pursue his family business of bangle making? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Mukesh dreamt of becoming a car mechanic. He dared to dream to follow a different
profession because he realized that the glass bangle industry harmed the workers’ health ahd
did not provide them with sufficient money either. Thus, he wanted to breakout of the vicious
circle created by the moneylenders and politicians. Mukesh wanted to do something different so
that he could earn more money and improve the living standards of his family.

Q10. Mukesh finds himself caught between two distinct worlds. How do they affect his life
and that of the other bangle makers? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Mukesh is caught between his dreams and his reality. His dreams inspire him to progress in
life but his reality does not let anyone dream beyond the family traditions. He is caught in a
dilemma to choose between his dreams and the family’s traditional profession. Mukesh aspires
to become a car mechanic and learn driving. This way he can improve the living standards of his
family. However, the family elders cannot dare to dream of following any other profession than
the traditional work of glass bangle making. They are caught in a vicious trap of the greedy
moneylenders and powerful politicians but cannot gather the strength to break free. Any such
attempts like Mukesh’s are also trampled by the men in power.

Q11. Describe the life led by the migrants from Bangladesh who are living in Seemapuri.
[120 – 150 words]
Ans. The migrants from Bangladesh settled on the outskirts of Delhi in a slum called Seemapuri.
They migrated in the year 1971 when their fields and homes were destroyed by storms. These
migrants do ragpicking to earn a living. They live in structures made of mud with roofs of tin or
tarpaulin. There is no sewage, drainage or running water supply in the locality. For more than
thirty years around ten thousand migrants have been living here in such inhuman conditions.
They have been given ration cards which enable their names to be added to the voter’s list. In
return for their votes the politicians provide them some ration to eat. For these poverty ridden
people, getting food to fill the stomach is the biggest priority and garbage is their means of
survival as well as means of wonders.

Deep Water Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous
years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Chapter 3, Deep Water”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
My introduction to the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish
fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence. I paddled with my new water wings, watching the
other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I did this two or three times on different days. (Deep
Water)

(i) Identify the phrase from the given extract that bears evidence to the fact that the
narrator’s association with ‘childish fears’ was not a recent one.
Ans. “Revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears.”

(ii) How does the writer try to learn it? Mention any two ways.
Ans. The writer tries to learn by paddling with water wings and watching and imitating the other
boys.
(iii) What did the Y.M.C.A. pool bring back to Douglas?
(A) Unpleasant memories
(B) Memory of a boat
(C) Meeting a bruiser of a boy
(D) Memory of his visit to the Yakima River
Ans. (A) Unpleasant memories

(iv) The two emotions of Douglas mentioned in the given extract are ______ and
__________.
Ans. confidence and fear

(v) Why did Douglas ape the other boys?

Ans. Douglas aped the other boys to learn how to swim by observing and mimicking their
techniques.

(vi) The writing style of the extract is autobiographical because ___________ .

Ans. It recounts the personal experiences and emotions of the narrator, providing a first person
perspective on overcoming fear.

Q2. “I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits.” Says Douglas. Which
qualities of the speaker are highlighted in the above statement? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The statement highlights Douglas’s courage and determination. Despite being scared, he
remains composed and fights to overcome his fear, demonstrating resilience and the will to face
challenges.

Q3. “Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart.” What does the above statement
speak of the father? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The father’s laughter shows his ignorance of the danger his son is experiencing. He sees
the situation as a joke, while the son is genuinely terrified, indicating a lack of understanding and
empathy from the father.

Q4. The persistent determination of both Raj Kumar Shukla in “Indigo” and Douglas in
“Deep Water” reflects a strong will to overcome challenges and achieve one’s goal.
Elaborate with reference to the texts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story titled Indigo, we see the poor peasant named Raj Kumar Shukla who is
determined to take along Gandhiji to Champaran, who he believes will get them justice. His
persistence forces Gandhiji to accompany him which larks the start of Gandhiji’s involvement in
India’s freedom struggle. Thus, we see Raj Kumar Shukla’s immense contribution in India’s
freedom struggle.
In the other story titled Deep Water, we get to know of William Douglas’s childhood fear of water.
He had a great desire to swim in water bodies which led him to overcome the fear. He gives us
an important message that fear only lies in one’s mind and with determination and persistence,
he was able to overcome this fear.
Thus, both the characters give the message that determination can help us achieve the
unachieveable.

Q5. “Well I’ll be a manager then – yes, of course – to begin with.” (Going Places)
Sophie (Going Places) lives in a world of fantasy. Douglas (Deep Water) faces reality and
realises the importance of learning how to swim. Analyse based on the two texts the
importance of doing things rather than mere dreaming.
Write an article on how the youth of today must inculcate an attitude of doing rather than
dreaming.
You may begin –
The youth today must …… [120-150 Words]
Ans. The youth today must realize the importance of actions. Let us not undermine the
importance of planning but execution is irreplaceable. At times, we end up overthinking due to
 which we get sluggish and miss the opportunity to act. In the story Going Places we see the
character of Sophie. She is a dreamer and ends up daydreaming. Sophie just talks about her
fantasies which are unreal and irrelevant in her real life. Thus, the fantasies only help her weave
a dreamy world which is quiet opposed to her grim reality. On the opposite, the character of
William Douglas shows us to be practical. William wants to fulfil his wish of swimming in natural
waters and so, he decides to overcome the fear. He is determined and gets rid of the fear. Thus,
we see how action-oriented approach leads him to success and achievement of goals.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
The next I remember I was lying on my stomach beside the pool, vomiting. The chap that threw
me in was saying, “But I was only fooling.” Someone said, “The kid nearly died. Be all right now.
Let’s carry him to the locker room.”
Several hours later, I walked home. I was weak and trembling. I shook and cried when I lay on
my bed. I couldn’t eat that night. For days a haunting fear was in my heart. The slightest exertion
upset me, making me wobbly in the knees and sick to my stomach.
I never went back to the pool. I feared water. I avoided it whenever I could.

(i) With reference to the extract, Douglas was vomiting because

(a) he had got severe food poisoning.
(b) he had just been rescued from nearly drowning in the pool.
(c) he was frightened when he saw the big man.
(d) he had gone for a swim on an empty stomach.
Ans. (b) he had just been rescued from nearly drowning in the pool.

(ii) Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference.
For days a haunting fear was in my heart.
Ans. For days a recurring fear was in my heart.

(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below :
1. The boy did not know how to swim.
Il. The boy took a long time to recover from his fear.
(a) I can be inferred from the extract but II cannot.
(b) I cannot be inferred from the extract but II can.
(c) I is true but II is false.
(d) Both I and II are true.
Ans. (d) Both I and II are true.

(iv) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the chap threw the boy into
the pool just for fun (clue : a phrase)
Ans. But I was only fooling

(v) Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation as per the extract.
The slightest exertion upset the boy because ________.
Ans. The slightest exertion upset the boy because he had swallowed a lot of water and the fear
had caused a lot of exertion.

(vi) Replace the underlined word with its synonym from the extract.
The boy felt unsteady in the knees.
Ans. wobbly

Q2. What handicap did Doughlas suffer from? How did he overcome that? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Douglas suffered from a handicap that was the fear of water. He had immense desire of
swimming in natural waters but could not fulfil it due to the fear. He realized that he had to be
 determined to overcome the fear. Once he got determined, he hired a swimming instructor and
learnt swimming. The fear would return at times but he would face it and see it vanish. Thus, with
determination and perseverance, William overtook the fear.

Q3. Why did Douglas decide to go to the YMCA pool to learn swimming? [40-50
Words]
Ans. Douglas decided to go to the YMCA pool to learn swimming because it was considered
safe, and he wanted to overcome his fear of water that had developed due to a traumatic
experience in his childhood. The pool had instructors and was shallow at the edges, making it an
ideal place to learn.

Q4. What were Douglas’s initial thoughts when he was pushed into the pool? [40-50
Words]
Ans. Douglas felt like he was going a long way down when he was pushed into the pool. Even
before he got to the bottom, his lungs were about to burst. He used all of his strength to try to
jump up to the surface, but he couldn’t quite make it and started to sink again.

Questions that appeared in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Read the extracts given below and briefly answer the questions that follow each.
This went on until July. But I was still not satisfied. I was not sure that all the terror had left. So I
went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived off a dock at Triggs Island, and swam two
miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. I swam the crawl, breast stroke, side stroke, and back
stroke. Only once did the terror return. When I was in the middle of the lake, I put my face under
and saw nothing but bottomless water. The old sensation returned in miniature.

(i) Name the chapter and its writer.

Ans. Deep Water is the title of the chapter, and William Douglas is the author.

(ii) Why was the writer still not satisfied?

Ans. The writer was nevertheless unsatisfied since he still felt a sliver of worry now and then.
• He had a near-death experience that left a lasting impression on his psyche.
• As a result, he was motivated to overcome his phobia, and even after the trainer had completed
his training, he was unsatisfied.

(iii) What did ‘he’ do to satisfy himself?

Ans. To satisfy himself, he did the following:
• After the trainer had done training him, he went swimming alone.
• He travelled to New Hampshire’s Lake Wentworth.
• Eventually, he overcame his fear by swimming across Warm Lake.

(iv) Which ‘old sensation’ did he experience?

Ans. He felt like he was drowning when he had the “old sensation.”
• He went to a California beach with his father when he was a toddler and was pushed down by
heavy surf. He was terrified as a result of the encounter.
• When he was around ten or eleven years old, he was likewise thrown into the YMCA pool by a
gang of youngsters. He was terrified because he couldn’t get to the surface.
• He was terrified of water after these two experiences.

Q2. Explain Roosevelt’s observation, ‘‘All we have to fear is fear itself.’’ [30-40 words]
Ans. He observed that fear only exists in the mind while actually, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Q3. How did William Douglas’s fear of water start? [30-40 words]
Ans. When he was three or four years of age, his father took him to a beach in California. They
stood in the surf and William stuck onto his dad. Still, he got knocked down and was swept over
by the water. This created terror in him.

Q4. How did the swimming instructor build a swimmer out of Douglas? [120-150 words]
Ans. The instructor worked hard to build a swimmer out of Douglas. He recognised Douglas’
deathly fear of water and practiced with him five days a week for an hour each day. He devised a
novel method of teaching him to swim. He fastened a rope to Douglas’ belt, which passed
through a pulley that ran over an overhead cable. He made Douglas move back and forth in the
pool while holding the end of the rope in his hand, without causing him much fear. Douglas was
taught how to exhale underwater and inhale by raising his nose.
This exercise was repeated several times, and they swam across the pool week after week.
Douglas wa then taught to kick with his legs by the instructor. His legs did not work first, but he
was eventually able to control and command them. Finally, his instructor transformed him into a
near-perfect swimmer.

Q5. How did Douglas develop a fear of water? [120-150 words]

Ans. Since the age of three or four, when Douglas accompanied his father to the beach in
California, he realized his fear of water. He would get frightened by the power of the waves which
threw him, swept over him and buried him in the water.
It was just when he had started feeling comfortable in the pool in YMCA that an incident took
place. A big boy picked up the author and threw him in the pool at the deep end. He got water in
the mouth and sank to the bottom of the pool. He got suffocated due to lack of air, could not
scream for help, moved his arms in desperation but all his efforts failed. He sucked water and
then suddenly, all the efforts stopped. He felt relaxed, peaceful, fearless and sleepy as he drifted
away to death.

Q6. How did Douglas develop an aversion to water? How did he overcome his fear of
water? [120-150 words]
Ans. Since the age of three or four, when Douglas accompanied his father to the beach in
Californis, he realized his fear of water. He would get frightened by the power of the waves which
threw him, swept over him and buried him in the water.
It was just when he had started feeling comfortable in the pool in YMCA that an incident took
place. A big boy picked up the author and threw him in the pool at the deep end. He got water in
the mouth and sank to the bottom of the pool. He got suffocated due to lack of air, could not
scream for help, moved his arms in desperation but all his efforts failed. He sucked water and
then suddenly, all the efforts stopped. He felt relaxed, peaceful, fearless and sleepy as he drifted
away to death.
His desire to swim in the waters motivated him to learn swimming and get rid of the fear. He
hired an instructor who turned Douglas into a fine swimmer.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. What qualities turned the diffident Douglas into a good swimmer? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Douglas developed a fear of water but his persistence and hardwork enabled him to
overcome this fear. Finally, he learnt swimming and became a good swimmer.

Q2. How did the instructor turn Douglas into a swimmer? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Piece by piece, the instructor built a good swimmer out of Douglas. He used ropes and
belts to teach Douglas and instilled confidence in him by easing and pulling the rope. He made
Douglas hold the side of the pool and kick his legs. Once he was fully prepared, the instructor
asked Douglas to dive and swim across the length of the pool.
Q3. Why did William Douglas choose Y.M.C.A. pool when he decided to learn to swim? [30
– 40 words]
Ans. William’s mother had warned him that the Yakima river was treacherous. Comparatively,
the YMCA pool was safer and so, he decided to go there.

Q4. Which two incidents in the life of William Douglas before he was ten years old created
an aversion in his mind to water? [30 – 40 words]
OR
Which two incidents in Douglas’s early life made him scared of water? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. As a boy, Douglas was scared of water a lot. His first experience was on the sea beach
when he was with his father and a powerful wave swept over him. Although, the wave receded
but it left Douglas terrified. At the second time, when William Douglas was learning swimming in
Y.M.C.A. pool, a strong boy threw him into the deep water of the pool. He was saved but the
terror stayed with him and he couldn’t go near water for years.

Q5. Douglas has a near-death experience in his childhood which has a negative as well as
a positive outcome. Justify the statement with evidences from the text. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Douglas’ near-death experience in his childhood has negative as well as positive outcomes.
His misadventure at the YMCA swimming pool results in him developing an acute fear of water
which took complete possession of him whenever he was anywhere near water. It ruined his
fishing trips and deprived him of the joys of canoeing, boating and swimming. But once Douglas
decided that he had to overcome his fear of water, it gave him a sense of determination. With his
perseverance he made sure that he accomplished what he thought could not be possible. It also
made him courageous and developed a positive attitude in him that aided him in achieving the
goals he had set for himself.

Q6. Childhood fears are deeply entrenched in our mind. Determination, hard work and
right training are needed to get rid of them. Comment on the statement in the light of
Douglas’ efforts to overcome his fear of water. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. William Douglas’ life is a set example to prove the statement right. As a child of three or
four when he was at the beach with his father, he developed a fear of water. The overpowering
nature of the waves suffocated him and whenever he thought of going swimming, the fear would
return.
Another incident at the age of ten or eleven when he nearly drowned at the YMCA pool
developed a strong aversion for water in him. However, the urge to swim was so powerful that
finally, William decided to hire an instructor and learn swimming. Thus, Douglas preserved and
worked hard to finally become a good swimmer and overcame the fear of water.

Q7. Douglas says, “The instructor was finished, but I was not.” What did the instructor
teach Douglas? How did Douglas finish the task begun by the instructor? [120 – 150
words]
Ans. The instructor taught Douglas to swim and his step by step training made him a good
swimmer. Once Douglas learnt swimming, he tried swimming in natural waters. At times, the fear
would return but now Douglas would laugh at it and it would vanish. Thus, he realised that fear
was only in the mind.

The Rattrap Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous
years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Chapter 4, “The Rattrap”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the person
the ironmaster thought him to be? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The peddler explained that he never pretended to be the ironmaster’s friend. It was the
ironmaster who assumed his identity, and he merely went along with it out of necessity and
desperation.

Q2. The lesson ‘The Rattrap’ is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree with the
statement? Give reasons. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Yes, the lesson is entertaining through its engaging narrative of the peddler’s adventures
and philosophical in its exploration of themes like redemption, the nature of human kindness, and
the transformative power of selflessness.

Q3. Franz from ‘The Last Lesson’ and the peddler from ‘The Rattrap’ demonstrate the
importance of learning from one’s mistakes and rising up to evolve as a better person.
Write an article based on the two texts on how a man evolves after learning from his
mistakes. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In order to achieve success, it is crucial that we learn from our mistakes and improvise
ourselves. In the story ‘The Last Lesson’ we see the young boy Franz who is shocked to know
that it is his last lesson of French and that he will never get a chance to study it. This news
transforms him and he develops a liking for studies. He starts admiring his teacher and
acknowledges his dedication. That day Franz is able to understand all that is taught in the class.
Similarly, we see the character of the peddler in the story ‘The Rattrap’. The peddler reacts to
Edla’s selfless kindness and gets over his acts of petty thievery to be an army captain in the true
sense. He does not want her to feel humiliated that she had considered him to be a gentleman.
As a mark of acknowledgement of Edla’s kindness, the peddler returns the stolen money and
requests her to hand it over to the old crofter.
Thus, we see that these two characters learnt precious lessons and incorporated them to
become better versions of themselves.

Q4. She gave a little cry of joy. She found a small rattrap, … (The Rattrap)
Saheb-e-Alam received a pair of discarded shoes with a hole in one of them. In spite of
this he was very happy. (Lost Spring)
Compare the joy that both Edla and Saheb experience after receiving their respective
gifts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Edla and Saheb, though from different backgrounds, experience similar joy from receiving
gifts that symbolize kindness and hope.
Edla, in “The Rattrap,” is overjoyed to find a small rattrap left by the peddler, along with a note
and money he had stolen. This gift represents the peddler’s transformation and redemption,
brought about by Edla’s kindness. Her joy stems from witnessing the positive change her
compassion has inspired.
Saheb, in “Lost Spring,” receives a pair of discarded shoes with a hole in one of them. Despite
the shoes being imperfect, Saheb’s joy is immense because they represent a rare luxury in his
impoverished life. The shoes give him a sense of dignity and a small escape from his harsh
reality.
Both Edla and Saheb find happiness in these simple gifts because they carry deeper meanings
of hope, transformation, and the human capacity for kindness.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
“I am thinking of this stranger here,” said Edla “He walks and walks the whole year long, and
there is probably not a single place in the whole country where he is welcome and can feel at
home. Wherever he turns he is chased away. Always he is afraid of being arrested and cross-
examined. I should like to have him enjoy a day of peace with us here-just one in the whole
year.”

(i) Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate option :
Edla wished the Pedlar to have a peaceful day because _________
(a) the Pedlar had worked for Edla.
(b) the Pedlar had not been released from jail.
(c) the Pedlar had been staying at the forge.
(d) the Pedlar had always been looked with suspicion.
Ans. (d) the Pedlar had always been looked with suspicion.

(ii) Select the suitable word from the extract to complete analogy.
single : multiple :: abroad : _________
Ans. home

(iii) In the above extract, Edla comes across as

(a) conscientious
(b) pretentions
(c) compassionate
(d) selfless
Ans. (c) compassionate

(iv) Based on the above extract, choose the statement which is true.
(a) relationships are rattraps.
(b) money is important in the world.
(c) criminal is not born but made.
(d) christmas is a time of charity
Ans. (c) criminal is not born but made

(v) In the context of the given extract, which day is referred to in the expression ‘just one
in the whole year’?
Ans. (v) Christmas eve

(vi) What does the expression ‘he is cross examined’ suggest?

Ans. (vi) The expression ‘he is cross examined’ suggests that Peddlar and his identity have
always been questioned because of suspicion.

Q2. Who was Edla Williamson? Why did she visit the forge at night? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Edla was the daughter of the owner of Ramjso Ironworks, the Ironmaster. She visited the
forge on her father’s instructions. He wanted her to get the peddler home for Christmas. He had
mistaken the peddler to be an old army comrade and wanted to share the Christmas cheer with
him.

Q3. Explain the metaphor of the rattrap. [40-50 Words]

Ans. The peddler in “The Rattrap” compared the universe to a rattrap. He believed that the world
entices people with prosperity, pleasures, and other material goods, just as a rattrap uses bait to
entice rats. Once individuals succumb to these temptations, the world ensnares them like a rat in
a rattrap.

Q4. What made the ironmaster invite the peddler to his house? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The ironmaster invited the peddler to his house because he mistook him for an old
regimental comrade. He wanted to offer him shelter and assistance out of a sense of
camaraderie and nostalgia.

Q5. Why was the peddler hesitant to accompany the ironmaster to the manor house? [40-
50 Words]
Ans. The peddler had robbed the old crofter of his thirty crooner and was hiding from the police.
He was reluctant in going to the Manor house with the ironmaster because he feared being
recognized as the thief and being arrested.

Q6. Why did the iron master compare Edla to a parson? [40-50 Words]
Ans. He compares Edla to a parson because she has great power of persuasion just like the
parson in a church. When Edla is able to convince her father to allow the stranger remain at the
mansion and they share Christmas cheer with him, the father agrees reluctantly and says that
Edla is good at persuasion.

Q7. Edla is a contrast to her father, the ironmaster. Explain. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story, the rattrap, there are various instances which indicate the differences
between Edla and her father.
Ans. Edla is a mature girl. She realizes their responsibility towards the stranger whom they have
got home to share Christmas cheer with. She persuades her father to allow the stranger to stay
back till Christmas is over because they had forced him to come over. Her father is impulsive and
rash and wants to throw the stranger out when he realizes his mistaken identity but the wise Edla
stops him. She remains patient and kind to the stranger whom they had got home.
Edla is observant, a look at the stranger’s face shows his fear and she realizes that either he has
committed a theft or has escaped from the police. However, her father is not able to decipher
this.

Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams

Q1. Why did Edla invite the peddler? [40 Words]
Ans. Edla invited the peddler because she wanted to celebrate Christmas in the true spirit of the
festival by having a guest over for Christmas supper. Moreover, she wanted to give the peddler a
day of peace.

Q2. What made the Peddler accept Edla’s invitation? [40 Words]
Ans. By his frightened look, Edla guessed that the peddler had either stolen something or has
escaped prison. So she hinted an assurance that he would be free to leave whenever
he wanted. Reassured, he accepted the invitation.

Q3. What made the peddler think that he had fallen into a trap? [40 Words]
Ans. The peddler thought he had fallen into a trap when he realised that the rattrap had caught
him, mirroring his own life’s predicament of being trapped by greed and deception.

Q4. Explain the metaphor of ‘The Rattrap’ as explained by the peddler. [40 Words]
Ans. The peddler uses the metaphor of “The Rattrap” to describe life’s temptations and traps.
Just as a rattrap catches rats, life’s deceptions can ensnare people, leading them into moral and
financial pitfalls.

Q5. What Christmas gift did the peddler give Edla? Write its significance. [40 Words]
OR
What Christmas present did the peddler give Edla? Explain its significance. [40 Words]
Ans. As a Christmas present for Edla Willmansson, the street vendor had left behind a small
parcel. Three creased 10 kroner bills and a little rat trap were inside. The letter praised Edla’s
generosity and friendliness. The gift made her pleased, she thought. The gift represented the
peddler’s evolution. The kindness of Edla had changed the street vendor into a decent person
who had compassion and love for others.

Q6. Why did the iron master speak kindly to the peddler and invite him home? [40 Words]
Ans. The ironmaster of the Ramsjé Ironworks spoke kindly to the peddler because he had
mistaken him for an old regimental comrade, Captain von Stahle.
The ironmaster wanted to help the peddler, not only in regaining his health but also in taking up a
new vocation. Moreover, the ironmaster was a lonely fellow who lived with his oldest daughter
after the death of his wife and the departure of his sons. As he longed for some company on the
Christmas Eve, he invited the peddler to his home.

Q7. Why was the peddler surprised at the hospitality he received from the crofter? [40
Words]
Ans. The street vendor created wire rat traps and sold them to passersby. When the vendor
requested for protection, people typically made grumpy faces. However, the crofter invited him
into his house. Along with providing him with food and shelter, he also engaged in a game of
“mjolis” with him. This kindness shown to him by the crofter surprised him.

Q8. Why did the peddler derive pleasure from his idea of the world being a Rattrap? [40
Words]
Ans. The world had never been kind to the peddler so it gave him unwanted joy to think ill of it by
considering it as a rattrap. It became his cherished pastime to think of people he knew who had
let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare and of others who were still circling around the
bait in the rattrap.

Q9. The iron master accuses the peddler of not being quite honest. What does the peddler
say to justify the situation? [40 Words]
Ans. The peddler stood up in defence of himself when the ironmaster accused him of not being
entirely honest and said he had never attempted to pass himself off as the ironmaster’s friend.
He wasn’t at fault, therefore. He had continuously maintained his status as a meagre trader and
appealed for permission to remain in the forge. His presence, though, had not caused any harm.
He was prepared to don his rags once more and leave as a result.

Q10. In Edla’s dealing with the peddler, she was compassionate and generous. Discuss
with reference to the story ‘The Rattrap’. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Edla was kind and generous in her dealings with the peddler. The peddler’s perspective on
the world was affected by Edla’s deed of charity. Edla recognised right away that her father was
confusing someone’s identity in order to be his acquaintance. She knew this because she had
paid close attention to the peddler. She convinced him to go with her to her house so they could
spend Christmas Eve together despite the fact that she knew he was either a thief or a dishonest
person. The peddler used to believe that everything in life is a giant bait and that the world is a
big rattrap. But Edla brought him to their home and asked him to be a part of their family at least
for one day, which made him realise that she could see the true human being behind the con
artist selling rattraps. She stood by him even after his name was made known. All of this gave
the street vendor new insight into the world. She wanted the street vendor to relax and have a
good time on Christmas Eve. She went so far as to invite him to spend the following Christmas
with them. He started to see that there are good people in the world as well, and that he must
modify the way he views the world moving forward.

Q11. In the lesson ‘The Rattrap’, the narrator takes an empathetic approach towards the
rattrap seller. Considering the above statement, discuss the narrator’s portrayal of the
peddler. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The narrator in ‘The Rattrap’ takes an empathetic approach towards the peddler, portraying
him as a complex character caught in unfortunate circumstances. Despite his petty crimes, the
peddler is shown as a victim of poverty and societal neglect. The narrator delves into the
peddler’s psyche, explaining his belief that the world is a giant rattrap, and empathises with his
plight. When the peddler is given kindness and hospitality at the ironmaster’s house, he
undergoes a transformation, highlighting his inherent goodness. The narrator’s compassionate
portrayal underscores the idea that everyone deserves a chance for redemption and that
kindness can bring out the best in people.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Read the extracts given below and briefly answer the questions that follow each.
But just as he laid his head on the ground, he heard a sound – a hard regular thumping. There
was no doubt as to what that was. He raised himself. “Those are the hammer strokes from an
iron mill”, he thought.

(i) Who is he?

Ans. The peddler
(ii) Where was ‘he’ at that moment?
Ans. in the forest

(iii) Why did he lay his head on the ground?

Ans. he thought his end had come

(iv) Did he feel comfortable on hearing the thumping sound? Why?

Ans. Yes, the sound indicated that there was a mill nearby where he could seek shelter.

Q2. Why did the ironmaster invite the peddler to his house? [30-40 words]
Ans. The ironmaster mistook the peddler for an old army comrade and invited him home to feed
him and improve his condition. He wanted to take his regimental comrade home.

Q3. How was the peddler welcomed in the iron mill? [30-40 words]
Ans. The peddler was cordially greeted at the crofter’s cottage. The world had never been kind
to the peddler before. Everywhere he went, he was given the cold shoulder. As a result, he was
pleased to be received warmly by the crofter.

Q4. Why did the peddler leave a Christmas gift for Edla? [30-40 words]
Ans. Edla’s selfless kindness brought a change in the peddler’s heart due to which he left a gift
for her. He wanted to live upto the expected level of an Army Captain as she had addressed him.

Q5. How did the Crofter entertain the peddler? [30-40 words]
Ans. The old crofter welcomed the peddler, shared porridge and tobacco with him. He played
Mjolis card game with the stranger and let him sleep there for the night. He also shared his
secrets with the peddler.

Q6. Why did the Crofter repose confidence in the peddler? How did the peddler feel after
betraying the crofter? [120-150 words]
Ans. The Crofter was an old lonely man. He was glad to get company, someone to talk to. So,
he welcomed the stranger into his house. He shared porridge and tobacco with him, shared the
warmth of the fireplace, enjoyed the company by playing card game ‘mjolis’ with him and even
shared his secrets. He boasted about the cow that he owned whose milk had fetched him thirty
Kronor from the dairy.
In order to make the stranger believe him, the Crofter even showed him the pouch in which he
had kept the money. Perhaps he wanted to boast about owning such a bossy cow which gave
milk for the creamery everyday.
The peddler breached the Crofter’s trust by stealing the money. Initially, he was pleased with his
smartness, however, on realizing that he could get into danger, he diverted into the woods.
There, he got lost and realized that he had been walking round in the same path. The peddler
now thought that he had been tempted by the bait, the money and was now trapped in an
impenetrable prison.

Q7. What are the instances in the story (The Rattrap) that show that the character of the
ironmaster is different from that of his daughter in many ways? [120-150 words]
Ans. Edla is a mature girl. She realizes their responsibility towards the stranger whom they have
got home to share Christmas cheer with. She persuades her father to allow the stranger to stay
back till Christmas is over because they had forced him to come over. Her father is impulsive and
rash and wants to throw the stranger out when he realizes his mistaken identity but the wise Edla
stops him. She remains patient and kind to the stranger whom they had got home.
Edla is observant, a look at the stranger’s face shows his fear and she realizes that either he has
committed a theft or has escaped from the police. However, her father is not able to decipher
this.

Q8. Why did the peddler finally change his ways? [120-150 words]
Ans. Edla was selflessly kind towards the peddler. On the first glimpse of the peddler, she could
identify that he had escaped the police or was hiding from it. Still, she gladly took him home and
promised to share Christmas cheer with the vagabond. Edla was kind towards him and when the
ironmaster realized the mistaken identity of the stranger whom he had mistaken to be an old
army comrade, Edla insisted on keeping him home and fulfil the promise of sharing Christmas
cheer with him. This selfless humanity changed the peddler. Edla did not want anything from the
stranger, neither did she show him down or boast about herself. She just wanted him to sleep
and eat for a few days because she knew that the homeless poor hungry wretch required just
this.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. Why did Edla decide to entertain the peddler against the wishes of her father? [30 – 40
words]
Ans. On the first glimpse of the peddler, Edla knew that he had committed some wrong deeds.
However, her father insisted on bringing the man home. Now when he realized his mistake and
that the man was not an old army comrade of his, he wanted to get rid of him. However, Edla
insisted that they had got him home and had promised him Christmas cheer and so, she did not
want to send him away.

Q2. How did the peddler show his gratitude to Edla? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. For the first time the peddler had encountered a person with selfless kindness in Edla. He
showed gratitude by rising up to the mark of an army captain. He left her a gift of a rat trap, the
stolen money and a thank you note.

Q3. Why did the peddler decline the invitation extended to him by the ironmaster? [30 – 40
words]
Ans. the peddler was guilty of committing the theft and so, was reluctant to go to the
Manorhouse. He wanted to take a nap at the mill. He knew that the ironmaster was mistaking
him for an old army comrade and so, he refused the invitation.

Q4. Why did the peddler accept the invitation extended by Edla having already declined
the one from her father? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Edla’s friendly manner gave him confidence and he accepted the invitation which he had
earlier refused.

Q5. Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The crofter was a lonely fellow who lived on his own in a little gray cottage by the roadside.
He had no wife or children, and craved company and friends. So, one day when the peddler
turned up at his doorstep, he was happy to find someone to talk to, to be relieved of his boredom
and monotony. This is the reason he was so talkative and friendly with the peddler.

Q6. Why was the crofter so kind and generous to the peddler? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The crofter was a lonely man and needed company. Thus, he was welcoming and
generous towards the peddler.

Q7. ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Comment. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. ‘The Rattrap’ is a bit philosophical story which tells that the world is a trap and the
materialistic things are bait. In the story, the author tells that humans need someone to share
their joys and sorrows. They can’t live alone and that’s why they are called social I animals. In
the story too, the peddler is lonely and so is the crofter. The peddler is a lonely man who sells
rattraps to avoid his loneliness whereas the crofter is an old man who has neither wife nor child.
Due to his loneliness, he wants someone to talk to. So he becomes talkative and friendly with the
peddler and allows him to have a conversation with him. He not only gives him a shelter but also
gives him the food to eat and tobacco to smoke. He tells the peddler everything about himself
and his earnings. On the other hand, the iron master and his daughter are also lonely. They have
lots of money but no companion and so they request the peddler to spend Christmas with them.

Q8. What made the peddler finally change his ways? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The experience of the peddler at the manor of the Willmanssons made the peddler change
his ways. Earlier he had never known a true sympathiser or well-wisher. He had no friend to
steer him on the right path. Though the crofter was hospitable to him and even the ironmaster
had almost offered him help, they failed to leave any impact on him. It was Edla who, through her
genuine care and understanding, was finally able to change the peddler for the better.

Q9. How did the crofter tempt the peddler to steal his money? How did it change the
peddler’s life? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The peddler was a lonely man who looked like a beggar. He was a homeless wanderer who
used to sell rattraps. Once he knocked the door of a crofter who was equally lonely like him for a
night stay. He was received by the crofter warmly and cheerfully. Crofter was proud of his cow
that gave him enough milk. So he told the peddler about the thirty kronors he got by selling the
milk of the cow and he used to keep his money in a leather pouch that hung from a nail in the
window frame. He felt that the peddler did not believe him so he showed the money to convince
him. Having stolen the money, the peddler didn’t find it safe to walk along the public highway. So
he went through the woods and got lost. Here, he thought that the whole world was a rattrap and
the money he had stolen was a bait and he himself was trapped in it. Later, he regretted for
stealing the crofter’s money so much so that when Edia invited him for Christmas, he returned
the stolen money to her.

Q10. What miracle did Edla perform in the peddler’s life? How? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Edla transformed the vagabond and gave him a positive outlook towards life. Edla’s
compassion and selflessness gave the peddler the confidence. He now believed that goodness
exists in the world. He wanted to stand up to her expectation of being a Captain and so, returned
the stolen money. For the first time, he experienced genuine kindness.

Q11. When and how did the peddler realise that he had fallen into a rattrap? How could he
get out of it? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The peddler realised that he must not walk on the public highway with the stolen money in
his pocket. He went into the woods. He kept walking without coming to the end of the wood.
Then he realised that he had fallen in the rattrap. He had let himself befooled by a bait and had
been caught in. In order to come out of the trap he made rattraps of wire and went around selling
them. He got material for making them by begging in the big stores or at big farms. Since his
business was not quite profitable, he would beg or steal in order to survive.

Q12. How was the peddler received at the Ramsjé iron mill? Why did he decline the
ironmaster’s invitation? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The workers at the ironmill were busy working at the hot furnace and no one reacted to the
presence of the peddler. The peddler walked up to the furnace and lay close to it. The heat of the
furnace gave out steam from his damp clothes. When the ironmaster arrived, he gave a close
look to the peddler and mistook him to be an army comrade who had gone downhill in life. Thus,
he insisted on taking the peddler home. The peddler knew that the master was mistaken and so,
he refused. More so because he was afraid of being caught, having committed a theft. The
peddler did not clear the ironmaster’s mistake because he thought that maybe the master would
throw a cin or two at him for being his army comrade.

Q13. Give instances from the chapter, ‘The Rattrap’ to show that most of its characters are
victims of loneliness. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is on human loneliness. All the characters,
whether it is the peddler, the crofter, the ironmaster or his daughters, suffer from loneliness. The
peddler is a lonely man who has always been shunned by society’s cold and unkind words.
When he knocks at the door of the old crofter’s cottage he does not expect hospitality but the
crofter welcomes him as he is too happy to get someone to talk to after being alone for so long.
By serving the peddler the crofter is in fact serving himself. He serves the peddler with supper,
gives him tobacco and plays ‘mjolis’ with him. He is a very good host. The ironmaster and his
daughter too miss company and this makes them all the more lonely on the occasion of
Christmas. So the ironmaster, who mistakes the peddler for his old regimental comrade, invites
him to his manor house for Christmas. The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, extends this invitation
again and tells the peddler he can leave any time after Christmas. Thus the need to bond is the
main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’.

Q14. How does the story, ‘The Rattrap’ show the redemptive power of love and
compassion? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The story ends with the peddler’s redemption for his sin of committing theft. The peddler is
moved by Edla’s compassion and kindness. He feels confident that goodness exists in the world.
He wants to live up to Edla’s expectation of being a real-life army Captain. Thus, he return the
stolen money as a redemption for his guilt. The story wants to convey the message that love and
compassion can sensitize even the hardest of hearts.

Indigo Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous years
Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically presented
in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a valuable
resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key concepts
that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for Class 12
English Core Chapter 5, “Indigo

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
(a) Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse was the beginning of
their liberation from fear of the British.
The officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the crowd. He
was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and
unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians.
The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the trial.
Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.

(i) The result of the demonstration was that _________.

Ans. The trial was postponed.

(ii) The participants of the spontaneous demonstration were :

(A) Gandhi’s lawyers
(B) people of Champaran.
(C) Indigo landowners.
(D) Indian soldiers.
Ans. (B) people of Champaran.

(iii) Gandhi cooperated with the British by :

(A) not going to the court.
(B) remaining quiet when he was accused.
(C) helping to manage the mob of people.
(D) leaving Champaran for Delhi.
Ans. (C) helping to manage the mob of people.

(iv) The statement ‘Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors’ was
indicative of the Britisher’s __________.
Ans. uncertainty and need for higher approval.

(v) With reference to the extract, the word ‘baffled’ most nearly means :
(A) strengthened.
(B) disgusted.
(C) frightened.
(D) confused.
Ans. (D) confused.

(vi) Whose ‘might’ did this demonstration question?

Ans. The British authorities’ might.

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

This settlement was adopted unanimously by the commission. Gandhi explained that the amount
of the refund was less important than the fact that the landlords had been obliged to surrender
part of the money and, with it, part of their prestige. Therefore, as far as the peasants were
concerned, the planters had behaved as lords above the law. Now the peasant saw that he had
rights and defenders. He learned courage.

(i) What was Gandhi’s purpose in agreeing to the settlement, even at a lesser amount?
Ans. Gandhi agreed to the settlement to demonstrate that the landlords were not above the law
and to restore the peasants’ rights and self-respect.

(ii) Complete the sentence with one word :

The commission agreed by common consent, or in other words, they agreed to the
settlement ___________.
Ans. unanimously.

(iii) Explain the impact on the landlords as a result of the settlement.

Ans. The settlement forced the landlords to surrender part of their money and prestige, making
them acknowledge the peasants’ rights and reducing their dominance.

(iv) Based on the content provided in the extract, select the most likely option about the
behaviour of the landlords.
(A) The landlords were sorry for their behaviour.
(B) The landlords were obstinate and refused Gandhi’s suggestion.
(C) The landlords had to refund the money.
(D) The landlords and the planters became partners in the Indigo plantation.
Ans. (C) The landlords had to refund the money.

(v) What did the peasants realize from the Champaran incident?
Ans. The peasants realized that they had rights and defenders and that they could challenge
unjust practices and demand fair treatment.

(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately.

The phrase ‘lords above the law’ suggests that ___________.
Ans. the landlords considered themselves superior and not accountable to legal or ethical
standards.

Q3. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

They thought he would demand repayment in full of the money which they had illegally and
deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers. He asked only 50 percent. “There he seemed
adamant”, writes Reverend J.Z. Hodge, a British missionary in Champaran, who observed the
entire episode at close range. “Thinking probably that he would not give way, the representatives
of the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25 percent, and to his amazement Mr. Gandhi
took him at his words thus breaking the deadlock.”

(i) Choose the correct option

“Then he seemed adamant,’ reflects Gandhi’s trait of being
(A) arrogant
(B) uncompromising
(c) argumentative
(D) courageous
Ans. (B) uncompromising

(ii) _________ deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers.

The status of sharecroppers as inferred from the above line is
(A) law abiding citizens
(B) followers of Gandhi
(C) victims of exploitation
(D) contract labourers
Ans. (C) victims of exploitation

(iii) Complete the following sentence :

Gandhi surprised them by ______.
Ans. Gandhi surprised them by accepting the 25 percent refund offer instead of insisting on 50
percent.

(iv) The inference that can be drawn from the line “Mr. Gandhi took him at his word” is
_______.
Ans. The inference that can be drawn from the line “Mr. Gandhi took him at his word” is Gandhi’s
willingness to compromise to achieve a solution and break the deadlock.

(v) ‘Deadlock’ in the last line means ____________.

Ans. ‘Deadlock’ in the last line means a situation where no progress can be made due to
disagreement.

(vi) What do we infer about the attitude of planters towards sharecroppers?

Ans. The planters’ attitude towards sharecroppers was exploitative and deceitful, as they had
been extorting money from them.

Q4. Why did Gandhi say : “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the
poor”? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Gandhi believed that overcoming fear was essential for the poor to assert their rights and
demand justice. He felt that legal justice alone was insufficient without the courage to fight
against oppression and exploitation.

Q5. Rajkumar Shukla in ‘Indigo’ decided to take up the cause of the peasants and raise his
voice against injustice. The bangle makers were a stark contrast and accepted their plight
of oppression because of tradition and caste. Write a comparative analysis of the two
different attitudes towards unjust domination. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story Lost Spring we see the poor oppressed bangle makers who live in utter poverty
and accept it as their fate but are so fear-sticken that they do not form a co-operative due to the
fear of the politicians and money lenders. Thus, they remain trapped and will never come out of it
until and unless they overcome the fear and determine to take a step towards a better future.
Rajkumar Shukla is a poor peasant of Champaran and like the others of his lot, he too is crushed
under the oppressive landowners. However, still he gathers the courage and determination to
speak up against the injustice. It is his determination which leads Gandhiji to get involved in the
Champaran movement and thus, mark the onset of his involvement in India’s freedom struggle.
The poor peasants of Champaran get rid of their fear when they realize they are strong in
number and have the support of outsiders like Gandhiji as well as the local lawyers. This
empowers them and they are able to speak up for their rights.
Thus the two stories present a contrast in the way the oppressed behaved. It is this contrast in
behaviour which determined their future. We can conclude that our actions determine our fate
and destiny, we have to act and must not leave everything to God as the maxim goes – ‘God
helps those who help themselves.’
Q6. M. Hamel in ‘The Last Lesson’ and Gandhiji in ‘Indigo’ were both concerned about the
state of education in the face of oppression. Write a speech to be shared with your peers
on the importance of education. You may use cues from the two texts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Good morning to one and all present here. Today, I stand before you to throw light upon the
topic – Importance of education.
In the story titled ‘The Last Lesson’, we get to know about the importance of one’s mother tongue
which is the key to freedom from slavery. M Hamel points out that if one is attached to one’s
mother tongue, then he can escape the clutches of slavery. He also praises his native language
– French and calls it the most logical and most beautiful language. The teacher is sad because
now the students will no longer study the language. Schools in the districts of Alsace and
Lorraine which were annexed by Prussia will now teach German language instead of French.
Even in the story ‘Indigo’ we see that Gandhiji wanted to uplift the peasants and requested
volunteer teachers Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh and others. They opened primary schools
in six villages.
Thus, we can conclude that education is empowering and crucial for becoming self-reliant.

Q7. The persistent determination of both Raj Kumar Shukla in “Indigo” and Douglas in
“Deep Water” reflects a strong will to overcome challenges and achieve one’s goal.
Elaborate with reference to the texts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story titled Indigo, we see the poor peasant named Raj Kumar Shukla who is
determined to take along Gandhiji to Champaran, who he believes will get them justice. His
persistence forces Gandhiji to accompany him which larks the start of Gandhiji’s involvement in
India’s freedom struggle. Thus, we see Raj Kumar Shukla’s immense contribution in India’s
freedom struggle.
In the other story titled Deep Water, we get to know of William Douglas’s childhood fear of water.
He had a great desire to swim in water bodies which led him to overcome the fear. He gives us
an important message that fear only lies in one’s mind and with determination and persistence,
he was able to overcome this fear.
Thus, both the characters give the message that determination can help us achieve the
unachieveable.

Q8. Compose an oral presentation to be shared with your peers on what Gandhi’s advice
(Indigo) would be to the bangle makers of Firozabad (Lost Spring). [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi would advice the bangle-makers to come together and involve in non-cooperation.
We see that he employed peaceful means like non-cooperation and self rule to put the idea
forward that Indians would not tolerate being ordered around in their own land. Similarly, the
bangle-makers should also unite and take steps against the nexus of politicians and money
lenders. They must get the weapon of education which will enable them on the path of self
reliance and self dependence.

Q9. Wars with gas, wars with fire,

Victory with no survivors. (Keeping Quiet)
Pablo Neruda in the above lines, highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about
the change in the plight of the Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and
not
violence.
Write an article on the importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues. [120-150
Words]
Ans. War cannot be the solution or harbinger of peace because war leads to death and
destruction. We need to keep this in mind when we seek a solution to issues of unlawful
possession and invasion. Several world leaders have emphasised on the importance of peaceful
means to attain freedom. Gandhi was one of the noted leaders who advocated civil disobedience
as an effective means to attain liberty. It simply means to disobey the orders and rules laid down
by the authorities who are not bestowed with such rights but have snatched them in order to fulfil
their selfish goals and to oppress the people of the land. Even the poet Pablo Neruda, in the
poem titled Keeping Quiet says that wars are wasteful as they lead to trucksful of death.
Thus, we can conclude that war cannot be the solution to any issue. We must seek other means
like advocating home rule and civil disobedience which promote non-violence.

Q10. ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ highlight the apathy of society and exploitation by those in
power. Elaborate. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In both the stories we see how the men in power try to exploit the underprivileged. In Lost
Spring story one, we see that the ragpickers who have migrated from Bangladesh have settled in
a slum colony called Seemapuri. They have access to ration cards only because these enable
them to vote for the politicians who lure them with free supplies of small amount of ration every
month. Other than this, no one ever bothers about the inhuman conditions in which these slum
dwellers live. In the second story we see the bangle-makers of Firozabad who are involved in the
traditional work which is harmful for their health and does not fetch enough money too. However,
these people have accepted this as their fate and do not dare to break the vicious trap of
politicians and money lenders. In the story titled Indigo we see the historical event wherein the
poor peasants of Champaran were exploited by the British landowners. The peasants were
forced to plant indigo and had to pay entire crop as rent. They even had to pay a compensation.
This entire system was crushing the poor peasants who did not have a voice.
Thus, both the stories reflect the societal attitude of exploitation of the poor.

Q11. While M. Hamel talks of language being the key to nationalism. Gandhi tells the court
it is a ‘conflict of duties’. On the one hand, not to set a bad example as a law breaker, on
the other hand, to render the humanitarian and national service. You get inspired and
decide to write an article for a youth magazine urging the youth to dedicate themselves to
the service, of the nation.
You may begin like this,
Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation ……… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation. Thus, it becomes their
responsibility to ensure that they seek the progress of the nation alongwith their personal
progress. One must remain attached to one’s mother tongue because it is the key to freedom
from slavery. If we want to retain our freedom, then we must guard our native language. Also, we
must be watchful that our acts are not against the law and also, we must try to help fellow
citizens in their progress. As the saying goes, ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. All the people of
the country must make a combined effort to shine and rise together in order to ensure the
progress of the nation.

Q12. Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. The
real relief for them is to be free from fear (Indigo). The people of Firozabad (Lost Spring)
are fear stricken to form a cooperative as there is a vicious circle of middlemen,
politicians etc. These exploiters don’t allow them to take any initiative. You agree that fear
is the worst deterrent factor in one’s life.
As a motivational speaker, give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and
lead a successful life. Use material from the two texts to support your views.
You may begin like this.
Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success …… [120-150
Words]
Ans. Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success. When someone
instils fear in us, he wants to fulfil some unlawful targets which will lead to our exploitation. Thus,
we have to remain away from such traps and also be alert to identify potential traps. In the story
Lost Spring we see the poor oppressed bangle makers who live in utter poverty and accept it as
their fate but are so fear-sticken that they do not form a co-operative due to the fear of the
politicians and money lenders. They do not dare to do some other work also because they are
trapped by these exploiters. Sometimes, people can blackmail us to get their ransom. In such
cases, we must not remain cocooned but we need to discuss the issue with our kin or even raise
the matter with our parents and teachers. While being fearless, one must be rational and
practical too. One must be able to judge and identify if the fear is real of if someone is instilling
the fear only to fulfil his motives. The poor peasants of Champaran get rid of their fear when they
realize they are strong in number and have the support of outsiders like Gandhiji as well as the
local lawyers. This empowers them and they are able to speak up for their rights.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Describe the role of Raj Kumar Shukla in Indigo. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla played a crucial role in the Champaran episode related to the indigo
cultivation issue. He was a sharecropper from Champaran who approached Gandhi during the
1916 Indian National Congress party convention. Shukla, representing the grievances of indigo
sharecroppers, persistently requested Gandhi to visit Champaran and address the injustice of the
landlord system. Shukla’s determination and continuous presence alongside Gandhi influenced
him to eventually agree to visit Champaran. Shukla served as a catalyst in drawing Gandhi’s
attention to the plight of the peasants, leading to Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran
struggle against the oppressive indigo plantation system.

Q2. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of twenty-five percent refund to the peasants?
[40-50 Words]
Ans. Gandhi agreed to a settlement of twenty-five percent refund to the peasants in the
Champaran indigo issue as a pragmatic compromise. When the British planters offered to refund
only 25 percent of the money extorted from the sharecroppers, Gandhi surprisingly accepted the
offer. Despite the expectations that he would demand full repayment, Gandhi prioritized the
symbolic victory over the monetary amount. By accepting the 25 percent refund, he aimed to
break the deadlock and emphasize the landlords’ obligation to surrender part of the money, thus
diminishing their prestige. For Gandhi, the essence lay in establishing the principle that the
landlords were accountable and that the peasants had rights and defenders.

Q3. What does Gandhi refer to as ‘conflict of duties’? [40-50 Words]

Ans. Gandhi refers to the ‘conflict of duties’ when he explains his refusal to obey the order to
leave Champaran immediately. On one hand, he felt a duty not to set a bad example as a
lawbreaker, and on the other hand, he was committed to rendering “humanitarian and national
service” for the distressed peasants.
Gandhi believed that his disobedience was not a disregard for lawful authority but an obedience
to the higher law of conscience, emphasizing the moral and ethical dimensions of his actions.
This ‘conflict of duties’ highlights Gandhi’s philosophy of balancing legal obligations with a higher
moral duty to serve humanity and fight against injustice.

Q4. Why is the Champaran episode considered as the beginning of the Indian struggle for
independence? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The Champaran episode is considered the beginning of the Indian struggle for
independence because it marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first organized act of civil disobedience
against British rule in India.
In 1917, Gandhi, in response to the plight of indigo sharecroppers, led a nonviolent protest
against oppressive British landlords in Champaran, Bihar. This was a pivotal moment as it
demonstrated Gandhi’s method of nonviolent resistance and mass mobilization against unjust
colonial policies.
The success of the Champaran movement showcased the power of nonviolent civil
disobedience, inspiring subsequent movements against British rule. It laid the foundation for
Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha and provided a template for the larger independence
struggle, setting a precedent for peaceful resistance against colonial oppression.

Q5. ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ bring out how the common man is a victim of exploitation.
Explain. [120-150 Words]
Ans. It is common knowledge that claims made regarding inheritance or lineage cannot be
contested. It is a known fact that we, as human beings, do not possess the capabilities
necessary to successfully contest our own destinies.
In the novel “Lost Spring,” the families of children like Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh are caught in
an unbreakable cycle of social stigma, which manifests itself in the form of poverty and
exploitation. They are compelled to obey and follow the powerful, and they are unable to
organise themselves into cooperative organisations for their own advancement.
In the same manner, the low-income sharecroppers in ‘Indigo’ were denied their right to legal
representation. At each and every turn, they were subjected to harassment at the hands of
government personnel, and the police did not listen to their concerns. In many cases, the legal
system is ruled by repressive laws that have the effect of dampening the spirit of the common
man. They lack the bravery to speak out against what they perceive to be unjust transactions,
and their legal battles result in a lack of clarity. Both ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ demonstrate how
the average man is a victim of exploitation as a result of this.

Q6. “Civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India.” When and how
did it happen? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The triumph of civil disobedience in modern India occurred during the Champaran episode.
In 1917, when Gandhi was summoned to court for his refusal to leave Champaran and received
a notice to quit the region, he disobeyed the order. Facing a potential legal battle, Gandhi
declared his guilt and was prepared to face the consequences.
However, a spontaneous demonstration by thousands of peasants in support of Gandhi outside
the courthouse created a situation where the authorities felt powerless without his cooperation.
The officials requested a delay in the trial, and eventually, the Lieutenant-Governor ordered the
case to be dropped. This marked the first instance of civil disobedience succeeding against the
British authorities in modern India, establishing a precedent for future nonviolent resistance.

Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams

Q1. Why did Gandhi chide the lawyers? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi reprimanded the solicitors for charging the poor sharecroppers a large price. He
believed that taking these matters to court did little to help the terrified and oppressed peasants.
According to Gandhi, their release from terror was a relief.

Q2. What conflict of duty was Gandhi involved in? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi faced a conflict of obligations because he wanted to uphold his obligations as a
human being and as a national leader while also avoiding being labelled as a lawbreaker. He
arrived to Champaran with the intention of assisting the farmers, but when he realised that he
needed to appear in court, things got complicated for him.

Q3. In the Motihari court, what caused the delay in the trial? [40 Words]
Ans. The delay in the trial at the Motihari court was caused by the absence of crucial evidence
and witnesses, which impeded the progress of the legal proceedings.

Q4. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25% refund to the farmers? [40 Words]
Ans. For Gandhi, it was not the money but the principles that were of utmost importance. He
believed that the very fact that the British landlords surrendered was of more significance than
the percentage of refund. He wanted the poor farmers to realise that they too had rights and that
they need not really live in fear of the British landlords. Therefore, although he had initially quoted
a 50 percent refund, he later agreed to a settlement of 25 percent refund to the farmers. Besides,
Gandhi was interested in long-term solutions rather than immediate benefits. His decision was
proved right when, years later, the British landlords decided to leave their estates, putting an end
to the sharecropping arrangement.

Q5. What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo? [40
Words]
Ans. The introduction of synthetic indigo would lead to a decrease in the prices of natural indigo
as synthetic indigo would provide a cheaper and more readily available alternative, reducing
demand for the natural product.
Q6. How did the settlement of 25% refund to the farmers change the plight of the
peasants? [40 Words]
Ans. The settlement of a refund of twenty five percent was helpful to break the deadlock
between the sharecroppers and the peasants. The fact that the land owners had agreed to
surrender a part of the money implied that they had to give up their prestige as well. Now they
could not behave like lords above the law. This gave the peasants courage, they realised that
they too had rights and defenders.

Q7. Gandhi felt that Indians should not seek a prop in Mr. Andrews, the Englishman. Who
was Andrews and why did Gandhi say this? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhiji was opposed to the idea of seeking the Englishman Mr Andrews as a support in
the freedom struggle. He said that having an Englishman on their side would mean that without
him, their fight was unequal and they were not self-sufficient, so they had sought the support of
the Englishman. If their cause was just, they must rely on themselves to win the battle.

Q8. How did the Champaran incident bring about a change in the plight of the peasants?
[40 Words]
Ans. The peasants were spared from having to invest time and money in legal proceedings. The
British planters relinquished ownership of their properties after a period of time. These were once
again owned by the farmers. Sharecropping indigo has vanished. They came to understand that
they had rights and advocates, too. The situation of the peasants changed as a result of the
Champaran incident.

Q9. ‘The settlement given to the sharecroppers was symbolic.’ Justify why Gandhi
thought so. [40 Words]
Ans. The payment provided to the sharecroppers was symbolic, according to Gandhi, who
believed this because he wanted the British to part with more than just their money when he
agreed to a settlement of only 25% compensation from them. He placed more value on ending
the impasse than on the quantity of money. As a result, the settlement represented the wealth
and status of the landlords.

Q10. Gandhi effectively managed to redress the problems of the indigo sharecroppers
with the Lieutenant Governor. What did he achieve? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi successfully dealt with the Lieutenant Governor to resolve the issues facing the
sharecroppers of indigo. The estates returned to the farmers once the landlords abandoned their
claims to them. The farmers gained confidence and understood that they had supporters as well.
The landlords were forced to give up some of their wealth and status. Gandhi therefore
intervened to end the impasse between the farmers and the landlords.

Q11. How does the lesson ‘Indigo’ depict Gandhi’s humanitarian approach? [120-150
Words]
Ans. Gandhiji remained in the region after the Champaran battle was won and the land was
returned to the peasants. His loyalty was towards the living human beings, and he realized that
much needed to be done for the upliftment of the peasants in Champaran’s villages. His main
aim for involvement in the Champaran Movement was the cause of the poor peasants
exploitation.
Gandhiji took the initiative and began working to eliminate their cultural and social backwardness.
Primary schools were established to educate poor peasants and their children. Gandhiji made an
appeal to teachers, and many of his followers, including his wife and son, volunteered for the job.
The area’s health conditions were also deplorable. Gandhiji persuaded a doctor to volunteer his
services for six months.
Thus, we see that Gandhiji’s activities revolved around humanity and the upliftment of the
backward.

Q12. Gandhi not only alleviated the economic conditions of the Champaran people but
also their social and cultural background. Justify. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to
living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi
acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount
did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return.
The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided
to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were
culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary
schools. A few of his followers offered to Serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical
assistance, The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife
Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in
sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent
financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote
to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and
persistent efforts.

Q13. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode a turning point in his
life? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The British authority was deeply feared by the locals of Champaran. Indigo and the
landlords’ greed were the root of the issue. They had had the tenants plant indigo on 15% of their
property and turn up all of the harvest to the landlords. The landlords were prepared to waive the
aforementioned condition when synthetic indigo arrived. They sought compensation, unaware of
the consequences, and the villagers complied. The peasants later demanded their money back
after learning about synthetic indigo. To combat them, the landlords recruited thugs. Gandhi
came to the conclusion that lawyers weren’t necessary. He understood that in order to free
people from their fear, which was challenging given their lack of education, it was required.
However, he fought for their cause with his tenacity. He soon took the reins of a Satyagraha and
nonviolent campaign. Gandhi was called to court, and there were numerous farmer protests all
around the room. The British felt challenged by this. Champaran sharecroppers came barefoot to
see Gandhi. Lawyers from Muzaffarpur also contacted him.

Q14. How was Gandhi able to influence the lawyers? Give instances. [120-150 Words]
Ans. On reaching Muzaffarpur, Gandhi realized that the lawyers who represented the poor
peasants in court charged a high fee. He reprimanded them for fleecing the poor unlettered class
and refrained the peasants from going to the courts because they were not getting any relief from
there.
Instead, the peasants required courage and freedom from fear. Gandhi collected facts from
various authorities but was stopped by the officials. When he showed determination, they
summoned him to court. Gandhiji prepared himself for the worst, an imprisonment. When the
noted lawyers like Rajendra Prasad, Brij Kumar Babu, Maulana Mazharul Huq saw that an
outsider was ready to sacrifice for the cause of the Champaran peasants, they too followed suit.
Thus, the support of such prominent lawyers strengthened the cause of the peasants and the
officials had to give in to their cause.

Q15. Gandhi worked for the social backwardness in the Champaran villages. Elaborate.
[120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to
living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi
acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount
did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return.
The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided
to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were
culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary
schools. A few of his followers offered to serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical
assistance. The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife
Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in
sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent
financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote
to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and
persistent efforts.

Q16. What were Gandhi’s concerns regarding the upliftment of the people of Champaran?
How did he address them? [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to
living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi
acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount
did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return.
The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided
to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were
culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary
schools. A few of his followers offered to serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical
assistance. The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife
Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in
sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent
financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote
to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and
persistent efforts.

Q17. What changes occurred in the lives of farmers after Gandhi’s visit to Champaran?
[120-150 Words]
Ans. After Gandhi’s visit to Champaran, significant changes occurred in the lives of farmers.
They were relieved from the oppressive practices of the British indigo planters, who exploited
them through unfair contracts. Gandhi’s efforts led to the reduction of the planters’ demands and
improvements in their living conditions. The visit also empowered the farmers, fostering a sense
of unity and self-reliance. The agitation inspired by Gandhi’s leadership marked a turning point in
their struggle for justice and better treatment.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. What was the contract between the sharecroppers of Champaran and their British
landlords? [30-40 words]
Ans. The landlords compelled all tenants to plant three-twentieths or 15 percent of their holdings
with indigo and surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent. This was done by long-term contract.

Q2. How did the invention of German synthetic indigo affect the peasant-landlord
relationship in Champaran? [30-40 words]
Ans.With the invention of the German synthetic indigo, the landlords no longer required the
tenants to grow indigo on the land. However, they demanded a compensation from the peasants
in order to relieve them from the contracts.

Q3. How was Gandhiji treated at Rajendra Prasad’s house? [30-40 words]
Ans. Rajendra Prasad was not at home when they reached. The servants knew Shukla, a poor
peasant who visited their master to seek help for his lot. They allowed him to stay on the grounds
and his companion, Gandhi ji who also seemed to be a fellow peasant. They were not allowed to
draw water from the well fearing that they were untouchables and would pollute the entire well.

Q4. Why was Gandhiji against peasants going to courts for justice? [30-40 words]
Ans. Gandhi opined that the peasants were poor and lacked courage. They were in fear and so,
the courts would not help them out. They needed to realize that they too had rights and they had
support. This would give them courage and strength.

Q5. Why has Raj Kumar Shukla been described as being resolute? [30-40 words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla was resolute because he kept on following Gandhiji till he accepted his
request of visiting Champaran for the cause of the peasants. When Gandhiji asked him to meet
 him in Calcutta on such-and-such date, Shukla was already waiting there before Gandhiji’s
arrival. Thus, he was determined to take him along to help the peasants of Champaran.

Q6. How did Civil Disobedience triumph at Motihari? [120-150 word]

Ans. Many farmers gathered outside the courtroom where Gandhiji had been summoned. The
British felt challenged as a result of this. Champaran sharecroppers came barefoot to see
Gandhiji. Lawyers from Muzzaffarpur also contacted him and were ready to court arrest in case
they arrested Gandhiji. He explained that what he had done was nothing out of the ordinary. He’d
simply informed the British that he couldn’t be ordered in his own country. The British got scared
on seeing the huge numbers that had gathered in solidarity. Gandhiji attempted to create new
free Indians capable of standing on their own.
This new realization gave courage and strength to the poor farmers and thus, marked the victory
of Civil Disobedience.

Q7. How did the court scene at Motihari change the course of India’s struggle for
freedom? [120-150 words]
Ans. The peasants in Champaran were terrified of the British government. The problem was
caused by indigo and the landlords’ greed. They had forced the tenants to plant indigo on 15% of
their land and hand over the entire harvest to the landlords. The landlords were ready to release
the above condition when synthetic indigo arrived. They demanded compensation, unaware of
the consequences, and the peasants agreed.When the peasants learned about synthetic indigo,
they demanded their money back. Thugs were hired by the British to oppose them. Gandhiji
realized that lawyers were unnecessary. He realized that releasing them from their fear would be
difficult due to their lack of education.
He did, however, champion their cause with his tenacity. He soon became the leader of a
nonviolent and Satyagraha movement. Many farmers gathered outside the courtroom where
Gandhiji had been summoned. The British felt challenged as a result of this. Champaran
sharecroppers came barefoot to see Gandhiji. Lawyers from Muzzaffarpur also contacted him.
He explained that what he had done was nothing out of the ordinary. He’d simply informed the
British that he couldn’t be ordered in his own country. Gandhiji attempted to create new free
Indians capable of standing on their own.
This new realization provided him with a direction to lead the freedom struggle and thus proved
to be a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.

Q8. How did the Champaran episode prove to be a turning point in Gandhiji’s life? [120-
150 words]
Ans. The Champaran event had solved various problems faced by the poor peasants. They were
relieved from the torture they had to face at the hands of the landlords. They gained courage and
became fearless. Now the common man realized the power of non-violence.
Thousands of people had supported Gandhiji. He once said that what he did was an ordinary
thing as he didn’t want the Britishers to order him in his own country. It was at this point that he
decided to ask them to leave India and thus, marked the start of Gandhiji’s involvement in India’s
freedom struggle.

Q9. Gandhiji never contented himself with large political and economic solutions. What
did he do for the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages? [120-150
words]
Ans. I. Gandhij never satisfied himself with substantial political or economic solutions for the
Champaran peasants, preferring instead to prioritise humanitarian and national duty. As the
major goal of gaining peasant freedom, he desired self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
1. Gandhiji advocated education as a solution to Champaran’s social and economic concerns. He
appealed to many educators and teachers from various towns and locations to assist the
peasants in becoming educated. He desired for everyone to be self-sufficient through becoming
conscious and informed.
Gandhiji observed the Champaran villages’ cultural and social backwardness. He made a call for
teachers in order to educate them. Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh, two of his new young
students, as well as their wives, offered to help. More professors arrived from Bombay (Mumbai),
Poona, and other far-flung corners of India. Mrs. Gandhi (Kasturba) and his youngest son
Devdas also arrived from the Ashram. In six villages, primary schools were also established to
educate youngsters. Kasturba instilled in the ashram the importance of personal hygiene and
collective sanitation. Gandhiji sought medical help to improve his deteriorating health. He offered
his services for free for six months.
Kasturba counselled the women on how to get rid of their filthy clothing. Gandhiji taught people
self-reliance and liberation from British fear during his long stay in Champaran, As a result, he
prepared the way for India’s independence.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. Why do you think Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning point in
his life? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode as the turning point of his life because after
this episode/ the peasants realized their rights and came out of the fear of British landlords. They
also got 25% of their land tax as compensation money. This was also the beginning of the
cultural, economic and social transformation of the peasants in India. The British were forced to
leave the lands of the peasants and hence/ the peasants became the owner of their own lands.

Q2. Why did Gandhiji agree to 25 per cent refund to the peasants? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhi agreed to the 25 percent refund because he opined that the amount was not
important. When the sharecroppers had agreed to their liability, they had given away their
prestige as well. This acceptance was more important. Now the peasants realized that they too
had rights which gave them courage.

Q3. Why did Gandhiji not take C.F. Andrew’s help during the Champaran campaign? [30 –
40 words]
Ans. Gandhi believed that by taking an Englishman by their side indicated their weakness.
Indians had to be self-reliant and had to fight their own battle. Thus, he denied having C.F.
Andrews by their side.

Q4. What made the Lieutenant Governor drop all charges against Gandhiji? [30 – 40
words]
Ans. When the British Lieutenant Governor saw the huge number of peasants who had gathered
in support of Gandhiji, he dropped charges and released him. The British realised the strength of
Indians because of their sheer number.

Q5. What did Gandhiji do about the social and cultural upliftment of the Champaran
villages? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji employed volunteer teachers for educating the villagers. His wife guided the
women to better sanitation and living conditions. A doctor was appointed to improve the health
conditions. Gandhiji wanted to uplift the poor peasants.

Q6. Why did Gandhiji not accept C.F. Andrews’ help during the Champaran movement?
[30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji did not accept C.F. Andrew’s help during Champaran movement because he
thought that in having an Englishman on their side was not helpful or a fair fight. That would
show the weakness of their heal He wanted Indians to be self-reliant in the struggle against
injustice. He wanted Indian to rely upon themselves to win the battle.

Q7. What steps did Gandhiji take to remove the cultural and social backwardness in the
rural areas of Champaran? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The social and cultural backwardness in the rural areas of Champaran caused Gandhi
great pain. His appeal for teachers was responded to by several people. In about six villages,
primary schools were opened. Gandhi’s wife and youngest son also came to Champaran to help
him. Kasturba taught personal cleanliness and community sanitation to the people. Gandhi also
managed to get the help of a doctor who with three medicines, tried to fight the miserable health
conditions of Champaran.

Q8. Why is the Champaran episode considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle
for independence? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The Champaran episode was a pivotal moment in the independence struggle. Gandhiji
decided to urge the British to leave India during the course of this small but significant
movement.
A close examination of the Champaran peasants’ problems opened Gandhiji’s eyes to the
British’s unjust policies. He realized that people had to be free of fear before they could be free of
foreign oppression. The people’s spontaneous demonstration demonstrated that Gandhiji had
the nation’s support in his fight against the British. It also instilled patriotism in the hearts of
Indians. During the freedom movement, the victory of civil disobedience at Champaran motivated
the large-scale launch of the movement. Gandhiji’s victory in the sharecroppers’ case
demonstrated that British authority could be challenged. As a result, the Champaran incident
served as a stepping stone in India’s struggle for independence.

Q9. What was the problem faced by the indigo cultivators of Champaran? How did
Gandhiji solve it? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The indigo cultivators were bound by the landlords through ancient contracts which forced
them to plant three twentieths or fifteen precent of their holding with indigo and surrender the
entire harvest as rent. Now the landlords no longer required the indigo but they demanded a
compensation from the peasants to release them from the contract. The peasants refused to pay
compensation and were dragged to courts of law which were beyond the means of the peasants.
They had to pay hefty fee to the lawyers which pushed them in debt. This was a troublesome
issue for which a peasant named Raj Kumar Shukla sought Gandhiji’s help. Gandhiji collected
information from various sources and discussed with the British officers. The landlords accepted
to pay refunds of twenty five percent with which they parted with their prestige as well. Thus, the
battle of Champaran was won.

Q10. Who was Raj Kumar Shukla? Why and how did he persuade Gandhiji to come to
Champaran? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla was a poor peasant of Champaran. He wanted Gandhiji’s support and
help to fight the injustice metted out to their lot. He visited Gandhiji at Lucknow at the December
1916 convention of Indian National Congress. Gandhiji had prior appointments fixed but Shukla
accompanied him everywhere. Shukla was persistent and even followed Gandhiji to his ashram.
Finally, Gandhiji asked him to meet him at Calcutta on a fixed date and take him along to
Chaparan. Shukla was punctual and reached the spot before Gandhiji’s arrival. His tenacity was
impressive and thus, he secured Gandhiji’s support for the cause of the peasants of Champaran.

Q11. How did the Champaran episode prove to be a turning point in India’s freedom
struggle? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The Champaran episode proved to help the Indian Independence. Gandhiji took up a fight
for the sharecroppers against the landlords. Rajkumar Shukla who told him about the injustice
suffered by the sharecroppers took Gandhiji to Champaran. Gandhiji assessed the situation and
understood that the landlords were forcing the sharecroppers to plant 15% of their holding with
indigo and then give up the entire harvest to them as rent. Since Germany had come up with the
concept of synthetic indigo, the price of the natural indigo fell. The landlords forced the
sharecroppers to pay compensation. It was then that Gandhiji heard about the ill-treatment of a
peasant. Gandhiji decided to look into the matter, but he received an official notice to leave
Champaran and quit whatever he was doing there. Gandhiji fought against this injustice by telling
the court that it was a conflict of duties and he had come to serve the peasant. In the end, he
won his case against the cruel landlords and made them pay 25% of the money back to the
sharecroppers. This movement emboldened the peasants and they got to know their rights. He
made the British realize that Indians now have the courage to oppose injustice. This episode
gave Gandhiji a clear direction to launch the freedom struggle. Thus, it was a turning point in the
history of Indian freedom struggle.

Q12. Gandhiji said, “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.”
How does it become clear from the lesson `Indigo’ that freedom from fear is an essential
condition for justice? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Gandhiji said that being fearless was more important than getting legal justice because the
poor peasants had to be courageous to fight legal battles. They poverty-ridden peasants could
not afford the hefty fee charged by the lawyers. Such a path for justice would never work in their
favour because the scales were already tilted against them. Thus, to be on an equal standing,
firstly, the peasants had to be free form fear. Then only would they get the courage to stand up
for their rights and seek justice.

Q13. When and why did the author say that civil disobedience had triumphed for the first
time in modern India? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Gandhiji felt that Civil Disobedience had triumphed for the first time when he got the
support of the notable lawyers of the area. On seeing that Gandhiji, being an outsider, was ready
to go to jail for the cause of the peasants of Champaran, the local lawyers felt ashamed of
themselves. They also decided to court arrest and follow Gandhiji to the jail. It was then that
Gandhiji thought that Civil disobedience had won.

Indigo Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous years
Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically presented
in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a valuable
resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key concepts
that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for Class 12
English Core Chapter 5, “Indigo

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
(a) Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse was the beginning of
their liberation from fear of the British.
The officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the crowd. He
was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and
unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians.
The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the trial.
Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.

(i) The result of the demonstration was that _________.

Ans. The trial was postponed.

(ii) The participants of the spontaneous demonstration were :

(A) Gandhi’s lawyers
(B) people of Champaran.
(C) Indigo landowners.
(D) Indian soldiers.
Ans. (B) people of Champaran.

(iii) Gandhi cooperated with the British by :

(A) not going to the court.
(B) remaining quiet when he was accused.
(C) helping to manage the mob of people.
(D) leaving Champaran for Delhi.
Ans. (C) helping to manage the mob of people.
(iv) The statement ‘Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors’ was
indicative of the Britisher’s __________.
Ans. uncertainty and need for higher approval.

(v) With reference to the extract, the word ‘baffled’ most nearly means :
(A) strengthened.
(B) disgusted.
(C) frightened.
(D) confused.
Ans. (D) confused.

(vi) Whose ‘might’ did this demonstration question?

Ans. The British authorities’ might.

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

This settlement was adopted unanimously by the commission. Gandhi explained that the amount
of the refund was less important than the fact that the landlords had been obliged to surrender
part of the money and, with it, part of their prestige. Therefore, as far as the peasants were
concerned, the planters had behaved as lords above the law. Now the peasant saw that he had
rights and defenders. He learned courage.

(i) What was Gandhi’s purpose in agreeing to the settlement, even at a lesser amount?
Ans. Gandhi agreed to the settlement to demonstrate that the landlords were not above the law
and to restore the peasants’ rights and self-respect.

(ii) Complete the sentence with one word :

The commission agreed by common consent, or in other words, they agreed to the
settlement ___________.
Ans. unanimously.

(iii) Explain the impact on the landlords as a result of the settlement.

Ans. The settlement forced the landlords to surrender part of their money and prestige, making
them acknowledge the peasants’ rights and reducing their dominance.

(iv) Based on the content provided in the extract, select the most likely option about the
behaviour of the landlords.
(A) The landlords were sorry for their behaviour.
(B) The landlords were obstinate and refused Gandhi’s suggestion.
(C) The landlords had to refund the money.
(D) The landlords and the planters became partners in the Indigo plantation.
Ans. (C) The landlords had to refund the money.

(v) What did the peasants realize from the Champaran incident?
Ans. The peasants realized that they had rights and defenders and that they could challenge
unjust practices and demand fair treatment.

(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately.

The phrase ‘lords above the law’ suggests that ___________.
Ans. the landlords considered themselves superior and not accountable to legal or ethical
standards.

Q3. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

They thought he would demand repayment in full of the money which they had illegally and
deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers. He asked only 50 percent. “There he seemed
adamant”, writes Reverend J.Z. Hodge, a British missionary in Champaran, who observed the
entire episode at close range. “Thinking probably that he would not give way, the representatives
of the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25 percent, and to his amazement Mr. Gandhi
took him at his words thus breaking the deadlock.”

(i) Choose the correct option

“Then he seemed adamant,’ reflects Gandhi’s trait of being
(A) arrogant
(B) uncompromising
(c) argumentative
(D) courageous
Ans. (B) uncompromising

(ii) _________ deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers.

The status of sharecroppers as inferred from the above line is
(A) law abiding citizens
(B) followers of Gandhi
(C) victims of exploitation
(D) contract labourers
Ans. (C) victims of exploitation

(iii) Complete the following sentence :

Gandhi surprised them by ______.
Ans. Gandhi surprised them by accepting the 25 percent refund offer instead of insisting on 50
percent.

(iv) The inference that can be drawn from the line “Mr. Gandhi took him at his word” is
_______.
Ans. The inference that can be drawn from the line “Mr. Gandhi took him at his word” is Gandhi’s
willingness to compromise to achieve a solution and break the deadlock.

(v) ‘Deadlock’ in the last line means ____________.

Ans. ‘Deadlock’ in the last line means a situation where no progress can be made due to
disagreement.

(vi) What do we infer about the attitude of planters towards sharecroppers?

Ans. The planters’ attitude towards sharecroppers was exploitative and deceitful, as they had
been extorting money from them.

Q4. Why did Gandhi say : “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the
poor”? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Gandhi believed that overcoming fear was essential for the poor to assert their rights and
demand justice. He felt that legal justice alone was insufficient without the courage to fight
against oppression and exploitation.

Q5. Rajkumar Shukla in ‘Indigo’ decided to take up the cause of the peasants and raise his
voice against injustice. The bangle makers were a stark contrast and accepted their plight
of oppression because of tradition and caste. Write a comparative analysis of the two
different attitudes towards unjust domination. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story Lost Spring we see the poor oppressed bangle makers who live in utter poverty
and accept it as their fate but are so fear-sticken that they do not form a co-operative due to the
fear of the politicians and money lenders. Thus, they remain trapped and will never come out of it
until and unless they overcome the fear and determine to take a step towards a better future.
Rajkumar Shukla is a poor peasant of Champaran and like the others of his lot, he too is crushed
under the oppressive landowners. However, still he gathers the courage and determination to
speak up against the injustice. It is his determination which leads Gandhiji to get involved in the
Champaran movement and thus, mark the onset of his involvement in India’s freedom struggle.
The poor peasants of Champaran get rid of their fear when they realize they are strong in
number and have the support of outsiders like Gandhiji as well as the local lawyers. This
empowers them and they are able to speak up for their rights.
Thus the two stories present a contrast in the way the oppressed behaved. It is this contrast in
behaviour which determined their future. We can conclude that our actions determine our fate
and destiny, we have to act and must not leave everything to God as the maxim goes – ‘God
helps those who help themselves.’

Q6. M. Hamel in ‘The Last Lesson’ and Gandhiji in ‘Indigo’ were both concerned about the
state of education in the face of oppression. Write a speech to be shared with your peers
on the importance of education. You may use cues from the two texts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Good morning to one and all present here. Today, I stand before you to throw light upon the
topic – Importance of education.
In the story titled ‘The Last Lesson’, we get to know about the importance of one’s mother tongue
which is the key to freedom from slavery. M Hamel points out that if one is attached to one’s
mother tongue, then he can escape the clutches of slavery. He also praises his native language
– French and calls it the most logical and most beautiful language. The teacher is sad because
now the students will no longer study the language. Schools in the districts of Alsace and
Lorraine which were annexed by Prussia will now teach German language instead of French.
Even in the story ‘Indigo’ we see that Gandhiji wanted to uplift the peasants and requested
volunteer teachers Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh and others. They opened primary schools
in six villages.
Thus, we can conclude that education is empowering and crucial for becoming self-reliant.

Q7. The persistent determination of both Raj Kumar Shukla in “Indigo” and Douglas in
“Deep Water” reflects a strong will to overcome challenges and achieve one’s goal.
Elaborate with reference to the texts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story titled Indigo, we see the poor peasant named Raj Kumar Shukla who is
determined to take along Gandhiji to Champaran, who he believes will get them justice. His
persistence forces Gandhiji to accompany him which larks the start of Gandhiji’s involvement in
India’s freedom struggle. Thus, we see Raj Kumar Shukla’s immense contribution in India’s
freedom struggle.
In the other story titled Deep Water, we get to know of William Douglas’s childhood fear of water.
He had a great desire to swim in water bodies which led him to overcome the fear. He gives us
an important message that fear only lies in one’s mind and with determination and persistence,
he was able to overcome this fear.
Thus, both the characters give the message that determination can help us achieve the
unachieveable.

Q8. Compose an oral presentation to be shared with your peers on what Gandhi’s advice
(Indigo) would be to the bangle makers of Firozabad (Lost Spring). [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi would advice the bangle-makers to come together and involve in non-cooperation.
We see that he employed peaceful means like non-cooperation and self rule to put the idea
forward that Indians would not tolerate being ordered around in their own land. Similarly, the
bangle-makers should also unite and take steps against the nexus of politicians and money
lenders. They must get the weapon of education which will enable them on the path of self
reliance and self dependence.

Q9. Wars with gas, wars with fire,

Victory with no survivors. (Keeping Quiet)
Pablo Neruda in the above lines, highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about
the change in the plight of the Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and
not
violence.
Write an article on the importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues. [120-150
Words]
Ans. War cannot be the solution or harbinger of peace because war leads to death and
destruction. We need to keep this in mind when we seek a solution to issues of unlawful
possession and invasion. Several world leaders have emphasised on the importance of peaceful
means to attain freedom. Gandhi was one of the noted leaders who advocated civil disobedience
as an effective means to attain liberty. It simply means to disobey the orders and rules laid down
by the authorities who are not bestowed with such rights but have snatched them in order to fulfil
their selfish goals and to oppress the people of the land. Even the poet Pablo Neruda, in the
poem titled Keeping Quiet says that wars are wasteful as they lead to trucksful of death.
Thus, we can conclude that war cannot be the solution to any issue. We must seek other means
like advocating home rule and civil disobedience which promote non-violence.

Q10. ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ highlight the apathy of society and exploitation by those in
power. Elaborate. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In both the stories we see how the men in power try to exploit the underprivileged. In Lost
Spring story one, we see that the ragpickers who have migrated from Bangladesh have settled in
a slum colony called Seemapuri. They have access to ration cards only because these enable
them to vote for the politicians who lure them with free supplies of small amount of ration every
month. Other than this, no one ever bothers about the inhuman conditions in which these slum
dwellers live. In the second story we see the bangle-makers of Firozabad who are involved in the
traditional work which is harmful for their health and does not fetch enough money too. However,
these people have accepted this as their fate and do not dare to break the vicious trap of
politicians and money lenders. In the story titled Indigo we see the historical event wherein the
poor peasants of Champaran were exploited by the British landowners. The peasants were
forced to plant indigo and had to pay entire crop as rent. They even had to pay a compensation.
This entire system was crushing the poor peasants who did not have a voice.
Thus, both the stories reflect the societal attitude of exploitation of the poor.

Q11. While M. Hamel talks of language being the key to nationalism. Gandhi tells the court
it is a ‘conflict of duties’. On the one hand, not to set a bad example as a law breaker, on
the other hand, to render the humanitarian and national service. You get inspired and
decide to write an article for a youth magazine urging the youth to dedicate themselves to
the service, of the nation.
You may begin like this,
Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation ……… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation. Thus, it becomes their
responsibility to ensure that they seek the progress of the nation alongwith their personal
progress. One must remain attached to one’s mother tongue because it is the key to freedom
from slavery. If we want to retain our freedom, then we must guard our native language. Also, we
must be watchful that our acts are not against the law and also, we must try to help fellow
citizens in their progress. As the saying goes, ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. All the people of
the country must make a combined effort to shine and rise together in order to ensure the
progress of the nation.

Q12. Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. The
real relief for them is to be free from fear (Indigo). The people of Firozabad (Lost Spring)
are fear stricken to form a cooperative as there is a vicious circle of middlemen,
politicians etc. These exploiters don’t allow them to take any initiative. You agree that fear
is the worst deterrent factor in one’s life.
As a motivational speaker, give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and
lead a successful life. Use material from the two texts to support your views.
You may begin like this.
Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success …… [120-150
Words]
Ans. Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success. When someone
instils fear in us, he wants to fulfil some unlawful targets which will lead to our exploitation. Thus,
we have to remain away from such traps and also be alert to identify potential traps. In the story
Lost Spring we see the poor oppressed bangle makers who live in utter poverty and accept it as
their fate but are so fear-sticken that they do not form a co-operative due to the fear of the
politicians and money lenders. They do not dare to do some other work also because they are
trapped by these exploiters. Sometimes, people can blackmail us to get their ransom. In such
cases, we must not remain cocooned but we need to discuss the issue with our kin or even raise
the matter with our parents and teachers. While being fearless, one must be rational and
practical too. One must be able to judge and identify if the fear is real of if someone is instilling
the fear only to fulfil his motives. The poor peasants of Champaran get rid of their fear when they
realize they are strong in number and have the support of outsiders like Gandhiji as well as the
local lawyers. This empowers them and they are able to speak up for their rights.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Describe the role of Raj Kumar Shukla in Indigo. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla played a crucial role in the Champaran episode related to the indigo
cultivation issue. He was a sharecropper from Champaran who approached Gandhi during the
1916 Indian National Congress party convention. Shukla, representing the grievances of indigo
sharecroppers, persistently requested Gandhi to visit Champaran and address the injustice of the
landlord system. Shukla’s determination and continuous presence alongside Gandhi influenced
him to eventually agree to visit Champaran. Shukla served as a catalyst in drawing Gandhi’s
attention to the plight of the peasants, leading to Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran
struggle against the oppressive indigo plantation system.

Q2. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of twenty-five percent refund to the peasants?
[40-50 Words]
Ans. Gandhi agreed to a settlement of twenty-five percent refund to the peasants in the
Champaran indigo issue as a pragmatic compromise. When the British planters offered to refund
only 25 percent of the money extorted from the sharecroppers, Gandhi surprisingly accepted the
offer. Despite the expectations that he would demand full repayment, Gandhi prioritized the
symbolic victory over the monetary amount. By accepting the 25 percent refund, he aimed to
break the deadlock and emphasize the landlords’ obligation to surrender part of the money, thus
diminishing their prestige. For Gandhi, the essence lay in establishing the principle that the
landlords were accountable and that the peasants had rights and defenders.

Q3. What does Gandhi refer to as ‘conflict of duties’? [40-50 Words]

Ans. Gandhi refers to the ‘conflict of duties’ when he explains his refusal to obey the order to
leave Champaran immediately. On one hand, he felt a duty not to set a bad example as a
lawbreaker, and on the other hand, he was committed to rendering “humanitarian and national
service” for the distressed peasants.
Gandhi believed that his disobedience was not a disregard for lawful authority but an obedience
to the higher law of conscience, emphasizing the moral and ethical dimensions of his actions.
This ‘conflict of duties’ highlights Gandhi’s philosophy of balancing legal obligations with a higher
moral duty to serve humanity and fight against injustice.

Q4. Why is the Champaran episode considered as the beginning of the Indian struggle for
independence? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The Champaran episode is considered the beginning of the Indian struggle for
independence because it marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first organized act of civil disobedience
against British rule in India.
In 1917, Gandhi, in response to the plight of indigo sharecroppers, led a nonviolent protest
against oppressive British landlords in Champaran, Bihar. This was a pivotal moment as it
demonstrated Gandhi’s method of nonviolent resistance and mass mobilization against unjust
colonial policies.
The success of the Champaran movement showcased the power of nonviolent civil
disobedience, inspiring subsequent movements against British rule. It laid the foundation for
Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha and provided a template for the larger independence
struggle, setting a precedent for peaceful resistance against colonial oppression.
Q5. ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ bring out how the common man is a victim of exploitation.
Explain. [120-150 Words]
Ans. It is common knowledge that claims made regarding inheritance or lineage cannot be
contested. It is a known fact that we, as human beings, do not possess the capabilities
necessary to successfully contest our own destinies.
In the novel “Lost Spring,” the families of children like Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh are caught in
an unbreakable cycle of social stigma, which manifests itself in the form of poverty and
exploitation. They are compelled to obey and follow the powerful, and they are unable to
organise themselves into cooperative organisations for their own advancement.
In the same manner, the low-income sharecroppers in ‘Indigo’ were denied their right to legal
representation. At each and every turn, they were subjected to harassment at the hands of
government personnel, and the police did not listen to their concerns. In many cases, the legal
system is ruled by repressive laws that have the effect of dampening the spirit of the common
man. They lack the bravery to speak out against what they perceive to be unjust transactions,
and their legal battles result in a lack of clarity. Both ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ demonstrate how
the average man is a victim of exploitation as a result of this.

Q6. “Civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India.” When and how
did it happen? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The triumph of civil disobedience in modern India occurred during the Champaran episode.
In 1917, when Gandhi was summoned to court for his refusal to leave Champaran and received
a notice to quit the region, he disobeyed the order. Facing a potential legal battle, Gandhi
declared his guilt and was prepared to face the consequences.
However, a spontaneous demonstration by thousands of peasants in support of Gandhi outside
the courthouse created a situation where the authorities felt powerless without his cooperation.
The officials requested a delay in the trial, and eventually, the Lieutenant-Governor ordered the
case to be dropped. This marked the first instance of civil disobedience succeeding against the
British authorities in modern India, establishing a precedent for future nonviolent resistance.

Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams

Q1. Why did Gandhi chide the lawyers? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi reprimanded the solicitors for charging the poor sharecroppers a large price. He
believed that taking these matters to court did little to help the terrified and oppressed peasants.
According to Gandhi, their release from terror was a relief.

Q2. What conflict of duty was Gandhi involved in? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi faced a conflict of obligations because he wanted to uphold his obligations as a
human being and as a national leader while also avoiding being labelled as a lawbreaker. He
arrived to Champaran with the intention of assisting the farmers, but when he realised that he
needed to appear in court, things got complicated for him.

Q3. In the Motihari court, what caused the delay in the trial? [40 Words]
Ans. The delay in the trial at the Motihari court was caused by the absence of crucial evidence
and witnesses, which impeded the progress of the legal proceedings.

Q4. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25% refund to the farmers? [40 Words]
Ans. For Gandhi, it was not the money but the principles that were of utmost importance. He
believed that the very fact that the British landlords surrendered was of more significance than
the percentage of refund. He wanted the poor farmers to realise that they too had rights and that
they need not really live in fear of the British landlords. Therefore, although he had initially quoted
a 50 percent refund, he later agreed to a settlement of 25 percent refund to the farmers. Besides,
Gandhi was interested in long-term solutions rather than immediate benefits. His decision was
proved right when, years later, the British landlords decided to leave their estates, putting an end
to the sharecropping arrangement.
Q5. What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo? [40
Words]
Ans. The introduction of synthetic indigo would lead to a decrease in the prices of natural indigo
as synthetic indigo would provide a cheaper and more readily available alternative, reducing
demand for the natural product.

Q6. How did the settlement of 25% refund to the farmers change the plight of the
peasants? [40 Words]
Ans. The settlement of a refund of twenty five percent was helpful to break the deadlock
between the sharecroppers and the peasants. The fact that the land owners had agreed to
surrender a part of the money implied that they had to give up their prestige as well. Now they
could not behave like lords above the law. This gave the peasants courage, they realised that
they too had rights and defenders.

Q7. Gandhi felt that Indians should not seek a prop in Mr. Andrews, the Englishman. Who
was Andrews and why did Gandhi say this? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhiji was opposed to the idea of seeking the Englishman Mr Andrews as a support in
the freedom struggle. He said that having an Englishman on their side would mean that without
him, their fight was unequal and they were not self-sufficient, so they had sought the support of
the Englishman. If their cause was just, they must rely on themselves to win the battle.

Q8. How did the Champaran incident bring about a change in the plight of the peasants?
[40 Words]
Ans. The peasants were spared from having to invest time and money in legal proceedings. The
British planters relinquished ownership of their properties after a period of time. These were once
again owned by the farmers. Sharecropping indigo has vanished. They came to understand that
they had rights and advocates, too. The situation of the peasants changed as a result of the
Champaran incident.

Q9. ‘The settlement given to the sharecroppers was symbolic.’ Justify why Gandhi
thought so. [40 Words]
Ans. The payment provided to the sharecroppers was symbolic, according to Gandhi, who
believed this because he wanted the British to part with more than just their money when he
agreed to a settlement of only 25% compensation from them. He placed more value on ending
the impasse than on the quantity of money. As a result, the settlement represented the wealth
and status of the landlords.

Q10. Gandhi effectively managed to redress the problems of the indigo sharecroppers
with the Lieutenant Governor. What did he achieve? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi successfully dealt with the Lieutenant Governor to resolve the issues facing the
sharecroppers of indigo. The estates returned to the farmers once the landlords abandoned their
claims to them. The farmers gained confidence and understood that they had supporters as well.
The landlords were forced to give up some of their wealth and status. Gandhi therefore
intervened to end the impasse between the farmers and the landlords.

Q11. How does the lesson ‘Indigo’ depict Gandhi’s humanitarian approach? [120-150
Words]
Ans. Gandhiji remained in the region after the Champaran battle was won and the land was
returned to the peasants. His loyalty was towards the living human beings, and he realized that
much needed to be done for the upliftment of the peasants in Champaran’s villages. His main
aim for involvement in the Champaran Movement was the cause of the poor peasants
exploitation.
Gandhiji took the initiative and began working to eliminate their cultural and social backwardness.
Primary schools were established to educate poor peasants and their children. Gandhiji made an
appeal to teachers, and many of his followers, including his wife and son, volunteered for the job.
The area’s health conditions were also deplorable. Gandhiji persuaded a doctor to volunteer his
services for six months.
Thus, we see that Gandhiji’s activities revolved around humanity and the upliftment of the
backward.

Q12. Gandhi not only alleviated the economic conditions of the Champaran people but
also their social and cultural background. Justify. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to
living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi
acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount
did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return.
The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided
to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were
culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary
schools. A few of his followers offered to Serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical
assistance, The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife
Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in
sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent
financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote
to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and
persistent efforts.

Q13. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode a turning point in his
life? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The British authority was deeply feared by the locals of Champaran. Indigo and the
landlords’ greed were the root of the issue. They had had the tenants plant indigo on 15% of their
property and turn up all of the harvest to the landlords. The landlords were prepared to waive the
aforementioned condition when synthetic indigo arrived. They sought compensation, unaware of
the consequences, and the villagers complied. The peasants later demanded their money back
after learning about synthetic indigo. To combat them, the landlords recruited thugs. Gandhi
came to the conclusion that lawyers weren’t necessary. He understood that in order to free
people from their fear, which was challenging given their lack of education, it was required.
However, he fought for their cause with his tenacity. He soon took the reins of a Satyagraha and
nonviolent campaign. Gandhi was called to court, and there were numerous farmer protests all
around the room. The British felt challenged by this. Champaran sharecroppers came barefoot to
see Gandhi. Lawyers from Muzaffarpur also contacted him.

Q14. How was Gandhi able to influence the lawyers? Give instances. [120-150 Words]
Ans. On reaching Muzaffarpur, Gandhi realized that the lawyers who represented the poor
peasants in court charged a high fee. He reprimanded them for fleecing the poor unlettered class
and refrained the peasants from going to the courts because they were not getting any relief from
there.
Instead, the peasants required courage and freedom from fear. Gandhi collected facts from
various authorities but was stopped by the officials. When he showed determination, they
summoned him to court. Gandhiji prepared himself for the worst, an imprisonment. When the
noted lawyers like Rajendra Prasad, Brij Kumar Babu, Maulana Mazharul Huq saw that an
outsider was ready to sacrifice for the cause of the Champaran peasants, they too followed suit.
Thus, the support of such prominent lawyers strengthened the cause of the peasants and the
officials had to give in to their cause.

Q15. Gandhi worked for the social backwardness in the Champaran villages. Elaborate.
[120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to
living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi
acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount
did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return.
The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided
to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were
culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary
schools. A few of his followers offered to serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical
assistance. The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife
Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in
sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent
financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote
to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and
persistent efforts.

Q16. What were Gandhi’s concerns regarding the upliftment of the people of Champaran?
How did he address them? [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to
living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi
acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount
did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return.
The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided
to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were
culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary
schools. A few of his followers offered to serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical
assistance. The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife
Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in
sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent
financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote
to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and
persistent efforts.

Q17. What changes occurred in the lives of farmers after Gandhi’s visit to Champaran?
[120-150 Words]
Ans. After Gandhi’s visit to Champaran, significant changes occurred in the lives of farmers.
They were relieved from the oppressive practices of the British indigo planters, who exploited
them through unfair contracts. Gandhi’s efforts led to the reduction of the planters’ demands and
improvements in their living conditions. The visit also empowered the farmers, fostering a sense
of unity and self-reliance. The agitation inspired by Gandhi’s leadership marked a turning point in
their struggle for justice and better treatment.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. What was the contract between the sharecroppers of Champaran and their British
landlords? [30-40 words]
Ans. The landlords compelled all tenants to plant three-twentieths or 15 percent of their holdings
with indigo and surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent. This was done by long-term contract.

Q2. How did the invention of German synthetic indigo affect the peasant-landlord
relationship in Champaran? [30-40 words]
Ans.With the invention of the German synthetic indigo, the landlords no longer required the
tenants to grow indigo on the land. However, they demanded a compensation from the peasants
in order to relieve them from the contracts.

Q3. How was Gandhiji treated at Rajendra Prasad’s house? [30-40 words]
Ans. Rajendra Prasad was not at home when they reached. The servants knew Shukla, a poor
peasant who visited their master to seek help for his lot. They allowed him to stay on the grounds
and his companion, Gandhi ji who also seemed to be a fellow peasant. They were not allowed to
draw water from the well fearing that they were untouchables and would pollute the entire well.

Q4. Why was Gandhiji against peasants going to courts for justice? [30-40 words]
Ans. Gandhi opined that the peasants were poor and lacked courage. They were in fear and so,
the courts would not help them out. They needed to realize that they too had rights and they had
support. This would give them courage and strength.
 Q5. Why has Raj Kumar Shukla been described as being resolute? [30-40 words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla was resolute because he kept on following Gandhiji till he accepted his
request of visiting Champaran for the cause of the peasants. When Gandhiji asked him to meet
him in Calcutta on such-and-such date, Shukla was already waiting there before Gandhiji’s
arrival. Thus, he was determined to take him along to help the peasants of Champaran.

Q6. How did Civil Disobedience triumph at Motihari? [120-150 word]

Ans. Many farmers gathered outside the courtroom where Gandhiji had been summoned. The
British felt challenged as a result of this. Champaran sharecroppers came barefoot to see
Gandhiji. Lawyers from Muzzaffarpur also contacted him and were ready to court arrest in case
they arrested Gandhiji. He explained that what he had done was nothing out of the ordinary. He’d
simply informed the British that he couldn’t be ordered in his own country. The British got scared
on seeing the huge numbers that had gathered in solidarity. Gandhiji attempted to create new
free Indians capable of standing on their own.
This new realization gave courage and strength to the poor farmers and thus, marked the victory
of Civil Disobedience.

Q7. How did the court scene at Motihari change the course of India’s struggle for
freedom? [120-150 words]
Ans. The peasants in Champaran were terrified of the British government. The problem was
caused by indigo and the landlords’ greed. They had forced the tenants to plant indigo on 15% of
their land and hand over the entire harvest to the landlords. The landlords were ready to release
the above condition when synthetic indigo arrived. They demanded compensation, unaware of
the consequences, and the peasants agreed.When the peasants learned about synthetic indigo,
they demanded their money back. Thugs were hired by the British to oppose them. Gandhiji
realized that lawyers were unnecessary. He realized that releasing them from their fear would be
difficult due to their lack of education.
He did, however, champion their cause with his tenacity. He soon became the leader of a
nonviolent and Satyagraha movement. Many farmers gathered outside the courtroom where
Gandhiji had been summoned. The British felt challenged as a result of this. Champaran
sharecroppers came barefoot to see Gandhiji. Lawyers from Muzzaffarpur also contacted him.
He explained that what he had done was nothing out of the ordinary. He’d simply informed the
British that he couldn’t be ordered in his own country. Gandhiji attempted to create new free
Indians capable of standing on their own.
This new realization provided him with a direction to lead the freedom struggle and thus proved
to be a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.

Q8. How did the Champaran episode prove to be a turning point in Gandhiji’s life? [120-
150 words]
Ans. The Champaran event had solved various problems faced by the poor peasants. They were
relieved from the torture they had to face at the hands of the landlords. They gained courage and
became fearless. Now the common man realized the power of non-violence.
Thousands of people had supported Gandhiji. He once said that what he did was an ordinary
thing as he didn’t want the Britishers to order him in his own country. It was at this point that he
decided to ask them to leave India and thus, marked the start of Gandhiji’s involvement in India’s
freedom struggle.

Q9. Gandhiji never contented himself with large political and economic solutions. What
did he do for the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages? [120-150
words]
Ans. I. Gandhij never satisfied himself with substantial political or economic solutions for the
Champaran peasants, preferring instead to prioritise humanitarian and national duty. As the
major goal of gaining peasant freedom, he desired self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
1. Gandhiji advocated education as a solution to Champaran’s social and economic concerns. He
appealed to many educators and teachers from various towns and locations to assist the
peasants in becoming educated. He desired for everyone to be self-sufficient through becoming
conscious and informed.
Gandhiji observed the Champaran villages’ cultural and social backwardness. He made a call for
teachers in order to educate them. Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh, two of his new young
students, as well as their wives, offered to help. More professors arrived from Bombay (Mumbai),
Poona, and other far-flung corners of India. Mrs. Gandhi (Kasturba) and his youngest son
Devdas also arrived from the Ashram. In six villages, primary schools were also established to
educate youngsters. Kasturba instilled in the ashram the importance of personal hygiene and
collective sanitation. Gandhiji sought medical help to improve his deteriorating health. He offered
his services for free for six months.
Kasturba counselled the women on how to get rid of their filthy clothing. Gandhiji taught people
self-reliance and liberation from British fear during his long stay in Champaran, As a result, he
prepared the way for India’s independence.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. Why do you think Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning point in
his life? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode as the turning point of his life because after
this episode/ the peasants realized their rights and came out of the fear of British landlords. They
also got 25% of their land tax as compensation money. This was also the beginning of the
cultural, economic and social transformation of the peasants in India. The British were forced to
leave the lands of the peasants and hence/ the peasants became the owner of their own lands.

Q2. Why did Gandhiji agree to 25 per cent refund to the peasants? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhi agreed to the 25 percent refund because he opined that the amount was not
important. When the sharecroppers had agreed to their liability, they had given away their
prestige as well. This acceptance was more important. Now the peasants realized that they too
had rights which gave them courage.

Q3. Why did Gandhiji not take C.F. Andrew’s help during the Champaran campaign? [30 –
40 words]
Ans. Gandhi believed that by taking an Englishman by their side indicated their weakness.
Indians had to be self-reliant and had to fight their own battle. Thus, he denied having C.F.
Andrews by their side.

Q4. What made the Lieutenant Governor drop all charges against Gandhiji? [30 – 40
words]
Ans. When the British Lieutenant Governor saw the huge number of peasants who had gathered
in support of Gandhiji, he dropped charges and released him. The British realised the strength of
Indians because of their sheer number.

Q5. What did Gandhiji do about the social and cultural upliftment of the Champaran
villages? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji employed volunteer teachers for educating the villagers. His wife guided the
women to better sanitation and living conditions. A doctor was appointed to improve the health
conditions. Gandhiji wanted to uplift the poor peasants.

Q6. Why did Gandhiji not accept C.F. Andrews’ help during the Champaran movement?
[30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji did not accept C.F. Andrew’s help during Champaran movement because he
thought that in having an Englishman on their side was not helpful or a fair fight. That would
show the weakness of their heal He wanted Indians to be self-reliant in the struggle against
injustice. He wanted Indian to rely upon themselves to win the battle.
Q7. What steps did Gandhiji take to remove the cultural and social backwardness in the
rural areas of Champaran? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The social and cultural backwardness in the rural areas of Champaran caused Gandhi
great pain. His appeal for teachers was responded to by several people. In about six villages,
primary schools were opened. Gandhi’s wife and youngest son also came to Champaran to help
him. Kasturba taught personal cleanliness and community sanitation to the people. Gandhi also
managed to get the help of a doctor who with three medicines, tried to fight the miserable health
conditions of Champaran.

Q8. Why is the Champaran episode considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle
for independence? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The Champaran episode was a pivotal moment in the independence struggle. Gandhiji
decided to urge the British to leave India during the course of this small but significant
movement.
A close examination of the Champaran peasants’ problems opened Gandhiji’s eyes to the
British’s unjust policies. He realized that people had to be free of fear before they could be free of
foreign oppression. The people’s spontaneous demonstration demonstrated that Gandhiji had
the nation’s support in his fight against the British. It also instilled patriotism in the hearts of
Indians. During the freedom movement, the victory of civil disobedience at Champaran motivated
the large-scale launch of the movement. Gandhiji’s victory in the sharecroppers’ case
demonstrated that British authority could be challenged. As a result, the Champaran incident
served as a stepping stone in India’s struggle for independence.

Q9. What was the problem faced by the indigo cultivators of Champaran? How did
Gandhiji solve it? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The indigo cultivators were bound by the landlords through ancient contracts which forced
them to plant three twentieths or fifteen precent of their holding with indigo and surrender the
entire harvest as rent. Now the landlords no longer required the indigo but they demanded a
compensation from the peasants to release them from the contract. The peasants refused to pay
compensation and were dragged to courts of law which were beyond the means of the peasants.
They had to pay hefty fee to the lawyers which pushed them in debt. This was a troublesome
issue for which a peasant named Raj Kumar Shukla sought Gandhiji’s help. Gandhiji collected
information from various sources and discussed with the British officers. The landlords accepted
to pay refunds of twenty five percent with which they parted with their prestige as well. Thus, the
battle of Champaran was won.

Q10. Who was Raj Kumar Shukla? Why and how did he persuade Gandhiji to come to
Champaran? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla was a poor peasant of Champaran. He wanted Gandhiji’s support and
help to fight the injustice metted out to their lot. He visited Gandhiji at Lucknow at the December
1916 convention of Indian National Congress. Gandhiji had prior appointments fixed but Shukla
accompanied him everywhere. Shukla was persistent and even followed Gandhiji to his ashram.
Finally, Gandhiji asked him to meet him at Calcutta on a fixed date and take him along to
Chaparan. Shukla was punctual and reached the spot before Gandhiji’s arrival. His tenacity was
impressive and thus, he secured Gandhiji’s support for the cause of the peasants of Champaran.

Q11. How did the Champaran episode prove to be a turning point in India’s freedom
struggle? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The Champaran episode proved to help the Indian Independence. Gandhiji took up a fight
for the sharecroppers against the landlords. Rajkumar Shukla who told him about the injustice
suffered by the sharecroppers took Gandhiji to Champaran. Gandhiji assessed the situation and
understood that the landlords were forcing the sharecroppers to plant 15% of their holding with
indigo and then give up the entire harvest to them as rent. Since Germany had come up with the
concept of synthetic indigo, the price of the natural indigo fell. The landlords forced the
sharecroppers to pay compensation. It was then that Gandhiji heard about the ill-treatment of a
peasant. Gandhiji decided to look into the matter, but he received an official notice to leave
Champaran and quit whatever he was doing there. Gandhiji fought against this injustice by telling
the court that it was a conflict of duties and he had come to serve the peasant. In the end, he
won his case against the cruel landlords and made them pay 25% of the money back to the
sharecroppers. This movement emboldened the peasants and they got to know their rights. He
made the British realize that Indians now have the courage to oppose injustice. This episode
gave Gandhiji a clear direction to launch the freedom struggle. Thus, it was a turning point in the
history of Indian freedom struggle.

Q12. Gandhiji said, “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.”
How does it become clear from the lesson `Indigo’ that freedom from fear is an essential
condition for justice? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Gandhiji said that being fearless was more important than getting legal justice because the
poor peasants had to be courageous to fight legal battles. They poverty-ridden peasants could
not afford the hefty fee charged by the lawyers. Such a path for justice would never work in their
favour because the scales were already tilted against them. Thus, to be on an equal standing,
firstly, the peasants had to be free form fear. Then only would they get the courage to stand up
for their rights and seek justice.

Q13. When and why did the author say that civil disobedience had triumphed for the first
time in modern India? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Gandhiji felt that Civil Disobedience had triumphed for the first time when he got the
support of the notable lawyers of the area. On seeing that Gandhiji, being an outsider, was ready
to go to jail for the cause of the peasants of Champaran, the local lawyers felt ashamed of
themselves. They also decided to court arrest and follow Gandhiji to the jail. It was then that
Gandhiji thought that Civil disobedience had won.

The Interview Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous
years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Chapter 7, “The Interview”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. What according to Umberto Eco is the belief that most journalists and publishers
have? [40-50 Words]
Ans. According to Umberto Eco, most journalists believe their work is a form of creative writing.
They see themselves as narrators shaping reality and public perception through their storytelling
skills.

Q2. Umberto Eco has a formidable reputation as a novelist after the success of ‘The Name
of the Rose’. Why does he still have apprehensions of being called a novelist? [40-50
Words]
Ans. Umberto Eco considered himself an academic who wrote novels as a hobby. Despite
gaining a lot of fame through his novel ‘The Name of the Rose’, he had apprehensions being
called a novelist because only a small percentage of readers had read his book. He identified
himself with the academic community than with pen clubs and writers.

Q3. Did Umberto Eco like to be identified as a novelist? Give reasons in support of your
answer. [40-50 Words]
Ans. No, Umberto Eco did not primarily want to be identified as a novelist. He considered himself
a scholar and a semiotician, and his work in literature was an extension of his academic interests
in signs, symbols, and communication.

Q4. What do you understand by “interstices”? How does Umberto Eco utilize his
interstices? [40-50 Words]
Ans. ‘Interstices’ refer to the small gaps or intervals of time between major tasks. Umberto Eco
utilizes these interstices effectively by writing and conducting research during these brief periods,
thus maximizing his productivity and output.

Q5. What evidence from the text reveals that Rudyard Kipling did not walk the talk? [40-50
Words]
Ans. The evidence is that Kipling’s own son was not allowed to read his works despite Kipling’s
public persona of advocating for children’s literature and education. This contradiction between
his public statements and private actions shows he did not practice what he preached.

Q6. Imagine you are Mukund Padmanabhan (The Interview) and you interviewed M. Hamel,
after he had finished delivering the last lesson (The Last Lesson). Write a paragraph on
Hamel’s views on individual responsibility and nationalism. [120-150 Words]
Ans. It is an individual’s responsibility towards his nation, to protect its freedom. M hamel insists
that an individual can retain his freedom and his country’s sovereignty if he is attached to the
mother tongue. Hamel lays stress on the importance of one’s language which is a key to freedom
from slavery. When Germany annexes two districts of France, it orders that German instead of
French be taught in the schools. This order shows the importance of language and the enemy is
trying to snatch the mother tongue from the people so that they can be enslaved. The language
of a country plays a major role in display of nationalism because it s binding factor which runs
through the fabric of the country.

Q7. Umberto Eco (The Interview) has a talk with Danny Casey from the story “Going
Places”. Danny, being a football prodigy, feels his popularity may affect his game as he
can’t devote much time to it. What advice will Umberto Eco give Danny about time
management? Write a paragraph on the interaction between the two and the advice given
by Umberto Eco. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In their conversation, Umberto Eco would likely advise Danny Casey on the importance of
structured time management to balance his professional commitments and personal life. Eco,
known for his prolific writing and academic work, would suggest that Danny create a detailed
schedule that allocates specific time slots for practice, games, and public appearances, while
also ensuring time for rest and personal interests. Eco might highlight the importance of
prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities when possible, and setting boundaries to protect his
time from being consumed entirely by public demands. By managing his time effectively, Danny
can maintain his performance on the field while also enjoying the benefits of his popularity
without feeling overwhelmed. Eco’s advice would focus on finding a sustainable balance that
allows Danny to excel both as an athlete and a public figure, emphasizing the significance of
discipline and strategic planning in achieving long-term success.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Others, usually celebrities who see themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as an
unwarranted intrusion into their lives, or feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some
primitive cultures it is believed that if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is
stealing that person’s soul. V.S. Naipaul ‘feels that some people are wounded by interviews and
lose a part of themselves,’ Lewis Carroll, the creator of Alice in Wonderland, was said to have
had ‘a just horror of the interviewer’ and he never consented to be interviewed.

(i) Choose the appropriate option with reference to the given extract :
Most of the celebrities dislike being interviewed because
(a) it is sheer nonsense.
(b) nobody reveals his/her inner self.
(c) it is sheer waste of time.
(d) it is an unwanted intrusion into their lives.
Ans. (d) it is an unwanted intrusion into their lives.
(ii) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
light : darkness: : ______ : refused
Ans. consented

(iii) In primitive cultures being photographed implied

(a) announcing victory.
(b) soul has been stolen.
(c) saving a memory for posterity.
(d) becoming popular.
Ans. (b) soul has been stolen.

(iv) From the given extract, we know that _______ never agreed to be interviewed.
(a) Lewis Carroll
(b) V.S. Naipaul
(c) T.S. Eliot
(d) Charlie Sheen
Ans. (a) Lewis Carroll

(v) In the given extract, the word ‘diminish’ most nearly means
(a) deepens
(b) disappoints
(c) lessens
(d) languishes
Ans. (c) lessens

(vi) In the given extract, the writer indicates that most people ______ interviews.
(a) celebrated
(b) read
(c) gave
(d) despised
Ans. (d) despised

Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Rudyard Kipling expressed an even more condemnatory attitude towards the interviewer. His
wife, Caroline, writes in her diary for 14 October, 1892 that their day was ‘wrecked by two
reporters from Boston’. She reports her husband as saying to the reporters, “Why do I refuse to
be interviewed? Because it is immoral ! It is a crime, just as much of a crime as an offence
against my person, as an assault, and just as much merits punishment. It is cowardly and vile.
No respectable man would ask it, much less give it.” Yet Kipling had himself perpetrated such an
‘assault’ on Mark Twain only a few years before. H.G. Wells in an interview in 1894 referred to
the `interviewing ordeal’, but was a fairly frequent interviewee and forty years later found himself
interviewing Joseph Stalin. (The Interview)

(i) Kipling viewed interviews with

(a) compassion.
(b) condemnation.
(c) reconciliation.
(d) gratitude.
Ans. (b) condemnation.

(ii) Kipling assaulted _________ with an interview.

(a) H.G. Wells
(b) Joseph Stalin
(c) T.S. Eliot
(d) Mark Twain
Ans. (a) H.G. Wells
 (iii) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract :
attack : assault : : committed : ____________
Ans. permitted

(iv) The word ‘wrecked’ in the extract most nearly means

(a) ravaged.
(b) annihilated.
(c) killed.
(d) ruined.
Ans. (d) ruined.

(v) Rudyard Kipling uses the phrase ‘it is a crime’ because he feels it is
(a) illegal.
(b) an offence against his person.
(c) an act of espionage.
(d) a waste of time.
Ans. (b) an offence against his person.

(vi) Kipling violated his own observation on interviewing by _____________.

Ans. permitting himself to be interviewed.

Q3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices. Say you are coming
over to my place. You are in the elevator and while you are coming up, I am waiting for you. This
is an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty spaces. While waiting for your elevator to come
up from the first to the third floor, I have already written an article !

(i) Umberto Eco, was

(a) a professor of semiotics, an author
(b) an interviewer, a novelist
(c) a journalist, a professor
(d) a publisher, an author
Ans. (a) a professor of semiotics, an author

(ii) Rationalise, to support the given statement :

Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives.
Ans. Umberto Eco believes that there are empty spaces in our lives, just as there are in atoms
and the world, and that we must use that time to create something constructive.

(iii) Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference :
I call them interstices.
Ans. intervals

(iv) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below :
1. Umberto Eco works even in the spare time between activities.
2. Umberto Eco does not like to be interviewed.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I can be inferred from the extract, but II cannot
(b) I cannot be inferred from the extract, but II can
(c) I and II are true
(d) II is the reason for I
Ans. (a) I can be inferred from the extract, but II cannot

(v) Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.
Umberto Eco does not like to waste time. He writes an article while he is proceeding to the
elevator.
Ans. waiting

(vi) Umberto Eco’s views on his manner of work are based on _______.
(a) facts
(b) an interview
(c) his blog
(d) hypothesis
Ans. (b) an interview

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. What does Umberto Eco mean by the concept of ‘Interstices’ in our lives? [30-40
words]
Ans. Eco is a University professor who attends academic conferences all through the week. He
finds so much time to write by utilizing the empty spaces that we all have in our lives, just like the
structure of atoms and the Universe. He terms these empty spaces as ‘interstices’. If he is
waiting for someone coming to his house via the escalator, he would use that free time to write
an essay rather than sit idle and wait. Therefore, he considers himself a scholar who writes
novels on Sundays. He calls this utilization of interstices as time management.

Q2. What are some of the positive views on interviews? [30-40 words]
Ans. Interview, in the 130 years of its existence, has become an inherent part of journalism. It is
a useful means of communication that is, at times, considered to be an art, serving as a source
of truth. Denis Brian has stated that in today’s world we get to know “our contemporaries”
through their interviews.

Q3. Why did Rudyard Kipling dislike being interviewed? Give two reasons. [30-40 words]
Ans. He felt that being interviewed was immoral. It was a crime against his person like assault
and deserved similar punishment.

Q4. What impressions do you form of Umberto Eco as a scholar and writer on the basis of
your study of ‘The Interview’? [120-150 words]
Ans. Umberto Eco, a university professor at the University of Bologna in Italy, is an academician
and a famous novelist. He, through various interviews, discloses his secret of success in life and
never hates the interviewers. He has his taste in various fields of writings as academic texts.
fiction and nonfiction, literary fiction essays, children’s books, newspaper articles etc.
He always wanted to be called an academician not a novelist. He used to participate in academic
conferences, on the other hand, he avoided the meetings of writers and Pen Club Members. He
has written forty scholarly works and five novels. He used to denote time for writing novels on
only Sundays. He discovered a magical trick of working in interstices.

He used to use even the seconds of his time. He captured the empty spaces for writing notes or
any content. He had an expertise in Semiotics, the study of signs. He never became a slave of
pride as he openly admitted that his novel ‘The Name of the Rose’ got success accidently and
the time was in his favour. He didn’t have any celebrity attitude though his novel was bought by
more than 10 million readers.

Q5. Was Umberto Eco a novelist or an academic scholar? Give a reasoned answer. [120-
150 words]
Ans.Umberto Eco wrote novels and was an academician as well but according to him, he was an
academic scholar first. He wrote novels on Sundays, as a hobby. He attended academic
conferences and not meetings of Pen clubs. Thus, he visualized himself as an academic scholar
to whom novel writing happened by chance.

Going Places Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous
years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Chapter 8, “Going Places”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. What inference can you draw about Sophie’s relationship with her father from the
story ‘Going Places’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Sophie’s relationship with her father is strained and distant. He dismisses her dreams as
unrealistic, showing a lack of support and understanding. This suggests a gap between her
aspirations and his practical mindset.

Q2. Does Sophie’s father believe her story of meeting Danny Casey? Discuss. [40-50
Words]
Ans. No, he does not believe Geoff when he tells him that Sophie had met Danny Casey. He
says that it was another of Sophie’s wild stories which would one day lead her into a lot of
trouble.

Q3. Bring out the contrast between Jansie and Sophie in the story ‘Going Places’. [40-50
Words]
Ans. Jansie is practical and realistic, concerned about the future and societal expectations, while
Sophie is dreamer and imaginative, living in a world of fantasies and unrealistic ambitions, which
leads to a contrast in their perspectives on life.

Q4. ‘Resignation was no sudden thing.’ What is the implication of this remark in the
context of Sophie’s character? 40-50 Words]
Ans. The remark implies that Sophie’s acceptance of her reality was gradual and reluctant.
Sophie often daydreams about a glamorous life far removed from her mundane existence. Her
resignation to her real situation reflects her gradual realization that her fantasies may never come
true, highlighting her inner conflict between dreams and reality.

Q5. ‘Soaf, you really should be sensible !’ What does Jansie’s advice to her friend Sophie
reveal about their friendship? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Jansie’s advice to Sophie reveals that she cares for her friend and is practical and
grounded. She tries to protect Sophie from getting carried away by unrealistic dreams, showing a
sense of responsibility and concern in their friendship.

Q6. ‘Jansie, knowing they were both earmarked for the biscuit factory, became
melancholy’.
What inference about Jansie’s character is drawn from the above line? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Jansie is realistic and resigned to her fate. She knows that she and Sophie are destined for
mundane jobs in the biscuit factory and does not indulge in unrealistic dreams, unlike Sophie.

Q7. Umberto Eco (The Interview) has a talk with Danny Casey from the story “Going
Places”. Danny, being a football prodigy, feels his popularity may affect his game as he
can’t devote much time to it. What advice will Umberto Eco give Danny about time
management? Write a paragraph on the interaction between the two and the advice given
by Umberto Eco. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In their conversation, Umberto Eco would likely advise Danny Casey on the importance of
structured time management to balance his professional commitments and personal life. Eco,
known for his prolific writing and academic work, would suggest that Danny create a detailed
schedule that allocates specific time slots for practice, games, and public appearances, while
also ensuring time for rest and personal interests. Eco might highlight the importance of
prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities when possible, and setting boundaries to protect his
time from being consumed entirely by public demands. By managing his time effectively, Danny
can maintain his performance on the field while also enjoying the benefits of his popularity
without feeling overwhelmed. Eco’s advice would focus on finding a sustainable balance that
allows Danny to excel both as an athlete and a public figure, emphasizing the significance of
discipline and strategic planning in achieving long-term success.

Q8. After reading ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger’ and ‘Going Places’, you realise that Aunt Jennifer
and Sophie’s mother have been subdued by their respective husbands.
As a social activist you have to write an article to a newspaper on the need to empower
women.
You may begin like this.
Empowerment of women is a very essential social reform. It needs to be accelerated for
any nation to progress ……… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Empowerment of Women: A Vital Social Reform
Empowerment of women is a very essential social reform. It needs to be accelerated for any
nation to progress. Women like Aunt Jennifer and Sophie’s mother have been subdued by
societal norms and their husbands’ dominance. This highlights the urgent need to empower
women to break free from such constraints.
Empowering women means providing them with education, economic independence, and equal
opportunities. It involves changing societal attitudes that perpetuate gender discrimination and
encouraging women to assert their rights. By doing so, women can contribute significantly to
society’s growth and development.
Creating awareness, implementing supportive policies, and fostering an environment of respect
and equality are crucial steps towards women’s empowerment. Let us work together to ensure
that every woman can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunities.

Q9. “Well I’ll be a manager then – yes, of course – to begin with.” (Going Places)
Sophie (Going Places) lives in a world of fantasy. Douglas (Deep Water) faces reality and
realises the importance of learning how to swim. Analyse based on the two texts the
importance of doing things rather than mere dreaming.
Write an article on how the youth of today must inculcate an attitude of doing rather than
dreaming.
You may begin –
The youth today must …… [120-150 Words]
Ans. The youth today must realize the importance of actions. Let us not undermine the
importance of planning but execution is irreplaceable. At times, we end up overthinking due to
which we get sluggish and miss the opportunity to act. In the story Going Places we see the
character of Sophie. She is a dreamer and ends up daydreaming. Sophie just talks about her
fantasies which are unreal and irrelevant in her real life. Thus, the fantasies only help her weave
a dreamy world which is quiet opposed to her grim reality. On the opposite, the character of
William Douglas shows us to be practical. William wants to fulfil his wish of swimming in natural
waters and so, he decides to overcome the fear. He is determined and gets rid of the fear. Thus,
we see how action-oriented approach leads him to success and achievement of goals.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
“Or an actress. Now there’s real money in that. Yes, and I could may be have the boutique on the
side. Actresses don’t work full time, do they? Anyway, that or a fashion designer. You know —
something a bit sophisticated”. And she turned in through the open street door leaving Jansie
standing in the rain. “If I ever come into money I’ll buy a boutique”. “Huh, if you ever come into
money … if you ever come into money you’ll buy us a blessed decent house to live in, thank you
very much.”
Sophie’s father was scooping shepherd’s pie into his mouth as hard as he could go, his plump
face still grimy and sweat — marked from the day. “She thinks money grows on trees, don’t she
Dad? Said little Derek, hanging on the back of his father’s chair.
Their mother sighed.

(i) Sophie wants to become an actress to

(a) become famous
(b) to earn money
(c) to support her father
(d) to compete with Jansie
Ans. (b) to earn money

(ii) Jansie wanted Sophie to spend her money on

(a) her marriage
(b) her career
(c) to open a boutique
(d) buying a house
Ans. (d) buying a house

(iii) Sophie is daydreaming about ____________.

Ans. becoming an actress or a fashion designer.

(iv) The phrase ‘money grows on trees’ indicates that Sophie ____________.
Ans. is over ambitious

(v) Sophie’s mother’s sigh is one of

(a) regret
(b) delight
(c) relief
(d) helplessness
Ans. (d) helplessness

(vi) From the extract Jansie comes across as a _____ person.

(a) practical
(b) dominating
(c) immature
(d) starstruck
Ans. (a) practical

Q2. Why did Sophie wish to delve more deeply in ‘her brother’s affections’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Sophie wanted to know more about her brother’s feelings because he listened to her crazy
stories and kept them to himself. She thought the world Geoff went to was interesting, and she
was already imagining herself following him there on a horse. She was sure that everyone would
be happy to see her.

Q3. Why did Sophie long for her brother’s affection? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Sophie’s brother Geoff remained silent and so, was mysterious to Sophie. There were
areas of his life about which she knew nothing. She wanted to know all these mysteries of his,
she wanted to accompany him and know about his affairs of which he did not speak.

Q4. Fantasising and unrealistic dreams sometimes lead to disappointment and

disillusionment. Discuss this with reference to the story ‘Going Places’. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story “Going Places,” Sophie, the protagonist, is a daydreamer who fantasizes about
a glamorous and successful life beyond her modest means. She dreams of becoming a fashion
designer, an actress, or a manager, despite her family’s financial struggles and her limited
opportunities. Sophie’s unrealistic dreams lead her to fabricate stories about meeting her idol, the
footballer Danny Casey, which she shares with her friend and brother.
However, these fantasies only set her up for disappointment and disillusionment. When her
dreams inevitably clash with reality, Sophie is left feeling disheartened and unfulfilled. Her
escapist tendencies prevent her from appreciating the simple joys of her current life and from
making realistic plans for her future. The story highlights the dangers of living in a world of
fantasies and the importance of grounding one’s aspirations in reality to avoid the pain of unmet
expectations.
Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams
Q1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow each of them :
There was a wooden bench beneath a solitary elm where lovers sometimes came. She sat down
to wait. It was the perfect place, she had always thought so, for a meeting of this kind.

(i) Who is ‘she’?

Ans. Sophie

(ii) Who was she waiting for?

Ans. Danny Casey

(iii) Why did lovers like this place for their meetings?
Ans. It was solitary

(iv) What was special about this meeting?

Ans. It was a romantic date

Q2. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow each of them :
Here I sit, she said to herself, wishing Danny would come, wishing he would come and sensing
the time passing, I feel the pangs of doubt stirring inside me. I watch for him but still there is no
sign of him. I remember Geoff saying he would never come, and how none of them believed me
when I told them.

(i) Who is ‘she’? Who is ‘he’?

Ans. Sophie and Danny Casey

(ii) Why did ‘she’ doubt that ‘he’ would not come?
Ans. He was a famous footballer and would be occupied somewhere else.

(iii) When did ‘she’ realise that ‘he’ would not come?
Ans. After some time passed, she realised that he would not come.

(iv) Which word in the passage is opposite in meaning to the word ‘certainty’?
Ans. doubt

Q3. Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her meeting with Danny Casey? [30-40
words]
Ans. Sophie didn’t want Jansie to know this because it was something special which she wanted
to share with Geoff only. She feared that Jansie would not keep the secret to herself.

Q4. Why is Jansie so critical of Sophie? [30-40 words]

Ans. Jansie is practical and finds Sophie’s plans to be unrealistic. Thus, she is critical and tries
to make Sophie realize the reality.

Q5. Why is Sophie attracted to Danny Casey? [30-40 words]

Ans. All the men in Sophie’s family – her dad and brothers are football fans. Every Saturday, the
family goes on a trip to watch their favourite team – United play. Danny Casey is a star player of
the United and they all adore him. She is attracted towards his appearance too – a blend of
innocence and Irish genius.

Q6. What was Sophie’s first choice of job after completing her school? How did she hope
to succeed in her aim? [30-40 words]
Ans. Her first choice was to own a boutique like Mary Quant. She would find the money needed
for it.
2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter
Q1. What is wrong with Jansie’s outlook on life? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Jansie is too pragmatic towards how she perceives things to be. She is not flexible about
her dreams and believes that she will continue to be in the position that they currently live in.
Jansie is realistic and constantly keeps Sophie’s day-dreaming in check.

Q2. Why did Jansie not approve of Sophie’s dream? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Jansie, being best friend of sophie did not want that sophie feel any problem by dreaming
high since they were earmarked for the biscuit factory. Moreover they belonged to a small family
where they had no right to even think bigger.

Q3. What do we know about the family life of Sophie? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Sophie belonged to a middle-class family. Her father did labour job and her mother, house
wife did household chores. Her elder brother Geoff was a mechanic while the younger one,
Derek, perhaps was a student. The father and the kids were football fans and every Saturday,
made a pilgrimage to watch United team play.

Q4. How is Jansie wiser than Sophie? [30 – 40 words]

Ans. Jansie is wiser than Sophie because she is practical. Jansie is realistic and knows their
families have limitations. She does not day-dream like Sophie.

Q5. Sophie flits from one dream to another. What trait of her character is brought out by
this action? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Sophie’s flitting from one dream to another reveals that she enjoyed living in her world of
dreams which provided her the refuge that she needed from her middle- class reality. Sophie is
an incurable escapist who does not want to come out of her dreamland.

Q6. What is your impression of Sophie’s brother Geoff? [30 – 40 words]

Ans. Geoff is elder to Sophie and is an apprentice mechanic. He lives in his own world and
hardly interacts with Sophie which makes him appear secretive. He is a football fan. He does not
believe Sophie when she tells him that she had met Danny Casey.

Q7. Attempt a character sketch of Sophie as a girl who lives in her dreams. [120 – 150
words]
Ans. It is a natural thing for teenagers to dream. It is a part of their life but sometimes these
dreams are impractical and non-realistic and when they are shattered, they cause a lot of pain. In
the story ‘Going Places’, the author has described the feelings and dreams of such a girl Sophie
who was a school-going teenager. She was a day-dreamer who fantasizes her future life with
Danny Casey, a football player from Ireland. She dreamt of having met him twice in the arcade.
For her, he was the hero to be worshipped. She also thought of owning a boutique despite her
weak financial status. She was blind to the bitter truth of life. She dreamt of an imaginary life, full
of beautiful things. She also dreamt of becoming an actress as there was lot of money and fame
in that profession. She wanted to be a fashion designer too. Overall, she wanted to lead a lavish
and a grand life against which her father and friend Jansie had warned her. Her dreams were
unrealistic in the sense that ultimately she would have to work in a biscuit factory as planned.
She wanted to have the things which were impossible.

Q8. What was Sophie’s dream? How was it unrealistic? How was she different from
Jansie? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Sophie dreamt of becoming a famous fashion designer. She wanted to own a boutique in
the city like Mary Quant. It was unrealistic because following such career options required a lot of
monetary investment which her family did not have. Sophie differed from Jansie because of her
ambitions and far fetched ideas. Jansie was grounded and practical. She would present the
reality to Sophie and would reprimand her for being impractical.
Q9. What did Sophie tell her father and her brother about her `meeting(s)’ with Danny
Casey? How did each of them react? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Danny Casey was a young footballer who played for Ireland. Sophie considered him a hero
whom she worshipped. She was always occupied with his thoughts. She told her brother Geoff
that she had met Danny Casey in the arcade while she was looking at the clothes in Royce’s
window. Casey came and stood by her. She recognized him and then they started talking. Then
she asked for an autograph but neither of them had a pen or paper. She further told her brother
that Danny’s eyes were green. He was gentle but was not very tall. When her brother told about
this to their father, he didn’t believe in her story at all as he knew her habit of indulging in wild
fantasies. His expression was one of disdain. He called this story as one of her many wild stories
and warned her against them as they would land her in trouble.

Q10. It is not unusual for a lower middle class girl to dream big. How unrealistic were
Sophie’s dreams? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Sophie was a middle class girl who had great aspirations. To achieve a glamorous and
sophisticated life, she wanted to own a boutique after she finished school. She felt she could
save the money by working as a manager, or maybe become an actress as there was real
money in it. She was a romantic, who was far removed from reality. Sophie did not have a decent
house to live in; her father worked hard to fend for the family and her brother was a mechanic.
Her mother worked hard to do the household chores daily. But Sophie dreamt of doing
something beyond all this and wanted to own a shop like Mary Quant, which would be the most
amazing shop that the city had ever seen. She also longed to go to places she had never seen.
These places lured her towards them because they were distant and mysterious. Sophie’s
dreams would never come true as they were unrealistic and not laced with practicality.

Q11. What dream world does Sophie live in? How is Jansie different from her? [120 – 150
words]
OR
Both Sophie and Jansie belong to the same social background yet their attitudes are so
very different. Comment. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Sophie lives in a dream world where she imagines to grow up and become a fashion
designer. She desires her brother’s company and imagines him wearing shiny black leathers,
herself in a yellow dress with a flowing cape, sitting on his bike, being greeted with applause.
She wants acceptance from her father and brothers and in order to attract their attention, she
cooks up a story of meeting the football star player Danny Casey.
Jansie is the opposite of Sophie. She is realistic and practical. She knows that they are destined
to work at the biscuit factory. She request Sophie also to be realistic.

My Mother at Sixty Six Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from
Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are
typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams,
serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and
highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous
Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Poem 1, “My Mother at Sixty Six”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realized with
pain
that she was as old as she
looked but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes.

(i) The phrase ‘ashen like that of a corpse’ gives the impression that the mother is
(A) frustrated
(B) depressed
(C) dead
(D) weak
Ans. (D) weak

(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False, with reference to the extract.
“The mother was suffering from some fatal disease.”
Ans. False

(iii) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) Life is short and one must enjoy it
(B) Ageing and Mortality
(C) Sleeping and Playing
(D) Art of Parenting
Ans. (B) Ageing and Mortality

(iv) Pick the option in which the word ‘spilling’ is used in the same sense as in the extract.
(A) Rahul was responsible for spilling the beans by telling everyone the secret.
(B) He opened the bag, spilling all its contents on the table.
(C) Try to keep that crowd from spilling onto the main street.
(D) The cat spilled all the milk.
Ans. (C) Try to keep that crowd from spilling onto the main street.

(v) The phrases ‘Young Trees sprinting’ and ‘merry children spilling’ represent :
(A) Youth
(B) Old age
(C) Disease
(D) Travel
Ans. (A) Youth

(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately.

‘She was as old as she looked.’
The repetition of the word ‘as’ suggests that ___________.
Ans. The poet is emphasizing the reality and the undeniable truth of her mother’s aging.

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

… but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes, but after the airport’s security check,
standing a few yards away, I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,

(i) Select the correct option.

The impact of ‘merry children’ on poet’s mind _________.
(A) caused anxiety
(B) created a sense of longing
(C) brought comfort
(D) reminded her of her own childhood
Ans. (C) brought comfort

(ii) The tone of the poet expressed in the above lines is

(A) sadness and helplessness
(B) excitement and eagerness
(C) appreciation and gratitude
(D) anger and anxiety
Ans. (A) sadness and helplessness

(iii) The words ‘wan, pale’ indicate the mother’s _______.

Ans. The words ‘wan, pale’ indicate the mother’s frail health and aging.

(iv) Complete the following sentence appropriately.

The poet looked at her mother again to _______.
Ans. The poet looked at her mother again to capture and remember her frail image, fearing it
might be the last time she sees her.

(v) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line ‘felt that old familiar ache’.
Ans. The poet experiences a deep, familiar sorrow and fear of losing her mother, a feeling she
has had since childhood.

(vi) ‘put that thought away’.

What is the intention of poet that can be inferred from the above line?
Ans. The poet tries to distract herself from the painful thought of her mother’s impending death
by focusing on other things.

Q3. It is said that the ‘Face is a mirror of one’s emotions.’ Why did the poet ‘smile and
smile’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. She smiled to hide her inner feeling of sadness. She was feeling the pang of separation
from her mother but she hid it behind her fake smile.

Q4. “See you soon Amma.” How are these words contrary to the speaker’s emotions? [40-
50 Words]
Ans. The words ‘See you soon Amma’ are contrary to the speaker’s emotions because she is
actually filled with fear and sadness about her mother’s aging and the possibility of losing her.
The cheerful farewell masks her inner turmoil and concern.

Q5. Create a comprehensive comparison of the themes present in ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’
and ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’. Specifically discuss the different ways each poem addresses
the concept of struggle and resilience. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is based on the theme of a woman’s desire of living a free
life. It highlights the bindings of married life and fear of her husband which will accompany her
even after death. The other poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ conveys the message of fear and
separation. It shows a woman’s helplessness towards her old ailing mother when she has to
leave her and go. The woman hides her feeling from the mother with a false smile.
In both the poems we see a married woman’s struggles. Aunt Jennifer is subjected to agony at
the hands of her husband and the marital obligations pressurize her so much that while doing her
favourite hobby, her fingers flutter due to his fear. She depicts her inner feeling of fearlessness
and boldness through the pattern that she is making. Thus, her desire is not dead and we see
that she is resilient and has the desire to bounce back. The poet Kamala Das, in ‘My mother at
sixty-six’ is also struggling with the fear of losing her old mother to death. Still, she overcomes
the fear and smiles towards the mother. She hopes to see her mother again and on this positive
note, she departs.
Thus, both the poems show the struggle and also, show their inner strength which supports them
in overcoming the sadness and being happy.
Q6. Write a paragraph focusing on how the poems ‘Keeping quiet’ and ‘My Mother at
Sixty-six’ illuminate different facets of human introspection and the significance of quiet
reflection in understanding oneself. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ the poet makes a direct request to the reader to remain quiet,
stop working and introspect. He wants them to ponder over the repercussions of their acts so
that they can make better decisions for the future. In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ the poet
sees her old and aging mother whose face looks like a corpse. However, she chooses to keep
her pain within and hides it behind a fake smile. She keeps on thinking that her mother needs
her, and is fearful of losing her forever. However, these thoughts remain inside her. She remains
silent and keeps on introspecting about her mother. Finally, she smiles at her and leaves.
In both the poems, we see the importance of quiet reflection. The ability to develop an idea within
one’s mind and then, deciding the future actions leads to better decisions for the future.

Q7. How does the use of vivid imagery by Adrienne Rich in “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” and
by Kamala Das in “My Mother at Sixty-six” contribute to the overall themes of their
respective poems? [120-150 Words]
Ans. Both the poems have visual imagery which contributes to the theme of the poem. In Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers, the tigers prance… They do not fear the men; this shows the aunt’s desire of
freedom. They pace in sleek chivalry indicates her desire to live fearlessly. Aunt’s finger flutter
when she pulls the needle shows her fear of the husband who may question her hobby. The
wedding ring on her hand sits heavily which indicates the pressure of marital obligations. Thus,
the entire poem involves visual depictions.
In My mother at sixty-six, the mother’s face is ashen, like a corpse which makes the reader
visualize a dull, ash coloured face which resembles a dead body. Then, the poet sees young
trees outside the car which seem to be running, young children running and playing in the
garden. These scenes are lively and energetic and she puts them in opposition to the scene
inside the car, the corpse like old mother sitting beside her. Later, the mother’s face is dull, like
the winter moon which can again be visualised by the reader. Thus, she has also used visual
imagery to show her feelings of fear of losing her mother to death.

Q8. How do imagery and symbolism in the poems “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” and “My
Mother at Sixty-six” offer insights into relationships? Write a diary entry expressing your
thoughts. You may begin this way :
I read the two poems today and … [120-150 Words]
Ans. I read the two poems today and both have used imagery and symbolism express
relationships.
The poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is all about marital relations. The tigers are a symbol of
fearlessness and pride which depict the aunt’s desire. The tigers prance across the world of
green and do not fear the men beneath the tree creates visual imagery to present aunt’s desire
of living with freedom and without fear. The uncle’s wedding band is a symbol of the burdening
marital obligations which pressurize the aunt and the word ‘ringed’ show that she is wearing the
wedding ring and also, that she is surrounded by the marital obligation unto her death. Her
terrified hands find the ivory needle hard to pull creates a scene where the reader can imagine
that the woman is scared of the husband who will perhaps object to her hobby of doing
embroidery.
The poem My mother at Sixty-six is about filial relationship. The mother’s face is ashen, like a
dead body. Then, the poet sees young trees outside the car which seem to be running, young
children running and playing in the garden. These scenes are lively and energetic and she puts
them in opposition to the scene inside the car, the corpse like old mother sitting beside her.
Later, the mother’s face is dull, like the winter moon which can again be visualised by the reader.
Thus, she has also used visual imagery to show her feelings of fear of losing her mother to
death.
Both these poems highlight the nuances of the relationships that they talk of.

Questions from the Poem in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with
pain
that she was as old as she
looked but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes,

(i) Identify the phrase that indicates youthful energy.

Ans. Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes,

(ii) Which thought is the poet trying to put away?

(a) missing the flight
(b) fear of losing her mother
(c) leaving her mother behind
(d) reaching Cochin
Ans. (b) fear of losing her mother

(iii) The poet’s mother is described as ‘open mouthed’ because _______.

(a) she is curious
(b) she is surprised
(c) she was dead
(d) she was dozing
Ans. (d) she was dozing

(iv) Complete the following analogy :

children spilling : metaphor : : _________ : personification
Ans. Trees sprinting

(v) The sight of the trees and the children helped the poet ________.
Ans. put the thought of her old, aging mother away

(vi) In the given extract, the phrase ‘realised with pain’ indicates the poet’s
(a) anxiety
(b) desperation
(c) troubled past
(d) ill-health
Ans. (a) anxiety

Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Driving from my parent’s
home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse, and realised with
pain
that she was as old as she
looked but soon
 put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes …….

(i) The poet’s mother looks

1. exhausted
2. healthy
III. rejuvenated
1. pale
2. relaxed
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) Only V
(b) I, III and V
(c) I, II and IV
(d) I and IV
Ans. (d) I and IV

(ii) The poet looks out of the car because ____________.

Ans. she wants to put the thought of her old, pale mother away

(iii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as ‘her face ashen like that of
a corpse’.
(a) stars winked in the midnight sky
(b) a bitter sweet experience
(c) as cold as ice
(d) grey geese in the green field
Ans. (c) as cold as ice

(iv) The phrase ‘she realized with pain’ indicates the poet’s
(a) anxiety of missing the flight.
(b) fear of losing her mother.
(c) fear of illness.
(d) anxiety of taking her mother on the flight.
Ans. (b) fear of losing her mother.

(v) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below :
1. The poet was in a hurry to reach the airport.
2. The poet did not want to think about her mother growing old and infirm.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I is correct, but II is incorrect
(b) Both I and II are correct
(c) Both I and II are incorrect
(d) II is correct, but I is incorrect
Ans. (d) II is correct, but I is incorrect

(vi) What does the phrase ‘sprinting trees’ symbolize?

(a) youthfulness and forgetfulness
(b) vitality and youthfulness
(c) energy and casualness
(d) pallor and exuberance
Ans. (b) vitality and youthfulness

Q3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
but after airport’s
security check, standing a few yards
away, I looked again at her, Wan,
pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that
old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear
but all I said was, see you soon,
Amma,
All I did was smile and smile and
smile ……..

(i) Choose the correct option :

In the above extract the narrator feels
(a) satisfied
(b) fearful
(c) nostalgic
(d) regretful
Ans. (b) fearful

(ii) Identify the word in the extract that means ‘colourless’.

Ans. pale

(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly :

She sang like a bird : Simile
All I did was smile and smile and smile : ____
Ans. Repetition

(iv) Read the following statement and choose the correct option :
(1) The poet had gone through the security check.
(2) She did not want to look at her mother.
(a) (1) is true, but (2) is false.
(b) (1) is false, but (2) is true.
(c) Both (1) and (2) are true.
(d) Both (1) and (2) are false.
Ans. (b) (1) is false, but (2) is true.

(v) What childhood fear is the poet referring to?

Ans. The poet Kamala Das in her poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six’ is referring to fear of separation
from her mother forever just as a child is always insecure of getting separated from her mother
whenever she is not visible or nearby to him/her.

(vi) Fill the blank with appropriate words with reference to the extract :
Pale as a winter’s moon suggests _______.
Ans. Suggests the mother’s weak and withered face.

Q4. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
I looked again at her, wan,
pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that
old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and
smile …
 (i) The poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ captures the _____ of the narrator.
1. happiness
Il. fear
Ill. dismay
1. anxiety
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) Only lI (b) I and IV
(c) II and IV (d) Only III
Ans. (c) II and IV

(ii) Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests the following :
She was overwhelmed with emotion and could not speak much.
Ans. ‘but all I said was, see you soon, Amma’.

(iii) The word ‘wan’ in the given context most nearly means
(a) pale
(b) old
(c) unwell
(d) anxious
Ans. (a) pale

(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly. Do not repeat from the example used.
Trees sprinting : personification : : ____ : simile
Ans. pale as a late winter’s moon

(v) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below :
1. The poet accepts the reality of her mother’s declining health and old age.
2. She is nostalgic about her childhood days spent with her mother.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I is true, but II is false
(b) Both I and II are true
(c) II is the reason for I
(d) II cannot be inferred from the extract
Ans. (c) II is the reason for I

(vi) Explain the following statement with reference to the above extract :
All I did was smile and smile and smile.
Ans. The poetess hides her anxiety and worries about being separated from her mother beneath
her hurt smile.

Q5. What is the significance of the word ‘but’ in ‘but all I said was see you soon, Amma?
[40-50 Words]
Ans. The significance of the word “but” in the line “but all I said was see you soon, Amma?” from
the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” by Kamala Das is to contrast the speaker’s actual thoughts
and emotions with what she said out loud. The word “but” indicates a contrast, and suggests that
the speaker’s thoughts and feelings were much more complex and emotional than what she said.
The use of “but” suggests that the speaker is holding back her true feelings and emotions, and
that there is an unspoken tension between her and her mother.

Q6. What are the feelings of the poet about her aged mother with reference to the poem
‘My Mother at Sixty Six’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. In the poem titled “My Mother at Sixty-Six,” the poet Kamala Das conveys a profound sense
of love as well as concern for her mother, who is getting older. As her mother sleeps in the car,
she is able to watch her mother’s weakness and fragility. This causes her to be overtaken with a
sense of protectiveness and tenderness towards her mother, which she realises is a natural
response to the inevitable process of ageing.

Questions from the Poem in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Read the extracts given below and briefly answer the questions that follow each.
Driving from my parent’s
home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
Of a corpse and realised with
pain
that she was as old as she
looked … … … …

(i) Where was the poet driving to? Who was sitting beside her?
Ans. Cochin, her mother

(ii) What did the poet notice about her mother?

Ans. Her face looked was the colour of ash and it looked like a corpse

(iii) Which thought made the poet feel painful?

Ans. The thought of losing her mother

(iv) Name the figure of speech used in the expression : ‘her face ashen like that of a
corpse’
Ans. Simile

Q2. What were the poet’s feelings on her way to the airport? [30-40 words]
Ans. The poet felt pain and fear of losing her aging mother to death.

Q3. Why has the poet mentioned ‘merry children spilling out of their homes’ in the poem?
[30-40 words]
Ans. The scene outside the car of merry children spilling out of their homes was contrast to the
scene inside the car. She mentions it to create a juxtaposition between the scenes inside and
outside the car.

Q4. How does the poet describe her mother in the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’? [30-40
words]
Ans. Her mother is described as ancient and pallid by the poet. The mother looked almost like a
corpse as she drifted off alongside daughter, her face colourless and devoid of the passion of
life.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Poem

Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile ……

(i) Name the poet and the poem.

Ans. Kamala Das is the poet and the name of the poem is ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six.’
(ii) What was the poet’s childhood fear ?
Ans. The poet’s childhood fear was that her mother would leave her alone and go away.

(iii) What is the poetic device used in lines 1- 2 ?

Ans. The poetic device used in lines 1-2 is simile.

(iv) Explain : ‘late winter’s moon’.

Ans. Late winter’s moon appears dull and hazy and it has no brightness. Similarly, poet’s mother
also looks tired and lifeless.

Q2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at young,
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes.

(a) Name the poem and the poet.

Ans. My Mother at Sixty Six by Kamla Das

(b) What thought did the poet put away?

Ans. The thought of her aging mother

(c) Why are the young trees described as sprinting?

Ans. When seen from a moving car, the trees by the roadside seem to be sprinting in the
opposite direction.

(d) How do you know that the joyful scene did not help her drive away ‘that thought’ from
her mind?
Ans. Again she mentions that however, after the security check at the airport, she again linked at
her mother who appeared weak and pale like a winter’s moon.

Q3. What sort of pain does the poet feel in ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. She feels a pain of losing her mother and being separated from her forever.

Q4. In the last line of the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’, the word ‘smile’ is repeated three
times. What is its significance? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The poet repeats the work ‘smile’ to indicate her false smile behind which she treis to hide
her pain.

Q5. What is the poet’s childhood fear? [30 – 40 words]

Ans. The poet’s childhood fear in the poem, My Mother at Sixty-Six, is that of losing her mother’s
company. Through the poem, the poet has tried to depict how the time is nearing. During this her
fears will turn into reality, and this makes her feel unhappy and worried at the same time, for her
mother has already moved into her old age and is nearing her last days. Her childhood fear
appears to grip her again. When the poet sees the corpse-like and pale face of her mother, her
ache or the old familiar pain returns. Perhaps this fear was entertained by her since her
childhood.

Keeping Quiet Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous
years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Poem 2, “ Keeping Quiet”.
Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam
Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
(Keeping Quiet)

(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) Silence alleviates sadness of our life.
(B) Life and death are part of our existence.
(C) We must keep our lives moving.
(D) Life is stressful and monotonous.
Ans. (A) Silence alleviates sadness of our life.

(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False, with reference to the extract.
The poet feels that quiet productivity in place of all activities is desirable.
Ans. False

(iii) The sadness being referred to (line 9) is due to :

(A) failure to understand ourselves.
(B) failure to understand others.
(C) loss of peers in life.
(D) inability to achieve what we desire.
Ans. (A) failure to understand ourselves.

(iv) The poem has been written from the point of view of a/an :
(A) environmentalist.
(B) feminist.
(C) social activist.
(D) linguist.
Ans. (C) social activist.

(v) Based on the rhyme scheme, which of the following does not rhyme with line 1?
(A) cruised
(B) complaint
(C) mused
(D) bruised
Ans. (B) complaint

(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately.

In ‘Life is what it is about’, the poet is talking about ______ .
Ans. the importance of living life fully and consciously, without being consumed by constant
activity and the fear of death.

Q2. What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen? [40-50 Words]

Ans. Pablo Neruda’s complaint is that fishermen harm nature by killing whales. He urges them to
stop their harmful activities and embrace stillness and introspection to appreciate the beauty of
nature.

Q3. Write a paragraph focusing on how the poems ‘Keeping quiet’ and ‘My Mother at
Sixty-six’ illuminate different facets of human introspection and the significance of quiet
reflection in understanding oneself. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ the poet makes a direct request to the reader to remain quiet,
stop working and introspect. He wants them to ponder over the repercussions of their acts so
that they can make better decisions for the future. In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ the poet
sees her old and aging mother whose face looks like a corpse. However, she chooses to keep
her pain within and hides it behind a fake smile. She keeps on thinking that her mother needs
her, and is fearful of losing her forever. However, these thoughts remain inside her. She remains
silent and keeps on introspecting about her mother. Finally, she smiles at her and leaves.
In both the poems, we see the importance of quiet reflection. The ability to develop an idea within
one’s mind and then, deciding the future actions leads to better decisions for the future.

Q4. If Aunt Jennifer speaks to Pablo Neruda, the poet of “Keeping Quiet”, about her
problems and constraints, would it be right for her to accept his response of
introspection, reflection and silence? Write a letter to Pablo Neruda expressing her views.
[120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Pablo
Thank you for your letter wherein you advised me to introspect and remain silent. However,
these suggestions do not seem apt for my situation.
I want to sensitize you on the same and so, I am writing to you. Please consider that matrimony
is a personal bond between two people and if one is subjected to torture, one must speak up in
order to protect oneself. Otherwise no external agency will interrupt such a relation.
I am questioned on trivial matters like my choice of hobby. While embroidering the panel, I am
under fear that if her arrives, he may scream at me for doing such a useless activity. My fingers
flutter when I pull the needle. I feel helpless. He expects me to be at his beck and call all the
time. I am under constant fear. I have to live with him all my life and I am subjected to continuous
torture. It is taking a toll on my well-being and once I reach a point when I am unable to speak up
for myself, then, no one will be able to bail me out.
Your suggestion of introspection and remaining quiet will worsen my condition and the trauma
will lead me to insanity. Thus, I request you to ponder over your suggestion.
Your Friend
Jennifer.

Q5. If you were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty”, how would you interpret the need for
quiet introspection as mentioned in “Keeping Quiet”? [120-150 Words]
Ans. If I were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty,” I would interpret the need for quiet introspection as
a fundamental step toward appreciating the beauty around us. In “Keeping Quiet,” the call for
silence and pause is essential for reflecting on our actions and their impact on the world. This
introspection allows individuals to reconnect with their inner selves and recognize the profound
beauty in simple, everyday moments. Just as beauty in nature provides solace and joy, quiet
introspection helps us understand and value these experiences. It is through this reflection that
we can foster a deeper appreciation for life’s small wonders, promoting peace and contentment
within ourselves and our surroundings.

Q6. Wars with gas, wars with fire,

Victory with no survivors. (Keeping Quiet)
Pablo Neruda in the above lines, highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about
the change in the plight of the Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and
not
violence.
Write an article on the importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues. [120-150
Words]
Ans. War cannot be the solution or harbinger of peace because war leads to death and
destruction. We need to keep this in mind when we seek a solution to issues of unlawful
possession and invasion. Several world leaders have emphasised on the importance of peaceful
means to attain freedom. Gandhi was one of the noted leaders who advocated civil disobedience
as an effective means to attain liberty. It simply means to disobey the orders and rules laid down
by the authorities who are not bestowed with such rights but have snatched them in order to fulfil
their selfish goals and to oppress the people of the land. Even the poet Pablo Neruda, in the
poem titled Keeping Quiet says that wars are wasteful as they lead to trucksful of death.
Thus, we can conclude that war cannot be the solution to any issue. We must seek other means
like advocating home rule and civil disobedience which promote non-violence.

Q7. …… but will keep

A bower quiet for us. (A Thing of Beauty)
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive. (Keeping Quiet)
Based on ideas from ‘Keeping Quiet’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, as President of Eco Club of
your school. Draft a speech on the importance of preserving nature for the benefit of
mankind.
You may begin like this.
Good morning to one and all !
After reading both the poems, I strongly believe ……………. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Good morning to one and all!
After reading both the poems, I strongly believe that preserving nature is crucial for the wellbeing
of mankind. ‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats highlights how the beauty of nature provides us
with endless joy and a sense of peace. Similarly, Pablo Neruda’s ‘Keeping Quiet’ teaches us the
importance of stillness and introspection to understand our connection with the Earth.
Nature’s beauty is a constant source of inspiration and comfort. The trees, flowers, rivers, and
mountains provide a tranquil environment that rejuvenates our spirits. However, with the current
pace of environmental degradation, we risk losing these precious gifts. It is imperative that we
take action to protect our natural surroundings. Planting trees, reducing pollution, and conserving
wildlife are steps we can take to ensure a sustainable future.
Let us all commit to making small changes in our daily lives to preserve the beauty of nature for
future generations. Together, we can create a harmonious relationship with our environment and
enjoy the lasting benefits it offers.
Thank you.

Q8. Imagine you are Pablo Neruda of ‘Keeping Quiet’. He advises Robert Frost in the
context of his conflict and pain at the plight of the roadside stand owners. Pen down your
advice in a letter to Robert Frost. You may begin.
Dear Frost,
You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to
advise you… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Frost,
You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to advise you
that death is not a solution to any problem. Please do not feel dejected that you consider death
as the only solution to end the plight of the rural poor. We must aim to reach at a solution which
solves their problems and provides them growth and prosperity.
I suggest that you must organise these rural folks. The organization should be registered as a co-
operative union. All the products like farm produce, dairy items, handicrafts, handloom goods
should be sold through this organization. Then the rural workers will get a better price for their
products and they can even market the items at various exhibitions and fairs. This will definitely
uplift them. Also, please arrange volunteers who can educate them and guide them on health
and sanitation. Cleanliness is also essential to ensure better living conditions.
Once the rural people will earn better and live better, they will become a happy lot and you will
experience joy by bringing a change in their lives.
I hope you will find my advice useful.
 Your friend
Pablo

Questions from the Poem in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.

For once on the face of the Earth

let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.

It would be an exotic moment

without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness. (Keeping Quiet)

(i) Significance of counting up to twelve is

(a) it is time to start the race.
(b) it is symbolic of life.
(c) it is a measure of time.
(d) that time does not wait for anyone.
Ans. (c) it is a measure of time.

(ii) The word _________ in the extract means unusual and exciting.
Ans. exotic

(iii) Excessive activity would create an atmosphere of

(a) productivity.
(b) mechanisation.
(c) confusion.
(d) competition.
Ans. (c) confusion.

(iv) The poet would want to create all of the following EXCEPT
(a) a peaceful environment.
(b) a harmonious world.
(c) an atmosphere for introspection.
(d) a world full of hustle and bustle.
Ans. (d) a world full of hustle and bustle.

(v) Complete the following analogy correctly:

face of the Earth : _________ : : sudden strangeness : alliteration
Ans. personification

(vi) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below:
1. People must keep silent at twelve everyday.
2. Introspection will lead to peaceful coexistence.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I is false, but II is true
(b) Both I and II are false
(c) Both I and II are true
(d) I is true, but II is false
Ans. (d) I is true, but II is false
 Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
Let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together

(i) The poet counts up to twelve as a countdown to

(a) lift arms.
(b) speak in different languages.
(c) stop all activities.
(d) be without engines.
Ans. (c) stop all activities.

(ii) The poet appeals to the people that they should

1. keep quiet.
2. not move.
III. celebrate festivals.
1. not hibernate.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) Only II
(b) I and II
(c) Only l
(d) I and IV
Ans. (b) I and II

(iii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the third line of the
extract :
(a) lightning danced across the sky
(b) greedy good doers
(c) children spilling out of their homes
(d) fight like cats and dogs
Ans. (a) lightning danced across the sky

(iv) The benefits of ‘Keeping Quiet’ include

I harmony
1. non-violence
III. brotherhood
1. meditation
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I and II
(b) II and IV
(c) I, II and III
(d) I, II, III and IV
Ans. (d) I, II, III and IV

(v) Complete the statement with reference to the extract :

The poet suggests we will all be together when ____.
Ans. there will be only silence, no rush, no movement and a mood of introspection.
(vi) The word ‘exotic’ in the extract most nearly means
(a) unique
(b) luxurious
(c) rich
(d) illusive
Ans. (a) unique

Q3. ‘There can be life under apparent stillness’. Explain. [40-50 Words]
Ans. In his poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, Pablo Neruda encourages us to stay still and quiet, even if just
for a while. All destructive behaviours will cease, wars will terminate, and the misery of not
understanding ourselves will be interrupted during these periods of inactivity. Even fishermen at
sea will spare the whales, and the entire planet will come to life. The poem also encourages us to
reconnect with nature and recover our inner identity, which will help us to be kind and respectful
to one another. Even in apparent silence, Neruda reminds us, there remains the possibility of life.

Q4. What according to Pablo Neruda in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ is the lesson that we
should learn from mother earth? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Mother Earth teaches us that there is life after death. At one time everything seems dead
and later, gets alive again.

Questions from the Poem in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Read the extracts given below and briefly answer the questions that follow each.
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.

(i) Name the poem and the poet.

Ans. The poem is ‘Keeping Quiet’, and the poet is Pablo Neruda.

(ii) What does the poet hope to achieve by keeping still?

Ans. He aspires to acquire and appreciate peaceful introspection. We will feel as if we are all
together in this silence and will have a peculiar sense of belonging.

(iii) What does he want us to do for one second?

Ans. For one second, the poet asks us to be silent and immobile.

(iv) Describe the pun on the word, ‘arms’.

Ans. Human upper limbs and military weapons.

Q2. What can the Earth teach us? [30-40 words]

Ans. The Earth teaches us about life after death, the temporal nature of beings.

Q3. How will ‘Keeping Quiet’ protect our environment? [30-40 words]
Ans. By keeping quiet we will introspect and look into the activities that we do and their results.
This will help us make better decisions for future acts.

Q4. How can suspension of activities help in making life better? [30-40 words]
Ans. Suspension of activities will give us free time to think and introspect. Thus, we will realize
the harmful activities that we engage in and will stop them.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Poem

Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.

(a) Name the poem and its poet.

Ans. Keeping Quiet by Pable Neruda.

(b) What does the Earth teach us?

Ans. The Earth teaches us that after being dead, things get a rebirth and the Earth becomes
alive again.

(c) What does the poet want to achieve by counting up to twelve?

Ans. By counting upto twelve, the poet wants us to be still and think over our acts and their
results. This will enable us to make better decisions for the future.

(d) Give an example of what now seems to be dead but later on becomes alive.
Ans. The Earth

Q2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.

(a) Whom does the word `those’ refer to?

Ans. ‘Those’ refers to the policy makers of countries.

(b) What does the poet mean by : `put on clean clothes’?

Ans. Clean clothes is a metaphor to indicate a new, fresh outlook towards life.

(c) Describe the irony in the third line.

Ans. The irony is that if there is victory with no suvivors, then no one will acknowledge such a
victory. Thus, such a triumph is useless.

(d) When can a person walk about with `their’ brothers?

Ans. A person can walk about with their brothers only when there is peace.

Q3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no survivors, would put
on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing.

(a) Who are ‘those’ in line 1?

Ans. ‘Those’ refers to the policy makers of countries.

(b) What are ‘green wars’?

Ans. ‘Green wars’ are acts of harming nature like pollution.

(c) Explain : ‘victory with no survivors’.

Ans. It means that a country may win a war at the cost of the lives of its soldiers. Such a victory
is insignificant.
(d) What is the significance of : ‘put on clean clothes’?
Ans. It implies to get a new outlook towards life.

Q4. Give examples from ‘Keeping Quiet’ to show that Neruda was peace loving. [30 – 40
words]
Ans. We know that the poet Neruda is a peace- loving person through several instances in the
poem. He cares for both humans and nature. In the poem, Neruda wishes that fishermen do not
hunt whales, he wants the man who is collecting salt to stop for a while and see the self-harm it
is doing and lastly, he wishes that people who run about indulging in wars, to stop what they are
doing and instead, embrace peace with their brothers.

Q5. What does Neruda wish fishermen and warmongers to do? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Neruda is a lover of peace and non-violence. He wishes that the fishermen do not hunt the
whales in the cold regions. He also wishes that the warmongers who normally indulge in wars
and violence, walk with their brothers in some of their best clothes in the shade of trees, doing
nothing.

A Thing of Beauty Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from
Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are
typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams,
serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and
highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous
Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Poem 3, “A Thing of Beauty”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) Beauty provides security and peace.
(B) Beauty lies in possession of expensive things.
(C) Beauty is synonymous with power and riches.
(D) Beauty lies in our rich heritage and palaces and temples.
Ans. (A) Beauty provides security and peace.

(ii) Complete the following sentence appropriately.

A thing of beauty never passes into nothingness because it is ___________.
Ans. a source of perpetual joy.

(iii) ‘Quiet bower’ means a pleasant, shady, quiet place under trees or in the woods. This
creates a sense of ___________.
Ans. tranquillity.

(iv) State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to the extract.
The quality of a thing ensures that its beauty lasts forever.
Ans. True

(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 3 and 4 of the given extract, which word will
rhyme with them?
(A) please
(B) sweep
(C) help
(D) self
Ans. (B) sweep

(vi) The use of the word ‘health’ in the extract suggests that beautiful things will give us a
happier and more wholesome life. It creates a powerful image of _____________.
(A) rejuvenation
(B) attachment
(C) long life
(D) eternity
Ans. (A) rejuvenation

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching :

(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) The beautiful things in nature
(B) Things that cause unhappiness
(C) The immortality of human beings
(D) The early morning fragrance of flowers
Ans. (A) The beautiful things in nature

(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False, with reference to the extract.
The paths we follow are often not worthy of our noble nature.
Ans. True

(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately :

‘We wreathe for ourselves a flowery band every morrow because __________.
Ans. It helps us stay connected to the earth despite the challenges and despair we face.

(iv) The use of the word ‘dearth’ creates a powerful image of __________.
Ans. a lack or scarcity of noble and virtuous people, contributing to a sense of gloom.

(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 4 and 5, which of the following word will rhyme
with ‘days’ and ‘ways’?
(A) craze
(B) pays
(C) haste
(D) waste
Ans. (D) waste

(vi) The lack of punctuation at the end of line 3 in the extract is to :

(A) create a sense of continuity and flow that connects it with the fourth line.
(B) encourage the reader to understand grammar.
(C) forewarn the reader of gloomy days ahead.
(D) keep us connected to this earth.
Ans. (A) create a sense of continuity and flow that connects it with the fourth line.

Q3. ‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms ; we have imagined for the mighty dead.’
Explain the inference you can draw from the phrase ‘mighty dead’. [40-50 Words]
Ans. The phrase ‘mighty dead’ refers to great historical figures and heroes who have passed
away. The grandeur of their legacies and the impact they left behind continue to inspire and
evoke admiration, showing that their influence endures beyond their lifetimes.

Q4. How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Keats relates the ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’ by suggesting that the stories and
legends of great historical figures add to the beauty and inspiration of the world. Their legacy
contributes to the enduring beauty that Keats celebrates.

Q5. Imagine you are John Keats, the poet of ‘A Thing of Beauty’. What advice might you
offer to Robert Frost, the poet of ‘A Roadside Stand’ in the context of his ‘The sadness
that lurks near the open window’? Pen down your advice in a letter to Frost on how to
deal with sadness. You may begin this way :
Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ and …. ….
You may end this way :
Despite the fact that our lives are full of sorrow and suffering, the beautiful things around
us give us the strength to endure the sadness of life.
Warmly
John Keats [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ and was deeply moved by the portrayal of
sadness and longing. As a fellow poet, I understand how the weight of the world’s sorrows can
press upon one’s spirit. In my poem ‘A Thing of Beauty,’ I explored the idea that beauty, in its
many forms, offers solace and joy that endure despite life’s trials.
When you feel overwhelmed by sadness, seek out the simple yet profound beauty in nature, art,
or moments of kindness. These instances of beauty can provide a quiet refuge, helping to lighten
the burden of sorrow. Remember, the appreciation of beauty can transform our outlook, infusing
our lives with a sense of peace and hope.
Despite the fact that our lives are full of sorrow and suffering, the beautiful things around us give
us the strength to endure the sadness of life.
Yours sincerely,
John Keats

Q6. ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and ‘A Roadside Stand’ are poetic expressions of human
relationships. The first engages with nature while the latter highlights the individual’s
place in society. Describe with reference to the two poems. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ acknowledges the creation of nature and addresses them as
things of beauty. These beautiful creations of nature are eternal and give us immense joy. The
poet highlights the various reliefs and respites provided by the shady bower, the cool rills, the
warm Sun and the sheep. He is grateful for the pretty flowers and the tales of brave men. All
such objects of beauty bind us to the earth and give us a reason to live and survive in this
otherwise greedy world.
The poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ presents the plight of the rural poor who crave for some money
from the urban populace. They display farm produce on sheds by the highways and expect the
rich people who pass by in cars, to stop and buy the goods. The poet also mentions how these
innocent poor people are fooled by the politicians and authorities who are like beasts. They grab
their land and shift them to further off places. They force them to live in such poverty-ridden
conditions. No one really wants to help these people. Both the poems highlight the nuances of
human relationships and emotions and lay importance on maintaining a balance.

Q7. If you were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty”, how would you interpret the need for
quiet introspection as mentioned in “Keeping Quiet”? [120-150 Words]
Ans. If I were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty,” I would interpret the need for quiet introspection as
a fundamental step toward appreciating the beauty around us. In “Keeping Quiet,” the call for
silence and pause is essential for reflecting on our actions and their impact on the world. This
introspection allows individuals to reconnect with their inner selves and recognize the profound
beauty in simple, everyday moments. Just as beauty in nature provides solace and joy, quiet
introspection helps us understand and value these experiences. It is through this reflection that
we can foster a deeper appreciation for life’s small wonders, promoting peace and contentment
within ourselves and our surroundings.

Q8 …… but will keep

A bower quiet for us. (A Thing of Beauty)
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive. (Keeping Quiet)

Based on ideas from ‘Keeping Quiet’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, as President of Eco Club of
your school. Draft a speech on the importance of preserving nature for the benefit of
mankind.
You may begin like this.
Good morning to one and all !
After reading both the poems, I strongly believe ……………. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Good morning to one and all!
After reading both the poems, I strongly believe that preserving nature is crucial for the wellbeing
of mankind. ‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats highlights how the beauty of nature provides us
with endless joy and a sense of peace. Similarly, Pablo Neruda’s ‘Keeping Quiet’ teaches us the
importance of stillness and introspection to understand our connection with the Earth.
Nature’s beauty is a constant source of inspiration and comfort. The trees, flowers, rivers, and
mountains provide a tranquil environment that rejuvenates our spirits. However, with the current
pace of environmental degradation, we risk losing these precious gifts. It is imperative that we
take action to protect our natural surroundings. Planting trees, reducing pollution, and conserving
wildlife are steps we can take to ensure a sustainable future.
Let us all commit to making small changes in our daily lives to preserve the beauty of nature for
future generations. Together, we can create a harmonious relationship with our environment and
enjoy the lasting benefits it offers.
Thank you.

Questions from the Poem in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet
and breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching.

(i) Keats defines beauty as

(a) transient
(b) eternal
(c) illusionary
(d) short lived
Ans. (b) eternal

(ii) ‘will keep a bower quiet for us’ means all of the following EXCEPT
(a) create a peaceful, shady place
 (b) provide a shelter
(c) will decrease noise pollution
(d) nature’s canopy
Ans. (c) will decrease noise pollution

(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below :
1. Beautiful things uplift the soul.
2. Beauty is ever changing.
(a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.
(b) 2 can be inferred from the extract but 1 cannot.
(c) both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.
(d) both 1 and 2 cannot be inferred from the extract.
Ans. (a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.

(iv) The things that cause unhappiness are

(1) lack of noble nature
(2) old tunes
(3) dull days
(4) calm mind
(5) a flowery band
(6) strong relationships
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (1) and (3)
(c) (4) and (5)
(d) (3) and (6)
Ans. (b) (1) and (3)

(v) Complete the analogy. Do not repeat from used example :

flowery band : metaphor :: ___________: alliteration
Ans. we wreathing

(vi) According to the poet ‘every morrow’ we are ___________.

Ans. wreathing

Q2. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting
impression? Explain. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Things that are beautiful last for a long time. It will always be a part of our memories. The
happiness they give us lasts forever and grows greater every time we think about them. When
we remember beautiful things from the past, it “lifts the cloud from our dark spirits.”

Q3. In the poem “A Thing of Beauty”, how is grandeur connected with the mighty dead?
[40-50 Words]
Ans. The tales of the mighty soldiers who sacrificed their lives while fighting the enemy are
impressive and inspiring. Thus, the poet says that the tales of the mighty dead have gradeur.

Q4. ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, can be read together to show the
permanence and everlasting impact of art and of things of beauty. Comment. [120-150
Words]
Ans. Both “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich and “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats
explore the idea of art and beauty being eternal and having a lasting impact on humanity. Aunt
Jennifer uses needlepoint to make tigers that reflect the strength and freedom she lacks in her
married life. The tigers will live on long after Aunt Jennifer has passed away, symbolising the
enduring power of art. Similarly, Keats ‘A Thing of Beauty’ indicates that beauty is a source of joy
that transcends the fleeting character of human existence.
These poems imply that beauty and art, whether in the shape of needlework or nature, have the
ability to transcend human constraints and time, making a lasting impression on individuals and
civilizations. Even after the creators have
passed away, art and beauty remain relevant and treasured for future generations. These poems
remind us that art and beauty may create a sense of permanence and inspire future generations,
rather than being fleeting pleasures.

Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams

Q1. What is the theme of the poem – ‘A Thing of Beauty’? [40 Words]
Ans. In many ways, A Thing of Beauty symbolises the romantic conclusion of Keats’s strong
trust in the non-destruction of beauty, in its claim to validity in light of its transience, and in its
capacity to summon or interpret the truth. This serves as the poem’s central idea. The poet’s
artistic interpretation of beauty as an unyielding source of delight and pleasure clashes with his
awareness of the life’s challenging issues, each of which the essence of beauty addresses in its
own unique way. The objects of beauty are immune to time’s impermanence and, in fact,
mortality, unlike the commonplace objects of everyday certainty. Nature’s sun, moon, plants, and
animals are defenders of an infinity that cannot be compared to the transience and
impermanence of human plans.

Q2. How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort? [40 Words]
Ans. A thing of beauty provides shelter and comfort by offering solace and inspiration. It uplifts
the spirit and brings joy, making life more bearable and enriching.

Q3. What are the things that cause suffering and pain? [40 Words]
Ans. Inhumanity, the lack of noble souls causes gloom and makes lives over darkened.

Q4. What, according to Keats, causes a pall over our spirits? [40 Words]
Ans. Spite of despondence, inhuman dearth of noble natures, of the gloomy days, unhealthy and
over darkened ways causes a pall over our spirits.

Q5. How can the ‘mighty dead’ be described as ‘a thing of beauty’? Explain. [40 Words]
Ans. The mighty dead inspire humanity, their tales of valour inspire us for generations to come
and so, are things of beauty.

Q6. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? [40 Words]
Ans. Human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings because of the existence of
several natural and beautiful things around them. These things of beauty never fade. They give
joy and optimism to human mind, and thus, help in overcoming or bearing the troubles and
sufferings.

Q7. According to the poet, Keats, nature offers a vast array of beautiful things around us
which we fail to notice in our mundane life. List the beautiful things. [40 Words]
Ans. The things of beauty mentioned in the poem are the Sun, Moon, trees, flowers, sheep,
streams and tales of the mighty dead.

Q8. Why are the ‘lovely tales’ called an ‘endless fountain’ in the poem ‘A Thing of
Beauty’? [40 Words]
Ans. The lovely tales of the mighty dead inspire the future generations. They are like an endless
fountain of an immortal drink bestowed upon humanity from the heaven above. These stories are
impressive and when the posterity hears or reads them, they get motivated.

Q9. Explain “On every morrow are we wreathing. A flowery band to bind us to the earth
…”. [40 Words]
Ans. The lines suggest that each new day, we create a metaphorical “wreath” of beautiful things
that connect us to the world, reminding us of the enduring joy and meaning that beauty brings to
our lives.
Q10. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? Elaborate with reference to the poem. [120-
150 Words]
Ans. A Thing of beauty is a joy forever due to various reasons. The natural creations like the Sun
provides warmth and energy, the moon is a beauty to look at in the night sky, the sheep provide
us wool and milk, the flowers add vibrance to our life, the tales of brave men inspire us, the cool
rills of water quench our thirst and the shade of the trees provide us sweet dreams, good sleep
and health. Thus, these things of beauty give eternal joy to mankind.

Q11. The objects of beauty remove the gloom from our lives. Discuss with reference to the
poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The beauty in things lifts the melancholy from our life. There are numerous things that harm
and hurt us. The main causes of human misery are malice and disappointment. The absence of
noble traits is another. Our bad and unhealthy habits also produce a great deal of problems and
misery. They lower our mood. They cast a gloomy veil over our existence. When this happens,
beautiful things, good deeds, and moving stories help us overcome our anxiety and despair and
learn to love life again. Men and animals alike get relief from the heat by seeking refuge under a
tree or by becoming one with nature and its calming effects. The beautiful things that nature
provides are straightforward. Every living thing is calmed down by them. We experience
happiness when we interact with beautiful things. They leave us with a lasting impression. It is
made plain right away by Keats. A beautiful object brings joy forever. It is a never-ending source
of happiness and pleasure. It never loses or lessens any of its attractiveness. Every instant sees
an increase in its beauty. Its worth has not decreased. It never vanishes into oblivion. It lifts the
cloud of melancholy that hangs over our gloomy spirits.

Q12. What according to Keats are things of beauty? What is their significance in our
lives? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The poet describes the natural world’s creations as beings of beauty. Even just glancing at
or daydreaming about the dancing daffodil bushes and musk rose-studded thickets in verdant
woodlands makes us happy. All of nature’s exquisite creations assist us in overcoming
melancholy and uplifting our spirits. A beautiful thing is like a bower. We experience never-
ending joy from it, relief from our sufferings, sound sleep, and a clear mind. Our dark spirits are
lifted, and it brings us joy and tranquilly. There are certainly elements in life that bring about
hardship and pain, such as hopelessness, a lack of honourable people, gloomy days, and
excessively sinister paths. During these moments, we learn to love life by being inspired by
beautiful things, good deeds, and compelling stories. Thus, the beautiful objects in our
environment bring us joy always.

Q13. Justify the title of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The title of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ is well justified because the poem discusses all
the various beautiful creations of nature. The poet talks of the various benefits which these things
provide mankind. According to him, the world is full of inhumanity, spite and gloom. It is only
these beautiful creations which bind us to the earth. They are like a flowery wreath that bind us to
this earth, to overlook the sadness and despondence. The poem talks of various things of beauty
which give long-lasting happiness.

Q14. How do things of beauty have a lasting impact on us? [120-150 Words]
Ans. There are various things of beauty which provide everlasting joy to humans in different
ways. According to the poet, Robert Frost, a thing of beauty binds us to this Earth which is
otherwise full of despondence and lacks nobility. He lists down things of beauty as the Sun, the
Moon, the trees, sheep, roses and daffodils, the clear rills of water and the tales of the mighty
dead. When we have a close inspection of these things of beauty, we realize that each thing
provides us relief, comfort and happiness in a unique manner. This unique feature makes the
thing special and this speciality is recognized by the poet when he says that the things of beauty
are eternal.
Every morning, the Sun shines brightly and provides us warmth and energy which activates us
and our body’s circadian rhythm works in accordance to it. The Moon shines brightly in the night
sky and is a beautiful sight to look at. It inspires lovers and poets. Sheep and similar domestic
animals provide us various resources like wool and milk. The trees provide shade for resting and
rejuvenating. The pretty flowers add vibrance to our lives. The clear streams of water nurture all
life. The lovely tales of brave men inspire posterity to be valorous and thus, impact mankind.
Thus, we can see the numerous benefits that things of beauty provide us with.

Q15. In what way do the things of beauty leave a lasting impression on us? [120-150
Words]
Ans. Things of beauty leave a lasting impression on us by providing a sense of joy and
tranquillity. They uplift our spirits and offer a temporary escape from the challenges of life. Beauty
in nature, art, or human kindness creates lasting memories because it evokes emotional
responses and connects us to deeper meanings. This lasting impression helps us appreciate life
more fully and inspires us to seek and cherish beauty in our everyday experiences.

Questions from the Poem in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Read the extracts given below and briefly answer the questions that follow each.
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

(i) Which two things of beauty are mentioned in these lines?

Ans. Lovely tales, mighty dead

(ii) Why are the ‘lovely tales’ called an endless fountain?

Ans. They inspire us and so, are an endless fountain of an immortal drink bestowed from the
heaven above.

(iii) Where is this fountain situated?

Ans. In the heaven

(iv) Explain : ‘grandeur of the dooms’.

Ans. The term “grandeur of the dooms” refers to the glory and magnificence that the dead are
entitled to on the Doom Day following their death.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Poem

Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

(a) Name the poem and its poet.

Ans. A Thing of Beauty by John Keats.

(b) How does a thing of beauty remain a joy forever?

Ans. A thing of beauty remains a joy forever because it provides us pleasure, good health, sleep
and binds us to this earth.

(c) Explain : ‘never pass into nothingness’.

Ans. It means that its importance will never end.
(d) How does the bower help us in our life? Give two examples.
Ans. The shady bower provides us good sleep, health, dreams and thus, nourishes us.

Q2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

(a) Which two qualities of beauty are mentioned here?

Ans. Joyous, lovely

(b) How does it give calm to a troubled mind?

Ans. It calms a troubled mind by providing sleep full of sweet dreams, good health and deep
breathing.

(c) What does the word `bower’ mean?

Ans. A pleasant shady place under trees.

(d) How does beauty lead to ‘a sleep full of sweet dreams’?

Ans. A shady bower of trees is a beautiful creation of nature. The shade gives us nice sleep
which is full of sweet dreams.

Q3. How does a thing of beauty bring joy in our lives? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The poet John Keats lists down various things of beauty. These beautiful creations of God
provide humans with different blessings. He says that the shade of the trees provides good
sleep, sweet dreams and thus, good health. The beautiful flowers like daffodils and roses remove
the sadness from our lives. The Sun gives us energy while the moon’s beauty inspires us.
Animals like the sheep provide us with wool and similar things. The rills of water are a cooling
covert which quench our thirst. The tales of the brave men are sources of inspiration. All these
beautiful things are like a fountain of a heavenly drink that pours onto humanity from the heaven
above.

A Roadside Stand Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from
Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are
typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams,
serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and
highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous
Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Poem 4, “A Roadside Stand”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
The little old house was out with a little new shed
in front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped.
A road side stand that too pathetically pled
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread.
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
‘The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.

(i) Which of the following expressions has the same literary device as used in
“A roadside stand that too pathetically pled.”
(A) All the world’s a stage.
(B) I wandered lonely, as a cloud.
(C) The brutal wind bullied the tree.
(D) And life is too much like a pathless wood.
Ans. (C) The brutal wind bullied the tree.

(ii) Select the option that aptly conveys the poet’s point of view with reference to the
above extract :
The roadside stand is put up with the purpose to
(A) display fruits
(B) to stop the traffic
(C) to do business
(D) to interact with city people
Ans. (C) to do business

(iii) What do you infer about the people, who put up the roadside stand from the phrase
‘would not be fair to say for a dole of bread’?
Ans. The people who put up the roadside stand are not begging for charity; instead, they are
trying to earn a living by selling goods to support themselves.

(iv) Complete the following sentence with reference to the extract.

‘The word ‘pathetically’ reflects the ________ condition of the roadside stand.
Ans. The word ‘pathetically’ reflects the poor condition of the roadside stand.

(v) State whether the following statement is True or False :

By ‘Flower of Cities’, the poet refers to the garden in cities.
Ans. False

(vi) Based on the rhyme scheme, evident in lines 1-4, which word would rhyme with line
2?
___ ___ _____
part fled seen
Ans. fled

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer.
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,
Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are
And one did stop, but only to plow up grass
In using the yard to back and turn around;
And another to ask the way to where it was bound ;
(A Roadside Stand)

(i) Select the option that has the same literary device as in ‘The sadness that lurks near
the open window there’.
(A) Lucy moved across the room like a warship sailing into battle.
(B) Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
(C) The water-wraith was shrieking.
(D) The pen is mightier than the sword.
Ans. (C) The water-wraith was shrieking.

(ii) They prayed for the stopping of a car. When one car finally stopped, it brought _______
to the people of the roadside stand.
(A) help
(B) happiness
(C) disappointment
(D) cash flow
Ans. (C) disappointment

(iii) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line, ‘……childish longing in vain’.
Ans. The line indicates that the people at the roadside stand have a naive hope for customers to
stop and buy their goods, but this hope is often unmet, leading to disappointment.

(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately.

The emotion of the poet reflected in the above extract is _______.
Ans. The emotion of the poet reflected in the above extract is sorrow and frustration.

(v) The expression ‘selfish car’ suggests that _______.

Ans. The expression ‘selfish car’ suggests that the people driving these cars are indifferent to the
needs of the roadside stand owners.

(vi) Based on the rhyme scheme evident in the last two lines of the extract, which word
would rhyme with the last line?
_____ _____ _____
brass reply sound
Ans. sound

Q3. Imagine you are John Keats, the poet of ‘A Thing of Beauty’. What advice might you
offer to Robert Frost, the poet of ‘A Roadside Stand’ in the context of his ‘The sadness
that lurks near the open window’? Pen down your advice in a letter to Frost on how to
deal with sadness. You may begin this way :
Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ and …. ….
You may end this way :
Despite the fact that our lives are full of sorrow and suffering, the beautiful things around
us give us the strength to endure the sadness of life.
Warmly
John Keats [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ and was deeply moved by the portrayal of
sadness and longing. As a fellow poet, I understand how the weight of the world’s sorrows can
press upon one’s spirit. In my poem ‘A Thing of Beauty,’ I explored the idea that beauty, in its
many forms, offers solace and joy that endure despite life’s trials.
When you feel overwhelmed by sadness, seek out the simple yet profound beauty in nature, art,
or moments of kindness. These instances of beauty can provide a quiet refuge, helping to lighten
the burden of sorrow. Remember, the appreciation of beauty can transform our outlook, infusing
our lives with a sense of peace and hope.
Despite the fact that our lives are full of sorrow and suffering, the beautiful things around us give
us the strength to endure the sadness of life.
Yours sincerely,
John Keats

Q4. ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and ‘A Roadside Stand’ are poetic expressions of human
relationships. The first engages with nature while the latter highlights the individual’s
place in society. Describe with reference to the two poems. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ acknowledges the creation of nature and addresses them as
things of beauty. These beautiful creations of nature are eternal and give us immense joy. The
poet highlights the various reliefs and respites provided by the shady bower, the cool rills, the
warm Sun and the sheep. He is grateful for the pretty flowers and the tales of brave men. All
such objects of beauty bind us to the earth and give us a reason to live and survive in this
otherwise greedy world.
The poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ presents the plight of the rural poor who crave for some money
from the urban populace. They display farm produce on sheds by the highways and expect the
rich people who pass by in cars, to stop and buy the goods. The poet also mentions how these
innocent poor people are fooled by the politicians and authorities who are like beasts. They grab
their land and shift them to further off places. They force them to live in such poverty-ridden
conditions. No one really wants to help these people. Both the poems highlight the nuances of
human relationships and emotions and lay importance on maintaining a balance.

Q5. Justify this statement with reference to the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ and the text ‘The
Lost Spring’.
You may begin.
social satire in the two texts portrays two contrasting worlds that exist in society. [120-150
Words]
Ans. Contrasting Worlds in ‘A Roadside Stand’ and ‘Lost Spring’
Social satire in the two texts portrays two contrasting worlds that exist in society. In ‘A Roadside
Stand’, the poet highlights the plight of rural people who set up a stand by the roadside, hoping to
earn a living from passing city dwellers. Their aspirations and struggles reflect the stark contrast
between urban prosperity and rural poverty.
In ‘Lost Spring’, the focus shifts to the harsh realities faced by children like Mukesh and Saheb,
who are trapped in a cycle of poverty and labor. Their dreams and aspirations are crushed by the
socio-economic conditions they live in.
These contrasting worlds show the disparity in opportunities, living conditions, and the dreams of
people from different strata of society. While one group struggles for basic survival, the other
enjoys the fruits of progress and development. Addressing these disparities is crucial for a just
and equitable society.

Q6. Imagine you are Pablo Neruda of ‘Keeping Quiet’. He advises Robert Frost in the
context of his conflict and pain at the plight of the roadside stand owners. Pen down your
advice in a letter to Robert Frost. You may begin.
Dear Frost,
You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to
advise you… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Frost,
You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to advise you
that death is not a solution to any problem. Please do not feel dejected that you consider death
as the only solution to end the plight of the rural poor. We must aim to reach at a solution which
solves their problems and provides them growth and prosperity.
I suggest that you must organise these rural folks. The organization should be registered as a co-
operative union. All the products like farm produce, dairy items, handicrafts, handloom goods
should be sold through this organization. Then the rural workers will get a better price for their
products and they can even market the items at various exhibitions and fairs. This will definitely
uplift them. Also, please arrange volunteers who can educate them and guide them on health
and sanitation. Cleanliness is also essential to ensure better living conditions.
Once the rural people will earn better and live better, they will become a happy lot and you will
experience joy by bringing a change in their lives.
I hope you will find my advice useful.
Your friend
Pablo

Questions from the Poem in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand too pathetically pled,
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.
The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead,
Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred with the artless paint
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong

(i) What is the tone of the poet in the extract?

Choose the correct option:
(a) optimistic
(b) resigned
(c) sympathetic
(d) indifferent
Ans. (b) resigned

(ii) With reference to the given extract, what harm has been caused by the ‘artless paint’?
Ans. It has spoiled the natural beauty of the landscape.

(iii) The city is compared to ______.

(a) a landscape
(b) signs of N and S
(c) a flower
(d) a dole of bread
Ans. (a) a landscape

(iv) Choose the correct option :

The roadside stand is
(a) at the edge of the road.
(b) marred with artless paint.
(c) like the flower of cities.
(d) well maintained.
Ans. (a) at the edge of the road.

(v) What type of expectations do the stand owners have from the city dwellers who come
there?
Ans. They expect the city dwellers to stop at the shed, buy the produce kept on sale and give
them money.

(vi) Complete the analogy with a word from the given extract.
donate : contribute : : dying : __________
Ans. sinking

Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer.
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,
Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are,

(i) What is the sentiment expressed in the above extract?

(i) remorse
(ii) regret
(iii) empathy
(iv) disappointment
(v) guilt
Choose the correct appropriate option.
(a) (iii) and (iv)
(b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (iv) and (v)
(d) (i) and (v)
Ans. (a) (iii) and (iv)

(ii) Identify the phrase in the extract that suggests ‘innocent desires’.
Ans. childish longing

(iii) The roadside stand owners pray for _____ .

(a) a relief from the heat
(b) free housing
(c) cars stopping
(d) benefits from pollution
Ans. (c) cars stopping

(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly :

He fought like a lion : Simile :: selfish cars : _____
Ans. Personification

(v) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2)
given below :
(1) The people who have put up the roadside stand keep waiting for customers.
(2) They become sad when someone turns up.
(a) (1) is true, but (2) is false.
(b) (1) is false, but (2) is true.
(c) Both (1) and (2) are true.
(d) Both (1) and (2) are false.
Ans. (a) (1) is true, but (2) is false

(vi) Fill the blank appropriately with reference to the extract.

‘Squeal of brakes’ implies ___________.
Ans. Stopping of cars

Q3. What was the expectation of the people who had set up the roadside stand? [40-50
Words]
Ans. The people who had set up the roadside stand expected to attract city dwellers who would
stop by, buy their farm produce, and provide them with some financial support. They hoped to
gain some economic relief from their struggling livelihoods.

Q4. Who does the poet accuse of having double standards in “The Roadside Stand”? [40-
50 Words]
Ans. The politicians who are called ‘party in power’ have double standards. They promise the
rural people a good life but they swarm over their lives, take benefits from them and soothe them
out of their wits.

Q5. What does the expression ‘polished traffic’ refer to? What does it reveal about city
people? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The expression ‘polished traffic’ refers to the the well groomed, rich city people travelling by
the polished traffic. It tells that the city people are educated and rich.

Q6. A Roadside Stand is a social satire depicting the two contrasting worlds existing in
society. Justify this statement with reference to the poem. [120-150 Words]
Ans. “A Roadside Stand” by Robert Frost is a social satire that portrays the two contrasting
worlds that exist in society. The poet talks of the rural countryside, where there is a roadside
stand selling farm produce like squash and wild berries. Two social classes of the rich and poor
are highlighted in the poem.
The poem describes the wealthy people who stop at the stand. They are shown to be busy in
themselves and look down upon the untidy sheds. They stop by the stand not to buy fruits and
vegetables, but to show off their wealthy status by asking the directions or by asking if they sell
 gas. They at times, turn around their cars or complain that the untidy sheds spoil the landscape
of the place.
The poor people are shown false promises by the politicians in power. These greedy people are
like beasts of prey and fool the rural people to by soothing them out of their wits.
Through the contrast between the wealthy and the poor, the poem highlights the social and
economic inequalities that exist in society. The wealthy are portrayed as shallow and self-
centered, while the poor are portrayed as honest and hardworking.

Questions from the Poem in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Read the extracts given below and briefly answer the questions that follow each.
Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car.

(i) Why does the poet call this desire childish?

Ans. The desire is childish because the rural folk are innocent. Despite the city cars not stopping
by the stand, they still put up the stand and keep on waiting for them.

(ii) Why is there sadness among people?

Ans. They are sad because the cars that pass by, do not stop at the stand.

(iii) Why do these people pray for a car to stop?

Ans. They pray for a car to stop by and buy some farm produce so that they also gey some city
money in hand.

(iv) What does the word ‘squeal’ mean?

Ans. Squeal is a sudden jerk sound caused by sudden brake of the car.

Q2. What are the probable causes of the passing cars to stop near the roadside stand?
[30-40 words]
Ans. They stop by the stand to ask directions, to reverse the car, to ask if they sell gas, to ask
the prices of the goods on sale and to complain about the ugly shed which spoils the landscape.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from
Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are
typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams,
serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and
highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous
Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Poem 5, “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

(i) Which of the following are symbolised by the ‘tigers’ in the extract above?
1. masculine world
2. feminine world
 III. world of bold, fearless creatures
1. world of beautiful handicrafts
(A) I, II and III
(B) II, III and IV
(C) III and IV
(D) I, III and IV
Ans. (C) III and IV

(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False.

The creator of the tigers was fearless and assertive like the tigers.
Ans. False

(iii) Complete the following sentence.

The use of the word ‘topaz’ suggests that the image of the tiger on the screen is
___________.
Ans. bright yellow colour / real / perfect creation

(iv) ‘Tigers do not fear the men beneath the tree’ because they are
(A) tamed
(B) in a cage
(C) fearless
(D) kings of the jungle
Ans. (C) fearless

(v) Based on the poem’s rhyme scheme evident in lines 1 and 2, which of the following
will rhyme?
mean, akin, cream
Ans. mean

(vi) Chivalric certainty refers to which poetic device?

(A) Alliteration
(B) Metaphor
(C) Simile
(D) Repetition
Ans. (A) Alliteration

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.

(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) The maturity of adulthood
(B) The glory of feminity
(C) Victim of male domination
(D) The superficial beauty
Ans. (C) Victim of male domination

(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False, with reference to the extract.
Aunt Jennifer is nervous and traumatized because of the constraints of her marriage.
Ans. True

(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately :

The fingers fluttering through her wool symbolize __________.
Ans. Aunt Jennifer’s struggle and oppression under the weight of her marriage.
(iv) The use of the words “massive weight” creates a powerful image of __________.
Ans. the burden and oppression imposed by Uncle’s wedding band on Aunt Jennifer.

(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 3 and 4, which word would rhyme with ‘band’ and
‘hand’?
(A) stand
(B) wind
(C) bent
(D) tent
Ans. (A) stand

(vi) The heavy wedding ring is a source of :

(A) joy.
(B) freedom.
(C) dignity.
(D) burden.
Ans. (D) burden.

Q3. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand
when Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by,
The Tigers in the panel that she made
will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

(i) ‘Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.’ Through the above expression the poet
indicates :
(A) Aunt Jennifer is happily married.
(B) Aunt Jennifer loves the tigers in the panel.
(C) Aunt Jennifer’s unhappy married life.
(D) Aunt Jennifer’s rich and luxurious life.
Ans. (C) Aunt Jennifer’s unhappy married life.

(ii) Select the option that has the same literary device as used in ‘Still ringed with ordeals’.
(A) Leopards cannot hide in the jungle as they are spotted.
(B) Sun smiled happily on us.
(C) Her lovely voice was music to his ears.
(D) Life is like a box of chocolates.
Ans. (B) Sun smiled happily on us.

(iii) Complete the following sentences with reference to the extract.

The Tigers in the panel symbolize _____________.
Ans. The Tigers in the panel symbolize strength and independence

(iv) State whether the statement given below is True or False :

“Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.”
‘The above expression suggests that Aunt Jennifer is dying.
Ans. False

(v) Based on the rhyme scheme, evident in lines 1-2, which word would rhyme with line 1?
__ ____ ___
full sand bye
Ans. full
(vi) The use of the word ‘fluttering fingers’ in the extract suggest that the fingers of Aunt
Jennifer are trembling. This creates an image of _____.
Ans. This creates an image of fear and weakness.

Q4. Explain how “The tigers in the panel ……. Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.”
[40-50 Words]
Ans. The tigers in Aunt Jennifer’s tapestry symbolize strength, confidence, and freedom. Unlike
Aunt Jennifer, who is oppressed and subdued by her marriage, the tigers she creates are proud
and unafraid. They represent her inner desire for freedom and empowerment, a stark contrast to
her own life of subjugation.

Q5. The tigers in the panel that she made

Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The tone is one of admiration and longing. The poet admires the tigers’ strength and
fearlessness, qualities that Aunt Jennifer wishes she could embody in her own life.

Q6. Create a comprehensive comparison of the themes present in ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’
and My Mother at Sixty-six’. Specifically discuss the different ways each poem addresses
the concept of struggle and resilience. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is based on the theme of a woman’s desire of living a free
life. It highlights the bindings of married life and fear of her husband which will accompany her
even after death. The other poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ conveys the message of fear and
separation. It shows a woman’s helplessness towards her old ailing mother when she has to
leave her and go. The woman hides her feeling from the mother with a false smile.
In both the poems we see a married woman’s struggles. Aunt Jennifer is subjected to agony at
the hands of her husband and the marital obligations pressurize her so much that while doing her
favourite hobby, her fingers flutter due to his fear. She depicts her inner feeling of fearlessness
and boldness through the pattern that she is making. Thus, her desire is not dead and we see
that she is resilient and has the desire to bounce back. The poet Kamala Das, in ‘My mother at
sixty-six’ is also struggling with the fear of losing her old mother to death. Still, she overcomes
the fear and smiles towards the mother. She hopes to see her mother again and on this positive
note, she departs.
Thus, both the poems show the struggle and also, show their inner strength which supports them
in overcoming the sadness and being happy.

Q7. If Aunt Jennifer speaks to Pablo Neruda, the poet of “Keeping Quiet”, about her
problems and constraints, would it be right for her to accept his response of
introspection, reflection and silence? Write a letter to Pablo Neruda expressing her views.
[120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Pablo
Thank you for your letter wherein you advised me to introspect and remain silent. However,
these suggestions do not seem apt for my situation.
I want to sensitize you on the same and so, I am writing to you. Please consider that matrimony
is a personal bond between two people and if one is subjected to torture, one must speak up in
order to protect oneself. Otherwise no external agency will interrupt such a relation.
I am questioned on trivial matters like my choice of hobby. While embroidering the panel, I am
under fear that if her arrives, he may scream at me for doing such a useless activity. My fingers
flutter when I pull the needle. I feel helpless. He expects me to be at his beck and call all the
time. I am under constant fear. I have to live with him all my life and I am subjected to continuous
torture. It is taking a toll on my well-being and once I reach a point when I am unable to speak up
for myself, then, no one will be able to bail me out.
Your suggestion of introspection and remaining quiet will worsen my condition and the trauma
will lead me to insanity. Thus, I request you to ponder over your suggestion.
Your Friend
Jennifer.
Q8. How does the use of vivid imagery by Adrienne Rich in “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” and
by Kamala Das in “My Mother at Sixty-six” contribute to the overall themes of their
respective poems? [120-150 Words]
Ans. Both the poems have visual imagery which contributes to the theme of the poem. In Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers, the tigers prance… They do not fear the men; this shows the aunt’s desire of
freedom. They pace in sleek chivalry indicates her desire to live fearlessly. Aunt’s finger flutter
when she pulls the needle shows her fear of the husband who may question her hobby. The
wedding ring on her hand sits heavily which indicates the pressure of marital obligations. Thus,
the entire poem involves visual depictions.
In My mother at sixty-six, the mother’s face is ashen, like a corpse which makes the reader
visualize a dull, ash coloured face which resembles a dead body. Then, the poet sees young
trees outside the car which seem to be running, young children running and playing in the
garden. These scenes are lively and energetic and she puts them in opposition to the scene
inside the car, the corpse like old mother sitting beside her. Later, the mother’s face is dull, like
the winter moon which can again be visualised by the reader. Thus, she has also used visual
imagery to show her feelings of fear of losing her mother to death.

Q9. How do imagery and symbolism in the poems “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” and “My
Mother at Sixty-six” offer insights into relationships? Write a diary entry expressing your
thoughts. You may begin this way :
I read the two poems today and … [120-150 Words]
Ans.I read the two poems today and both have used imagery and symbolism express
relationships.
The poem Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers is all about marital relations. The tigers are a symbol of
fearlessness and pride which depict the aunt’s desire. The tigers prance across the world of
green and do not fear the men beneath the tree creates visual imagery to present aunt’s desire
of living with freedom and without fear. The uncle’s wedding band is a symbol of the burdening
marital obligations which pressurize the aunt and the word ‘ringed’ show that she is wearing the
wedding ring and also, that she is surrounded by the marital obligation unto her death. Her
terrified hands find the ivory needle hard to pull creates a scene where the reader can imagine
that the woman is scared of the husband who will perhaps object to her hobby of doing
embroidery.
The poem My mother at Sixty-six is about filial relationship. The mother’s face is ashen, like a
dead body. Then, the poet sees young trees outside the car which seem to be running, young
children running and playing in the garden. These scenes are lively and energetic and she puts
them in opposition to the scene inside the car, the corpse like old mother sitting beside her.
Later, the mother’s face is dull, like the winter moon which can again be visualised by the reader.
Thus, she has also used visual imagery to show her feelings of fear of losing her mother to
death.
Both these poems highlight the nuances of the relationships that they talk of.

Q10. After reading ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tiger’ and ‘Going Places’, you realise that Aunt
Jennifer and Sophie’s mother have been subdued by their respective husbands.
As a social activist you have to write an article to a newspaper on the need to empower
women.
You may begin like this.
Empowerment of women is a very essential social reform. It needs to be accelerated for
any nation to progress ……… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Empowerment of Women: A Vital Social Reform
Empowerment of women is a very essential social reform. It needs to be accelerated for any
nation to progress. Women like Aunt Jennifer and Sophie’s mother have been subdued by
societal norms and their husbands’ dominance. This highlights the urgent need to empower
women to break free from such constraints.
Empowering women means providing them with education, economic independence, and equal
opportunities. It involves changing societal attitudes that perpetuate gender discrimination and
encouraging women to assert their rights. By doing so, women can contribute significantly to
society’s growth and development.
Creating awareness, implementing supportive policies, and fostering an environment of respect
and equality are crucial steps towards women’s empowerment. Let us work together to ensure
that every woman can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunities.

Questions from the Poem in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green,
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.

(i) Denizens of the world of green refer to _______.

(a) huntsmen
(b) Aunt Jennifer
(c) uncle
(d) tigers
Ans. (d) tigers

(ii) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the second line of
the extract.
(a) heart of stone
(b) trees sprouting
(c) silver spoon
(d) white murder
Ans. (a) heart of stone

(iii) The men setting beneath the tree are ____.

Ans. The tired humans

(iv) What quality of uncle can be inferred through these lines?

(a) compassionate nature
(b) courageous
(c) confident
(d) dominating
Ans. (d) dominating

(v) The tigers in the extract are symbolic of

(a) creativity and courage
(b) confidence and gentleness
(c) cruelty and fear
(d) aggression and starving
Ans. (a) creativity and courage

(vi) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across

(1) the screen
(2) the fields
(3) the embroidered tunic
(4) the cage
Which of the following is the most appropriate choice?
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (2) and (4)
(c) (1), (2) and (3)
(d) (1) and (3)
Ans. (a) (1) and (2)

Q2. Why do Aunt Jennifer’s tigers not fear the men beneath the tree? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The men beneath the tree are so courageous and gentlemanly that Aunt Jennifer’s tigers
have no reason to be afraid of them. Like the knights before them, they confidently wander the
woods. They have learned to live in the wild without fear.

Q3. Why did Aunt Jennifer create tigers so different from her own character? [40-50
Words]
Ans. Aunt Jennifer created tigers so different from her own character because the tigers
represented the freedom and strength she longed for but could not attain in her own oppressed
and submissive life. The tigers symbolized her unfulfilled desires for power and independence.

Q4. ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, can be read together to show the
permanence and everlasting impact of art and of things of beauty. Comment. [120-150
Words]
Ans. Both “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich and “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats
explore the idea of art and beauty being eternal and having a lasting impact on humanity. Aunt
Jennifer uses needlepoint to make tigers that reflect the strength and freedom she lacks in her
married life. The tigers will live on long after Aunt Jennifer has passed away, symbolising the
enduring power of art. Similarly, Keats ‘A Thing of Beauty’ indicates that beauty is a source of joy
that transcends the fleeting character of human existence.
These poems imply that beauty and art, whether in the shape of needlework or nature, have the
ability to transcend human constraints and time, making a lasting impression on individuals and
civilizations. Even after the creators have
passed away, art and beauty remain relevant and treasured for future generations. These poems
remind us that art and beauty may create a sense of permanence and inspire future generations,
rather than being fleeting pleasures.

Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams

Q1. What was Aunt Jennifer terrified of? [40 Words]
Ans. Perhaps she was terrified of her husband. While embroidering, her fingers were fluttering
on pulling the ivory needle. She might have been afraid of her husband’s disapproval of her
hobby thus, her hands trembled.

Q2. Aunt Jennifer deserves our sympathy? Elaborate. [40 Words]

Ans. Aunt Jennifer was married at a young age and since then she had lived under her
husband’s dominance. She has the massive weight of marital obligations which she fulfils. All
these burdens will go with her unto death. All this makes us sympathize with her.

Q3. What does Aunt Jennifer symbolize in the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’? [40 Words]
Ans. In the poem, Aunt Jennifer symbolizes the struggle against the constraints imposed on her
by her marriage. The tigers she creates represent her desire for freedom and strength in contrast
to her repressed reality.

Q4. Describe the contrast between the tigers and Aunt Jennifer. [40 Words]
Ans. The tigers are free and fearless. They are prancing around the dense forest. On the
contrary, the aunt is under the dominance of the husband, she lives in constant fear reflected by
her trembling fingers.

Q5. Explain the irony at the end of the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’. [40 Words]
Ans. Ironically, while Aunt Jennifer will continue to be terrified even after she passes away, her
creatures, the tigers, will continue to pace and dance around freely. Aunt Jennifer would not be
freed from her oppression even after her death. The uncle’s wedding band would continue to
‘ring’ her fingers. But the tigers she created will always be brave and courageous.
Q6. Why does Adrienne Rich describe the tigers as ‘chivalric’ in the poem `Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers’? [40 Words]
Ans. The tigers are chivalric because they are confident. They are certain about their movement
because they are free and fearless. They do not fear the men too.

Q7. Explain the significance of the ‘denizens pacing in sleek certainty’ in the poem ‘Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers’. [40 Words]
Ans. Tigers are described as being inhabitants of the green by the poet. It denotes that they
reside in the forest, far from populated areas. The poet also remarks on the tigers’ graceful,
chivalrous movements. This demonstrates the regal and honourable position they hold among all
other animals in the wild. They are self-assured and courageous animals.

Q8. What is the significance of the image “Massive weight of uncle’s wedding band” in the
poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’? [40 Words]
Ans. In the poem, the phrase “Massive weight of uncle’s wedding band” refers to the wedding
ring that uncle had given to Aunt Jennifer on their wedding day. The ring is weighty because it
stands for the challenging experiences she had while married as well as her loss of personal
independence. She feels trapped forever in the web of duties, chores and responsibilities of
family.

Q9. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own
character? [40 Words]
Ans. Since she herself was a shy woman, Aunt Jennifer’s tigers stood in contrast to her as
symbols of bravery, daring, and fearlessness. They represent the strength, power, and
confidence she lacks in herself. Because she was denied the courage and freedom that tigers
embodied, Aunt Jennifer created them as creatures that were extremely different from her own
passive persona. They also symbolised her deep desire to follow in their courageous and bold
footsteps.

Q10. The tigers’ description as ‘chivalric’ is a contrast to that of Aunt Jennifer. Explain.
[120-150 Words]
Ans. In the poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers,” the tigers are described as chivalric, symbolising
strength, fearlessness, and freedom. They prance with confidence and pride, embodying
qualities that Aunt Jennifer herself lacks. Aunt Jennifer, on the other hand, is depicted as a
submissive and oppressed woman, bound by the constraints of her marriage. The chivalric tigers
represent her desires for independence and self-expression, contrasting sharply with her own
reality of subjugation and powerlessness. This contrast highlights the disparity between Aunt
Jennifer’s inner aspirations and her external life, emphasising the theme of female oppression
and the longing for liberation.

Questions from the Poem in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

(i) Who is the aunt afraid of?

Ans. her husband

(ii) What do the tigers represent here?

Ans. They represent fearlessness and freedom

(iii) How has Mrs.Jennifer failed in her aim?

Ans. She has failed to live a fearless life
(iv) Name the figure of speech used in the second line.
Ans. Pun is used in the word ‘ringed’ which means the wedding ring on the aunt’s finger and
surrounded by the ordeals of martial obligations.

Q2. Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer. [30-40 words]

Ans. The tigers created by Aunt Jennifer are bright in colour. They are jumping around in the
forest. They are not afraid of the hunters who are standing under the tree.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Poem

Q1. What is Aunt Jennifer’s aim in life? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. She wants to live a free life. She seeks fearlessness. She wants to move out of the
oppressed life enforced upon her through the wedlock. These desires are depicted through the
free and fearless tigers embroidered by her.

Q2. Why did Aunt Jennifer decide to create animals so different from her own character?
[30 – 40 words]
Ans. Tigers are a symbol of strength. They are fearless and confident. Aunt Jennifer years for
freedom from a male dominated society. She wants to be free and fearless like the tigers in the
forests, and therefore she creates images of the bright topaz tigers.

Q3. How do symbols in the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ help us understand her plight?
[30 – 40 words]
Ans. The poet uses various symbols to show Aunt Jennifer’s plight. Firstly the tigers that she is
embroidering are a symbol of fearlessness. The tigers show her desire to live freely. The
wedding ring that sits heavily on her hand is a symbol of the marital obligations which are a
constant pressure on her mind. Her activity of doing embroidery is a woman’s hobby which
indicates her desire to live away from her dominating husband.

Q4. Why does Aunt Jennifer create animals that are so different from her own character?
Ans. These animals, the tigers, reflect Aunt’s desire of living a fearless, free life. Her character
has been undermined by her husband but the tigers reflect her true character.

Q5. How are Aunt Jennifer and the tigers created by her different from each other in their
attitudes? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Aunt is scared of her husband while the tigers are not afraid of the men standing under the
tree. The aunt lacks confidence and her fingers flutter while pulling the needle while the tigers
prance across the forest with chivalric certainty. The aunt will remain bound by the marital
obligations even after her death while the tigers will go on prancing across the forest forever.

The Third Level Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous
years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Chapter 1, “The Third Level”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Anyway, here’s what happened at Grand Central. One night last summer I worked late at the
office. I was in a hurry to get uptown to my apartment so I decided to take the subway from
Grand Central because it’s faster than the bus.
Now, I don’t know why this should have happened to me. I’m just an ordinary guy named
Charley, thirty-one years old, and I was wearing a tan gabardine suit and a straw hat with a fancy
band; I passed a dozen men who looked just like me.

(i) List any two details about how Charley was dressed up.
Ans. Charley was wearing a tan gabardine suit and a straw hat with a fancy band.

(ii) Charley decided to use the subway because it was :

(A) quicker.
(B) cheaper.
(C) more fashionable.
(D) safer.
Ans. (A) quicker.

(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately.

Landing at the third level was due to Charley’s flight of ______.
Ans. imagination.

(iv) Which time frame is represented through the kind of outfit mentioned in the extract?
(A) pre world war era
(B) the present times
(C) the eighteenth century
(D) in the future
Ans. (B) the present times

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

To make sure, I walked over to a newsboy and glanced at the stack of papers at his feet. It was
The World; and The World hasn’t been published for years. The lead story said something about
President Cleveland. I’ve found that front page since, in the Public Library files, and it was printed
June 11, 1894.
I turned toward the ticket window knowing that here — on the third level at Grand Central — I
could buy tickets that would take Louisa and me anywhere in the United States we wanted to go.

(i) Why does the narrator resort to wishful day-dreaming and want to travel back in time?
Ans. The narrator resorts to wishful daydreaming and wants to travel back in time to escape the
stress and chaos of his present life, finding solace in the simplicity and tranquillity of the past.

(ii) The year 1894 holds so much importance because _____.

Ans. It represents a time before the two World Wars, a period of peace and stability that the
narrator longs for.

(iii) The World, the news about President Cleveland — what do they hint at?
(A) The narrator used to like reading the newspaper.
(B) The narrator fantasises about past events.
(C) The narrator wants to escape to a world that was unaffected by the two World Wars.
(D) The narrator tends to forget things.
Ans. (C) The narrator wants to escape to a world that was unaffected by the two World Wars.

(iv) Give one reason why the writing style of the extract can be called autobiographical.
Ans. The writing style can be called autobiographical because it reflects the narrator’s personal
thoughts, feelings, and experiences, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Q3. Louisa behaves like a perfect wife. Give evidence from The Third Level in support of
the above statement. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Louisa supports Charley in his quest to find the third level, despite its seeming absurdity.
She listens to him, shares his interest, and even suggests he consult a psychiatrist. Her
understanding and supportive nature show her as a perfect wife.
Q4. ‘My three hundred dollars bought less than two hundred in old style bills, but I didn’t
care.’
What prompted Charlie to compromise on less value of money? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Charlie was desperate to travel to Galesburg of 1894 and knew that things were pretty
cheap then. So, he overlooked the less value of money that he got in return for his three hundred
dollars.

Q5. Jack Finney portrays Louisa as a perfect wife. Give evidences from Charlie’s life in
support of the above statement. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Louisa is the perfect wife because she got mad when Sam said that Charley was unhappy.
She thought that Sam was indicating her being the cause of Charley’s unhappiness. Louisa was
worried about Charley’s mental health and didn’t want him to search for the third level.

Q6. Why was Charlie fascinated with Galesburg? [40-50 Words]

Ans. Charlie was fascinated with Galesburg because it represented an idyllic and peaceful time
in the past. Galesburg was a place where life was simpler and more serene, offering a stark
contrast to the stress and anxiety of his present life.

Q7. My stamp collecting, for example, that’s a temporary refuge from reality.
How can a hobby give one an escape from reality? [40-50 Words]
Ans. When one gets busy in the hobby, his mind gets distracted and one stops thinking about
the present situation.

Q8. In the story ‘The Third Level’, reality and fantasy are interwoven. Justify. [120-150
Words]
Ans. In Jack Finney’s ‘The Third Level,’ reality and fantasy intertwine seamlessly to create a
narrative that blurs the lines between the two. The protagonist, Charley, discovers a mysterious
third level at Grand Central Station, which transports him to the tranquil world of the 1890s.This
serves as an escape from the anxieties and pressures of his contemporary life.
The story uses this fantastical element to reflect Charley’s yearning for a simpler, more peaceful
existence. His wife and friends dismiss his discovery as a figment of his imagination, highlighting
the tension between his desires and the harsh realities of the modern world. The ambiguity of the
third level’s existence keeps readers questioning what is real and what is imagined, underscoring
the theme that sometimes, fantasy offers solace from the burdens of reality.
This interplay between reality and fantasy not only adds depth to the story but also illustrates the
human need for escapism and the enduring hope for a better, more idyllic past.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
To make sure, I walked over the newsboy and glanced at the stack of papers at his feet. It was
The World and The World hasn’t been published for years. The lead story said something about
President Cleveland. I’ve found that front page since, in the Public library files, and it was printed
June 11, 1894.
I turned toward the ticket windows knowing that here — on the third level at Grand Central — I
could buy tickets that would take Louisa and me anywhere in the United States we wanted to go.
In the year 1894. And I wanted two tickets to Galesburg, Illinois.

(i) The newspaper that covered the lead story about President Cleveland was
(a) The Pioneer
(b) The New York Times
(c) The World
(d) The Times
Ans. (c) The World

(ii) The narrator wanted to buy tickets to __________.

 Ans. Galesburg, Illinois

(iii) Which of the following in the extract most nearly means the opposite of ‘stare’?
(a) glance
(b) peek
(c) ignore
(d) examine
Ans. (c) ignore

(iv) Charley wanted two tickets because he wanted to go with

(a) Sam
(b) Cleveland
(c) Louisa
(d) the Psychiatrist
Ans. (c) Louisa

Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
941 Willard Street
Galesburg, Illinois
July 18, 1894

Charley
I got to wishing that you were right. Then I got to believing you were right. And, Charley, it’s true;
I found the third level ! I’ve been here two weeks, and right now, down the street at the Daly’s,
someone is playing a piano, and they’re all out on the front porch singing ‘Seeing Nelly Home’.
And I’m invited over for lemonade. Come on back, Charley and Louisa. Keep looking till you find
the third level ! It’s worth it, believe me !
The note is signed Sam.

(i) What was the feeling of Sam as conveyed in the letter? Choose the appropropriate
option in the context of the extract.
(a) surprise
(b) doubt
(c) excitement
(d) anger
Ans. (c) excitement

(ii) What was Sam Weiner’s reaction when Charley told him about the third level?
(a) dismissal
(b) acceptance
(c) wonderstruck
(d) puzzled
Ans. (b) acceptance

(iii) The phrase ‘Charley, it’s true’ in the context of the extract implies which of the given
options?
1. Sam is relaxed
2. Charley had migrated with Louisa
III. The existence of the third level
1. Sam had met Charley’s grandfather
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I and II
(b) II and IV
(c) I and III
(d) IV only
Ans. (c) I and III

(iv) Sam wrote the letter to Charley in order to _________.

Ans. motivate him to keep looking for the third level till he found it / confirm the existence of the
third level / invite him to Galesburg

Q3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
The clerk figured the fare — he glanced at my fancy hat band, but he figured the fare — and I
had enough for two coach tickets, one way. But when I counted out the money and looked up,
the clerk was staring at me. He nodded at the bills. “That ain’t money, mister,” he said, “and if
you’re trying to skin me, you won’t get very far,” and he glanced at the cash drawer, beside him.
Of course the money was old-style bills half again as big as the money we use nowadays and
different looking.

(i) Why did Charley ask for two tickets?

Ans. Charley asked for two tickets because he had decided to go to Galesburg in 1894’s time
with his wife Louisa.

(ii) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option :

When Charley offered money to the booking clerk, the latter stared at Charley because the
booking clerk
(a) thought it wasn’t money .
(b) did not trust Charley.
(c) thought Charley was trying to tease him.
(d) thought that Charley had given him less money.
Ans. (a) thought it wasn’t money.

(iii) Select the option that best describes Charley in this extract. He is
(a) a cheat
(b) gullible
(c) an opportunist
(d) an escapist
Ans. (a) a cheat

(iv) ‘If you’re trying to skin me’ suggests ____________.

Ans. that the clerk thought about the protagonist ‘Charley’ to be a cheater and if he dared to
cheat, he would be caught very soon.

Q4. What did Charley find in his collection of first day covers? [40-50 Words
Ans. Charley found a first-day cover one night when he was going through his stamp collection.
There was an old letter with a stamp on it. The six-cent stamp was a dull brown colour and had a
picture of President Garfield on it. On July 18, 1894, it was sent to his grandfather’s home in
Galesburg. But instead of a blank sheet of paper, it had a letter from Sam to Charley. It told him
to go back with Louisa to the third level and keep looking until he found it.

Q5. Why did Charley buy old-style currency? [40-50 Words]

Ans. Charley wanted to buy two old Galesburg tickets because he wanted to live there. It was a
great place with big trees and frame homes. So, he spent all the money he had on old-style
money. But he never went back to the third floor.

Q6. Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape? Why / Why not? [40-50
Words]
Ans. Yes, I think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley. Life in modern world is
full of insecurity, fear, war, worries and stress. Man has to confront them all the time. The harsh
realities of life make living quite unpleasant and even unbearable. So he wants to escape into a
wishful world. Charley talks to his psychiatrist friend about the third level at the Grand Central
Station. His friend calls it “a walking dream wish fulfilment”. Charley possesses an escapist
tendency. Even his stamp collecting is a ‘temporary refuge from reality’.

Q7. What extraordinary experience did Charley have when he went to the Grand station?
[40-50 Words]
Ans. When Charley finally arrived at Grand Central Station, he saw that the building had the
appearance of a maze. At other times, the station gave the impression of expanding like a tree,
with additional passageways and stairwells sprouting up like new roots. After he had entered the
station the first time, he found that there was a third level.

Q8. What do you learn about Galesburg, Illinois during 1894 from the lesson ‘The Third
Level’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. It was a peaceful place. Galesburg of 1894 was a wonderful town with big old frame
houses, huge lawns and big trees whose branches meet overhead and roof the streets. People
sat in lawns, men smoked cigars and talked quietly, the women waved palm-leaf fans.

Q9. Why did the booking clerk refuse to accept the money offered by Charley? [40-50
Words]
Ans. He refused because Charley was paying him currency which was not in use in the year
1894. As Charley had travelled into the past, his currency was not useful there.

Q10. Describe briefly the Third Level. How did it differ from the Second Level? [120-150
Words]
Ans. The Third Level in Jack Finney’s story “The Third Level” is a mysterious and surreal place
located at the Grand Central Station. Unlike the bustling, modern-day Second Level, the Third
Level transports visitors to a bygone era. It is described as having old-fashioned architecture, dim
gaslights, brass spittoons, and a general atmosphere reminiscent of the 1890s. The people there
are dressed in vintage clothing, and the surroundings evoke a sense of nostalgia and tranquility.
The Third Level differs significantly from the Second Level in terms of its ambiance and the
sense of escape it offers. While the Second Level is filled with the hustle and bustle of
contemporary life, the Third Level provides a refuge from the pressures and complexities of the
modern world. It represents a longing for a simpler, more peaceful time. The protagonist,
Charley, discovers this level accidentally and perceives it as an escape from his stressful life.
However, it is ultimately revealed to be a figment of his imagination, symbolizing his desire to
retreat from reality.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Why did Jack agree to use Skunk as the hero of his story? [30-40 words]
Ans. The narrator Jack wishes to underline the notion that moms are always right and know what
is best for their children with the storey “Roger Skunk.” Individuality and acceptance of what is
natural, rather than social acceptance by peers, are important to Jack.

Q2. How did Charley ‘reach’ the third level of the Grand Central Station? [30-40 words]
Ans. Having worked late at the office Charley decided to take a train back home. So he came to
Grand Central Station and from the second level he got lost while ducking into an arched
doorway and found himself inside a tunnel. This tunnel took him to another light of stairs and he
found himself on the third level of the station.

Q3. What would Sam have done in Galesburg for his living? Why? [30-40 words]
Ans. He would set up a nice Hay feed and grain business. He could not practice the profession
of Psychologist back then because no one experienced such issues.

Q4. Describe briefly the scene at the third level of Grand Central as seen (or seemed to be
seen) by Charley. [120-150 word]
Ans. One night Charley worked till late at the office. Then he was in a hurry to get back to his
apartment. So he decided to take the subway from Grand Central. He went down the steps and
came to the first level. Then he walked down to the second level from where the suburban trains
left. He ducked into an arched doorway that headed to the subway. Then he got lost. Knowing
that he was going wrong he continued to walk downward. The tunnel turned a sharp left and then
taking a short flight of stairs he came out on the third level at the Grand Central Station. Here he
saw many unusual things. There were very few ticket windows and train gates that were old-
looking and made of wood. Dim gaslights flickered and men wore derby hats and four-button
suits. It was a rather strange world of sideburns, beards and fancy moustaches.

Q5. Describe Charley’s experiences at the third level of the Grand Central Station. [120-
150 words]
Ans. When Charley reached on the third level, there were fewer ticket windows. Light was dim.
Rooms were smaller. Everyone in the station dressed like 1890s. A newsboy had copies of a
newspaper (the world) that had not been published for years. It was a June 11, 1894 edition.
Charley go toward the ticket window. He decided to buy two tickets for Galesburg. He wanted to
go there with his wife. But then he found that only old style bills were accepted there. But Charley
had new style dollars.

Q6. The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress. What are the ways
in which we attempt to overcome them? [120-150 words]
Ans. We can overcome the anxieties and insecurities bred by our inevitable existence in the
modern world by getting involved in some practical and beneficial activities. Cultivating hobbies,
spending time with family and friends, going on trips and excursions, pursuing meditation and
exercises help us live a balanced and healthy life. reading good books is equivalent to having
good friends with great insight. They not only enrich us with the vast store of knowledge but also
help us to learn from other’s experience and stay rooted to some basic qualities of humanity.
Joining hobby classes or gym, attending social events like birthdays and weddings, going for
outdoor games, interacting meaningfully through social networking sites and writing diaries etc
can also help us relieve our worries and stay focussed and disciplined in life. Simple activities
like listening to music, playing with pets, an occasional dinner out, watching cinema or plays or
going to places like parks etc can go a long way in helping us get rid of stress, boredom and
insecurities.

The Tiger King Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous
years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Chapter 2, “The Tiger King”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram.
The State banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. A proclamation was issued to
the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property
would be confiscated.
The Maharaja vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers.
Initially the king seemed well set to realise his ambition.

(i) Select the correct option :

‘… he would attend to all other matters only after killing hundred tigers’. This reflects
Tiger King’s
(A) courage
(B) determination
(C) selfishness
(D) kindness
Ans. (B) determination

(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.

From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers. The above statement is
ironical in the sense _______.
Ans. From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers. The above statement is
ironical in the sense that while it seems like good news for the tigers, it actually means they are
in greater danger because the king is hunting them.

(iii) ‘… if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property
would be confiscated’.
What trait of the king is reflected in the above line?
Ans. The king is shown to be authoritarian and strict, enforcing severe punishment for harming
tigers.

(iv) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.

The King’s ambition is to save people from the tigers.
Ans. FALSE

Q2. What confusion does the Dewan have when the Tiger King broaches the topic of his
marriage? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The Dewan is confused because the Tiger King wants to marry a girl from a state with
many tigers. The Dewan wonders if this is the right criterion for marriage, showing his concern
over the unusual and practical approach to selecting a bride.

Q3. Do you think the prediction made by the state astrologer “was indisputably
disproved”? Give reasons in support of your answer. [40-50 Words]
Ans. No, the prediction by the state astrologer was not indisputably disproved. Although the
astrologer predicted that the King would die from a tiger bite, the King’s death came about due to
a different cause. The irony is that despite the prediction’s apparent failure, the King’s demise
was indirectly linked to tigers, illustrating how the prophecy played out in an unexpected way.

Q4. What were the two ‘amazing’ things of the royal infant? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The two amazing things about the royal infant were his prophetic utterance at birth that he
would eventually have to meet his death from a tiger and his extraordinary determination to defy
this fate by killing one hundred tigers, which demonstrated his strong will and unique character
from a very young age.

Q5. ‘They decided that the Maharaja must not come to know that he had missed the
target’.
Why did the hunters try to hide the truth from the king? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The hunters decided not to disclose the truth because they feared the wrath of the king.
They were afraid of losing their jobs so, they kept quiet.

Q6. The story “The Tiger King” is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the
author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story? [120-150 Words]
Ans. In “The Tiger King,” the author uses dramatic irony to critique the arrogance and self
importance of those in power. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a
situation than the characters do. In the story, the King’s belief that he will overcome any threat
posed by the tigers, despite the growing danger, highlights his arrogance. The irony is evident
when the King is ultimately killed by a tiger, despite his efforts to control and conquer them. The
story exposes the futility of the King’s attempts to defy fate and demonstrates how his arrogance
leads to his downfall. This use of dramatic irony serves to underscore the inherent foolishness
and hubris of those who hold power, as they are blind to the consequences of their actions.

Q7. “Tiger population became extinct in the forests of Pratibandapuram.” Tiger King is a
typical example of man’s dominance over nature.
As a member of your school Eco Club, write an article for your school magazine on how
man should follow the policy of ‘Live and Let Live’.
You may begin like this.
‘The noblest principle, man should follow in his life is co-existence. (The Tiger King) [120-
150 Words]
Ans. Live and Let Live: A Call for Coexistence
By [Your Name], Member of Eco Club
The noblest principle man should follow in his life is co-existence. The extinction of the tiger
population in Pratibandapuram, as depicted in “Tiger King,” is a stark reminder of the
consequences of man’s dominance over nature. This tale highlights the urgent need for a
balanced approach to life, where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.
To ensure the survival of our planet’s diverse ecosystems, we must adopt the policy of ‘Live and
Let Live.’ This involves respecting wildlife, conserving natural habitats, and promoting
sustainable practices. Protecting endangered species, reducing pollution, and preserving forests
are crucial steps.
Education and awareness are key to fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature. By
understanding the impact of our actions, we can make conscious efforts to protect the
environment. Let us strive to create a world where all living beings can thrive together, ensuring a
sustainable future for generations to come.

Q8. The boy drank the milk of an English cow, was brought up by an English nanny,
tutored in English …… (The Tiger King)
You realise that western influence on Indian culture is deep rooted since the days of Tiger
King.
Write an article using material from the text, on the pros and cons of western influence on
Indian society.
You may begin like this ………
Indian’s exposure to English language and western influence …….. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Indian’s exposure to English language and western influence dates back to the British rule.
The British deeply influenced Indian culture and uplifted the masses in several ways. The present
day education system was introduced by the British who laid stress on the knowledge of English
language which they said was superior to the ancient Indian languages. The British also formed
the legal system in India on similar lines as that of England. Indian Railways was also set up
during the British era. However, the aim of the British was to colonize India and so, they adopted
measures like divide and rule policy which led to disintegration. They took benefit of the presence
of small princely kingdoms and used one against the other to get their own benefits. The British
forced Indians to work as mere labourers. They who had set foot in India as traders, eventually
became rulers of the country.
The royal and rich people of India were exposed to the British culture and they even adopted the
British way of life. Royal princes would get higher education from England and would speak
English just like a Britisher. Thus, we can say that there was a deep influence of the British on
the Indians.

Q9. Until then the Maharaja had given his entire time and energy to tiger hunting. He had
no time to spare for the crown prince. (The Tiger King)
In the present times, we see people following their profession and running after money
and neglect their children. As a professional counsellor, you address working parents,
stressing the need to spend quality time with children, Take material from the story ‘The
Tiger King’ to re-inforce your points of view.
You may begin like this
Spending time with children will boost their confidence… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Spending time with children will boost their confidence. It is not essential to provide several
things to your child, rather it is necessary to spend time with them. Your affection and care is
invaluable. You must spend quality time with your child. You both can get involved in activities of
his interest like making a puzzle, playing with clay or even story telling. It is crucial that you form
a close bond with the child. I know that both of you are working and time is a constraint.
However, remember the maxim – Where there is a will, there is a way.
Now see the case of the Tiger King. He was a maharaja and had to perform several duties but
still he gave time to his son on his third birthday. Before that, he had been so busy in
accomplishing his goal of killing a hundred tigers that the fact of his son growing big went
unnoticed. He planned to make it a grand celebration and bought a gift for his son, both played
with the wooden toy tiger also. This was the king’s way of bonding with the prince. Similarly, you
should not be so busy that the child’s upbringing goes unnoticed. Rather, take out at least thirty
minutes on a daily basis. Allocate this time to your children and see how the bond will
strengthen.

Q10. “Your Majesty, I have two wives already. If I marry you ………..(Tiger King)
No doubt it adds humour to the story. Humour always captures the mind of readers.
Taking ideas from the story ‘Tiger King’, write an article on the ‘Importance of Humour in
Life’.
You may begin like this ; Sense of humour helps us deal with problems of life and
improves one’s mental and physical health…….. [120-150 Words]
Ans.
Importance of Humour in Life

Sense of humour helps us deal with problems of life and improves one’s mental and physical
health. When we read the story ‘The Tiger King’, the instances of humour in the story make us
laugh and thus, we feel light. Creating humour and laughter is definitely therapeutic. Kalki has
displayed his expertise in using humour very creatively which giving out an important message.
The astrologer’s prediction that a child born under the particular star will one day meet his death
is strange and creates humour because nevertheless, everyone has to eventually die. When the
ten-day old prince talks to the astrologer, that is also humorous. The idea of a ten-day old infant
growling also creates a light scene. The Maharaja refused the British officer from getting a
picture clicked with a tiger carcass and then, in order to save his kingdom, he sent fifty diamond
rings to his wife. This seems illogical and creates humour.
Another humorous scene is the chat between the king and his dewan. When the king tells him
that he wants to get married, the dewan denied that he already had two wives and could not
marry the king. Then the king clarified that he wanted a tiger and the dewan, presuming that the
king wanted to marry a tiger, said that the king’s ancestors had married swords and guns in the
past but a tiger queen would be too much for the kingdom.
When a village arranged to hundredth tiger for the king’s shooting, the king got elated and
excused them from paying taxes for three years. In order to save his job, the dewan hid a tiger in
his house. This seems overboard too.
Also, the end of the poem where the king dies due to a wooden tiger instead of a real one makes
the reader amused.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Why did the shopkeeper sell the wooden tiger at a cheap price? [40-50 Words]
Ans. A builder who wasn’t very good had made the wooden tiger. It had a rough surface where
little pieces of wood stuck up like quills. It only cost two and a quarter annas. But the shopkeeper
was afraid that the king would punish him if he told the king about the low price. So he gave a
very high price.

Q2. Did the Tiger King manage to kill the hundredth tiger? Why / Why not? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The Tiger King shot at the tiger, but the bullet went in the wrong direction. The shot only
made the tiger pass out, but he was still living. But the shooters didn’t want the king to know, so
they killed the tiger.

Q3. In what way did the infant Tiger King surprise the astrologer? [40-50 Words]
Ans. When Tiger King was born, the royal astrologer said that the prince would grow up to be a
great fighter, but that one day he would die, When ten-day-old Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur heard
this, he said that everyone must die someday, and he didn’t need a prediction to know this. Then
he asked how his father had died. Everyone, there was surprised to hear such wise words from a
baby who was only ten days old.

Q4. Do you agree with the Tiger King’s statement? You may kill even a cow in self
defence. [40-50 Words]
Ans. I disagree with the Tiger King’s statement. He thinks it’s not wrong to kill a tiger if it’s okay
to kill a cow in self-defence. Mankind, on the other hand, has a long history of killing life on Earth,
especially wildlife, because of their lack of care. So, we need to set up a way to take care of all
living things on Earth.

Q5. What did the Maharaja and dewan do to avoid the danger of losing the throne? [40-50
Words]
Ans. The Maharaja was in danger of losing the throne when he refused the British officer from
shoting in his kingdom. To avoid this danger, he sent samples of expensive diamond rings to his
wife.However, the officer’s wife kept all the fifty rings and the king was glad that by spending
three lakh rupees, he had saved his throne.

Q6. What did the Maharaja do to realize his ambition of killing hundred tigers? [40-50
Words]
Ans. The Maharaja had exhausted all hunting prospects in his kingdom. To complete the count
of killing a hundred tigers, he married into a kingdom which had a high tiger population.

Q7. Who was the Tiger King? How did he get the name Tiger King? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram Crown prince Jung Jung Bahadur was known as the
Tiger King. He got this name because he was born in the hour of the Bull and so, he faced the
danger of death from a tiger. The king was an infant when the astrologer predicted that the cause
of his death would be a tiger, the infant gave a growl and warned the tigers to be aware of him.
Thus, he was named as the Tiger King.

Q8. What message does the story “The Tiger King” give to the readers? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The story gives the message that one cannot escape fate. Even if one is powerful, one
cannot control nature. The carelessness of the king made him overlook that the hundredth tiger
was not killed. He got injured by the wooden tiger toy which turned out to be the hundredth tiger,
the cause of his death.

Q9. Which problem did the Maharaja face after killing seventy tigers when he had vowed
to kill 100 tigers? [40-50 Words]
Ans. He had hunted all the tigers in his kingdom. Thus, he planned to marry into a kingdom that
had a high tiger population.

Q10. Why did the Maharaja have to pay a bill of three lakh rupees to the British jewellers?
[40-50 Words]
Ans. He wanted to save his throne which was at risk after he had refused permission to the
British officer from hunting a tiger in his kingdom. Thus, he got a sample of diamond rings for the
officer’s wife. She kept all of them and the Maharaja had to pay three lakh rupees bill to the
jeweller.

Q11. What was the hidden agenda behind the Tiger King’s marriage with the princess in
the neighbouring state? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The Tiger King’s hidden agenda was behind his marriage was to complete the count of
killing a hundred tigers because he had killed all the tigers in his kingdom.

Q12. What did the astrologers predict about the child when he was born? [40-50 words]
Ans. They predicted that he would die. As he was born in the hour of the bull, the tiger being an
enemy of the bull, would be the cause of the Tiger King’s death.
Q13. What was the Maharaja’s mission? How did he resolve to overcome the obstacles in
the fulfilment of his mission? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The astrologer’s prediction regarding the death of the Tiger King was that the king would be
killed by a tiger. This prophecy deeply troubled the Tiger King, who then embarked on a mission
to hunt and kill one hundred tigers in an attempt to defy his fate. He believed that by eliminating
the tigers, he could avert the prophecy and secure his safety.
Despite the king’s efforts and precautions, the prophecy ultimately came true in an unexpected
manner. After successfully killing ninety-nine tigers, the king’s men found a weak and old tiger to
complete the tally of one hundred. The king killed this tiger, believing he had triumphed over the
prophecy. However, the irony lay in the fact that the tiger was not actually killed by the king’s
bullet but merely stunned. Later, a sliver from a toy tiger, which the king received as a gift for his
son, pierced his finger, leading to an infection that ultimately caused his death. Thus, the
astrologer’s prediction came true in a symbolic and ironic way, despite the king’s extensive
precautions.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. When was the Tiger King in danger of losing his kingdom? [30-40 words]
Ans. When he refused the British official from shoting in his kingdom, he got in the danger of
losing his kingdom.

Q2. Who killed the hundredth tiger? Why? [30-40 words]

Ans. The king went after shooting at the tiger but one of the hunters realized that the tiger had
merely fainted. Fearing the anger of the king, he shot the tiger dead.

Q3. When did the ‘Tiger King’ decide to get married? [30-40 words]
Ans. The king had killed seventy tigers but the tiger population in his kingdom exhausted. Thus,
he decided to get married into a kingdom which had a high tiger population and complete his
target of killing a hundred tigers.

Q4. Why did the Tiger King decide to kill a hundred tigers? Describe the efforts he made
to attain his target. [120-150 words]
Ans. He decided to kill a hundred tigers when he was an infant and the astrologer prophesied
that he faced danger from the hundredth tiger in his life. He started killing tigers and when the
tiger population in his kingdom exhausted, he married into a kingdom that had a high tiger
population.

Q5. What was the prediction of the astrologers regarding the ultimate fate of the Tiger
King? How did it come to be true? Describe with reference to the story. [120-150 words]
Ans. The astrologers predicted that as the tiger king was born in the hour of the Bull, he faced
danger to life from a tiger. The hundredth tiger would be the cause of the king’s death. The infant
tiger king warned all tigers and decided to kill a hundred tigers and prove the fallacy of the
prediction.
After killing seventy tigers, the tiger population in his kingdom exhausted. He married into a
kingdom that had a good number of tigers and continued to hunt more tigers. However, the
hundredth tiger that the king shot was too old and had merely fainted. The king’s servant feared
his wrath and thus, did not disclose this to the king and himself shot the tiger dead. However, the
unaware king thought that he had completed the target of killing a hundred tigers and had proved
the astrologers wrong.
Now he diverted his mind towards his son and to celebrate his birthday, bought a wooden toy
tiger. While the father-son duo were playing with the toy tiger which was made crudely, a wooden
shaving pricked the king which got infected and his arm had to be operated upon. During
operation, the king succumbed and thus, died.
So, eventually, the hundredth tiger a wooden toy tiger caused the king’s death and thus, the
prophesy was proved true.

Q6. Attempt a character sketch of the Tiger King. [120-150 words]

Ans. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur, had many titles and sub-
names. However, he was popular as the Tiger King. When he was born, the astrologers had
predicted his death which would be caused by a tiger. But the baby had some miraculous quality
in him. He was only ten days old, when he challenged the prediction of the astrologers and asked
them the manner of his death. The Chief astrologers foretold that he was born in the hour of the
Bull. The Bull and the Tiger are enemies. Therefore his death would come from the Tiger.
The Crown Prince was brought up in an English environment. He grew up a tall, sturdy, brave
and strong man. He become the king of his state at the age of twenty. He was determined to
fulfill his pledge. So he issued a proclamation not to kill the tigers except by himself. Being a man
of firm determination and self-respect, he denied permission to the British officer to hunt a tiger.
In return, he had to pay a high price to retain his throne. In a duration of ten years, he killed
seventy tigers and his forests became extinct. Then he married a princess whose father had a
large forest cover full of tigers. There he killed more and reached ninety-nine tigers but the
hundredth one merely fainted due to the shock of the bullet. His hunters came there and killed it.
Thus the tiger king thought that he had fulfilled his vow. Thus it can be said that he was a brave,
courageous king but lacked worldly wisdom.
Q7. Describe the Tiger King as a completely self-centred person. [120-150 words]
Ans. The tiger king was a completely self-centred person who cared only about his own power
and pleasure. He ruled his kingdom with an iron fist, exploiting the people and the resources for
his own benefit. He had no regard for the welfare of his subjects, the environment, or the animals
he hunted. He was obsessed with killing a hundred tigers to fulfill a prophecy, even though it
endangered the species and violated the law. He was arrogant, cruel, and ruthless, and he met
his end in a fitting way: by a toy tiger that pierced his heart.

Q8. What made the Maharaja sink in gloom? How was he helped to get over his gloom?
[120-150 words]
Ans. The maharaja was in despair after killing 70 tigers since the tiger population in
Pratibandapuram’s forests had vanished. There were no more tigers to be found, and the
maharaja still needed to kill 30 more tigers to reach his goal of 100. When there was only one
tiger left to be slain, Maharaja’s fear reached new heights. During the day, he pondered about
the hundredth tiger, and at night, he dreamed about it. Even in his father-in-domain, though, tiger
farms were depleted. Tigers become impossible to find in any location. The Maharaja would lose
all dread if he could just kill that one lonely beast. Maharaja should be wary of the hundredth
tiger, according to the late chief astrologer. The Maharaja was in a gloomy mood. Then came
some good news. Sheep began to disappear from a hillside community in his own state on a
regular basis. A tiger was undoubtedly at work. The peasants hurried to the Maharaja to inform
him. The Maharaja announced that that village will be exempt from all taxes for three years. He
immediately went on the hunt. The tiger, on the other hand, was not easily located. The Maharaja
remained in the forest waiting for the tiger to appear.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. Why did the Maharaja decide to double the land tax in a hillside village? [30 – 40
words]
Ans. The Maharaja decided to double the land tax for a village when he was not able to locate
the tiger in the forest suggested by the villagers. This had infuriated and frustrated the Maharaja.

Q2. Why did the Maharaja decide to get married? [30 – 40 words]
OR
How did the Tiger King’s marriage bring him closer to his target?
Ans. The king had killed seventy tigers but the tiger population in his kingdom exhausted. Thus,
he decided to get married into a kingdom which had a high tiger population and complete his
target of killing a hundred tigers.

Q3. What made the chief astrologer place his finger on his nose? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The Chief astrologer placed his finger on his nose because he was astonished when he
heard the ten-day-old royal infant uttering the words so clearly in his little squeaky voice. The
chief astrologer took off his spectacles and gazed intently at the baby in sheer surprise.

Q4. How was the hundredth tiger made available to the king? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The Dewan had brought a tiger from the People’s Park in Madras and kept it hidden in his
house. When the Maharaja threatened him with dire consequences, he understood that the only
way to save himself was to ‘plant’ a tiger for the kill.

Q5. Who actually killed the hundredth tiger in ‘The Tiger King’? Why? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Ironically, the hundredth tiger is not killed by the Tiger King. He does drop down after he is
shot by the Maharaja, but he only faints from the bullet shot. The hunters then wonder what they
should do. They realize if the Maharaja came to know this they could lose their jobs. So one of
the hunters takes aim and shoots the tiger.

Q6. What great miracle did the ten-day-old Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur perform? How did it
affect the people who listened to him? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The 10-day old infant spoke to the astrologers regarding their prediction about his death.
This stupefied everyone. The chief astrologer took off his spectacles and stared at the baby. He
put his finger on his nose in wonder that a ten day baby was speaking and raising intelligent
questions.

Q7. How did the Tiger King ‘manage to kill’ the hundredth tiger? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The Tiger King had already killed Ninety-nine tigers and only one tiger was left and if he
could kill just one more, he would have no fears left. But now it became impossible to locate
tigers anywhere. The king sank into gloom but soon came the happy news about a tiger seen in
the nearby village in his own state. He announced a three year exemption from all the taxes to
the village in his excitement. He set out for hunt and managed to kill the hundredth tiger in the
village.

Q8. Describe the efforts made by the Tiger King to achieve his target of killing a hundred
tigers. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The Tiger King vowed to kill a hundred tigers. First he started killing the beasts in his
kingdom. Everyone was under a ban on tiger hunting except the king. He even refused the durai
from hunting which put his throne in danger and he had to gift diamond rings to the duraisani to
save it. He married into a kingdom with a high tiger population so that he could achieve his
target. The hundredth tiger was arranged by his Dewan when he saw the king’s desperation on
not being able to find his prey. Thus, there was a lot of effort undertaken to achieve the target of
killing a hundred tigers.

Journey to the End of the Earth Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question
Answers from Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how
chapters are typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board
Exams, serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked
and highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous
Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Chapter 3, “Journey to the End of the Earth”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Human civilisations have been around for a paltry 12,000 years – barely a few seconds on the
geological clock. In that short amount of time, we’ve managed to create quite a rukus, etching
our dominance over nature with our villages, towns, cities, mega cities. The rapid increase of
human populations has left us battling with other species for limited resources, and the
unmitigated burning of fossil fuels has now created a blanket of carbon dioxide around the world,
which is slowly but surely increasing the average global temperature.

(i) According to the view expressed by the author in the above extract, increase in global
temperature is due to
(A) mega cities
(B) human people
(C) burning of fossil fuels
(D) limited resources
Ans. (C) burning of fossil fuels

(ii) Complete the following sentence with reference to the extract :

Humans are criticised by the author for _______.
Ans. Humans are criticised by the author for causing environmental damage and increasing
global temperatures.

(iii) According to the author, the relation between human population and resources is
____________.
Ans. According to the author, the relation between human population and resources is one of
competition and conflict over limited resources.

(iv) ‘In that short amount of time, we’ve managed to create a ruckus’. By ‘ruckus’ the
author refers to _______.
(A) movement.
(B) misunderstanding
(C) breach
(D) commotion
Ans. (D) commotion

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

The reason the programme has been so successful is because it is impossible to go anywhere
near the South Pole and not be affected by it. It’s easy to be blase about polar ice caps melting
while sitting in the comfort zone of our respective latitude and longitude, but when you can visibly
see glaciers retreating and ice shelves collapsing, you begin to realise that the threat of global
warming is real.
Antarctica, because of her simple eco-system and lack of biodiversity, is the perfect place to
study how little changes in the environment can have big repercussions. (Journey to the End of
the Earth)

(i) As per the given extract, the reason for the success of the programme is
(A) the participation of young students.
(B) the journey to Antarctica.
(C) the exposure to reality.
(D) it was impossible to go near south pole.
Ans. (C) the exposure to reality.

(ii) Complete the following sentence.

The warning that can be inferred from the above extract is __________.
Ans. The warning that can be inferred from the above extract is that global warming is a
significant and urgent threat, visibly affecting the polar ice caps and ecosystems.

(iii) State whether the statement given is TRUE or FALSE with reference to the extract.
Global warming is a threat to human survival.
Ans. TRUE

(iv) Explain one inference that can be drawn from the line “It’s easy to be blase about
polar ice caps melting while sitting in the comfort zone”.
Ans. People often ignore or underestimate the severity of global warming when they do not
directly witness its impacts.

Q3. How can you say ‘Students on Ice Programme’ was a step towards the future? [40-50
Words]
Ans. The ‘Students on Ice Programme’ is a step towards the future as it educates young people
about the environmental issues facing Antarctica. By fostering awareness and understanding, it
encourages the next generation to take action in preserving and protecting the planet.

Q4. ‘And for humans, the prognosis is not good;’

What is in store for humans, as per the above statement? [40-50 Words]
Ans. As per the predictions, the future is bad for humans. The delicate balance of the Earth’s
ecosystem is getting disturbed due to human activities.

Q5. “With students on ice, he offers future generation of policy makers a life-changing
experience…’
What expectation of the narrator is reflected in the above line? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The narrator wanted a real life experience to know the impact on the planet. The
programme gave them a chance to absorb, learn and act.

Q6. “My Antarctic experience was full of such epiphanies,” says Tishani Doshi. Which
experience does she consider the best and why? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Tishani Doshi considers witnessing the pristine beauty of the Antarctic landscape as the
best experience. It highlighted the fragility of the environment and the impact of human activities,
making her realize the importance of preserving nature.

Q7. Tishani Doshi considered the programme ‘Students on Ice’ a success. Do you agree
with her? Why/Why not? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Yes, Tishani Doshi considered ‘Students on Ice’ a success because it provided students
with a unique opportunity to experience and understand the fragility of the polar environments
firsthand. This exposure helped them appreciate the importance of environmental conservation
and inspired them to become more proactive in addressing climate change.

Q8. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the ‘Students
on Ice’ expedition? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Geoff Green started the program, Students on Ice, for high school students because he
wanted to give them an opportunity to understand and value our planet. Students, being the
future generation, need to take a closer look at the depleting environmental situation. They can
put in their effort to bring about a change in the outlook of the society. He wanted to give the
students hands-on experiences that will enable them to understand and shape the future of the
world as policy makers.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Describe Gondwana. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Gondwana was a massive supercontinent that was located in the south and was composed
entirely of plants and wildlife. There were no human inhabitants on this continent. Prior to around
650 million years ago, India and Antarctica were two different parts of the same landmass. This
landmass gradually began to move away from one another, resulting in the formation of
continents and seas.

Q2. What did Geoff Green switch over to? Why? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Geoff Green transitioned from teaching to leading educational expeditions to Antarctica.
Celebrities and wealthy people wanted to visit Antarctica for entertainment, but high school
students were more interested in learning and taking action. He did this to provide kids with the
opportunity to learn about climate change and the necessity of environmental preservation.
Q3. What were the author’s initial emotions on setting foot in Antarctica? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The narrator’s first impressions on setting foot in Antarctica included a sense of awe at the
vast, pristine landscape, the silence, and the extreme conditions. The sight of the untouched
beauty and the realization of humanity’s insignificance in the face of nature’s grandeur left a
profound impact on the narrator.

Q4. Why did Derry enter Mr. Lamb’s garden? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Because of his scarred face, Derry avoided other people and preferred to be in isolated
areas. Because he believed that Mr. Lamb’s garden was deserted, he scaled a wall and entered
the property. When he saw Mr. Lamb, he was taken aback and surprised.

Q5. What are the significant features of ‘Students on Ice Programme’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The programme on the Shokaskiy takes students to Antarctica and provides educational
opportunities to help develop understanding of and respect for the earth. The future generations
of policy-makers are given a life-changing experience to sensitize them about the real effects of
global warming.

Q6. What makes the author say, “The world’s geological history is trapped in Antarctica”?
[40-50 Words]
Ans. Around six hundred and fifty million years ago there was a giant amalgamated southern
supercontinent called Gondwana which was centered around the present-day Antarctica. Thus, it
is a part of that history from where we have come.

Q7. What prevented the Shokalskiy from going further? What did the captain instruct the
passenger to do? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The Russian vessel ‘Akademik Shokalskiy’ was on its way to Antarctica with a crew of 52
people to investigate and explore the history of humanity. They were getting close to the
Antarctic Circle when the ship got stranded in a massive pile of ice. The ship’s captain ordered
the passengers to disembark onto the icy ocean.

Q8. Why did Geoff Green include young students in his programme? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Young children were the future policy-makers. They were taken on a life-changing
experience when they were ready to absorb, learn and act. When they saw the impact of global
warming, they got sensitised towards it to a higher extent.

Q9. How has human civilization impacted our environment? Comment with reference to
the lesson “Journey to the End of the Earth”. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Our environment has been significantly impacted by human civilization. The lecture
examines how geological phenomena enable us to reconstruct human history. Despite having
existed for only 12,000 years, humans have caused considerable harm to the environment.
Climate and ecological imbalances have been caused by population growth, depletion of natural
resources, carbon emissions, fossil fuels, and global warming. The author emphasises how
humans’ attempts to dominate nature have had negative consequences.
Scientists warn that the continued depletion of the ozone layer will threaten the lives of marine
and avian species. Additionally, it will affect the global carbon cycle. Burning fossil fuels has
resulted in a global blanket of carbon dioxide, which raises the average global temperature.
Antarctica’s icebergs dissolving is evidence of this phenomenon.
In conclusion, the activities of humanity have caused environmental problems. Scientists warn of
the repercussions of our actions, such as the impact on fauna and the carbon cycle.

Q10. How can a visit to Antarctica be an enlightening experience? Elaborate. [120-150

Words]
Ans. Antarctica is the major land mass that formed Gondwana. Thus, it is a part of Earth’s
Geological history. There one can visualize and experience the changes in climate and
formations due to global warming. It has never sustained human population. One can study how
little changes in the environment can lead to big repercussions. One gets to realize the truth of
the parable – take care of the little things in life, and the big things will fall into place.
On visiting Antarctica, one can study the earth’s past, present and future. It holds in the ice-
cores, half-million-year-old carbon records. Antarctica has a simple ecosystem and lack of
biodiversity thus, it shows us how small changes can lead to big consequences.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. What happened to Gondwana 650 million years ago? [30-40 words]
Ans. Gondwana was centred roughly around present-day Antarctica. Humans hadn’t arrived on
the global scene, and the climate was much warmer, hosting a huge variety of flora and fauna.
For 500 million years Gondwana thrived, but around the time when the dinosaurs were wiped out
and the age of the mammals got under way, the landmass was forced to separate into countries,
shaping the globe much as we know it today.

Q2. How is Antarctica different from the place you live in? [30-40 words]
Ans. Antarctica is immense in size and absolutely isolated. 90 per cent of the Earth’s total ice
volumes are stored here. The place is devoid of any human markers — no trees, billboards,
buildings. One loses all earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale ranges from
the microscopic to the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big as countries
(the largest recorded was the size of Belgium). Days go on and on and on in surreal 24-hour
austral summer light, and a ubiquitous silence, interrupted only by the occasional avalanche or
calving ice sheet, consecrates the place.

Q3. How was Gondwana different from today’s world? Describe it. [30-40 words]
Ans. Gondwana was centred around the present-day Antarctica. Things were quite different
then: humans hadn’t arrived on the global scene, and the climate was much warmer, hosting a
huge variety of flora and fauna. For 500 million years Gondwana thrived, but around the time
when the dinosaurs were wiped out and the age of the mammals got under way, the landmass
was forced to separate into countries, shaping the globe much as we know it today.

Q4. What are phytoplankton? How are they important to our ecosystem? [120-150 words]
Ans. The microscopic phytoplankton are those grasses of the sea that nourish and sustain the
entire Southern Ocean’s food chain. These single-celled plants use the Sun’s energy to
assimilate carbon and synthesise organic compounds in that wondrous and most important of
processes called photosynthesis. Scientists warn that a further depletion in the ozone layer will
affect the activities of phytoplankton, which in turn will affect the lives of all the marine animals
and birds of the region, and the global carbon cycle. In the parable of the phytoplankton, there is
a great metaphor for existence: take care of the small things and the big things will fall into place.

Q4. Why is Antarctica the place to go to for the scientists today? [120-150 words]
OR
If we want to study and examine the Earth’s past, present and future, Antarctica is the
place to go to. Comment. [120-150 words]
Ans. Since it has carbon records from half a million years ago preserved in its ice layers,
Antarctica is currently the only place on earth that is in its purest and most natural state. Since it
has never supported a human population, Antarctica is still considered to be relatively “pristine”
in this regard. In order to comprehend the past, present, and future of Earth, one needs to travel
to Antarctica.

Q5. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the ‘Students
on Ice’ expedition? [120-150 words]
Ans. Geoff Green took the high school students to one end of the world, to provide them the
opportunity to develop the respect and understanding for the earth. He wanted to make the future
policy-makers to experience how difficult it would have been for the earth to sustain life by rising
its temperature. He wanted them to understand that any interference in nature can cause drastic
mishappenings in the future when the students see the ice shelves melting and collapsing, they
can estimate the kind of environmental troubles ahead in their future.
The Enemy Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous years
Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically presented
in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a valuable
resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key concepts
that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for Class 12
English Core Chapter 4, “The Enemy”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
“If I am able, are you?” Sadao asked.
“No,” Hana said, “But if you can do it alone…”
Sadao hesitated again. “The strange thing is,” that if the man were whole I could turn him over to
the police without difficulty. I care nothing for him. He is my enemy. All Americans are my enemy.
And he is only a common fellow. You see how foolish his face is. But since he is wounded …”

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.

The dilemma faced by the couple was _________.
Ans. whether to help the wounded American soldier, despite their personal and political conflicts.

(ii) What does Hana ask Dr. Sadao to do alone?

(A) Treat the wounded soldier
(B) Give him shelter in the outhouse
(C) Throw him back into the sea
(D) Hand him over to the authorities
Ans. (A) Treat the wounded soldier

(iii) Explain the expression : “if the man were whole”.

Ans. The expression means if the soldier were not injured, Dr. Sadao would have no moral or
ethical conflict in turning him over to the authorities.

(iv) Dr. Sadao says, “All Americans are my enemy.” What character trait of Dr. Sadao does
it reflect?
Ans. It reflects Dr. Sadao’s internal conflict and loyalty to his country, which is challenged by his
compassion and medical ethics

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

But at this moment the door opened and she looked out, a dark-blue woollen haori over her
kimono. … He had met Hana in America, but he had waited to fall in love with her until he was
sure she was Japanese. His father would never have received her unless she had been pure in
her race.

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.

Hana was attired in ____________.
Ans. a dark-blue woollen haori over her kimono.

(ii) With reference to the above, how will you describe Dr. Sadao as a son?
(A) indifferent
(B) obedient
(C) defiant
(D) practical
Ans. (B) obedient

(iii) What is ‘this moment’ all about?

It is a moment of :
(A) emotional turmoil.
(B) tranquility.
(C) agitation.
(D) conflict.
Ans. (A) emotional turmoil.

(iv) From the extract, what can you infer about Dr. Sadao and Hana’s relationship?
Ans. Dr. Sadao and Hana’s relationship is built on mutual respect and cultural values, as
evidenced by Dr. Sadao’s decision to wait until he was sure Hana was Japanese before falling in
love with her, respecting his father’s wishes.

Q3. What was the servants’ reaction to Sadao’s decision of treating the American
soldier? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The servants reacted with fear and disapproval to Sadao’s decision to treat the American
soldier. They were concerned about the repercussions and believed that helping the enemy was
dangerous and unpatriotic.

Q4. ‘Don’t thank me too early’. Sadao said coldly. What inference is drawn about Sadao’s
state of mind from the above line? [40-50 Words]
Ans. We can infer that although Sadao was treating the injured soldier at that moment, he could
hand him over to the Japanese army once he recovered.

Q5. “I must get rid of this man for your sake”. Said Dr. Sadao.
How will you describe Dr. Sadao as a husband with reference to the above line? [40-50
Words]
Ans. Dr. Sadao is shown to be a considerate and protective husband. He is willing to take
significant risks to ensure the safety and well-being of his wife, indicating his deep care and
responsibility towards her.

Q6. ‘I must get rid of this man for your sake’.

How did Dr. Sadao act like a perfect husband? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Sadao was fulfilling his duty as a doctor even at the cost of being termed a traitor, however,
when he saw that this was causing mental agony to his wife, he decided to get rid of the soldier
as soon as possible. This shows his concern as a husband.

Q7. “I will have nothing to do with it,” Yumi said,

“I am a poor person and it is not my business.”
What inference can be drawn about the character of the speaker from the above
expression? [40-50 Words]
Ans. These lines show that Yumi was poor and did not want to get into any trouble by washing
an enemy soldier.

Q8. Dr. Sadao is disturbed and in a dilemma since he has decided to help the enemy
soldier. Describe his conflict and the challenges faced in the form of a diary entry. [120-
150 Words]
Ans. Dr. Sadao’s Diary Entry
[Date]
Today has been a day of great turmoil and moral conflict. I have taken a decision that weighs
heavily on my conscience—helping the enemy soldier. As a doctor, my duty is to save lives,
regardless of nationality. However, aiding an enemy could be seen as an act of treason.
I am torn between my professional oath and my loyalty to my country. The fear of being
discovered and the potential consequences for my family add to my distress. Yet, I could not turn
a blind eye to a wounded human being in need of care. This dilemma tests my ethical boundaries
and challenges my principles.
I hope that my decision to save this man, driven by compassion and humanity, will not bring
harm to my loved ones or me. Only time will reveal the outcome of this challenging situation.
Dr. Sadao
Q9. After having escaped from Japan with the help of Dr. Sadao, Tom (the prisoner of war)
writes an article highlighting how Sadao’s actions demonstrated the importance of
humanity and living in harmony.
You may begin like this :
Humanity is a value that binds us together …… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Humanity is a value that binds us together, transcending borders and conflicts. My
experience in Japan, where I was saved by Dr. Sadao, is a testament to the power of
compassion and human connection.
Dr. Sadao, a Japanese surgeon, found me, an American prisoner of war, washed ashore near
his home. Despite the risk to his own life and his family’s safety, he chose to treat me. His
actions were guided by his oath as a doctor and his intrinsic sense of humanity, not by the
politics of war.
Through his selfless act, Dr. Sadao demonstrated that empathy and kindness can overcome
hatred and prejudice. He saw me not as an enemy, but as a human being in need of help. This
profound act of mercy saved my life and restored my faith in humanity.
Living in harmony requires us to look beyond differences and to treat each other with
compassion and respect. Dr. Sadao’s courage and moral integrity remind us that even in the
darkest times, our shared humanity can light the way to a better, more peaceful world. His story
is a powerful reminder that true heroism lies in our ability to uphold the values of compassion and
harmony, even in the face of great adversity.
Thank you.

Q10. “that if the man were whole I could turn him over to the Police ….. . But since he is
wounded”
The above statement clearly displays Dr. Sadao’s commitment to his profession and
compassion. Write an article in appreciation of Dr. Sadao’s professional ethics and his
ability to rise above prejudices. You may begin like this.
Dr. Sadao proved himself to be a man with great humanitarian values ……… [120-150
Words]
Ans. Dr. Sadao proved himself to be a man with great humanitarian values. Once when he was
in a dilemma to save an injured man or to let the enemy to die, he fulfilled his duty as a doctor
and saved the injured man’s life. He planned to turn him over to the police once he recovered.
He even discussed the matter with the General who proposed to get the soldier assasinated.
Finally, we see that Sadao is not able to keep the soldier any longer and when the General does
not send the killers, he aids the soldier into an escape. He provides all amenities to the soldier
and directs him to catch the Korean ships from the island. Thus, Dr Sadao completes his duty as
a doctor.

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
“You are to come to the palace,” the man said. “The old General is in pain again.”
“Oh,” Hana breathed, “Is that all? ”
“All? ” the messenger exclaimed. “Is it not enough? “
“Indeed it is,” she replied, “I am very sorry.”
When Sadao came to say goodbye, she was in the kitchen, but doing nothing. The children were
asleep and she sat merely resting for a moment, more exhausted from her fright than from
work. (The Enemy)

(i) Seeing the messenger, Hana was apprehensive of ________.

Ans. Seeing the messenger, Hana was apprehensive of the possible repercussions and the
reason for the summons.

(ii) The summons for Dr. Sadao were because

(a) the servants had reported.
(b) there was a medical emergency.
(c) the General wanted to express his admiration.
(d) the prisoner of war had escaped.
Ans. (b) there was a medical emergency.

(iii) Which of the following summarizes Hana’s reason for resting momentarily?
(a) Her physical exhaustion
(b) Her fear
(c) Her infirmity
(d) Her sadness
Ans. (b) Her fear

(iv) Complete the analogy correctly with a word from the extract.
asleep : awake : : rejuvenated : _________
Ans. exhausted

Q2. What impression do you form of Dr. Sadao’s father from the story“The Enemy”? [40-
50 Words]
Ans. Dr. Sadao comes across as a dedicated and skilled doctor who upholds his ethical duty to
save lives, regardless of the patient’s identity. As a citizen, he is conflicted between his loyalty to
his country and his professional responsibilities, ultimately choosing humanity over patriotism.

Q3. What dilemma did Dr. Sadao face about the wounded American soldier? [40-50
Words]
Ans. Dr Sadao was in a dilemma when he found a wounded enemy soldier at the shore near his
house. As a doctor, he was duty-bound to save the life of the injured man. However, as a patriot,
he was supposed to handover the enemy soldier to the police.

Q4. What risk did Dr. Sadao run in harbouring the enemy American soldier in his house?
[40-50 Words]
Ans. Dr Sadao was at a risk of being termed a traitor. The servants had left the family. The
doctor’s children could have an ill-fate, being called the kids of a traitor.

Q5. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent abroad with the troops? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The General required Dr Sadao’s services and so, he did not send him with the army
troops.

Q6. Dr. Sadao emerges as a saviour of humanity. Substantiate your answer with evidence
from the text. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dr Sadao is a saviour of humanity. He risks being termed a traitor, faces the wrath of the
servants but fulfils his duty as a doctor. When the man is fit, he plans and executes his escape to
the nearby island. He also provides the man with all necessities and guidance in case of any
problem. At times, it gets very difficult to create a balance between two duties that are juxtaposed
to each other. Here, Sadao had two duties, one of being a doctor and second of being a patriot.
He fulfilled the first duty by saving the injured soldier, treating him and making him healthy. He
fulfilled the second duty by informing the general and seeking his help in getting him assasinated.
When the general does not fulfil the promise of sending the killers, Sadao aids the man in
escaping the country.

Q7. After seeing off the enemy soldier, Dr. Sadao must have felt relieved.
He was able to uphold the oath that he had taken as a doctor. Dr. Sadao made an entry
into his daily diary explaining the dilemma faced by him and how he resolved it.
Imagine yourself to be Dr. Sadao and express his thoughts.
(You may begin like this :
I was able to uphold the oath that I had taken as a doctor…) [120-150 Words]
Ans. 20 March 2022
Dear Diary,
I was able to uphold the oath that I had taken as a doctor. It is my responsibility to save people’s
lives, regardless of their nationality. When Tom, the prisoner of war, was discovered wounded, I
was in a condition of tremendous struggle. Turning him over to the cops would have meant
putting him in the jaws of death. Ultimately, the duty of a doctor triumphed over the tight confines
of conflict and hatred.
The thought of working for a white person infuriated my subordinates. Hana, my wife, cleansed
the wound while I made the decision to operate on Tom. I was aware of the danger of harbouring
an enemy, yet I refused to abandon my sacred responsibility to avert death.
I was relieved to finally tell him to leave the house once he was no longer in anger.

Q8. Dr. Sadao is torn between his duty as a doctor and his responsibility as a patriotic
citizen. Elaborate. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana, were conflicted upon learning that the wounded prisoner of
war was an American, as they knew that sheltering him could result in their imprisonment.
However, if they turned him over to the police, the injured man would perish without a doubt. Dr.
Sadao’s duty as a physician ultimately trumped all other trivial considerations, and he decided to
operate on Tom despite the servants’ opposition to servicing a white man. Hana obediently
assisted her spouse in administering anaesthesia to the patient, if necessary. The dying
individual was able to be saved by Dr. Sadao. As a loyal patriot, he nonetheless informed the
General about the prisoner. Dr. Sadao accepted the General’s choice without hesitation.
The story of Dr. Sadao shows that it’s not always easy to do the right thing. People sometimes
have to choose between their own values and their duties to their country or their job. In this
situation, Dr. Sadao decided to put his job as a doctor ahead of his love for his country.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. Why did Hana feel scared when a messenger in official uniform visited their house?
[30-40 words]
Ans. Hana felt guilty that they had harboured an enemy soldier. So, when she saw a messenger
in official uniform, she got scared that they would be arrested.

Q2. Why does Hana believe that the American prisoner is a ‘menace, living or dead’? [30-
40 words]
Ans. Because Tom was an American soldier and Japan was at war with America at the time,
Hana believes the American prisoner was a ‘threat, living or dead.” As a result, assisting him
would be considered assisting the enemy, which was a felony.

Q3. Was it fear or a feeling of patriotism which prompted the servants to leave Dr. Sadao’s
residence? [30-40 words]
Ans. The servants had been working in Dr Sadao’s house for the past forty years. When they
came to know that he had harboured an enemy soldier, they left the employment because they
were patriots and did not want to serve an enemy. They even feared being caught by the police if
found giving shelter to an enemy.

Q4. What efforts did Dr. Sadao and Hana make to save the American soldier? [30-40
words]
Ans. Dr Sadao decided to operate upon the enemy soldier to save his life. Hana cleaned the
soldier with hot water for the operation. She gave him anesthetic. Dr sadao removed the bullet by
operating upon him.

Q5. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent to the battlefield? [30-40 words]
Ans. The General was ill and required Dr Sadao’s treatment. So he did not send him to the
battlefield.

Q6. Dr. Sadao and servants were only partly loyal to their country. Comment. [30-40
words]
Ans. Dr Sadao was a doctor first and his profession made him save the life of the enemy soldier
who was lying on the seashore near his house. This made him only partly loyal to his country.
The servants feared being caught by the police for sheltering an enemy soldier, thus they were
also partly loyal to their country.

Q7. Why was Dr. Sadao not arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy? [30-40
words]
Ans. When the enemy soldier recovered, Dr Sadao discussed the entire episode with the
General who promised him to send assassins to get him killed. The General needed Dr Sadao’s
medical treatment and so, he would not get him arrested.

Q8. Why did Dr. Sadao and his wife treat the wounded enemy soldier? [30-40 words]
Ans. Dr Sadao treated the wounded enemy soldier because his duty as a doctor made him save
a life. His wife helped him because the servants had refused to assist and he could not have
done the task all by himself. Thus, Hana, being a dutiful wife, helped her husband.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. How did the writer indicate that Dr. Sadao’s father was a very traditional and
conventional man? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Dr. Sadao’s father was a very traditional and conventional man. He was a gentle and quiet
person who never joked or played with his son. Sadao’s education was his chief concern. He
bestowed infinite pains upon Sadao, who was his only son. He was strict but a caring and loving
father. He considered arranged marriage the best and believed in the purity of race.

Q2. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent abroad with the troops during the war? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The General was ill and required Dr Sadao’s treatment. So he did not send him to the
battlefield.

Q3. How did Dr. Sadao and his wife face the situation after their servants left them? [30 –
40 words]
Ans. Dr Sadao treated the wounded enemy soldier because his duty as a doctor made him save
a life. His wife helped him because the servants had refused to assist and he could not have
done the task all by himself. Thus, Hana, being a dutiful wife, helped her husband.

Q4. How did Dr. Sadao perform his duty as a patriotic Japanese? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Dr Sadao’s duty as a patriotic Japanese demanded that he should inform the police about
the presence of the enemy soldier in his house. Accordingly, he told the General everything
about the enemy soldier to perform his duty as a patriotic Japanese.

Q5. What was Hana’s role in Dr. Sadao’s life when he brought home an injured American
soldier? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. When Dr. Sadao brought an injured American soldier to his home, Hana played a crucial
role. On the humanitarian ground, she nursed the soldier herself when she got no cooperation
from her maid. She did all the household work herself gracefully. She washed the soldier’s
wound and fed him, which indicates her respect and obedience towards her husband. She did
whatever Dr. Sadao asked her to do during the operation.

Q6. Why was the General apologetic when Sadao told him that the prisoner had escaped?
[30 – 40 words]
Ans. The General believed that Sadao was indispensable to his life as none were as skilled as
Dr. Sadao. When Sadao told him about the prisoner who had escaped, he was apologetic as he
had forgotten about his promise of sending assassins to kill the enemy, that he made to Sadao,
in his greed and selfish needs.

Q7. What dilemma did Sadao and his wife face when they saw the wounded American
soldier? [30 – 40 words]
Ans.They were in a dilemma to save the life of an injured soldier or to leave the wounded enemy
to die.
Q8. Apart from treating a fellow human being, for what other reason did Dr. Sadao decide
to operate on the wounded American soldier? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Dr Sadao’s professional ethics as a doctor motivated him to treat the injured soldier.

Q9. Explain the reaction of Dr. Sadao’s servants when he decided to give shelter to an
enemy in the house. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The servants did not support the idea of sheltering an enemy soldier. They loved their
country and moreover, feared being caught by the police. Yumi the governess flatly refused to
wash the white man. Her face was stubborn and fierce with resistance. She left the Sadao’s
household to protest their act of treating the man. Even the cook and the gardener who had been
serving the Hoki’s from Sadao’s father’s time left the house as a mark of protest. They did not
want to support a ‘traitor’.

Q10. ‘The Enemy’ portrays the victory of humanity in a moment of crisis. Illustrate this
fact through the actions taken by Dr. Sadao for the enemy soldier. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The efforts made by Dr. Sadao to save the American soldier who gets washed by the sea
to his doorstep portray the victory of humanity in a moment of crisis. Dr. Sadao rises over narrow
prejudices of race and country to help a human being in need. Being a doctor, his priority is to
save a dying man even though he belongs to the enemy camp. Basic human goodness
overpowers Dr. Sadao and he helps the wounded soldier first by operating on him and saving his
life and thereafter by arranging his safe escape. As a doctor, his foremost duty was to save a
dying man so he put aside all the other options and respected the ethics of his profession
thereby justifying the victory of humanity when one is in a dilemma.

On the Face of It Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous
years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically
presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a
valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key
concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for
Class 12 English Core Chapter 5, “On the Face of It”.

Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam

Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Derry : I….there….I thought this was an empty place. I didn’t know there was anybody here…
Mr. Lamb : That’s all right. I’m here. What are you afraid of, boy? That’s all right.
Derry : I thought it was empty…..an empty house.
Mr. Lamb : So it is. Since I’m out here in the garden. It is empty. Until I go back inside. In the
meantime, I’m out here and likely to stop. A day like this. Beautiful day. Not a day to be indoors.
Derry : [Panic] I’ve got to go.

(i) Derry was stammering because of :

(A) a speech defect.
(B) excitement.
(C) anger.
(D) fear.
Ans. (D) fear.

(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.

Derry insisted on going back because __________.
Ans. he was afraid of Mr. Lamb and unfamiliar surroundings.

(iii) Mr. Lamb was trying to tell Derry that :

(A) it was a matter of perception.
(B) Derry could stay with him.
(C) he spent all his days in the garden.
(D) he was fond of company.
Ans. (A) it was a matter of perception.

(iv) From the extract, one can infer that Mr. Lamb was a/an :
(A) compassionate man.
(B) mysterious character.
(C) new neighbour.
(D) unreasonable man.
Ans. (A) compassionate man

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :

Derry : I’d not come to steal anything.
Mr. Lamb : No, no. The young lads steal…… scrump the apples. You’re not so young.
Derry : I just……..wanted to come in. Into the garden.
Mr. Lamb : So you did. Here we are, then.
Derry : You don’t know who I am.
Mr. Lamb : A boy. Thirteen or so.
Derry : Fourteen. [Pause] But I’ve got to go now. Good-bye.
Mr. Lamb : Nothing to be afraid of. Just a garden. Just me.
Derry : But I’m not …. I’m not afraid. [Pause] People are afraid of me.

(i) Why does Mr. Lamb feel that Derry has not come to steal?
Ans. Mr. Lamb feels that Derry has not come to steal because Derry’s intent appears to be
simply exploring the garden and talking to him, rather than stealing.

(ii) Cite instances from the extract which show that Mr. Lamb is trying to put Derry at ease.
Ans. Mr. Lamb addresses Derry kindly, says “Nothing to be afraid of,” and reassures him by
calling the garden “Just a garden” and himself “Just me.”

(iii) Choose the correct statement :

(A) Derry entered the garden as he was fascinated by the bees.
(B) Derry came to meet Mr. Lamb.
(C) They were well acquainted with each other.
(D) Derry entered as he wanted to see the garden.
Ans. (D) Derry entered as he wanted to see the garden.

(iv) People are afraid of Derry because _________.

Ans. of his physical appearance, which makes him feel isolated and judged by others.

Q3. Why does Derry not like being with people? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Derry does not like being with people because he feels judged and pitied for his
appearance. After an accident left him with severe facial scars, he experiences isolation and
discrimination, making him self-conscious and reluctant to interact with others who often treat
him differently because of his looks.

Q4. Physically impaired people have to suffer pain and a sense of alienation due to the
behaviour of the people around them. It’s ironical that people who should be treated with
empathy are either avoided or pitied. Discuss. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Physically impaired people often endure not only their disabilities but also the insensitivity
and prejudice of those around them. This societal behaviour exacerbates their pain and sense of
isolation. Instead of receiving empathy and support, they are often met with avoidance or pity,
which only deepens their alienation. The irony lies in the fact that those who need understanding
and acceptance are often marginalized. This is evident in the character of Derry from “On the
Face Of It,” who experiences both direct and indirect forms of discrimination due to his
appearance. Such treatment underscores a societal failure to recognize and respect the intrinsic
value of individuals with disabilities. True empathy involves treating them with dignity and
integrating them fully into the social fabric, rather than perpetuating their sense of otherness.

Q5. Mr. Lamb : Lord, boy, you’ve got two arms, two legs and eyes and ears ……..
You could get on better than all the rest. Optimism is the best tool to face challenges in
life.
Imagine you are Mr. Lamb. You want to give a motivational speech to a group of
differently abled students urging them to be positive in their approach to life. Write the
speech on behalf of Mr. Lamb.
You may begin like this.
Hello ! Dear Students ! Believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible… (On the Face of it)
[120-150 Words]
Ans. Hello! Dear Students!
Believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. You have two arms, two legs,
eyes, and ears – you can achieve so much more than you think. Life is full of challenges, but
optimism is your best tool to overcome them.
Remember, everyone has their own battles to fight, and it’s your attitude that makes the
difference. Stay positive, embrace your abilities, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t
achieve your dreams. Use your strengths to your advantage, and always look for opportunities to
grow.
Surround yourself with positive influences, set goals, and work hard to achieve them. Your
determination and resilience will take you far. Believe in your potential and face life with a smile.
You are capable of amazing things!
Thank you!

Q6. Mr. Lamb : Oh, there’s lot of things I’ve learned to do, and plenty of time for it. Years. I
take it steady.” (On the Face of it)
Mr. Lamb, despite his handicap learnt to be independent and has proved where there is a
will, there is a way. As a motivational speaker, write a speech to be delivered to school
students, highlighting how one should develop resilience and determination to achieve
one’s goal citing references from this story.
You may begin like this.
To remain resilient during difficult times, will help one move forward in life. [120-150
Words]
Ans. To remain resilient during difficult times, will help one move forward in life. We see a
powerful character of Mr Lamb who is old and has lost a leg in the war. Despite these hurdles, he
is energetic and lively. Mr Lamb keeps himself busy, welcomes everyone to his garden, reads
books and has an optimistic approach towards life. Although he is alone, he does not feel lonely
and makes friends with visitors. Mr Lamb considers weeds and plants to be same – it’s all life.
Kids laugh at him and call him Lamey-Lamb due to the tim leg but he is indifferent. He accepts
the fact and does not fret over it. He is not bothered by the hurt the tin leg causes him. He
inspires Derry by saying that he should not be dejected if his half face is burnt. He has many
other bounties with which he can achieve all that he wishes for. Mr. Lamb is a very strong
character.

Q7. Derry : Oh no, because if I don’t go back there, I’ll never go anywhere in this world
again. (On the Face of it)
Derry later realises that the decision taken at that moment helped him to come out of
shell. As Derry, write a diary entry expressing your happiness and thanking your stars for
the right decision taken.
You may begin like this.
I was so fortunate to be able to be decisive at the right moment…….. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear diary
I was so fortunate to be able to be decisive at the right moment. I had to put my foot down or else
I would never be able to speak up for myself. I gathered a lot of courage to speak my mind. I
wanted to go to Mr Lamb and I was able to fulfil my desire. Mr Lamb encouraged me and
changed my perception. I felt that I was liberated and free from the burden of carrying a burned
face. There is so much more to me and to life than just sulking over my burned face. I feel
liberated and free to do whatever I feel like. I feel so light.
Bye dear diary.

Q8. Imagine you are Derry speaking at the funeral of Mr. Lamb highlighting Mr. Lamb’s
optimism and the change he brought about in your attitude towards life.
You may begin like this.
Dear friends,
I will be eternally grateful to Mr. Lamb …… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear friends,
I will be eternally grateful to Mr. Lamb for the profound impact he had on my life. When I first met
him, I was filled with anger and self-pity due to my scarred face. I saw the world as a hostile
place and felt isolated. But Mr. Lamb, with his unwavering optimism and kindness, changed my
perspective entirely.
He taught me to see beyond my physical appearance and to appreciate the beauty of life. He
showed me that everyone has their own struggles and that it is our attitude that defines us, not
our scars. Mr. Lamb’s garden was a sanctuary of hope and acceptance, where I learned to
embrace life with courage and positivity.
His words and actions have left an indelible mark on my heart. He made me realize the
importance of looking beyond the surface and finding joy in the simplest things. Mr. Lamb’s
legacy will continue to inspire me and many others to live with hope and optimism, no matter the
challenges we face.
Thank you

Q9. Things out, shutting things in.

The above statement speaks about Mr. Lamb’s open mindedness and large heartedness
despite his disability. Inspired by his thought, you as a student leader, give a motivational
speech to your class on how positive attitude and broad mindedness will help one
succeed in life.
You may begin like this.
Good morning to one & all.
Being positive and open minded will definitely make you evolve and grow ……. [120-150
Words]
Ans. Good morning to one & all.
Being positive and open minded will definitely make you evolve and grow. The character of Mr
Lamb projects these two qualities. He does not consider weeds as unwanted and says that it is
all life and same as him and Derry. He got a tin leg and limped while walking, the kids teased him
by calling him Lamey Lamb but he took it as a matter of fact. He lived all alone and kept the
gates of the garden open to welcome everyone. He enjoyed talking to people and even heard the
bees in the garden ‘sing’.
Mr Lamb tries to pass his positivity to Derry when he says that he had two arms, two legs,eyes
and ears, a tongue and a brain and he could do better than the rest.
He has many friends who visit him and he shares the various home-made toffees with them. In
all these years, he had learned plenty of things. Thus, we see Mr Lamb is positive and open-
minded person.

Q10. Derry : It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.
You do agree with Derry that appearance doesn’t define a person. Only one’s potential
and innate qualities gain one respect and dignity in society.
As Derry, write a diary entry regretting how you wasted your time indulging in self-pity
and frustration and how your encounter with Mr. Lamb transformed your personality.
You may begin like this.
I do really thank my stars for bringing Mr. Lamb into my life ………… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Diary
I do really thank my stars for bringing Mr. Lamb into my life. All these years got wasted in
frustration due to my burnt face. I was full of self-pity and bitterness towards anyone and
everyone who came across me. I would look at people’s faces to judge their reaction on seeing
 me and then get bitter at them. I hated myself for this ugly appearance and felt that I could never
achieve anything in my life.
However, my meeting with Mr Lamb has changed my perspective. He told me that despite being
laughed at for a tin leg and limpy walk, he accepted the fact and did not mind the kids mocking at
him. Mr Lamb told me that I am blessed with all four limbs, eyes, ears, brain and tongue and
could achieve anything. No one had ever induced so much positivity and confidence in me. I had
only received pity and hatred. When Mr Lamb showed acceptance for me, I felt so confident. I
am full of joy and am thankful to him.
Bye dear diary

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Deny : What do you do all day?
Mr. Lamb : Sit in the sun. Read books, Ah, you thought it was an empty house, but inside, it’s full.
Books and other things.
Full. Deny : But there aren’t any curtains at the windows.
Mr. Lamb : I’m not fond of curtains, shutting things out, shutting things in. I like the light and the
darkness, and the windows open, to hear the wind.

(i) The description of the house indicates that Mr. Lamb ___________.
Ans. loves nature

(ii) The expression ‘does not like shutting things out, shutting things in’ suggests Mr.
Lamb’s
(a) welcoming nature.
(b) poverty-stricken existence.
(c) lack of resources.
(d) confused state of mind.
Ans. (a) welcoming nature.

(iii) Mr. Lamb spends his time ___________.

1. reading books
2. cooking meals
III. shutting things out
1. enjoying beauties of nature
Which of the following options are appropriate?
(a) I and IV
(b) II, III and IV
(c) I and II
(d) I and III
Ans. (a) I and IV

(iv) On the basis of the extract, study the two statements, I and II given below :
1. Mr. Lamb liked meeting people.
2. Mr. Lamb accepted life as it came.
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) I can be inferred from the extract, but II cannot.
(b) II can be inferred from the extract, but I cannot.
(c) Both I and II can be inferred from the extract.
(d) Neither I nor II can be inferred from the extract.
Ans. (c) Both I and II can be inferred from the extract.

Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Mr. Lamb : Look, boy, look … what do you see?
Deny : Just … grass and stuff. Weeds
Mr. Lamb : Some call them weeds. If you like, then … a weed garden, that. There’s fruit and
there are flowers, and trees and herbs. All sorts. But over there … weeds. I grow weeds there.
Why is one green, growing plant called a weed and another ‘flower’? Where’s the difference? It’s
all life … growing. Same as you and me.
Deny : We’re not the same.

(i) In the above extract, what best summarizes Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards growing
weeds?
(a) a celebration of life
(b) an acceptance of his poverty
(c) a manifestation of his loneliness
(d) an example of his gardening skills
Ans. (a) a celebration of life

(ii) Which of the following best describes Derry’s tone when he says “We’re not the
same”?
(a) bitter
(b) confused
(c) defiant
(d) snobbish
Ans. (b) confused

(iii) Mr. Lamb brings out the contrast between flowers and weeds in order to
(a) explain weeds are important in a garden.
(b) demonstrate that weeds have medicinal values.
(c) emphasize the specific purpose of each.
(d) illustrate that there should be no distinction.
Ans. (d) illustrate that there should be no distinction.

(iv) What word from the above extract most nearly means the opposite of ‘difference’?
Ans. ‘specific’

Q3. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
Mr.Lamb : Well that needn’t stop you, you needn’t mind.
Derry : It’d stop them. They’d mind me. When they saw me here. They look at my face and run.
Mr.Lamb : They might. They might not. You’d have to take the risk. So would they.
Derry : No, you would, you might have me and lose all your other friends, because nobody wants
to stay near me if they can help it.
Mr. Lamb : I’ve not moved.
Derry : No…….
Mr. Lamb : When I go down the street, the kids shout ‘Lamey-Lamb’. But they still come into the
Garden, into my house; it’s a game. They’re not afraid of me. Why should they be? Because I’m
not afraid of them, that’s why not.’

(i) The kids tease Mr. Lamb but still come into his garden. Why?
Ans. (i)The kids tease Mr. Lamb but still come into his garden because they loved him and
were not afraid of him. They knew that Mr. Lamb won’t mind even if they tease him by
calling ‘Lamey-Lamb’.

(ii) Choose the best option that describes Mr. Lamb.

(a) headstrong (b) pessimist
(c) negligent (d) positive
Ans. (d) positive

(iii) Choose the correct option with reference to the extract :

What makes Derry tell Mr. Lamb that if he comes, others would stop coming?
(a) Mr. Lamb would not let others come.
(b) They would be repulsed by Derry.
(c) Mr. Lamb will have to choose between him and others.
(d) Derry would flare up.
Ans. (b) They would be repulsed by Derry.

(iv) What does Mr. Lamb mean by ‘They might, they might not’?
Ans. Mr. Lamb means that it’s not necessary that if the people or the children will look at
Derry’s face; they would mind coming close to him. It might be that they run away, or they
might not run away. Mr. Lamb wants Derry to think optimistically and not be pessimistic.

Q4. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :
You think …. ‘Here’s a boy.’ You look at me … and then you see my face and you think. ‘That’s
bad. That’s a terrible thing. That’s the ugliest thing I ever saw.’ You think, ‘Poor boy.’ But I’m not.
Not poor. Underneath, you are afraid. Anybody would be. I am. When I look in the mirror, and
see it, I’m afraid of me.

(i) Who is the speaker and who is he speaking to?

(a) Derry; His mother
(b) Derry; Mr. Lamb
(c) Derry; Ladies at the bus stop
(d) Mother; Mr. Lamb
Ans. (b) Derry; Mr. Lamb

(ii) According to the speaker, what do people feel about him?

(a) People are empathetic towards him.
(b) People are repulsed by his appearance.
(c) People are annoyed by his presence.
(d) People are unhappy at his association with his neighbours.
Ans. (a) People are empathetic towards him.

(iii) Complete the following statement with reference to the extract :

When I look in the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of me _________.
Ans. because it reminds me of my ugliness and makes me feel depressed and scared.

(iv) Explain the following statement with reference to the given extract :
You think, ‘Poor boy.’ But I’m not.
Ans. Mr. Lamb, according to Derry, will pity him like everyone else, but he will also be afraid of
him.

Q5. How does Mr. Lamb try to put Derek at ease when he entered Mr. Lamb’s garden? [40-
50 Words]
Ans. Mr. Lamb attempted to put Derek at ease with his reassuring and kind words when Derek
entered his garden. Mr. Lamb realised that his presence in the garden had alarmed Derry. He
informed Derry that he did not object to visitors entering his garden, so Derry had nothing to fear.

Q6. Why does Derry enter Mr. Lamb’s garden? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Because of his scarred face, Derry avoided other people and preferred to be in isolated
areas. Because he believed that Mr. Lamb’s garden was deserted, he scaled a wall and entered
the property. When he saw Mr. Lamb, he was taken aback and surprised.

Q7. Derek wants to go back to Mr. Lamb’s house against his mother’s will. What does this
tell you about Mr. Lamb? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Derek wants to go back to Mr. Lamb’s house, even though his mother doesn’t want him to.
This is because Mr. Lamb has taught Derek a new way to look at life. He has given Derry hope
that he can get over his disability by having a positive view of life. Derry likes what he teaches
and what he tells him, so he goes back to Mr. Lamb.

Q8. What were the apprehensions of Derry’s mother about his visit to Mr. Lamb? [40-50
Words]
Ans. She tells Derry that she had been warned to stay away from him. Although they had been
there recently, she had heard things about him.

Q9. What gave Derry the courage to go back to Mr. Lamb’s house despite his mother’s
refusal? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Mr. Lamb’s encouraging words and acceptance for Derry’s burnt face gave him confidence.
Now the boy felt that he could do whatever he wanted to. He wanted to think and decide on his
goal and this gave him the courage to go back despite the mother’s refusal.

Q10. How does Mr. Lamb react when children call him Lamey-Lamb? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Mr Lamb accepts that he has a tin leg. He does not fear the children nor does he fright
them.

Q11. Why does Derry not like being with people? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Derry dislikes being with people because of the manner in which they react on seeing his
burnt face. They feel pity for him or get scared of him. Even his mother does not love him truly.

Q12. Why was Derry startled as soon as he entered the garden? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Derry had entered the garden thinking that it was empty. However, Mr Lamb’s voice startled
him. He felt guilty of intruding into a private territory.

Q13. Mr. Lamb stands as a symbol of optimism and hope. Support your answer with
examples from the text. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Yes, Mr Lamb is truly a symbol of optimism and hope. He lives alone, lost a leg in the war,
but still, he lives a fulfilling life. He welcomes everyone into his garden, he reads books, grows
apples, rears honey bees and makes jelly and toffee. He even shares these with the visitors.
When children call him ‘Lamey Lamb’ he remains unaffected because he accepts the fact that he
has a tin leg which cause a limp while walking. He is not scared of the children and does not
scare them either. He does not differentiate between a weed and a flower. For him both
represent life.
When he comes across the dejected young boy, Derry, he instils positivism and confidence in
him. Mr Lamb motivates Derry to get over the burnt face and realize that he has been blessed
with a healthy body, a working brain, eyes, ears and tongue. He can do whatever he desires. Mr
Lamb’s words are full of optimism, they are so powerful, that they young lad becomes lively and
starts realizing his capabilities. Thus, we see the transformative power of Mr Lamb’s words.

Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams

Q1. How did Derry’s handicap affect his life? [40 Words]
Ans. Derry’s half face was burned due to acid. He appeared ugly and people looked at him with
pity. He felt that he could do nothing in life. All this reduced his self-confidence and he became
repulsive.

Q2. Why was Mr. Lamb’s gate always open? [40 Words]
Ans. Mr. Lamb always left his gate open since he welcomed guests to his home. Because Mr.
Lamb lived alone in a large mansion, he desired a companion. So that tourists wouldn’t leave
when the gates closed, he left them open.

Q3. How does Mr. Lamb overcome his feelings of loneliness? [40 Words]
Ans. Mr. Lamb lives alone but does not feel lonely. He welcomes visitors to his garden and
shares the home-made toffees and jelly with them. He spends time with the bees whose
humming sound sounds to Mr Lamb as if they are singing. He reads books, plucks crab apples
planted in his garden, makes toffees with the honey and makes jelly with the apples. Thus, he
remains busy to overcome loneliness.

Q4. When Mr. Lamb tells Derry that, while some describe the sound that the bees make as
‘buzzing’, to him it seems they are singing. What character trait of Mr. Lamb is brought to
light? Why? [40 Words]
Ans. Mr. Lamb’s observation reveals his poetic and perceptive nature. He sees beauty and
meaning in simple things, indicating his imaginative and positive outlook on life.

Q5. How did Mr. Lamb’s conversation and company change Derry’s desire to isolate
himself from the world? [40 Words]
Ans. Mr. Lamb had a tin leg and was physically challenged. Although he was alone, he never
displayed signs of loneliness. Derry did not disgust Mr. Lamb. He never felt sorry for Derry
because he was who he was. He didn’t respond to Derry’s nastiness either. Derry was not
coerced into staying and listening to him. But when he happened to talk to Derry, he helped him
see that disabilities are not barriers. He gave him access to the globe. He also emphasised
Derry’s advantages. He talked about his own life experiences and inspired him with the Beauty
and the Beast tale. Never expecting him to go against his wishes, he instructed him to wait,
watch, and listen.

Q6. Derry says “I’m not afraid … people are afraid of me.” Why does he make this
comment about himself? [40 Words]
Ans. Derry says, “People are terrified of me, but I’m not afraid.” People were gaping at him when
they saw Derry’s charred face, so he made this remark about himself. They frequently responded
as though they were scared of him. Some of them felt sorry for him and comforted him with kind
words.

Q7. How did Derry’s chance meeting with Mr. Lamb prove meaningful for them? [40
Words]
Ans. Derry walked into the garden considering that it was empty. By chance, he met the owner
who was Mr Lamb, a welcoming old man. Both of them shared a commonality of physical
handicap but their attitude towards life was poles apart. Mr Lamb infused positivity and
confidence in Derry who was physically fit and could accomplish all that he desired. After
meeting Mr Lamb, the half burnt face was not a matter of concern for him anymore.

Q8. What made Derry extremely self-conscious? [40 Words]

Ans. Derry, a fourteen-year-old boy with complexes, was troubled. After acid accidently spilled
and burned one side of his face, he became a victim of rejection, an intense lack of self-regard,
and an inferiority complex. Derry suffered more as a result of his disability making him resentful,
which made him believe that everyone despised him. He avoided others because they
continuously made him think about how ugly he was, making him dislike being around them. He
turned into a loner because he believed he was too unattractive to be appreciated and loved by
anyone.

Q9. Who is Mr. Lamb? How does Deny get into his garden? [40 Words]
Ans. Mr. Lamb is an old man who lived in a big house with a huge and beautiful garden. He had
lost one of his legs due to a bomb explosion and it had now been replaced with a tin leg. He liked
to talk to people and make them his friends, and so, he kept the gates of his garden always
open.
Derry was a fourteen-year-old boy who was low on self esteem and liked to stay alone.
Considering the garden to be empty, he jumped over the wall to hide away from the rest of the
world.

Q10. Why does Derry steal into Mr. Lamb’s garden? What is Mr. Lamb’s reaction? [40
Words]
Ans. Derry dislikes meeting people because he does not approve of their reaction of sympathy
and dislike when they see his half burnt face. He steals into the garden to explore it, thinking that
it is empty. Mr Lamb is welcoming just like he welcomes every stranger.

Q11. Justify the title of the lesson ‘On The Face Of It’. [120-150 Words]
Ans. On the face of it looks to be a pretty fitting title for the story. The phrase “On the Face of It”
refers to something that appears to be or seems to be. Due to how people treat him, Derry
experiences frustration and a loss of self-esteem in the play. Everyone believed he was disabled
and had a nasty scorched face. Mr. Lamb’s situation was comparable. In a bomb explosion, he
had lost one of his legs. Evidently, Derry and Mr. Lamb both had physical flaws. However, Mr.
Lamb helped Derry learn to accept his deformity, have confidence in himself, see the positive
side of things, and look on the bright side of things. Their physical impairment was obvious to
both them and the rest of the world. But the strength of one’s soul is what matters most. Mr.
Lamb had a sharp mind and dealt with his disability and loneliness quite well. He played a crucial
role in helping Derry start to view himself and his deformity more favourably. The play is about
accepting that things are not always what they seem to be, ie., that a physical disability has
nothing to do with a person’s mental fortitude and positive outlook on life.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. What is common between Derry and Mr. Lamb? [30-40 words]
Ans. Both Derry and Mr Lamb are physically disabled. While Mr Lamb lost a leg in the war and
got a tin leg, Derry got half him face burnt with acid.

Q2. How has Mr. Lamb kept himself open to everyone? [30-40 words]
Ans. Mr Lamb kept the gate of the garden open to welcome everyone. He shared toffee and jelly
with the visitors. He did not have curtains in his house because he did not like to shut things in
and out.

Q3. Why does Mr. Lamb leave the gate of his house always open? [30-40 words]
Ans. Mr Lamb lived alone but in order to get rid of the loneliness, he welcomed strangers into his
garden by keeping the gates open.

Q4. The play ‘On The Face of It’ depicts the unusual behaviour of the people towards the
physically disabled which makes them feel lonely. Comment. [120-150 words]
Ans. In the play, the young boy named Derry and the old man named Mr Lamb suffer from
physical disabilities. Derry got half his face burnt with acid which made him appear ugly. People
disliked his appearance and even pitied Derry. Thus, Derry disliked being with people. Even his
mother kissed on the other side of the face. She too disliked his appearance and just did that
because she had to. Derry disliked it because he did not want pity from others. Thus, he did not
like to be with anyone, he hated people. Mr. Lamb had lost his one leg in the war and had a tin
leg. He lived alone but he desired company and so, welcomed everyone to his garden. He even
shared homemade toffee and jelly with them. However, young buys laughed at him and called
him names like ‘Lamey Lamb’ when he walked with a limp. Mr Lamb did not mind this but he did
feel lonely and craved companionship.
Thus, we see that disabled people are lonely because the society excludes them.

Q5. How did Derry benefit from his interaction with Mr. Lamb? [120-150 words]
Ans. At the start of the story, we see Derry as a dejected boy who dislikes everyone because he
is pitied upon. He is gloomy because half his face got burnt by acid. He cannot think beyond this
disability.
Derry has a chance encounter with Mr Lamb when he enters the apparently empty garden. Mr
Lamb enthuses positivism and confidence into Derry. He motivates Derry to listen to his heart
and to look beyond the ugly face of his. Hatred can do more harm than a bottle of acid did to his
face, it can burn him up from inside. He says that Derry has a fit and healthy body with which he
can accomplish anything that he desires. Mr Lamb suggests Derry to listen to his inner voice and
find his aim in life.
Derry heard such positive words for the first time and they changed his outlook towards life.

Q6. Mr. Lamb died just as soon as Derek was beginning to feel positive about life. Do you
think that this would bring about a setback in his life? Give reasons for your answer. [120-
150 words]
Ans. Mr Lamb was the source of inspiration for Derek. Derek who was full of gloom and hatred
had just embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Surely Mr Lamb’s sudden death would once
again throw Derek into the sadness and dejection. Derek wanted to listen to his heart and
discover his goal in life but now, this would be next to impossible for him.
Perhaps during his moment of sadness, Derek would be reminded of Mr Lamb’s positive words
and he would take a stand to set his life on the path shown by his friend.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. “It ate my face up. It ate me up.” Who said these words? Why? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Derry said these words. He wanted to talk about his burned face which led to a low self
esteem in him.

Q2. Why did Derry refuse to believe what his mother said against Mr. Lamb? [30 – 40
words]
Ans. Derry refused to believe his mother because his experience with Mr Lamb had been
different.

Q3. Why does Mr. Lamb say to Derry, “So you are not lost, are you? Not altogether? ” [30
– 40 words]
Ans. He tries to awaken Derry and convey to him that there are many other aspects of his life
other than the burned face.

Q4. Why did Derry’s mother not want him to visit Mr. Lamb? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. She is protective about Derry and so, does not want him to meet strangers.

Q5. Mr. Lamb and Derry were both suffering from similar problems. Comment. [30 – 40
words]
Ans. Both of them suffered from physical disabilities which could lead to a lack pof self esteem.
Derry’s half face got burned with acid while Mr Lamb lost a leg in the war.

Q6. How is the Derry we meet at the beginning different from the Derry at the end? [30 –
40 words]
Ans. Derry at the beginning of the story is a very negative person and because of his ugly
appearance, hides away from the crowds. He believes that the acid has eaten his skin and him
alive. He feels that he doesn’t need any second chance to live. However, Derry at the end of the
story is more optimistic and practical. He decides to live happily by being friendlier with people.

Q7. Derry and Mr. Lamb both are victims of physical impairment, but their attitudes
towards life are completely different. Elaborate. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Derry suffers from a tremendous sense of inferiority complex. He is always conscious that
his face is ‘bad’, ‘terrible’ and ‘the ugliest thing’. People are ‘afraid’ of him. He tries to escape
people. He allows himself to be alienated from the world. He is withdrawn and defiant. He thinks
that no one will ever love and kiss him except his own mother.
On the other hand, Lamb accepts life as it comes. He has a positive attitude towards life, things
and people. He doesn’t find solace in escapism. Children tease him by calling him ‘Lamey-Lamb’
but he doesn’t mind it. One of his legs was blown off in the war. But he is full of life and enjoys it.
He enjoys sitting in the sun, reading books and growing weeds and flowers. Yet Lamb despite his
brave front does feel lonely at times. While Derry openly talks about his alienation, Lamb has
schooled himself to remain positive.
Q8. “Things that matter. Things nobody else has ever said. Things I want to think about.”
What are the ‘things’ that Derry is referring to? How did Derry’s chance meeting with Mr.
Lamb prove meaningful for him? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. A remarkable change is seen in Derry’s perception and attitude towards life after meeting
Mr. Lamb. He says to his mother that Mr. Lamb had spoken to him about things that no one else
had talked to him about. The ‘things’ that Derry refers to are Mr. Lamb’s words of wisdom and his
healing touch which inspire him (Derry) to shed his inferiority complex.
Mr. Lamb is an elderly gentleman who suffers from a physical handicap. He has a tin leg
because his leg had been blown off in the war. The children tease him by calling him “Lamey
Lamb” but he does not mind it.
Derry suffers from an acute sense of self-hatred and rejection because of his burnt face. He feels
he is very ugly and so no one will love him. Mr. Lamb too has heard Derry only complain and
bemoan about himself. He feels very sad to see a fourteen year old boy giving up on life just
because of his physical disability. Mr. Lamb at first startles Derry with his strange talk. He tells
Derry he is interested in everything created by God. His encouraging words have a magical
effect on Derry. Mr. Lamb’s conversation that everyone and everything is essentially the same,
the notion of beauty is relative and his concept of the world and friendship baffle but appeal to
Derry and he is fascinated by the old man.
Mr. Lamb inspires Derry by telling him not to focus on the shortcomings of life and his handicap
and instead he should try to enjoy the blessings of life. He tells him to be thankful to God for two
arms, two legs, two eyes and ears, a tongue and a brain and advises him to be friendly with
everyone around him. Derry’s long conversation with Mr. Lamb helps him overcome his inferiority
complex and poor self-esteem.

Memories of Childhood Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from
Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are
typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams,
serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and
highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous
Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Chapter 6, “Memories of Childhood”.

Memories of Childhood Part 1 – The Cutting of My Long

Hair Zitkala-Sa
Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam
Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened and the voices became
excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my
breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks. Someone threw up
the curtains, and the room was filled with sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look
under the bed. I do not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and
scratching wildly. In spite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair. (Memories
of Childhood)

(i) Select the appropriate option :

………..sounds came nearer and nearer…………….
(A) describes the increase in volume.
(B) adds suspense and anxiety to readers.
(C) reflects the thought of the speaker.
(D) is a factual narrative.
Ans. (B) adds suspense and anxiety to readers.

(ii) Complete the following sentence :

‘Inspite of myself’ suggests that the speaker was _________.
Ans. ‘Inspite of myself’ suggests that the speaker was resisting.
(iii) What do you infer from the first line of the extract?
(A) It was her first day in school.
(B) She did not want to get caught.
(C) She was unprepared for the lesson.
(D) She preferred to be by herself.
Ans. (B) She did not want to get caught.

(iv) State whether the statement given below is True or False :

The speaker hoodwinked the people looking for her.
Ans. False

Q2. Zitkala-Sa says, “Eating by formula wasn’t the hardest trial in that first day.” What
does she mean by ‘Eating by formula’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. ‘Eating by formula’ refers to the strict and unfamiliar eating routines imposed at the
boarding school. Zitkala-Sa found it difficult to adapt to these new rules, which were part of the
broader challenge of adjusting to a new and oppressive environment.

Q3. “Then I lost my spirit.” What are the incidents that led Zitkala-Sa to feel this way? [40-
50 Words]
Ans. Zitkala-Sa felt she lost her spirit due to the traumatic experiences she faced at the boarding
school. She was forced to conform to the white man’s ways, including cutting her hair and
adopting unfamiliar customs, which led to a deep sense of alienation and loss of her cultural
identity.

Q4. “I had been tossed about in the air like a wooden puppet” and now my long hair was
shingled like a coward’s…”
What inference about the life of Zitkala-Sa can be drawn from the above statement? [40-50
Words]
Ans. We can infer that she was treated as an object. Zitkala-Sa was a young girl and away from
her family. She couldn’t help herself when she was overpowered by the school authorities who
cut her hair although in her community, cut hair indicated a coward.

Q5. Justify the statement, ‘It may take a long time for oppression to be resisted but the
seeds of rebellion are sowed early in life. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The statement reflects the notion that while the struggle against oppression might seem
prolonged and challenging, the foundation for resistance is often laid early in life. This is evident
in various historical and literary contexts where early experiences of injustice and inequality
foster a sense of awareness and desire for change. In “Memories of Childhood,” Zitkala-Sa’s
early experiences with cultural suppression plant the seeds of her rebellion against the imposed
norms. Similarly, in other contexts, childhood experiences of inequality and resistance shape
individuals’ later actions and attitudes towards oppression. The formative experiences of injustice
and the initial stirrings of rebellion during youth provide the critical momentum necessary for a
more significant and prolonged resistance against systemic oppression in adulthood.

Q6. In the two stories of Bama and Zitkala-Sa in the lesson of “Memories of Childhood”
there are certain similarities of strength in the face of social challenges. Write a diary
entry sharing your observations. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Diary Entry:
29th July 2024
Dear Diary,
Today, I reflected on the stories of Bama and Zitkala-Sa from “Memories of Childhood,” and I
was struck by their remarkable strength in confronting social challenges. Both faced severe
discrimination—Bama due to her caste and Zitkala-Sa due to her ethnicity. Despite their young
ages, they exhibited resilience and a deep sense of justice. Bama channelled her anger and
frustration into academic excellence, using education as a tool to fight oppression. Zitkala-Sa, on
the other hand, resisted the cultural erasure imposed by her boarding school, holding steadfast
to her identity and heritage. Their stories highlight the power of inner strength and the importance
of self respect in the face of adversity. It’s inspiring to see how both girls, though from different
backgrounds, shared a common determination to overcome the injustices they faced and to
carve out their own paths. These narratives remind me of the importance of standing up against
discrimination and valuing one’s cultural identity.
Goodnight, Diary.
XYZ

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. What did Judewin tell the narrator? What was the effect? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Judewin told Zitkala-Sa, the narrator, that she overheard a white woman suggesting that
Zitkala’s long hair will be cut. The narrator, Zitkala-Sa, became scared and apprehensive about
her fate as a result of Judewin’s warning. She was especially concerned about having her hair
chopped, which was an important part of her identity.

Q2. How did Zitkala-Sa try to save her long hair? [40-50 Words]
Ans. When Zitkala-Sa heard that her hair was going to be cut, she ran away to a big room with
three white beds and curtains. She got under a bed and hid in a dark spot. Even though she was
called, she wouldn’t come out. Even though Zitkala-Sa cried and tried to stop her mother and the
other women from cutting her hair, they did it anyway.

Q3. What warning did Judewin give to Zitkala-Sa? [40-50 Words]

Ans. Judewin knew a few words of English and had overheard the paleface woman talk about
cutting their long, heavy hair. Judewin shared this warning with Zitkala-Sa because in their
custom, only unskilled warriors who had been captured, mourners and cowards wore shingled
hair.

Q4. What does Zitkala-Sa mean by “eating by formula”? [40-50 Words]

Ans. By ‘eating by formula,’ Zitkala-Sa refers to the rigid and mechanical way in which she was
forced to eat at the boarding school. The prescribed rules and lack of freedom in their daily
routines made the act of eating feel unnatural and devoid of any personal choice or cultural
significance.

Q5. Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa were from marginalised communities. They challenged the
system to bring dignity into their lives. Justify. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Due to their backgrounds in underprivileged communities, Zitkala-Sa and Bama
experienced social discrimination. As a Native American, Zitkala-Sa experienced humiliation and
thought her independence had been taken from her. She had been ogled, tossed around like a
puppet, had her blanket and moccasins removed from her, had to wear form-fitting clothing, and
had ultimately had her hair sheared. Bama, a member of a Dalit community, experienced similar
pain upon witnessing the humiliation they had to go through.
They each experienced many obstacles, yet they never gave up on their aspirations. Instead,
they worked tirelessly to attain their objectives and make a positive impact on the world. As a
result, they became role models who demonstrated that even those from marginalised
communities could overcome adversity and achieve success. Their childhood experiences
demonstrate the importance of having self-esteem and standing up for what we believe in, even
in the face of adversity and opposition.

Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams

Q1. “I felt like sinking to the floor”, said Zitkala-Sa. When did she feel so and why? [30-40
words]
Ans. Zitkala’s blanket had been stripped off her shoulders which made her feel like sinking to the
floor. This happened on the first day of school.
Q2. ‘‘I felt like sinking to the floor’. Why did Zitkala-Sa say so? [30-40 words]
Ans. Zitkala-Sa spent her first day at school, and she “felt like sinking to the floor.” She was
marching into the dining room in a line with the other students. Her sleek and silky moccasins
made no noise as she walked. She noticed she was dressed differently after a while, since the
blanket had been withdrawn from her shoulders. She was in a foul mood.

Q3. How did Zitkala – Sa feel when her hair was shingled? [30-40 words]
Ans. She cried aloud, shook her head to avoid her hair from being cut. When her hair was cut,
she lost all her spirit. She felt like a coward and cried for her mother. She felt like she was an
animal being driven by a herder.

Q4. Why did the landlord’s man ask Bama’s brother on which street he lived? [30-40
words]
Ans. The landlord’s man wanted to determine Bama’s brother’s caste. So, when he would know
his address, he could identify the caste because people of certain castes lived in certain
localities.

Q5. Describe the scene at the threshing floor observed by Bama on her way back from
school. [30-40 words]
Ans. Bama observed an elder man of her community was carrying a packet of vadai from the
string. He bowed to a landlord and handed the packet to him. The landlord opened the pack and
started eating the vadais.

Q6. When did Bama first come to know of the social discrimination faced by the people of
her community? [30-40 words]
Ans. Bama was in the third standard when she came to know about untouchability and the social
discrimination faced by the people of her community.

Q7. What objects/activities in the marketplace attracted Bama on her way back from
school? [30-40 words]
Ans. On the way back, she would see the performing monkey, snake, the cyclist, the huge bell at
the Mariyata temple, the pongal offerings being cooked outside the temple, the dired fish stall by
Gandhiji’s statue, the sweet stall, the stall of fried snacks, etc.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. Why did Zitkala-Sa oppose tooth and nail the shingling of her long hair? [30 – 40
words]
Ans. Zitkala-Sa opposed tooth and nail the shingling of her long hair because she remembered
her mother’s words. Her mother told her that shingling of the hair was done to the prisoners of
the war. In their culture, only mourners and cowards kept short hair.

Q2. Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the shingling of her hair? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Zitkala-Sa had learned from her mother that hair shingling was done only to unskilled
captured warriors by the enemy. In her family, short hair was considered to be a sign of mourning
and cowardice.

Q3. What light does Zitkala-Sa’s resistance to the shingling of her hair throw on her
character? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. This shows her confidence and courage. Zitkala-sa was not a coward and would not accept
things lying down.

Q4. What frantic efforts did Zitkala-Sa make to save her hair from being cut? [30 – 40
words]
Ans. She had been taught by her mother that cowards and unskilled warriors caught by the
enemy got their hair cut. Thus, cut hair was a symbol of cowardice and thus, she rebelled. She
his in a dark corner under the bed. When dragged out, she resisted by kicking and scratching.
She cried and shook her head while her hair was being cut.

Q5. Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the cutting of her hair? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Zitkala-Sa resisted the cutting of her hair because her mother had taught her that only
unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among their people,
short hair was worn by mourners and shingled hair by cowards.

Q6. “Since the day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities.”
Elaborate with the help of the account written by Zitkala-Sa in ‘Memories of Childhood’.
[120 – 150 words]
Ans. Zitkala-Sa was taken from her family and forcibly shifted to a residential school. At the
dining room she saw other Indian girls wearing stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. While
eating by formula was already overwhelming for little Zitkala, her hardest trial came later on when
her friend Judewin, who knew some English words, told her that their long, heavy hair was to be
shingled. Her mother had told her that only the unskilled warriors who were captured by the
enemy tribe or the mourners had their hair shingled. To Zitkala, this was unacceptable. But when
she tried to hide from the authorities and was later found out, she was dragged out by her hair
and despite the resistance her hair, the symbol of her free spirit, was gnawed off. Ever since she
was taken from her mother, the little girl was stared at, tossed around like a puppet and now her
long hair was shingled like a coward.

Q7. Both Hama and Zitkala-Sa face difficult situations in their lives. Describe how they
face these situations. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Bama’s experience is based on the evil ridden caste-system in India. Where the poor are
exploited and the low caste people are forced to face the racial discriminations by the hands of
the upper class people. The girl is deeply shocked, troubled, tensed and provoked on seeing
untouchability by the people of high caste. The people of low caste bow and work for their
masters. They have to carry a food packet by the thread without touching it. Her brother Annan
inspires and advises her to work hard to attain quality. She acts upon his advice and people start
coming to her of their own accord.
The old woman Zitkala. So faces humiliation and discrimination through the writes since they
force her to follow their own culture, tradition and rituals, etc. She is overpowered to single out
her hair. She severely resists and wants to maintain the dignify of her community but she is
made a little animal driven by a harder. This is a very shameless act of racial discrimination,
untouchability and oppression of marginalised communities. They fight and raise their voice
against this social evil and get triumph.

Also see:
Memories of Childhood (Part 1) Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions
Memories of Childhood (Part 1) Summary, Explanation
Memories of Childhood (Part 1) MCQs
Memories of Childhood (Part 1) Character Sketches

Memories of childhood Part 2 – We Too Are Human

Beings
Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam
Q1. ‘The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a deep impression on me’.
What inference do you draw about the bond between Annan and Bama? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The bond between Annan and Bama is strong and influential. Annan’s words have a
profound impact on Bama, suggesting that she deeply respects and values his guidance and
wisdom.
Q2. “The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a deep impression on me.” How
was Annan able to inspire Bama? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Annan told Bama that they were born into a low caste and so, they were humiliated by the
upper caste people. The only way to overcome this challenge was education. He guided Bama to
study with care and learn all that she could. These words made a deep impact on Bama.

Q3. In the two stories of Bama and Zitkala-Sa in the lesson of “Memories of Childhood”
there are certain similarities of strength in the face of social challenges. Write a diary
entry sharing your observations. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Diary Entry:
29th July 2024
Dear Diary,
Today, I reflected on the stories of Bama and Zitkala-Sa from “Memories of Childhood,” and I
was struck by their remarkable strength in confronting social challenges. Both faced severe
discrimination—Bama due to her caste and Zitkala-Sa due to her ethnicity. Despite their young
ages, they exhibited resilience and a deep sense of justice. Bama channelled her anger and
frustration into academic excellence, using education as a tool to fight oppression. Zitkala-Sa, on
the other hand, resisted the cultural erasure imposed by her boarding school, holding steadfast
to her identity and heritage. Their stories highlight the power of inner strength and the importance
of self respect in the face of adversity. It’s inspiring to see how both girls, though from different
backgrounds, shared a common determination to overcome the injustices they faced and to
carve out their own paths. These narratives remind me of the importance of standing up against
discrimination and valuing one’s cultural identity.
Goodnight, Diary.
XYZ

Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams

Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
When I was studying in the third class, I hadn’t yet heard people speak openly of untouchability.
But I had already seen, felt, experienced and been humiliated by what it is.
I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It was actually
possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually it would take me from half an hour to an
hour to dawdle along watching all the fun and games that were going on, all the entertaining
novelties and oddities in the streets, the shops and the bazaar.

(i) The narrator was humiliated because

Ans. The narrator was humiliated because they were teased, called names, and physically
assaulted by a group of children from a higher caste while walking home from school. The
humiliation was due to their lower caste status, which was stigmatized in the society.

(ii) The narrator ‘dawdled along’ as she _____.

(a) enjoyed looking at the various sights
(b) was getting late for school
(c) she didn’t like going home
(d) she enjoyed haggling and shopping
Ans. (a) enjoyed looking at the various sights

(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below :
(I) The distance from school to home was very short.
(II) She was feeling upset and so dawdling her way home.
(a) (I) can be inferred from the extract but (II) cannot
(b) (II) can be inferred from the extract but (I) cannot
(c) Both (I) and (II) cannot be inferred from the extract
(d) Both (I) and (II) can be inferred from the extract
Ans. (c) Both (I) and (II) cannot be inferred from the extract
 (iv) The word ‘novelties’ in the passage most nearly means
(a) colourful trinkets
(b) wooden toys
(c) unique and interesting items
(d) expensive souvenirs
Ans. (c) unique and interesting items

Q2. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
“Because we are born into this community, we are never given any honour or dignity or respect;
we are stripped of all that. But if we study and make progress, we can throw away these
indignities. So study with care, learn all you can. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people
will come to you of their own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn.”

(i) Who is the speaker? Who is he speaking to?

(a) Appa; Bama
(b) Bama; Amma
(c) Bama; The Zamindar
(d) Annan; Bama
Ans. (d) Annan; Bama

(ii) Select the option that best describes the speaker in the above extract :
1. marginalized
2. practical
III. idealistic
1. curious
2. aggressive
Select the most appropriate option :
(a) I and II
(b) III and IV
(c) II and IV
(d) IV and V
Ans. (a) I and II

(iii) Complete the following statement with reference to the community :

The treatment meted out to the community was _____________.
Ans. devoid of honour, dignity or respect.

(iv) Which of the following summarizes the author’s opinion about study?
(a) Childhood should be spent in experiential learning.
(b) Studying is better than playing.
(c) Studying is essential to the nation’s development.
(d) Studying leads to social reforms and progress.
Ans. (d) Studying leads to social reforms and progress.

Q3. Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa were from marginalised communities. They challenged the
system to bring dignity into their lives. Justify. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Due to their backgrounds in underprivileged communities, Zitkala-Sa and Bama
experienced social discrimination. As a Native American, Zitkala-Sa experienced humiliation and
thought her independence had been taken from her. She had been ogled, tossed around like a
puppet, had her blanket and moccasins removed from her, had to wear form-fitting clothing, and
had ultimately had her hair sheared. Bama, a member of a Dalit community, experienced similar
pain upon witnessing the humiliation they had to go through.
They each experienced many obstacles, yet they never gave up on their aspirations. Instead,
they worked tirelessly to attain their objectives and make a positive impact on the world. As a
result, they became role models who demonstrated that even those from marginalised
communities could overcome adversity and achieve success. Their childhood experiences
demonstrate the importance of having self-esteem and standing up for what we believe in, even
in the face of adversity and opposition.

2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter

Q1. How did Annan’s advice to his sister Bama impact her? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The bond between Annan and Bama is strong and influential. Annan’s words have a
profound impact on Bama, suggesting that she deeply respects and values his guidance and
wisdom.

Q2. Why did Bama stroll in the market place instead of hurrying back home? Describe the
sights she enjoyed seeing there. [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Bama stopped at the market place because she was surprised and excited to watch all the
fun and games that were going on, different exhibitions, entertaining novelties and oddities in the
streets, the shops and the bazaar. She took thirty minutes walking home from her school when
she could have covered the distance in just ten minutes. The performance by the monkey and
the snake charmer; the cyclist who had not got off his bike for three days, and who kept pedaling
as hard as he could from break day; the rupee notes that were pinned on to his shirt to spur him
on; the spinning wheels; the Maariyaata temple, the huge bell hanging there; the Pongal
offerings being cooked in front of the temple; the dried fish stall by the statue of Gandhi; the
sweet stall, the stall selling fried snacks, and all the other shops next to each other; the changing
colour of street lights from blue to violet, clay beads, instruments for cleaning ears-all these
things attracted her and kept her standing still for long.