CBSE Class 12 English Core Chapter-wise Previous Years Questions (2022) with Solution
Class 12 English Core Question Paper (2022) – Solved Question papers from previous years are very important for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams. It works as a treasure trove. It helps to prepare for the exam precisely. One of key benefits of solving question papers from past board exams is their ability to help identify commonly asked questions. These papers are highly beneficial study resources for students preparing for the upcoming class 12th board examinations. Here we have compiled chapter-wise questions asked in all the sets of CBSE Class 12 English Core question paper (2022).
Flamingo Book
Chapter 4 – The Rattrap
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.
Also see:
Indigo Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions
Chapter 5 – Indigo
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 Muzzafarpur, 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.
Also see:
Indigo Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions
Flamingo Book – Poems
Poem 3 – A Thing of Beauty
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.
Also see:
A Thing of Beauty Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions
A Thing of Beauty Summary, Explanation
Poem 5 – Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
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.
Also see:
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Summary, Explanation
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Character Sketches
Vistas Book
Chapter 5 – On the face of it
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.
Also see:
On the Face of It Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions
On the Face of It Summary, Explanation
On the Face of It Character Sketches