CBSE Class 11  >  Class 11   >  English   >  Flashcards: The Portrait of a Lady
The Portrait of a Lady
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Flashcards: The Portrait of a Lady

26 Flashcards

FAQs on Flashcards: The Portrait of a Lady

1. Who is the grandmother in "The Portrait of a Lady" and what is her relationship with the narrator?
Ans. The grandmother is the narrator's paternal grandmother who raised him with deep affection and traditional values. She represents the older generation's wisdom and acts as a maternal figure throughout his childhood. Her bond with the narrator is central to understanding the story's emotional core and the clash between tradition and modernity depicted in the narrative.
2. What does the portrait symbolise in Khushwant Singh's story and why is it important?
Ans. The portrait symbolises the grandmother's past, her identity, and the fleeting nature of human relationships and time. It represents beauty, youth, and cherished memories that fade away. The portrait becomes a poignant reminder of mortality and the grandmother's transformation from a vibrant woman to an elderly, forgotten figure in the household.
3. How does the grandmother's character change throughout "The Portrait of a Lady" and what causes this transformation?
Ans. The grandmother evolves from an engaged, affectionate caregiver to a withdrawn, melancholic figure as modernisation invades the household. Her marginalisation stems from the family's shift toward Western education, urban living, and changing social values. This gradual isolation reflects the broader theme of generational disconnect and the price of progress in traditional Indian families.
4. What is the significance of the grandmother's death at the end of the story and what does it reveal?
Ans. The grandmother's death signifies the complete erosion of traditional values and the irreversible loss of the old world. Her quiet passing, unnoticed by the busy family, emphasises her invisibility in modern society. This ending underscores Khushwant Singh's critique of how progress abandons the elderly and their wisdom, leaving behind only memories and regret.
5. How can students prepare for Class 11 English exams using flashcards and mind maps on "The Portrait of a Lady"?
Ans. Students should use flashcards to memorise character traits, symbolism, and key themes of the narrative for quick revision. Mind maps help visualise the grandmother's emotional arc, family dynamics, and contrasts between tradition and modernity. Resources like EduRev offer structured flashcards and visual study aids designed specifically for CBSE Class 11 English, enabling effective last-minute preparation and better retention.
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