Class 11 Exam > Class 11 Notes > NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English
The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English NCERT Solutions PDF Download
Chapter 1, Hornbill
THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY by Khushwant Singh
Answers of NCERT English Textbook Exercise (Important) Questions
Understanding the Text
Q.1: Mention: Three phases of the author’s relationship with his grandmother before he left the country to study abroad.
Answer: The first phase of the author’s relationship with his grandmother is the author’s childhood when they lived together in the village. They enjoyed intimate relationship and were good friends. His parents left him with her and they went to live in the city. They were constantly together. She used to wake him up in the morning and get him ready for school. Then she would fetch his wooden slate, a tiny earthen inkpot and a red pen. After a breakfast she accompanied him to the school. She carried several chapattis for the village dogs. She used to stay in the temple that was attached to school. After school hours they would walk back together.
The second phase of their relationship began with their being called to the city. That was a turning point in their friendship. He used to go to an English school in a motor bus. The grandmother did not go to school with him. She remained confined to home. As the years rolled by they saw less of each other. She did not like the English school as there was no teaching about God and scriptures there. She hated western science and music.
The third phase of this relationship started with the author’s going to university. There he was given a room of his own. The common link of their friendship was snapped. His grandmother accepted her seclusion with resignation.
Q.2: Mention: Three reasons why the author’s grandmother was disturbed when he started going to the city school.
Answer: The narrator used to go to an English school in city. He used to go in a motor bus. Here the author’s grandmother could not accompany him to the school as she used to do in the village. She remained confined to home. The grandmother felt quite disturbed.
Three most disturbing reasons for her were –
1. Author’s telling her the English words and western science which she did not understand nor could she help him in his studies.
2. No teaching about God and scriptures in the school.
3. Music lessons given to the author in the school as she considered music is fit only for harlots and beggars and not meant for gentle folks.
Q.3: Mention: Three ways in which the author’s grandmother spent her days after he grew up.
Answer: The intimacy between the narrator and his grandmother started to fade away since they came to city where the author joined an English school. When the narrator grew up, he went up to university and lived in hostel. After that the common link of friendship between the author and his grandmother was snapped. The grandmother accepted it as her fate and found out new ways of spending her time:
1. She now spent most of her time at the spinning-wheel from morning till evening. From sunrise to sunset she sat by the spinning-wheel and rarely talked to anyone.
2. While spinning, she continued reciting prayers and rarely talked to anyone.
3. The third way in which the old lady spent her time was by feeding the sparrows. She would sit in the verandah. She would break the bread into little bits and throw them towards hundreds of little birds gathered around her. They came and perched on her legs and shoulders. Feeding the sparrows used to be the happiest half-hour of the day for her.
Q.4: Mention: The odd ways in which the author’s grandmother behaved just before she died.
Answer: Before the grandmother died, a change came over her. Her behaviour became quite odd. She collected the women of the neighborhood, took a broken drum and sang of home-coming of warriors the whole day. She did not pray that day which used to be her daily work. She was very much excited. Other family members had to persuade her to stop to avoid over straining. That was the first time that she did not pray.
The next morning she got a mild fever. She herself declared that her end was near and continued praying without wasting any time by talking to others. She lay peacefully in bed praying and telling her beads. Her lips stopped moving. The rosary fell from her lifeless fingers. Her face turned pale. Everyone understood that she was no more.
Q.5: Mention: The ways in which the sparrows expressed their sorrow when the author’s grandmother died.
Answer: Feeding the sparrows was the happiest hour of the day for grandmother. The sparrows and the old lady developed an intimate relationship in this manner. When the grandmother died thousands of sparrows expressed their sorrow by sitting scattered in the verandah in mourning while grandmother’s dead-body lay there. They did not chirrup. Author’s mother threw some pieces of bread but they did not eat them. When they carried grandmother’s corpse they flew away quietly.
Thus, the sparrows mourned her death and paid their silent tribute to the grand old lady in a very unique manner.
Talking about the Text
Q.1: The author’s grandmother was a religious person. What are the different ways in which we come to know this?
Answer: The author’s grandmother was a highly religious lady. Her one hand was always busy in telling the beads of her rosary. Her lips constantly moved in an inaudible prayer. She used to get up early in the morning. She did her morning prayer in “a monotonous sing-song”. In village, she accompanied the author to the school and in stead of returning home, she used to sit in a temple reading scriptures which was attached to the school.
It was because of her religious nature that she could not like the new English school in the city. She was unhappy because there was no teaching about God and scriptures at the city-school. Being a religious lady and a widow, she could be seen hobbling about the house in a spotless white dress.
When she realized that her end was near, she stopped talking. She lay peacefully in bed praying and telling her beads till she took her last breathes.
Q.2: Describe the changing relationship between the author and his grandmother. Did their feeling for each other change?
Answer: The changing circumstances did have a bearing on the relationship between the author and his grandmother. Author and his grandmother lived asintimate friends in the village. A turning point came in their relationship when they came to the city to live with author’s parents. The author joined an English school in the city. She remained confined to home as here she could not accompany him to the school. In the new English school she could not help him in studies. She could not like the kind of education being given to the author at the English school. The grandmother became disturbed as there was no teaching about God and scriptures in the new school. She reconciled herself with spinning and taking to feed the sparrows. When the narrator grew up, he went up to university and then went abroad. The common link of friendship between the author and his grandmother was snapped. His grandmother accepted her seclusion with resignation.
No, their feelings for each other did not change though distances grew between them.
Q.3: Would you agree that the author’s grandmother was a person strong in character? If yes, give instances that show this.
Answer: Yes, it is a fact that the grandmother was a very strong personality.
She was a highly religious lady. She was a conservative lady who hated modern views and ways. She had very strong personal likings and dislikes. Being a religious lady and a widow, she could be seen hobbling about the house in a spotless white dress. She used to get up early in the morning. She said her prayers in a monotonous sing-song. One of her hands was always telling the beads of her rosary. According to the author, she was a symbol of white serenity. She had peace and contentment.
She had certain rigid ideas about life. She liked the village school because it was attached to the temple. She sat in the temple reading the scriptures. She hated the English school in the city for various reasons. She was unhappy that there was no teaching about God and the scriptures there. She was quite disturbed. They gave music lessons at the school. She considered it fit only for harlots and beggars and not meant for “gentle folks”. When the author returned from abroad after five years, he found her in the same condition.
Before she died, she herself declared that her end was near. There were some unique changes in her behaviour. She lay peacefully in bed praying and telling her beads.
It is quite difficult to show complete agreement with her outdated views. But she was a strong and determined character. She led her own kind of life and never compromised with her principals. She loved the narrator deeply but never tried to be sentimental or emotional. She had a lasting
FAQs on The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English NCERT Solutions
| 1. What is the plot of "The Portrait of a Lady" by Henry James? |  |
Ans. "The Portrait of a Lady" is a novel by Henry James that follows the story of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who travels to Europe to find her place in the world. She inherits a large sum of money, which gives her the freedom to choose her path. She rejects the marriage proposals of two suitors and marries Gilbert Osmond, an American expatriate living in Italy. Isabel soon realizes that Osmond is manipulative and controlling, and she becomes trapped in an unhappy marriage. The novel explores themes of freedom, love, and betrayal.
| 2. How does Henry James portray Isabel Archer's character in "The Portrait of a Lady"? | |
Ans. Henry James portrays Isabel Archer as an independent and intelligent young woman who is searching for meaning and purpose in her life. She is curious about the world and eager to experience new things. However, her idealism leads her into difficult situations, and she struggles to navigate the social and cultural expectations of the time. James also reveals the flaws in Isabel's character, such as her naivety and her tendency to make impulsive decisions.
| 3. What are the major themes in "The Portrait of a Lady" by Henry James? | |
Ans. "The Portrait of a Lady" explores several major themes, including freedom, love, and betrayal. The novel examines the ways in which individuals are constrained by social and cultural expectations, and how they strive to break free from these constraints. Love is another central theme, as the characters grapple with the complexities of romantic relationships. Betrayal is also a significant theme, as the characters betray each other in various ways throughout the novel.
| 4. What is the significance of the title "The Portrait of a Lady" in Henry James' novel? | |
Ans. The title "The Portrait of a Lady" is significant because it reflects the central focus of the novel. The character of Isabel Archer is the central figure, and throughout the novel, James paints a portrait of her character, personality, and experiences. The title also suggests that Isabel is being observed and studied, much like a portrait subject would be. Additionally, the title may be interpreted as a commentary on the limited roles available to women in society at the time, as they were often viewed as objects to be admired rather than active agents in their own lives.
| 5. How does "The Portrait of a Lady" reflect the social and cultural context of the time it was written? | |
Ans. "The Portrait of a Lady" reflects the social and cultural context of the late 19th century, when it was written, in several ways. The novel explores the expectations placed on women at the time, as well as the limited opportunities available to them. It also reflects the cultural fascination with Europe and the American expatriate community, as many of the characters are American expats living in Europe. Additionally, the novel reflects the influence of the realist literary movement, which sought to portray life as it really was, rather than romanticizing or idealizing it.
Related Exams
About this Document
|
35.4K Views |
|
4.68/5 Rating |
|
Dec 23, 2024 Last updated |
Document Description: NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English for Class 11 2024 is part of Class 11 preparation. The notes and questions for NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English have been prepared according to the Class 11 exam syllabus. Information about NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English covers topics like and NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English Example, for Class 11 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English.
Introduction of NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English in English is available as part of
our Class 11 preparation & NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English in Hindi for Class 11
courses. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 11
Exam by signing up for free. Class 11: The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English NCERT Solutions
Description
Full syllabus notes, lecture & questions for The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English NCERT Solutions - Class 11 | Plus excerises question with solution to help you revise complete syllabus | Best notes, free PDF download
Information about NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English
In this doc you can find the meaning of NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English defined & explained in the simplest way possible.
Besides explaining types of NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English theory,
EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English tests, examples and also practice Class 11 tests.
Download as PDF
|
Explore Courses for Class 11 exam
|
|
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
Related Searches
The Potrait of a Lady
,Summary
,Class 11
,Free
,mock tests for examination
,Extra Questions
,Sample Paper
,Previous Year Questions with Solutions
,MCQs
,English NCERT Solutions
,English NCERT Solutions
,study material
,Viva Questions
,practice quizzes
,English NCERT Solutions
,video lectures
,Class 11
,Class 11
,The Potrait of a Lady
,The Potrait of a Lady
,Important questions
,shortcuts and tricks
,ppt
,Semester Notes
,Exam
,past year papers
,Objective type Questions
;
Additional Information about NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English for Class 11 Preparation
NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English Free PDF Download
The NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English is an invaluable resource that delves deep into the core of the Class 11 exam.
These study notes are curated by experts and cover all the essential topics and concepts, making your preparation more efficient and effective.
With the help of these notes, you can grasp complex subjects quickly, revise important points easily,
and reinforce your understanding of key concepts. The study notes are presented in a concise and easy-to-understand manner,
allowing you to optimize your learning process. Whether you're looking for best-recommended books, sample papers, study material,
or toppers' notes, this PDF has got you covered. Download the NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English now and kickstart your journey towards success in the Class 11 exam.
Importance of NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English
The importance of NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English cannot be overstated, especially for Class 11 aspirants.
This document holds the key to success in the Class 11 exam.
It offers a detailed understanding of the concept, providing invaluable insights into the topic.
By knowing the concepts well in advance, students can plan their preparation effectively.
Utilize this indispensable guide for a well-rounded preparation and achieve your desired results.
NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English Notes
NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English Notes offer in-depth insights into the specific topic to help you master it with ease.
This comprehensive document covers all aspects related to NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English.
It includes detailed information about the exam syllabus, recommended books, and study materials for a well-rounded preparation.
Practice papers and question papers enable you to assess your progress effectively.
Additionally, the paper analysis provides valuable tips for tackling the exam strategically.
Access to Toppers' notes gives you an edge in understanding complex concepts.
Whether you're a beginner or aiming for advanced proficiency, NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English Notes on EduRev are your ultimate resource for success.
NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English Class 11 Questions
The "NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English Class 11 Questions" guide is a valuable resource for all aspiring students preparing for the
Class 11 exam. It focuses on providing a wide range of practice questions to help students gauge
their understanding of the exam topics. These questions cover the entire syllabus, ensuring comprehensive preparation.
The guide includes previous years' question papers for students to familiarize themselves with the exam's format and difficulty level.
Additionally, it offers subject-specific question banks, allowing students to focus on weak areas and improve their performance.
Study NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English on the App
Students of Class 11 can study NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English alongwith tests & analysis from the EduRev app,
which will help them while preparing for their exam. Apart from the NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English,
students can also utilize the EduRev App for other study materials such as previous year question papers, syllabus, important questions, etc.
The EduRev App will make your learning easier as you can access it from anywhere you want.
The content of NCERT Solutions - The Potrait of a Lady, Class 11, English is prepared as per the latest Class 11 syllabus.
|
© EduRev
|
Education Revolution
|
|
Signup to see your scores
go up within 7 days!
Access 1000+ FREE Docs, Videos and Tests
Takes less than 10 seconds to signup