Fill in the Blanks
Q1: In "The Cutting of My Long Hair," the narrator’s first day at school was marked by loud noises and constant clamor. She felt her soul craving to be _____________.
Ans: free
The narrator’s first day at school in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" left her craving to be free due to the loud noises and constant clamor, making her soul long for freedom.
Q2: The narrator's culture believed that only ___________ warriors had their hair shingled.
Ans: unskilled
In the narrator's culture, only unskilled warriors had their hair shingled, a practice she found demeaning in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Q3: The narrator hid under a bed in a room with __________ beds to escape the haircut.
Ans: three
To escape the haircut, the narrator hid under a bed in a room with three beds in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Q4: According to Bama, her community was considered __________ by the upper-caste people.
Ans: untouchable
According to Bama, her community was considered untouchable by the upper-caste people, leading to discrimination and social exclusion.
Q5: Bama's brother believed that education was the way to counter the lack of __________ and respect.
Ans: dignity
Bama's brother believed that education was the key to counter the lack of dignity and respect faced by their community.
Q6: In "We Too are Human Beings," the narrator was angered when she realized the upper-caste people believed touching them would __________ them.
Ans: pollute
In "We Too are Human Beings," the narrator was angered when she realized the upper-caste people believed touching them would pollute them, highlighting the unjust caste-based prejudices.
Q7: Bama stood __________ in her class due to her hard work.
Ans: first
Bama stood first in her class due to her hard work, showcasing her determination and academic excellence.
Q8: The narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" felt like one of the many little animals driven by a __________.
Ans: herder
In "The Cutting of My Long Hair," the narrator felt like one of the many little animals driven by a herder when her spirit was broken after her long hair was forcibly cut.
Q9: The small girls in the school had __________ hair and wore sleeved aprons.
Ans: shingled
The small girls in the school had shingled hair and wore sleeved aprons, conforming to the strict dress code in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Q10: The narrator's friend, Judewin, informed her about the plan to cut their long, heavy __________.
Ans: hair
The narrator's friend, Judewin, informed her about the plan to cut their long, heavy hair, symbolizing the loss of their cultural identity and autonomy in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Assertion and Reason Based
Q1: Assertion: The narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" felt the girls at the school were immodestly dressed.
Reason: The girls wore tight dresses and sleeved aprons, which the narrator found uncomfortable.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" did feel that the girls at the school were immodestly dressed due to the uncomfortable tight dresses and sleeved aprons they were made to wear. The reason is the correct explanation because the uncomfortable attire led to the narrator's perception of immodesty, emphasizing the cultural differences and discomfort experienced by the narrator.
Q2: Assertion: The narrator in "We Too are Human Beings" was initially amused by the elder's way of carrying the packet.
Reason: The elder carried the packet by its strings to avoid touching it directly.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is true; the narrator in "We Too are Human Beings" was amused by the elder's way of carrying the packet. However, the reason is false. The elder carried the packet by its strings not to avoid touching it directly but to prevent polluting the upper-caste landlord. The reason provided does not accurately explain the amusement felt by the narrator.
Q3: Assertion: The narrator's brother in "We Too are Human Beings" believed education was the key to gaining recognition and respect.
Reason: Education would help the narrator’s community engage in meaningful relationships with others.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the assertion and reason are true. The narrator's brother believed that education was crucial for gaining recognition and respect. The reason complements the assertion by explaining that education enables the community to engage in meaningful relationships, which in turn helps in gaining recognition and respect.
Q4: Assertion: The narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" felt like a helpless animal when her hair was being cut.
Reason: She cried and resisted, but no one listened to her pleas.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true as the narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" felt like a helpless animal during her hair cut, symbolizing her powerlessness and vulnerability. The reason is the correct explanation because it describes her resistance and emotional turmoil, emphasizing her helplessness as no one paid attention to her pleas, adding to her feeling of being voiceless.
Q5: Assertion: The narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" rebelled against the idea of having her hair cut.
Reason: She believed that only unskilled warriors were subjected to having their hair shingled.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true as the narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" rebelled against the idea of having her hair cut. The reason is the correct explanation because the narrator rebelled based on her cultural belief that only unskilled warriors subjected to their hair being shingled, highlighting the clash between her cultural identity and the school's rules.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: What did the narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" find annoying on her first day at school?
Ans: The loud noises and constant clamor around her.
Q2: Why did the narrator in "We Too are Human Beings" find the elder's way of carrying the packet amusing?
Ans: The elder carried it without touching it directly, using only the strings, to avoid pollution.
Q3: What did the narrator in "We Too are Human Beings" feel about the upper-caste people's behavior?
Ans: She felt anger and disbelief at their discriminatory actions.
Q4: What did the narrator's brother in "We Too are Human Beings" believe was the solution to their lack of dignity and respect?
Ans: Education was the solution to gain recognition and meaningful relationships.
Q5: How did the narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" react when she was found under the bed?
Ans: She resisted vehemently but was eventually dragged out.
Q6: What did the narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" feel like when her hair was being cut?
Ans: She felt like one of the many little animals driven by a herder, helpless and voiceless.
Q7: What did the narrator in "We Too are Human Beings" want to do when she learned about the upper-caste people's behavior?
Ans: She wanted to touch the vadais herself out of anger and defiance.
Q8: Why did the narrator in "The Cutting of My Long Hair" feel her soul craving to be free?
Ans: The constant restrictions and control made her crave freedom and independence.
Q9: How did the narrator in "We Too are Human Beings" counter the lack of dignity and respect?
Ans: By excelling in education and standing first in her class, gaining recognition and friends.
Q10: What was the narrator's mother's belief about shingled hair in "The Cutting of My Long Hair"?
Ans: Shingled hair was worn by cowards and those captured by the enemy, according to her culture.
Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: Describe the atmosphere on the narrator's first day at school in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Ans: The atmosphere was filled with loud noises and constant clamor. The bell rang for breakfast, and there was a chaotic rush. The narrator found the noise annoying and felt a deep desire for freedom, but she was restrained.
Q2: Explain why the narrator in "We Too are Human Beings" found the elder's way of carrying the packet amusing initially.
Ans: The narrator found it amusing because the elder carried the packet in a funny manner, holding only the strings without touching it. She thought the whole act looked silly and couldn't understand the reason behind it.
Q3: Discuss the impact of the narrator's brother's words on her in "We Too are Human Beings."
Ans: The narrator's brother's words had a profound impact on her. He explained that education was the key to countering their lack of dignity and respect. His words motivated her to study hard, and she eventually stood first in her class. This success led to recognition and meaningful relationships.
Q4: Describe the narrator's resistance when she was found under the bed in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Ans: The narrator vehemently resisted when she was found under the bed. She shuddered with fear, and whenever footsteps approached, she trembled. Despite her strong resistance, she was eventually dragged out of her hiding place.
Q5: Explain the significance of the haircut incident in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Ans: The haircut incident symbolizes the loss of the narrator's identity and spirit. It marks her forced assimilation into the school's culture, stripping her of her cultural practices and beliefs. The cutting of her long hair represents her loss of freedom and individuality, making her feel powerless and voiceless.
Q6: Why did the narrator in "We Too are Human Beings" feel anger and disbelief about the upper-caste people's behavior?
Ans: The narrator felt anger and disbelief because the upper-caste people considered touching her community members as polluting. This discriminatory behavior, based on caste, made her furious and challenged her sense of equality and justice.
Q7: Describe the narrator's feelings when she observed the upper-caste landlord eating the vadais in "We Too are Human Beings."
Ans: The narrator initially found the incident humorous and told her brother about it. However, when her brother explained the caste-based discrimination behind the act, she felt anger and disgust. She couldn't understand how food wrapped under two layers could be considered disgusting and felt a strong urge to defy this discrimination.
Q8: Explain the narrator's reaction to the immodest dressing of the girls in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Ans: The narrator felt that the girls at the school were immodestly dressed because they wore tight dresses and sleeved aprons. However, the girls did not care about it. This disparity in cultural norms made the narrator uncomfortable and further emphasized her sense of being different and alienated.
Long Answer Type Questions
Q1: Discuss the theme of cultural identity and assimilation in "The Cutting of My Long Hair."
Ans: The incident of the haircut signifies the struggle between the narrator's cultural identity and the pressure to assimilate into the dominant culture. The cutting of her long hair symbolizes the loss of her cultural heritage and identity, forcing her to conform to the school's rules and practices. The narrator's resistance and subsequent loss of spirit highlight the emotional turmoil faced by indigenous people when forced to abandon their traditions. This theme underscores the devastating impact of cultural assimilation on individual identity and the importance of preserving one's heritage.
Q2: Examine the role of education in empowering the narrator in "We Too are Human Beings."
Ans: The narrator's brother emphasizes the importance of education in countering societal discrimination and gaining respect. Education becomes the means through which the narrator and her community can challenge stereotypes and gain recognition. The narrator's academic achievements, standing first in her class, illustrate the transformative power of education, leading to acceptance and meaningful relationships. Education becomes a tool for breaking the cycle of discrimination, providing the narrator and her community with a chance for social mobility and self-worth.
Q3: Explore the impact of social hierarchy and discrimination on the characters in both texts.
Ans: In "The Cutting of My Long Hair," the narrator experiences discrimination based on cultural differences. The forced haircut and cultural assimilation reflect the impact of colonialism on indigenous people, eroding their identity and self-worth. In "We Too are Human Beings," the social hierarchy based on caste leads to the dehumanization of the narrator's community. Discriminatory practices, such as untouchability, create a sense of otherness and inferiority, affecting their dignity and self-esteem. Both narratives highlight the devastating consequences of social discrimination, emphasizing the need for social reform and empathy to create an inclusive society.
Q4: Discuss the theme of resistance and defiance against societal norms in both texts.
Ans: In "The Cutting of My Long Hair," the narrator's initial resistance against the haircut symbolizes her defiance against cultural assimilation. Despite her fear, she attempts to retain her identity, highlighting the strength of her spirit. In "We Too are Human Beings," the narrator's anger and desire to touch the vadais demonstrate her defiance against caste-based discrimination. Her refusal to accept unjust norms reflects her determination to challenge societal prejudices. Both texts depict characters who resist oppressive societal norms, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. This resistance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and discrimination for a more equitable society.
