Class 8 English Question Answers - Amma

Short Type Questions

Q1: What do the flaking plaster and falling of plaster flakes symbolize in the poem?
Ans: The flaking plaster and falling of plaster flakes symbolize the decay and deterioration of the house. It represents the passage of time and the wear and tear that the house has undergone over the years.

Q2: How does the poet describe the footsteps of the grandmother?
Ans: The poet describes the footsteps of the grandmother as slow, echoing, and pausing. It indicates her age and the physical challenges she faces while moving around the house.

Q3: What are the drinks mentioned in the poem and what do they represent?
Ans: The drinks mentioned in the poem, such as ice, mango, lemon, and watermelon crescents, represent refreshment and comfort. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and the pleasant memories associated with summer afternoons.

Q4: Why does the grandmother shuffle and examine the tears in the curtains?
Ans: The grandmother shuffles and examines the tears in the curtains to assess the damage and determine when they need to be mended. It shows her attention to detail and her responsibility in taking care of the house.

Q5: What event signals the need to mend the curtains?
Ans: The first monsoon rain signals the need to mend the curtains. The rain provides a respite from the sun and curtails the need for shade, making it an opportune time to repair any tears in the curtains.

Long Type Questions

Q1: Describe the atmosphere and ambiance of the house as depicted in the poem. Support your answer with relevant examples from the text.
Ans: The house in the poem is described as having flaking plaster and an intimate emptiness in its rooms and halls. The atmosphere is one of decay and abandonment. The use of words like "fragile" and "watered-down" conveys a sense of dilapidation. The mention of khus and drinks like ice, mango, and lemon evoke memories of past summers. The circle of watermelon crescents creates a visual image of leisure and indulgence. These details paint a picture of a once vibrant and lively house that has succumbed to the passage of time.

Q2: Discuss the role of the grandmother in the poem. How does the poet convey her presence and significance in the house despite her physical absence? Use specific details from the text to support your answer.
Ans: The grandmother in the poem symbolizes the connection to the past and the nostalgia associated with it. Despite her physical absence, her presence is felt through the slow footsteps and echoes. The mention of her shuffling and examining the tears in the curtains highlights her attention to detail and her role as a caretaker. The fact that she doesn't need glasses to mark the contours of the house suggests her deep familiarity and bond with her surroundings. Her existence is intertwined with the essence of the house, making her an integral part of its identity.

Q3: Analyze the symbolism of the arthritic joints and the evaluation of the past and present in the poem. What do these elements represent in relation to the grandmother's perspective on life and the passage of time?
Ans: The arthritic joints and the evaluation of the past and present represent the grandmother's reflection on the impact of time. The arthritic joints symbolize physical deterioration and the toll that age takes on the body. The evaluation of the past and present reflects the grandmother's contemplation of the passing years and the uncertainty of the future. It showcases her awareness of the inevitable changes that occur with time and her attempt to gauge the stability of the present moment.

Q4: Explore the theme of change or lack thereof in the poem. How does the poet highlight the grandmother's resistance to change while acknowledging the inevitability of time passing? Provide examples from the text to support your analysis.
Ans: The poem explores the theme of resistance to change. The grandmother's slow footsteps and her refusal to turn the corner signify her reluctance to embrace new experiences or accept the passage of time. Despite the physical decay of the house, she clings to the familiar and resists the need for transformation. However, the mention of the curtains that need mending suggests an acknowledgment of the necessity for adaptation. It implies that change is inevitable and cannot be completely avoided, even if it is met with some resistance.

Q5: Discuss the significance of the grandmother's attire, specifically the mention of her wearing a blouse inside out. What does this detail reveal about her character or state of mind? How does it contribute to the overall theme or mood of the poem?
Ans: The mention of the grandmother wearing a blouse inside out adds to the overall theme of the poem. It symbolizes a disruption in the normal order of things and highlights the grandmother's detachment from the conventional norms of appearance. It could also represent her absent-mindedness or indifference to societal expectations. This detail contributes to the mood of nostalgia and reflects the grandmother's individuality and uniqueness amidst the backdrop of a changing world.