Short and Long Questions & Answers - Memories of Childhood

Short Answer Questions with Sample Answers

Q1: What were the indignities that the new girls were subjected to at Carlisle Indian School?
Ans: The girls were examined closely and kept under the constant supervision of a grey-haired woman. They were forced to wear tight, immodest clothes and stiff shoes that were uncomfortable. Even at breakfast they had to follow a strict, regimental routine. Those who had long hair were made to get it shingled, and they had to submit to officials who were unfeeling and harsh. These measures stripped them of personal choice and dignity and were intended to impose the school's uniform standards on them.

Q2: On learning that her long hair would be cut the author decided to struggle first. What does this tell us about the author?
Ans: The author understood that she could not win against the school authorities, yet she resisted because she felt the act was unjust. Her mother had told her that only cowards allowed their hair to be shingled, and she believed herself not to be a coward. By struggling she showed pride, courage and a refusal to accept humiliation without protest.

Q3: Why did Bama take half hour to an hour to cover the distance to her home that would normally take only ten minutes?
Ans: Bama walked slowly because she liked to dawdle and look around. She enjoyed watching the many sights and small entertainments in the streets, pausing to gaze at the shops and the bazaar. Her curiosity about the street scenes made the short journey take much longer than usual.

Q4: What was the incident that made Bama laugh as well as feel so provoked and angry?
Ans: Bama saw an elderly man from her street carrying a packet of vadais suspended by strings and walking very gingerly, holding the parcel away from his body. At first she found his manner of carrying it amusing. Her brother, Annan, then explained that higher-caste people believed the parcel would become polluted if touched by lower-caste hands. Learning that this was done out of caste pride and contempt made Bama feel provoked and angry because she recognised the humiliating nature of the custom.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Had Bama not been guided properly by her elder brother regarding untouchability, she would have grown up into a complex-torn woman. Do you agree? Justify.
Ans: I agree that Annan's guidance prevented Bama from becoming a complex-ridden person. Annan was an understanding and considerate elder brother who explained the social stigma of untouchability calmly and clearly. When Bama laughed at the old man carrying the vadais, Annan showed her that the action was not merely comical but a result of deep social prejudice; this helped her see the human indignity behind such behaviour. Rather than encouraging a futile or angry revolt, he advised a constructive response - study and self-improvement so that people from their community could earn respect. His practical counsel channelled Bama's anger into determination and learning. As a result, she grew up balanced, confident and respected instead of bitter or withdrawn.