The Portrait of a Lady Class 11 English Hornbill

Key Points of the Story

• "The Portrait of a Lady" by Khushwant Singh is a heartfelt tribute to the author’s grandmother, depicting her as a symbol of love, tradition, and resilience.

• The story explores the deep bond between the narrator and his grandmother, tracing how their relationship evolves over time.

• It contrasts rural and urban lifestyles, highlighting the grandmother’s discomfort with modern education and Western influences.

• The grandmother’s spiritual devotion, her routines (feeding dogs and sparrows), and her quiet acceptance of change reflect her dignified character.

• Her death is marked by a poignant moment of silence, with sparrows mourning her in a touching, symbolic farewell.

Detailed Summary

Introduction

The narrator describes his grandmother as an eternally old, wrinkled woman who seemed impossible to imagine as young or married. Her husband’s portrait, a stern, ancient-looking man with a white beard, reinforced this perception. Despite her age, she carried herself with grace, dressed in spotless white, always chanting prayers with her rosary.

Life in the Village

The narrator and his grandmother shared a close bond during their time in the village. She woke him up, prepared him for school, and walked him to the temple-based school, where she spent her time reading scriptures. On their way back, she fed village dogs with stale chapattis, a ritual that brought her joy.

Shift to the City

When the narrator’s parents moved to the city, their relationship changed. He attended an English school by bus, and she could no longer accompany him. She struggled to understand his new curriculum, disapproving of subjects like science and music, which lacked spiritual teachings. Gradually, their interactions dwindled.

Growing Apart

As the narrator pursued higher education, the grandmother withdrew into solitude, spinning and praying all day. Her only solace was feeding sparrows in the courtyard, who perched on her lovingly. When the narrator left for abroad, she accepted his departure without emotion, blessing him silently at the station.

Final Moments

Upon his return after five years, she welcomed him with the same serenity. That evening, she broke her routine to sing and celebrate, collapsing shortly after. Sensing her end, she spent her last hours in prayer. Her death was peaceful, and her funeral was marked by a silent gathering of sparrows—a poignant tribute to her kindness.

Conclusion

Khushwant Singh’s "The Portrait of a Lady" immortalizes the grandmother as a timeless figure of unconditional love and tradition. Her life, though simple, was rich in devotion and quiet strength. The story underscores the inevitability of change and the enduring power of memory, leaving readers with a profound sense of loss and reverence.

Theme

The central theme is the conflict between tradition and modernity, portrayed through the grandmother’s resistance to change and her eventual acceptance. Love, faith, and the inevitability of time’s passage are also key themes.

Message

The story conveys that while progress is unavoidable, the values of compassion, spirituality, and connection to one’s roots remain irreplaceable. The grandmother’s legacy lives on in small, sacred moments—like the sparrows’ silent mourning.

Difficult Words

• Revolting: Causing disgust.

• Inaudible: Unable to be heard.

• Serenity: Peacefulness.

• Hobbled: Walked with difficulty.

• Seclusion: Isolation.

• Bedlam: A scene of uproar (here, the birds’ chirping).

• Frivolous: Lighthearted, playful.

• Pallor: Pale appearance (especially before death).

• Crude stretcher: A simple, makeshift carrier for the dead.

• Undignified: Lacking dignity.