Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin) Short Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin)

Short Question Answers

Question 1:

 

Who was Joe Morgan? Why had he been waiting for Dr. Andrew Manson?

 

Answer:

 

Joe Morgan, a strong and hefty middle-aged driller from the mining town of Blaenelly, was expecting his first child with his wife, Susan, after almost twenty years of marriage. Joe had been waiting for Dr. Andrew Manson to assist Susan in the childbirth.

 

Question 2:

 

Where did Joe lead Andrew? Why did he not go in with the doctor?

 

Answer:

 

Joe Morgan led Andrew to his residence at 12 Blaina Terrace, where Susan was about to deliver their first child. Overwhelmed with tension, Joe refused to enter the house, and even his voice betrayed signs of strain.

 

Question 3:

 

“Don’t fret, mother, I’ll not run away.” Why do you think Andrew says so?

 

Answer:

 

When Mrs. Morgan’s mother offered to make tea for the doctor, Andrew reassured her, assuring that he wouldn't leave and that there might be a waiting period. He sensed the possibility that the doctor might postpone the case if he left and returned later.

 

Question 4:

 

Why did Andrew decide to remain there until everything was over?

 

Answer:

 

Arriving at Bryngower around midnight, Andrew, feeling weary and upset, recognized his need for rest and sleep. Knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep at home due to the impending case, he chose to stay and fulfill his responsibilities, even though he felt lethargic.

 

Question 5:

 

What had Andrew been thinking about? How would you like to describe the state of his thoughts?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew had been contemplating the unsuccessful marriages of some individuals he knew, such as Bramwell's devotion to a deceptive woman and Denny's unhappy separation from his wife. His thoughts were muddled, reflecting a state of confusion and contemplation.

 

Question 6:

 

What was Andrew’s view of marriage? Why was he resentful and confused?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew idealized marriage as a peaceful and beautiful state, particularly in his love for Christine. However, the conflict between his steady mind and overflowing heart left him feeling resentful and confused about the complexities of matrimony.

 

Question 7:

 

Why did Andrew feel surprised while sitting by the kitchen fire?

 

Answer:

 

As Andrew sat by the kitchen fire, immersed in thoughts of Christine, the old woman sitting opposite him suddenly addressed him, catching him by surprise after he had been lost in contemplation for a long time.

 

Question 8:

 

Why did a shiver of horror pass over Andrew?

 

Answer:

 

A shiver of horror passed over Andrew as he gazed at the still form of the newborn baby, which was limp, warm, and displayed a troubling whiteness, indicating suffocation due to a lack of oxygen.

 

Question 9:

 

What dilemma did Andrew face?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew faced a dilemma regarding whether to prioritize resuscitating the stillborn child, prompting by his heart, or attending to the mother, who was in a seemingly hopeless state, guided by his logical mind.

 

Question 10:

 

What efforts did Andrew make to revive Susan Morgan?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew administered a medicine injection by smashing a glass ampule and, afterward, worked diligently to revive the weak Susan Morgan, putting in feverish effort until her heart strengthened after a few minutes.

 

Question 11:

 

In what state did Andrew find the newborn child? What did he conclude?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew found the newborn baby among wet newspapers under the bed, displaying a limp, warm, white, and boneless appearance, indicating suffocation due to a lack of oxygen. He concluded that immediate resuscitation was necessary.

 

Question 12:

 

How did Andrew’s practical experience come in handy?

 

Answer:

 

Drawing on a past experience at the Samaritan, Andrew remembered a similar case and the treatment used. This practical experience led him to decide to administer hot and cold water therapy to the stillborn child.

 

Question 13:

 

What efforts did Andrew make to revive the newborn baby?

 

Answer:

 

Andrew's efforts to revive the newborn baby included laying the child on a blanket for artificial respiration, alternating dips in hot and cold water, rubbing the slippery child with a rough towel, and pressing and releasing its chest until signs of life emerged.

 

Question 14:

 

How did Andrew react to the first glimpse of the success of his efforts to help the stillborn child come alive?

 

Answer:

 

Witnessing the small chest of the baby heaving up as a result of his persistent efforts, Andrew was overwhelmed with a sense of life, causing him to feel giddy. The success almost made him faint.

 

Question 15:

 

What was the result of Andrew’s feverish efforts after the child’s chest gave a short, convulsive heave?

 

Answer:

 

After the child's chest gave a short, convulsive heave, Andrew redoubled his efforts. The child began gasping deeper, a bubble of mucus came from a nostril, the limbs were no longer boneless, the pale skin turned pink, and, finally, the child cried, signifying it had come alive.

 

Question 16:

 

What was the state of the room after the resuscitation of mother and child?

 

Answer:

 

After the resuscitation of the mother and child, the room was in disarray with blankets, towels, basins, and soiled instruments scattered about. The hypodermic syringe was impaled in the linoleum, the ewer was knocked over, and the kettle lay on its side in a puddle of water.

 

Question 17:

 

Why did Andrew say, “Fill fetch my bag later, nurse.”?

 

Answer:

 

Exhausted and dazed after working tirelessly single-handedly, Andrew requested the nurse to fetch his bag later, expressing his need for a break as he felt weak and dry-throated.

 

Question 18:

 

How did Andrew assess that night’s work?

 

Answer:

 

As Andrew left the driller’s house, he felt tired but contemplated the work he had done that night. Realizing that he had accomplished something genuine, he felt a sense of achievement, marking a significant event in his medical practice.