Class 12 English Flamingo Going Places (A.R. Barton) Long question answers

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

Going Places  

(A.R. Barton)

Long question answers

 

Question 1) Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective, what did he symbolise?

Answer: Geoff stands as the sole confidant for Sophie's fanciful aspirations and cherished dreams. Her father, exhibiting bossiness and aggression, despises Sophie's imaginative tales. Even her younger brother, Derek, teases her about her aspirations for wealth. Among her peers, Jansie is labeled as 'nosy' and deemed unreliable in keeping secrets. Only Geoff earns Sophie's trust to safeguard all her confidences.

In Sophie's eyes, Geoff represents an older brother who has ventured into unknown territories, fostering her desire that he might one day take her along. He exhibits empathy, cautioning her about Casey's potential involvement with numerous girls. Geoff forewarns her of the unlikelihood of Casey reappearing, delivering his message with gentleness to spare the young dreamer's heart.

Question 2) What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are the indicators of her family’s financial status?

Answer: Sophie hails from a lower middle-class family, finding solace in escapism and harboring extravagant dreams beyond her means. Her aspirations extend beyond the realm of reality. When discussing boutiques, Jansie highlights the hefty financial requirement, a reality that Sophie acknowledges, knowing her family's financial constraints. She remarks, "If I ever came into money, I'd buy a boutique," a sentiment even little Derek comprehends as unrealistic.

Geoff's occupation mirrors their socio-economic status—he works as an apprentice mechanic, commuting daily to a distant part of the city. His ill-fitting jacket reflects their circumstances. Sophie's father lacks refinement, a heavy-breathing man who lounges in his undershirt at the table, emitting grunts while carelessly tossing one of Derek's shoes onto the sofa. Their living space is cramped, with a stove occupying the same room as a corner piled with soiled laundry. Sophie's father heads to the pub on his bicycle. These elements collectively reaffirm the family's lower middle-class background.

Question 3) It is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic dreams. What would you say are the benefits and disadvantages of such fantasising?

Answer: Adolescents brim with unbridled enthusiasm and ambitions, often enveloped in sweet reveries and ongoing fantasies—a natural inclination for their age group. Every young individual embodies a sense of dreaming. For every renowned scientist or writer, a dream once ignited their pursuit. Without something to aspire to, the path towards a goal remains elusive. Dreams serve as the gateway to the coveted realm of success.

Some teenagers immerse themselves in a realm of fantasy, harboring unrealizable aspirations akin to a child's desire for the unreachable moon. They stand rooted in reality yet gaze upon the stars, an act that can lead to disappointment and disenchantment. A dreamer who falls short of realizing their dream is often unfairly branded as a failure. Conversely, those who manifest their dreams ascend as heroes and achievers within their respective domains.

In my view, it's preferable to foster dreams, even if their fulfillment remains elusive. Without the dreams of teenagers, would those adorned with gray hair and beards still harbor aspirations? Allowing adolescents to indulge in their inherent activity of dreaming about a luminous future encourages them to strive toward translating those dreams into tangible realities.

Question 4)  Write the characterskech of Sophie.

Answer: Sophie, a young schoolgirl, envisions grand and extravagant aspirations, some of which exceed her grasp or financial means. Her ambitions seem disconnected from life's harsh realities as she dreams of owning a boutique—the most spectacular shop in the city. Alternately, she entertains thoughts of becoming an actress, recognizing the potential financial gains in that field. In her mind, managing the boutique could be a side endeavor while pursuing acting, and if need be, she contemplates a career as a fashion designer. However, she remains oblivious to her family's limited financial resources, rendering her dreams unattainable.

Her heart captivated by Danny Casey, a young Irish footballer and the hero of her fantasies, Sophie delves into idolization. She recounts an encounter with Casey, dismissed by her father as another of her "wild stories," a tale even Geoff, her brother, finds dubious. Geoff attempts to caution her about Casey's celebrity status, warning her of the many admirers vying for his attention, yet Sophie remains steadfast in her belief.

Sophie, an incorrigible dreamer, fixates on Casey despite having seen him only once. She spends her time lost in thoughts of him, waiting alone for his appearance. However, her sadness and despondency set in when Casey fails to materialize. Her suffering stems from the disparity between her dreams and the ensuing disappointments, all products of her imaginative mind.

Question 5)  Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie highlighting their temperament and aspirations.

Answer: Sophie and Jansie, classmates and companions, hail from lower middle-class backgrounds and are both destined for the biscuit factory. Jansie embodies practicality and grounded thinking, firmly rooted in reality. In contrast, Sophie remains oblivious to life's harsh truths, enraptured by grand aspirations. Her desires for a boutique and an actress's glamorous life, drawn by the allure of wealth, extend far beyond her current means. She even entertains the notion of being a fashion designer, craving sophistication and grandeur, though these dreams reside well beyond her grasp. Despite Jansie's sensible advice, Sophie persists as a romantic dreamer.

Their disparities in thought and temperament are pronounced. Sophie dwells in a realm of dreams, entrusting her secrets solely to her elder brother Geoff. In contrast, Jansie's inquisitiveness can make her a bit nosy, keen on uncovering new information about others. This propensity to spread stories discourages Sophie from confiding in her.

Sophie, an unyielding dreamer and escapist, idolizes the young Irish footballer, Danny Casey. Her infatuation with him renders her sorrowful and powerless, yet it doesn't prompt her to gain wisdom or practicality. She remains steadfast in her dreamy disposition. In contrast, Jansie embodies practicality and realism, devoid of such unrealistic dreams.

Question 6) Who was Danny Casey ? How was he adored by the family of Sophie, and specially by Sophie and her father?

Answer: Danny Casey, an Irish football prodigy, emerged as a marvel in the realm of soccer, captivating the hearts of his numerous admirers. As a player for United, he became the focal point of obsession for Sophie's family. Sophie's father likened the young Casey to the renowned footballer Tom Finney, aspiring for Casey to reach similar heights. Aware of the prevalent distractions for young players in the sport, he hoped Casey would remain grounded. Geoff, expressing high regard, considered Casey to be among the country's best players, hoping he'd surpass even the esteemed Tom Finney. However, Sophie's father deemed Casey too young for the first team, despite his exceptional talent already securing him a spot in the starting lineup.

During their customary Saturday stadium visit to witness United's match, Sophie's family eagerly observed their idol, Danny Casey, in action. He skillfully maneuvered around defenders, reaching the penalty area and ultimately scoring the second goal, securing United's 2-0 victory. Sophie beamed with pride, Geoff was elated, and amidst the excitement, aspirations ran high, with one family member even expressing hopes for Ireland's World Cup victory. To celebrate, Sophie's father headed to the pub.

Sophie harbored a deep admiration for Danny Casey, nurturing a romantic infatuation for the Irish prodigy. Her heart swelled with affection for her hero, often envisioning scenarios where Casey would approach her. Sitting beneath an elm tree, she would wait and dream, only to face the harsh reality that he wouldn't come. This experience left her crestfallen, becoming a casualty of her own dreams and subsequent disappointments.