NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English
Vistas
Chapter 6 – Memories
of childhood
Long question answers
Q1.The two accounts that you have
read above are based in two distant cultures. What is the commonality of theme
found in both of them?
Ans. The narratives
presented in the "Memories of Childhood" unit delve into two distinct
cultural contexts, featuring two accomplished writers who hail from
marginalized communities and reminisce about their formative years. These
reflective accounts shed light on their connections with the mainstream
society.
Both writers recount the shared
experiences of discrimination, oppression, humiliation, suffering, and insults
they endured during their youth as members of marginalized communities. Zitkala-Sa
underscores the intense prejudice directed at Native American culture and
women. The act of stripping her of the blanket that adorned her shoulders left
her feeling immodest in her own eyes. The symbolic shearing of her long hair
symbolizes a diminished status, aligning with her cultural belief that shingled
hair is worn only by those deemed cowards. The substitution of her moccasins
with squeaking shoes and the imposition of a regimented breakfast routine
signify a systematic erosion of their cultural identity, replaced by the
imposition of external dogma.
In contrast, Bama accentuates the
humiliations endured by the untouchables, who were denied honor, dignity, and
respect due to their lower caste birth. Segregated living, servitude, and
humble deference to the higher classes characterized their existence.
Maintaining strict avoidance of direct contact with higher-class individuals
and their belongings was ingrained in their daily practices. Both narratives
converge on a common theme of a rebellious spirit against the prevailing
injustices and a resolve to bring about positive change.
Q2. It may take a long time for
oppression to be resisted, but the seeds of rebellion are sowed early in life.
Do you agree that injustice in any form cannot escape being noticed even by
children?
Ans. Children possess a
heightened sensitivity and keen observational skills compared to adults. They
effortlessly perceive, hear, feel, and undergo the happenings around them,
swiftly detecting any deviation from the norm or irregularity.
Initially finding amusement in the
peculiar behavior of an elder from her community, Bama observes him awkwardly
running while holding a packet by a string. However, her perception undergoes a
stark shift upon learning the reason behind his actions. This revelation sparks
her anger towards the cruel upper-caste individuals who shamelessly exploit and
heap humiliations upon them. Fueled by her ire, she contemplates rebelling
against the oppression by seizing the packet of vadai from the landlord and
consuming them herself. Her elder brother guides and channels her anger,
advising her to focus on diligent study and progress. The seeds of rebellion
become evident in her character.
Similarly, Zitkala-Sa exhibits early
signs of rebellion. Informed by her friend Judewin that authorities plan to cut
their long, heavy hair, she initially contemplates submission due to the
perceived strength of the authorities. However, Zitkala-Sa rejects this passive
stance, declaring her refusal to submit and expressing her determination to
resist. She successfully carries out her resolution by hiding to thwart their
attempts. Even when discovered and restrained, she fiercely resists, kicking
and scratching wildly. Despite being overpowered and tied to a chair, the spark
of rebellion within her remains undiminished by oppression.
Q3. Bama’s experience is that of a
victim of the caste system. What kind of discrimination does Zitkala-Sa’s
experience depict? What are their responses to their respective situations?
Ans. Bama grapples with
the oppressive caste system, being born into a Dalit community, while
Zitkala-Sa, a Native American, witnesses the efforts of those in power to
eradicate her culture after the conquest of the natives. Zitkala-Sa keenly
observes the discrimination directed at Native American culture and women,
symbolized by the cutting of her long hair—a poignant representation of submission
to the ruling forces. Deprived of her soft moccasins and having her blanket
taken away, she experiences a sense of shyness and indecency. The unfamiliar
rules at the breakfast table further highlight her cultural alienation.
In response to their respective
predicaments, both Bama and Zitkala-Sa resist the prevailing circumstances,
refusing to bow down. Their struggle is marked by a determined effort to
dismantle barriers imposed by those in power, combating oppression, prejudice,
dogma, superstition, and ignorance. Education emerges as their powerful tool in
this struggle. Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama dedicate themselves to rigorous study,
earning recognition and acclaim. Their foray into writing becomes a vehicle for
expressing their viewpoints and perpetuating the battle against discrimination
that seeks to restrain and stifle the free flow of their spirits.
Q4. Why did Zitkala-Sa feel
oppressed in new establishment?
Ans. From the moment the
author was separated from her mother, she endured profound humiliations.
Strangers stared at her, treating her like a mere puppet tossed in the air. Her
blanket was forcibly taken from her shoulders, leaving her feeling immodestly
attired and overwhelmed to the point of wanting to sink to the floor.
Subsequently, her soft moccasins, symbolic of the traditional footwear of the
local Native Americans, were confiscated, replaced by squeaking shoes.
Observing other Indian girls clad in stiff shoes and tightly fitting dresses,
with small girls donning sleeved aprons and shingled hair, added to her sense
of oppression.
The most grievous indignity she
experienced was the cutting of her long hair, a practice associated with
cowards in her culture. This act filled her with anguish, making her feel
dehumanized, akin to one of the little animals driven by a herder. The
deliberate erosion of their culture and the lack of respect towards women
proved to be a profoundly oppressive experience.
Q5. What diversions in the streets,
shops and the bazaar attracted Bama, tethered her legs and stopped her from
going home?
Ans. Bama found a plethora
of novelties and peculiarities that captivated her attention. Among them were a
performing monkey, a snake charmer's serpent, a wild lemur in cages belonging
to the Narikkuravan hunter-gypsy, and a cyclist who had tirelessly pedaled for
three consecutive days. The sight of spinning wheels, the Maariyaata temple
with its imposing bell, and the cooking of pongal offerings in front of the
temple also caught her eye. Notably, a dried fish stall was situated near the
statue of Gandhiji, and there were stalls selling sweets and Med snacks. The
bazaar featured numerous shops lined up side by side.
Bama also enjoyed various forms of
entertainment, such as public meetings held by political parties, street plays,
puppet shows, and daring stunts. She observed the unique method waiters used to
pour coffee, transferring it from a high-held tumbler to a lower one to cool it
down. Her attention was drawn to people skillfully chopping onions while
averting their eyes to avoid irritation. She admired the array of fruits
available in the bazaar, each in accordance with the season. Additionally, she
noticed vendors selling both sweet and savory fried snacks. These commonplace
scenes and sights were so captivating that they detained her and hindered her
from promptly heading home.
Q6. What indignities did the caste
system heap on the lower castes? How could they end the discrimination? How did
Bama react to her brother’s advice?
Ans. Annan emphasized that
the caste system was marked by severe discrimination, placing the lower castes
at a distinct disadvantage where honor, dignity, and respect were perpetually
denied to them. To break free from this social injustice, self-improvement was
deemed essential. Annan advocated that through diligent study and progress,
individuals could cast off the shackles of indignity.
He specifically advised Bama to
pursue her studies with diligence, absorbing as much knowledge as possible. By
consistently excelling in her lessons, people would naturally gravitate towards
her, seeking her company. "Work hard and learn" became the guiding
principles that shaped Bama's life. With an almost fervent dedication, she
immersed herself in her studies, ultimately securing the top position in her
class. This accomplishment not only earned her numerous friends but also marked
the inception of her illustrious career.
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