Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 6 – Memories of childhood Long question answers

 

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.