NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English
Vistas
Chapter 6 – Memories
of childhood
Summary
Part
1 The Cutting of My Long Hair
The narrative
commences with Zitkala's initial experience at the Carlisle Indian School, an
institution designed for Native Americans to assimilate into mainstream
American culture by relinquishing their own heritage. Zitkala expresses her
discomfort when the school authorities confiscate her shawl before entering the
dining hall. She questions the conformity of other Indian girls, who, in her
opinion, compromise their modesty by wearing tight clothes that reveal their
entire body shape, along with having their hair cut short, a practice she deems
undesirable. According to Zitkala, her mother had told her that only cowards or
mourners should have their hair shaved off.
As the story
unfolds, Zitkala and her peers are escorted to the dining hall, where she
attracts the attention of a fair-skinned woman due to her failure to adhere to
table manners. Judewin, another Indian girl, informs Zitkala that the woman
intends to cut her hair. Resisting vehemently, Zitkala refuses to resemble a
coward or mourner, seeking refuge under a bed in an upstairs room. Her
disappearance prompts a search, and she is eventually apprehended, restrained,
and subjected to the humiliating experience of having her hair forcibly cut.
Feeling deeply
depressed and humiliated, Zitkala reflects on how her mother would have
provided comfort during such a challenging time. Ultimately, she submits to her
captors, likening herself to a tamed animal.
Part
2 We too are human beings
The tale
unfolds through the eyes of Bama, a vivacious young girl who takes delight in
observing the events unfolding on her street. Despite the mere ten-minute
distance from her school to home, she deliberately extends her journey to
thirty minutes. Bama attributes this prolonged commute to the captivating
sights she encounters along the way.
During her walk
home, she witnesses a monkey's performance, a snake charmer captivating his
audience, and a persistent cyclist. Noteworthy landmarks include a renowned
temple with a large bell and a tribal vendor selling clay beads and needles.
The street also boasts various snack stalls and intriguing street performances.
Bama shares the occurrence of political parties delivering lectures on her
street.
As she
progresses, Bama observes a landlord overseeing his workers in the fields. A
humorous incident involving an elderly member of her community handing a snack
pack to the landlord elicits laughter from Bama. Upon recounting this incident
at home, her elder brother imparts a harsh truth about their low caste status,
revealing the disdain upper-caste individuals hold for the touch or presence of
those from lower castes. This revelation sparks anger in Bama towards the
upper-caste community.
In the days
that follow, Bama's brother faces inquiries about his caste. In response, he
encourages Bama to focus on her education, emphasizing that academic success is
the key to earning respect. Following his advice, Bama becomes the top student
in her class, not only gaining respect but also forming meaningful friendships
along the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please keep your views respectful and not include any promotional comments. Such comments will be removed and your IP will be blocked for future purpose.