Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 6 – Memories of childhood Summary

 

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.