NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English
Snapshot
Chapter 4 – Birth (A. J. Cronin)
Long Question Answers
Question 1:
“I have done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.” Why does
Andrew say this? What does it mean?
Answer:
The young doctor, Andrew Manson, had
accomplished commendable work, and his exclamation was well-justified. Not only
did he assist the middle-aged lady in the safe delivery of a baby boy, but he
also restored both mother and child to perfect health. Susan Morgan's strength
was waning after delivery, almost pulseless, prompting Andrew to administer an
injection and diligently work to strengthen her heart.
Andrew's significant achievement lay
in resuscitating the initially stillborn child. Initially laying the child on a
blanket, he initiated a specialized respiration method. Trying the hot and cold
water treatment by alternately dipping the baby, he labored in vain for half an
hour. Undeterred, he made a final effort, vigorously rubbing the child with a
rough towel and pressing and releasing the baby's tiny chest with both hands.
Finally, the baby responded—its chest heaved, and Andrew redoubled his efforts.
The child began gasping, a bubble of mucus emerged from its tiny nostril, its
pale skin turned pink, and its limbs became rigid. Finally, the child let out a
cry.
Andrew, in awe of the miracle he had
performed, called upon God as a witness. It was not mere theoretical talk but a
practical, real, and substantial accomplishment.
Question 2:
‘There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a
practising physician.’ Discuss.
Answer:
Typically, physicians rely on the medicines prescribed in textbooks in their
practice. However, in extreme emergency cases, the physician's practical experience,
resourcefulness, and hands-on approach become more crucial than theoretical
knowledge. For instance, individuals suffering from burn injuries, snakebites,
or suffocation due to drowning require immediate assistance. The nearest
available doctor might not have all the necessary facilities for such cases. In
these circumstances, providing first aid is essential to save the patient's
life before transporting them to the hospital for proper care. Faced with
limited resources, the practicing physician utilizes their practical experience
to minimize damage and prevent the victim's condition from worsening. In such
cases, timely practical assistance proves invaluable, emphasizing the
significance of proactive intervention.
Question 3:
Do you know of any incident when someone has been brought back to life from the
brink of death through medical help? Discuss medical procedures such as organ
transplant and organ regeneration that are used to save human life.
Answer:
Certainly, I am aware of and have knowledge of instances where individuals have
been revived from the brink of death with the assistance of medical
interventions. Modern medical science relies heavily on surgical procedures,
life-saving drugs, and organ transplants. Leading hospitals in advanced nations
are equipped with facilities for advanced medical procedures, including organ
transplantation and regeneration. Blood banks and eye banks are commonplace,
and today, many people willingly donate various organs for posthumous use in
hospitals. Techniques for organ regeneration contribute to their preservation
for a specified period, facilitating transplantation into patients with
defective organs. Presently, organs such as eyes, hearts, kidneys, and livers are
successfully transplanted. The prospect of creating artificial human organs in
laboratories using non-human sources is on the horizon.
Question
4:
Why
was Andrew Manson called in? How did he react to the call of duty?
Answer:
Andrew
Manson commenced his medical practice in the small Welsh mining town of
Blaenelly, and he was summoned to attend to Susan Morgan, who, after nearly two
decades of marriage, was expecting her first child. Joe Morgan, her husband,
had been waiting outside the closed surgery for an hour. Despite the late hour,
around midnight, Andrew responded promptly to the call of duty. As Joe briefed
him on his wife's condition, Andrew, disregarding his own affairs, fetched his
medical bag from home and hastened to the Morgans' residence.
Since
immediate assistance was not required for the expectant mother, Andrew decided
to wait downstairs. He re-evaluated her condition after an hour and was finally
summoned by the nurse at 3:30 am. Andrew struggled for an hour during the
childbirth and then tirelessly worked to revive both the weak mother and the
initially stillborn child. In fulfilling his duty, he remained focused,
ignoring his physical exhaustion and mental strain, displaying unwavering
dedication.
Question
5:
Give
a brief account of the efforts made by Andrew to revive the stillborn baby.
Answer:
Upon
witnessing the lifeless form of the newborn baby, Andrew was overcome with
horror. Although the baby was perfectly formed, its limp and warm body
displayed a troubling whiteness, indicating suffocation due to oxygen
deprivation. Drawing on his experience, Andrew initiated resuscitation efforts,
first laying the child on a blanket and administering artificial respiration.
He then alternately dipped the baby in hot and cold water, followed by vigorous
rubbing with a rough towel. Andrew continued pressing and releasing the baby's chest
until signs of life emerged – gasping, the release of mucus, a change in skin
color, firm limbs, and, finally, the baby's cry. Through these determined
efforts, Andrew successfully revived the stillborn child.
Question
6:
Compare
and contrast Andrew’s emotional, mental, and physical state at the beginning of
the story and at the end.
Answer:
At
the story's outset, Andrew is physically fatigued and emotionally distressed.
Having just returned from a disappointing evening with his love interest,
Christine, his thoughts are clouded with a sense of disappointment. The memory
of a sorrowful incident at Cardiff station lingers in his mind, and although he
idealizes marriage, he cannot ignore the numerous failed marriages he has
encountered.
By
the story's conclusion, Andrew remains physically drained but emotionally
uplifted and mentally sharp. Despite physical exhaustion, he experiences joy
and self-satisfaction, having accomplished what he considers a miraculous feat.
Andrew's sense of duty towards his patients overshadows personal fatigue,
showcasing his commitment to medical responsibilities.
Question
7:
What
impression do you form of Andrew Manson on the basis of the story ‘Birth’?
Answer:
Andrew
Manson emerges as a recently qualified doctor who begins his medical practice
in the Welsh mining town of Blaenelly. While harboring romantic feelings for
Christine, he views marriage through an idealistic lens but is mindful of the
potential pitfalls observed in many marriages.
Dedicated
to his profession, Andrew maintains a clear distinction between his personal
and professional lives. When faced with responsibility, he fulfills his duties
with utmost dedication, demonstrating a pragmatic and practical approach. With
a tender heart, polite manners, and a reassuring tone, Andrew empathizes with
others, understanding Susan's deep love for her unborn child. Overall, Andrew
impresses as a devoted and capable doctor.
