Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco) Long Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco)

Long Question Answers

Question 1:

The woman asked, "Have you come back? I thought that no one had come back." Does this statement provide insight into the story? If so, what is it?

Answer:

Yes, this statement does offer a clue about the story. In the early stages of the war, Mrs. Dorling had relocated valuable belongings of her acquaintance, Mrs. S., to 46, Marconi Street. These items included table silverware, antique plates, and other valuables such as the iron Hanukkah candle-holder, a woolen tablecloth, and a green knitted cardigan with wooden buttons. Since Mrs. S. had passed away during the war, Mrs. Dorling did not anticipate anyone returning to claim these possessions, assuming that no one else knew the address.

 

This statement reveals the greedy and possessive nature of Mrs. Dorling. She did not recognize or acknowledge the daughter of her former acquaintance, refusing to open the door or allow her inside. Despite the narrator's specific purpose of visiting—to see her mother's belongings—Mrs. Dorling showed no signs of recognition, indicating a clash of interests.

 

Question 2:

The narrative is divided into pre-war and post-war periods. What challenges do you think the girl faced during these times?

Answer:

During the pre-war era, the narrator lived in a different city, far from home, and only visited her mother for a few days. In the first half of the war, the narrator's mother lived in constant fear of having to evacuate and potentially losing all valuable belongings. The narrator resided in the city in a small rented room with windows covered in blackout paper, unable to appreciate the beauty of nature outside due to the looming threat of death.

 

After liberation, normalcy returned. Bread became lighter in color, the fear of death diminished, and the narrator could sleep in her bed without worry. She could now glance out of the window each day. However, her curiosity about her mother's possessions stored at 46, Marconi Street led her to visit the address. Mrs. Dorling's lack of recognition and reluctance to admit her fueled the narrator's disappointment and prompted a second visit.

 

Question 3:

Why did the narrator of the story want to forget the address?

Answer:

The narrator recalled the address, Number 46, Marconi Street, only once when her mother mentioned it. Mrs. Dorling, an old acquaintance of her mother, lived there and had stored the valuable belongings of the narrator's mother. After her mother's death, the narrator felt compelled to visit the place, wanting to see, touch, and remember those possessions. Despite two visits to the address, she succeeded in entering the living room only during the second attempt.

 

However, the strange atmosphere, tasteless arrangement of objects, and the realization that these belongings had lost their value since being separated from her mother prompted a change in the narrator's perspective. She no longer desired to see, touch, or remember these items and decided to forget the address, symbolizing her determination to leave the past behind and move forward.

 

Question 4:

'The Address' is a story of human predicament that follows war. Comment.

Answer:

The story illustrates the challenging and unpleasant situations that arise for individuals in the aftermath of war. The human predicament following war is vividly depicted through the narrator's experiences. The war not only brought physical difficulties but also emotional suffering, particularly with the loss of the narrator's dear mother. The visit to 46, Marconi Street to retrieve her mother's valuable possessions reveals the greed and callousness of Mrs. Dorling, who stored these belongings but refused to recognize the narrator, denying her access.

 

The presence of her mother's possessions in a strange atmosphere adds to the narrator's emotional pain, as these valuables lose their significance when separated from her mother. The story reflects on how war disrupts lives and relationships, leaving individuals grappling with the challenges of loss and indifference.

Question 5:

How did the narrator become aware of Mrs. Dorling and the location of her residence?

Answer:

Several years ago, during the initial half of the war, the narrator returned home for a brief visit with her mother. After spending a couple of days there, she noticed changes in the rooms and the absence of various items. It was then that her mother shared details about Mrs. Dorling—an old acquaintance who had reappeared after many years. Mrs. Dorling would regularly visit, taking something with her each time. She proposed the idea of safeguarding precious belongings by storing them at her place. The narrator's mother disclosed the address, Number 46, Marconi Street. When the narrator inquired if her mother had agreed to let Mrs. Dorling keep everything, her mother disapproved, considering it an insult, and expressed concern about the risks Mrs. Dorling faced while carrying a full suitcase or bag.

 

Question 6:

Provide a concise account of the narrator’s initial visit to 46, Marconi Street. What impression does Mrs. Dorling leave?

Answer:

In the post-war period, as life returned to normal, the narrator's curiosity about her mother's stored possessions at Mrs. Dorling's house led her to take a train to 46, Marconi Street. Mrs. Dorling opened the door slightly, and as the narrator approached and inquired if she still recognized her, Mrs. Dorling claimed not to know her. Despite the narrator's identification as the daughter of Mrs. S., Mrs. Dorling remained silent and showed no sign of recognition. The narrator observed Mrs. Dorling wearing her mother's green knitted cardigan and noticed the lack of acknowledgment. Mrs. Dorling, with a surprised expression, declined to see or assist the narrator.

 

Question 7:

How did the second visit of the narrator to 46, Marconi Street differ from the first one? Did she truly accomplish her mission? Provide a reason for your answer.

Answer:

The second visit of the narrator to 46, Marconi Street differed from the first one in one aspect. During the initial visit, the narrator was denied entry to the house, while during the second visit, she was guided to the living room where she could see and touch some of the items she had eagerly desired. The visit had a specific purpose—to view her mother's belongings. The sensory experience of familiar things triggered memories of her past life. However, the realization that these objects had lost their genuine value since being separated from their original context led the narrator to decide to forget these possessions and move forward. This is evident in her resolution to forget the address.

 

Question 8:

What impression do you form of the narrator?

Answer:

The narrator leaves a favorable impression, portraying herself as an intelligent and devoted daughter. While she loves and respects her mother, she disapproves of her mother's soft behavior towards Mrs. Dorling. The narrator poses pointed questions that her mother considers impolite. Demonstrating keen powers of observation, the narrator notices missing items during her brief stay at home. Her sharp judgment is evident in sizing up Mrs. Dorling. The narrator's persistent efforts to remind Mrs. Dorling of their relationship and her indomitable spirit are revealed through her visits to 46, Marconi Street. She embraces realism, refusing to be tethered to the past, and her decision to forget the address showcases her resilience and forward-looking nature, indicative of a progressive personality.

 

Question 9:

Comment on the significance of the title of the story, "The Address."

Answer:

The title "The Address" is highly fitting, serving as the central element around which the entire narrative revolves. It is prominently featured at the story's beginning, middle, and end. Marga Minco skillfully directs the reader's focus to it through the narrator's initial doubt and subsequent self-assurance regarding the correctness of the address.

 

The middle part of the story elucidates how the narrator learned about the address, with her mother providing the crucial information about Mrs. Dorling's residence. The story concludes dramatically with the narrator's determined resolve to forget the address. This cyclical progression emphasizes the evolving significance of the address—once held in memory for years, only to be rendered irrelevant as the belongings stored there lose their utility.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco) Short Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot     

Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco)

Short Question Answers

Question 1:

What were the two reasons the narrator provided to explain her potential mistake?

Answer:

The narrator speculated that the woman might not be Mrs. Dorling, considering she had seen her only once, briefly, many years ago. Additionally, she considered the possibility of having rung the wrong bell.

 

Question 2:

How did the narrator reach the conclusion that she was correct?

Answer:

The woman was wearing the green knitted cardigan belonging to the narrator's mother, with the wooden buttons appearing faded from washing. When the narrator observed the woman's reaction to her scrutiny of the cardigan, particularly her attempt to conceal herself behind the door, she became convinced of her correctness.

 

Question 3:

What was the outcome of the interaction between Mrs. Dorling and the narrator?

Answer:

The interview proved unsuccessful for the narrator, as Mrs. Dorling consistently refused to see or engage in conversation despite the narrator's repeated requests.

 

Question 4:

Who provided the narrator with the address, when, and under what circumstances?

Answer:

The narrator's mother disclosed the address during the first half of the war, years ago. This revelation occurred when the narrator, visiting home for a few days, noticed changes in the rooms and inquired about missing items. Her mother then informed her about Mrs. Dorling and shared the address.

 

Question 5:

What information did the narrator learn about Mrs. Dorling from her mother?

Answer:

Mrs. Dorling was an old acquaintance of the narrator's mother, with several years having passed since their last meeting. She had unexpectedly reappeared and resumed their connection. The narrator's mother mentioned that every time Mrs. Dorling left their place, she took something with her, including table silver and antique plates.

 

Question 6:

What reason did Mrs. Dorling provide for taking away the precious belongings of the narrator's mother?

Answer:

Mrs. Dorling suggested to the narrator's mother that she should store her belongings in a safer place to prevent the loss of these valuable items in case they had to leave their current residence.

 

Question 7:

What impression do you form of the narrator's mother based on her conversations with (i) Mrs. Dorling and (ii) the narrator?

Answer:

The narrator's mother appears kind-hearted, generous, and liberal. In her conversation with Mrs. Dorling, she expresses concern for Mrs. Dorling's physical well-being, emphasizing that it would be an insult to ask her friends to keep the belongings forever. This indicates her compassionate nature. The narrator's questions suggest that she may not fully agree with her mother's perspective.

 

Question 8:

Did the narrator feel convinced about her mother's views regarding Mrs. Dorling? How do you know?

Answer:

The narrator did not feel entirely convinced about her mother's views on Mrs. Dorling. This is evident from Mrs. Dorling's keen interest in moving the precious possessions to her house, which the narrator seems to disapprove of. The questions posed by the narrator indicate her skepticism about her mother's stance.

 

Question 9:

What does the narrator remember about Mrs. Dorling from their first meeting?

Answer:

During their first encounter, the narrator observed that Mrs. Dorling was a woman with a broad back, wearing a brown coat and a shapeless hat. Mrs. Dorling picked up a heavy suitcase from under the coat rack and left their house. The narrator also learned that Mrs. Dorling lived at number 46, Marconi Street.

 

Question 10:

Why did the narrator wait a long time before going to the address, number 46, Marconi Street?

Answer:

Initially, after the liberation, the narrator had no interest in her mother's belongings stored at number 46, Marconi Street. She was also hesitant, fearing a confrontation with items that once belonged to her now-deceased mother.

 

Question 11:

When did the narrator become curious about her mother's possessions?

Answer:

The narrator became curious about her mother's possessions as life returned to normalcy in the post-liberation period. Realizing that those belongings must still be at the address her mother had given her, she wanted to see, touch, and remember them.

 

Question 12:

"I was in a room I knew and did not know," says the narrator in the story 'The Address.' What prompted her to make this observation?

Answer:

The narrator found herself surrounded by familiar things that she desired to see again. However, the arrangement of these items in a tasteless manner, coupled with the presence of ugly furniture and a muggy smell, created an atmosphere that seemed unfamiliar, prompting the observation.

 

Question 13:

"I just looked at the still life over the tea table," says the narrator in the story 'The Address.' What does she mean by 'the still life'? What prompted her to make this remark?

Answer:

By 'the still life,' the narrator refers to the items arranged over the tea table, such as the tablecloth, tea pot, cups, and spoons. The presence of an antique box and silver spoons prompted her to make this remark.

 

Question 14:

How was the narrator able to recognize her own familiar woollen tablecloth?

Answer:

The narrator recognized her own familiar woollen tablecloth by staring at it and following the lines of the pattern. She remembered that there was a burn mark somewhere on the tablecloth that had not been repaired. Eventually, she located the burn mark, aiding her in identifying her own article.

 

Question 15:

"You only notice when something is missing." What does the speaker exactly mean? What examples does she give?

Answer:

The speaker means that people become accustomed to the presence of their lovely things in the house and tend not to pay much attention to them. It is only when something is missing, either needing repair or lent to someone, that its absence becomes noticeable. The examples provided include instances when the narrator's mother asked her to help polish the silver cutlery, and when the narrator noticed missing items during her brief stay at home.

 

Question 16:

How did the narrator come to know that the cutlery they ate off every day was silver?

Answer:

The narrator learned that the cutlery they ate off every day was silver when her mother asked her to help polish the silver. The narrator, unaware of which silver her mother was referring to, asked for clarification. Her mother then specified that it included the spoons, forks, and knives—the everyday cutlery.

 

Question 17:

Why did the narrator suddenly decide to leave?

Answer:

The narrator decided to leave abruptly as she realized that the objects, once meaningful and belonging to her mother, had lost their value in the strange surroundings of Mrs. Dorling's house. The disconnect from their original context made the possessions irrelevant to her present life.

 

Question 18:

How did the narrator reconcile herself to the loss of her mother's precious belongings?

Answer:

The narrator reconciled herself to the loss by considering that her mother had only lent those belongings for safekeeping, and Mrs. Dorling was not meant to keep everything permanently. Although memories of her former life were stirred upon seeing the objects, she found no place for them in her current life and accepted her fate.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco) Summary

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco)

Summary

Upon ringing the doorbell at Number 46, Marconi Street, where Mrs. Dorling resided, the main character received a chilly reception, and it took Mrs. Dorling a considerable amount of time to recognize her. Mrs. Dorling, under the impression that everyone in the protagonist's family had perished, inquired if there were others accompanying her. Despite the protagonist's request to enter, Mrs. Dorling adamantly refused and suggested a return visit at a later time. Notably, the protagonist identified her mother's green cardigan, worn by Mrs. Dorling.

 

Contemplating her journey back to the train station, the protagonist reflected on her mother's previous discussions about Mrs. Dorling, an acquaintance who, during the war, would visit their home and safeguard their belongings in case they had to abandon the place. Describing Mrs. Dorling's physical features, the protagonist noted her broad back.

 

Subsequently, the protagonist decided to reclaim their possessions from Mrs. Dorling's residence. Upon ringing the bell again, she was met by Mrs. Dorling's daughter, who ushered her in and requested her presence in the living room. While traversing the corridor, the protagonist observed their unused Hanukkah candle stand. However, upon entering the living room, the sight of her mother's belongings arranged haphazardly, coupled with unattractive furniture and a musty odor, disheartened her, instilling a desire to depart. Mrs. Dorling's daughter offered tea, and during this interaction, the protagonist noticed the familiar tablecloth with a burn mark.

 

As Mrs. Dorling's daughter showcased the silverware, which rightfully belonged to the protagonist, she abruptly left the premises. The experience stirred memories of the past, leading her to decide against revisiting the location and ultimately resolving to erase the address from her recollections.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco) Theme

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco)

Theme

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the challenges faced during the pre-War and Post-War periods. Mrs. S, a wealthy Jewish woman, and Mrs. Dorling, a non-Jewish acquaintance, play central roles in the story. The protagonist, Mrs. S's daughter, faced significant losses during the war, losing both her home and her mother. Now, with the intention of reclaiming her possessions, she returns to Mrs. Dorling, whose address was provided by her mother years ago.

 

Upon reaching Mrs. Dorling's house, the protagonist encountered a chilly reception from the woman, who denied her entry. Undeterred, she decided to leave but serendipitously encountered Mrs. Dorling's daughter, who welcomed her inside and asked her to wait. As the protagonist surveyed the amassed possessions, a disconnection became apparent, leading her to decide to leave the house without reclaiming the items.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan) Word Meaning

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan)

Word Meaning

1.    Alfalfa – a flowering plant

2.    Capricious – inconsistent change of mood

3.    Comical – funny

4.    Dawned – appeared

5.    Daybreak – dawn

6.    Descendant – a system that develops from an earlier simple version

7.    Fury – anger

8.    Garoghlanian – an Armenian tribe

9.    Irrigation ditches – manmade channel used to deliver water to homes, industries and other uses

10. Leap out – jump out from a place

11. Magnificence – extremely beautiful

12. Orchards – a piece of land of the plantation of fruits

13. Parlour – a sitting space in a house

14. San Joaquin Valley – one of the long interior valleys of California

15. Snorted – breathed out

16. Streak – race

17. Surrey – a country in South-East England

18. Trot – proceed with something

19. Vagrant – a person without a settled home or work

20. Vineyard – plantation of grapevines used in winemaking

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan) Long Question answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan)

Long Question answers

Question 1:

Describe the boys' joyride early one morning in your own words.

 

Answer:

In the early morning, at around 4 a.m., Mourad, a member of the honest Garoghlanian tribe, woke up Aram by tapping on his window. Aram, surprised to see a beautiful white horse, quickly realized it wasn't a dream. Mourad had come to invite him for a joyride. Without much thought about right or wrong, Aram jumped out of the window onto the horse behind Mourad. They explored vineyards, orchards, irrigation ditches, and country roads behind Aram's house, eventually reaching Olive Avenue. The fresh morning air invigorated them. Mourad, known for his eccentricity, sang as they made the horse run to their heart's content.

Mourad later rode the horse alone, commanding it with enthusiasm. When Aram wanted his turn, the horse initially refused to move until Mourad instructed him to kick its muscles. However, Aram struggled to control the horse and was thrown off, prompting the horse to run away. After a half-hour search, Mourad found the horse, and together they hid it in Fetvajian's deserted barn. Mourad's unique ability to tame the horse was evident. Both boys returned home, and Aram, having fulfilled his dream of riding a horse, enjoyed a hearty breakfast.

 

Question 2:

Compare and contrast the characters of Mourad and Aram.

 

Answer:

In "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse," two central characters are Mourad and Aram. Aram, the narrator, is portrayed as a simple and straightforward individual. Mourad, on the other hand, is a more complex character with a unique connection to animals. Mourad, thirteen years old and four years older than Aram, is perceived as "crazy" by those who know him, but the narrator sees a different side of him one day.

Despite their poor backgrounds, both boys share a genuine friendship. Mourad surprises Aram by bringing a white horse, showcasing his inclination towards simplicity and generosity. Both agree not to sell the horse, considering it's not theft until they decide to sell it. However, their differing reactions to the revelation of the horse's true owner highlight their individual characteristics.

Mourad, with his mysterious ways and affinity for animals, proves to be an enigmatic and intriguing character. He displays a deep understanding of birds and animals, heals a hurt wing of a young robin, and possesses a peculiar ability to tame horses. Aram, while not as eccentric as Mourad, reveals his compassionate side when he pleads with Mourad to keep the horse for a year before returning it.

Overall, Mourad's eccentricities and unique connection with nature set him apart, while Aram represents a more straightforward and compassionate perspective. The two characters complement each other, creating a dynamic and engaging dynamic in the narrative.

 

Question 3:

The story revolves around the characters that belong to a tribe in Armenia. Mourad and Aram are members of the Garoghlanian family. Now locate Armenia and Assyria on the atlas and prepare a write-up on the Garoghlanian tribes. You may write about people, their names, traits, geographical and economic features as suggested in the story.

 

Answer:

The Garoghlanian tribes were historically situated across Assyria and Armenia in the Asian continent, spanning the period from 500 B.C. to 800 B.C. These tribes primarily engaged in farming, leading a simple and contented life. Renowned for their honesty and trustworthiness, the Garoghlanians upheld a moral code that discouraged stealing and prioritized integrity.

The people of the Garoghlanian tribes had distinct names, reflecting their cultural identity. Traits such as honesty, trust, and a connection with nature were hallmarks of their character. Economic prosperity and material gain were not their primary concerns; instead, they embraced a peaceful and modest lifestyle.

Geographically, the Garoghlanians inhabited the regions of Assyria and Armenia, surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscapes. They found contentment in their easygoing existence and demonstrated a commitment to peaceful coexistence with others in the world.

The Garoghlanian tribes, as depicted in the story, serve as a representation of a community with strong moral values, simplicity, and a deep connection to nature. The story highlights the enduring legacy of these tribes, emphasizing the importance of character and reputation within their cultural context.

 

Question 4:

The narrator’s uncle Khosrove was known to be a crazy fellow. Give a few instances of his craziness?

 

Answer.

The narrator's uncle Khosrove, a massive man with an imposing mustache, earned a reputation for eccentricity among those who knew him. His temperament was characterized by fury and impatience, and he had a tendency to easily get annoyed. He was not one to tolerate others expressing their opinions, often silencing them with a thunderous roar. A peculiar incident exemplifying his eccentricity occurred when his house caught fire. Despite his son rushing to the barber's shop to deliver the urgent news, Khosrove nonchalantly dismissed the situation, roaring, "It is no harm; pay no attention to it." Moreover, when John spoke about his stolen horse, Khosrove, irritated, abruptly left the room. Overall, his behavior marked him as a unique and unpredictable character.

 

Question 5:

Why did Mourad steal the horse? How did Aram and Mourad realize their mistake?

 

Answer.

 Mourad, inheriting the Garoghlanian family's "crazy streak," had an innate passion for horse riding, prompting him to steal the beautiful white horse. His love for riding and a lack of financial means led him to disregard the tribe's esteemed value of honesty. Inviting his cousin Aram to join in the horse riding escapade, Mourad indulged in this secret pleasure for a month alone and an additional two weeks with Aram. However, the realization of their mistake dawned on them when Aram shared John Byro's distress about the stolen horse. A chance encounter with John Byro, who did not suspect them of theft, further intensified their realization. Fearing damage to the family's reputation for honesty and trust, the boys promptly returned the horse.

 

Question 6:

How did Aram and Mourad enjoy their time with the horse? What happened when they met John Byro?

 

Answer.

 Aram and Mourad relished early morning rides on the beautiful white horse, hidden in the barn of a deserted vineyard. Their escapades included traversing fields, navigating irrigation ditches, and exhilarating sprints prompted by kicks to the horse's muscles. Aram, eager to learn horse riding, and Mourad, fulfilling his passion, planned to keep the horse for a maximum of six months. However, their idyllic enjoyment came to an abrupt halt when they encountered John Byro, the actual owner of the horse. Despite Byro's scrutiny and suspicion, the boys greeted him and allowed him to inspect the horse closely. Byro, convinced that the horse was a twin of his own, refrained from accusing the boys of theft, respecting their family's reputation. This encounter prompted Aram and Mourad to recognize the importance of their family's esteemed honesty, leading them to return the horse the next morning.

 

Question 7:

 What do you know about the Garoghlanian tribe?

 

Answer.

The Garoghlanian tribe is distinguished by the hallmarks of honesty and trust. Despite residing in comical poverty, the tribe takes immense pride in its reputation for integrity. Members of the Garoghlanian tribe staunchly uphold honesty and consider it a point of pride. Their ethical standards are unwavering, and they refrain from taking advantage of others. The notion of stealing is inconceivable to them, emphasizing their commitment to honesty and trust. Even though Mourad's act of stealing the horse deviates from these principles, it is considered an exception rather than the norm within the tribe's cultural values.