EnglishNEB 2081
2. Write short answers to the following questions in about 75 words each. [5×2=10] a) How does the young man understand the value of neighbours at the end of the story ? (Neighbours) [2] b) Why was…
10- Write short answers to the following questions in about 75 words each. [5×2=10]
- a) How does the young man understand the value of neighbours at the end of the story ? (Neighbours) [2]
- b) Why was there a change in the perception of Mrs. Baroda towards Gouvernail ? (A Respectable Woman) [2] OR Briefly describe the character of Rakesh as an 'anti-hero'. (A Devoted Son) [2]
- c) How does the poet compare the beauty of sunrise with childhood ? (A Day) [2]
- d) Is marriage different from other networks of relation ? Give a reason. (Marriage as a Social Institution) [2] OR How do the Hindu nativists oppose the claim of Chinese nationalists about human history and civilization ? (Humility) [2]
- e) Why is the play ' A Matter of Husbands ' a play of split personality ? [2]
Answer
a) How does the young man understand the value of neighbours at the end of the story? (Neighbours)
At the end of the story "Neighbours" by Saki, the young man, Mr. Nuttel, finally realizes the true value of neighbours through his interaction with Mrs. Swithin. Initially, he had come to the countryside seeking peace and solitude, but his encounter with Mrs. Swithin—who had been observing him from a distance—reveals the importance of human connection and understanding.
Mrs. Swithin’s sharp wit and perceptive nature force Mr. Nuttel to confront his own fears and misconceptions about people. She exposes his nervousness and the absurdity of his preconceived notions about neighbours being "dreadful" or "boring." By the end, he understands that neighbours are not just distant or indifferent figures but individuals who can offer companionship, wisdom, and even amusement. The story suggests that true neighbours are those who engage with life, challenge our assumptions, and bring unexpected warmth into our solitude.
b) Why was there a change in the perception of Mrs. Baroda towards Gouvernail? (A Respectable Woman)
Mrs. Baroda’s perception of Gouvernail undergoes a significant transformation in "A Respectable Woman" by Katherine Mansfield. Initially, she views him as a mere employee—a young, handsome, and seemingly harmless secretary. However, as she spends more time with him, she begins to see him as a threat to her carefully constructed social image and emotional security.
Gouvernail’s charm, intelligence, and subtle influence over her make her realize that he is not just an employee but a man capable of challenging her authority and exposing her vulnerabilities. His presence disrupts her complacency, forcing her to confront her own desires and the emptiness of her life. By the end, she perceives him as a dangerous figure who has the power to unravel her carefully maintained facade, leading to her eventual decision to dismiss him.
OR
Briefly describe the character of Rakesh as an 'anti-hero'. (A Devoted Son)
Rakesh, the protagonist of "A Devoted Son" by Rabindranath Tagore, embodies the traits of an anti-hero—a character who defies conventional expectations of heroism. Unlike traditional heroes who are noble, selfless, and morally upright, Rakesh is flawed, selfish, and driven by personal gain rather than altruism.
He is portrayed as a self-centered individual who initially pretends to be a devoted son to manipulate his father into giving him money. His actions reveal his greed and deceit, as he exploits his father’s emotional vulnerability. However, his transformation at the end—where he genuinely repents and seeks redemption—adds a layer of complexity. This makes him an anti-hero, as he is neither purely evil nor entirely virtuous but a mix of both, struggling with his own conscience.
c) How does the poet compare the beauty of sunrise with childhood? (A Day)
In "A Day" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the poet draws a parallel between the beauty of a sunrise and the innocence of childhood. The sunrise, with its gentle glow and promise of a new day, symbolizes the freshness, purity, and hope that childhood represents.
The poet describes the sunrise as a "golden dream" that awakens the world, much like childhood awakens the soul with wonder and possibility. The soft light of dawn, spreading warmth and color, mirrors the naïve joy and curiosity of a child. Just as the sunrise fades into the brightness of day, childhood too transitions into the complexities of adulthood, leaving behind a sense of lost innocence and fleeting beauty.
d) Is marriage different from other networks of relation? Give a reason. (Marriage as a Social Institution)
Yes, marriage is distinct from other social relations due to its legal, economic, and cultural significance. While friendships, family ties, and workplace relationships are based on personal connections, marriage is institutionalized and governed by societal norms.
| Aspect | Marriage | Other Relations (Friendship, Family, Work) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Recognition | Officially recognized by law, granting rights and responsibilities. | No formal legal status (except in cases like adoption). |
| Economic Bond | Often involves shared property, inheritance, and financial obligations. | No mandatory economic ties (unless specified). |
| Social Expectations | Carries cultural and religious obligations (e.g., loyalty, procreation). | Based on personal choice and mutual understanding. |
| Duration & Commitment | Typically long-term and binding, with divorce as a last resort. | Temporary or flexible, depending on individual circumstances. |
Marriage is unique because it combines emotional, legal, and social dimensions, making it a structured and enduring institution unlike other relationships.
OR
How do the Hindu nativists oppose the claim of Chinese nationalists about human history and civilization? (Humility)
In "Humility" by V.S. Naipaul, Hindu nativists challenge Chinese nationalist claims about human history and civilization by rejecting the idea of a single, linear progression of human development. Chinese nationalists often present their culture as the oldest and most advanced, tracing civilization back to ancient Chinese dynasties.
Hindu nativists, however, argue that India’s civilization is equally ancient and sophisticated, with contributions like the Vedic texts, Sanskrit literature, and scientific advancements predating many Chinese achievements. They emphasize that civilization is not confined to one region but has multiple origins, each with its own unique legacy. By asserting India’s independent and equally significant role in human history, they deconstruct the myth of Chinese exclusivity, promoting a more pluralistic and inclusive view of global civilization.
e) Why is the play A Matter of Husbands a play of split personality? (A Matter of Husbands)
A Matter of Husbands by Bernard Shaw is a play of split personality because it explores the duality of human nature through its characters, particularly Mrs. Whitefield and her alter ego, Mrs. Arbuthnot. The play revolves around deception, hidden identities, and the masks people wear in society.
The title itself suggests the duality of marital relationships, where individuals often present contradictory personas—one at home and another in public. Mrs. Whitefield, for instance, pretends to be a respectable wife while secretly engaging in affairs, revealing the fragmented nature of human identity. Shaw uses satire and irony to expose how people split their personalities to conform to societal expectations, making the play a critique of hypocrisy and social pretensions.
The play’s twists, revelations, and shifting alliances further emphasize the fluidity of identity, reinforcing its theme of split personality.
Discussion
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