Write short answers to the following questions in about 75 words each. [5×2=10] a) Why hadn't Mrs. Baroda met Gouvernail so far though she had heard quite a lot about him ? (The Respectable Woman)…

a) Why hadn't Mrs. Baroda met Gouvernail so far though she had heard quite a lot about him? (The Respectable Woman)

Mrs. Baroda lives in a remote village where the only road is a narrow, unpaved track that is often washed out during the monsoon. Gouvernail, a well‑known philanthropist, travels mainly by railway and visits towns that lie on the main line. Because the village is off the railway network and the few visitors who come are usually traders, Mrs. Baroda has never had an occasion to meet him personally, although the villagers frequently discuss his charitable deeds, creating a reputation that reaches her ears long before any direct encounter.

b) What are some of the contributing factors that made Runtu like a lifeless wooden figure? (My Old Home)

• Physical neglect: Runtu’s parents are often absent, leaving him to fend for himself; he receives little proper food or clothing, causing chronic fatigue.
• Emotional isolation: The family’s constant quarrels and the loss of his younger sister have stripped him of affection, making him emotionally numb.
• Cultural expectations: In the rural setting, boys are expected to be silent and obedient; Runtu internalises this, suppressing any outward expression of feeling.
• Lack of education: Without schooling, his mind remains under‑stimulated, reinforcing a mechanical, unresponsive demeanor.

These factors together freeze his vitality, turning him into a “lifeless wooden figure” in the eyes of the narrator.

c) Why do you think the poet knows better about the sunrise but not much about the sunset? (A Day)

The poet’s familiarity with sunrise stems from the daily ritual of waking early to study, when the first light illuminates the pages and the world feels fresh and hopeful. Sunrise symbolizes beginnings, optimism, and the promise of learning—experiences the poet actively embraces. In contrast, sunset arrives after a long day of toil; it is associated with fatigue, doubt, and the unknown of night. The poet, exhausted and preoccupied with responsibilities, seldom pauses to observe the evening sky, resulting in a limited understanding of sunset’s subtle hues and symbolism.

d) Explain how “sense of proportion” contributes to wisdom. (Knowledge and Wisdom)

A “sense of proportion” is the ability to judge the relative importance of ideas, actions, or events. When one recognises that a single setback is a small part of a larger journey, anxiety diminishes and rational decision‑making improves. This balanced perspective prevents over‑reaction to trivial matters and avoids neglect of significant issues. Consequently, individuals apply knowledge judiciously, weigh consequences wisely, and act with humility—core attributes of true wisdom. Thus, proportionate thinking transforms raw information into prudent, enlightened conduct.

e) Who does the young woman blame for the love affair? And why? (A Matter of Husbands)

The young woman, Mrs. Miller, attributes the affair to her husband’s indifference and emotional neglect. She recounts that he spends most evenings at the club, rarely engages in conversation, and shows little interest in her feelings. This emotional vacuum drives her to seek affection elsewhere, leading to the illicit relationship. By blaming her husband, she underscores the belief that a partner’s failure to provide companionship and respect can precipitate infidelity, shifting moral responsibility from herself to his neglect.