CBSE Class 12 English HOTs Memories of Childhood Set 01

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. How did Zitkala-Sa’s first day in the land of apples begin?
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s first day in the land of apples was full of embarrassment and indignities. It was a bitter cold day and the ground was covered with snow. A large bell rang for breakfast and everybody moved towards the dining hall. The annoying clatter of shoes disturbed the place. Before entering the dining room, she was given tight fitting clothes which she found immodest. They took away the blanket wrapped around her and Zitkala-Sa felt embarrassed.

Question. “I felt like sinking to the floor,” says Zitkala-Sa. When did she feel so and why?
Answer: Zitkala-Sa felt like sinking to the floor because she was made to wear a new dress at school. Her shawl had also been removed. She was feeling ashamed of her body-clinging dress. Hence, when she was walking to the dining hall, she felt like sinking to the floor with shame at all the unfamiliar way of dressing.

Question. Why was Zitkala-Sa in tears on the first day in the land of apples?
Answer: Zitkala-Sa was in tears on the first day in the land of apples because she was feeling sad about being taken away from her culture. Further, she was already embarrassed by the tight and uncomfortable clothes that she had to wear. Her situation became bad when everybody was following a certain order with the bells to begin to eat. Further, she did not know how to eat using knives and forks. All of these culminated in her feeling strange and sad, leading to her crying.

Question. According to Zitkala-Sa what does ‘eating by formula’ mean?
Answer: According to Zitkala-Sa, ‘eating by formula’ meant following an eating-decorum in the dining room. At the sound of the first bell, the pupils drew a chair from under the table. All were seated when the second bell sounded and when the third bell was tapped everyone started eating with forks and knives.

Question. What was the terrible warning that Judewin gave Zitkala-Sa? Or What did Judewin tell Zitkala-Sa? How did she react to it? Or What did Judewin tell the narrator? What was the effect?
Answer: Judewin warned Zitkala-Sa that she had overheard the white woman talking about cutting their long, heavy hair. Zitkala-Sa was horrified with the thought of getting her hair cut. Judewin further told her friend that they had to submit to the will of the authorities as they were strong. Zitkala-Sa reacted strongly and said that she would not give up without struggling.

Question. Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the cutting of her hair?
Answer: Zitkala-Sa was terrified by the thought of having her hair cut because, in her community, shingled hair was worn by unskilled warriors who were captured by the enemy. Thus, it was a sign of cowardice. She decided that she would not go down without a fight.

Question. How did Zitkala-Sa try to prevent the shingling of her hair?
Answer: When Judewin informed Zitkala that their hair would be cut short, Zitkala-Sa decided to escape. When no one was noticing, she crept up the stairs and found a large dark room to hide in. She hid under the bed farthest from the door.

Question. How did Zitkala-Sa feel when her hair was shingled?
Answer: Zitkala-Sa felt anguished and ashamed when her long hair was cut. She missed her mother very much. No one could comfort her like her mother did. She was feeling like an animal driven by a herder.

Question. Zitkala-Sa mentions the indignities she had to suffer as a child. How do such indignities break the morale of a child?
Answer: Ever since she was separated from her mother, Zitkala-Sa faced a number of indignities. People stared at her and she was tossed about in the air as if she were a wooden puppet. The ultimate insult came when her long dark hair was cut. It was then that she missed the comfort of her mother’s presence. These events impacted Zitkala severely. Her spirit, courage and morale had been shaken and broken down.

Question. What impact does the boarding school environment have on the narrator’s emotional and psychological well-being, both during and after the incident of having her hair cut?
Answer: The boarding school environment profoundly impacts the narrator’s emotional and psychological well-being, exacerbating feelings of isolation, trauma, and cultural alienation. During the incident of having her hair cut, the environment fosters a sense of powerlessness and betrayal, intensifying her emotional distress. Post-haircut, the boarding school continues to serve as a site of psychological turmoil, where the narrator grapples with the aftermath of cultural erasure and loss. The oppressive atmosphere perpetuates feelings of alienation and invalidation, compounding her sense of displacement from her artistic roots and community. This experience leaves lasting scars on her psyche, contributing to feelings of disconnection and identity crisis that persist long after the traumatic event, highlighting the enduring impact of cultural oppression on indigenous individuals’ emotional and psychological well-being.

Question. Which activities of the people would Bama watch keenly in the bazaar?
Answer: The bazaar, on the way home, was always buzzing with activity. The snake charmer, street plays, puppet shows and stunt performance were a few interesting things going on there. Bama used to love all these things and would be attracted by them.

Question. Describe the experience Bama had on her way back home which made her feel sad.
Answer: On her way back home, Bama saw an elder of her street carrying vadais for the landlord. The manner in which he carried the packet by holding its string made Bama laugh. She related this comic incident to her brother, Annan. However, he was not amused and he told Bama that the elder was behaving that way because people of their community were considered of low caste. This horrific truth made Bama sad.

Question. Why did the landlord’s man ask Bama’s brother on which street he lived? What was the significance?
Answer: Annan was returning home from the library in the neighbouring village, when the landlord’s man asked him his name. Then, he wanted to know where Annan lived. He asked this to ascertain Annan’s caste because all the lower caste people lived in one area of the town.

Question. How was Annan instrumental in Bama achieving success in life?
Answer: Annan played a crucial role in Bama’s success by making her aware of the discrimination faced by their community and encouraging her to focus on education as a means of empowerment. He advised her to study hard and excel academically, which motivated her to overcome societal barriers and achieve success in life.

Question. The words that Annan spoke to me that day made a deep impression on me. What inference do you draw about the bond between Annan and Bama?
Answer: The given lines show that Annan and Bama shared a deep and loving sibling bond. Annan knew that his sister was not aware of the harsh reality of their caste. So, he told her about the caste system and how it had demeaned their existence. He, as a loving brother, encouraged Bama to study hard to overcome the barriers of the caste.

Question. How does Bama’s narrative highlight the intersectionality of caste, gender, and religion?
Answer: Bama’s narrative highlights the complex intersectionality of caste, gender, and religion in shaping the experiences of Dalit women within Tamil society. As a Tamil Dalit woman from a Roman Catholic family, she navigates multiple layers of marginalisation and discrimination, offering insight into the interconnected nature of oppression.

Question. Bama’s innocence was lost when she came face to face with the ugly truth of racial discrimination. Do you think children who have a difficult childhood become even more resolute than children who have a comfortable one?
Answer: Bama’s innocence was lost when she came face to face with the ugly truth of racial discrimination. Children like Bama become more resolute to change the situation and fight the oppressive forces that subdue them. Even though their childhood is difficult, they make sure that their adult life is not so and they face all challenges with more courage and resolution.

Question. “Where there is oppression, there will be resistance.” Comment on this statement with reference to the story.
Answer: It is true that “Where there is oppression, there will be resistance.” We can see this from both the stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama. Zitkala-Sa faces oppression in the new school where she is not only taken away from her mother but also made to wear tight uncomfortable clothes. Her resistance comes when she gets to know that her hair will be cut. She fights, cries and resists any attempts to stop her oppression but to no avail. Bama, on the other hands, faces oppression in the form of caste biasness. She fights and resists this oppression with education.

Question. In 20-30 words, mention one point of similarity and difference between Zitkala-Sa and Bama with reference to ‘Memories of Childhood’.
Answer: The stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama present social evils present in the Indian Society. While reading these descriptions, one can find some similarities and differences between both women. While Zitkala-Sa and Bama belonged to marginalised communities and were victims of oppression, the cause of their oppression are different. Zitkala-Sa was a victim of cultural discrimination whereas Bama was a victim of class-based discrimination.

Question. In 40-50 words, analyse the author’s message in the context given below. In the story ‘We Too Are Human Beings’, we first read about the old man carrying the parcel through the eyes of Bama and later understand the full context of the event when Annan explains it to her.
Answer: By showing us the same event from the perspective of Bama and then Annan, the author is trying to show that children are innocent and do not discriminate. It is only the adults who practice it and consequently teach the children to do so too. Further, it highlights the stupidity of the practice of untouchability.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. For people like Bama, it is necessary to break the shackles that society burdens them with and come out triumphant. What should one possess or acquire to help one live without fear?
Answer: For people like Bama, who belong to a ‘marginalised’ caste, it is essential to possess or acquire the values of patience, perseverance, a determination to succeed by fighting against all odds and then live without fear. Then only can they necessarily break the shackles that society burdens them with and come out triumphant. They must have patience and work hard to improve their lot. Bama did this by studying so well that she soon stood first in her class. She persevered and the result was that she made many friends due to her merit. She acquired the determination to succeed against all odds after her brother explained to her the reason why they were discriminated against. This helped her to get motivated to show everybody that she was no less than them. Thus, she was able to succeed in life and live without fear in future.

Question. Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa experienced the harsh reality of discrimination in their childhood. Instead of letting it pull them down, they both found a way to overcome it. You wish to include a cameo* of both in your upcoming blog post. As a part of the research, compare and contrast the experiences faced by the two and their response/s to these experiences, in 120-150 words. (Clue: Include the similarities and differences in the discrimination they faced - their feelings - determination to overcome - success) *a short description that neatly encapsulates someone or something
Answer: When it comes to discrimination the story ‘Memories of Childhood’ clearly tell us the struggles faced by those discriminated. The stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama hit our hearts as we read how they fight and stand up against the malady against humanity. The stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama are stories of different forms of discrimination. While Zitkala-Sa was discriminated against because of cultural differences, Bama faced discrimination due to her caste. Beside this differentiation, we can see many similarities between our two protagonists. Both of them come out as strong female figures who fought for what was right. Zitkala-Sa rebelled and refused to get her hair cut. She put up a strong fight, though had to give in finally. Similarly, Bama was enraged when she got to know that her elder was treated badly because of caste. She wanted to go and touch the packet of vadai to teach a lesson to the landlord. But was guided by her elder brother to calm down. He showed her the path to overcome discrimination. Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama worked hard to excel in education to succeed as writers. They have written much against discrimination and evils of oppression, thus continuing the fight for justice for their communities.

Question. Bama and Zitkala-Sa, though victims of a system that crushes their aspirations, are determined to break out. Comment. Or Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa were from marginalised communities. They challenged the system to bring dignity to their lives. Justify. Or The author vividly describes the trauma of Zitkala-Sa and Bama in ‘Memories of Childhood’. Support with examples from the texts, to illustrate the prejudices that were present in society.
Answer: It is true that both Bama and Zitkala-Sa, though victims of a system that crushes their aspirations, are determined to break out of the oppression that they face. Zitkala-Sa faces oppression in the new school where she is not only taken away from her mother but also made to wear tight uncomfortable clothes. She fights, cries and resists the school authorities with all her might because she does not want her hair to be shingled like that of a coward. Bama, on the other hands, faces oppression in the form of caste biasness. She fights and resists this oppression with education. She puts up a fight by bringing laurels to her community through her scholarly achievements. Thus, she proves that she is superior to the so-called upper castes.

Question. Zitkala-Sa’s character embodies courage, resilience, intellect, and a deep commitment to preserving Native American culture and advancing social justice. Comment.
Answer: It is true to say that Zitkala-Sa’s character embodies courage, resilience, intellect, and a deep commitment to preserving Native American culture and advancing social justice. Zitkala-Sa, whose real name was Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a remarkable Native American woman, who exhibited strong determination and resilience from a young age. Despite facing immense challenges and cultural oppression, she remained steadfast in her commitment to preserving her Native American identity and heritage. Despite various challenges, she persevered with courage and resilience, using her voice and platform to raise awareness and advocate for change. Zitkala-Sa had a deep connection to her Native American heritage and traditions. Her upbringing instilled in her a profound respect for her cultural beliefs, language and customs, which she courageously sought to uphold amidst the pressures of assimilation. Zitkala-Sa was a activist and leader who challenged stereotypes, combated prejudice, and empowered Indigenous peoples to reclaim their rights and cultural heritage through her writings and advocacy work.

Question. Draw a character sketch of Bama on the basis of your reading of ‘We too are human beings’.
Answer: Bama, the author and narrator of ‘Karukku’, is a resilient and introspective individual who navigates the complexities of caste-based discrimination and social injustice in her community. Courageous and Resilient: Bama confronts her community’s injustices and indignities. Despite the challenges and discrimination, she refuses to accept the status quo. Reflective and Observant: Bama is thoughtful and observant of her community’s social dynamics and power structures. She keenly observes the nuances of caste-based discrimination and reflects on its impact on her identity and sense of self-worth. Driven by Education: Education is a central theme in Bama’s life. Motivated by her elder brother’s advice, she recognises education as a pathway to empowerment and social change. Her dedication to academic achievement reflects her determination to challenge societal norms and break free from the constraints of her caste. Empathetic and Compassionate: Bama demonstrates empathy and compassion towards her community who endure similar experiences of discrimination and marginalisation. She shares their struggles and aspirations, advocating for their rights and dignity. Bama emerges as a multifaceted and dynamic character whose resilience, empathy, and commitment to social justice profoundly impact readers. Her character embodies the struggle for dignity, equality, and empowerment in the face of entrenched social hierarchies and systemic oppression.

Question. Do you think ‘Memories of Childhood’ is an appropriate title for the chapter? State YES or NO, along with a reason for your response in 100-120 words.
Answer: Yes. In my opinion, the title of the story is very fitting to its subject matter. The chapter contains stories from Zitkala-Sa and Bama, both of whom had turbulent childhoods filled with injustice and violence. Their childhood memories are extremely important because not only are they a mirror of how discrimination and injustice affect the mindset of an innocent child, these memories also shape their personalities and belief systems as they grew up. Giving these painful remembrances the title of ‘Memories of Childhood’ is a stroke of mastery because the title evokes an image of happiness, joy and laughter. But the actual childhood instances of the writers are filled with violence, fear, and an attack on their authentic selves. This stark difference makes the stories of Zitkala-Sa and Bama even more impactful.

Question. Untouchability is not only a crime, it is in human too. Why and how does Bama decide to fight against it?
Answer: In Memories of Childhood, Bama, a young Dalit girl, becomes acutely aware of the inhumanity of untouchability when she sees an elderly man from her community carrying food for an upper-caste landlord in a degrading manner. She realizes that her people are treated as inferior solely due to their caste. This deeply impacts her, filling her with anger and a strong resolve to fight against this injustice. Her brother’s advice that education is the key to empowerment inspires Bama to excel in her studies. She understands that knowledge and awareness can help her challenge discrimination and uplift her community. Instead of accepting her marginalized status, she chooses to resist oppression by striving for academic excellence and encouraging others to do the same.

Memories of Childhood