Q1: Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away? Ans: The grandmother felt embarrassed to ask others for help because she valued her self-respect and independence. Even though her family was well-off, she saw her inability to read as a personal shortcoming and didn’t want to appear dependent. This hesitation highlights her strong sense of pride and dignity.
Q2: Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two? Ans: The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s determination to learn because, at the age of twelve, she holds immature beliefs. She looks at her grandmother’s age, grey hair, wrinkles, spectacles, and kitchen work, and wrongly concludes that learning is only for the young. In time, she understands that this assumption is mistaken and that anyone can learn at any age.
Q3: What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story? Ans: Kashi Yatre is central to the story in several ways:
- The grandmother feels a strong connection with the novel’s elderly protagonist, which makes her invested in every episode.
- The story’s emphasis on compassion over personal gain mirrors Avva’s own generous and selfless character.
- When she misses an episode because the narrator is away, it becomes a pivotal moment, inspiring her determination to learn to read so she won’t be dependent again.
- Ultimately, her ability to read the novel’s title and publisher’s name by herself marks not only her achievement but also brings a satisfying and emotional resolution to the story.
Q4: What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her? Ans: The grandmother’s desire to learn at the age of sixty-two reflects several admirable qualities:
- Thirst for knowledge: The grandmother regrets not having received an education and eagerly embraces the chance to learn when it arises.
- Determination and courage: She refuses to let age, physical limitations, or societal expectations prevent her from pursuing literacy.
- Strong desire for independence: She strives for self-reliance, determined not to depend on others for something as essential as reading.
- Self-awareness and perseverance: She recognizes the opportunities she missed and is committed to working hard to overcome them.
Q5: What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet? Ans: The grandmother’s action of touching her granddaughter’s feet teaches us several important lessons:
- Respect for the teacher: By touching the feet of her granddaughter as a teacher, the grandmother upholds the Indian value of showing utmost respect to one’s guru, regardless of age or familial ties.
- True humility: The act of a sixty-two-year-old bowing to a twelve-year-old demonstrates profound humility and greatness of character, highlighting the grandmother’s willingness to learn from anyone.
- Learning transcends social barriers: This gesture shows that, in the pursuit of knowledge, traditional boundaries of age and family roles become irrelevant.
- Sincere gratitude: The grandmother’s action is a heartfelt expression of gratitude, showing her deep appreciation in the most meaningful way she knows.
Q6: How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence? Ans: The story effectively illustrates the value of education in achieving personal independence through the grandmother’s experience. Despite being financially secure and respected, she feels powerless because she cannot read, making her reliant on others. She comes to understand that wealth cannot substitute for the self-reliance that literacy offers. When she finally learns to read and is able to identify the book’s title on her own, it becomes a powerful symbol of her independence.
Q7: Did the narrator expect to see her grandmother in tears when she returned to the village? Why or why not? Ans: No, the narrator did not expect to see her grandmother in tears. It surprised her because her grandmother was always strong and never showed her emotions, even during tough times. The narrator did not anticipate that her absence would affect Avva so deeply, particularly since missing Kashi Yatre left her grandmother feeling helpless and emotional.
Q8: How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write? Ans: The narrator can help her grandmother learn to read and write by patiently introducing the Kannada alphabet, starting with basic letters and gradually moving on to simple words and sentences. Setting a clear and meaningful goal, such as being able to read a novel by Saraswati Puja during Dassara, would keep her grandmother motivated and focused on her progress.
Q9: What does the phrase ‘never seen her cry in the most difficult situations’ tell us about the grandmother? Ans: It tells us that the grandmother was strong-willed. She had always handled challenges without ever showing her emotions. This made it even more shocking for the narrator to see her grandmother cry.
Q10: Why did the grandmother not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright? Ans: The grandmother felt a deep sense of helplessness and longing because she couldn’t read the story she cherished. The weight of her emotions left her unable to respond right away, as she struggled to process her disappointment and sadness. She was too emotional to respond.
Q11: What clues from the text indicate a rural setting with traditional customs? Ans: Evidence of a rural, traditional setting is found in the description of sleeping on the open terrace under a summer night’s full moon—something common in Indian villages. Additionally, the use of the word “Avva” (Kannada for grandmother) reflects local customs and language.
Q12: What does the grandmother’s statement “I want to be independent” reveal about her character? Ans: It reveals that she desires self-sufficiency. The grandmother’s wish to be independent shows she values self-reliance and dignity. Despite her family’s comfortable status, she feels powerless because she cannot read, making her dependent on others.
Q13: What are two key qualities displayed by the grandmother when she decides to learn? Ans: 1. Determination and willpower: The grandmother sets a clear goal for herself—to learn to read by Saraswati Puja during Dassara—and dedicates herself wholeheartedly to reaching it. 2. Self-respect and dignity: Instead of asking someone else to read for her and feeling embarrassed, she takes it upon herself to learn, valuing her independence and self-worth.
Q14: How does the narrator make assumptions about her grandmother when she asks to learn the alphabet? Ans: The narrator mistakenly believes her sixty-two-year-old grandmother is too old to learn, basing her judgment on outward signs like grey hair, wrinkles, and spectacles. However, the grandmother’s determination leads her to succeed, disproving the narrator’s assumptions and showing that age is not a barrier to learning.
Q15: What is the broader theme behind the line: “For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle”? Ans: This line emphasizes that determination enables people to overcome any obstacle, no matter their age or circumstances. The grandmother’s resolve to learn to read at sixty-two and achieve her goal before Dassara clearly demonstrates this message. The story reinforces the idea that education is universal, and with motivation and perseverance, barriers such as age or limited time can be conquered.
Sir thode small answers de do learn karna ma easily hoga