Explore detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 6: “Memories of Childhood.” Immerse yourself in the nostalgic narratives through expertly crafted question-and-answer solutions. Uncover the themes of innocence and growth woven into the chapter, enriching your literary perspective. These solutions ensure a thorough understanding of the text, aiding in effective exam preparation. Elevate your learning experience with these concise, reliable, and insightful academic resources.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Vistas Chapter – 6 Memories of Childhood Questions and Answers
READING WITH INSIGHT ➤➤➤
1. The two accounts that you read above are based in two distant cultures. What is the commonality of theme found in both of them?
Answer: Undoubtedly, these two accounts stem from vastly different cultural backgrounds – one rooted in America and the other in India. Yet, a striking common thread runs through both narratives: the subjugation of individuals. In the American context, a young Native American girl endures the harsh realities of racial discrimination, while in India, a girl grapples with the indignities inflicted upon her due to her caste. Despite the geographical chasm that separates their birthplaces, these women share a harrowing experience of suffering at the hands of the privileged and influential.
In America, the dominance of white individuals over the Native American population is evident as Zitkala-Sa, the Native American girl, undergoes a painful experience of having her long hair forcibly cut, a violation of the cherished values instilled in her upbringing. Similarly, in India, Barna is deeply troubled by the stark contrast between the high-caste individuals, who treat Dalits as if they were slaves, and the injustices they face while toiling for landlords. The Dalits, relegated to the status of “untouchables,” endure a cruel prohibition from even touching their own food, a flagrant injustice that reeks of unfairness. Despite the vast physical and cultural distance that separates these two women’s origins, their shared tales paint a vivid picture of the oppressive forces that have shaped their lives, each reflecting a painful chapter in the annals of human history marred by inequity and discrimination.
2. It may take a long time for expression to be resisted, but the seeds of rebellion are sowed early in life. Do you agree that injustice in any form cannot escape being noticed even by children?
Answer: Children possess an extraordinary sensitivity. They meticulously observe every detail around them, making it virtually impossible for any form of injustice to remain hidden from their keen awareness. While some individuals might underestimate the perceptiveness of children, assuming they cannot comprehend the concept of injustice, this belief is entirely misguided. Children have an innate ability to perceive the world around them. They may not always articulate their observations, but deep within, they harbor an inherent resistance to injustice. As they mature into adulthood, this inclination to oppose injustice becomes more pronounced, leading them to take a stand against it.
3. Bama’s experience is that of a victim of the caste system. What kind of discrimination does Zitkala-Sa’s experience depict? What are their responses to their respective situations?
Answer: Zitkala-Sa strongly opposed the imposition of the white man’s will upon Native American people. She vehemently disliked being stripped of her shawl, forced into tightly-fitting attire, and made to wear uncomfortable shoes. However, what inflicted the deepest pain upon her was the forced cutting of her long braided hair. She resisted these changes with all her might, finding solace in hiding, shedding tears, and even attempting to resist physically, but unfortunately, she found herself powerless against the authority dictating these actions.
Barna felt a deep sense of anguish witnessing the injustice inflicted upon the Dalits. Her brother, however, offered her valuable guidance, explaining that true respect and dignity could only be attained through hard work and a commitment to learning. Heeding her brother’s advice, she dedicated herself to diligent effort and emerged as the top student in her class. Her dedication and kindness attracted many of her classmates, who willingly became her friends.