Okay, providing answers for all those questions will be quite extensive, but I can

definitely help you with them. I'll provide concise yet comprehensive answers,
focusing on the key points you'd need for your CBSE exams.
Let's go through them chapter by chapter.

Hornbill: Prose - "The Portrait of a Lady" by Khushwant Singh

Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 marks)
1. Describe the author's grandmother's physical appearance. How did she
appear different from others of her age?
The author's grandmother was old, short, fat, and slightly bent. Her face was a
"criss-cross of wrinkles." She always wore spotless white clothes. She appeared
different because, for the author, she had been old and wrinkled for twenty
years; the idea of her ever having been young and pretty was almost revolting.
He could not imagine her as anything but the perpetually old woman.
2. How did the grandmother spend her day in the village?
In the village, the grandmother spent her day waking the author, getting him
ready for school, accompanying him to the temple school, reading scriptures
there, and then feeding stale chapatis to the village dogs on their way back
home.
3. What was the "turning point" in the author's relationship with his
grandmother when they moved to the city?
The "turning point" occurred when they moved to the city house. Although they
shared the same room, the grandmother could no longer accompany the author
to school (he went by bus to an English school), nor could she help him with his
lessons (due to English and science). She also couldn't feed dogs, so she started
feeding sparrows, creating a physical and emotional distance between them.
4. Why was the grandmother disturbed by the English education and music
lessons in the city school?
The grandmother was disturbed because the city school taught English science,
western music, and subjects she couldn't understand or help with. She
disapproved of music lessons, believing music was meant only for beggars and
harlots, not for "gentlefolk." There was no teaching about God or scriptures,
which troubled her deeply.
5. How did the sparrows react to the grandmother's death? What does this
incident reveal about her character?
When the grandmother died, thousands of sparrows gathered and sat silently
around her body in the verandah, not chirping or taking notice of the bread
crumbs offered by the author's mother. They flew away quietly only after her
body was carried for cremation. This reveals her profound compassion and the
deep, silent bond she shared with all living beings, even birds, who mourned her
passing.
 6. "The thought was almost revolting." What thought is the author referring
to, and why did he find it revolting?
The author is referring to the thought of his grandmother ever having been
young, pretty, or having a husband. He found it revolting because he had only
ever known her as an old, wrinkled woman for twenty years. The idea of her
being anything else was beyond his comprehension and seemed improbable.
7. Why did the grandmother accept her seclusion with resignation?
When the author went to university, he was given a separate room, which further
severed their common link. The grandmother accepted this seclusion with
resignation because she was a practical and strong-willed woman. Instead of
complaining, she chose to fill her time with spinning, reciting prayers, and
feeding sparrows.
8. What "odd way" did the grandmother behave just before her death?
Just before her death, the grandmother stopped praying. She gathered the
women of the neighbourhood and started singing devotional songs with a drum,
celebrating her homecoming to God. This was an "odd way" for her as she had
never missed her prayers before.
Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 marks)
1. Trace the changing relationship between the author and his grandmother
through different phases of their lives. Did their feelings for each other
change?
The relationship between the author and his grandmother evolved through three
phases:
o Village Life: They were inseparable. She cared for him, prepared
him for school, accompanied him, and helped with his studies. Their
bond was strong, based on mutual dependence and affection.
o City Life (Shared Room): This marked a "turning point." While
they still shared a room, the grandmother could no longer help with
his English education. Communication lessened, and she felt
alienated by Western schooling. Their bond weakened due to a lack
of shared activities, though affection remained.
o City Life (Separate Rooms/University): When the author went
to university, he got a separate room, and the common link
snapped entirely. She accepted her seclusion but continued her
routines. Despite the physical distance and lack of conversation,
their underlying love and respect for each other never diminished.
Her final emotional farewell at the station and the sparrows'
mourning signify the enduring depth of their bond.
2. The author's grandmother was a strong-willed and deeply religious person.
Elaborate on this statement with instances from the text.
The grandmother was indeed strong-willed and deeply religious.
 o Strong-willed: She quietly adapted to changing circumstances
(moving to the city, separate rooms) without complaint, engaging
herself in spinning and prayers. She firmly expressed her
disapproval of Western education and music, indicating her
unyielding adherence to her beliefs. Her "odd way" of celebrating
her imminent death, defying the family's pleas, also shows her
strong will.
o Deeply Religious: Her every action was intertwined with her faith.
She always had her rosary beads in her hand, constantly murmuring
prayers. She read scriptures in the temple, and her mind was a
"storehouse of knowledge about God and holy books." Her final act
was to sing devotional songs, believing she was returning home to
God, highlighting her profound and unwavering devotion.
3. "She was like the winter landscape in the mountains..." Explain this simile
with reference to the grandmother's character and appearance.
This simile beautifully captures the grandmother's serene, calm, and pure nature.
o Appearance: Just as a winter landscape is often covered in
spotless white snow, the grandmother always wore spotless white
clothes, symbolizing purity and peace. The "expanse of pure white
serenity" reflects her calm and composed demeanor, untouched by
the changes around her.
o Character: The "breathing peace and contentment" refers to her
inner tranquility and acceptance. Despite physical changes and
increasing solitude, she maintained a spiritual calm. She was a
haven of peace for the author, providing stability and quiet
strength, much like the unchanging, pure landscape of mountains.
The coldness associated with winter also subtly hints at her
detachment from worldly pleasures and her focus on spiritual
pursuits.
4. How does the story highlight the impact of modernization on traditional
values and relationships?
The story subtly highlights the impact of modernization.
o Education: The shift from village temple school (religious
education) to city English school (Western science, music, no
religious teaching) shows the clash between traditional and modern
educational values. The grandmother's distress at this change
represents the older generation's concern about the erosion of
cultural and spiritual roots.
o Urbanization: The move from a village (where she could easily
feed dogs and accompany the author) to a city (where these
activities became impossible) demonstrates how urban
environments disrupt traditional routines and community bonds.
o Relationships: Modernization leads to a physical and emotional
distance between the author and his grandmother. While love
 persists, the shared experiences and deep daily connection of the
village life are lost. The grandmother's increasing seclusion,
replaced by her dedication to spinning and sparrows, symbolizes the
isolation often experienced by older generations as traditional
family structures adapt to modern life.
5. Despite the growing distance, the bond between the author and his
grandmother remained strong. Discuss the various ways this bond was
expressed.
Despite the physical and intellectual distance, their bond remained deep and
strong, expressed in several ways:
o Early Affection: In the village, their bond was evident in her
constant care for him.
o Silent Understanding: Even in the city, though conversation
dwindled, she showed her love by being present and praying for
him. She didn't complain about the changes but retreated into her
spiritual world.
o Emotional Farewell: Her silent kiss on his forehead before he left
for abroad was a profound gesture of love, which the author
cherished as possibly their "last physical contact."
o Author's Memory: The author's vivid and affectionate recollection
of her, even years later, underscores the lasting impact she had on
him.
o Sparrows' Mourning: The sparrows' collective silent mourning at
her death is a poignant testament to her compassionate nature and
the universal love she commanded, indicating a bond that
transcended human relationships. The author and his family
respected her last wishes, further showing their deep regard for her.

Hornbill: Poem - "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson

Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 marks)
1. What does the "cardboard" refer to in the poem? Why has this word been
used?
The "cardboard" refers to the old, stiff mounting on which the photograph is
pasted. This word has been used to emphasize the photograph's age and its
fragile, almost brittle, state, suggesting a past event that is now preserved but
distant.
2. Who are the three girls captured in the photograph? What were they
doing?
The three girls captured in the photograph are the poet's mother and her two
younger cousins, Betty and Dolly. They were at a beach, paddling in the sea, with
their "uncle with the camera."
 3. What has not changed over the years in the photograph? What does this
suggest to you?
The sea has not changed over the years; it "washes their terribly transient feet."
This suggests the eternal and unchanging nature of nature (the sea) compared to
the transient and mortal nature of human life. The sea remains the same, while
human lives pass by.
4. "Both wry with the laboured ease of loss." Explain the meaning of this line.
This line refers to the poet and her mother. "Both wry" means both are twisted or
distorted by a sense of irony or sadness. The mother found the memory of her
childhood innocence lost with time, while the poet feels the painful absence of
her mother. "Laboured ease of loss" refers to the difficult and painful acceptance
of what has been lost, even if it eventually settles into a kind of resigned peace.
5. What does the mother's laughter at the snapshot indicate?
The mother's laughter at the snapshot indicates her joy and nostalgia as she
recalled her innocent childhood days at the beach. It shows her amusement at
how they looked back then and the carefree spirit of her youth, providing a
momentary escape from the present.
6. How does the poem reflect the passage of time?
The poem reflects the passage of time through three distinct phases: the
mother's childhood (captured in the photograph), the poet's childhood (when her
mother would look at the photo and laugh), and the present (after the mother's
death). The fading photograph and the permanent sea highlight the transient
nature of human life against the backdrop of an unchanging natural world.
7. What is the central theme of the poem "A Photograph"?
The central theme of the poem "A Photograph" is the passage of time, the
bittersweet nature of memory, and the inevitable loss and transience of human
life. It explores how a single photograph can encapsulate moments of joy, youth,
and eventually, the profound sense of absence and silence left by death.
Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 marks)
1. Discuss the three different phases of time depicted in the poem and how
they relate to the poet's emotions.
The poem depicts time in three phases, each evoking different emotions in the
poet:
o Phase 1: The Past (Mother's Childhood): This is the time of the
photograph, capturing the mother's carefree youth and innocence
at the beach with her cousins. For the poet, this phase evokes a
sense of joy, seeing her mother happy and young, a time before
life's burdens. It's a preserved moment of vibrant life.
o Phase 2: The Mother's Past (Poet's Childhood): This is when
the mother, years later, would look at the photograph and laugh,
recalling her own childhood. For the poet, this phase evokes
nostalgia and shared joy. She remembers her mother's laughter, a
 sound now lost. This is a bittersweet memory, as it reminds her of a
loving presence.
o Phase 3: The Present (After Mother's Death): This is the
current reality for the poet, where her mother is no more. This
phase is dominated by a profound sense of loss, grief, and silence.
The photograph becomes a painful reminder of what is gone. The
"silence silences" her, emphasizing the overwhelming emptiness
caused by her mother's absence.
2. How does Shirley Toulson use the elements of the photograph and the sea
to convey the themes of memory, loss, and the transient nature of life?
Shirley Toulson masterfully uses the photograph and the sea as central
metaphors:
o The Photograph: It serves as a tangible link to the past, a frozen
moment in time. It symbolizes the power of memory to preserve
moments of joy and youth. However, its fading quality also hints at
the passage of time and the eventual fading of memories, just as
life itself fades. It becomes a poignant symbol of what was and is
now lost.
o The Sea: In stark contrast to the human figures, the sea is
described as "terribly transient" for the feet but itself "has not
changed." It represents eternity, constancy, and the vast, indifferent
flow of time. It washes away the transient footprints of human life,
symbolizing how human existence is fleeting compared to the
enduring natural world. The "laboured ease of loss" of the mother is
set against the timelessness of the sea, highlighting the painful yet
inevitable acceptance of mortality.
3. "Its silence silences." Explain the profound meaning of this phrase in the
context of the poem's conclusion.
This powerful phrase concludes the poem, encapsulating the poet's
overwhelming grief and the finality of death.
o The "its" refers to the situation or circumstance of her mother's
death.
o The first "silence" refers to the absolute quiet and stillness that
death brings – the absence of her mother's voice, laughter, and
presence.
o The second "silences" means that this profound absence and
quietness has a deeply silencing effect on the poet herself. It leaves
her speechless, numb, and overwhelmed with a grief so immense
that she has no words or emotions left to express. It signifies the
ultimate, crushing impact of loss, leaving only a hollow emptiness.
4. The poem explores the bittersweet nature of memories. Elaborate on this
with reference to the poet's feelings about her mother and the
photograph.
The poem beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of memories, which bring
both joy and sorrow.
o Bitterness for the Mother: For the mother, looking at the old
photograph was bittersweet. She laughed with nostalgia at her
youthful appearance ("Paddling") but perhaps felt a touch of
sadness at the "laboured ease of loss" – the irreversible passing of
those carefree days. Her laughter was "wry," suggesting a mix of
amusement and a recognition of time's toll.
o Bitterness for the Poet: For the poet, the memory of her mother,
now deceased, is even more acutely bittersweet. She cherishes the
memory of her mother's laughter and the happiness captured in the
photo. However, this cherished memory is intertwined with the pain
of her mother's absence. The photograph now solely represents a
person who is "dead," and the vividness of the past only intensifies
the present sense of irreparable loss. The memory of the past,
though beautiful, is now overshadowed by the profound "silence" of
her mother's death.

Snapshots: Supplementary - "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse"

by William Saroyan
Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 marks)
1. What was the most striking characteristic of the Garoghlanian tribe? How
did it affect Aram and Mourad's actions?
The most striking characteristic of the Garoghlanian tribe was their unshakeable
honesty and integrity, passed down for eleven centuries. They were known for
their honesty, especially regarding money. This characteristic affected Aram and
Mourad's actions because, despite Mourad "borrowing" the horse, Aram
struggled to label it as stealing due to their family's reputation for honesty. This
strong sense of family honour eventually led them to return the horse.
2. How did Aram react when he first saw Mourad with the beautiful white
horse?
When Aram first saw Mourad with the beautiful white horse, he was astonished
and delighted. He couldn't believe his eyes because, being poor, they couldn't
afford a horse. He initially thought Mourad must have stolen it, which seemed
impossible given their tribe's reputation, but the beauty of the horse captivated
him.
3. Why did Aram not consider Mourad's act of taking the horse as stealing, at
least initially?
Aram initially did not consider it stealing because, according to him, it wasn't
stealing if you didn't intend to sell the horse. He reasoned that they were "crazy
about horses" and only intended to ride it, not keep it permanently for money.
For him, stealing was only when one tried to profit from it.
 4. Describe Uncle Khosrove's character. How does his personality influence
the story?
Uncle Khosrove was a man with a "furious temper, a large head, and a booming
voice." He was famous for his impatience and dismissive attitude, often roaring,
"It is no harm; pay no attention to it." His character adds a humorous, eccentric
touch to the story, highlighting the Garoghlanian tribe's unusual personalities.
His loud pronouncements often simplify situations, inadvertently excusing
Mourad's actions, and provide comic relief.
5. What was Mourad's "way with a horse"?
Mourad had a special, almost magical, "way with a horse." He understood
animals instinctively. He could calm them, command them, and get them to do
what he wanted. He believed he had a natural affinity for them, treating them
with a unique blend of understanding and affection, which allowed him to ride
and handle the horse expertly.
6. Why was John Byro distressed, and how did he react when he encountered
Aram and Mourad with his horse?
John Byro was distressed because his beautiful white horse, which was essential
for his livelihood (driving his surrey), had been stolen. When he encountered
Aram and Mourad with the horse, he was surprised. He meticulously examined
the horse, recognized it as his own, but due to the tribe's reputation for honesty,
he chose to believe Aram's denial and simply stated, "A suspicious man would
believe his eyes instead of his heart." He implied that he trusted their family's
honesty over what his eyes told him.
7. Where did the boys hide the horse, and why was it a suitable place?
The boys hid the horse in a deserted vineyard of a farmer named Fetvajian. It
was a suitable place because it had a barn that was part of an abandoned
vineyard, offering shelter and seclusion. It was also close enough for them to
visit and ride the horse secretly.
Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 marks)
1. Discuss the theme of honesty and integrity as portrayed through the
actions of Aram and Mourad and the values of the Garoghlanian tribe.
The theme of honesty is central, creating a humorous paradox. The Garoghlanian
tribe prides itself on its "unshakeable honesty," being known for truthfulness and
integrity for centuries, even in poverty.
o Mourad's Action: Mourad "borrows" the horse, an act technically
considered stealing, but he does it out of passion for horses, not for
profit. He truly believes he is not stealing because he intends to
return it.
o Aram's Justification: Aram initially rationalizes Mourad's act,
distinguishing between "stealing a horse for a ride" and "stealing for
money," thereby protecting his family's reputation in his mind.
o John Byro's Trust: John Byro, despite recognizing his horse,
chooses to trust the tribe's reputation over visual evidence, stating,
 "A suspicious man would believe his eyes instead of his heart." This
unwavering faith in their honesty puts pressure on the boys.
o The Return: Ultimately, the boys return the horse, not out of fear,
but due to their inherent family values. John Byro's trust, combined
with their own conscience and the fear of bringing dishonour to
their tribe, compels them to return the horse. Thus, the story subtly
affirms that while passion can lead one astray, true integrity
eventually guides one back to the path of honesty.
2. Do you agree that the story, despite not having "breathless adventure and
exciting action," is interesting? Justify your answer.
Yes, I agree that the story is interesting despite lacking "breathless adventure
and exciting action." Its appeal lies in:
o Charming Narrative Voice: Aram's naive, innocent first-person
narration is engaging and humorous, especially his internal
dilemmas about "stealing."
o Unique Characters: The eccentric personalities like the passionate
Mourad and the loud Uncle Khosrove add flavour and comic relief,
making the interactions memorable.
o Humorous Situations: The clash between the tribe's famed
honesty and Mourad's "borrowing," the comically exaggerated
arguments, and John Byro's patient yet knowing encounters provide
gentle humour.
o Exploration of Values: It subtly explores themes of honesty,
integrity, and the universal longing for freedom and adventure,
particularly in childhood.
o Nostalgic Tone: The story evokes a sense of childhood wonder and
a simpler time, making it relatable and emotionally resonant. It's a
delightful character study and a gentle exploration of moral choices,
rather than a thrilling plot.
3. Analyze the characters of Aram and Mourad. How do their personalities
complement each other?
Aram and Mourad, though cousins, possess distinct personalities that
complement each other:
o Aram: He is the narrator, younger (nine years old), more cautious,
innocent, and pragmatic. He represents the voice of conscience and
the traditional values of the tribe. He grapples with the moral
implications of Mourad's actions, initially trying to rationalize them.
He is more of an observer and slightly fearful.
o Mourad: He is older (thirteen), adventurous, daring, confident, and
somewhat impulsive. He is portrayed as having a "crazy streak" and
a natural affinity for animals. He embodies passion and a disregard
for conventional rules when driven by his desires (like riding the
 horse). He is also compassionate and charming, easily connecting
with people and animals.
o Complementary Dynamic: Aram's caution balances Mourad's
impulsiveness. Aram's internal struggle highlights the moral
dilemma, while Mourad's confidence pushes the narrative forward.
Mourad's "way with a horse" provides the means for their
adventure, while Aram's perspective grounds it in the context of
their tribe's values. Together, they represent the innocent thrill of
childhood adventure tempered by an underlying sense of morality
and family honour.
4. The story is a nostalgic account of a childhood adventure. How does the
author create this mood of nostalgia?
The author creates a strong mood of nostalgia through several elements:
o First-Person Narration: The story is told from the perspective of a
young Aram (nine years old), looking back on a summer. This
retrospective view naturally infuses the narrative with fondness and
a sense of a bygone era.
o Focus on Simple Pleasures: The adventure isn't grand, but
simple: riding a stolen horse in the early morning. This highlights
the purity and innocence of childhood desires.
o Emphasis on Family and Community: The constant reference to
the Garoghlanian tribe's values, eccentric characters like Uncle
Khosrove, and the close bond between the cousins evokes a sense
of close-knit community from a simpler time.
o Sensory Details: Descriptions of the "sweet, fresh air," the "smell
of the new grass," and the "delightful" feeling of riding conjure vivid,
pleasant memories.
o Lack of Harsh Judgment: Despite the "stealing," the tone is
gentle and non-judgmental, emphasizing the boys' innocent
intentions and their eventual return of the horse. This forgiving
perspective is characteristic of looking back fondly on youthful
indiscretions.
5. Why did Aram and Mourad ultimately return the horse to John Byro? Was it
due to fear or a sense of conscience? Discuss.
Aram and Mourad ultimately returned the horse primarily due to a strong sense
of conscience and the deeply ingrained tribal values of honesty and integrity,
rather than just fear.
o The Confrontation: The pivotal moment was their direct
encounter with John Byro. While Byro didn't accuse them directly,
his words, "A suspicious man would believe his eyes instead of his
heart," created immense moral pressure. He trusted their family's
reputation for honesty more than his own visual evidence.
 o Tribal Honour: The Garoghlanian tribe's centuries-old reputation
for honesty was paramount. Keeping the horse after being implicitly
trusted would have brought immense dishonour to their family, a
fate worse than any punishment.
o Mourad's Changing Stance: Initially, Mourad was adamant about
keeping the horse for a long time. However, after the encounter
with Byro and witnessing the horse's distress (implied by Mourad's
statement that he had "a way with animals"), he seems to have
fully acknowledged the wrongness. He said the horse became
"stronger and better-tempered" after they put it back, suggesting
his actions were driven by a desire to restore integrity.
o Not Fear of Consequences: There's no indication that they feared
legal repercussions or physical punishment. Their fear was of moral
degradation and tarnishing their ancestral pride.
It's a testament to the unshakeable family values that, despite their passion for
riding, their innate honesty ultimately prevailed.

I hope these answers are helpful for your studies! Let me know if you need
clarification on any specific point or have more questions.