The Hornbill is a textbook for Class 11 English published by NCERT. It is one of the main books for the English syllabus in Class 11. The book contains poems and stories to help students learn English.Â
Understanding the Text
Q.1. The three phases of the author’s relationship with his grandmother before lie left else country to study abroad.
Answer : There are three phases appeared of the author’s relationship with his grandmother. In The Portrait of a Lady, the author’s relationship with his grandmother evolves through three phases. Initially, in his childhood, they share a close bond as she raises him. In the second phase, during his school years, they grow distant. Finally, before he leaves for abroad, their relationship becomes silent yet deeply emotional.
Q.2. Three reasons why the author’s grandmother was disturbed when he started going to the city school.
Answer : The main three reasons are :
- 1.Grandmother was hated western Science and learning.
- 2. She was pained to know that there was no teaching of God and the scriptures there.
- 3. She was also allergic to music and thought it was not meant for decent people and gentlefolk. It was the monopoly of prostitutes and beggars.
Q.3. Three ways in which the author’s grandmother spent her days after he grew up.
Answer : The three ways are :
- 1. Grandmother lived alone in her room as she had accepted her loneliness quietly.
- 2. She sat at her spinning wheel reciting prayers.
- 3. In the afternoon, she would feed the sparrows for half an hour.
Q.4. The odd ways in which the author’s grandmother behaved just before she died.
Answer : Before her death in The Portrait of a Lady, the grandmother behaved oddly. She stopped talking to the family, prayed continuously, and refused to rest. Ignoring everyone’s concerns, she sang hymns loudly with unusual energy. The next day, she lay still in bed, passed away peacefully, and sparrows mourned her silently.
Q.5. The way in which the sparrows expressed their sorrow when the author’s grandmother died.
Answer : When the author’s grandmother died in The Portrait of a Lady, thousands of silent sparrows gathered around her body. They neither chirped nor touched the offered food. They sat quietly in mourning, filling the house and veranda. Their unusual, sorrowful behavior deeply moved the family. The next day, they flew away.
Talking about the Text
Q.1. The author’s grandmother was a religious person. What are the different ways in which we come to know this ?
Answer : In The Portrait of a Lady, the grandmother’s deep religiosity is evident in her constant prayer, devotion to reading scriptures, and telling beads of her rosary. She sang hymns, disapproved of modern education, and spent her final hours chanting prayers. Even in death, her faith remained central, reflecting her spirituality.
Q.2. Describe the changing relationship between the author and his grandmother. Did their feelings for each other change ?
Answer : In The Portrait of a Lady, the relationship between the author and his grandmother evolves over time but their deep affection remains unchanged. During his childhood, they share a close bond as she raises him, taking care of his daily needs and accompanying him to school. She tells him stories and teaches him prayers, making their relationship warm and intimate. As he grows older and moves to an English school, their bond weakens. She disapproves of his modern education and no longer helps him with his studies. Their conversations become limited, and when he moves to the city for higher studies, their connection further diminishes. Before leaving for abroad, their relationship turns silent yet deeply emotional. Despite the distance, their love remains strong. Upon his return, she briefly celebrates but soon falls ill and passes away. Though their interactions changed, their feelings of love and respect never wavered.
Q.3. Would you agree that the author’s grandmother was a person strong in character? If yes, give instances that show this.
Answer : Yes, the author’s grandmother in The Portrait of a Lady was a strong and determined woman. She displayed resilience, faith, and dignity throughout her life. She adapted to changes with quiet strength. When the author’s parents moved to the city, she adjusted to a new life despite feeling disconnected. Though she disapproved of English education and science, she never imposed her views on the author, showing her patience and understanding.
Grandmother’s deep religious devotion reflected her inner strength. She spent her days chanting prayers and reading scriptures, never complaining about loneliness. Even when she fell ill, she refused to rest, choosing to pray instead. Her final moments were marked by unwavering faith as she continued reciting prayers until her last breath. The silent mourning of the sparrows at her death symbolized the respect she commanded. Her life, full of grace and determination, demonstrated her strong character.
Q.4. Have you known someone like the author’s grandmother? Do you feel the same sense of loss with regard to someone whom you have loved and lost ?
Answer : Yes, I feel the same with the author because I have know someone like the author’s grandmother, someone deeply loving, wise, and strong in character. My own grandmother shared similar qualities. She was devoted to her faith, always praying and guiding us with stories of wisdom. Like the grandmother in The Portrait of a Lady, she was selfless, resilient, and never complained, even in difficult times. When I lost her, I felt a deep void, much like the author did. Her presence had been a source of comfort and strength, and her absence left a quiet emptiness in our home. The way the sparrows mourned in silence in the story reminded me of the quiet grief we felt when she passed. Though time has passed, her love and values remain with me. Like the author, I believe that such love never fades it lives on in memories and the lessons they leave behind.
Thinking about Language
Q.1. Which language do you think the author and his grandmother used while talking to each other ?
Answer : The author Khushwant Singh’s grandmother was not much educated. So, I think the author and his grandmother used to talk in their mother tongue in this case Panjabi.
Q.2. Which language do you use to talk to elderly relatives in your family ?
Answer : My elderly relatives are well versed in English and Assamese. I feel at home greeting
them in English but like to converse with them freely in Assamese.
Q.3. What is the expression used in your language for a ‘dilapidated drum’ ?
Answer : The expression used in our language for a ‘dilapidated drum’ is ‘phata-purana dhol.’
Q.4. Can you think of a song or poem in your language that talks of homecoming ?
Answer : Yes, ‘Country Roads, Take Me Home’ by John Denver beautifully captures the longing and joy of returning home after being away.
External Resources :