ENGLISH CLASS- 9
CHAPTER-1
(How I Taught My Grandmother to Read)
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read – Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1(i) Complete the following sentence with the appropriate option.
The phrase ‘never seen her cry in the most difficult situations’ tells us that the grandmother was strong-willed.
Answer: A. strong-willed
1(ii) Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets.
Grandmother did not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright because she might have been too emotional to respond.
1(iii) Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.
The clue is the line “we were sleeping in the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night and there was a full moon.” This reflects a village lifestyle and traditional living conditions.
1(iv) Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?
The lines “Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.” establish a tender and loving atmosphere. They show the deep affection between the grandmother and the narrator.
1(v) Which of the following aspect is NOT emphasised in the given extract?
Answer: C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education
The extract focuses on the grandmother’s emotions, the narrator’s concern, and their affectionate relationship. Her regret about not being educated is revealed later in the story.
2(i) What does the grandmother’s statement, “I want to be independent,” reveal about her character?
Answer: B. She desires self-sufficiency.
The statement shows that the grandmother wanted to read and understand things on her own without depending on others.
2(ii) Fill in the blank with the appropriate option from those given in brackets.
The grandmother’s determination shows that learning has no age limit.
2(iii) Complete the following with a suitable reason.
The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s decision to learn the alphabet at the age of sixty-two because she felt that learning at such an advanced age would be very difficult and unusual.
2(iv) List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.
The grandmother displayed the qualities of:
1. Determination
2. Perseverance
She worked hard every day and remained committed to achieving her goal of learning to read.
2(v) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?
The narrator assumes that her grandmother is too old to learn because of her age, grey hair, wrinkled hands, and spectacles. She believes that learning is difficult for elderly people. However, the grandmother proves her wrong through her dedication and success.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away?
The grandmother felt embarrassed because she was illiterate and did not want others to know about her inability to read. Being dependent on others made her feel helpless and uncomfortable. Although she was respected and financially secure, she realised that without education she lacked independence. Therefore, she waited eagerly for the narrator to return instead of asking someone else for help.
2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
The narrator laughs because she believes that sixty-two is too old an age to begin learning the alphabet. She notices her grandmother’s grey hair, wrinkled hands, and spectacles and assumes that learning would be difficult for her. As a child, she does not fully understand the power of determination. Later, she realises her mistake when her grandmother successfully learns to read.
3. What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?
The novel Kashi Yatre plays a central role in the grandmother’s life and in the narrative. She strongly identifies with the old woman in the story because she too has never been able to visit Kashi. When she cannot read the next episode herself, she feels dependent and helpless. This experience inspires her to learn reading and writing. Thus, the novel becomes the turning point that motivates her educational journey and drives the main theme of the story.
4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
The grandmother’s desire to learn reflects her determination, self-respect, and love for knowledge. She refuses to accept her limitations and decides to become independent despite her age. Her willingness to work hard and achieve her goal shows that she values education deeply. She proves that learning is a lifelong process and that age should never become a barrier to personal growth.
5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?
The grandmother’s action teaches us that a teacher deserves respect regardless of age or relationship. By touching her granddaughter’s feet, she honours the role of a teacher rather than the age of the person. Her gesture highlights humility, gratitude, and respect for education. It also reminds us that true learning involves appreciating those who guide us and help us gain knowledge.
6. What does the following line tell us about the broader theme of the story?
“For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.”
This line expresses the central theme of the story: determination can help people overcome any challenge. The grandmother’s success demonstrates that strong willpower and dedication are more important than age or circumstances. The story encourages readers to pursue learning and self-improvement throughout life. It also emphasises perseverance, confidence, and the transformative power of education.
7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
The story highlights the value of education very effectively through the grandmother’s experience. Although she is financially comfortable, she feels helpless because she cannot read on her own. Her inability to understand the magazine makes her realise the importance of literacy. After learning the Kannada alphabet, she gains confidence and independence. The story clearly shows that education is not merely about reading and writing; it empowers individuals, promotes self-reliance, and enhances dignity. Through the grandmother’s transformation, the author demonstrates that education is one of the most valuable tools for personal freedom and growth.