UP Board class 12 English (8. Memories of Childhood) solution PDF

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:

The chapter "Memories of Childhood" presents two powerful autobiographical accounts by women from marginalized communities in different parts of the world. The first story, by Zitkala-Sa, exposes the racial prejudice faced by Native Americans at the hands of Europeans. The second story, by Bama, vividly describes the humiliations of the Indian caste system and untouchability.

Despite the different settings, the core theme is the same: the pain and struggle against social injustice and oppression. Both authors are treated as inferior because of their birth. Zitkala-Sa is forced to cut her hair, a symbol of her cultural identity, by those who considered themselves superior. Bama watches as people from her community are deemed 'untouchable'. Importantly, both narratives show that the spirit of rebellion is born early, as both girls protest against these unfair systems in their own ways from a young age.

2. It may take a long time for oppression 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:

Yes, children have a keen sense of fairness and a sharp eye for observation. Their innocent minds are not yet clouded by deep-seated biases, making them very sensitive to acts of injustice and discrimination. When they witness or experience unfair treatment, it leaves a deep impression and often sparks a natural desire to resist.

In this chapter, both girls are acutely aware of the injustice around them. For Zitkala-Sa, her first day at the boarding school is described as "bitter-cold". This not only describes the weather but also symbolizes the cold, unfriendly, and harsh atmosphere of the school where her culture was disrespected. Bama, confused and angered by the practice of untouchability, channels her feelings into a powerful weapon: education. Following her brother's advice, she studies relentlessly to achieve a position where her talent would overshadow her caste. This proves that children not only notice injustice but can also find profound ways to fight 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:

While Bama faces discrimination based on the caste system, Zitkala-Sa is a victim of racial and cultural prejudice. Zitkala-Sa is taken to a missionary school where her Native American identity is suppressed. The forced cutting of her hair, a sacred symbol for her, is a brutal act of stripping away her cultural pride. She resists fiercely but is physically overpowered.

Their responses to oppression are different yet powerful:

• Bama's Response: She chooses the path of empowerment through education. She decides to study hard and excel so that people would be compelled to respect her for her achievements, not look down on her for her caste. Her rebellion is strategic and focused on long-term change.
• Zitkala-Sa's Response: Her rebellion is more immediate and vocal. She physically resists the haircut and later uses her writing as an adult to critique and expose the evils of racial prejudice. Her struggle is about preserving dignity and identity in the face of forced assimilation.

In conclusion, Zitkala-Sa's protest is one of defiance against cultural erosion, while Bama's is a calculated effort to overcome social barriers through academic success. Both methods highlight the different ways individuals can fight back against systemic injustice.