CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 9 NCERT Solutions
This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 12 English (Flamingo) Chapter 9. It addresses key questions related to the poem, focusing on themes of ageing, familial relationships, and the passage of time. The solutions offer in-depth explanations to help students understand the nuances of the poem, including the emotional pain of separation, the symbolism of sprinting trees, and the underlying anxieties associated with growing old. These solutions are designed to aid students in comprehending the text thoroughly and preparing effectively for their examinations by offering clear and concise answers to critical questions.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English Flamingo |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 |
Chapter summary
This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on a poem exploring the emotional complexities of ageing and the relationship between a mother and daughter. The solutions delve into the poet's feelings of pain and fear upon seeing her mother's frail condition, the symbolism of 'sprinting' young trees contrasting with the mother's state, and the underlying expectations of the elderly. They provide a clear understanding of the poem's central themes and imagery.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the emotional pain and anxieties associated with ageing parents.
- Analyze the symbolism of 'sprinting' trees in the context of life's passage.
- Interpret the poet's feelings of helplessness and fear of separation.
- Identify the expectations of elderly individuals from their families.
- Explain the contrast between youth/vitality and old age/frailty as depicted in the poem.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Ageing and its emotional impact
- Mother-daughter relationship
- Fear of separation
- Symbolism in poetry
- Passage of time
- Expectations of the elderly
- Poetic imagery
- Emotional pain and anxiety
Important topics
- The poet's emotional response to her mother's ageing
- Symbolism of the 'sprinting' trees
- The contrast between youth and old age
- The underlying expectations of the elderly
- The theme of separation and loss
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
Elderly parents often experience feelings of loneliness and a strong need for companionship as they age. Their outlook on life can become pessimistic, but this can be countered with abundant love, care, importance, and empathy from their children. They typically expect their children to spend quality time with them, listen to their life experiences, and value their suggestions in significant decisions. Providing this emotional support can rejuvenate their spirits and encourage them to live life with renewed enthusiasm.
(Note: This is a model answer. Students are encouraged to formulate their own responses based on their understanding and experiences.)
Question 2
The poet experiences a profound emotional pain and ache as she is about to leave her mother's home. This feeling arises from observing her mother's 'wan and pale' face, which she compares to a corpse, signifying a loss of vitality and colour. This realization that her mother is old and nearing the end of her life triggers a deep-seated childhood fear and anxiety of losing her mother. The thought of separation causes her significant distress, and even her smiles are an attempt to mask this pain and helplessness in the face of an inevitable reality.
Question 3
While driving to the airport, the poet looks at the young trees beside the road to distract herself from the distressing thoughts of her ageing mother. The trees are described as 'sprinting' because, from the perspective of the moving car, they appear to be rushing past rapidly. This imagery of sprinting trees symbolizes the swift passage of time and the rapid progression of life, particularly contrasting with the stillness and frailty of her elderly mother, who seems dormant in the car. The 'young' trees, full of life and movement, stand in stark contrast to the mother's state of decline.
Common mistakes
- Misinterpreting the symbolism of the 'sprinting' trees.
- Failing to connect the poet's childhood fears to her present anxieties.
- Overlooking the emotional undertones of the mother's 'wan' and 'pale' appearance.
- Not fully grasping the expectations and needs of the elderly.
Revision tips
- Reread the poem carefully, paying attention to the imagery used.
- Focus on understanding the poet's emotional state throughout the poem.
- Analyze the contrast between the young trees and the ageing mother.
- Consider the 'Before you read' and 'Think it out' sections for deeper insights.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What does the poet feel when she sees her mother's 'wan and pale' face?
Explanation: The poet feels a deep emotional pain and ache, reminiscent of her childhood fears, upon observing her mother's frail and lifeless appearance.
Q2. Why are the young trees described as 'sprinting'?
Explanation: The 'sprinting' trees represent the swift movement of life and the passing years, contrasting with the stillness of the ageing mother.
Q3. What do elderly parents primarily expect from their children?
Explanation: Elderly parents often seek emotional connection, companionship, and a sense of being valued and cared for by their children.
Q4. The poet's smiles at the end of the poem signify:
Explanation: The poet's smiles are an expression of her suppressed pain and helplessness in the face of the inevitable separation from her mother.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 9 of the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo book?
The main theme revolves around the poet's emotional experience of seeing her mother age and the anxieties associated with their impending separation, contrasted with the vitality of youth.
What does the poet feel when she looks at her mother?
The poet feels a deep sense of pain and ache, recognizing her mother's ageing and the possibility of losing her, which triggers childhood fears.
What is the significance of the 'sprinting' young trees?
The 'sprinting' young trees symbolize the rapid passage of time and the fleeting nature of life, contrasting sharply with the mother's physical decline.
What are the expectations of elderly parents mentioned in the solutions?
Elderly parents primarily expect companionship, love, care, importance, and empathy from their children, along with being consulted in decisions.
How do these NCERT Solutions help students?
These solutions provide clear, detailed explanations for each question, helping students understand the poem's themes, symbolism, and emotional depth, aiding in exam preparation.
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