CBSE Class 12 Vistas NCERT Solutions: Chapter 8 - Memories of Childhood

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

CBSE Class 12 Vistas Chapter 8, 'Memories of Childhood,' presents two poignant autobiographical accounts that shed light on the pervasive nature of social injustice and oppression across different cultures. The first narrative, by Zitkala-Sa, recounts her harrowing experiences as a Native American child navigating the prejudiced environment of a boarding school, where her identity was systematically suppressed. The second story, by Bama, vividly portrays the brutal realities of the caste system and untouchability in rural India, detailing the humiliation and discrimination faced by Dalits. Both stories, though set in vastly different contexts, powerfully illustrate the deep-rooted societal hierarchies and the profound suffering they engender. The chapter's core message, as explored in these solutions, is the innate human spirit's resistance to injustice, even from a young age, and the eventual recognition and defiance of oppressive systems. These solutions aim to deepen students' understanding of these critical themes and characters.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Vistas
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	8. Memories of Childhood

Chapter summary

Chapter 8, 'Memories of Childhood,' in CBSE Class 12 Vistas presents two poignant autobiographical excerpts. These solutions focus on understanding the common themes of racial prejudice and caste discrimination faced by marginalized communities in different cultures. The exercises guide students to analyze the oppression experienced by Zitkala-Sa and Bama, recognizing the early emergence of resistance against social injustice, even from a young age. The solutions aim to foster a deeper comprehension of societal inequalities and the human spirit's resilience.

Learning outcomes

Understand the themes of racial prejudice and caste discrimination in 'Memories of Childhood'.
Analyze the experiences of Zitkala-Sa and Bama as victims of social oppression.
Identify the commonalities in the struggles faced by marginalized communities across different cultures.
Recognize the early signs of rebellion and resistance against injustice, even in children.
Appreciate the power of autobiographical narratives in highlighting social issues.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Memories of Childhood
Autobiographical Narratives
Racial Prejudice
Caste System
Untouchability
Social Oppression
Marginalized Communities
Resistance to Injustice
Childhood Experiences
Cultural Differences
Indian Social Hierarchy
Native American Experiences

Important topics

Common themes of oppression in Zitkala-Sa's and Bama's narratives
Understanding racial prejudice
Analyzing the impact of the caste system
Early signs of rebellion against injustice
The significance of autobiographical accounts
Experiences of marginalized groups

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Questions and Solutions

Question 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?

Solution: The two autobiographical accounts, 'The Cutting of My Long Hair' by Zitkala-Sa and 'We Too Were Brought Up That Way' by Bama, originate from vastly different cultural contexts but share a profound commonality in their themes. Both narratives powerfully depict the suffering and oppression faced by individuals from socially marginalized groups. Zitkala-Sa, a Native American, recounts her traumatic experience with racial prejudice and cultural assimilation in a European-run boarding school. Bama, a Dalit girl in India, describes the humiliation and discrimination inherent in the hierarchical caste system. Despite the geographical and cultural distance, both authors expose the deep-seated social stratification and the dehumanizing effects of prejudice. They highlight how individuals are subjected to indignities – Zitkala-Sa's hair being forcibly cut as a symbol of subjugation, and Bama witnessing the strict segregation and untouchability enforced by upper castes. Crucially, both stories illustrate that the seeds of resistance against such injustice are sown early in life, as both young girls begin to question and react against the unfair treatment they endure.

Question 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?

Solution: Yes, I strongly agree that injustice in any form cannot escape being noticed even by children. The statement highlights a fundamental truth about human perception and the innate sense of fairness that develops from a young age. Children, though young, are highly observant and sensitive to their surroundings. When they witness or experience unfair treatment, discrimination, or cruelty, they perceive it as wrong, even if they cannot fully articulate the complex social or political reasons behind it. In the context of 'Memories of Childhood,' both Zitkala-Sa and Bama demonstrate this early awareness. Zitkala-Sa felt a deep sense of violation and loss when her hair was cut, a significant part of her identity, by the boarding school authorities who represented a dominant, oppressive culture. Similarly, Bama, from a very young age, observed and felt the sting of untouchability and the indignities her community faced. These experiences, though painful, plant the seeds of rebellion. Children may not always have the means or power to resist immediately or effectively, but their noticing and internalizing of injustice is the crucial first step towards eventual resistance and a desire for equality. Their early perception of unfairness is a powerful catalyst for change later in life.

Common mistakes

Confusing the specific details of racial prejudice with caste discrimination.
Underestimating the significance of childhood experiences in shaping resistance.
Failing to identify the overarching theme of oppression that connects both narratives.
Overlooking the subtle ways in which children perceive and react to injustice.

Revision tips

Read both autobiographical accounts carefully to understand the individual experiences.
Focus on identifying the common theme of oppression and marginalization.
Note down specific examples of prejudice and discrimination from each narrative.
Consider how Zitkala-Sa and Bama's reactions demonstrate early resistance.
Use these solutions to check your understanding of the chapter's core messages.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary common theme explored in both autobiographical accounts of 'Memories of Childhood'?

Q2. Zitkala-Sa's experience in the boarding school primarily illustrates which form of prejudice?

Q3. Bama's account in 'Memories of Childhood' focuses on the hardships caused by:

Q4. According to the text, when do the seeds of rebellion against injustice typically get sowed?

Q5. What does the phrase 'shingled' refer to in Zitkala-Sa's experience?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of CBSE Class 12 Vistas Chapter 8, 'Memories of Childhood'?

Chapter 8 focuses on two autobiographical accounts that highlight the experiences of marginalized individuals, specifically dealing with racial prejudice faced by a Native American (Zitkala-Sa) and the caste system and untouchability in India faced by a Dalit (Bama).

What commonality is found in the two stories presented in 'Memories of Childhood'?

The commonality lies in the theme of social oppression and the suffering inflicted upon marginalized communities. Both narratives also show how resistance against injustice begins early in life.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers that explain the core themes, characters' struggles, and the underlying social issues. They help students understand complex concepts like racial prejudice and caste discrimination, aiding in better comprehension and exam preparation.

Are the questions in the source document preserved in these solutions?

Yes, the questions from the source document are preserved exactly as they appear, ensuring that students are addressing the same problems. The solutions, however, are rewritten to be more comprehensive and easier to understand.

What specific forms of discrimination are discussed in Chapter 8?

Chapter 8 discusses racial prejudice, as experienced by Zitkala-Sa in a boarding school, and the discrimination rooted in the Indian caste system, including untouchability, as depicted in Bama's account.

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