Class 12 Section II English Lesson 3

Understanding the text

a. How did the morning papers bring an ambience of celebration to the Varma family?

Ans 👉 The morning papers brought an ambience of celebration to the Varma family as they announced that Rakesh had topped the Medical Examination, which became a matter of pride for the entire family.

b. How did the community celebrate Rakesh’s success?

Ans 👉 The community celebrated Rakesh’s success by visiting his little yellow house at the end of the road, congratulating his parents and Rakesh himself. The house and garden were filled with festive sights and sounds, including garlands, party clothes, and gifts.

c. Why was Rakesh’s success a special matter of discussion in the neighbourhood?

Ans 👉 Rakesh’s success was special because he was the first son in the family to receive an education. His parents had sacrificed a lot to send him to school and medical college. His exemplary behavior, like touching his father’s feet upon seeing his results, made his success widely discussed in the neighbourhood.

d. How does the author make fun of the words ‘America’ and ‘the USA’?

Ans 👉 Rakesh won a scholarship in the USA, but his father insisted on calling it ‘USA’ and not ‘America,’ as he considered ‘America’ a term used by ignorant neighbours. The author uses this to humorously highlight Mr. Varma’s pride and ignorance.

e. How does the author characterize Rakesh’s wife?

Ans 👉 The author characterizes Rakesh’s wife as uneducated, old-fashioned, plump, placid, complaisant, lazy but good-natured, and pretty fat.

f. Describe how Rakesh rises in his career.

Ans 👉 After completing his medical education, Rakesh started as a doctor in the city hospital, quickly reaching top administrative positions and becoming a director. Later, he opened a private clinic and became known as one of the best and richest doctors in the city.

g. How does the author describe Rakesh’s family background?

Ans 👉 Rakesh came from a poor family in a village in India. His father worked for a kerosene vendor, and his mother spent her life in the kitchen. His grandparents were vegetable vendors. Despite poverty, his parents sacrificed everything for Rakesh’s higher education.

h. What is the impact of Rakesh’s mother’s death on his father?

Ans 👉 Rakesh’s father was devastated by his wife’s death, falling frequently ill and suffering from mysterious ailments, which even his son could not understand.

i. What did Rakesh do to make his father’s old age more comfortable?

Ans 👉 Rakesh brought his father morning tea, adjusted his night-shirt, read the morning news, helped him down the steps, and made him comfortable under the stars, showing constant care and devotion.

j. Why did the old man try to bribe his grandchildren?

Ans 👉 The old man tried to bribe his grandchildren to buy sweets and Jalebis from the shop at the crossroads.

k. Are Mr. Varma’s complaints about his diets reasonable? How?

Ans 👉 Mr. Varma’s complaints are not reasonable because Rakesh, a responsible son and doctor, designed the diet for his father’s health and longevity, preventing risks that could harm him after his mother’s death.

Reference to the Context

a. How did the Varma couple make sacrifices for their son’s higher education?

Ans 👉 Mr. Varma, a kerosene worker, and Mrs. Varma, a housewife, sacrificed their life, time, and money to educate Rakesh. Mr. Varma never studied but wanted his son to have a proper education, sending him to school and medical college, fulfilling their dream through him.

b. Mr. Varma suffers from diseases after his wife’s death. Would he have enjoyed better health if she had not died? Give reasons.

Ans 👉 Yes, he would have enjoyed better health. Before his wife’s death, he was mentally and physically healthier. Her passing caused depression, mental shock, and illness, which is common when a lifelong companion is lost.

c. Dr Rakesh is divided between a doctor and a son. As a son, he loves his father and worries about his weakening health, but as a doctor, he is strict on his father’s diet and medicine. In your view, what else could Rakesh have done to make his father’s final years more comfortable?

Ans 👉 Rakesh could have been more polite and respectful, allowing his father some independence and personal space. By speaking gently and giving his father the freedom to decide how he is helped, Rakesh could have made his father’s final years more comfortable and less stressful.

d. What does the story say about the relationship between grandfather and grandchildren?

Ans 👉 The story shows a loving, innocent, and bonding relationship between grandfather and grandchildren. Though playful and sometimes tricky, the grandfather shares a strong, trusting connection with the children, showing love and companionship.

e. Do you call Rakesh a devoted son? Give reasons.

Ans 👉 Yes, Rakesh is a devoted son. He fulfills his parents’ wishes, excels academically, returns to care for his father despite better opportunities abroad, and prioritizes his father’s well-being, showing love, responsibility, and devotion.

Reference beyond the text

a. Write an essay on The Parents’ Ambition for their Children in Nepali Society. You must give at least five examples.

Ans 👉 Parents in Nepali society have great ambition for their children. They wish them to become successful professionals, such as doctors, engineers, or teachers. Parents often work hard and make sacrifices to provide quality education. For example, parents may spend all savings on schooling, encourage children to study late at night, prioritize academic excellence over leisure, and arrange coaching classes. Some children succeed but may follow paths not suited to their interest, forced by parental ambition. Hence, parents should balance guidance with children’s personal aspirations to ensure holistic growth.

b. Medicines replace our diets in old age. What can be done to make old ageless less dependent on medicine?

Ans 👉 To reduce dependence on medicine, elderly citizens should exercise daily, eat balanced meals with all food groups, sleep 7–8 hours, drink sufficient water, avoid excessive sleep, and refrain from harmful habits like smoking, drinking, or drugs. These practices strengthen immunity and improve overall health.

c. Write an essay on “Care of Elderly Citizens” in about 300 words.

Ans 👉 Elderly citizens are people who have crossed middle age and require care, affection, and a supportive environment. Proper elderly care improves their health and longevity. Old people usually need love, attention, and a homely atmosphere rather than complex luxuries. Unfortunately, some families see them as a burden, leaving them in old age homes, which is shameful. Society and family must ensure their well-being. Elderly citizens often face health problems, mobility issues, and loneliness. Family members should spend quality time with them, provide medical care, nutritious food, and emotional support. Laws exist to protect the elderly, but without personal care and respect, legal measures alone cannot ensure their comfort. Every person has a moral duty to treat the elderly with dignity, respect, and compassion, making their final years peaceful and happy.