I realised she wanted to speak. I asked her, “What is the matter?”
‘When I was a young girl, I lost my mother. There was nobody to look after and guide me. My father was a busy man and got married
again. In those days people never considered education essential for girls, so I never went to school. I got married very young and had children. I became very busy. Later I had grandchildren and always felt so much happiness in cooking and feeding all of you. At times I used to regret not going to school, so I made sure that my children and grandchildren studied well…’
Critical Reflection Questions
- What does the grandmother’s childhood reveal about the condition of girls’ education in those days?
The extract shows that girls’ education was not considered important during that period. Society expected girls to focus on marriage and household responsibilities instead of schooling.
- How did the loss of her mother affect the grandmother’s life?
Losing her mother at a young age deprived the grandmother of care, guidance, and emotional support, which greatly influenced her childhood and future opportunities.
- What can be inferred about the grandmother’s character from the extract?
The grandmother appears responsible, caring, and selfless. Despite her own regrets about education, she ensured that her children and grandchildren studied well.
- Why did the grandmother feel regret later in life?
She regretted not receiving an education because she realised its importance only later in life when she saw the value of learning and reading.
- What message does the extract convey about education?
The extract conveys that education is essential for everyone, especially girls, because lack of education can lead to lifelong regret and dependence on others.
Questions with Long Answers
- Describe the hardships faced by the grandmother during her childhood.
The grandmother faced many hardships during her childhood. She lost her mother when she was very young and therefore lacked proper care and guidance. Her father was a busy man who remarried, leaving her with little emotional support. At that time, society did not consider education important for girls, so she never attended school. She was married at a young age and soon became busy with household responsibilities and raising children. These circumstances prevented her from pursuing an education and shaped her difficult early life.
- Why did the grandmother ensure that her children and grandchildren studied well?
The grandmother regretted not receiving an education herself. As she grew older, she understood the importance of learning and literacy. She did not want her children and grandchildren to suffer from the same limitations she faced in life. Therefore, she made education a priority for the younger generation and encouraged them to study seriously. Her decision reflected her wisdom and concern for their future.
- How does the extract highlight social attitudes towards women in earlier times?
The extract reflects the traditional social attitudes of earlier times when girls’ education was neglected. Society believed that girls only needed to manage homes and families, not attend school. Girls were married at a very young age and expected to devote their lives to household duties. The grandmother’s life clearly shows how these beliefs limited women’s opportunities and independence. The extract indirectly criticises such social practices and emphasises the need for equal educational opportunities.
- Explain the emotional significance of the grandmother’s confession to the narrator.
The grandmother’s confession is emotionally significant because she openly shares her painful memories and lifelong regrets. She speaks about losing her mother, missing education, and carrying responsibilities from a young age. By expressing these feelings, she reveals her inner sadness and emotional vulnerability. At the same time, her words show her love and dedication towards her family, as she found happiness in caring for her children and grandchildren despite her regrets.
- “Education can change a person’s life.” How is this idea reflected in the extract?
The extract strongly supports the idea that education can transform a person’s life. The grandmother’s lack of education remained a lifelong regret for her. Because she could not study, she missed many opportunities and became dependent on others for reading and learning. Realising the value of education later in life, she made sure her children and grandchildren studied properly. Her experiences show that education brings confidence, independence, and personal growth, making it essential for everyone.
