How I Taught My Grandmother to Read
Answer the following questions.
1.Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away?
Ans: The grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her because she realized that at her age she was still illiterate. She felt ashamed that she had to depend on others, especially children, to read stories for her. When the narrator went away to a wedding, the grandmother could not read the weekly episode of the story and felt helpless. This made her understand the pain of being unable to read. Her embarrassment came from a strong desire to be independent and not rely on others for something as simple as reading a story she loved.
2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
The narrator initially laughs because she finds it unusual that her grandmother wants to start learning at the age of sixty-two. In her mind, learning to read and write is something children usually do in school. She thinks it might be difficult for an elderly person to begin learning the alphabet from the beginning. Her laughter is not meant to hurt her grandmother but reflects her surprise at such a decision. However, the grandmother’s determination soon changes the narrator’s attitude. She realizes that age is not a barrier to learning and begins to respect her grandmother’s strong desire for education and independence.
3. What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?
The novel Kashi Yatre plays an important role in the grandmother’s life. She eagerly listens to it every week when the narrator reads it from the magazine Karmaveera. When the narrator goes away for a few days, the grandmother cannot read the new episode by herself and feels helpless. This makes her realize how dependent she is on others because she cannot read. As a result, she decides to learn the Kannada alphabet. Thus, the story becomes the turning point that inspires her to become literate and independent. The story tells that ' Service to mankind is Service to God' It makes us realise the value of helping others in need. The grand daughter helped the grandmother and the old lady in the story helped the young orphan girl.
4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
The grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet shows her determination, courage, and love for knowledge. Even at the age of sixty-two, she is not ashamed to start learning like a child. Instead of accepting illiteracy as her fate, she decides to change her situation through education. Her willingness to practice every day shows discipline and strong determination. She also wants to become independent and not depend on others to read stories or magazines for her. This reflects her self-respect and confidence. Her actions prove that learning has no age limit and that anyone with strong determination can achieve their goals. She grew up as an obedient girl who followed the instructions and decisions of her parents and became a responsible house wife who found happiness in cooking, serving and feeding the family. She proved that one can break a stereotype if one is determined.
5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?
The grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet shows her deep respect for education and for the person who teaches it. In Indian tradition, elders usually receive respect from younger people. However, the grandmother touches the narrator’s feet to thank her for teaching her how to read. This gesture shows her humility and gratitude. She considers the narrator not just her granddaughter but also her teacher. The incident teaches us that knowledge is sacred and anyone who gives knowledge deserves respect. It also shows that true learners remain humble and appreciate those who guide them in gaining education.
6. What does the line ‘For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle’ tell us about the broader theme of the story?
This line expresses the main theme of the story—determination can help people overcome any difficulty. The grandmother faces many obstacles, such as her old age and lack of formal education. Learning the alphabet at sixty-two is not easy, but she does not give up. She studies regularly with great dedication until she finally learns to read. Her strong will helps her achieve her goal of reading independently. The story shows that when a person has a meaningful goal and strong determination, no barrier is too great. It encourages readers to believe in themselves and continue learning throughout life.
7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
The story strongly highlights the importance of education in achieving personal independence. The grandmother feels helpless when she cannot read the story she loves while the narrator is away. This makes her realize how dependent she is on others. Determined to change this, she begins learning the Kannada alphabet and practices regularly. Eventually, she becomes able to read on her own. This gives her a sense of confidence, dignity, and freedom. The story shows that education is not just about gaining knowledge but also about becoming self-reliant. It teaches readers that literacy empowers individuals and helps them live with greater independence and self-respect.
2.Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
3.What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?
4.What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
5.What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?
What does the following line tell us about the broader theme of the story? ‘For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.’
7.How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
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