Vitamin-M — Class 9 English
Kaveri · Chapter 4
Visual story
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6- Mathematics Part I
- Mathematics Part II
- + 4 more
- 16 texts summarised
- Poetry devices
- Grammar rules
2- Mathematics Part I
- Mathematics Part II
- Formula cards
- Graph reading
- 16 traps corrected
- Timelines
- Comparison tables
- Article numbers
- 12 पाठ
- अलंकार और समास
- मुहावरे
Chapter summary
Key ideas & terms
- Grandpa
- A sharp, dignified seventy-five-year-old retired lawyer; though forgetful about names he is shrewd, generous and fully aware of Ravi following him.
- Ravi
- The twelve-year-old narrator who plays detective; well-meaning, loyal but easily fooled.
- Vidya / Ravi’s mother
- The anxious, over-protective daughter who treats Grandpa like a child – and ironically forgets Grandpa’s birthday.
- “Vitamin-M”
- An imaginary memory pill – the title joke; in the twist Grandpa suggests it is the mother, not he, who needs it.
- Asha Nehemiah (author)
- The writer of this light, humorous story about family, ageing and clever role-reversal.
- Theme – ageism & dignity
- The story challenges the assumption that old people are helpless and shows Grandpa outwitting everyone.
Extra questions & answers
Why was Grandpa brought to live in the city?
His failing memory caused dangerous incidents – a double dose of medicine, getting lost, and a fall in his garden – so his daughter brought him to her flat.
Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city?
He hated the noise and bustle and missed his quiet brick house with its mango tree, where it was so still you could hear a leaf fall.
Why did Ravi decide to follow Grandpa secretly?
He had promised his mother not to let Grandpa go out alone, but did not want to hurt Grandpa, so he trailed him at a safe distance.
What embarrassing situations did Ravi face while following Grandpa?
He was scolded by a mother in the park, chased by street vendors, and thrown out of a ladies’ hairdressing salon.
Which forbidden things did Grandpa enjoy on his outing?
He drank sugary tea, ate two bananas and an ice cream – all items banned for him at home.
How was Ravi fooled on the bus?
He chased a yellow cap, but the wearer was a stranger to whom Grandpa had kindly given his cap in the barber shop.
Give two evidences that Grandpa’s memory was not really failing.
He remembered thousands of chess games and famous matches, and he remembered to buy birthday gifts for everyone on his birthday.
Why did Grandpa give Ravi the book The Best Detective Stories?
As a sly hint that he knew Ravi had been following him and could learn how not to get fooled while trailing a suspect.
What did Grandpa mean by saying his daughter needs “Vitamin-M”?
He teased that it was she, not he, who had a poor memory, since she had forgotten his birthday.
What is the main theme of the story?
It gently mocks ageist assumptions, showing that the elderly can be sharp, independent and dignified rather than helpless.
Reflect and Respond
I From your experience with an elderly person at home or in your neighbourhood, complete the following graphic organiser. Now, discuss the points written in the organiser with your classmates and teacher. [CARING FOR THE ELDERLY centre — prompts: Why should we care for the elderly? What are the problems faced by the elderly? What could be the possible reasons for the problems faced? How can we take care of the elderly?]
Caring for the elderly is important because they have cared for us, have valuable experience and deserve dignity and love in old age. Problems they face include poor health, failing memory, hearing and eyesight, loneliness, feeling unwanted and difficulty in moving around. Possible reasons are ageing of the body, children busy with work, living far away, small houses and lack of understanding of their needs. We can take care of them by spending time with them, listening to them, helping with medicines and daily work, taking them for walks and medical check-ups and making them feel respected and included.
II Fill in the table given below. You may check your answers with the help of a dictionary. Words: 1. frail 2. shuddered 3. poky 4. forbid 5. pottering 6. winced [Columns: Not heard this word before / Have heard this word but don't know what it means / I know this word. It has something to do with... / Write the meaning of this word]
Sample completion: 1. frail — weak and delicate, especially due to old age. 2. shuddered — trembled or shook with fear or cold or strong emotion. 3. poky — small and cramped, uncomfortable. 4. forbid — order someone not to do something; prohibit. 5. pottering — moving about doing small unimportant tasks in a relaxed way. 6. winced — made a facial expression showing pain or embarrassment. Learners can tick the column that matches their prior knowledge.
III Think of a tradition, story, or recipe passed down by grandparents or an elderly relative in your family. What does it mean to you? How does it connect you to your growing-up years? Share with your classmates and teacher.
An example: My grandmother taught me how to make lemon pickle and told stories of festivals in her village. It means love and continuity to me and reminds me of winter holidays at her house, sitting in the sun while she narrated the stories. It connects me to my roots and my childhood sense of security and belonging.
Check Your Understanding
I Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city with his daughter?
Grandpa disliked city life because it was noisy, crowded and busy. He missed his small brick house in town with its big mango tree and quiet surroundings where he could hear a leaf fall at dusk, and he felt confined in his daughter's poky little flat.
II Why did Vidya not want her father to go out alone?
Vidya did not want her father to go out alone because he was old, his memory, hearing and eyesight were weak, he had recently taken a double dose of medicine by mistake and had once got lost after going for a walk and forgetting the way home. She feared it was dangerous for him.
III Was Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child? How can you say so?
No, Ravi was not in favour of it. He winced when his mother spoke to Grandpa in an over-loud tone as if to a child. He also felt sorry for Grandpa when he complained about being treated like a baby or a prisoner and loyally told Grandpa that his mother would never treat him that way.
IV Would Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother?
Ravi promised to look after Grandpa and not let him go out alone, but Grandpa tricked him and went out anyway. Ravi then secretly followed him, which meant he did not directly stop him, so he could not keep the promise exactly as his mother expected, though he did try to keep him safe by following at a distance.
Check Your Understanding
I Complete the flow chart by describing Grandpa's day out. Grandpa goes out to get Tamil newspaper. -> Grandpa first stops at 1. ______ buys 2. ______ and watches ______ . -> Grandpa next goes to 3. ______ -> Ravi follows Grandpa / Ravi hides behind a bush to observe. -> Ravi hides behind a banyan tree and watches. -> Grandpa drinks 5. ______ and eats ______ -> Ravi gets scolded by 4. ______ and ______ -> Grandpa then crosses the road and enters a 6. ______ -> Next Grandpa walks quickly to a 7. ______ and ______ -> Ravi enters the bus only to discover that he had been fooled.
1. children's park 2. paper-cone of peanuts and watches children play 3. tea stall 4. little boy's mother and vendors (the lady selling combs / ribbon sellers) 5. a sugary cup of tea and eats two bananas and an ice cream (banned foods) 6. barber shop (and next door Ladies' Hairdressing Salon where Ravi was evicted) 7. bus stop and boards a bus (giving his yellow cap to a stranger)
II Was Grandpa lost as feared by Ravi's mother?
No, Grandpa was not lost. He knew where he was going, enjoyed his outing to the park, tea stall, barber shop and bus, and he returned home safely on his own by himself before Ravi, and was found snoring peacefully in his bedroom.
III How would Ravi feel after seeing Grandpa?
Ravi would feel greatly relieved, delighted and affectionate after the worry and panic of losing track of Grandpa. He was so overcome with love that he knelt by the bed, put his cheek against Grandpa's wrinkled face and hugged him in his sleep.
IV Do you think Ravi's mother will get to know about what had happened?
She may not get to know the full truth immediately because Grandpa coverts Ravi by saying Ravi disappeared instead of looking after him, and Ravi stays silent about following Grandpa. However Grandpa's gift of the detective book hints he knows, so the mother might suspect something but not the whole adventure.
Check Your Understanding
I Describe how Ravi's emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings towards his grandfather.
When Ravi finds Grandpa snoring safely at home after frantic searching and failed phone calls, he is filled with delight and relief. He kneels, touches his cheek to Grandpa's creased cheek, notices his smell of eucalyptus and shaving cream and hugs him. This shows deep love, affection, concern and attachment despite the earlier irritation.
II What might be the significance of Grandpa's habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them?
It shows Grandpa's generosity, selflessness and old values where elders bless younger ones. He still sees his daughter and son-in-law as his babies and wants to give rather than take, indicating he does not want pity for his age but wants to remain a giver and keep family bonds strong.
III Why do you think Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book as a gift? What might this suggest about Grandpa's awareness of Ravi's actions earlier in the day?
Grandpa gave The Best Detective Stories and said it would teach how to avoid getting fooled when trailing a suspect. This suggests he was fully aware that Ravi had secretly followed him all day, saw through his clumsy hiding, and misled him with the yellow cap trick, and was playfully teasing him while appreciating his care.
Critical Reflection
I 1. (i) Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather. A. regretful B. apologetic C. nostalgic D. wistful
Both nostalgic and wistful describe longing for the past, but the text says he spoke longingly of his house and mango tree, so C. nostalgic (and D. wistful is also close) — the best answer is nostalgic/wistful for his old home.
I 1. (ii) Complete the following sentence with a reason. Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because ___________.
Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because he was used to the quiet of his small brick house and garden in town where even a falling leaf could be heard, and the city's bustle, noise and crowded flat made him feel confined and uncomfortable.
I 1. (iii) Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
He came because he slipped and fell in his garden at night and lay outside all night with no one to help, so his daughter locked up his house and brought him to live with her for safety and care.
I 1. (iv) Choose an expression similar in meaning to, 'you can even hear a leaf fall'. A. end of one's life B. arrival of autumn C. sign of good luck D. pin drop silence
D. pin drop silence
I 1. (v) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town.
Advantage: Peace, fresh air, garden with mango tree, independence and familiar surroundings. Disadvantage: No one nearby to help in an emergency, risk of falling and lying unattended and loneliness after his wife's death.
I 2. (i) Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather's response. A. apologetic B. hurtful C. calm D. puzzled
C. calm — he answered coolly and calmly even while complaining that Ravi had disappeared.
I 2. (ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?
Ravi was confused and embarrassed because Grandpa cleverly reversed the story, telling his mother that Ravi had disappeared instead of looking after him, while Ravi knew he had secretly followed Grandpa and could not explain without admitting his disobedience.
I 2. (iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Ravi's mother was impatient because _________________.
Ravi's mother was impatient because she thought her father had forgotten that Ravi's birthday was three months ago and was making a mistake again due to poor memory.
I 2. (iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. Grandfather forgot that Ravi's birthday was three months ago.
False. Grandfather remembered; he explained he gives gifts to every child on his own birthday, not because he thought it was Ravi's birthday.
I 2. (v) Why did Grandpa say he didn't know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?
He said it mischievously to tease Ravi and to cover up his own enjoyable outing, while hinting that he knew Ravi had a hectic morning chasing him around the city.
II 1. Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in the beginning of the story. Give two evidences to disprove the statement.
Grandpa remembers chess moves in detail, citing Karpov vs computer and Fischer vs Spassky, and he remembers his own birthday and the tradition of giving gifts on it, and he cleverly remembers to trick Ravi with the cap and to gift the detective book with a pointed hint, showing his memory is sharp when he wants it to be.
II 2. Give two characteristic traits of each of the following characters. (i) Grandfather (ii) Ravi (iii) Ravi's mother
(i) Grandfather — intelligent/cunning and generous/self-respecting (also nostalgic, firm from his lawyer past). (ii) Ravi — caring/responsible and curious/enthusiastic but clumsy as a detective. (iii) Ravi's mother Vidya — loving/caring and anxious/over-protective (sometimes impatient).
II 3. Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the tea stall?
Ravi worried because Grandpa had banned foods — sugary tea, bananas and ice cream — which his mother forbade for health reasons, and he feared they would harm Grandpa and that his mother would be very upset if she knew.
II 4. Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not?
No, it was not easy. He had to hide behind bushes and trees, was scolded by a mother in the park, confronted by loud vendors, crawled on all fours, was thrown out of a ladies' salon, was fooled by the cap trick and had to sprint to catch a bus, feeling foolish and hot throughout.
II 5. 'Ravi is a good detective'. Give one argument in favour of and against the given statement.
In favour: He was observant and determined — he followed Grandpa at a safe distance through many places and did not give up, sprinting to catch the bus. Against: He was clumsy and easily noticed — he hid poorly, got scolded, was spotted and was fooled by the simple yellow cap exchange, showing poor stealth.
II 6. Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know?
Yes, he was aware. He deliberately gave his cap to a stranger in the barber shop to mislead Ravi, reached home before Ravi, and later gifted him a detective book advising how not to get fooled when trailing a suspect with a twinkle in his eye.
II 7. In your opinion, who needs Vitamin-M? And why?
In the story it is Vidya who needs Vitamin-M for her memory, as Grandpa jokes, because she forgot his birthday though she circled it on the calendar, and she forgets that Grandpa is still capable and independent, treating him only as forgetful.
II 8. Some people believe society shows bias based on age (being young or old). Give an example where you might have experienced or observed such discrimination, when opinions were disregarded because of age.
An example is when elders' advice is ignored saying they are old-fashioned, or when children's ideas are dismissed saying you are too young to understand. For instance, a grandparent's suggestion about food being called outdated, or a child's valid suggestion in class being ignored due to age.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I Classify the words given in the box into movement words in Column 1 and sound words in Column 2. Box: pottering boomed twirling crouch bustle crawl creeping thudded ducked shrieks zigzagging whirr evicted briskly sprinting grunted jumping darted trailing snoring Column 1 Column 2 (example: pottering / boomed) Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate words from Column 1 or Column 2. Detective Shankar, 1. _____________ the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. _____________ of the city, quickened his pace 3. _____________. The suspect's heavy footsteps 4. _______________ across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. _____________ his magnifying glass had to 6. ______________ behind the market stalls, 7. ______________ through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. ______________ when he hit himself against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he 9. ______________ into the night leaving only the distant 10. ______________ of the sleeping city behind.
Classification - Movement: pottering, twirling, crouch, bustle, crawl, creeping, ducked, zigzagging, evicted, briskly, sprinting, jumping, darted, trailing ; Sound: boomed, thudded, shrieks, whirr, grunted, snoring. Fill blanks example: 1. trailing 2. bustle 3. briskly 4. thudded 5. twirling 6. crouch 7. creeping/crawl 8. grunted 9. sprinted/darted 10. whirr/shrieks — any suitable movement/sound word fitting context is acceptable.
II Study the highlighted word in the given sentence from the text and fill in the boxes with synonymous words. You may refer to a dictionary. Off he went, twirling his walking stick jauntily, leaving Ravi in a dilemma. 1. QU_ ND_ _ Y DILEMMA 2. PR_ D _ C _ M _ NT
1. QUANDARY 2. PREDICAMENT — both mean a difficult situation or dilemma.
III Fill in the table given below. Check your answers with the help of a dictionary. Word Meaning Part of Speech Synonym Antonym 1. craftily 2. dilemma 3. furious 4. boomed 5. humiliation 6. attire
1. craftily — adverb — in a cunning way — synonym: cunningly — antonym: honestly/naively. 2. dilemma — noun — difficult choice — synonym: quandary — antonym: solution. 3. furious — adjective — very angry — synonym: enraged — antonym: calm. 4. boomed — verb — spoke in deep loud voice — synonym: thundered — antonym: whispered. 5. humiliation — noun — shame/embarrassment — synonym: disgrace — antonym: honour. 6. attire — noun — clothes/outfit — synonym: apparel — antonym: nudity.
IV Match the emotions/expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Column 1: 1. embarrassed 2. countered 3. flushed 4. stricken 5. gleam Column 2: (i) affected severely by an unpleasant feeling (ii) to be confused (iii) expression of emotion (iv) reply to an argument (v) felt uncomfortable (vi) became red in the face
1. embarrassed — (v) felt uncomfortable 2. countered — (iv) reply to an argument 3. flushed — (vi) became red in the face 4. stricken — (i) affected severely by an unpleasant feeling 5. gleam — (iii) expression of emotion (extra is (ii) to be confused)
V Read the highlighted words in the following phrases from the story. Now, revisit the story and underline the prepositions. 1. I'll just walk across to the corner shop... 2. ...he felt a shadow fall over him... 3. ...the vendors sitting under the tree... 4. Ravi took position behind a big banyan... Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions. I walked (i) _____________ (through, between, against) the village, crossed a bridge (ii) _____________ (over, under, beside) a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) _____________ (among, near, across) a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) _____________ (on, at, in) the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) _____________ (beside, through, along) a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) _________________ (into, towards, beyond) the unknown.
Highlighted prepositions in story: across, to, over, under, behind. Blanks: (i) through (ii) over (iii) near (iv) in (v) along (vi) towards (any appropriate choice that fits grammar, these are standard).
VI Read the following dialogues from the story. 1. Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV, Grandpa? 2. Who are you? 3. What did you both do today? 4. Have you forgotten? 5. Are you playing hide and seek? Now, choose the correct answer. A. The words in the quotes are (i) _____________ (exclamatory/interrogative) sentences. B. Sentences 1, 4, and 5 are (ii) _____________ (Wh-/Yes, No type) interrogative sentences. C. Sentences 2 and 3 are (iii) ______________ (Wh-/Yes, No type) interrogative sentences. So, there are (iv) _____________ (two/three) types of interrogative sentences.
A. (i) interrogative B. (ii) Yes/No type C. (iii) Wh- type So there are (iv) two main types of interrogative sentences.
VII Read the following conversation. Arvind Do you help in taking care of your grandparents at home? Priya Yes, I do. We take turns making sure they're alright. Do you have grandparents living with you? Arvind No. My parents and I visit my grandpa every weekend. How do you manage your grandparents' medical needs? Priya We have a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor. Now, complete the following sentences in reported speech. Arvind asked Priya if she 1. _______________________ for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. _____________. Priya further asked Arvind 3. ___________________________. Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. ____________________________ every weekend. He further enquired 5. ________________________________. Priya responded by saying that they 6. ___________________________________.
1. helped in taking care of her grandparents at home 2. took turns making sure they were alright 3. if he had grandparents living with him 4. he and his parents visited his grandpa every weekend 5. how she managed her grandparents' medical needs / how they managed their grandparents' medical needs 6. had a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor
Listen and Respond
I You will listen to a podcast on meditation. As you listen, complete the sentences with not more than three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 266) 1. Meditation is a form of yoga that usually refreshes the mind and helps with ___________________. 2. Meditation leads to a better health condition both ________________. 3. Meditation also aids in lessening undesirable feelings and improving __________________. 4. It is advised that we meditate every day so that it becomes a _______________. 5. Meditating on a daily basis is beneficial in comfortably tackling ________________.
These answers depend on the audio transcript. Sample expected answers: 1. concentration / focus and memory 2. physically and mentally 3. mood / emotional well-being 4. habit / daily routine 5. stress and anxiety / daily challenges. Learner should fill with exact words heard, up to three words.
Speaking Activity
I Intonation refers to the pitch of the voice while speaking. Now, revisit the story and select different questions. Work in pairs and practise speaking them aloud according to the examples shared.
Example practice: Wh-question 'Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city?' — falling intonation at end. Yes/No question 'Are you playing hide and seek?' — rising intonation. Tag question 'This is your cap, isn't it?' — rising intonation. Students should select questions like 'Shall we play chess or watch TV?' with rise-fall for choices and practice in pairs.
II Make a presentation about a brief personal experience related to taking care of an older person. For example, mention a specific individual you cared for or an occasion when you provided assistance to that person. You may use the following prompts to structure your narration.
Sample: The person I had the privilege of taking care of was my maternal grandfather during his visit last summer. I helped him with medicines, read newspapers for him and walked with him in the evening. Caring taught me patience and empathy. I learned he values being listened to more than help. It deepened my understanding that ageing brings loneliness and need for companionship.
Writing Task
I As you read in the story, we have a lot to learn from our elderly. Based on the lessons learned from them, write an article for your school magazine on the topic 'Our Inspiring Elderly'. Organise the article in the manner given below. Title, name, grade, Paragraph 1 introduction, Paragraph 2 details how elderly inspire with examples, Paragraph 3 how they overcame challenges and impact, Paragraph 4 conclusion.
Sample article: Title: Our Inspiring Elderly — By Ravi, Class 9. Paragraph 1: Elderly are pillars of wisdom. Paragraph 2: They inspire through resilience, chess-like strategy, storytelling, hard work like Grandpa managing home alone for ten years after wife's death. Paragraph 3: Overcoming loneliness, health issues, yet remaining generous and cheerful, giving gifts on own birthday. Paragraph 4: We must respect, learn Vitamin-M is really love and memory of values, and care for them as they cared for us.
Learning Beyond the Text
I Revisit the story and choose the image that correctly displays Grandpa's walking stick.
Correct image is the shiny-black mahogany walking stick with a brass handle carved in the shape of an eagle's head, as described when Grandpa picks it up and twirls it jauntily.
II A picture is worth a thousand words! Explore and revisit memories. Collect a few memorable photographs of yourself and your family. Make a slide show. Mention the following: When and where was it clicked? Who are the people in the photograph? Why is it memorable for you?
Sample slide show entry: Photo 1 — Diwali 2024 at home — with parents and grandparents — memorable because Grandpa told stories. Photo 2 — Park outing — with cousin — memorable because we played hide and seek. Students should create 3-4 slides with date, place, persons and reason.
III You must have read stories about taking care of the family members of all age groups in English and also in your own language. Now, read the story given below. Discuss with your classmates and teacher. [The Lost Child by Mulk Raj Anand]
The Lost Child shows a child's shift from wanting sweets, garlands, balloons to only wanting parents when lost. Discussion point: Parental love and security is more important than material attractions, similar to Vitamin-M where family care matters more than independence or objects.
Reflect and Respond
I Discuss with your classmates the memories you have of your early childhood.
My earliest memories are small but vivid — the smell of my grandmother's kitchen in the morning, being carried on my father's shoulders at a village fair, and the sound of rain on the roof while I was tucked in bed. Like the poet, I cannot recall my whole childhood in order, but certain images, sounds and smells come back suddenly and fill me with warmth. Sharing these with classmates shows that everyone keeps a few bright fragments — a song, a festival, a favourite toy — that shaped who they are.
II Discuss how children's relationship with their mother influences their emotions and memories.
A mother is usually a child's first source of love, safety and language, so the bond leaves a deep emotional imprint even when specific events are forgotten. In the poem the speaker remembers his mother not through facts but through feelings — a tune she hummed, her gaze, the scent of flowers linked to her prayers. This shows that a mother's presence is stored as emotion and sensation rather than as clear scenes; it gives a child a lasting sense of comfort and belonging that colours later memories and relationships.
III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: hover
linger or remain near a place
III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: hum
sing a tune with lips closed, without words
III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: cradle
a small bed or cot for a baby
III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: shiuli
the coral jasmine flower
III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: morning service
the rituals or worship performed in a temple in the morning
III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: gaze
look steadily at something for a long time
Check Your Understanding
I Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. Stanza 1 1. The poet remembers his mother while he ____________. 2. The poet remembers the ____________ but not the ____________. Setting: ____________ (outdoor/indoor) Stanza 2 1. The poet remembers his mother in the ____________ season. 2. The poet remembers his mother by the smell of ____________. Setting: ____________ (outdoor/indoor) Stanza 3 1. The poet feels that his mother ____________ at him from the ____________. Setting: ____________ (outdoor/indoor)
Stanza 1: 1. plays / is in the midst of his play 2. tune/song but not the mother herself (or playthings tune) Setting: indoor. Stanza 2: 1. early autumn 2. shiuli flowers / scent of morning temple service Setting: outdoor (garden/temple). Stanza 3: 1. gazes / stillness of gaze has spread 2. blue of the distant sky Setting: outdoor (looking from bedroom window to sky, so outdoor feeling, though window is indoor frame).
II The senses of olfactory (smell), auditory (hearing), and visual (sight), are three of the five basic senses in humans. Give examples of references to senses from the poem. Complete the table given below. Stanza Lines from the Poem Senses 1. _____________________________ ...the tune of some song that she used to hum while rocking my cradle 2. _____________________________ olfactory 3. ...
Stanza 1: a tune seems to hover over my playthings / the tune of some song that she used to hum — Auditory. Stanza 2: the smell of the shiuli flowers floats in the air / scent of the morning service — Olfactory. Stanza 3: I send my eyes into the blue of the distant sky / stillness of my mother's gaze — Visual.
III Read the poem silently once again and complete the following. 1. Two examples of alliteration from the poem are (i) __________ and (ii) ___________. 2. An example of onomatopoeia is ________________. 3. The poem uses imagery extensively. Explain. 4. Although the poem does not have a rhyme scheme, it is enjoyable because ______________. 5. What is the tone of the poet? Why do you say so? 6. What impact does the title of the poem have on the overall mood of the poem? 7. The poet uses 'I cannot remember my mother' as a refrain because __________________. 8. The poet uses symbolism to indicate the memory of his mother's presence. Identify the symbols used in the poem.
1. (i) sometimes seems / mother's gaze etc. but clear: playthings tune, distant sky — better: sometimes seem, scent service. Accept any repetitive consonant sounds. 2. hum — humming sound imitates sound. 3. Imagery — poet creates vivid pictures of playthings, autumn shiuli scent, temple smell, blue sky and gaze, evoking senses. 4. because of musical refrain, sensory imagery, emotional depth and simple language. 5. Tone is wistful, nostalgic and serene — longing for mother he cannot recall. 6. Title creates pathos and melancholy, setting expectation of loss yet gentle remembrance. 7. to emphasize his inability to recall her face yet feeling her presence repeatedly, creating musical and emotional anchor. 8. Symbols: tune/song, playthings/cradle, shiuli flowers, temple scent, blue sky and mother's gaze.
Critical Reflection
I 1. (i) Complete the following sentence appropriately. The poet is reminded of his mother during his ________________.
play / midst of his play
I 1. (ii) What is the primary emotion conveyed by the line 'a tune seems to hover over my playthings'? A. It enhances the joy of play. B. It disrupts the playtime atmosphere. C. It activates memories of the mother. D. It symbolises the carefree nature of childhood.
C. It activates memories of the mother.
I 1. (iii) In the context of the poem, what role does the hovering tune play during the speaker's playtime?
It acts as an invisible presence of the mother, bringing her memory back gently without interrupting play, linking past lullaby to present.
I 1. (iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. The poet experiences the tune lingering over playthings only occasionally during playtime.
True — the poem says only sometimes in the midst of my play.
I 1. (v) How could the poet feel his mother's presence, even though she isn't there?
Through sensory associations — the familiar hum he heard as baby while she rocked his cradle returns as a hovering tune over his toys, making her feel present.
I 2. (i) What does the poet suggest about the stillness of his mother's gaze spreading over the sky? A. The mother's gaze is physically present in the sky. B. The sky is a symbolic extension of the mother's presence. C. The sky mirrors the mother's emotions. D. The stillness is fleeting and unrelated to the mother.
B. The sky is a symbolic extension of the mother's presence.
I 2. (ii) What emotion does the poet associate with the 'stillness' of his mother's gaze? A. a sense of grief B. a sense of anticipation C. a sense of nostalgia D. a sense of serenity
D. a sense of serenity (also nostalgia, but serenity fits stillness)
I 2. (iii) State whether the following sentence is true or false. The poet suggests that the mother's gaze has a tangible and visual effect on the sky.
False — it is symbolic, not physically tangible, it feels as if it has spread.
I 2. (iv) What is the purpose of likening the mother's gaze to the sky?
To show vastness, calmness and all-encompassing nature of maternal love and memory that covers his world.
I 2. (v) Complete the sentence appropriately. The tone of the poet in the given extract is _____________ because _____________.
wistful/serene and nostalgic because he feels quiet comfort and longing in imagining his mother's gaze spread over the vast sky.
II 1. What is the emotional impact of the refrain, 'I cannot remember my mother'?
It creates pathos, repetition emphasizes loss and longing, yet each refrain leads to a sensory rediscovery, making sadness gentle and hopeful.
II 2. Interpret the connection between the poet's mother and the following: (i) shiuli flowers (ii) humming tune
(i) Shiuli flowers' sweet scent in autumn morning recalls temple scent which the poet associates with mother's scent, linking nature to maternal memory. (ii) Humming tune recalls lullaby sung while rocking cradle, associating sound of mother with play and security.
II 3. What role does nature play in the poet's description of the memory of his mother?
Nature acts as medium of memory — shiuli flowers, autumn air, blue sky — their smells, sounds and sights trigger and carry the mother's presence, making absent mother present in natural world.
II 4. What can be inferred about the poet's perception of the mother–child relationship?
Even without conscious memory, mother-child bond remains deep, spiritual and sensory, providing comfort, protection and continuity.
Vocabulary in Context
I Work in pairs to classify the sensory words given in the box below. One example has been done for you. Box: rustle sticky glowing hiss rough chilled aroma gigantic stale sizzle minuscule scent gloomy deafening vibrant pungent squeaky stinky crimson fluffy fragrant smooth slimy ear-splitting hairy Visual Auditory Olfactory Tactile glowing hiss aroma sticky
Visual: glowing, gigantic, minuscule, gloomy, vibrant, crimson. Auditory: rustle, hiss, sizzle, deafening, squeaky, ear-splitting. Olfactory: aroma, scent, stale, pungent, stinky, fragrant. Tactile: sticky, rough, chilled, fluffy, smooth, slimy, hairy.
II Fill in the blanks with sensory words in the box for the following passage written by Sarojini Naidu. There are two extra words. Box: scarlet shrill sizzle perfumes flaming scents sweetness essence smooth Passage: Come and share my exquisite March morning with me: this sumptuous blaze of gold and sapphire sky; these 1. _____________ lilies that adorn the sunshine; the voluptuous 2. _____________ of neem and champak and serisha that beat upon the languid air with their implacable 3. _____________; the thousand little gold and blue and silver breasted birds bursting with the 4. _____________ ecstasy of life in nesting time. And, do you know that the scarlet lilies are woven petal by petal from my heart's blood, these little quivering birds are my soul made incarnate music, these heavy 5. _____________ are my emotions dissolved into aerial 6. _____________, this 7. _____________ blue and gold sky is the 'very me'...
1. scarlet 2. perfumes/scents 3. sweetness 4. shrill 5. scents/perfumes 6. essence 7. flaming (or smooth) — extra words: sizzle, smooth.
III Write numbers against each picture with the phrases that describe them with their sensorial associations. One example has been done for you. 1. beats of music echo in air 2. melody of soothing scent, dancing in the air 3. fragrant breeze of blooming buds 4. gentle lullaby, a soft melody 5. colourful sky, painting a lively sight 6. attractive canvas painting the horizon
Association task is picture-based. Example: colourful sky — visual; beats of music — auditory; fragrant breeze — olfactory; gentle lullaby — auditory. Students match number to picture based on visual/auditory/olfactory cues.
Listen and Respond
I You will listen to four short extracts of people expressing their childhood memories. As you listen, match each statement 1–6 to each speaker (i)–(iv). There are two statements that you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 266) Statement Speaker 1. The precious memories by the seaside are not the same anymore. 2. My grandfather's encouragement influences me in moments of difficulty. 3. The school days are a source of recollection to stay in touch. 4. Childhood days are about freedom and ordinary pleasures in outdoor activities. 5. Memories of school days are grandparents and my funny tales. 6. Parents urge us to be adventurous and discover nature but with limitations.
Without audio, sample matching: Speaker (i) — 4, Speaker (ii) — 2, Speaker (iii) — 1, Speaker (iv) — 6. Statements 3 and 5 are extra not needed. Exact matching depends on transcript.
Speaking Activity
I Work in pairs. Think of an object, song, or a place that is memorable for you. Take turns to speak about it using the prompts given below. Introduce it briefly Describe it in detail including sensory details Narrate the specific memory associated with it Explain how it has impacted your life Summarise why this memory is meaningful to you even now You may use the following phrases. During my childhood... Growing up, I fondly remember... etc.
Sample: Growing up, I fondly remember my grandmother's wooden swing. It smelled of polish and creaked softly. I recall sitting on it while she sang. It taught me comfort and now reminds me of security and family love, so it remains meaningful.
Writing Task
I Imagine you had been on a school trip to a scenic place which appealed to all your senses. Write a diary entry describing the place and why it was a memorable experience. Contents: begin with day, date, and time use only first person capture sensory details express emotions focus on significant moments conclude with reflection Note: Anne Frank and Zlata Filipovic considered their diaries as friends...
Sample diary: Tuesday, 10 March 2026, 9 pm. Dear Diary, Today we went to the valley near the lake. I saw crimson flowers glowing, heard birds hissing softly, smelled fresh shiuli, felt cool breeze. I felt joyful and peaceful. The boat ride and temple scent reminded me of home. I will cherish this sensory feast forever. — Ravi.
Learning Beyond the Text
I You read about the shiuli flowers from the poem. Gather more information on unique flowers of India—where they are found, how they look, what smell they emit, and what the historical significance is, if any. [For example, Kurinji or Neelakurinji that blooms once in twelve years.] Add more flowers to this list. Shiuli Flowers: known as Parijat, Parijata, and Harsingar revered and used for various ceremonial purposes release a sweet fragrance associated with numerous Indian legends bloom exclusively during the night
Sample addition: Neelakurinji — Western Ghats, purplish blue, blooms every 12 years, tribal significance. Brahma Kamal — Himalayas, white, night blooming, sacred. Lotus — national flower, pink, mild fragrance, symbol of purity. Students should research and list 2-3 more with details.
II You must have read poems and songs related to the theme of family, friends and their reminiscences, in English and also in your own language. Collect these poems and songs, and share with your classmates and teacher. Now, read and enjoy the poem given below. I Remember, I Remember by Thomas Hood
Collection task: Students can collect poems like My Mother by Ann Taylor or family songs. Reading Hood's poem: It nostalgically recalls childhood home, roses, lilacs and compares innocent past with present yearning, reinforcing theme of memory and ageing.