The Portrait Of A Lady | Khushwant Singh | Class 11 Chapter 1 | Full Chapter/Summary/Questions

Dear Sir・2 minutes read

Khushwant Singh shares a heartfelt story of his deep connection with his wise and caring grandmother, whose passing leaves a void symbolized by birds refusing food. The chapter evokes universal sentiments of love and respect for grandmothers, highlighting the emotional impact of familial bonds and loss.

Insights

  • Khushwant Singh's deep bond with his wise and caring grandmother evolves over time, highlighting the impact of changing circumstances on relationships and the emotional depth of familial connections.
  • The poignant narrative in "Portrait of a Lady" underscores the universal theme of love and respect for grandmothers, evoking personal memories and emotions, and emphasizing the enduring significance of intergenerational relationships.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Khushwant Singh's caregiver?

    His grandmother

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Summary

00:00

"Khushwant's Wise Grandmother: A Heartfelt Bond"

  • Grandmother is described as wise, weak, and always chanting a rosary while taking care of Khushwant Singh, who has a strong bond with her.
  • Khushwant's parents leave him with his grandmother, who listens to his stories, takes care of him, and accompanies him to school.
  • Despite being beautiful and having a husband, Khushwant never sees his grandmother as young or married, emphasizing her wisdom.
  • Khushwant's grandmother's relationship with him changes when they move to the city, where he starts studying subjects she doesn't understand, causing a rift.
  • Khushwant's grandmother becomes lonely and isolated after he goes abroad for studies, focusing on feeding birds and living alone.
  • Upon Khushwant's return after five years, his grandmother remains unchanged, spending time with birds until she falls ill.
  • Despite the doctor's assurance, his grandmother knows her time has come and passes away peacefully with her rosary in hand.
  • After her death, the birds refuse to eat the bread left for them, symbolizing the void left by the grandmother's departure.
  • The chapter "Portrait of a Lady" by Khushwant Singh in the 11th-grade English book portrays a heartfelt story of the author's deep connection with his grandmother.
  • The chapter evokes emotions and memories of one's own grandmother, emphasizing the universal sentiment of love and respect for grandmothers.

12:07

Khushwant Singh's Grandmother: A Devoted Life

  • Khushwant Singh and his friends used to sit in the verandah singing alphabets like "Ka ga ye sir" and morning prayers.
  • Grandmother used to feed street dogs chapattis and dry bread, rewarding those with good genes.
  • Khushwant Singh's relationship with his grandmother changed when he moved to the city for school.
  • After going to an English medium school in the city, Khushwant Singh's bond with his grandmother weakened.
  • Grandmother was upset about the new syllabus lacking teachings about God and religion.
  • Khushwant Singh moving to the university led to his grandmother living alone and becoming quiet.
  • Grandmother's routine involved breaking bread for birds and spending time in religious activities.
  • When Khushwant Singh decided to study abroad, his grandmother remained stoic and focused on prayers.
  • Upon his return after five years, his grandmother fell ill and expressed a sense of impending death.
  • Grandmother's final moments were marked by her devotion to God, leading to her peaceful passing.

23:06

"Gratitude for Support in Time of Loss"

  • The author's grandmother passed away, and the author's mother brought pieces of bread to mourn her death. The author expressed gratitude for the support received and encouraged viewers to subscribe to the channel for further discussions and assistance, emphasizing the importance of education and helping others without any financial gain.
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