Class 11 Lesson 5 Pappachi’s Moth NCERT English Book Woven Words Short Stories Questions and Answers.
Lesson 5 Pappachi’s Moth
Understand The Text
1. Comment on the relationship shared by Mammachi and Pappchi.
2. How does Mammachi stand out as an independent and resilient woman in the text?
3. Why does John Ipe consider retirement to be a dishonour?
4. What was the underlying reason for John Ipe’s disgust with the world?
Answer:
1. Comment on the relationship shared by Mammachi and Pappachi. The relationship between Mammachi and Pappachi is strained and defined by Pappachi’s controlling, abusive, and domineering nature. Pappachi feels jealousy and resentment toward Mammachi’s musical talents and the recognition she receives for her pickle-making business. He often physically abused her, demonstrating his frustration and need to assert dominance. Mammachi, on the other hand, silently endured his mistreatment, reflecting the oppressive gender roles that existed in their society. Their relationship is not one of mutual love and respect but of control and submission.
2. How does Mammachi stand out as an independent and resilient woman in the text? Mammachi stands out as a resilient and independent woman through her entrepreneurial success despite Pappachi’s mistreatment. After Pappachi’s retirement, she starts her own business making and selling pickles, which becomes very successful. She takes control of her own destiny, supporting her family financially and becoming a respected figure in the community. Her resilience is evident in her ability to rise above the personal and societal challenges she faces, including the abuse from Pappachi, and establish a successful business, which gives her a sense of independence.
3. Why does John Ipe (Pappachi) consider retirement to be a dishonour? John Ipe, also known as Pappachi, considers retirement to be a dishonour because he derives much of his identity and self-worth from his career as an entomologist. His work is central to his sense of pride and authority, and the idea of retirement threatens his importance and status in society. Additionally, the fact that his career ended without recognition for his discovery of a new moth species, which was later credited to someone else, deepens his sense of failure and dishonour. Retirement, in his eyes, is a final confirmation of his life’s perceived insignificance.
5. What was the underlying reason for John Ipe’s disgust with the world? The underlying reason for John Ipe’s (Pappachi’s) disgust with the world stems from his unacknowledged scientific discovery of a new moth species and the perceived injustice of not receiving credit for it. This event becomes a source of deep resentment for him, affecting his outlook on life and his relationships. His frustration with the world is also compounded by societal expectations, his unfulfilled ambitions, and his inability to control or maintain authority over his family, especially Mammachi, as she grows independent. All of these factors contribute to his bitter and disgusted attitude toward the world.
Talking about the text
Discuss in pairs
1. Chacko’s firmness in dealing with the irrational behaviour of his father.
2. The contrast between the outward elegance of a person and his private behaviour.
3. Approval from the outside world and approval within the family.
Answer:
- Chacko’s firmness in dealing with the irrational behaviour of his father. Chacko, Mammachi and Pappachi’s son, demonstrates firmness in handling his father’s irrational and abusive behavior. Despite the societal norms that discourage sons from intervening in their parents’ private matters, Chacko steps in to protect his mother from Pappachi’s physical abuse. His action shows a break from the traditional patriarchal hierarchy, where the father’s authority is rarely questioned. Chacko’s firmness highlights his care for his mother and his unwillingness to tolerate injustice, even within his own family. His intervention also represents a shift in generational attitudes toward domestic abuse, where protecting the vulnerable takes precedence over adhering to traditional family roles.
- The contrast between the outward elegance of a person and his private behaviour. Pappachi’s character embodies the contrast between outward appearance and private behavior. To the outside world, Pappachi is seen as a respectable and dignified figure, a retired entomologist with a certain elegance and societal standing. However, in his private life, he is controlling, abusive, and resentful, particularly toward his wife, Mammachi. This duality is reflective of how individuals can present themselves as composed and honorable in public, while their true nature, often concealed, can be far less admirable. This contrast points to the theme of hypocrisy in the story, where societal appearances mask the darker realities of personal relationships.
- Approval from the outside world and approval within the family. The difference between external approval and approval within the family is a significant theme in the story. Pappachi is more concerned with his standing and approval in the eyes of society than with the love and respect of his family. He feels ashamed of his forced retirement and his lack of recognition for the moth discovery, seeking validation from the outside world. However, his inability to gain this approval only deepens his resentment and leads to further abuse at home. On the other hand, Mammachi’s business success garners her approval both from her family, especially Chacko, and from society. Yet, Pappachi’s refusal to acknowledge her achievements highlights how external validation and internal family dynamics can be in conflict, with some seeking external approval at the cost of familial relationships.
Appreciation
1. How does the author succeed in raising crucial social issues not through open criticism but through subtle suggestion?
2. Within a few pages the author has packed the important events in the lives of John Ipe and his wife. Discuss how conciseness and economy of expression can achieve effective portrayal of entire lives.
3. Identify instances of ironical comment in the story.
Answer:
Appreciation: Pappachi’s Moth
- How does the author succeed in raising crucial social issues not through open criticism but through subtle suggestion? The author, Arundhati Roy, raises crucial social issues such as domestic abuse, patriarchy, and gender inequality through subtle narrative techniques rather than direct criticism. For example, Pappachi’s abusive behavior towards Mammachi is not openly condemned in the text, but its presence creates an atmosphere of discomfort and injustice that prompts the reader to reflect on these issues. The contrast between Pappachi’s public respectability and private cruelty subtly critiques the societal norms that allow such behavior to go unchecked. Similarly, Mammachi’s resilience and success in her pickle-making business challenge traditional gender roles without directly addressing feminism, allowing the story to reveal the tension between male pride and female independence in a patriarchal society.
- Within a few pages the author has packed the important events in the lives of John Ipe and his wife. Discuss how conciseness and economy of expression can achieve effective portrayal of entire lives. Roy masterfully condenses the significant events of John Ipe (Pappachi) and Mammachi’s lives into a few pages through concise narration and selective details. By focusing on key moments—such as Pappachi’s retirement, his discovery of the moth, and his abusive treatment of Mammachi—the author provides a glimpse into their entire relationship and personalities without delving into exhaustive descriptions. The moth becomes a powerful symbol of Pappachi’s lifelong disappointment and bitterness, reflecting his entire character arc. Meanwhile, Mammachi’s journey from a submissive wife to a successful businesswoman is portrayed through her actions rather than lengthy exposition. This economy of expression allows the story to remain impactful, giving readers a complete understanding of their lives through minimal but significant events.
- Identify instances of ironical comment in the story. The story contains several instances of irony, particularly in how societal values and personal achievements are perceived. One example is Pappachi’s obsession with the moth he discovered, which he believes would have brought him fame. Ironically, his refusal to acknowledge Mammachi’s success in her business, which actually brings financial stability to the family, highlights the pettiness of his pride. Another instance is the irony of Pappachi’s public respectability contrasted with his private abuse of Mammachi. He is admired in society for his accomplishments, but within the family, he is a figure of cruelty and resentment. This ironic contrast exposes the hypocrisy in how societal standards often overlook personal integrity in favor of public image.
Language Work
1.Entomologist and lepidopterist are mentioned in the text and you must have guessed the meanings of these words or found them out from the dictionary.
Now match the kinds of scientists given below with the work they do;
| A | B |
| ornithologist | study of the skin |
| gerontologist | study of cells |
| ergonomist | study of birds |
| dermatologist | study of old age |
| cytologist | study of design of equipment |
2. A short report announcing the death of a person in a newspaper is called an ‘obituary’. Where would you find the following.
a citation
an epitaph
a glossary
an abstract
a postscript
Answer:
Language Work
- Matching kinds of scientists with the work they do: Match column A with column B: A B Ornithologist Study of birds Gerontologist Study of old age Ergonomist Study of design of equipment Dermatologist Study of the skin Cytologist Study of cells
- Where would you find the following? a. Citation: A citation is typically found in academic works, legal references, or award ceremonies where a person’s contribution is acknowledged. b. Epitaph: An epitaph is a short text honoring a deceased person, often inscribed on a tombstone or grave marker. c. Glossary: A glossary is found at the end of a book or document, providing definitions of specialized terms used within the text. d. Abstract: An abstract is a summary of a research paper or academic article, usually found at the beginning of the paper or in databases. e. Postscript (P.S.): A postscript is an additional remark or note added at the end of a letter, after the signature.