Class 11 Lesson 6 The Third and Final Continent NCERT English Book Woven Words Short Stories Questions and Answers.
Lesson 6 The Third and Final Continent
Understanding The Text
1. Indicate the details that tell us that the narrator was not very financially comfortable during his stay in London.
2. How did the narrator adjust to the ways of life first in London and then in Cambridge, U.S.A.?
3. What do you understand of the characters of Mrs Croft from the story?
4. What kind of a relationship did Mrs Croft share with her daughter Helen?
5. How does the narrator bring out the contrast between the Indian way of life and American society? Do you think his wife Mala adjusted comfortably to the new way of life?
6. How does the bond of affection between Mrs Croft and the narrative evolve?
Answer:
Here are the answers based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s story The Third and Final Continent:
1. Indicate the details that tell us that the narrator was not very financially comfortable during his stay in London.
The narrator was not financially well-off during his stay in London. He rented a small room in a house with five other people and lived on a very modest income. He ate meals that consisted of simple and inexpensive foods like eggs and toast. His frugality, such as taking night shifts to save on transport costs, indicates his financial constraints.
2. How did the narrator adjust to the ways of life first in London and then in Cambridge, U.S.A.?
In London, the narrator adapted to living in shared accommodations with limited means, finding a way to live modestly and manage with few resources. In the U.S., he adjusted by continuing his frugal lifestyle, initially staying in a small room in Mrs. Croft’s house. He navigated the American culture slowly, observing the customs and ways of life, and eventually adjusted by incorporating some aspects of American life, while retaining his own Indian values and traditions.
3. What do you understand of the character of Mrs. Croft from the story?
Mrs. Croft is portrayed as a proud and resilient 103-year-old woman. Despite her age, she has a strong sense of dignity and independence. She is also very particular about manners and respect, evident when she insists that the narrator acknowledges that it is “splendid” for a woman to sit alone in a parlor without a chaperone. Mrs. Croft symbolizes old-fashioned American values, and her rigidness reflects a past generation’s morals. However, her vulnerability and dependence on her daughter reveal her frailty.
4. What kind of a relationship did Mrs. Croft share with her daughter Helen?
Mrs. Croft and Helen have a relationship of necessity and duty. Helen visits her mother regularly to ensure she is taken care of, showing her responsibility toward her aging mother. Their interactions seem formal and distant, suggesting a lack of emotional closeness. Helen respects her mother’s wishes and helps her without complaint, but there is little warmth in their exchanges.
5. How does the narrator bring out the contrast between the Indian way of life and American society? Do you think his wife Mala adjusted comfortably to the new way of life?
The narrator highlights the contrast between Indian and American societies through his observations of daily life and interactions with people like Mrs. Croft. In India, family and community are central, while in America, individualism and independence are valued. His arranged marriage to Mala contrasts with American norms of relationships and romantic freedom. While Mala initially struggles to adjust, feeling homesick and lonely, she eventually begins to adapt to the new culture, especially as the couple grows closer and creates a home together. The story shows how she gradually finds her place in the new world.
6. How does the bond of affection between Mrs. Croft and the narrator evolve?
Initially, the relationship between Mrs. Croft and the narrator is purely transactional, with the narrator renting a room in her house. However, over time, the narrator develops a sense of responsibility and affection toward the elderly woman. He begins to look out for her, showing concern for her well-being. Despite their differences in age, background, and culture, a mutual respect grows between them. The narrator’s small gestures of kindness, such as taking care of her and checking on her, show that their relationship has evolved into one of genuine care and affection.
Talking about the text
Discuss in pairs or in small groups
1. Living abroad is challenging in many ways.
2. The Indian family system offers more security to the aged than what is found in the west.
3. The eccentricities of the old are often enderling.
Answer:
1. Living abroad is challenging in many ways.
Adapting to a new culture: When someone moves to a foreign country, they need to adjust to different customs, food, languages, and social norms. The cultural shock can be overwhelming and challenging.
Homesickness and isolation: People living abroad often miss their family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Loneliness can be a major challenge, especially for those who have not built a social circle in the new country.
Financial adjustments: Living abroad can also come with financial pressures, especially if the cost of living is higher than in the person’s home country. Finding a job or managing finances can be stressful.
Navigating bureaucracy: Adjusting to a new country’s legal systems, work permits, visas, and healthcare can also be complex and overwhelming.
2. The Indian family system offers more security to the aged than what is found in the West.
Family support: In Indian culture, it is common for multiple generations to live together under one roof, which provides security and emotional support for the elderly. The elders are often taken care of by their children and grandchildren.
Respect for elders: Indian society traditionally places great importance on respecting elders, and they often have a say in family decisions. This respect translates into providing care and attention to their needs.
Western independence: In contrast, Western societies tend to value independence more, and elderly people often live alone or in assisted living facilities. While they may have financial security through pensions and social programs, the emotional connection to family may not be as strong.
Loneliness in old age: The elderly in Western countries sometimes face loneliness, as family members may live far apart due to job mobility or personal choices. This can create a gap in the emotional and physical care they receive.
3. The eccentricities of the old are often endearing.
Unique habits and stories: As people age, they sometimes develop unique habits or quirks that can be both amusing and endearing. These eccentricities often reflect their life experiences and personal history.
Wisdom in their quirks: The old may have particular ways of doing things, and while these habits might seem eccentric, they often carry wisdom that younger generations can learn from.
Nostalgic charm: Older people’s connection to the past, their love for old-fashioned ways, or their insistence on certain traditions often brings a nostalgic charm that can create a deeper bond with family members.
Patience and affection: While eccentricities may sometimes require patience, they are often tolerated and appreciated by those who love the elderly, as they reflect the personality and character of the person.
Appreciation
1. Discuss the manner in which the author interweaves details of the narrator’s family with the flow of the main narrative.
2. ‘Mrs Croft was the first death I mourned in America, for, hers was the first if I had admired; she had left this world at last, ancient and alone, never to return, – how do these lines encapsulate the bond that is possible between two strangers?
3. Examine the places of conversation in the story, Point out some of these and state how this contribute to the interest of the narration.
Answer:
1. Discuss the manner in which the author interweaves details of the narrator’s family with the flow of the main narrative.
The author skillfully blends the narrator’s personal history, such as his early life in India, his move to London, and eventually his journey to the U.S., with the larger narrative about his experiences adjusting to a new country. The narrative of his family life — his arranged marriage with Mala, their evolving relationship, and the impact of living abroad — is interwoven into the story without overwhelming the main plot. These personal details provide depth to the narrator’s character, showing how his cultural background and family influence his experiences in America.
The family details are subtly placed within the narrative, adding emotional layers to the narrator’s life, as seen when he reflects on his past or when he introduces Mala into his new life in the U.S. This technique makes the story more relatable and human, as the reader can see how the narrator’s family life plays a significant role in shaping his experiences in a foreign land.
2. ‘Mrs. Croft was the first death I mourned in America, for hers was the first life I had admired; she had left this world at last, ancient and alone, never to return.’ – How do these lines encapsulate the bond that is possible between two strangers?
These lines reflect the deep emotional bond that can develop between two individuals, even if they start as strangers. Despite their differences in age, nationality, and background, the narrator and Mrs. Croft develop a mutual respect and admiration for each other. The narrator’s mourning of Mrs. Croft’s death highlights how their brief but meaningful connection had a lasting impact on him.
This bond, formed through shared moments, simple conversations, and a sense of mutual care, shows how two people from vastly different worlds can find common ground and form a relationship that transcends their individual circumstances. Mrs. Croft’s strength and dignity leave a lasting impression on the narrator, making her the first person in America for whom he genuinely feels loss.
3. Examine the places of conversation in the story. Point out some of these and state how this contributes to the interest of the narration.
Mrs. Croft’s Parlor: One of the most significant places of conversation is Mrs. Croft’s parlor, where the narrator regularly visits her and engages in simple but poignant conversations. These dialogues, such as Mrs. Croft’s insistence that a woman must sit properly or her proud declaration about the flag, reveal her character’s eccentricity and strength. These moments are charming and add humor and depth to the story.
The Narrator’s Apartment: The conversations between the narrator and his wife, Mala, in their apartment in the U.S. are also crucial. As they navigate their new life together in a foreign country, their conversations reflect the adjustments they are making in their relationship and in adapting to American culture. These dialogues show the gradual growth of affection between the couple, adding emotional layers to the narrative.
Mala and Mrs. Croft’s Interaction: The brief exchange between Mala and Mrs. Croft when Mala visits also holds significance. Despite the brevity of their interaction, it symbolizes a connection between two women from different generations and cultures. This moment helps highlight the theme of cross-cultural understanding and adds a touching layer to the story.
Each of these conversational settings contributes to the interest of the story by providing insights into the characters, their relationships, and the cultural nuances they navigate. Through these moments, the narrative becomes richer and more engaging for the reader.
Language Work
1. ‘Don’t expect an English cup of tea’ – how does the phrase bring out the contrast between the English and American attitudes?
2. How did the narrator learn to distinguish between ‘a flask’ and ‘a thermos’?
3. It took the narrator quite some time to understand that what he heard as ‘piper’, in fact meant ‘paper’ and the phrase ‘mind the gap’ in the Tube. What do you think caused the problem?
4. Make a list of items that are referred to differently in British and American English, for example, ‘lift’ (BE) ‘elevator’ (AmE).
5. See if you understand what the following words that are parts of a house mean. Look up the dictionary if you don’t.
parlour
foyer
lounge
porch
lobby
attic
portico
Answer:
1. ‘Don’t expect an English cup of tea’ – How does the phrase bring out the contrast between the English and American attitudes?
The phrase “Don’t expect an English cup of tea” highlights the cultural differences between the English and American approaches to tea. For the English, tea is more than just a beverage; it is a cultural ritual and is often associated with relaxation, hospitality, and precision. In contrast, Americans may not emphasize the same level of attention to tea-making, where coffee is often the preferred drink. The phrase humorously suggests that one should not expect the same quality or care in tea preparation when in America, reflecting differences in values and customs.
2. How did the narrator learn to distinguish between ‘a flask’ and ‘a thermos’?
The narrator likely learned to distinguish between “a flask” and “a thermos” by observing how these items were referred to in different cultural contexts. In British English, “flask” refers to a container used to hold hot or cold liquids, often for outdoor activities. In American English, “thermos” is more commonly used to refer to an insulated container for keeping liquids warm or cold. The narrator might have learned this distinction through conversations, experiences, or travel between the two regions.
3. It took the narrator quite some time to understand that what he heard as ‘piper’, in fact, meant ‘paper’ and the phrase ‘mind the gap’ in the Tube. What do you think caused the problem?
The problem likely arose due to differences in accents and pronunciation between British and American English. The narrator might not have been familiar with the British accent or dialect, where certain vowel sounds and consonants are pronounced differently. For instance, in some British accents, “paper” may sound like “piper” to an American listener. Similarly, the phrase “mind the gap” could have been confusing due to unfamiliarity with British public transportation announcements or the specific use of the phrase in the context of the Tube (London Underground).
4. Make a list of items that are referred to differently in British and American English: British English (BE) American English (AmE) Lift Elevator Flat Apartment Biscuit Cookie Boot (of a car) Trunk Bonnet (of a car) Hood Holiday Vacation Petrol Gasoline Lorry Truck Tap Faucet Rubbish Trash/garbage
5. See if you understand what the following words that are parts of a house mean:
Parlour: A sitting room in a house used for entertaining guests or for quiet activities like reading.
Foyer: An entrance hall or open area in a house, apartment, or other building used for receiving guests.
Lounge: A comfortable sitting area in a home or public space, often used for relaxation or socializing.
Porch: A covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance to a building.
Lobby: A large entrance or reception area in a hotel, apartment building, or office, usually leading to other rooms or areas.
Attic: The space or room located directly under the roof of a house, often used for storage.
Portico: A structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.