Class 12 Kalidoscope NCERT English Short Story Lesson 2 Eveline Questions and Answers.
Question Answer
1. Why did Eveline review all the familiar objects at home?
2. Where was Eveline planning to go?
3. Who was Frank? Why did Eveline’s father quarrel with him?
4. What significance does Eveline find in the organ-player’s appearance the day she had decided to leave?
Answer:
1. Why did Eveline review all the familiar objects at home? Eveline reviewed all the familiar objects at home because she was 1 going to go away and leave her home. She was wondering if she would ever see those objects again, things she had never dreamed of being separated from.
2. Where was Eveline planning to go?
Eveline was planning to go to a “distant unknown country.”
3. Who was Frank? Why did Eveline’s father quarrel with him?
Frank was the man Eveline was planning to run away with. He was described as kind, manly, and open-hearted. He was a sailor who had traveled to distant countries and had a home waiting for her in Buenos Aires.
Eveline’s father quarreled with Frank because he said, “I know these sailor chaps.” This implies that he distrusted sailors and perhaps feared that Frank would take advantage of Eveline or that the relationship was not serious.
4. What significance does Eveline find in the organ player’s appearance on the day she had decided to leave?
The organ player’s appearance is significant because the music reminds Eveline of her promise to her mother to keep the home together. This promise becomes a powerful force in her mind, creating a conflict with her desire to leave with Frank. The music evokes a memory of her mother’s illness and her strange, repetitive phrase, “Derevaun Seraun!” This memory adds to the weight of her decision.
Understanding the Text
1. Name the two characters in this story whom Eveline liked and loved, and two she did not, What were the reason for her feelings towards them?
2. Describe the conflict of emotions felt by Eveline on the day she had decided to elope with Frank.
3. Why do you think Eveline let go of the opportunity to escape?
4. What are the signs of Eveline’s indecision that we see as the hour of her departure with Frank neared?
Answer:
1. Name the two characters in this story whom Eveline liked and loved, and two she did not. What were the reasons for her feelings towards them?
- Liked and Loved:
- Frank: Eveline liked Frank because he was kind, manly, and open-hearted. He offered her the possibility of a new life, love, and escape from her current difficult circumstances. She enjoyed their time together, such as going to the theatre, and felt “pleasantly confused” when he sang love songs.
- Her Mother: While the text doesn’t explicitly state “love,” Eveline clearly felt a strong sense of duty and obligation towards her deceased mother. She remembered her mother’s life of “commonplace sacrifices” with pity and felt bound by her promise to keep the home together. This sense of obligation heavily influenced her actions.
- Did Not Like:
- Her Father: Eveline feared her father, especially in his later years when he became prone to threats and was difficult about money. The “invariable squabble for money on Saturday nights” wearied her unspeakably. While she recalled moments of his kindness, the overall impression is one of fear and resentment towards his controlling and sometimes violent behavior.
- Miss Gavan: Eveline clearly disliked Miss Gavan at the Stores. Miss Gavan had an “edge on her” and would make condescending remarks, especially when others were listening, making Eveline feel inferior and rushed.
2. Describe the conflict of emotions felt by Eveline on the day she had decided to elope with Frank.
On the day she was to elope with Frank, Eveline experienced a তীব্র conflict of emotions:
- Desire for Escape and a Better Life: She felt a “sudden impulse of terror” and a strong urge to escape her current life of hard work, her father’s potential violence, and the general dreariness of her existence. She believed Frank would offer her a better life, perhaps love, and the “right to happiness.”
- Attachment to the Familiar and Fear of the Unknown: Despite the hardships, Eveline felt a deep connection to her home and the familiar objects she had cared for. The thought of never seeing them again filled her with unease. The prospect of going to a “distant unknown country” likely instilled a sense of fear and uncertainty.
- Duty and Obligation: The memory of her promise to her mother to “keep the home together” weighed heavily on her. The organ player’s tune served as a potent reminder of this promise, creating a strong sense of guilt and obligation.
- Doubt and Indecision: She questioned the wisdom of leaving, weighing the security (however limited) of her current life against the uncertainties of the future. This internal debate manifested in her silent prayers for guidance.
- Terror and Paralysis: As the moment of departure neared, her anxiety intensified into terror. She felt as if Frank was drawing her into overwhelming “seas” that would drown her. This terror ultimately led to her physical and emotional paralysis, preventing her from going with him.
3. Why do you think Eveline let go of the opportunity to escape?
Eveline likely let go of the opportunity to escape due to a combination of factors:
- The Overpowering Weight of Her Promise: Her promise to her dying mother to keep the home together seems to have been a deeply ingrained obligation that she couldn’t ultimately break.
- Fear of the Unknown: The prospect of leaving everything familiar for a “distant unknown country” with someone her father disapproved of was likely terrifying. Despite Frank’s kindness, the future held uncertainties.
- Deep-seated Paralysis: Years of living a monotonous and somewhat oppressive life seem to have led to a form of emotional paralysis. She lacked the strength or will to take such a drastic step into the unknown.
- Attachment to the Familiar: Despite the hardships, her home and the familiar objects represented a sense of identity and the only life she had ever known. The thought of completely severing those ties was deeply unsettling.
- A Lack of True Agency: Eveline’s life seems to have been largely dictated by duty and circumstance. She may have lacked the inner strength and self-belief to actively seize control of her own happiness.
4. What are the signs of Eveline’s indecision that we see as the hour of her departure with Frank neared?
As the hour of her departure with Frank neared, we see several signs of Eveline’s growing indecision:
- Reviewing Familiar Objects: Her act of looking around the room and reviewing all the familiar objects, wondering if she would ever see them again, highlights her deep attachment and the difficulty she was having in leaving them behind.
- Weighing the Pros and Cons: She actively tried to “weigh each side of the question,” considering the shelter and familiarity of her home against the potential of a new life.
- Silent Prayer: Her repeated silent fervent prayers asking God to direct her and show her her duty indicate her internal conflict and her seeking guidance rather than acting decisively.
- Physical Manifestations of Distress: The nausea she felt in her body is a physical manifestation of her anxiety and inner turmoil.
- Clutching the Railing: Her frantic gripping of the iron railing at the station signifies her resistance and inability to move forward with Frank.
- Passive Demeanor and Lack of Recognition: Her “white face,” passivity “like a helpless animal,” and the fact that her eyes gave Frank “no sign of love or farewell or recognition” are the ultimate signs of her complete emotional withdrawal and inability to go through with her decision.
Talking about the text
1. Deciding between filial duty and the right to personal happiness is problematic. Discuss.
2. Share with your partner any instance of your personal experience where you, or somebody you know, had to make a difficult choice.
Answer:
1. Deciding between filial duty and the right to personal happiness is problematic. Discuss.
The conflict between filial duty (obligations to one’s family, especially parents) and the right to personal happiness is a deeply problematic and often agonizing dilemma. “Eveline” poignantly illustrates this struggle. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s so problematic:
- Conflicting Moral Imperatives: Both filial duty and the pursuit of personal happiness carry significant moral weight. Society often emphasizes the importance of honoring and caring for family, especially those who have sacrificed for us. Simultaneously, there’s a growing recognition of the individual’s right to self-determination and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. When these two imperatives clash, it creates immense internal conflict.
- Emotional Entanglement: Family relationships are often deeply emotional. Love, guilt, obligation, and fear can intertwine, making it difficult to make rational decisions about one’s own happiness when it potentially impacts family members. Eveline’s memories of her mother and the promise she made, as well as her fear of her father’s reaction, highlight this emotional entanglement.
- Societal and Cultural Expectations: Different cultures and societies place varying degrees of emphasis on filial duty versus individual autonomy. In some contexts, prioritizing personal happiness over family obligations can be seen as selfish or even taboo, adding external pressure to an already difficult internal struggle.
- The Fear of Consequences and Regret: Choosing personal happiness might lead to feelings of guilt, the disapproval of family, or the fear of future regret if things don’t work out. Conversely, prioritizing duty at the expense of personal happiness can lead to resentment, unfulfilled potential, and a life lived without genuine satisfaction. Eveline’s hesitation suggests her fear of both outcomes.
- Defining “Happiness” and “Duty”: The very definitions of personal happiness and filial duty can be subjective and complex. What constitutes genuine happiness for one person might differ greatly for another. Similarly, the extent of one’s filial duty can be interpreted in various ways. This ambiguity further complicates the decision-making process.
- The Power Dynamic: Often, the expectation of filial duty comes from a position of parental authority or societal norms, which can make it difficult for an individual to assert their own needs and desires. Eveline’s powerlessness in her family and her fear of her father exemplify this dynamic.
In “Eveline,” the protagonist is paralyzed by this conflict. Her desire for a new life and potential happiness with Frank is ultimately overshadowed by her sense of duty to her deceased mother and her fear of the repercussions of leaving her family and the familiar. The story serves as a stark reminder of the emotional toll and potential for stagnation when individuals feel trapped between these powerful and often opposing forces. It highlights the tragedy of a life unlived due to the perceived weight of obligation.
2. Share with your partner any instance of your personal experience where you, or somebody you know, had to make a difficult choice.
(Since I am an AI, I do not have personal experiences or partners in the human sense. However, I can offer a hypothetical scenario based on common human experiences that you can then discuss with your partner.)
Imagine a situation where a young adult, let’s call her Priya, receives a fantastic job offer in a city far away from her aging parents who rely on her for emotional and some practical support.
- The Pull of Personal Happiness: The job is a dream opportunity for Priya, offering career growth, financial independence, and a chance to live in a vibrant new environment she’s always longed for. This represents her right to personal and professional fulfillment.
- The Weight of Filial Duty: Priya feels a strong sense of responsibility towards her parents. Her departure would mean they would have to manage on their own, potentially leading to loneliness or requiring them to seek help from others, which Priya worries about. She feels guilty at the thought of leaving them.
- The Difficult Choice: Priya faces a difficult choice: pursue her personal happiness and career aspirations, potentially causing her parents emotional distress and logistical challenges, or stay close to home, sacrificing her dream job to fulfill her perceived filial duty.
This scenario, or similar ones involving career moves, relationship choices that differ from family expectations, or decisions about caring for elderly relatives, are common examples where individuals grapple with the problematic conflict between their own happiness and their obligations to their family.
Now, it’s your turn to share a personal experience with your partner. Think about a time when you or someone you know faced a similar dilemma and discuss the complexities of that situation, the emotions involved, and the ultimate decision made. Sources and related content
Appreciation
1. The describe in this story has symbolic touches. What do you think the ‘window’ the ‘gathering dusk’, the ‘dusty cretonne and its odour’ symbolise?
2. Note how the narrative proceeds through the consciousness of Eveline.
3. In the last section of the story, notice these expressions
(i) A bell clanged upon her heart.
(ii) All the seas of the world tumbled upon her heart.
(iii) Her hands clutched the iron in frenzy.
(iv) She set her while face to him, passive, like a helpless animal.
What are the emotions that these images evoke?
4. Do you think the author indicates his judgement of Eveline in the story?
Answer:
1. The descriptions in this story have symbolic touches. What do you think the ‘window’, the ‘gathering dusk’, the ‘dusty cretonne and its odour’ symbolize?
These seemingly simple descriptions carry significant symbolic weight, contributing to the overall atmosphere and understanding of Eveline’s internal state:
- The ‘window’: The window acts as a barrier and a point of observation. Eveline is positioned at the window, looking out at the world, but not actively engaging with it. It symbolizes her state of being trapped – physically within her home and emotionally within her circumstances. She is a spectator of life passing by, rather than a participant. The window also represents a potential for escape or a view of an alternative future, which she contemplates but ultimately cannot step through.
- The ‘gathering dusk’: The evening and the gathering dusk symbolize the waning of opportunity, hope, and vitality. It mirrors Eveline’s own life, which feels stagnant and is moving towards darkness and the unknown. The fading light suggests the diminishing possibilities for change and the encroaching sense of confinement and melancholy. It creates a somber and oppressive mood, reflecting her inner turmoil.
- The ‘dusty cretonne and its odour’: The dusty cretonne and its specific odour symbolize the stale, stagnant, and unchanging nature of Eveline’s domestic life. Dust accumulates in places that are not moved or refreshed, representing the lack of new experiences and the repetitive, suffocating routine she endures. The odour is a sensory detail that evokes a feeling of decay, neglect, and the weight of the past. It represents the oppressive atmosphere of her home and the memories that bind her to it, even though it offers little joy.
2. Note how the narrative proceeds through the consciousness of Eveline.
The narrative in “Eveline” employs a third-person limited point of view, also known as free indirect discourse. This means the story is told in the third person, but the reader experiences the events and thoughts primarily through Eveline’s consciousness. We see the world as she sees it, filtered through her memories, emotions, and perceptions.
- Stream of Consciousness: The narrative often mimics the flow of Eveline’s thoughts, moving seamlessly between present observations, past memories, and future anxieties. This allows the reader direct access to her internal world, her reflections on her childhood, her relationship with Frank and her family, and her internal debate about leaving.
- Emotional Landscape: The descriptions and the way events are presented are heavily influenced by Eveline’s emotional state. The dreariness of the evening, the sounds she hears, and the objects she observes are all colored by her weariness, her sense of loss, and her growing anxiety about her decision.
- Lack of Explicit Authorial Commentary: The author largely refrains from directly commenting on Eveline’s thoughts or actions. Instead, we infer her internal state and the complexities of her situation through the presentation of her consciousness. This allows for a more intimate and empathetic understanding of her predicament.
- Shifting Time and Focus: The narrative moves fluidly between past and present, reflecting how Eveline’s memories and past experiences directly influence her current feelings and decisions. This non-linear approach helps the reader understand the layers of her emotional and psychological entrapment.
3. In the last section of the story, notice these expressions:
(i) A bell clanged upon her heart. (ii) All the seas of the world tumbled about her heart. (iii) Her hands clutched the iron in frenzy. (iv) She set her white face to him, passive, like a helpless animal.
These powerful images evoke intense emotions at the climax of the story:
- (i) A bell clanged upon her heart: This image evokes a sudden, sharp, and jarring shock or alarm. It suggests a moment of intense realization or a powerful emotional impact that resonates deeply within her. It could symbolize the sudden weight of her decision or the stark realization of what she is about to lose or what she is choosing.
- (ii) All the seas of the world tumbled about her heart: This is an overwhelming image of chaos, fear, and being engulfed. The vastness and power of the seas suggest the immensity of her emotional turmoil and the feeling of being swept away by forces beyond her control. It could represent the fear of the unknown future with Frank or the overwhelming sense of loss and the breaking of her internal world.
- (iii) Her hands clutched the iron in frenzy: This physical action conveys desperation, panic, and a primal need to hold on. The word “frenzy” suggests a loss of control and a desperate attempt to anchor herself to something solid amidst her internal chaos. The iron railing symbolizes the constraints and the familiar, even if it is ultimately a form of imprisonment.
- (iv) She set her white face to him, passive, like a helpless animal: This final image evokes resignation, powerlessness, and a complete lack of agency. “White face” suggests fear and a draining of emotion. Comparing her to a “helpless animal” emphasizes her vulnerability and her inability to act or make a conscious choice. It highlights her complete emotional paralysis and her entrapment in her circumstances.
4. Do you think the author indicates his judgement of Eveline in the story?
James Joyce generally avoids explicit authorial judgment in “Eveline” and throughout Dubliners. Instead, he focuses on presenting Eveline’s consciousness and her situation with a sense of empathy and understanding, rather than condemnation or approval.
- Focus on Internal Experience: The narrative’s deep dive into Eveline’s thoughts and feelings allows the reader to understand the complex web of emotions, memories, and obligations that lead to her paralysis. This invites empathy rather than judgment.
- Lack of Moral Commentary: Joyce does not explicitly state whether Eveline made the “right” or “wrong” decision. He presents her choice (or lack thereof) as a consequence of her circumstances and her internal struggles.
- Sense of Pity and Loss: The overall tone of the story, particularly the ending, evokes a sense of pity for Eveline’s entrapment and the lost opportunity for a different life. This suggests a sympathetic portrayal rather than a judgmental one.
- Exploration of Paralysis: “Eveline” is part of Dubliners, a collection that explores the theme of paralysis in the lives of Dublin residents. Eveline’s inability to act is presented as a symptom of this broader societal and personal stagnation, rather than a personal failing to be judged.
While some readers might interpret Eveline’s inaction as weak or foolish, the author’s focus on her internal world and the forces that constrain her suggests a desire to understand her predicament rather than to judge her. The story serves as a poignant portrayal of the complexities of duty, fear, and the paralysis that can prevent individuals from pursuing their own happiness.
Language Work
A. Grammar: Parallelism
Notice the following sentence
Once was to Harry; the other was to her father.
When you coordinate two or more elements in a sentence, they are in the same grammatical form, that is they are parallel. This ensures balance in the sentence.
In the sentence above, there is a reference to what was said in the previous sentence: two letters.
The predictive pattern is the same and the two parts are separated by a semi-colon.
Parallelism is a basic rhetorical principle. Equal form emphasise their relationship to one another. It can show either similarity or contrast as in
Then a man from By placing equality important ideas successively you emphasise their relationship to one another. It can show either similarity or contrast as in
Then a man from Belfast bought the field and built houses in it- not like their little brown houses but bright brick houses with shining roofs.
Sometimes the choice of words establishes the parallel and reinforces equal meaning as in
Ernest had been her favourite but she liked Harry too.
Answer:
Understanding Parallelism
Parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is the coordination of two or more grammatically similar elements within a sentence. These elements can be words, phrases, or clauses. The key is that they share the same grammatical form.
Why is Parallelism Important?
- Clarity: Parallel structure makes sentences easier to understand by creating a clear and predictable pattern.
- Emphasis: It highlights the relationship between the parallel elements, emphasizing their similarity, contrast, or equal importance.
- Rhythm and Flow: Parallelism contributes to the rhythm and flow of writing, making it more pleasing and memorable.
- Balance and Symmetry: It creates a sense of balance and symmetry within the sentence, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Analyzing the Examples from the Text
- “One was to Harry; the other was to her father.”
- Parallel Structure: “One was to [noun]” // “the other was to [noun]”
- Grammatical Form: Both parts follow the same subject-verb-preposition-noun pattern.
- Effect: This parallelism clearly and concisely presents the recipients of the two letters, emphasizing their equal status in Eveline’s thoughts at that moment.
- “Then a man from Belfast bought the field and built houses in it—not like their little brown houses but bright brick houses with shining roofs.”
- Parallel Structure: “not like [adjective + adjective + noun]” // “but [adjective + adjective + noun + preposition + adjective + noun]”
- Grammatical Form: Both parts are prepositional phrases modifying “houses,” with parallel adjective-noun structures describing the houses.
- Effect: The parallelism effectively contrasts the old, familiar houses with the new, modern ones, highlighting the change and perhaps Eveline’s sense of alienation from this new development. The “bright brick houses with shining roofs” create a vivid and contrasting image to the “little brown houses.”
- “Ernest had been her favourite but she liked Harry too.”
- Parallel Structure: “[Noun] had been [adjective]” // “but she liked [Noun] too”
- Grammatical Form: Both parts are independent clauses with a similar subject-verb-complement structure.
- Effect: The parallelism, combined with the contrasting conjunction “but,” emphasizes the shift in Eveline’s feelings. While Ernest held a special place, Harry was also someone she cared for. The equal grammatical weight given to both brothers highlights their significance in her life.
Further Applications of Parallelism
Parallelism can be used with various grammatical elements:
- Words: “She was tired, weary, and sad.” (parallel adjectives)
- Phrases: “He enjoyed reading books, listening to music, and watching films.” (parallel gerund phrases)
- Clauses: “The rain poured down, the wind howled, and the trees swayed.” (parallel independent clauses)
In conclusion, the examples you’ve provided effectively demonstrate how parallelism contributes to clarity, emphasis, and the overall impact of James Joyce’s writing in “Eveline.” By using balanced and similar grammatical structures, he subtly reinforces the relationships between ideas and enhances the reader’s understanding of Eveline’s thoughts and the changing world around her.
Task
Underline the parts that are parallel in the following sentence
She had consented to go away, to leave her home.
Strange that it should come that very night to remind her to the promise to her mother, her promise to keep the home together as long as she could.
She prayed to God to direct her, to show her what was her duty.
Frank would take her in his arms, fold her in his arms, fold her in his arms.
Her time was running out but she continued to sit by the window, leaning her head against the window curtain, inhaling the odour of dusty cretonne.
Not long before, when she had been laid up for a day, he had read her out a ghost story and made toast for her at the fire.
B. Pronunciation
A word has as many syllables as it has vowels.
man (one syllable)
manner (two syllable)
The mark() indicates that the first syllable in ‘manner’ is more more prominent than the other syllables (s) is called the stressed syllable.
Answer:
- <u>She had consented to go away</u>, <u>to leave her home</u>.
- Strange that it should come that very night to remind her <u>of the promise to her mother</u>, <u>her promise to keep the home together as long as she could</u>.
- She prayed to God <u>to direct her</u>, <u>to show her what was her duty</u>.
- Frank would <u>take her in his arms</u>, <u>fold her in his arms</u>.
- Her time was running out but she continued <u>to sit by the window</u>, <u>leaning her head against the window curtain</u>, <u>inhaling the odour of dusty cretonne</u>.
- Not long before, when she had been laid up for a day, he had <u>read her out a ghost story</u> and <u>made toast for her at the fire</u>.