Class 12 NCERT English Kalidoscope Short Stories Lesson 4 Tomorrow Question and Answers.
Question and Answer
1. What brought Captain Hagberd to Colebrook?
2. Why did the people of Colebrook not have a favourable opinion of Captain Hagberd?
3. What sort of a seaman had Captain Hagberd been?
4. Captain Hagberd constantly hinted at something that made Bessie blush. What was it?
5. What were Bessie’s reactions to old Hagberd’s ravings?
6. What sort of a person was MR Carvil?
7. Who was the stranger who met Captain Hagberd? What was the Captain’s reaction to the meeting?
8. What did young Hagberd think it meant when old Hagberd said that his son would be coming home ‘tomorrow?
9. What reasons did Bessie give for encouraging old Hagberd in his insane hopes?
10. what makes Bessie convinced that the young man is indeed Harry?
11. What kind of life had Harry lived after he left home?
12. what does Bessie tell Harrry about is father’s plans for him?
13. What did Captain Hagberd call out to Bessie from the window?
Answer:
1. What brought Captain Hagberd to Colebrook? Captain Hagberd came to Colebrook because he believed his son, Harry Hagberd, who had run away to sea years prior and had not been heard from, would return there. He seemed to think that his son had been in Colebrook at least once and that some powerful inducement would bring him back.
2. Why did the people of Colebrook not have a favourable opinion of Captain Hagberd?
The people of Colebrook did not have a favourable opinion of Captain Hagberd because his arrival and subsequent behavior were considered morbid and unreasonable. He had come to settle there under circumstances that, while he was initially communicative about, were perceived as strange. Furthermore, he lived in one of the ugly cottages he had built and rented the other to a man of “evil repute,” blind Carvil, which likely contributed to a negative perception. His odd attire in No.1 sailcloth and his persistent, ultimately fruitless search for his son, based on what seemed like flimsy hope, also likely made him seem eccentric and perhaps a bit foolish to the townsfolk.
What sort of a seaman had Captain Hagberd been?
Captain Hagberd had been one of those sailors who pursued their calling within sight of land. He had never taken to the sea and had a profound and emotional animosity towards it, preferring the land and the quiet lives around firesides. His longest voyage had only lasted a fortnight, mostly spent anchored near the coast. He even boasted of never having been further than eighty fathoms from the land and never out of soundings.
Captain Hagberd constantly hinted at something that made Bessie blush. What was it?
Captain Hagberd constantly hinted at a future relationship with Bessie after Harry returned. He would make remarks about Harry getting married to a “nice, sensible girl that could appreciate a good home” and often directed these comments towards Bessie with a wink. He also suggested doing away with the fence between their properties so she could have her drying line out, winking as he said this. These hints and winks, implying a future connection between them, caused Bessie to blush.
5. What were Bessie’s reactions to old Hagberd’s ravings?
At first, Miss Carvil was discomposed by Captain Hagberd’s ravings, thinking he was mad. Later, she learned to laugh at them, believing there was no harm in him. Eventually, she developed an unacknowledged, pleasurable, incredulous emotion, expressed by a faint blush, when he spoke of his son and hinted at the future. When she tried to introduce a note of doubt, Captain Hagberd reacted with horror and anger. However, the next day, Bessie would humor him in silence, patiently listening by the fence. Sometimes, his hopeful craze would mock her own lack of hope, causing her nervous irritation and a desire to scream at him, though she would only respond with self-mockery, speaking to him as if he were sane.
6. What sort of a person was Mr. Carvil?
Mr. Carvil, also known as blind Carvil, the retired boat-builder, was a man of evil repute as a domestic tyrant. He was described as deranged and prone to shouting. He was also depicted as being extremely lazy and demanding of his daughter, Bessie, making himself helpless beyond his blindness to enslave her better, and becoming exasperated when Bessie spent time with Captain Hagberd. Sources and related content
7. Who was the stranger who met Captain Hagberd? What was the Captain’s reaction to the meeting?
The stranger who met Captain Hagberd was his son, Harry Hagberd. Captain Hagberd’s reaction to the meeting was initially nervous and resentful. He was startled by the stranger’s voice and became defensive when the stranger mentioned the advertisement and his beard. He was afraid of being laughed at and perceived the stranger’s smile as mockery. He became increasingly agitated and shouted at Harry, refusing to let him into his cottage, clinging to his delusion that Harry would arrive “tomorrow” and viewing the stranger as someone trying to interfere with that.
8. What did young Hagberd think it meant when old Hagberd said that his son would be coming home ‘tomorrow’?
Young Hagberd thought that his father saying he was coming home “tomorrow” was a swindle. He believed that someone else was pretending to be him and was planning to take advantage of the old man. He wanted to expose this “coon” and prevent his father from being deceived.
9. What reasons did Bessie give for encouraging old Hagberd in his insane hopes?
Bessie gave the following reasons for encouraging old Hagberd in his insane hopes:
To avoid making him miserable: She believed contradicting him would only cause him distress.
To prevent him from going out of his mind: She feared that facing the truth would shatter his already fragile mental state.
It was easier to half believe it herself: She found it simpler to go along with his delusion than to constantly confront him.
She felt the old man had somehow gotten around her with his soft talk: She implies a degree of gentle persuasion or influence from Captain Hagberd.
She was good-hearted: Her compassion and kindness motivated her to protect the old man’s fragile hope.
12. Bessie doesn’t explicitly tell Harry about specific plans his father has for him. However, she has described to Harry the state of his father’s mind and his unwavering belief that Harry is coming home “tomorrow.” She has also mentioned the preparations Captain Hagberd has made, filling the other cottage with furniture, implying he envisions Harry settling there.
13. Captain Hagberd called out to Bessie from the window, “A grinning information fellow… Don’t you have anything to do with him. It will spoil everything.” He was warning her against Harry, whom he perceived as an unwelcome intruder trying to disrupt his anticipated reunion.
Understanding the text
1. What is the consistency one finds in the old man’s madness?
2. How does Captain Hagberd prepare for Harry’s homecoming?
3. How did Bessie begin to share Hagberd’s insanity regarding his son?
4. What were Harry’s reasons for coming to meet old Hagberd?
5. Why does Harry’s return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?
Answers:
1. What is the consistency one finds in the old man’s madness?
The consistent element in Captain Hagberd’s madness is his unwavering belief that his son, Harry, will return “tomorrow.” This conviction permeates his thoughts, actions, and conversations. He postpones all plans and preparations until this anticipated “tomorrow,” and any suggestion to the contrary irritates him deeply. This fixed idea becomes his central delusion, blinding him to the reality of Harry’s long absence and the possibility that he might not return at all.
2. How does Captain Hagberd prepare for Harry’s homecoming?
Captain Hagberd prepares for Harry’s homecoming by:
- Constantly referring to Harry’s imminent arrival: He talks about Harry coming home “tomorrow” as a certainty.
- Advertising in newspapers: He continues to advertise for Harry in Sunday papers, believing they reach all corners of the world.
- Refurbishing the other cottage: He fills the adjacent cottage with all sorts of furniture, imagining it new and ready for Harry.
- Planning for the garden: He buys flower seeds and plans to plant them in the front garden only after Harry arrives, presumably with Bessie’s input.
- Postponing improvements: He delays any improvements to his own property, like laying concrete, until “after tomorrow.”
- Talking about Harry’s future: He envisions Harry marrying a sensible girl and settling down in the prepared home.
3. How did Bessie begin to share Hagberd’s insanity regarding his son?
Bessie began to share Hagberd’s insanity in a passive way, primarily as a coping mechanism and out of kindness. Initially, she thought he was mad. Then she learned to laugh at his pronouncements. Eventually, she found a “charm in these gentle ravings” and would listen patiently. To avoid upsetting him and potentially worsening his mental state, she stopped contradicting him. She even admits that it became “easier to half believe it herself.” This wasn’t a genuine adoption of his delusion, but rather a way to navigate their interactions without causing him distress.
4. What were Harry’s reasons for coming to meet old Hagberd?
Harry’s primary reason for coming to meet old Hagberd was financial. A chum in London saw his father’s advertisement in the newspaper and suggested Harry could get “five quid” out of his “loving parent.” Harry and his chum were “hard up” after a “jolly good spree,” and they scraped together their last shillings for the railway fare with the expectation of getting money from his father.
5. Why does Harry’s return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?
Harry’s return proves to be a disappointment for Bessie for several reasons:
- His primary motivation is mercenary: He has come seeking money, not out of genuine affection or concern for his father.
- His personality is not what she might have hoped: He is restless, contemptuous of settling down, and seems more interested in a quick financial gain than in reconnecting with his father.
- His arrival confirms the delusion: Harry’s actual presence shatters the gentle fantasy Bessie had passively participated in. The “tomorrow” she had heard about for so long has arrived, but it brings a self-interested stranger rather than the idealized son of Captain Hagberd’s imagination.
- The encounter is chaotic and potentially harmful: Harry’s arrival immediately causes distress and anger in his father, who tries to keep him out with a shovel. This is far from the peaceful reunion Captain Hagberd had envisioned.
- Harry’s immediate focus is on leaving again: He makes it clear he has no intention of staying in Colebrook, dashing any potential for a positive change in Bessie’s isolated life.
Talking about the Text
Discuss in small groups or pairs
1. ‘Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness.
2. Joyce’s ‘Eveline’ and Conrad’s ‘Tomorrow’ are thematically similar.
Answer:
1. ‘Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness.’
This statement resonates strongly with the character of Captain Hagberd. Consider the following points:
- Hagberd’s “Equilibrium”: Captain Hagberd’s madness centers around the unwavering belief in his son’s imminent return “tomorrow.” This delusion, however irrational to others, provides him with a sense of purpose and hope. It fuels his preparations, his conversations with Bessie, and his interpretation of the world around him. In a way, this belief becomes his “equilibrium,” a stable (albeit false) state of mind that allows him to function within his limited world.
- Self-Esteem and the Delusion: His self-esteem is deeply intertwined with this belief. He envisions himself as a loving father who has created a welcoming home for his son. He takes pride in the furniture he has acquired and the garden he plans. Any doubt cast upon this “tomorrow” or the worthiness of his efforts is perceived as a personal affront, a disturbance to his carefully constructed mental equilibrium.
- Disturbance and Unhappiness: When the stranger (Harry) arrives, it directly challenges Hagberd’s established reality. The stranger’s presence and his claim to be Harry threaten to shatter the “tomorrow” Hagberd has so diligently maintained in his mind. This disturbance leads to immediate unhappiness, fear, and anger. He tries to reject the stranger, clinging desperately to his familiar delusion. The potential collapse of his mental equilibrium is a source of great distress.
- Bessie’s Role: Bessie’s gentle encouragement, her “half-belief,” helps to maintain Hagberd’s fragile equilibrium. By not directly contradicting him, she avoids causing him the unhappiness that a direct confrontation with reality would likely bring.
In essence, Captain Hagberd’s madness is not chaotic but structured around his hope for Harry’s return. This hope sustains his self-esteem. When this hope is threatened by the arrival of the actual Harry, it disturbs his mental equilibrium and causes him significant distress. The statement accurately reflects the delicate balance within his deranged mind.
2. Joyce’s ‘Eveline’ and Conrad’s ‘Tomorrow’ are thematically similar.
While the settings and specific circumstances differ, Joyce’s “Eveline” and Conrad’s “Tomorrow” share compelling thematic similarities:
- Paralysis and Inaction: Both Eveline and Captain Hagberd are trapped in a state of paralysis, unable to move forward from their current situations. Eveline is bound by familial duty and fear of the unknown, preventing her from leaving Dublin with Frank. Captain Hagberd is similarly bound by his obsessive hope for Harry’s return, preventing him from engaging fully with the present or accepting the possibility of his son’s absence.
- The Power of Illusion and Hope: Both characters cling to an idealized vision of the future that prevents them from confronting their present realities. Eveline dreams of a romantic life in Buenos Aires, while Captain Hagberd fixates on Harry’s return and the happy family life they will have. These illusions, while offering temporary solace, ultimately hinder their ability to make meaningful changes.
- The Weight of the Past: The past heavily influences both characters’ present circumstances. Eveline is burdened by her promise to her deceased mother and the memories of her difficult family life. Captain Hagberd is consumed by the memory of his absent son and the events surrounding his departure. This inability to let go of the past contributes to their paralysis.
- Yearning for a Different Future: Both Eveline and Captain Hagberd yearn for a different future, a release from their current constraints. Eveline desires love and escape, while Captain Hagberd desires the return of his son and the fulfillment of his paternal hopes. However, their passivity and attachment to their illusions prevent them from actively pursuing these desires.
- Disappointment and Unfulfilled Expectations: In “Eveline,” her last-minute decision not to leave with Frank leads to a profound sense of disappointment and a continuation of her stagnant life. In “Tomorrow,” Harry’s return is not the joyous fulfillment Captain Hagberd envisioned, but a disruptive and potentially disillusioning event. Bessie, who had also harbored a quiet hope tied to Harry’s return, faces a similar disappointment.
- Isolation: Both Eveline and Captain Hagberd exist in a state of emotional isolation. Eveline feels trapped within her family and her own fears. Captain Hagberd, consumed by his obsession, is increasingly isolated from the community, finding his primary connection in the peculiar dynamic with Bessie.
While the specific narratives differ, the underlying themes of paralysis, the power of illusion, the burden of the past, the yearning for a different future, and the eventual disappointment create a strong thematic resonance between Joyce’s “Eveline” and Conrad’s “Tomorrow.” Both stories explore the complex ways in which individuals can become trapped by their own hopes, fears, and attachments to the past, hindering their ability to fully engage with the present and shape a different future.
Appreciation
1. Comment on the technique used by the author to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past.
2. Identify instances in the story in which you find streaks of insanity in people other than Hagberd. What implications do they suggest?
Answer:
Comment on the technique used by the author to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past.
Conrad employs a gradual and indirect technique to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past, building a picture piece by piece through various perspectives and moments in the present narrative:
- Initial Outsider Perspective: The story begins by establishing Captain Hagberd as an outsider in Colebrook, immediately piquing the reader’s curiosity. The initial information about his arrival is presented through the general knowledge and somewhat unfavorable opinions of the townspeople, setting a tone of strangeness and mystery.
- The Barber’s Narrative: A significant portion of Hagberd’s past is revealed through the extended narrative of the Colebrook barber. This provides an outsider’s, somewhat cynical and humorous, account of Hagberd’s arrival, his mourning period, his obsessive search for Harry, and the evolution of his “next month” pronouncements. This technique allows the author to present information about the past without directly entering Hagberd’s thoughts, creating a sense of observed eccentricity.
- Bessie’s Observations and Interactions: Bessie Carvil’s perspective provides a more intimate, albeit still external, view of Hagberd’s present state and hints at his past. Her internal thoughts about his “gentle ravings,” her awareness of his preparations for Harry, and her understanding of his “tomorrow” delusion offer insights into the long duration and consistency of his obsession, stemming from the earlier events described by the barber.
- Hagberd’s Own Fragments of the Past: Occasionally, Hagberd himself offers glimpses into his past, such as his description of his seafaring life, his dislike of the sea, and his reasons for leaving it after his wife’s inheritance. These brief pronouncements add personal context to his current landlocked existence and his fixation on a home.
- Harry’s Revelations: The arrival of Harry provides further crucial information about Hagberd’s past, particularly his relationship with his son, his controlling nature, and the circumstances of Harry’s departure. Harry’s memories of being chased with a strap and his father’s desire for him to become a lawyer’s clerk shed light on the family dynamics that led to the current situation.
- Layered Information: Conrad layers the information about Hagberd’s past throughout the narrative, revealing it progressively rather than in a single exposition. This creates a sense of unfolding mystery and allows the reader to gradually piece together the events that shaped Hagberd’s present madness.
- Focus on Psychological Impact: The narrative emphasizes the psychological impact of past events, particularly the loss of his wife and the disappearance of his son, on Hagberd’s mental state. The barber’s suggestion that the disappointment after his wife’s death “had driven him crazy on that point” highlights the connection between past trauma and present delusion.
In summary, Conrad uses a multi-faceted approach to reveal Hagberd’s past, relying on the perspectives of townspeople, particularly the barber, the observations of Bessie, Hagberd’s own fragmented recollections, and Harry’s revelations. This gradual and indirect technique builds intrigue, provides different angles on Hagberd’s character, and emphasizes the psychological consequences of his past experiences.
2. Identify instances in the story in which you find streaks of insanity in people other than Hagberd. What implications do they suggest?
While Captain Hagberd is the most overtly “mad” character, there are instances suggesting streaks of irrationality, obsession, or distorted perceptions in other characters:
- Josiah Carvil (Blind Carvil): His “evil repute as a domestic tyrant” suggests a significant distortion in his behavior and treatment of Bessie. His extreme laziness and demanding nature, making himself helpless to enslave her, point to a form of obsessive control and a disregard for her well-being that borders on the pathological. His constant shouting and exasperation also indicate an unstable emotional state.
- The Barber: While presented as the voice of reason and sanity, the barber displays a certain obsessive interest in Hagberd’s situation. He has followed Hagberd’s “progress” for years, meticulously noting the changes in his pronouncements. His constant chaffing, while intended as a cure, could also be seen as a form of amusement derived from Hagberd’s delusion. His inability to let go of the story and his need to explain it to strangers suggest a preoccupation that goes beyond mere neighborly concern.
- Bessie Carvil: Bessie’s gradual “half-belief” in Hagberd’s delusion, while motivated by kindness, can be seen as a blurring of her own perception of reality. Her willingness to live in a state of suspended expectation, waiting for a “tomorrow” that seems increasingly unlikely, suggests a degree of emotional resignation and perhaps a subtle absorption of the prevailing atmosphere of Hagberd’s madness. Her statement, “It was easier to half believe it myself,” hints at a psychological adaptation to her unusual circumstances.
- Harry Hagberd: While seemingly more grounded in reality, Harry’s flippant attitude towards his father’s delusion and his purely mercenary motivation for returning could be interpreted as a form of emotional detachment or a distorted sense of filial responsibility. His inability to empathize with his father’s long suffering and his primary concern for “five quid” suggest a certain callousness.
Implications of these Streaks of Insanity:
- The Pervasiveness of Obsession and Irrationality: The presence of these “streaks” in other characters suggests that obsession, distorted perceptions, and irrational behavior are not confined to the overtly mad. They can manifest in different forms and to varying degrees within a community.
- The Impact of Isolation and Unusual Circumstances: The isolated and unusual living situation of the Carvils and Hagberd, coupled with the long-standing nature of Hagberd’s delusion, may contribute to the development of these eccentricities in the other characters. Bessie’s life is defined by her father’s tyranny and Hagberd’s madness, potentially warping her own sense of reality.
- The Subjectivity of Sanity: The story subtly raises questions about the definition of sanity. While Hagberd’s delusion is clear, the other characters exhibit behaviors that, while perhaps not full-blown insanity, deviate from conventional rationality and social norms. This suggests that the line between sanity and irrationality can be blurred.
- The Destructive Power of Unresolved Issues: Hagberd’s unresolved grief and longing for his son have created his madness. Carvil’s blindness and bitterness have fostered his tyrannical behavior. Harry’s resentment towards his upbringing has led to his detachment. These unresolved issues manifest as distorted ways of interacting with the world.
In conclusion, the subtle “streaks of insanity” in other characters highlight the pervasive nature of human eccentricities, the impact of unusual circumstances on mental states, the subjective nature of sanity, and the destructive potential of unresolved personal histories. They create a richer and more complex portrayal of the community surrounding Hagberd’s overt madness.
Language Work
A. figures of speech: Allusion
Notice the comparison in the following sentences
With his maritime rig, his weather-beaten face, his beard of Father Neptune, he resembled a deposed sea-god who had exchanged the trident for his spade.
In this sentence there is a comparison made between Hagberd and Neptune, the god of sea in Roman mythology who is shown with a trident in his hand.
The figure of speed which makes a causal or indirect reference to a famous historical or literary is called allusion.
Answer:
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Language Work
A. Figures of Speech: Allusion
Allusion is a figure of speech that makes a casual or indirect reference to a famous historical, mythological, literary, or cultural person, place, event, or idea. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers.
Example:
“With his maritime rig, his weather-beaten face, his beard of Father Neptune, he resembled a deposed sea-god who had exchanged the trident for his spade.”
In this sentence, there is a comparison between Hagberd and Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, who is traditionally depicted holding a trident.
This is an example of allusion because it indirectly refers to Neptune, a well-known mythological figure, to give us a vivid image of Hagberd’s appearance.
Summary:
- Allusion = Indirect reference to something famous.
- Used to deepen meaning or draw a vivid comparison without long explanation.
- Common sources: mythology, Bible, Shakespeare, history, etc.