An autobiographical short story by Khushwant Singh
Introduction to CBSE Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter: The Portrait of a Lady (Hornbill)
“The Portrait of a Lady” is a poignant tale of an old man, Mr. Kapoor, who reminisces about his past love, Mrs. Bimla Kapoor. The story unfolds as Mr. Kapoor looks at a portrait of his wife and recalls their life together. Through his memories, readers learn about their courtship, marriage, and eventual separation due to Mrs. Kapoor’s untimely death. The story beautifully captures the essence of love and loss, highlighting the enduring impact of past relationships on one’s life.
Assignment and Activities for CBSE Class 11 English Chapter: The Portrait of a Lady
- Write a diary entry from the perspective of Mr. Kapoor, expressing his thoughts and emotions about his late wife.
- Create a character sketch of Mrs. Bimla Kapoor based on the details provided in the story.
- Analyze the theme of time in the story and its significance in the narrative.
- Write an alternate ending to the story, exploring a different outcome for Mr. Kapoor and Mrs. Bimla Kapoor.
- Discuss the symbolism of the portrait in the story and its role in Mr. Kapoor’s life.
- Conduct a group discussion on the themes of love, loss, and memory in the story.
- Compare and contrast the characters of Mr. Kapoor and Mrs. Bimla Kapoor, highlighting their similarities and differences.
- Write a letter from Mr. Kapoor to his late wife, expressing his feelings and memories.
- Create a storyboard or a comic strip depicting key scenes from the story.
- Reflect on the story’s ending and its impact on the reader, discussing its emotional resonance.
Conclusion : The Portrait of a Lady
“The Portrait of a Lady” is a poignant and reflective story that explores themes of love, loss, and memory. Through the character of Mr. Kapoor, readers are reminded of the enduring nature of love and the importance of cherishing memories. The story serves as a timeless reminder of the impact of past relationships on our lives and the power of love to transcend time.
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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 11 English Chapter: The Portrait of a Lady
Q1. Who is the protagonist of “The Portrait of a Lady”?
ANS: The protagonist is Mr. Kapoor, an old man who reminisces about his past love, Mrs. Bimla Kapoor.
Q2. What is the significance of the portrait in the story?
ANS: The portrait serves as a symbol of Mrs. Bimla Kapoor’s presence in Mr. Kapoor’s life, keeping her memory alive.
Q3. How does the story explore the theme of love?
ANS: The story explores the enduring nature of love through Mr. Kapoor’s memories of his relationship with Mrs. Bimla Kapoor.
Q4. What role does memory play in the narrative?
ANS: Memory serves as a central theme, as Mr. Kapoor reflects on his past with Mrs. Bimla Kapoor, highlighting the impact of memories on one’s life.
Q5. How does the story depict the passage of time?
ANS: The story portrays the passage of time through Mr. Kapoor’s reflections on his youth and the changes that have occurred since then.
Q6. What is the mood of the story?
ANS: The story has a nostalgic and melancholic mood, as Mr. Kapoor looks back on his past with a mix of longing and sorrow.
Q7. How does the author use imagery to enhance the story?
ANS: The author uses vivid imagery to describe the setting, characters, and emotions, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.
Q8. What is the central conflict in the story?
ANS: The central conflict is Mr. Kapoor’s struggle to come to terms with the loss of his wife and the passage of time.
Q9. How does the story explore the theme of loss?
ANS: The story explores the theme of loss through Mr. Kapoor’s grief over the death of his wife and the absence of their life together.
Q10. What is the message of the story?
ANS: The story conveys a message about the enduring power of love and the impact of memories on one’s life.
