Chapter 10
1. 'The purple scarf' and 'the plastic shopping bag' suggest the social position of the speaker. Explain.
Ans: The purple scarf and the plastic shopping bag symbolize the simplicity and modest life of the grandmother. These are ordinary, everyday objects, showing that she belongs to a working-class or humble background. The poet’s recognition of her from these simple things reflects both her identity and the economic status of Native American life—practical, traditional, and not materialistic.
2. How does the poet express the close and emotional relationship with his grandmother? Discuss.
Ans: The poet shows his deep emotional bond by describing how he could recognize his grandmother even from a mile away by her shape, scarf, and bag. He feels her presence through sight, smell, touch, and even sound. Her words and smell “flow inside” him, meaning she has become a part of his inner being. He shows that even when she is not physically present, he feels connected to her spirit and memories, showing deep love and respect.
3. Explain the expression: 'With the smell of roots'.
Ans: The phrase “with the smell of roots” suggests a natural, earthy fragrance—something close to the land and nature. It reflects the grandmother’s deep connection to her culture, traditions, and environment. It also symbolizes her grounding, wisdom, and life force coming from the earth, just like roots nourish a plant.
4. Why does the speaker say 'a voice coming from a rock'? When does a voice come from a rock? Have you ever experienced your sound coming back to you?
Ans: The poet says “a voice coming from a rock” to describe his grandmother’s voice after her death—it is distant, faint, and almost like an echo. A voice comes from a rock in the form of an echo when you shout or speak loudly near hills, mountains, or rocky areas. Yes, I have experienced my sound coming back to me when I shouted near a large building, a tunnel, or hills—the sound bounces back and returns like an echo.
5. What does 'sleeping fire' suggest in the poem? Explain.
Ans: “Sleeping fire” refers to hidden strength, passion, or spirit that lies quietly inside the grandmother or within her memory. It shows that even though she might appear calm or weak outwardly, there is a strong, warm, guiding force inside her that stays alive in the speaker’s heart.
6. What are 'stirring ashes' in the poem? Explain.
Ans: “Stirring ashes” symbolizes trying to bring back or awaken the past—memories, feelings, or traditions that seem to be fading. Just like stirring ashes can reveal hidden embers, the poet stirs memories of his grandmother, trying to feel her presence again even after she’s gone.
7. 'her words would flow inside me' shows the poet's intense closeness with his grandmother. Comment on the speaker's relation with his grandmother.
Ans: This line shows that the grandmother’s words and teachings are deeply imprinted in the poet’s mind and soul. It’s not just hearing her voice; it’s about her wisdom and love becoming part of his identity. Their relationship is not just emotional but also spiritual and cultural—she shaped his thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.
8. The speaker has shown his intimate relation with his grandmother using all his five senses. How? Explain.
Ans: The poet uses all five senses to describe his bond:
Sight: He recognizes her shape, the purple scarf, and plastic bag from a distance.
Smell: He feels her presence “with the smell of roots.”
Touch: Her love and warmth are like a comforting touch inside him.
Hearing: Her voice feels like it’s “coming from a rock,” still echoing in his mind.
Taste (or inner feeling): Her words “flow inside me,” becoming a part of his inner self, like food or drink that nourishes the soul.
This sensory imagery shows how closely connected he feels to his grandmother, even beyond physical presence.
1. What do you call your mother’s mother or father’s mother?
Ans: I call my mother’s mother nani and my father’s mother dadi (or simply grandmother).
2. How do you behave with your grandmother?
Ans: I behave lovingly, respectfully, and politely with my grandmother. I help her and enjoy listening to her stories.
3. What is the role of a grandmother in a family?
Ans: A grandmother plays the role of a guide, caretaker, and storyteller. She shares family traditions, values, and love with everyone.
4. Is your grandmother alive? How much are you attached with her?
Ans: (Example answer) Yes, my grandmother is alive, and I’m very close to her. I love spending time with her and feel happy when I’m with her.
5. 'The purple scarf' and 'the plastic shopping bag' suggest the social position of the speaker. Explain.
Ans: These items show the grandmother’s simple, humble lifestyle. They reflect her modest background and connection to daily life and Native American culture.
6. How does the poet express the close and emotional relationship with his grandmother?
Ans: The poet shows his closeness by saying he could recognize her from a mile away, feel her presence through smell, sound, and memories, and that her words and love flow inside him.
7. Explain the expression: 'With the smell of roots'.
Ans: This phrase suggests a natural, earthy smell that connects the grandmother to nature, tradition, and her cultural roots.
8. Why does the speaker say 'a voice coming from a rock'? When does a voice come from a rock?
Ans: He says this because his grandmother’s voice feels distant and echoing, like an echo from a rock or mountain. A voice comes from a rock when you shout and hear an echo.
9. What does 'sleeping fire' suggest in the poem? Explain.
Ans: Sleeping fire means hidden strength or warmth inside the grandmother, showing that her spirit and love still live on quietly.
10. The speaker has shown his intimate relation with his grandmother using all his five senses. How? Explain.
Ans: He uses:
- Sight: recognizing her shape and scarf
- Smell: feeling her presence with “smell of roots”
- Touch: her warmth inside him
- Hearing: her voice like “coming from a rock”
- Taste/feeling: her words “flow inside me”
- This shows his deep connection through every sense.
