1. Do you think that the elder brother had to suppress his desires to be a role model to his younger brother? Why do you think so?
2. Bring out the humour in the story-both in words as well as in situations.
3. Irony is the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifiesthe opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Bring out the irony in the story.
4. Whom do you like more-the narrator or his brother? Give reasons.
5. Then he ran at top speed towards the hostel and I ran behind him. What does the last line reflect about the interpersonal relationship between the siblings?
Answers
Answer:
then he ran at top speeds irony is the expression why are you doing this
Answer:
1.Yes, I think he had to suppress his desires because he wanted to be a role model for his younger brother. He wanted to make an example which is why he never went out to play or shows and fairs. He kept studying hard to inspire his brother.
2.The story is humorous. It starts with the irony in the opening lines of the story where the elder brother who is studious has to repeat in his classes. The author brings in humour through language as well as situation. Other situations were like the narrator ‘s timetable; the elder brother’s ranting against the system; the fact that the elder brother fails in spite of his efforts and the younger one stands first in spite of his carelessness are also examples of humorous situations.
3.The fact that the elder brother works very hard and yet he fails in his exams and that the younger one stands first in spite of his ignorance is the main irony in the story. Though the title is ‘My Elder Brother’, but at the end of the story, they run after the kite almost as equals.
4. I like the elder brother because of his dedication and hard work and sacrifice in nature. In spite of his repeated failures, he does not give up. He inspires his younger brother the value of study and commitment.
5.In the last line, the narrator runs after his elder brother. Until that point in the story, their relationship is formal but when they both run after the kite, they are almost just friends as equals. The formal relationship changes to a playful friendship.