1. The Portrait of a Lady
Khushwant Singh
Notice these expressions in the text.
Infer their meaning from the context.
the thought was almost revolting a veritable bedlam of chirrupings
an expanse of pure white serenity ºfrivolous rebukes
accepted her seclusion with
the sagging skins of the dilapidated
drum
a turning-point
resignation
Answers
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Answer:
the thought was almost revolting – The thought that the author’s grandmother was once young and pretty raises a doubt in the mind of the author. He finds it too hard to believe.
an expanse of pure white serenity – It refers to the calm, peaceful and serene character and conduct of the author’s grandmother. She is compared to the peaceful winter landscape in the mountains.
a turning-point – It refers to the point where the author’s relationship with his grandmother changes drastically after they move to the city-house.
accepted her seclusion with resignation – This shows the author’s grandmother’s passive submission to her secluded life after she gradually loses touch with her grandson.
a veritable bedlam of chirruping – It refers to the noise, confusion and chaos caused by the chirruping of the sparrows that scattered and perched around the author’s grandmother.
frivolous rebukes – It refers to the casual and light-hearted rebukes of the grandmother to the sparrows.
the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum – It points to the shabby and deteriorated condition of the drum.