Question

Answer any one of the following questions in 120 – 150 words:
(a) It is important to maintain a balance between dreams and reality in order to avoid unhappiness. Comment on Sophie’s character in the light of the above statement.
(b) Mukesh dares to dream of a different life. What circumstances forced Mukesh not to pursue his family business of bangle making?
(c) Douglas says, ‘‘The instructor was finished, but I was not.’’ What did the instructor teach Douglas? How did Douglas finish the task begun by the instructor?

Answer 1

(a) The question has been asked from the story going places.

• To avoid unhappiness, it's important to maintain a balance between dreams and reality.
• In the story, we see how the daydreams of Sophie clash immensely with her socio-economic condition, and the possibility that those dreams may come true.
• She continues to fantasize about things without knowing this without any concerns about her family's poor condition. She could have worked hard to fulfill her goals but instead preferred to spend all her time doing nothing but fantasizing.
• Her family has been one of meagre sales and wealth. Notwithstanding all this, she could not strike a balance between dreams and reality.
• This left her fairly unhappy with her own future, forced her to tell lies and risk lifelong unhappiness.