Question

Insensitiveness towards our near and dear ones spoils relationship and harms the social structure while a little care and thoughtfulness helps in flourishing the family bond. Elucidate with reference to the story “How I Taught my Grandmother to Read.”
HOTS:
Although the grandmother in the lesson “How I Taught my Grandmother to Read.” was well off financially she was not happy. What was the reason of her happiness? Do you sympathize with her? Why/Why not?

Answer 1

The grandmother was unhappy because she was not independent, she had to depend on others to read for her since she was illiterate. She was not able to know the story of here favortie story when here granddaughter went to a wedding in another village. Then she feels desperate and to know what was in the story 'Kashi Yatre', she makes up her mind to learn the Kannada alphabet in order to be self-sufficient and read on her own. She confides in her granddaughter and though initially she doesn't take her seriously, when she finds here grandmother determined, she takes the responsibility to teach her. Her granddaughter, though a teenage, realized the emotions and need of her grandmother and comes to her aid. Such bond in families is worth cherishing.
I not only sympathize with her, but also have great respect for her due to her strong will power and determination. She inspires the readers and motivates them to set their goals and strive to achieve them.

Answer 2

It is true insensitiveness to our near and dear ones undermines relationship and harms the social structure. The families that don’t enjoy cordial relationships among their members are the ones whose members are indifferent to one another’s problems and don’t lend a helping hand in solving them. Similarly, families whose members are engrossed in their own affairs, gradually are estranged from one another leading to dissolution.

 

On the contrary the families, whose members are sensitive and share the problems of their fellow members, tend to survive all odds and they remain united and supportive of one another. In the chapter ‘How I Taught My Grandmother To Read’ we see a very cordial relationship of love and affection between the grandmother and the author. This cordiality and love helps them stand together in a crisis; and the grandmother with the assistance of her granddaughter successfully overcomes her illiteracy. So, we see how loving cooperation among the family members is essential in overcoming challenges of any type.

What was the reason of her unhappiness?
Grandmother's illiteracy was the chief reason behind her unhappiness.


Do you sympathize with her? Why/Why not?
Yes, I sympathize with her. In the past not much importance was given to girls' education. Besides, due to the early demise of her mother created circumstances that deprived her of taking education. She became busy in post-marriage duties.