Question

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:    

(1) There are times when everyone has to face grief. When someone dear to oneself dies, one is left with a state in which shock and grief overcome the ordinary life. One is left in a situation when one feels there is nothing one can do. Grief and mourning are always associated with death. It also happens with other kinds of losses. It could be the loss of one’s job, losing one’s house and the loss of a close friend or a partner. 

(2) The best people able to cope with these are those, who come from cultures that have strict, formal and intensive mourning ritual. In India we have diverse rituals which nowadays are being discarded. But these help in surmounting the crisis. The near and dear ones come to share the grief and apply balm with their words of solace. In modern society one is expected to act as if nothing has happened, but research has shown that mourning is an essential part of coming to terms with loss. There comes a time when one has to give up one’s grief and rejoin the main-stream of life. Mourning in itself passes through these phases. Firstly, it is in the nature of shock and disbelief. A feeling of numbness overtakes. The brain is not in a position to accept. It so happens that one expects the arrival of a lost one thinking that nothing will change and he will be with the lost one. In the second phase, one realises the truth that the loss has actually happened, and it was not a dream. It is now that one feels the pain. Now one recollects the old moments and the memory of guilt creeps in. 

(3) Here the affected person displays odd behaviour and has difficulty in eating and is unable to sleep. He may remain in this stage for weeks, months and sometimes for years. In the next phase, relief from pain and negative feelings creeps in; this leads to the positive side. Now he feels he must make alternative arrangements or replacements. Here he is ready to cope with the situation. Here he knows that he cannot recover what he or she has lost, but is conscious of the future accepting the loss and is ready for the alternative. 

(4) On passing through all the stage of grief it seems that time has passed like a river under the bridge. This shows that mourning has been successful. He cannot forget the loss but comes to terms with reality. 

(5) Grieve with the person who is bereaved. This shows that you too value the mourned person. This gives a helping support and the bereaved person starts believing you. Your support to the bereaved should not stop after a few days. It may be needed for months. Assure the affected person that the feelings of grief diminish and it will not be the same always. 

(6) You will see, there comes a time when he has to be distracted from grief. Take him out for an outing, especially away from the current situation. If he agrees, take the opportunity and let him join the leisurely ventures. 

(7) It is, therefore, the duty of close relatives and friends to take the bereaved out of the depressing climate and give a fresh air of life and happy thoughts. 

1.1. Answer the following multiple-choice question.  (1 x 6 = 6 Marks) 

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(i) In the last phase of grief: 

(a) There is a relief from pain and negative feelings. 
(b) There is still pain and grief 
(c) The person is ready to cope with the situation, ready to face reality 
(d) Both (a) and (c) 

(ii) One must grieve with the person who is bereaved to show: 

(a) That you too value mourned person 
(b) To distract him/her 
(c) You understand what your duty is 
(d) You are his/her will-wisher 

(iii) The person from grief displays ? 

(a) Sleeplessness 
(b) Enjoys eating 
(c) Difficulty in eating 
(d) Both (a) and (c) 

(iv) On passing through all the stages of grief : 

(a) Time passes smoothly 
(b) Time passes with difficulty 
(c) Problems increase with time 
(d) All of the above 


(v) The duty of close relatives and friends is to :

(a) Help the bereaved financially 
(b) To take the bereaved into difficulty 
(c) To take the bereaved out of difficulty 
(d) To mourn with the bereaved 

(vi) A person suffering from grief 

(a) Should be left in grief 

(b) Should be banned 

(c) Not required in society 

(d) Take him out from current situation 

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1.2. Answer the following questions :    (1 x 4 = 4 Marks) 

(1) What are grief and mourning associated with? 
(ii) What type of people are able to cope up best with grief and mourning? 
(iii) Briefly explain the first phase of mourning. 
(iv) How can close relative and friends help a bereaved person in coming out of his grief? ​

Answer 1

Answer:

When someone dear to oneself dies, one is left with a state in ... There comes a time when one has to give up one's grief ... Firstly, it is in the nature of shock and disbelief.