the thought was almost revolting
an expanse of pure white serenity
a turning-point
accepted her seclusion with resignation
a veritable bedlam of chirrupings
frivolous rebukes
the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum
Answers
The thought was almost revolting
This expression ‘the thought was almost revolting’ is from ‘The Portrait of A Lady’ by Khushwant Singh. This expression means it was very hard for the author to believe that once his grandmother was young, pretty, and beautiful. She had been the same for the last twenty years the author had seen her. So he assumed she had been the same all her life.
an expanse of pure white serenity
The author has used this simile to describe the all whiteness associated with his grandmother. She always wore spotless white dress. Her silver hair quite matched with the her white attire. She was very spiritual and religious. As a result she exuded purity and serenity like a winter landscape. So the author has used this simile to describe her old age, white colour associated with her, and the tranquility she spread all around with her presence!
a turning-point
Moving to city brought many changes in her life; changes such as she could not accompany her grandson to school and read scriptures, she could neither assist him in his studies, there was less of interaction between her and the author.
accepted her seclusion with resignation
It means she
accepted the new changes of the city life quietly and did not complain about it
to anybody.
a veritable bedlam of chirrupings
It means the
sparrows’ collective chirruping made a noisy ambience around the grandmother.
frivolous rebukes
This expression ‘Frivolous Rebuke’ in the chapter, The Portrait of Lady means the grandmother would scold the sparrows lovingly when they sat on her shoulders or at times head.
the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum
This expression "For several hours she thumped the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum and sang of the home-coming of warriors” means, on Khushwant Singh’s return from abroad, the grandmother thumped the old loose skin drum and sang songs for many hours in the evening that day. She sang songs of home-coming warriors as in the past home-coming after a long time was celebrated by singing traditional songs of home-coming of warriors.
Answer:
Explanation:
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.