Going Places - Flamingo - Class 12 - CBSE English

A.R. Barton is a modern writer based in Zurich who writes in English. One of his most notable stories, "Going Places," delves into the theme of adolescent fantasizing and hero worship. The story revolves around Sophie, a young girl who dreams of escaping her mundane life and becoming someone extraordinary. As she shares her dreams and aspirations with her friend Jansie and her family, Sophie is met with skepticism and doubt.

In a chance encounter, Sophie meets her idol, the footballer Danny Casey, which sets her on a path to explore the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The story captures the essence of a young person's desire to break free from societal constraints and find their own identity. A.R. Barton masterfully brings to life the complex emotions of Sophie as she navigates the delicate balance between her dreams and the expectations of those around her.

"Going Places" is a poignant reflection on the dreams and aspirations of youth, and the harsh reality that sometimes we must face. Through his evocative prose, A.R. Barton transports readers into Sophie's world, allowing them to experience her triumphs and disappointments firsthand. This story serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the importance of holding on to our dreams, even in the face of adversity.

Dreams and Aspirations

In "Going Places," the protagonist, Sophie, frequently daydreams about her future and desires a glamorous and successful life. She imagines herself in various roles, including a boutique owner, an actress, and a fashion designer. This theme reflects the common adolescent tendency to fantasize and escape from the mundane realities of life.

Reality versus Fantasy

The story contrasts Sophie's dreams with the ....

In the chapter "Going Places" by A.R. Barton, the plot revolves around a young girl named Sophie, who has big dreams and aspirations despite her working-class background. The story unfolds as follows:

1. Introduction to Sophie and her dreams: The story starts with Sophie daydreaming about a glamorous future, imagining herself as a successful boutique owner, an actress, or a fashion designer.
2. Jansie's reality check: Sophie's friend Jansie, who is more pragmatic, tries to remind Sophie that they are both destined to work in a local biscuit factory due to their socio-economic background.
3. Sophie's fascination with her brother Geoff: Sophie admires her ...

"But the sad, persistent truth of it was that they had been earmarked for the biscuit factory ever since they were at junior school."

This line emphasizes the predetermined nature of Sophie and Jansie's futures due to their socio-economic background. It highlights the theme of social class and the limited opportunities available to them.

"Sophie felt a tightening in her throat. She wished she didn't feel so envious of her brother."

This line showcases............................

Sophie

Sophie is a teenage girl and the protagonist of the story, with a vivid imagination and a penchant for daydreaming. She is highly aspirational and dreams of having a glamorous career to escape her mundane life. Sophie aspires to be an actress, a fashion designer, or a manager, depending on her mood.

She is determined and believes that dreaming is the first step towards success. Sophie’s imagination is her refuge from the daily struggles of life in a lower-middle-class family, giving her a sense of escape and purpose. She is a girl with a rich inner world, and she often detaches herself from reality to indulge in her dreams. This has led her father to call her a “dreamer” and “chook.”

Sophie’s obsession with her dreams sometimes makes her oblivious to those around her. She is stubborn and resolute in her beliefs, despite her ...