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Memories Of Childhood - Vistas - Class 12 - CBSE English
The memories of Childhood, Vistas, Class 12, tells us about the struggles of a Native American girl who is forced to have her long hair cut against her will. Zitkala-Sa and Bama's childhoods reflect the indignities they faced. Get summaries, line-by-line explanations, videos, and quizzes for The memories of childhood.
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About the Author - Memories Of Childhood | Vistas | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
Zitkala-Sa and Bama are two influential authors who come from marginalized communities and have used their literary talents to shed light on the challenges faced by their respective communities.
Zitkala-Sa, born Gertrude Simmons Bonnin in 1876, was a Native American woman of Yankton Sioux origin. She was an accomplished writer, musician, and political activist. As a writer, she adopted the pen name 'Zitkala-Sa,' which means "Red Bird" in the Lakota language. Through her works, she criticized the oppressive policies and practices against Native Americans, particularly the experiences of Native American children in residential schools. Zitkala-Sa was dedicated to fighting against the injustices faced by her community and preserving the Native American culture.
Bama, on the other hand, is a Tamil Dalit writer from a Roman Catholic family in India. She is known for her powerful writings on caste discrimination and the experiences of the Dalit community. Bama adopted her pen name to maintain her privacy and protect her family. She has published several notable works, including her autobiography, "Karukku" (1992), a novel, "Sangati" (1994), and a collection of short stories, "Kisumbukkaaran" (1996). Her writings provide an authentic and poignant perspective on the lives of the marginalized Dalit community, highlighting their struggles and the need for social change.
Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama have made significant contributions to literature by giving voice to the experiences of marginalized communities. Their works have played a crucial role in raising awareness about the injustices faced by Native Americans and the Dalit community, fostering understanding and inspiring change.
Summary - Memories Of Childhood | Vistas | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
The chapter presents autobiographical episodes from the lives of two women from marginalized communities, Zitkala-Sa and Bama, reflecting on their childhood experiences and their relationship with mainstream culture.
Zitkala-Sa, born as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin in 1876, was a Native American woman of the late nineteenth century who faced prejudice and oppression. As a writer, she adopted the pen name 'Zitkala-Sa' and criticized the Carlisle Indian School through her publications. In the excerpt "The Cutting of My Long Hair," Zitkala-Sa recounts her first day at the school, where she faced alienation and indignities. She describes the moment when her hair was forcibly cut, a practice in her culture associated with shame, grief, and surrender. Despite her resistance, Zitkala-Sa lost her spirit when her hair was shingled, an act that symbolized the stripping of her identity and culture.
Bama is a Tamil Dalit writer from a Roman Catholic family. The excerpt titled "We too are Human Beings" is taken from her autobiography, 'Karukku' (1992). In this passage, Bama shares her childhood experiences of untouchability and caste discrimination. As a young girl, she was oblivious to the caste system until her elder brother explained the reality of their society. Bama narrates instances of humiliation faced by people from her community, like running petty errands for the upper-caste landlords. These experiences made her feel angry and motivated her to study hard, excel in her lessons, and prove her worth. Her brother's advice to work hard and learn helped Bama understand the importance of education in overcoming discrimination and gaining respect.
Through these personal accounts, both Zitkala-Sa and Bama provide insights into the lives of women from marginalized communities. Their stories highlight the struggles they faced in their pursuit of identity, dignity, and justice. The chapter emphasizes the power of education and resilience as vital tools to challenge oppression and transform their lives.

Themes - Memories Of Childhood | Vistas | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
Cultural Identity and Alienation:
In the chapter, Zitkala-Sa's experience at the Carlisle Indian School highlights the theme of cultural identity and alienation. Her forced haircut symbolizes the loss of her Native American identity, as her culture associates shingled hair with shame and defeat. The school's assimilation policies aimed to erase her cultural heritage, making her feel alienated and disconnected from her roots.
Caste Discrimination and Untouchability:
Bama's account focuses on the theme of caste discrimination and untouchability in Indian society. Her childhood experiences......
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Important Lines - Memories Of Childhood | Vistas | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
"Since the day I was taken from my mother I had suffered extreme indignities."
This line highlights the deep pain and sense of loss experienced by the protagonist, Zitkala-Sa, as she was forcibly separated from her family and culture. It emphasizes the trauma and suffering that Native American children faced in boarding schools.
"But we too are human beings."
This line, from Bama's story, is a powerful......
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Memories Of Childhood - Questions and Answers | Vistas | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
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How far do you agree that on the author’s first day at school the old weather in the town corresponded with the cold and hostile atmosphere in the school?
The weather was bitterly cold as it was an area where apples were grown and even the trees had no leaves on them. Similar coldness and hostility is prevalent in the school. The children are put through regimental discipline whereby they are to be ordered like animals with the sound of the ring bells. No affection is shown by any teacher towards the children.
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Why does the author feel ‘spirit tore itself in struggling for its lost freedom, all was useless’?
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What are the views of the author about the dress code in the school?
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How did the author behave oddily in the dining hall?
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Why did the author begin to cry in the dining hall?
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In the words of the author ‘…eating by formula was not the hardest trial in that first day’. What other ordeal was in store for her?
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Why did the author not want her hair to be cut short?
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What idea do you form about the author’s friend Judewin from her comment about hair cutting ‘We have to submit, because they are strong’?
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The author and her friend Judewin have contrasting views about hair shingling. Do you think their reactions spell out the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary?
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From your study of the episode and the intensity with which the author misses her mother, what idea do you form about the role of a mother in a child's life?
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At the time of taking breakfast the author wore moccasins; but later on they were changed to "squeaking shoes". What reason do you assign to this change?
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The author's "long hair was shingled like a coward's." Do you think the author was a coward?
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It is better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all. How would you relate this observation to the author of the episode ''The Cutting of My Long Hair"?
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The authorities of Carlisle Indian School believed in imposing their will on the children. Do you think this is the correct way of dealing with small children removed from the shelter of their homes?
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How would you interpret the author's statement, "…..now I was only one of many little animals driven by herder."
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"In spite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair." Why do you think the author uses the expression "Inspite of myself ……" here?
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How do you account for Bama's statement "I hadn't yet heard people speak openly of untouchability"?
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Why did it take Bama nearly one hour to cover a distance needing just ten minutes walking?
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What idea do you form about the bazaar as described by the little girl?
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What importance would you attach to the 'pongal offerings being cooked in front of the temple'?
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While describing the activities going on under the supervision of the landlord, the girl adds "Our people were hard at work….” How would you interpret the expression ‘Our people’?
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What impressions do you form about the entire situation from the strange and humiliating manner in which the man was walking and carrying the eatables?
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What made the little girl want to double up with laughter at the sight of the strange man?
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The little girl told her brother that the grown up man made such a game out of carrying the parcel. Can you spell out the real reason of his carrying the packet in that manner?
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Who was Annan? How did he justify the strange behaviour of the elder?
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What episode of discrimination did Annan narrate to Bama? Why?
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What advice did Annan give to Bama? How did his words of advice affect her life?
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What lesson do you learn from the episode "We Too Are Human Beings"?
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“The cutting of my hair” shows insensitivity of the mainstream culture towards marginalized communities. Discuss.
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Zitkala-Sa did not tamely surrender but put up a brave fight. How did she show her resistance to the cutting of her hair?
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The resistance of Zitkala-Sa to the cutting of her hair and Bama’s determination to study are sparks which can ignite a change. Discuss in the light of the chapter.
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Memories of Childhood Quiz - Memories Of Childhood | Vistas | Class 12 Literature | CBSE English
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