03: Bangle Sellers By Sarojini Naidu : Icse-x-english

with Solutions - page 2

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Qstn #2
What does the simile 'the flame of her marriage fire' suggest about the colour of some bangles? Which phrases used in these lines tell you about the life of a married woman?
Ans : It suggests that some bangles referred to by the narrator are crimson red or orange resembling the colour of the flames of marriage fire. The phrases that tell us about the life of a married woman are 'a bride on her bridal morn', 'flame of her marriage fire', 'bridal laughter' and 'bridal tear'.

Qstn #3
Explain with examples the simile and metaphor used in these two lines.Some, like the flame of her marriage fire, Or, rich with the hue of her heart's desire,
Ans : In the first line, the colour of some bangles is likened to the flame of marriage fire. The figure of speech used here is a simile, implying that the bangles referred to are yellow in colour. In the second line, another comparison has been made between the colour of bangles and the colour of the desire of a bride's heart. The figure of speech employed here is a metaphor because the comparison is more direct.

Qstn #4
Bring out the applicability of the line: "Some, like the flame of her marriage fire".
Ans : In traditional Indian society, the flame of marriage fire holds immense significance. It is regarded as a symbol of promise, hope and assurance for an enduring bond of life that marriage essentially signifies. As the speaker states, some of the bangles worn by a newly married woman have the colour of marriage fire. This suggests that the yellow colour of these bangles seems to be reflecting the same promise, hope and assurance as does the marriage fire.

Qstn #5
What do the contrasting images of 'bridal laughter' and 'bridal tear ‘imply here?
Ans : The phrase 'bridal laughter' captures the mood of natural joy and happiness exhibited by a young woman after her marriage. It reinforces the significance of marriage as a source of fulfilment and self-satisfaction for a young maiden. 'Bridal tear' probably suggests a bride's grief caused by her separation and going away from her childhood home.

Qstn #1
How does the narrator describe an adult or middle-aged woman?
Ans : As the narrator says, an adult or middle-aged woman is an embodiment of emotional stability, equanimity and self-assurance. She may look back and see herself performing a number of tasks for the betterment of her family. She exudes a sense of contentment as she knows that she has performed her duties and now, she is in a position to see the fruits of her commitment and dedication to family values, with pride. Thus, the phase of life she is passing through marks the peak in her life.

Qstn #2
What special significance does the phrase "fruitful pride" hold in the above extract?
Ans : The phrase "fruitful pride' has been used in this extract to indicate the basic trait of a woman's involvement in household tasks. In a traditional social system like ours, a woman is expected to play multiple roles and perform a lot of duties. Her commitment, though undervalued at times, is selfless and undemanding. This is propelled by the conviction that her dutifulness will bear fruits someday, and prove to be beneficial for the entire family. The phrase 'fruitful pride' suggests the realization of this hope in some way or the other that brings in for her a sense of contentment with her work as a homemaker.

Qstn #3
For which type of women are the bangles described in these lines, suitable for?
Ans : The bangles described in these lines have colours that are completely different from those described earlier. This is because the type of women they are suitable for are seasoned, experienced, balanced, judicious and emotionally poised. They have travelled a long way on the path of life and have seen the seeds of their dedication grow into plants. They have performed their household duties on all counts, with a sense of selfless commitment.

Qstn #4
Discuss the use of colour imagery in the extract.
Ans : Purple and grey are colours that signify depth and maturity. Women and men usually develop these traits in their understanding, after a transition from youth to adulthood. Due to this change, their preferences also change. Bangles of purple and grey colours, as the speaker says, are therefore suitable for middle-aged women. Thus, the use of colour imagery indicates the poet's mastery as a very sensitive, empathetic and discerning observer of life.

Qstn #5
Comment on the changes in the life of a woman vis-à-vis the colour of her bangles.
Ans : As the speaker says, the colours of bangles correspond to the different stages of life of those women who wear them. Accordingly, bangles of different hues are referred to for women who are unmarried and those who have just begun the journey of married life. Life of a middle-aged is marked with maturity, calm of mind and sense of contentment. She has already spent a greater part of her life as a wife, mother and homemaker. Corresponding to this change, the speaker states that bangles of purple and golden grey colours are meant for her. Here, the speaker seems to be offering a view of life based on its segmentation into interrelated patterns of existence each of which comprises a set of emotions, ideas and practices explicable in terms of certain colours.