ON GOING PLACES, GRADE 12, ENGLISH CORE (CBSE)

SHORT ANSWERS AND LONG ANSWER

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Q1. What were the dreams of Sophie? Why did Jansie discourage them?  Ans: Sophie wanted to open an amazing boutique in the city. At the same time, she wanted to be an actress and have the boutique as a side business. She also wanted to be a fashion designer. But Jansie asked Sophie to be sensible and stop dreaming impossible things because both of them earmarked to be apprentices in a biscuit factory.

 Q2.Did Geoff believe Sophie when she narrated her meeting with Danny Casey?
Ans: No, Geoff didn’t believe what Sophie had narrated about her meeting with Danny Casey. He said, “It can’t be true”. Then he repeated, “I don’t believe it.” Sophie then said that how Danny Casey came and stood beside her. Geoff asked her, “What does he look like?”  Her answer didn't convince him that she met Danny Casey.  

 Q3. Did her father believe her story?

Ans: No, when he heard that Sophie had met Danny Casey, he looked at her with disdain. When Sophie remarked that Danny was going to buy a shop, her father murmured that it was her another wild story 

 Q4. Why didn’t Sophie tell Jansie the story about Danny?

Ans: According to Sophie, Jansie was nosey who wanted to know other people’s affairs. She would spread the news in the whole neighbourhood. So, Sophie didn’t want Jansie to know about her story with Danny.

Q5. Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey?

Ans: No, Sophie did not meet Danny Casey. She was highly fascinated by the young Irish footballer. She imagined him as her lover. She sat in the park, waiting for him. She knew that he would not come. She felt sad and it became a hard burden to carry. She was in her dreamy world where she imagined Casey was with her.

Q6. When did Sophie see Danny Casey in person?

Ans: When she was watching  the football match on Saturdays, she got to see Danny Casey, the Irish footballer. On all Saturdays her family would go to watch football match. The last Saturday, she met the Irish genius going round with two big defenders on the edge of the penalty area.

Q7. What is the difference between the characters of Sophie and Jansie?

Ans: Sophie and Jansie are different in their characters. Sophie is a day dreamer. She dreams a lot and floats in the lake of dreams. But Jansie is a realist. She knows that she belongs to a middle class family. She also knows that she is earmarked for a biscuit factory. She advises Sophie to be sensible and practical. But Sophie considers Jansie as a nosey girl.

Q8.Describe the character of Sophie’s father

Ans: Sophie’s father is an industrious man. He is looking grimy and sweaty. He doesn't seem to be an educated man. He is a realist and doesn't believe his daughter's wild stories. He likes football matches. He is a fan of Tom Finney, the great  footballer. He also believes that Danny Casey will be as good as Tom Finney. He looks after his house well and good.

Q9.What are the indicators of Sophie's financial status?

Ans: Sophie belongs to a lower middle class family. She has wild and impossible dreams. She dreams of things she can’t have in real life..Geoff's occupation is their main economic source. He is an apprentice mechanic. His jacket is shapeless. Her father may be an ordinary employee in a factory . It means she belongs to a lower middle class family

 

Q10. Why does Jansie say : “Soaf, you really should be sensible” ?

Ans: Jansie knows Sophie’s financial position. Both of them are earmarked for a biscuit factory. Sophie dreams of big and beautiful things like having a boutique. To have a boutique she needs a lot of money and experience. Sophie has neither of them. So Jansie tells her to be sensible.

Q11. How does Geoff differ from his sister Sophie?

Ans: Geoff is a grown up boy and an apprentice mechanic. He has to travel to his work site each day to the far side of the city. He speaks little but listens to his sister’s ‘wild stories’. But he is not a day dreamer like her. He knows the financial limitations of his family. He advises Sophie not to entertain dreams for a celebrity like Danny Casey.

Q12. Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff’s silence?      
Ans: Geoff was a grown up boy. He spoke little. Words  were precious to him. Sophie was jealous of his silence. She knew that when he was not speaking, he would be away somewhere else. She thought that he was out in a place where she had never been. She wanted to get her brother’s affection and love.

LONG ANSWER.

1. Every teenager has a hero / heroine to admire. So many times they become role models for them. What is wrong if Sophie fantasizes about Danny Casey and is ambitious in life? (CBSE AI 2016)

Ans:  Teenage period constitutes major changes in one's life. During the phase a boy or a girl learns many things. He / She sets his/her career goals. During this period they have high peer pressure. More over they want to be adults and fantasizing wild dreams. It is true that a teenager lives in a world of dreams.

It is wrong to say that dreaming or fantasizing is nonsense. It is based on realistic aims and the world gives them ample opportunities to achieve their dreams. If one has confidence, positivity and optimism, he or she cannot be defeated.

Here, Sophie's fantasy about Danny Casey is not a matured one. It is a child's longing and a one way affection. He is a celebrity footballer and she is a simple school girl. We can dream but should not grow mad. Sophie should be a realistic and sensible girl.