Get notes, workbook (Evergreen and Morning Star) solutions, summary, questions and answers, extras, MCQs, competency based questions, and pdf of the story The Homecoming by Rabindranath Tagore which is part of ICSE Class 9 English (Treasure Chest) syllabus. However, the notes should only be treated for references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
Summary
Phatik Chakravorthi was a fourteen-year-old Bengali boy who had lost his father at a young age. Growing up, he was often lazy, wild, and disobedient, in stark contrast to his younger brother, Makhan, who was quiet, kind-hearted, and loved to read. Phatik’s mischievous nature often led him into trouble. One day, he and his friends devised a plan to push a wooden log, intended for a boat’s mast, into the river. When Makhan objected and sat on the log in protest, the boys, under Phatik’s leadership, rolled the log into the river, causing Makhan to fall into the water. This act not only led to a confrontation at home but also resulted in Phatik hitting his brother and accidentally pushing their mother.
Not long after this incident, Phatik’s uncle, Bishamber, visited from Calcutta. With his mother’s permission, he took Phatik with him to the city with the intention of providing him with a better education. However, life in Calcutta was far from smooth for Phatik. Bishamber’s wife wasn’t pleased with this new addition to the family, and the transitioning Phatik, who was neither a child nor a man, struggled to find his place.
School in Calcutta added to Phatik’s misery. He felt out of place, unable to connect with the teachers or students. The vibrant landscapes of his native village, filled with meadows, mountains, and rivers, occupied his thoughts, and he couldn’t find the same joy in the bustling city. His poor performance at school attracted ridicule from his peers and even his cousins. One particular day, after losing a book and facing insults from both his schoolmates and aunt, Phatik decided he had had enough and tried to run away.
However, his escape was short-lived. He got caught in a heavy rainstorm, leading to a severe case of malarial cold. The concerned uncle reported his disappearance, and the police eventually found and returned him. Phatik, overwhelmed by the continuous criticism, broke down and expressed his desire to go home, repeatedly asking when the holidays would arrive so he could leave.
As his condition worsened due to the fever, Phatik’s movements became erratic and worried. Seeing his critical state, a message was sent to his village to inform his mother. By the time she reached Calcutta, Phatik was delirious and nearing his end. Mistaking his mother’s presence as a potential punishment, he begged her not to hurt him. His final words were, “Mother, the holidays have come.”
Evergreen workbook answers/solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The story highlights the theme of
(a) being an adolescent
(b) suffering in isolation
(c) rude behaviour of parents
(d) longing for love and companionship
Answer: (d) longing for love and companionship
2. “The servant was the master on this occasion.” Which figure of speech is used in this statement?
(a) irony
(b) humour
(c) metaphor
(d) simile
Answer: (a) irony
3. Choose the option that lists the sequence of events in the correct way.
- Phatik became an unwanted guest in his uncle’s house.
- Phatik’s mother was prejudiced against him and believed the lies Makhan told her against Phatik.
- Phatik’s calls his mother when he is in a state of delirium at his uncle’s house.
- He tried to run away from his uncle’s home to go back to his mother.
(a) 4, 2, 3, 1
(b) 2, 3, 4, 1
(c) 2, 1, 3, 4
(d) 2, 1, 4, 3
Answer: (d) 2, 1, 4, 3
4. “What! You little villain! Would you hit your own mother” ? Which of the following words best describes the tone of the speaker?
(a) sarcastic
(b) frustrated
(c) angry
(d) pleasing
Answer: (c) angry
5. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between statement (1) and statement (2).
- It was an immense relief to the mother to get rid of Phatik!
- Mother considered Phatik a perpetual nuisance.
(a) 2 is the cause of 1.
(b) 1 is an example of 2.
(c) 1 is independent of 2.
(d) 1 is in contradiction of 2.
Answer: (a) 2 is the cause of 1.
6. Which of the following statements is NOT true of Phatik?
(a) Phatik’s mother loves his brother Makhan more than Phatik.
(b) The mother sends Phatik to Calcutta to live with his uncle’s family.
(c) Phatik likes his uncle and aunt very much.
(d) Phatik is ill treated by his aunt.
Answer: (c) Phatik likes his uncle and aunt very much.
7. When Phatik’s uncle asks him to accompany him to Calcutta and live there it makes Phatik feel ………………..
(a) surprised
(b) sorrowful
(c) proud
(d) happy
Answer: (d) happy
8. The log lying near the river was to be used for …………………….. .
(a) making furniture
(b) making a boat
(c) making a mast for a boat
(d) all of the above
Answer: (c) making a mast for a boat
9. Who came and sat on the log when the boys were about to push it ?
(a) Bishamber
(b) Makhan
(c) Owner of the log
(d) One of Phatik’s rivals
Answer: (b) Makhan
10. Who stepped on shore when a boat came up on the landing?
(a) a man with grey beard
(b) Phatik’s mother
(c) Bishamber
(d) Phatik’s teacher
Answer: (c) Bishamber
11. Phatik’s mother had lost her husband while her brother was still in ………………..
(a) Calcutta
(b) Bombay doing his business
(c) in a foreign country
(d) studying in London
Answer: (b) Bombay doing his business
12. Phatik’s mother was happy to get rid of him because …………………….. .
(a) she was prejudiced against him
(b) he was a big nuisance
(c) he was wild, lazy and disobedient
(d) all of the above
Answer: (d) all of the above
13. Phatik’s aunt was displeased with his arrival because …………………….. .
(a) Phatik was wild and lazy
(b) Phatik was uncultured
(c) he was a boy of fourteen
(d) she had three sons quite enough to manage.
Answer: (d) she had three sons quite enough to manage.
14. A lad of fourteen becomes …………………….. .
(a) suddenly unattractive
(b) painfully self conscious
(c) unduly shy
(d) intentionally mischievous
Answer: (b) painfully self conscious
15. With chiding and scolding a boy of fourteen becomes …………………….. .
(a) extremely shameless
(b) a problem for his parents
(c) like a stray dog that has lost its master
(d) self willed and stubborn
Answer: (c) like a stray dog that has lost its master
16. Suffocated in Calcutta houses and walls Phatik kept remembering …………………….. .
(a) meadows where he flew kites
(b) narrow brook where he used to swim
(c) river banks where he used to sing and shout all day
(d) all of the above
Answer: (d) all of the above
17. One day at school Phatik lost his …………………….. .
(a) school bag
(b) wooden slate
(c) lesson book
(d) notebook
Answer: (c) lesson book
Comprehension Passages
PASSAGE-1
Phatik Chakravorthi was ringleader among the boys of the village. A new mischief got into his head. There was a heavy log lying on the mud-flat of the river waiting to be shaped into a mast for a boat. He decided that they should all work together to shift the log by main force from its place and roll it away. The owner of the log would be angry and surprised, and they would all enjoy the fun. Every one seconded the proposal, and it was carried unanimously.
(i) Substantiate the statement that Phatik is quite innovative and imaginative.
Answer: Phatik’s innovative and imaginative nature is substantiated by the new mischief that got into his head. He decided that he and the other boys should work together to shift a heavy log, which was lying on the mud-flat of the river waiting to be shaped into a mast for a boat, from its place and roll it away. His plan included the anticipation that the owner of the log would be angry and surprised, and they would all enjoy the fun from this.
(ii) For what was the log lying on the mud-flat of the river?
Answer: The log was lying on the mud-flat of the river waiting to be shaped into a mast for a boat.
(iii) What did Phatik decide to do?
Answer: Phatik decided that all the boys should work together to shift the log by main force from its place and roll it away.
(iv) What would the boys enjoy?
Answer: The boys would enjoy the fun that would result when the owner of the log became angry and surprised by their actions.
(v) Who posed an obstacle in carrying out the plan later in the story? How?
Answer: Makhan, Phatik’s younger brother, posed an obstacle in carrying out the plan. He did this by sauntering up just as the fun was about to begin and sitting down on the log in front of them all, without a word.
PASSAGE-2
Phatik wiped his face, and sat down on the edge of a sunken barge on the river bank, and began to chew a piece of grass. A boat came up to the landing, and a middle-aged man, with grey hair and dark moustache, stepped on shore. He saw the boy sitting there doing nothing, and asked him where the Chakravortis lived. Phatik went on chewing the grass, and said: “Over there,” but it was quite impossible to tell where he pointed. The stranger asked him again. He swung his legs to and fro on the side of the barge, and said; “Go and find out,” and continued to chew the grass as before.
(i) In what mood was Phatik, and why?
Answer: Phatik was likely in a subdued and perhaps resentful mood. This was because his brother Makhan had just attacked him, scratching his face, beating, and kicking him, after Phatik had the log rolled over with Makhan on it. Phatik had been a little frightened as he knew Makhan’s retaliation was coming. After the altercation, he wiped his face and sat chewing grass, suggesting a quiet or brooding state.
(ii) Who was this middle aged man who stepped on the shore?
Answer: The middle-aged man with grey hair and dark moustache who stepped on the shore was Bishamber, Phatik’s maternal uncle.
(iii) What did the ‘man’ ask the boy? What reply did the boy give? What was wrong with the answer?
Answer: The man asked Phatik where the Chakravortis lived. Phatik, continuing to chew grass, replied, “Over there.” What was wrong with the answer was that it was quite impossible to tell where he pointed.
(iv) What can you say about Phatik’s rude behaviour with the stranger?
Answer: Phatik’s behaviour towards the stranger was rude and unhelpful. When the stranger asked him again for directions, Phatik swung his legs to and fro on the side of the barge and dismissively told him to “Go and find out,” and then continued to chew grass as before, showing a lack of courtesy.
(v) Who came soon after this incident? Where did he take Phatik? How?
Answer: Soon after this incident, a servant came down from the house and told Phatik his mother wanted him. The servant took Phatik to his house. Since Phatik refused to move, the servant, being the master on this occasion, took Phatik up roughly and carried him, while Phatik was kicking and struggling in impotent rage.
PASSAGE-3
It was just at this critical juncture that the grey-haired stranger arrived. He asked what the matter was. Phatik looked sheepish and ashamed.
But when his mother stepped back and looked at the stranger, her anger was changed to surprise. For she recognised her brother, and cried: “Why, Dada! Where have you come from? “As she said these words, she bowed to the ground and touched his feet. Her brother had gone away soon after she had married, and he had started business in Bombay. His sister had lost her husband while he was in Bombay. Bishamber had now come back to Calcutta, and had at once made enquiries about his sister. He had then hastened to see her as soon as he found out where she was.
(i) What made Phatik feel embarrassed?
Answer: Phatik felt embarrassed because the grey-haired stranger arrived at the critical juncture when his mother was shouting at him, calling him a villain and accusing him of wanting to hit her. This happened after Phatik had pushed her aside while she was beating him, having taken Makhan’s side. When the stranger asked what the matter was, Phatik looked sheepish and ashamed.
(ii) Why was Phatik’s mother angry? How did her anger change to surprise?
Answer: Phatik’s mother was angry because Makhan had told her that Phatik had hit him, and she believed her younger son. Her anger changed to surprise when she stepped back and looked at the stranger, for she recognised him as her brother, Bishamber, and cried out, “Why, Dada! Where have you come from?”
(iii) How did she welcome ‘the stranger’?
Answer: She welcomed the stranger, who was her brother, by crying out, “Why, Dada! Where have you come from?” As she said these words, she bowed to the ground and touched his feet.
(iv) Which tragic incident had taken place in the absence of the stranger?
Answer: The tragic incident that had taken place in the absence of the stranger, Bishamber, was that his sister, Phatik’s mother, had lost her husband while Bishamber was away in Bombay having started a business there.
(v) What tells you that Bishamber was a caring brother?
Answer: What tells me that Bishamber was a caring brother is that upon his return to Calcutta, he had at once made enquiries about his sister. He had then hastened to see her as soon as he found out where she was. Furthermore, he later kindly offered to take Phatik off his sister’s hands and educate him with his own children in Calcutta.
PASSAGE-4
When they reached Calcutta, Phatik made the acquaintance of his aunt for the first time. She was by no means pleased with this unnecessary addition to her family. She found her own three boys quite enough to manage without taking any one else. And to bring a village lad of fourteen into their midst was terribly upsetting. Bishamber should really have thought twice before committing such an indiscretion.
(i) Who are ‘they’ referred to in the first line? From where had they come?
Answer: ‘They’ referred to in the first line are Phatik and his uncle, Bishamber. They had come from Phatik’s village.
(ii) How did Phatik’s aunt react to his arrival? Did Phatik expect this reaction?
Answer: Phatik’s aunt reacted to his arrival by being by no means pleased with what she considered an unnecessary addition to her family. The story does not explicitly state whether Phatik expected this reaction, but given his earlier joy at the prospect of going to Calcutta, it is likely he hoped for a warmer welcome.
(iii) Why was Phatik’s aunt unhappy with his addition in the family?
Answer: Phatik’s aunt was unhappy with his addition in the family because she found her own three boys quite enough to manage without taking on anyone else. Moreover, she felt that to bring a village lad of fourteen into their midst was terribly upsetting.
(iv) According to Phatik’s aunt what should Bishamber have done?
Answer: According to Phatik’s aunt’s feelings, as implied by the narrator, Bishamber should really have thought twice before committing such an indiscretion as bringing Phatik to live with them.
(v) What was ‘terribly upsetting’ and why?
Answer: What was ‘terribly upsetting’ for Phatik’s aunt was to bring a village lad of fourteen, Phatik, into their midst. It was upsetting because she already found her own three boys quite enough to manage and viewed Phatik as an unnecessary addition and an indiscretion on her husband’s part.
PASSAGE-5
In this world of human affairs there is no worse nuisance than a boy at the age of fourteen. He is neither ornamental, nor useful. It is impossible to shower affection on him as on a little boy; and he is always getting in the way. If he talks with a childish lisp he is called a baby, and if he answers in a grown-up way he is called impertinent. In fact any talk at all from him is resented. Then he is at the unattractive, growing age. He grows out of his clothes with indecent haste; his voice grows hoarse and breaks and quavers; his face grows suddenly angular and unsightly. It is easy to excuse the shortcomings of early childhood, but it is hard to tolerate even unavoidable lapses in a boy of fourteen. The lad himself becomes painfully self-conscious. When he talks with elderly people he is either unduly forward, or else so unduly shy that he appears ashamed of his very existence.
(i) According to Tagore what is the biggest nuisance in the world of human affairs? Why is it so?
Answer: According to Tagore, the biggest nuisance in the world of human affairs is a boy at the age of fourteen. It is so because he is considered neither ornamental nor useful. It is impossible to shower affection on him as on a little boy, and he is always getting in the way. If he talks with a childish lisp he is called a baby, and if he answers in a grown-up way he is called impertinent; in fact, any talk at all from him is resented.
(ii) Why is the boy of fourteen criticized when he talks like a grown up person?
Answer: The boy of fourteen is criticized when he talks like a grown-up person because if he answers in a grown-up way, he is called impertinent.
(iii) What are we told about physical growth of a boy at the age of fourteen?
Answer: We are told that a boy at the age of fourteen is at the unattractive, growing age. He grows out of his clothes with indecent haste; his voice grows hoarse and breaks and quavers; and his face grows suddenly angular and unsightly.
(iv) How is people’s attitude different towards a boy of fourteen from their attitude towards children?
Answer: People’s attitude towards a boy of fourteen is different from their attitude towards younger children in that it is considered impossible to shower affection on him as on a little boy. While it is easy to excuse the shortcomings of early childhood, it is hard to tolerate even unavoidable lapses in a boy of fourteen.
(v) What does a young lad’s heart crave for most at this age?
Answer: At this age, a young lad’s heart of hearts most craves for recognition and love, and he becomes the devoted slave of any one who shows him consideration.
PASSAGE-6
For a boy of fourteen his own home is the only Paradise. To live in a strange house with strange people is little short of torture, while the height of bliss is to receive the kind looks of women, and never to be slighted by them.
It was anguish to Phatik to be the unwelcome guest in his aunt’s house, despised by this elderly woman, and slighted, on every occasion. If she ever asked him to do anything for her, he would be so overjoyed that he would overdo it; and then she would tell him not to be so stupid, but to get on with his lessons.
(i) What happens if a boy of fourteen is continuously scolded? Is it true of Phatik also?
Answer: If a boy of fourteen is continuously scolded and chided, he becomes very much like a stray dog that has lost his master. Yes, this was true of Phatik, as it was anguish for him to be the unwelcome guest in his aunt’s house, where he was despised by this elderly woman and slighted on every occasion.
(ii) What is the height of bliss for a boy of fourteen?
Answer: For a boy of fourteen, the height of bliss is to receive the kind looks of women and never to be slighted by them.
(iii) How did Phatik feel in his uncle’s house?
Answer: Phatik felt anguish in his uncle’s house. He considered himself an unwelcome guest, despised by his aunt, and slighted on every occasion. The cramped atmosphere of neglect in his aunt’s house oppressed Phatik so much that he felt that he could hardly breathe.
(iv) How did Phatik react whenever his aunt asked him to do something?
Answer: Whenever his aunt asked Phatik to do anything for her, he would be so overjoyed that he would overdo it.
(v) Does Phatik succeed in pleasing his aunt? How do you know?
Answer: No, Phatik did not succeed in pleasing his aunt. I know this because even when he overdid things out of joy when asked to do something for her, she would then tell him not to be so stupid, but to get on with his lessons, indicating her continued displeasure.
PASSAGE-7
There was no more backward boy in the whole school than Phatik. He gaped and remained silent when the teacher asked him a question, and like an overladen ass patiently suffered all the blows that came down on his back. When other boys were out at play, he stood wistfully by the window and gazed at the roofs of the distant houses. And if by chance he espied children playing on the open terrace of any roof, his heart would ache with longing.
One day he summoned up all his courage, and asked his uncle: “Uncle, when can I go home?”
(i) How did Phatik fare at school?
Answer: Phatik fared very poorly at school; there was no more backward boy in the whole school than him. He gaped and remained silent when the teacher asked him a question. Even with the help of books, he had found it very difficult indeed to prepare his lesson, and eventually, it became impossible. Day after day the teacher would cane him unmercifully.
(ii) How did he endure the punishment?
Answer: He endured the punishment like an overladen ass, patiently suffering all the blows that came down on his back.
(iii) “… he stood wistfully by the window and gazed at the roofs of the distant houses”. What light does this line throw on Phatik’s state of mind?
Answer: This line throws light on Phatik’s state of mind, revealing his deep homesickness and longing. His wistful gaze at the roofs of distant houses suggests he was yearning for his own village home, the freedom he experienced there, and the familiar surroundings, all of which contrasted sharply with his miserable existence in Calcutta.
(iv) “Looking at the children playing on the open terrace filled his heart with a longing”. Which longing is being referred to here?
Answer: The longing being referred to here is Phatik’s intense desire for his village home and the life he had there. He remembered the glorious meadow where he used to fly his kite, the broad river-banks where he would wander singing and shouting, the narrow brook where he could dive and swim, and his band of boy companions over whom he was a despot.
(v) What did Phatik ask his uncle one day? What was his uncle’s reply?
Answer: One day, Phatik summoned up all his courage and asked his uncle, “Uncle, when can I go home?” His uncle answered that he should wait till the holidays come.
PASSAGE-8
Phatik heard her words, and sobbed out loud: “Uncle, I was just going home; but they dragged me back again.”
The fever rose very high, and all that night the boy was delirious. Bishamber brought in a doctor. Phatik opened his eyes flushed with fever, and looked up to the ceiling, and said vacantly: “Uncle, have the holidays come yet? May I go home?”
Bishamber wiped the tears from his own eyes, and took Phatik’s lean and burning hands in his own, and sat by him through the night. The boy began again to mutter. At last his voice became excited: “Mother,” he cried, “don’t beat me like that! Mother! I am telling the truth!”
(i) What emotions are evoked by Phatik’s condition? Who was responsible for his plight?
Answer: Phatik’s condition evokes strong emotions of sympathy, sadness, and pity for his profound suffering and isolation. Several people and circumstances contributed to his plight: his mother, who held a prejudice against him and was relieved to send him away; his aunt, who viewed him as an unwelcome guest and treated him with neglect and contempt; the harsh and unsympathetic environment at his Calcutta school; and ultimately, the pervasive lack of understanding, love, and consideration from those around him, which led to his deep homesickness, despair, and eventual illness.
(ii) Who are ‘they’ referred to in the second line? Why did they bring Phatik home? Where had he gone?
Answer: ‘They’ referred to in the second line are the two constables. They brought Phatik to his uncle’s home because his uncle, Bishamber, had asked for help from the police when Phatik went missing. Phatik had run away from his uncle’s house, trying to go back to his village home.
(iii) Tears came into Bishamber’s eyes. Why?
Answer: Tears came into Bishamber’s eyes likely out of deep pity, sorrow, and helplessness seeing Phatik’s critical condition. Witnessing Phatik delirious with a very high fever, his body lean and burning, and hearing his vacant, heartbreaking plea to go home and his delirious cries to his mother, must have profoundly moved Bishamber to tears.
(iv) Bishamber sat by Phatik through the night. What light does this throw on this character?
Answer: The fact that Bishamber wiped the tears from his own eyes, took Phatik’s lean and burning hands in his own, and sat by him through the night, throws light on his compassionate, kind-hearted, and caring nature. Despite the trouble Phatik had been and his own wife’s negative attitude, Bishamber showed genuine concern, affection, and a sense of responsibility towards his nephew in his hour of dire need.
(v) Why does Phatik begin to mutter …”don’t beat me like that mother…”? What does it show about his state of mind?
Answer: Phatik begins to mutter “don’t beat me like that! Mother! I am telling the truth!” because, in his delirious state from the high fever, he is likely reliving past traumatic experiences or deeply ingrained fears of being unjustly accused and punished by his mother. It shows that his state of mind was one of extreme distress, confusion, and a profound sense of being misunderstood and unfairly treated, particularly by his mother, whose love and approval he craved.
Project Assignments
1. Narrate the incident that takes place in the beginning of the story which results in a quarrel between Phatik and Makhan.
Answer: In the beginning of the story, Phatik Chakravorti, the ringleader among the village boys, conceived a new mischief. There was a heavy log lying on the mud-flat of the river, intended to be shaped into a mast for a boat. Phatik decided that all the boys should work together to shift the log by main force from its place and roll it away, anticipating that the owner would be angry and surprised, which would be fun for them. The proposal was unanimously carried. However, just as the fun was about to begin, Phatik’s younger brother, Makhan, sauntered up and sat down on the log without a word, appearing like a young philosopher meditating on the futility of games. The boys were puzzled, and one of them timidly pushed Makhan and told him to get up, but he remained unconcerned. Phatik became furious and threatened to thrash Makhan if he didn’t get down. When Makhan only moved to a more comfortable position, Phatik, to maintain his regal dignity, commanded his followers to roll the log and Makhan over together. Makhan, making it a point of honour to stick on, overlooked the peril. The boys heaved the log, and at the word “go,” the log went, and with it went Makhan’s philosophy, glory, and all, as he was thrown into the water. Makhan then rose from Mother Earth, blind as Fate and screaming like the Furies. He rushed at Phatik, scratched his face, beat him, and kicked him, and then went crying home. Later, when Phatik arrived home, his mother, having heard Makhan’s version, angrily asked Phatik if he had been hitting Makhan again. Phatik indignantly denied it and suggested she ask Makhan. But Makhan stuck to his previous statement, saying, “Yes, mother. Phatik did hit me.” Phatik’s patience was exhausted by this injustice, and he rushed at Makhan, hammering him with blows and crying, “Take that! and that, and that, for telling lies.” This led to his mother taking Makhan’s side, pulling Phatik away, and beating him with her hands. When Phatik pushed her aside, she shouted, “What! you little villain! Would you hit your own mother?” This entire sequence of events, starting with the log, resulted in a significant quarrel involving Phatik, Makhan, and their mother.
2. How does the behaviour of Phatik’s mother impact his life?
Answer: Phatik’s mother’s behaviour had a profoundly negative impact on his life. She held a prejudice against him, considering him a perpetual nuisance, lazy, disobedient, and wild, especially in comparison to his younger brother Makhan, who was quiet, good, and fond of reading. This prejudice meant she readily believed Makhan’s version of events and was quick to blame and punish Phatik, as seen after the incident with the log. Her lack of understanding and affection contributed to Phatik’s feelings of injustice and frustration at home. When her brother Bishamber offered to take Phatik to Calcutta, it was an immense relief to her to get rid of Phatik, as she was in daily fear that he would harm Makhan or get into some other danger. This eagerness to send him away, while perhaps stemming from her own difficulties, deeply affected Phatik. Even though he was initially excited to leave, her prejudice and lack of love created a void. In Calcutta, Phatik intensely longed for his village home and, above all, for “the memory of that tyrant mother of his, who had such a prejudice against him.” This indicates a deep, almost animal-like instinct and longing for maternal presence, despite her harshness. Her behaviour fostered a sense of not being wanted or loved, which was amplified by his experiences in Calcutta. Ultimately, when Phatik was dying, his delirious cries were for his mother, “Mother, don’t beat me like that! Mother! I am telling the truth!” and his last words, “Mother, the holidays have come,” spoken as she arrived, highlight the deep-seated impact of her treatment and his unfulfilled longing for her affection and a true homecoming. Her biases contributed significantly to his tragic plight and his feeling of being a “stray dog that has lost his master.”
3. Describe the sorrowful experiences that Phatik has to undergo in Calcutta.
Answer: Phatik’s life in Calcutta was a series of sorrowful experiences that led to his tragic end. Upon arrival, he immediately faced the displeasure of his aunt, who considered him an unnecessary addition to her family and was by no means pleased to have a village lad of fourteen in her midst. Phatik became an unwelcome guest, despised by his aunt and slighted on every occasion. The cramped atmosphere of neglect in his aunt’s house oppressed him so much that he felt he could hardly breathe. He longed for the open country of his village, dreaming night after night of his home, the meadows, the river-banks, and his companions.
His school life was equally miserable. He was the most backward boy in his class, unable to prepare his lessons and remaining silent when questioned by the teacher, who would then cane him unmercifully. His own cousins were ashamed to own him and, along with other boys, jeered at and insulted him. One day, he lost his lesson-book, and when he told his aunt, she reacted with contempt, calling him a “great clumsy, country lout” and questioning how she could afford to buy him new books frequently. This constant neglect, ridicule, and lack of affection made him acutely homesick. His one great fear, when he felt he was getting malarial fever, was that he would be a nuisance to his aunt. When he tried to run away to go home, he was caught in the rain, got drenched, and his fever worsened. The police brought him back, and his aunt exclaimed, “What a heap of trouble this boy has given us. Hadn’t you better send him home?” In his delirium, Phatik repeatedly asked his uncle if the holidays had come and if he could go home, highlighting his profound suffering and alienation in the city.
4. Draw a comparison between Phatik’s life in the village and at his aunt’s house in Calcutta. What does it tell you of city life vs village life?
Answer: Phatik’s life in his village, despite its imperfections, starkly contrasted with his miserable existence at his aunt’s house in Calcutta. In the village, Phatik was a ringleader among the boys, popular and a “despot” over his companions. He was full of mischief and enjoyed the freedom of the open countryside – the glorious meadows where he flew his kite, the broad river-banks where he could wander, sing, and shout, and the narrow brook where he could dive and swim. Though his mother was prejudiced against him, his village life offered a sense of belonging and an outlet for his boisterous energy. He was known, even if for his wildness.
In Calcutta, Phatik’s life was one of confinement, neglect, and alienation. He was an unwelcome guest in his aunt’s house, despised by her and slighted on every occasion. The “cramped atmosphere of neglect” made him feel suffocated, surrounded by houses and walls with no open country to escape to. He became painfully self-conscious and was a failure at school, the most backward boy, subjected to caning by his teacher and ridicule from his cousins and other students. He had no friends and nothing to do but dream of his village home. His aunt displayed attitudinal coldness, and even his uncle remained a mute spectator to his suffering for a long time.
This comparison tells us a great deal about the story’s portrayal of city life versus village life. The village, for Phatik, represented freedom, nature, a sense of identity (however flawed), and a community where he, at least, had a role. It embodied a certain rural charm and simplicity. In contrast, city life in Calcutta is depicted as harsh, impersonal, and isolating for a boy like Phatik. It is a place of “attitudinal coldness,” where a sensitive, unguided adolescent from a different environment can easily be misunderstood, neglected, and crushed. The city lacks the space, both physical and emotional, for Phatik to thrive, leading to his intense homesickness and tragic end. The story suggests that the transition from a familiar, albeit imperfect, rural environment to an alien and unsympathetic urban one can be devastating for a young individual, especially without a strong support system.
Morning Star workbook answers/solutions
Multiple Choice Question II
1. Phatik was the ____ among the boys of the village.
(a) youngest
(b) ringleader
(c) oldest
(d) smartest
Answer: (b) ringleader
2. Why was Phatik frightened after Makhan beat him up?
(a) He will not be allowed to play near the river bank
(b) His mother would believe Makhan’s version of the incident
(c) He would be sent to Calcutta
(d) He would lose his position of a leader.
Answer: (b) His mother would believe Makhan’s version of the incident
3. Which characteristic trait of Bishamber’s personality is revealed by his act of taking Phatik with him to Calcutta?
(a) Compassionate
(b) Selfish
(c) Egoist
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Compassionate
4. ‘Screaming Like the Furies’ means
(a) being happy
(b) being sad
(c) being extremely angry
(d) being excited.
Answer: (c) being extremely angry
5. Which figure of speech is used in the line “The servant was the master on this occasion”?
(a) Irony
(b) Alliteration
(c) Simile
(d) Metaphor
Answer: (a) Irony
6. What did Phatik bequeath to his brother before going to Calcutta?
(a) His fishing rod
(b) His big kite
(c) His marbles
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
7. What is meant by ‘on pins and needles’?
(a) Being scared
(b) Getting hurt
(c) In a state of suspense
(d) Being happy
Answer: (c) In a state of suspense
8. Phatik asked his uncle ___ when he opened his eyes.
(a) what was the time
(b) had the holidays come
(c) why his aunt didn’t like him
(d) what day it was
Answer: (b) had the holidays come
9. The theme of the story is.
(a) State of confusion
(b) Isolation
(c) Responsibility
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c)
Context Questions
Excerpt 1
But just as the fun was about to begin, Makhan, Phatik’s younger brother, sauntered up, and sat down on the log in front of them all without a word. The boys were puzzled for a moment. He was pushed, rather timidly, by one of the boys and told to get up but he remained quite unconcerned. He appeared like a young philosopher meditating on the futility of games. Phatik was furious. “Makhan,” he cried, “if you don’t get down this minute I’ll thrash you!”
(i) Who was Makhan? Where was he? What is meant by “sauntered up”?
Answer: Makhan was Phatik’s younger brother. He was present on the log where Phatik and his friends were about to begin their fun. “Sauntered up” means that Makhan walked up casually and without hurry.
(ii) What was the ‘fun’ that was about to begin? What did Makhan do to spoil ‘the fun‘?
Answer: The ‘fun’ referred to Phatik and his friends’ plan to move a heavy log lying on the riverbank. Makhan spoiled it by sitting on the log, disrupting their plan.
(iii) What did one of the boys do and why? How did Makhan react to it?
Answer: One of the boys timidly pushed Makhan and asked him to get up, likely because he was disrupting their fun. However, Makhan remained unconcerned and refused to move.
(iv) Why was Phatik furious? What did he ask his band of companions to do after this extract?
Answer: Phatik was furious because Makhan was disrupting the game and refused to leave despite being asked. After this, Phatik commanded his companions to roll the log, along with Makhan.
(v) Did Phatik hit Makhan? Why? Which two characteristic traits of Phatik are revealed in this extract?
Answer: Phatik did not hit Makhan, though he threatened to. Instead, he chose a different strategy by ordering the log to be rolled with Makhan on it. Phatik’s traits of leadership and mischievousness are revealed in this extract.
Excerpt 2
It was just at this critical juncture that the grey-haired stranger arrived. He asked what the matter was. Phatik looked sheepish and ashamed.
(i) What was the ‘critical juncture’? What had happened before ‘this critical juncture’?
Answer: The ‘critical juncture’ was when Phatik’s mother was angry and about to scold him, possibly for hitting Makhan. Before this, Phatik had hit Makhan, and his mother believed Makhan’s false statement that Phatik hit him earlier as well.
(ii) Who was the grey-haired stranger? Why did he come there?
Answer: The grey-haired stranger was Phatik’s uncle, Bishamber. He had come to visit his sister after returning from Bombay, where he had been living.
(iii) Why did Phatik feel ashamed on seeing the stranger?
Answer: Phatik felt ashamed because the stranger arrived while his mother was scolding him, and he was being portrayed as the wrongdoer in front of a guest.
(iv) How did Phatik react to the stranger’s offer when he reached home? Which characteristic trait of Phatik is revealed by his reaction?
Answer: Phatik was overjoyed when his uncle offered to take him to Calcutta. His extreme eagerness shows his longing for a change of environment and an opportunity for adventure.
(v) State any two traits of the stranger’s personality in the story.
Answer: (i) Concerned and helpful: Bishamber offered to take responsibility for Phatik’s education, showing care for his nephew.
(ii) Observant and perceptive: He quickly understood the family dynamics and Phatik’s troubled relationship with his mother.
Excerpt 3
He was told by his sister that Phatik was a perpetual nuisance. He was lazy, disobedient, and wild. But Makhan was as good as gold, as quiet as a lamb, and very fond of reading, Bishamber kindly offered to take Phatik off his sister’s hands, and educate him with his own children in Calcutta.
(i) Who was ‘He’ referred to in the first line of the extract? What was Phatik’s mother’s complaint about him?
Answer: ‘He’ referred to Bishamber, Phatik’s uncle. Phatik’s mother complained that Phatik was a perpetual nuisance, lazy, disobedient, and wild.
(ii) How according to Phatik’s mother, was Makhan different in his behaviour from his brother?
Answer: According to Phatik’s mother, Makhan was obedient, quiet, and fond of reading, unlike his troublesome brother, Phatik.
(iii) What did Bishamber offer to do? Why?
Answer: Bishamber offered to take Phatik to Calcutta and educate him with his own children. He did this to help his sister, who was overwhelmed by Phatik’s behaviour.
(iv) How welcome was Phatik in Bishamber’s family? What was its effect on Phatik?
Answer: Phatik was not welcome in Bishamber’s family, especially by his aunt. This made Phatik feel neglected and unwanted, leading to his growing misery.
(v) How is the theme of abandonment hinted upon in the story?
Answer: The theme of abandonment is suggested through Phatik’s mother’s eagerness to send him away and his sense of being unwanted in his uncle’s house.
Excerpt 4
The widowed mother readily agreed. When his uncle asked Phatik if he would like to go to Calcutta with him, his joy knew no bounds, and he said; “Oh, yes, uncle!” In a way that made it quite clear that he meant it. It was an immense relief to the mother to get rid of Phatik.
(i) Why did Phatik’s mother agree to send Phatik to Calcutta?
Answer: Phatik’s mother agreed to send him to Calcutta because she saw it as a relief to get rid of him, as she found him to be a nuisance.
(ii) Why was Phatik excited to go to Calcutta? Explain ‘that he meant it.
Answer: Phatik was excited to go to Calcutta because it represented an adventure and a change from his current life. “That he meant it” signifies that Phatik was genuinely eager to leave.
(iii) Do you think Phatik’s mother’s decision to send Phatik to Calcutta was correct? Why?
Answer: Phatik’s mother’s decision could be seen as unwise because she sent him away more out of frustration than love or consideration for his well-being.
(iv) After seeing Phatik’s eagerness to go to Calcutta, how does his mother feel? Which characteristic trait of his mother is revealed through her feelings about Phatik at that moment?
Answer: Phatik’s mother felt relieved to send him away but also somewhat troubled by his eagerness to leave. This reveals her conflicted feelings—she was emotionally distant but aware of Phatik’s unhappiness.
(v) How were Phatik’s hopes dashed on reaching his uncle’s house in Calcutta?
Answer: Phatik’s hopes were dashed when he realized he was unwelcome in his uncle’s house, especially by his aunt, leading to his sense of isolation and abandonment.
Excerpt 5
She was by no means pleased with this unnecessary addition to her family. She found her own three boys quite enough to manage without taking any one else. And to bring a village lad of fourteen into their midst was terribly upsetting. Bishamber should really have thought twice before committing such an indiscretion.
(i) Who is referred to as ‘She’ in the extract? What was the “unnecessary addition” to her family?
Answer: ‘She’ refers to Phatik’s aunt. The “unnecessary addition” was Phatik, who had come to stay with her family.
(ii) Why was Phatik’s aunt annoyed to see Phatik?
Answer: Phatik’s aunt was annoyed because she already had three children to manage and found the idea of taking care of another child, especially a village boy like Phatik, a burden.
(iii) Why was sending a village lad of fourteen to unknown people in an unknown place was terribly upsetting? Which theme is involved in Phatik’s mother’s decision?
Answer: Sending a village lad of fourteen to an unknown place was upsetting because Phatik was unfamiliar with the city environment, and his aunt did not want the responsibility of raising him. The theme of neglect and emotional abandonment is involved in Phatik’s mother’s decision to send him away.
(iv) How correct was Bishamber in taking his nephew, Phatik to Calcutta?
Answer: Bishamber’s decision to take Phatik to Calcutta might have been well-intentioned but was misguided. He did not anticipate how unwelcome Phatik would feel in his new environment, which caused the boy distress.
(v) What were the consequences of taking him to Calcutta?
Answer: The consequences were that Phatik became increasingly isolated and unhappy. His difficulties at school, coupled with his aunt’s neglect, worsened his emotional state, ultimately leading to his illness.
Excerpt 6
One day he summoned up all his courage, and asked his uncle: “Uncle, when can I go home?” His uncle answered; “Wait till the holidays come.” But the holidays would not come till November, and there was a long time still to wait.
(i) Who ‘summoned* up all his courage? Why did he want to go home?
Answer: Phatik summoned up all his courage to ask his uncle when he could go home. He wanted to return because he felt lonely and out of place in Calcutta.
(ii) How did he feel when his uncle told him to wait till the holidays come? Why did his uncle not take him to his home immediately?
Answer: Phatik felt disheartened when his uncle told him to wait until the holidays. His uncle didn’t take him home immediately because the holidays were still a long way off, and he might have considered it impractical to send Phatik back so soon.
(iii) Which characteristic traits of his uncle are revealed in the extract?
Answer: His uncle shows patience and responsibility by giving Phatik a clear answer, though he perhaps lacks empathy in not understanding Phatik’s deep emotional need to return home immediately.
(iv) Did he’ wait for the holidays to go home? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: No, Phatik did not wait for the holidays. He became ill and desperately tried to go home on his own, but his condition worsened before he could leave.
(v) Which theme is highlighted in the extract?
Answer: The theme of yearning for home and belonging is highlighted. Phatik’s desire to go back to his village reflects his emotional need for love and familiarity, which he could not find in Calcutta.
Excerpt 7
One day Phatik lost his lesson-book. Even with the help of books he had found it very difficult indeed to prepare his lesson. Now it was impossible. Day after day the teacher would cane him unmercifully. His condition became so abjectly miserable that even his cousins were ashamed to own him. They began to jeer and insult him more than the other boys. He went to his aunt at last, and told her that he had lost his book.
His aunt pursed her lips in contempt, and said: “You great clumsy, country lout. How can I afford, with all my family, to buy you new books five times a month?”
(i) Why was it difficult for Phatik to prepare his lesson even with the help of books?
Answer: It was difficult for Phatik to prepare his lessons because he was unfamiliar with the educational methods in Calcutta and struggled to keep up academically.
(ii) What was Phatik’s image in the school? Did his teacher treat him according to the perception formed because of that image? Give a reason.
Answer: Phatik’s image in school was that of a backward, incompetent student. His teacher treated him harshly, caning him frequently because Phatik couldn’t prepare his lessons well, reinforcing the negative perception.
(iii) Why were Phatik’s cousins ashamed to own him? What was their fear in owning him?
Answer: Phatik’s cousins were ashamed because his poor academic performance and social awkwardness reflected badly on them. They feared being associated with someone who was considered an outsider and underachiever.
(iv) Why did Phatik go to his aunt for helping him to get a new lesson-book? How did his aunt react to it?
Answer: Phatik went to his aunt because he lost his lesson-book and needed a replacement to avoid further punishment. His aunt reacted with contempt, calling him a “clumsy country lout” and refusing to help.
(v) How was Phatik’s aunt similar to his mother in her treatment of Phatik? Give reasons to justify your answer.
Answer: Phatik’s aunt was similar to his mother in that both women treated him with a lack of affection and viewed him as a burden. His mother was relieved to send him away, and his aunt showed no kindness or care for him in Calcutta.
Excerpt 8
The fever rose very high, and all that night the boy was delirious. Bishamber brought in a doctor. Phatik opened his eyes flushed with fever, and looked up to the ceiling, and said vacantly: “Uncle, have the holidays come yet? May I go home?”
(i) How did Phatik become ill? Why did he want to go home so desperately?
Answer: Phatik became ill after losing his lesson-book, being beaten by his teacher, and suffering from increasing emotional distress. He was also caught in the rain, which likely worsened his condition. He wanted to go home desperately because he felt completely out of place in Calcutta and longed for the familiarity and comfort of his village.
(ii) What is meant by delirious? Why was he delirious?
Answer: Delirious means being in a state of confusion and not fully conscious, often due to fever. Phatik was delirious because of his high fever and the emotional strain he had been under.
(iii) Why did he ask his uncle whether the holidays have come? Did he get the ‘holidays’?
Answer: Phatik asked his uncle about the holidays because he had been waiting for them as a chance to return home. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the holidays, as he passed away before he could go home.
(iv) How are the *holidays’ related to the title of the story?
Answer: The ‘holidays’ symbolise Phatik’s hope of returning home, both physically and emotionally. The title, The Home-Coming, reflects his ultimate “return” to his home, not through the holidays, but through death.
(v) What feelings do you have for Phatik at this juncture? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: At this point, Phatik evokes deep sympathy. His isolation, neglect, and emotional pain throughout the story make his situation tragic, particularly as he yearns for a home where he was not fully loved but still felt it was better than his current situation.
Extras/Additional
Questions and Answers
Extract 1
Phatik Chakravorti was ringleader among the boys of the village. A new mischief got into his head. There was a heavy log lying on the mud-flat of the river, waiting to be shaped into a mast for a boat. He decided that they should all work together to shift the log by main force from its place and roll it away. The owner of the log would be angry and surprised, and they would all enjoy the fun. Every one seconded the proposal, and it was carried unanimously.
But just as the fun was about to begin, Makhan, Phatik’s younger brother, sauntered up, and sat down on the log in front of them all, without a word. The boys were puzzled for a moment. He was pushed, rather timidly, by one of the boys and told to get up, but he remained quite unconcerned. He appeared like a young philosopher meditating on the futility of games. Phatik was furious. “Makhan,” he cried, “if you don’t get down this minute I’ll thrash you!”
Makhan only moved to a more comfortable position.
(i) What plan did Phatik devise for mischief?
Answer: Phatik proposed that the boys should move a heavy log lying on the mud-flat of the river. The log was intended for use as a mast, and they wanted to shift it to surprise and anger the owner.
(ii) How did Makhan interrupt the boys’ plan?
Answer: Makhan, Phatik’s younger brother, sat on the log without saying anything, preventing the boys from executing their plan. Despite being urged to move, he remained unmoved, almost as if he was philosophizing on the futility of their games.
(iii) What was Phatik’s reaction to Makhan’s defiance?
Answer: Phatik became furious at Makhan’s stubbornness and threatened to thrash him if he didn’t get off the log.
(iv) Did Makhan comply with Phatik’s threat?
Answer: No, Makhan did not comply. Instead, he made himself more comfortable on the log, further provoking Phatik.
(v) How did Phatik resolve the situation with his brother?
Answer: Rather than following through with his threat to thrash Makhan, Phatik ordered the boys to roll the log with Makhan on it, which Makhan chose to stubbornly endure.
Extract 10
The fever rose very high, and all that night the boy was delirious. Bishamber brought in a doctor. Phatik opened his eyes flushed with fever, and looked up to the ceiling, and said vacantly: “Uncle, have the holidays come yet? May I go home?”
(i) What happened to Phatik after he disappeared?
Answer: After his disappearance, Phatik fell ill with a high fever, and his condition worsened, leaving him delirious.
(ii) How did Bishamber respond to Phatik’s illness?
Answer: Bishamber brought in a doctor to care for Phatik, showing concern for his deteriorating health.
(iii) What did Phatik ask in his delirium?
Answer: In his delirium, Phatik repeatedly asked whether the holidays had come and whether he could go home, reflecting his longing for his village even in his feverish state.
(iv) How does Phatik’s question reflect his emotional state?
Answer: Phatik’s question shows that even in his delirium, his mind was focused on his deep desire to return home, a symbol of his need for comfort and belonging.
(v) What was the doctor’s prognosis for Phatik’s condition?
Answer: The doctor expressed concern about Phatik’s critical condition, implying that the boy’s illness was severe and possibly life-threatening.
MCQs (Knowledge Based)
1. What new mischief got into Phatik Chakravorti’s head at the beginning of the story?
(a) To steal fruits from an orchard.
(b) To shift a heavy log from the mud-flat of the river.
(c) To play a prank on the village elder.
(d) To start a fight with a neighboring group of boys.
Answer: (b) To shift a heavy log from the mud-flat of the river.
50. What were Phatik’s last words, spoken very slowly as he turned his head without seeing anybody?
(a) “Uncle, thank you for everything.”
(b) “Makhan, I forgive you.”
(c) “Mother, the holidays have come.”
(d) “I want to go to the river.”
Answer: (c) “Mother, the holidays have come.”
MCQs (Competency Based)
1. Select the option that lists the events in their correct order concerning Phatik’s initial mischief and its immediate aftermath.
I. Makhan sits on the log, refusing to move.
II. Phatik decides the boys should roll a heavy log away.
III. Phatik orders the log to be rolled with Makhan on it.
IV. Makhan attacks Phatik after being rolled into the water.
(a) II, I, III, IV
(b) I, II, IV, III
(c) II, III, I, IV
(d) I, IV, II, III
Answer: (a) II, I, III, IV
15. Phatik’s final words, “Mother, the holidays have come,” are deeply ironic because:
(a) The holidays had actually arrived, but he was too ill to enjoy them.
(b) He was hallucinating and did not recognize his mother.
(c) For him, “holidays” symbolized death and an escape from his suffering, a final “home-coming.”
(d) His mother had forbidden him from enjoying any holidays.
Answer: (c) For him, “holidays” symbolized death and an escape from his suffering, a final “home-coming.”
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
thanks very much studying this the day before exam
Thank you for helping
👍👍👍👍👍