The Portrait of a Lady — Detailed Study Resources
Chapter Overview
Khushwant Singh’s autobiographical account presents his grandmother through affectionate observation. The relationship changes as the narrator grows older, but the chapter remains centred on love, dignity, routine, faith and the quiet strength of an elderly woman.
Grandmother’s Character
She is deeply religious, disciplined and emotionally attached to the narrator. Her daily prayers, rosary and feeding of sparrows show how her identity is expressed through routine and compassion. She is not portrayed as simply weak because of age; her acceptance of change reveals considerable inner strength.
Changing Relationship
In the village, the grandmother accompanies the narrator to school and becomes closely involved in his education. In the city, English education and the separation of school and home reduce their shared activities. Later, the narrator’s university education and separate room create further distance.
The Sparrows
The sparrows symbolise the grandmother’s connection with living creatures and her gentle generosity. Their unusual silence after her death becomes an emotionally significant image of loss.
MCQs with Explanations
- Why did the grandmother stop accompanying the narrator to school in the city?
A. She disliked him B. The school was far and its education differed from her values C. She became ill immediately D. She moved away
Answer: B.
Explanation: The city school was English-oriented and taught subjects such as music, which did not fit the grandmother’s traditional expectations. The physical and educational separation both changed their routine. - What does the grandmother’s feeding of sparrows reveal most strongly?
A. Fear B. Compassion and attachment to nature C. Wealth D. Ambition
Answer: B.
Explanation: Feeding the birds is a repeated act of care. It reinforces her gentle nature and becomes important at the end of the chapter when the sparrows gather silently after her death.
Extract-Based Practice
When analysing an extract, identify who is speaking or being described, the immediate situation, the character trait revealed and how the detail connects with the chapter’s larger theme.
Short Answer
How did the narrator’s education change his relationship with his grandmother?
As the narrator moved from village schooling to an English school and later university, the grandmother could no longer participate in his education in the same way. Their shared routine gradually disappeared, creating emotional and physical distance even though their affection remained.
Long Answer
Discuss the grandmother as a figure of tradition whose love remains constant despite social and educational change. Support your response with events from the chapter.
Revision Points
- Grandmother’s appearance and personality
- Village school versus city school
- Changing relationship
- Her religious routine
- Sparrows and the ending