My Big Brother

The narrator with his big brother

Reading 1

1. Based on your understanding of the text, you select the best option for the following.

a. ‘He wanted to lay a very solid foundation so that a magnificent structure could be raided upon it.’ Here the magnificent structure implies

i. a building.

ii. his education.

iii. wealth.

iv. his dream.

Answer : ii. his education

b. My eyes were turned upwards and riveted on the air traveler that was reeling gently towards its downfall..’ Who is the air traveler referred to here?

i. the kite he was chasing

ii. a leaf falling from a tree

iii. an aeroplane passing by

iv. the blowing wind

Answer : i. the kite he was chasing

2. Answer the following questions.

a. The elder brother was not good at academics. How does the narrator convey this?

The narrator conveys that he was no good at academics by saying like this. He says that in spite of the studious nature, his elder brother failed his exams every time.

b. What was the difference in the routines of the two brothers?

The elder brother was always reading. He never went out to play or to shows or fairs. But the younger brother loved to play and always looked for opportunities to spend time outdoors. This is the difference in the routines of the two brothers.

c. Describe the timetable drawn up by the narrator. How were the intent and reality completely different?

The narrator says that making a timetable is one thing and putting it into practice is another thing. His timetable is full of study hours and there is no time for sports or recreation. Though in theory, he intended to spend most of his time studying, in reality, he spent all his time playing.

d. What was the impact of the elder brother's lectures on the narrator?

The elder brother's lectures scared him and made him sad. They made him feel that he was wasting his father's money.

e. How did the elder brother's sermons change when he failed for the first time?

Before the examination, the elder brother lectured about how hard one must work in order to pass the exams. But after the first time he failed, and the narrator got the first position his gave Ravan's example. He said that pride caused the fall of even the greatest scholars. Passing the exam was not important, but absorbing knowledge and getting wisdom was more important.

f. What was the elder brother's reaction to failing for the second time?

After his second failure, the elder brother became more defensive. He told the narrator that no matter how successful a person became the person’s elders, who had seen more of the world, had the upper hand always. Hence, the narrator and his elder brother could never be equal.

Reading 2

1. Do you think that the elder brother had to suppress his desires to be a role model to his younger brother? Why do you think so?

1. Absolutely. It is evident that he wanted to be role model to his brother. He wanted to lead by example. So, he kept studying hard and pulling up his younger brother. He just wasn't as gifted as his younger brother.

2. Bring out the humour in the story—both in words as well as in situations.

The story starts with an irony in the opening lines.  The elder brother who is studious has to study the same class again and again. The author brings in humour through language as well as situation. Other situations like the narrator's timetable; the elder brother's ranting against the system; the fact that the elder brother fails in spite of his efforts and the younger one stands first in spite of his nonchalance are also humorous situations.

3. Irony is the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Bring out the irony in the story.

The fact that the elder brother works very hard and yet fails in his exams and that the younger one stands first in spite of his nonchalance is the main irony in the story. At the end of the story both the brothers run after the kite almost as equals, though the title of the story is ‘My Big Brother’.

4. Whom do you like more—the narrator or his brother? Give reasons.

Answer 1:

I like the narrator’s brother more. He wants to lead his brother by example. He wants to be a good role model to his brother. He is hardworking and he cares for his brother. He takes the responsibility of being an elder brother.

Answer 2:

I like the narrator more. He is a gifted student. He need not study as much as his brother. He takes everything lightly. He likes to play and relax. At the same time, he is able to come first in his examinations.

5. 'Then he ran at top speed towards the hostel and I ran behind him.'

What does the last line reflect on the interpersonal relationship between the siblings?

In the last line, the narrator runs after his elder brother. Until now, in the story, their relationship is formal but when they both run after the kite, they almost equal. The formal relationship changes to a playful companionship.