Memories of Childhood

 

Memories of Childhood-

1.       Bama Experience is that of a victim of the caste system. What kind of description does Zitakala Sa’s experience ./ when did Bama experience untouchability? (2015, 2019,17,18)

Ans- Bama was studying in the third standard when he had already seen, felt experience and been humiliated by  the concept of untouchability and caste discrimination.   Bama shows the humiliations faced by the untouchables who were never given any honour, dignity or respect as they were born in lower classes. They were made to live apart, run errands and bow humbly to the masters. They avoided direct contact with the people of higher classes. Bama found the first sense of untouchability when she saw a elder of her community carrying snacks was funny. He was holding out the packet by its string, without touching it. She then realized that seeking education can make progress, people will come to her of their own accord and attached themselves to her.

Zitakala Sa’s was a victim of racial prejudice. Zitakala Sa’s says about the severe prejudice that prevailed towards the Native American culture and women. The cutting of her long hair reduces her honour and brings her to the status of a defeated warrior as in her culture shingled hair are worn only by cowards. The replacing of her moccasins by squeaking shoes and eating by formula at breakfast table are other signs of forcible action towards her neglecting her own culture and imposition of dogma on them.

 

2.       Why did Zitkala Sa feel uncomfortable in the dining room? (2015)

Ans – Zitkala Sa felt uncomfortable in the dining room because she was in a new environment. There were fixed procedure for everything. The bells rang in schedule for every fixed worked. In the dining room boys and girls entered in lines from separate doors. Bells were rung for each work, first the bell rang for pulling the chair out but nobody was supposed to sit but Zitakala Sa sat on it, she found all others standing, just when she found out and tried to stand up the second bell rang  and all sat down. Repetition of mistakes like looking around while all other hung their heads over the plates. She heard a man mutterings, then theirs bell rang and all began to eat. She was so afraid by the mistakes that she began to cry. She felt uncomfortable because of her unfamiliarity with the procedure.

3.       What was Zitkala’s idea regarding short, shingled hair? (2016,17,18)/ Why was Zitkala-Sa terrified when Judewin told her that her Hair would be cut short?

Ans- As heard by Zitakala Sa’s mother Shingled hair were for the unskilled warriors who were captured and their hairs were shingled by the enemy. Among their tribe people Short hairs were worn by mourners and  shingled hair by cowards.  

4.       What did Judewin tell Zitkala Sa? How did she react to it?

Ans- Judewin knew a few English words and she heard the paleface woman talking about their long heavy hair. The paleface woman were talking about cutting their long hairs. Judewin said that they need to submit as they were more string then them but Zitkala Sa rebelled. She fought till she could before they submitted.

5.       Which words of her brother made a deep impression on Bama ( Delhi board 2014)

Ans- Her brother told her that although they belong to the lower class they can uplift their dignity by studing with care, learn all they can. If she is always ahead in her lessons people will come to her of their own. Education is the only way to lift themselves up and live a respectful life. These words of her brother made a deep impression on Bama.