Birth | Lesson 4 | English | Snapshots | Class 11th | Summary | Questions and Answers |

 

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English | Class 11th | Snapshots | NCERT

Birth | Lesson 4 | Summary | Questions and Answers |

 

Short Summary

            “Birth” by A.J. Cronin is a short story that revolves around Dr. Andrew Manson, a young doctor, and his experience during a challenging childbirth. The story is set in a small Welsh mining town where Dr. Manson is called to assist in the delivery of Mrs. Susan Morgan’s baby. The delivery is complicated, and the baby is born lifeless.

Dr. Manson, despite feeling exhausted and doubtful, applies his medical knowledge and improvises a resuscitation technique. After intense effort, he successfully revives the baby, demonstrating perseverance and skill. The story highlights the challenges and emotional demands of the medical profession, as well as the profound satisfaction of saving a life. It conveys themes of dedication, the value of human life, and the triumph of hope over despair.

 

Reading With Insight

Question 1. “I have done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.” Why does Andrew say this? What does it mean?

Answer: Andrew says, “I have done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last,” after successfully reviving the lifeless baby. This statement reflects his deep sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. It signifies that he feels he has finally made a tangible, life-saving impact, validating his role as a doctor. The moment is profoundly emotional for Andrew because it marks a turning point where his theoretical knowledge and skills have directly contributed to saving a life, giving him a sense of purpose and achievement.

Question 2. There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practising physician. Discuss.

Answer: The difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practicing physician lies in the unpredictability and complexity of real-life situations. Textbook medicine provides the foundational knowledge of diseases, symptoms, and treatments. However, practicing physicians must navigate the nuances of individual cases, deal with emotional and psychological aspects, and make critical decisions under pressure. Real-life practice often requires improvisation, adaptability, and empathy, skills that go beyond what is taught in medical school.

Question 3. Do you know of any incident when someone has been brought back to life from the brink of death through medical help. Discuss medical procedures such as organ transplant and organ regeneration that are used to save human life.

Answer: One notable example of someone being brought back from the brink of death is through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), where immediate medical intervention can restart a person’s heart. Similarly, advanced procedures like organ transplants have saved countless lives. For instance, heart transplants give patients with severe heart failure a new chance at life. Organ regeneration, still largely in experimental stages, holds promise for the future, with techniques like stem cell therapy potentially enabling damaged tissues to repair themselves. These medical advancements highlight the continuous progress in saving and improving lives through innovation and expertise.