Memories of Childhood | Lesson 6 | English 12th | Vistas | Summary | Questions | Answers

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Memories of Childhood | Lesson 6 | English 12th | Vistas | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

Short Summary

"Memories of Childhood" combines two autobiographical accounts, ‘The Cutting of My Long Hair’ by Zitkala-Sa and ‘We Too Are Human Beings’ by Bama, highlighting the struggles of marginalized individuals.

1. ‘The Cutting of My Long Hair’ by Zitkala-Sa: This narrative depicts the traumatic experience of a Native American girl forced to conform to Western culture at a boarding school. The cutting of her long hair, a symbol of her cultural identity, represents the suppression of her heritage and individuality.

2. ‘We Too Are Human Beings’ by Bama: This account describes the caste-based discrimination faced by Bama, a Dalit girl in India. Her realization of systemic oppression inspires her to excel in education, using it as a tool to challenge social injustice and assert her dignity.

Both pieces highlight themes of identity, resistance, and the fight against oppression.

 

Reading with Insight

Question 1. The two accounts that you read above are based in two distant cultures. What is the commonality of theme found in both of them?

Answer: The common theme in both accounts is oppression and resistance. Zitkala-Sa faces cultural erasure as a Native American, while Bama experiences caste-based discrimination in India. Both narratives highlight how marginalized individuals are subjugated but eventually resist, asserting their identity and dignity.

Question 2. It may take a long time for oppression to be resisted, but the seeds of rebellion are sowed early in life.  Do you agree that injustice in any form cannot escape being noticed even by children?

Answer: Yes, children are sensitive to injustice and can recognize it, even if they cannot fully articulate their feelings. Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama, as children, notice and internalize the unfair treatment they face. These early experiences plant the seeds of rebellion, motivating them to resist oppression and fight for equality later in life.

Question 3. Bama’s experience is that of a victim of the caste system. What kind of discrimination does Zitkala-Sa’s experience depict? What are their responses to their respective situations?

Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s experience reflects cultural discrimination and forced assimilation. She is subjected to the erasure of her Native American identity and traditions. Her response is one of inner rebellion and pain as she resists this cultural suppression.
Bama, on the other hand, experiences caste-based discrimination, where she observes societal inequities imposed on Dalits. Her response is proactive—she uses education as a means to overcome oppression and challenge the system.
Both respond to their oppression by resisting it in their unique ways, striving to assert their identity and dignity.