2.3 Somebody’s Mother - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Poet: Mary Dow Brine

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Genre: Narrative Poem / Emotional / Reflective

English Summary

The poem tells the touching story of an old, poor woman waiting at a busy street crossing on a cold winter’s day. Ragged and gray, she stands helpless, ignored by the rushing crowd. Young boys leaving school pass by joyfully, but none stop to help her. Finally, one kind-hearted boy from the group steps forward, gently offers his arm, and helps her cross the slippery street. He does this out of compassion, imagining that someone might one day help his own mother if she were ever old and alone. That night, the old woman prays for the kind boy’s well-being. The poem highlights human kindness and the importance of helping others.

Theme / Central Idea

The poem emphasizes kindness, compassion, and empathy for the elderly and those in need. It reminds us that small good deeds can make a big difference in someone's life.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech

1. “The woman was old and ragged and gray”

   • Figure: Imagery

   • Explanation: Creates a vivid picture of the old woman's appearance.

     
     

2. “Down the street with laughter and shout, came happy boys, like a flock of sheep”

   • Figure: Simile

   • Explanation: Boys are compared to sheep, emphasizing their number and excitement.

     
     

3. “Her aged hand on his strong young arm”

   • Figure: Contrast

   • Explanation: Shows the difference between youth and old age.

     
     

4. “God be kind to that noble boy”

   • Figure: Apostrophe

   • Explanation: A direct address to God, expressing gratitude.

     
     

5. “She’s somebody’s mother, boys, you know”

   • Figure: Repetition

   • Explanation: The phrase emphasizes shared humanity and compassion.

   
   

Two-Mark Questions

1. Why was the old woman afraid to cross the road?

   • The road was slippery and crowded. She feared the wheels of carriages or horses’ feet might trample her as she was weak and slow.

     
     

2. How did the schoolboys react when they saw the old woman?

   • Most of the boys ignored her and rushed past, too busy with their fun. Only one boy stopped to help.

     
     

3. What personal thought motivated the boy to help the woman?

   • He thought that one day his own mother might need help. Helping the old woman was a way to show compassion and humanity.

     
     

4. What is the poet’s tone in this poem?

   • The tone is emotional, reflective, and compassionate. It highlights simple acts of kindness with great moral value.

     
     

5. Identify and explain the figure of speech: “like a flock of sheep.”

   • Simile – The noisy group of boys is compared to a flock of sheep, suggesting movement and excitement.

True or False

1. The woman crossed the street by herself.

   → False

   
   

2. One boy helped the old woman cross the road.

   → True

   
   

3. The poem ends with a punishment for the boy.

   → False

Probable Board Questions

1. What message does the poem ‘Somebody’s Mother’ convey?

   • The poem teaches us to be kind and helpful, especially to the elderly, because everyone deserves compassion and care.

     
     

2. How did the old woman express her gratitude for the boy’s help?

   • She prayed that God would bless the noble boy for his selfless act of kindness.

     
     

3. Describe the setting of the poem.

   • It is a winter day, with snow-covered streets. People are rushing through a busy crossing as schools are let out.

     
     

4. Why did the boy feel proud after helping the woman?

   • He felt proud because he had done something kind and helpful. His heart was happy and content.

Poem Appreciation

The poem “Somebody’s Mother” by Mary Dow Brine is a moving narrative about kindness and empathy. The theme centers around helping the needy, especially the elderly. The language is simple, yet rich in emotion and imagery. The poet uses poetic devices like simile, contrast, and imagery to bring out the setting and characters vividly. The tone is tender and reflective. What I liked most is the boy’s thoughtfulness, which shows maturity and compassion beyond his age. The poem beautifully conveys that a small act of kindness can leave a lasting impact.

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