The Girl Who Can: GLOSSARY, PARAPHRASE & QUESTION -ANSWERS

 

The Girl Who Can

– Ama Ata Aidoo

Part Three, Page 156 -158

According to the older boys and girls, the distance between our little village and the small town is about five kilometres. I don’t know what five kilometres mean. They always complain about how long it is to walk to school and back. But to me, we live in our village, and walking those kilometres didn’t matter. School is nice.

School is another thing Nana and my mother discussed often and appeared to have different ideas about. Nana thought it would be a waste of time. I never understood what she meant. My mother seemed to know - and disagreed. She kept telling Nana that she, that is, my mother, felt she was locked into some kind of darkness because she didn’t go to school. So that if I, her daughter, could learn to write and read my own name and a little besides – perhaps be

able to calculate some things on paper – that would be good. I could always marry later and maybe . . .

Nana would just laugh. ‘Ah, maybe with legs like hers, she might as well go to school.’

Running with our classmates on our small sports field and winning first place each time never seemed to me to be anything about which to tell anyone at home. This time it was different. I don’t know how the teachers decided to let me run for the junior section of our school in the district games. But they did.

     When I went home to tell my mother and Nana, they had not believed it at first. So Nana had taken it upon herself to go and ‘ask into it properly’. She came home to tell my mother that it was really true. I was one of my school’s

runners.

‘Is that so?’ exclaimed my mother. I know her. Her mouth moved as though she was going to tell Nana, that, after all, there was a secret about me she couldn’t be expected to share with anyone. But then Nana herself looked so pleased, out of surprise my mother shut her mouth up. In any case, since the first time they heard the news, I have often caught Nana staring at my legs with a strange look on her face, but still pretending like she was not looking. All this week, she has been washing my school uniform herself. That is a big surprise. And she didn’t stop at that, she even went to Mr Mensah’s house and borrowed his charcoal pressing iron each time, came back home with it, and ironed and ironed and ironed the uniform, until, if I had been the uniform, I would have said aloud that I had had enough.

Wearing my school uniform this week has been very nice. At the parade the first afternoon, it caught the rays of the sun and shone brighter than everybody else’s uniform. I'm sure Nana saw that too, and must have liked it. Yes, she has been coming into town with us every afternoon of this district sports week. Each afternoon, she has pulled one set of fresh old cloth from the big brass bowl to wear. And those old cloths are always so stiffly starched, you can hear the cloth creak when she passes by. But she walks way behind us school children. As though she was on her own way to some place else.

Yes, I have won every race I ran in for my school, and I have won the cup for the best all-round junior athlete. Yes, Nana said that she didn’t care if such things are not done. She would do it. You know what she did? She carried the gleaming cup on her back. Like they do with babies, and other very precious things. And this time, not taking the trouble to walk by herself.

When we arrived in our village, she entered our compound to show the cup to my mother before going to give it back to the Headmaster.

Oh. Grown-ups are so strange. Nana is right now carrying me on her knee, and crying softly. Muttering, muttering, muttering. That ‘saa’, thin legs can also be useful. .. thin legs can also be useful ... That ‘even though some legs don‘t have much meat on them, to carry hips... they can run. Thin legs can run... then who knows?.. .’

I don’t know too much about such things. But that’s how I was feeling and thinking all along. That surely, one should be able to do other things with legs as well as have them because they can support hips that make babies. Except that l was afraid of saying that sort of thing aloud. Because someone would have told me never, never but NEVER to repeat such words. Or else, they would have laughed so much at what I‘d said, they would have cried.

It‘s much better this way. To have acted it out to show them, although I could not have planned it.

As for my mother, she has been speechless as usual.

Glossary

1.    according to – as stated or believed by someone; के अनुसार

2.    distance – the amount of space between two places; दूरी

3.    kilometres – a unit of length equal to 1000 metres; किलोमीटर (दूरी की इकाई)

4.    complain – to express dissatisfaction or annoyance; शिकायत करना

5.    didn’t matter – was not important or significant; कोई महत्व नहीं था

6.    discussed – talked about something in detail; चर्चा की

7.    appeared to have – seemed to possess or show; ऐसा प्रतीत हुआ कि

8.    waste of time – something that brings no benefit; समय की बर्बादी

9.    disagreed – had a different opinion; असहमत हुई

10. locked into some kind of darkness – trapped in ignorance or lack of awareness; अज्ञान या अंधकार में फँसी हुई

11. besides – in addition to; इसके अतिरिक्त

12. calculate – to find out by using numbers; गणना करना

13. might as well – would be reasonable or sensible; बेहतर होगा / उचित होगा

14. junior section – group meant for younger students; कनिष्ठ वर्ग

15. district games – sports events held at district level; ज़िला स्तर की खेल प्रतियोगिता

16. taken it upon herself – accepted responsibility voluntarily; स्वयं जिम्मेदारी ले ली

17. ask into it properly – to inquire or investigate carefully; ठीक से जाँच-पड़ताल करना

18. exclaimed – cried out suddenly with strong feeling; आश्चर्य या भाव से कहा

19. couldn’t be expected – was not reasonable to expect; उम्मीद नहीं की जा सकती थी

20. shut her mouth up – stopped speaking suddenly; चुप हो गई

21. staring – looking fixedly for a long time; घूरकर देखना

22. pretending – behaving as if something is true when it is not; दिखावा करना

23. strange look – an unusual or odd expression; अजीब नज़र

24. uniform – special clothes worn by members of a group; वेशभूषा / यूनिफ़ॉर्म

25. borrowed – took something with the intention of returning it; उधार लिया

26. charcoal pressing iron – an iron heated with charcoal; कोयले से गरम की जाने वाली इस्त्री

27. ironed – made clothes smooth with an iron; इस्त्री की

28. parade – a formal gathering or march; परेड / औपचारिक जमाव

29. rays of the sun – beams of sunlight; सूर्य की किरणें

30. stiffly starched – hardened with starch; कड़ी तरह से माँजा हुआ

31. creak – to make a harsh, squeaking sound; चरमराने की आवाज़ करना

32. all-round athlete – a player good in many events; सर्वगुणसंपन्न खिलाड़ी

33. gleaming – shining brightly; चमकता हुआ

34. precious – very valuable or cherished; कीमती / प्रिय

35. compound – enclosed area around a house; घर का आँगन / परिसर

36. Headmaster – the principal of a school; प्रधानाध्यापक

37. muttering – speaking in a low, unclear voice; बुदबुदाना

38. useful – having practical value; उपयोगी

39. meat on them – flesh or fullness of the body; शरीर का मांस / भराव

40. hips – the sides of the body below the waist; कूल्हे

41. speechless – unable to speak due to emotion or shock; निशब्द

42. acted it out – showed something through actions; करके दिखा दिया

43. planned – thought about and arranged in advance; योजना बनाई

Detailed Paraphrase

Paragraph 1
English: The older children say that the distance between our village and the nearby town is about five kilometres, though I don’t really understand what that means. They complain that walking to school every day is tiring, but for me the walk never felt troublesome. I simply knew that we lived in the village and went to school on foot, and I liked school.
Hindi: बड़े लड़के-लड़कियाँ कहते हैं कि हमारे गाँव और पास के कस्बे के बीच लगभग पाँच किलोमीटर की दूरी है, लेकिन मुझे नहीं पता कि पाँच किलोमीटर का मतलब क्या होता है। वे रोज़ स्कूल आने-जाने की थकान की शिकायत करते हैं, पर मुझे यह दूरी कभी बोझ नहीं लगी। मुझे बस इतना पता था कि हम गाँव में रहते हैं और पैदल स्कूल जाते हैं, और मुझे स्कूल अच्छा लगता था।

Paragraph 2
English: School was a frequent topic of discussion between Nana and my mother, and they did not agree. Nana believed schooling was useless, though I didn’t understand why. My mother felt differently and said that because she had not gone to school, her life felt dark and limited. She wanted me to learn to read, write my name, and do some basic calculations so that my life would be better. Marriage, she felt, could come later.
Hindi: स्कूल का विषय नाना और मेरी माँ के बीच अक्सर चर्चा में रहता था, और दोनों की राय अलग-अलग थी। नाना को लगता था कि पढ़ाई समय की बर्बादी है, हालाँकि मुझे यह समझ नहीं आता था। मेरी माँ ऐसा नहीं मानती थीं। उनका कहना था कि स्कूल न जाने के कारण उनका जीवन अंधकारमय और सीमित रह गया। वे चाहती थीं कि मैं पढ़ना-लिखना सीखूँ, अपना नाम लिख सकूँ और थोड़ी-बहुत गणना कर सकूँ ताकि मेरा भविष्य बेहतर हो। शादी बाद में भी हो सकती थी।

Paragraph 3
English: Nana would laugh and remark that with legs like mine, I might as well go to school. My success in running races at school never seemed important enough to tell anyone at home before, but this time it was different because I was selected to represent my school in the district games.
Hindi: नाना हँसकर कहती थीं कि मेरी जैसी टाँगों के साथ मुझे स्कूल ही जाना चाहिए। पहले स्कूल की दौड़ों में जीतना मुझे इतना खास नहीं लगता था कि घर पर किसी को बताऊँ, लेकिन इस बार बात अलग थी क्योंकि मुझे ज़िला स्तर की प्रतियोगिता के लिए चुना गया था।

Paragraph 4
English: When I told my mother and Nana, they didn’t believe me. Nana herself went to confirm the news properly and returned saying it was true—I was one of the school runners.
Hindi: जब मैंने माँ और नाना को बताया, तो उन्होंने पहले विश्वास नहीं किया। नाना स्वयं जाकर पूरी तरह जाँच-पड़ताल करके आईं और बताया कि यह सच है—मैं स्कूल की धाविका थी।

Paragraph 5
English: My mother was surprised and almost about to reveal a secret about me, but Nana’s happiness stopped her. Since then, Nana has often looked at my legs thoughtfully. She even began washing and ironing my uniform herself with great care, borrowing a charcoal iron and pressing it again and again until it looked perfect.
Hindi: मेरी माँ आश्चर्यचकित थीं और लगभग मेरे बारे में एक रहस्य बताने ही वाली थीं, लेकिन नाना की खुशी देखकर वे चुप रह गईं। इसके बाद नाना अक्सर मेरी टाँगों को ध्यान से देखने लगीं। उन्होंने मेरी यूनिफ़ॉर्म खुद धोनी और इस्त्री करनी शुरू कर दी, कोयले वाली इस्त्री उधार लेकर उसे बार-बार प्रेस किया, जब तक वह बिल्कुल चमक न उठी।

Paragraph 6
English: Wearing the uniform felt wonderful. At the parade, it shone brightly in the sunlight. Nana noticed this and seemed pleased. Every afternoon she came to town with us, wearing stiffly starched old clothes, walking behind the children as if she were on her own journey.
Hindi: यूनिफ़ॉर्म पहनना बहुत अच्छा लग रहा था। परेड के समय वह धूप में चमक रही थी। नाना ने भी यह देखा और प्रसन्न हुईं। हर दोपहर वे हमारे साथ कस्बे आती थीं, कड़ी तरह से माँजे हुए पुराने कपड़े पहनकर, बच्चों से पीछे चलती हुईं, मानो वे किसी और ही रास्ते पर जा रही हों।

Paragraph 7
English: I won every race and received the trophy for the best all-round junior athlete. Nana proudly carried the shining cup on her back like a precious baby and took it home to show my mother before returning it to the Headmaster.
Hindi: मैंने हर दौड़ जीती और सर्वश्रेष्ठ सर्वांगीण कनिष्ठ खिलाड़ी का कप प्राप्त किया। नाना ने गर्व से उस चमकते कप को अपनी पीठ पर ऐसे उठाया जैसे कोई अनमोल बच्चा हो, और पहले माँ को दिखाने के लिए घर ले गईं, फिर उसे प्रधानाध्यापक को लौटाने चली गईं।

Paragraph 8
English: Nana then held me on her lap and cried softly, muttering that even thin legs can be useful—they can run, even if they are not meant only to carry hips for motherhood. I had always felt this but was afraid to say it aloud. By winning, I had proved it through action rather than words.
Hindi: इसके बाद नाना मुझे गोद में लेकर धीरे-धीरे रोने लगीं और बुदबुदाने लगीं कि पतली टाँगें भी उपयोगी हो सकती हैं—वे दौड़ सकती हैं, भले ही उन्हें केवल माँ बनने के लिए ही न माना जाए। मैं यह बात हमेशा महसूस करती थी, पर कहने से डरती थी। जीतकर मैंने शब्दों से नहीं, अपने कर्मों से यह साबित कर दिया।

Paragraph 9
English: My mother, as usual, was left completely speechless.
Hindi: मेरी माँ, हमेशा की तरह, बिल्कुल निशब्द रह गईं।

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1.    The distance between the village and the town is said to be about
(a) two kilometres (b) three kilometres (c) five kilometres (d) ten kilometres
Ans. (c) five kilometres

2.    Who complain about the long walk to school?
(a) Teachers (b) Older boys and girls (c) Nana (d) Parents
Ans. (b) Older boys and girls

3.    How does the narrator feel about walking to school?
(a) Tired (b) Angry (c) Indifferent (d) It did not matter
Ans. (d) It did not matter

4.    What does the narrator think about school?
(a) Boring (b) Difficult (c) Nice (d) Useless
Ans. (c) Nice

5.    Who thought school was a waste of time?
(a) Mother (b) Teacher (c) Nana (d) Headmaster
Ans. (c) Nana

6.    Why did the narrator not understand Nana’s opinion?
(a) She was too young (b) Nana never explained (c) She loved school (d) All of these
Ans. (d) All of these

7.    Who disagreed with Nana about schooling?
(a) The narrator (b) Mother (c) Teachers (d) Villagers
Ans. (b) Mother

8.    The mother felt her life was dark because she
(a) was poor (b) married early (c) did not go to school (d) lived in a village
Ans. (c) did not go to school

9.    What did the mother want her daughter to learn?
(a) Farming (b) Cooking (c) Reading and writing (d) Singing
Ans. (c) Reading and writing

10. What did the mother believe could be done later?
(a) Studying (b) Marriage (c) Running (d) Teaching
Ans. (b) Marriage

11. Nana laughed about the girl going to school because of her
(a) age (b) height (c) intelligence (d) legs
Ans. (d) legs

12. What activity did the narrator excel in?
(a) Singing (b) Running (c) Reading (d) Drawing
Ans. (b) Running

13. The narrator was selected for the
(a) national games (b) village race (c) district games (d) school parade
Ans. (c) district games

14. Who decided to let her run in the junior section?
(a) Nana (b) Mother (c) Teachers (d) Headmaster
Ans. (c) Teachers

15. At first, the family did not believe the news because it was
(a) shocking (b) unclear (c) false (d) surprising
Ans. (d) surprising

16. Who went to verify the news?
(a) Mother (b) Nana (c) Teacher (d) Headmaster
Ans. (b) Nana

17. Nana returned home saying the news was
(a) false (b) exaggerated (c) true (d) confusing
Ans. (c) true

18. The narrator was one of the school’s
(a) singers (b) monitors (c) runners (d) prefects
Ans. (c) runners

19. The mother almost revealed
(a) her anger (b) a secret (c) her pride (d) her fear
Ans. (b) a secret

20. Why did the mother stop speaking?
(a) Fear (b) Anger (c) Nana’s happiness (d) Tiredness
Ans. (c) Nana’s happiness

21. Nana often stared at the narrator’s
(a) face (b) shoes (c) uniform (d) legs
Ans. (d) legs

22. Who washed the school uniform that week?
(a) Mother (b) Narrator (c) Nana (d) Maid
Ans. (c) Nana

23. What kind of iron did Nana borrow?
(a) Electric iron (b) Steam iron (c) Coal iron (d) Charcoal iron
Ans. (d) Charcoal iron

24. Nana ironed the uniform
(a) once (b) twice (c) many times (d) never
Ans. (c) many times

25. At the parade, the uniform shone because of the
(a) polish (b) rays of the sun (c) new cloth (d) starch
Ans. (b) rays of the sun

26. Nana wore old cloths that were
(a) torn (b) colourful (c) stiffly starched (d) wet
Ans. (c) stiffly starched

27. The cloths made a sound when Nana walked because they
(a) were heavy (b) were torn (c) creaked (d) rustled
Ans. (c) creaked

28. Nana walked
(a) ahead of the children (b) with the teachers (c) behind the children (d) alone in front
Ans. (c) behind the children

29. The narrator won
(a) one race (b) two races (c) no race (d) every race
Ans. (d) every race

30. She won the cup for
(a) fastest runner (b) best student (c) best all-round junior athlete (d) best sports team
Ans. (c) best all-round junior athlete

31. The cup is described as
(a) old (b) heavy (c) broken (d) gleaming
Ans. (d) gleaming

32. Nana carried the cup like
(a) a basket (b) a baby (c) a book (d) a bag
Ans. (b) a baby

33. Nana took the cup first to
(a) school (b) Headmaster (c) her friends (d) the mother
Ans. (d) the mother

34. Nana was crying
(a) loudly (b) angrily (c) softly (d) silently
Ans. (c) softly

35. Nana muttered that thin legs can be
(a) weak (b) useless (c) beautiful (d) useful
Ans. (d) useful

36. According to Nana, thin legs can
(a) dance (b) carry loads (c) run (d) farm
Ans. (c) run

37. The narrator was afraid to say her thoughts aloud because
(a) she was shy (b) she would be punished or laughed at (c) she forgot them (d) she was unsure
Ans. (b) she would be punished or laughed at

38. Instead of speaking, the narrator
(a) cried (b) argued (c) planned (d) showed by action
Ans. (d) showed by action

39. “Acted it out” means
(a) imagined it (b) explained it (c) proved it by actions (d) planned it carefully
Ans. (c) proved it by actions

40. At the end, the mother remains
(a) proud (b) angry (c) confused (d) speechless
Ans. (d) speechless

WHO SAID TO WHOM?

1.    “According to the older boys and girls, the distance between our little village and the small town is about five kilometres.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

2.    “They always complain about how long it is to walk to school and back.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

3.    “School is nice.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

4.    “School would be a waste of time.”
Who said: Nana
To whom: The narrator’s mother

5.    “She felt she was locked into some kind of darkness because she didn’t go to school.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader (reporting mother’s feeling)

6.    “If my daughter could learn to write and read her own name… that would be good.”
Who said: The narrator’s mother
To whom: Nana

7.    “I could always marry later.”
Who said: The narrator’s mother
To whom: Nana

8.    “Ah, maybe with legs like hers, she might as well go to school.”
Who said: Nana
To whom: The narrator’s mother

9.    “I don’t know how the teachers decided to let me run for the junior section.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

10. “They had not believed it at first.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

11. “I will ask into it properly.”
Who said: Nana
To whom: Herself / the family (implied)

12. “It is really true.”
Who said: Nana
To whom: The narrator’s mother

13. “I was one of my school’s runners.”
Who said: Nana
To whom: The narrator’s mother

14. “Is that so?”
Who said: The narrator’s mother
To whom: Nana

15. “There was a secret about me she couldn’t be expected to share.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

16. “If I had been the uniform, I would have said I had had enough.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

17. “I have won every race I ran in.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

18. “I have won the cup for the best all-round junior athlete.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

19. “I don’t care if such things are not done. I will do it.”
Who said: Nana
To whom: Herself / others present

20. “She carried the gleaming cup on her back like a baby.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

21. “Thin legs can also be useful.”
Who said: Nana
To whom: Herself (muttering)

22. “Even though some legs don’t have much meat on them… they can run.”
Who said: Nana
To whom: Herself / the narrator

23. “Thin legs can run… then who knows?”
Who said: Nana
To whom: Herself

24. “One should be able to do other things with legs as well.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: Herself / the reader

25. “Never, never but NEVER repeat such words.”
Who said: Elders / society (implied)
To whom: The narrator (implied)

26. “It’s much better this way.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

27. “To have acted it out to show them.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

28. “As for my mother, she has been speechless.”
Who said: The narrator
To whom: The reader

RTC–1

Extract:
“School is another thing Nana and my mother discussed often and appeared to have different ideas about. Nana thought it would be a waste of time.”

Questions:

1.    Who is Nana?
Ans. Nana is the narrator’s grandmother.

2.    What topic did Nana and the mother discuss frequently?
Ans. They often discussed the value of school education.

3.    What was Nana’s opinion about school?
Ans. Nana believed that school was a waste of time.

4.    Why did the narrator not understand Nana’s view?
Ans. Because Nana never explained her reasons and the narrator liked school.

5.    Who disagreed with Nana and why?
Ans. The mother disagreed because she believed education could improve her daughter’s life.

6.    What does this extract reveal about Nana’s mindset?
Ans. It shows Nana’s traditional and conservative attitude.

7.    Give the meaning of “waste of time” as used here.
Ans. Something considered useless or without benefit.

RTC–2

Extract:
“She kept telling Nana that she felt she was locked into some kind of darkness because she didn’t go to school.”

Questions:

1.    Who is “she” in the extract?
Ans. “She” refers to the narrator’s mother.

2.    To whom is the statement addressed?
Ans. The statement is addressed to Nana.

3.    What does “darkness” symbolize here?
Ans. Darkness symbolizes ignorance and lack of opportunity.

4.    Why did the mother feel this way?
Ans. Because she had never gone to school.

5.    What did the mother want for her daughter?
Ans. She wanted her daughter to receive education.

6.    What theme of the story is highlighted here?
Ans. The theme of education versus ignorance.

7.    Give the meaning of “locked into”.
Ans. Trapped or confined.

RTC–3

Extract:
“Ah, maybe with legs like hers, she might as well go to school.”

Questions:

1.    Who said these words?
Ans. Nana said these words.

2.    To whom were they spoken?
Ans. They were spoken to the narrator’s mother.

3.    What is Nana referring to by “legs like hers”?
Ans. She is referring to the narrator’s thin legs.

4.    What tone is used in this statement?
Ans. A mocking and sarcastic tone.

5.    What belief of Nana is revealed here?
Ans. That a girl’s body is meant mainly for motherhood.

6.    How is this belief challenged later in the story?
Ans. When the girl proves her ability by winning races.

7.    Give the meaning of “might as well”.
Ans. It would be sensible or acceptable to do so.

RTC–4

Extract:
“You know what she did? She carried the gleaming cup on her back. Like they do with babies, and other very precious things.”

Questions:

1.    Who is “she” in the extract?
Ans. “She” refers to Nana.

2.    What is the “gleaming cup”?
Ans. It is the trophy won by the narrator.

3.    Why did Nana carry it on her back?
Ans. To show pride and affection.

4.    What comparison is used in the extract?
Ans. The cup is compared to a baby.

5.    What does this action signify?
Ans. Nana’s change of attitude and acceptance.

6.    What emotion of Nana is reflected here?
Ans. Pride and love.

7.    Give the meaning of “gleaming”.
Ans. Shining brightly.

RTC–5

Extract:
“That ‘saa’, thin legs can also be useful… thin legs can run… then who knows?”

Questions:

1.    Who is speaking these words?
Ans. Nana is speaking these words.

2.    In what situation does she say this?
Ans. While holding the narrator after her victory.

3.    What realization does Nana express?
Ans. That thin legs can be useful and powerful.

4.    How does this statement contrast with Nana’s earlier view?
Ans. Earlier she mocked the legs; now she praises them.

5.    What social belief is being questioned here?
Ans. That a woman’s body is only meant for motherhood.

6.    What theme of the story is reinforced?
Ans. Gender bias and empowerment through action.

7.    Give the meaning of “useful”.
Ans. Having value or purpose.

One-Mark Questions

1.    What is the approximate distance between the village and the town?
Ans. About five kilometres.

2.    Who complain about the long walk to school?
Ans. The older boys and girls.

3.    How does the narrator feel about walking to school?
Ans. It does not matter to her.

4.    What does the narrator think of school?
Ans. She thinks school is nice.

5.    Who often discussed school?
Ans. Nana and the narrator’s mother.

6.    Who thought school was a waste of time?
Ans. Nana.

7.    Who disagreed with Nana about schooling?
Ans. The narrator’s mother.

8.    Why did the mother feel her life was dark?
Ans. Because she did not go to school.

9.    What did the mother want her daughter to learn first?
Ans. To read and write her name.

10. What did the mother feel could be done later?
Ans. Marriage.

11. What physical feature of the girl did Nana often comment on?
Ans. Her legs.

12. What sport was the narrator good at?
Ans. Running.

13. For which event was the narrator selected?
Ans. District games.

14. In which section did she run?
Ans. Junior section.

15. Who verified the truth about the selection?
Ans. Nana.

16. What did Nana confirm after inquiry?
Ans. That the narrator was a school runner.

17. Who exclaimed “Is that so?”
Ans. The narrator’s mother.

18. What secret was the mother about to reveal?
Ans. A personal secret about the narrator.

19. Who washed the narrator’s uniform that week?
Ans. Nana.

20. What kind of iron did Nana borrow?
Ans. A charcoal pressing iron.

21. Where did the uniform shine brightly?
Ans. At the parade.

22. What did Nana wear every afternoon?
Ans. Fresh old stiffly starched cloths.

23. Where did Nana walk during the sports week?
Ans. Behind the school children.

24. How many races did the narrator win?
Ans. Every race she ran.

25. What special title did she win?
Ans. Best all-round junior athlete.

26. How did Nana carry the cup?
Ans. On her back like a baby.

27. To whom did Nana first show the cup?
Ans. The narrator’s mother.

28. What was Nana doing while holding the narrator on her knee?
Ans. Crying softly and muttering.

29. What did Nana finally realize about thin legs?
Ans. That thin legs can be useful and can run.

30. What was the mother’s reaction at the end?
Ans. She was speechless.

Two-Mark Questions

1.    Why did the narrator not understand what five kilometres meant?
Ans. The narrator was too young to grasp measurements like kilometres. For her, the distance was simply the walk between home and school, which felt normal and unimportant, unlike the older children who complained about it.

2.    How did Nana and the narrator’s mother differ in their views on education?
Ans. Nana believed schooling was a waste of time and unnecessary for a girl, while the mother felt education was important because her own lack of schooling had left her life limited and full of darkness.

3.    Why did the mother describe her life as being “locked into some kind of darkness”?
Ans. The mother felt ignorant and restricted because she had never gone to school. She believed education would have given her awareness, confidence, and opportunities that she now lacked.

4.    What did the mother want her daughter to learn from school?
Ans. The mother wanted her daughter to learn to read and write her name and do basic calculations, believing these skills would improve her future and give her independence before marriage.

5.    What attitude of Nana towards the girl’s legs is revealed earlier in the story?
Ans. Nana mocked the girl’s thin legs, seeing them as unsuitable and useless, reflecting the traditional belief that a girl’s body exists mainly for childbearing rather than personal ability or achievement.

6.    Why was the narrator’s selection for the district games important?
Ans. The selection was important because it marked official recognition of her talent and later became the turning point that challenged Nana’s traditional beliefs about the usefulness of the girl’s legs.

7.    Why did Nana go to “ask into it properly”?
Ans. Nana went to verify the news herself because she did not believe it at first. Her action shows disbelief as well as her strong need for confirmation before accepting something unusual.

8.    How did Nana’s behaviour towards the narrator change after the confirmation?
Ans. Nana began washing and ironing the narrator’s uniform herself with great care, repeatedly pressing it, which showed her growing pride, excitement, and emotional involvement in the girl’s achievement.

9.    What is the significance of the shining uniform during the parade?
Ans. The shining uniform symbolises the narrator’s confidence, success, and Nana’s pride. It visually represents the change in Nana’s attitude and the growing importance of the girl’s achievement.

10. Describe Nana’s appearance during the district sports week.
Ans. Nana wore fresh old clothes that were stiffly starched and creaked as she walked. She followed the children from behind, suggesting quiet pride and emotional distance mixed with deep involvement.

11. How did the narrator perform in the district games?
Ans. The narrator won every race she participated in and was awarded the cup for the best all-round junior athlete, proving her physical ability and determination beyond any doubt.

12. Why is Nana carrying the cup on her back symbolically important?
Ans. Carrying the cup like a baby symbolises Nana’s pride and acceptance. It shows that she now values the girl’s achievement as something precious, similar to traditional symbols of motherhood.

13. What does Nana’s muttering about thin legs reveal?
Ans. Nana’s muttering shows her realization that thin legs can be useful and powerful. It reflects her internal change from mocking traditional beliefs to accepting the girl’s abilities.

14. Why was the narrator afraid to express her thoughts aloud earlier?
Ans. The narrator feared that speaking openly would invite scolding or ridicule from elders, as society discouraged girls from questioning traditional beliefs about a woman’s body and role.

15. How does the story show that actions can be more powerful than words?
Ans. Instead of arguing, the narrator proves her worth through her success in running. Her achievement silently challenges social beliefs and brings about change in Nana’s attitude more effectively than words.

16. Why does the mother remain speechless at the end?
Ans. The mother is speechless due to overwhelming emotion and realization. Her daughter’s success confirms her belief in education and silently resolves the conflict she once had with Nana.

17. What central theme is highlighted in this extract?
Ans. The extract highlights gender bias versus empowerment, showing how education and talent can challenge traditional beliefs and redefine the role and value of a girl in society.

18. How does the narrator’s tone reflect her maturity?
Ans. The narrator speaks with innocence and quiet confidence. Her calm observations and lack of bitterness reflect maturity beyond her age and a deep understanding of her situation.

19. What role does Nana play in the story’s development?
Ans. Nana represents traditional thinking but also emotional flexibility. Her gradual change of heart shows how deeply rooted beliefs can be transformed through real-life experiences.

20. Why is the title The Girl Who Can appropriate for this extract?
Ans. The title is appropriate because the narrator proves her ability through action. She shows that despite social limitations, a girl can succeed, perform, and redefine expectations placed upon her.

Three-Mark Questions

1.    Describe the contrast between Nana’s and the mother’s attitudes towards education.
Ans. Nana believes that schooling is a waste of time, especially for girls, reflecting traditional views that value domestic roles over education. In contrast, the mother strongly supports education because her own lack of schooling has made her feel trapped in ignorance and darkness. She wants her daughter to gain basic literacy and numeracy so that her life may be better and freer.

2.    Explain how the narrator’s success in sports brings about a change in Nana’s attitude.
Ans. Initially, Nana mocks the narrator’s thin legs and sees little value in them beyond traditional expectations. When the narrator is selected for the district games and wins every race, Nana’s attitude changes. She begins to care for the uniform, proudly follows the child to events, carries the trophy like a baby, and finally admits that thin legs can be useful.

3.    Discuss the symbolic meaning of Nana carrying the cup on her back.
Ans. Nana carrying the cup on her back like a baby symbolises a reversal of her earlier beliefs. Traditionally, she valued a woman’s body for motherhood. By treating the trophy like a baby, she shows pride in achievement rather than fertility. The act represents acceptance, transformation, and recognition of the girl’s worth beyond conventional gender roles.

4.    How does the story highlight the theme of gender bias and its challenge?
Ans. The story exposes gender bias through Nana’s belief that a girl’s body is meant mainly for childbearing and not for physical achievement or education. This belief is challenged when the narrator proves her strength and ability through sports. Her success forces Nana to reconsider her views, showing that gender stereotypes can be overcome through talent, education, and action.

5.    Explain the importance of the narrator’s silence and actions in the story.
Ans. The narrator rarely argues or speaks openly against elders because she fears ridicule and punishment. Instead, she allows her actions to speak for her. By winning races and excelling in sports, she silently proves her ability. This quiet resistance is more powerful than words and ultimately leads to a change in Nana’s deeply rooted beliefs.

6.    Comment on the role of education in shaping the mother’s aspirations for her daughter.
Ans. The mother’s desire for her daughter’s education comes from personal regret. Having missed schooling herself, she feels her life has been limited and dark. She hopes education will give her daughter independence, confidence, and choice. Her aspirations reflect a progressive mindset that values learning as a means of empowerment and a better future.

7.    How does the narrator’s perspective add depth to the story?
Ans. The story is told through the innocent yet observant voice of a child. This perspective adds honesty and emotional depth, as events are described without exaggeration or judgement. The narrator’s simple observations reveal complex social issues like gender bias, tradition, and change in a subtle and effective manner.

8.    Explain the significance of Nana’s final muttering about thin legs.
Ans. Nana’s muttering reflects her inner conflict and gradual acceptance of new ideas. By admitting that thin legs can be useful and can run, she unconsciously rejects her earlier belief that a woman’s body is only meant for motherhood. This moment signifies personal growth and the quiet victory of the narrator’s achievement.

9.    Discuss the relationship between tradition and change as shown in the extract.
Ans. Nana represents tradition, holding conservative views about women’s roles, while the mother represents change through her belief in education. The narrator becomes the bridge between the two. Her success in sports demonstrates that change can occur without direct confrontation, gradually transforming traditional mindsets through lived experience.

10. Justify the title The Girl Who Can with reference to the extract.
Ans. The title is justified because the narrator proves her capability through her achievements rather than words. Despite social limitations and low expectations, she excels in sports and earns recognition. Her success challenges traditional beliefs about girls and shows that ability, determination, and opportunity can help a girl define her own identity and worth.

CHARACTER-BASED LONG QUESTIONS

1. Describe Nana as a character, bringing out her beliefs, behaviour, and inner conflict.
Ans. Nana is a deeply traditional character who represents conservative African social values regarding women and their roles. She believes that education is a waste of time for girls and measures a woman’s worth largely through her physical ability to bear children. This is evident in her repeated mockery of the narrator’s thin legs, which she considers unsuitable for motherhood. However, Nana is not cruel; she is emotionally attached to the child and capable of change. When the girl succeeds in sports, Nana’s rigid beliefs begin to crumble. Her actions—washing and ironing the uniform, attending events, and carrying the trophy like a baby—show pride and emotional transformation. Nana’s final muttering that “thin legs can also be useful” reveals an inner conflict and growth. Thus, Nana emerges as a complex character whose traditional mindset is challenged and softened by real experience.

2. Give a character sketch of the narrator’s mother and explain her role in the story.
Ans. The narrator’s mother is a progressive and reflective character who values education deeply. Unlike Nana, she regrets her own lack of schooling and describes her life as being “locked into some kind of darkness.” This metaphor highlights her awareness of ignorance and limitation caused by illiteracy. She wants her daughter to receive education so that she may read, write, calculate, and live a more empowered life. Though she does not openly confront Nana, her quiet determination and belief in her daughter remain firm. Her silence at crucial moments reflects emotional depth rather than weakness. At the end of the story, when Nana finally acknowledges the usefulness of the girl’s legs, the mother becomes speechless—not out of defeat, but because her faith has been silently validated. She represents hope, foresight, and the transformative power of education.

3. Analyse the narrator (the girl) as a character.
Ans. The narrator is a sensitive, observant, and quietly confident child whose innocence strengthens the impact of the story. She does not fully understand adult prejudices but is aware of their effects. She enjoys school naturally and does not see walking long distances as a burden. Despite being mocked for her thin legs, she does not argue or rebel openly. Instead, she internalises her belief that legs should be valued for more than childbearing. Her talent in running becomes her voice. By excelling in sports, she proves her worth through action rather than words. Her fear of speaking aloud reflects societal pressure on girls, yet her success shows inner strength and determination. The narrator embodies resilience and silent resistance, making her a powerful figure of youthful empowerment.

4. Trace Nana’s transformation as a character in the story.
Ans. Nana’s transformation is one of the most significant aspects of the story. Initially, she firmly believes in traditional gender roles and openly mocks the narrator’s thin legs. To her, a woman’s physical value lies in her ability to bear children. However, the girl’s selection for district games begins to disturb Nana’s certainty. Gradually, her disbelief turns into involvement, pride, and emotional investment. She verifies the news, carefully prepares the uniform, attends the sports events, and finally carries the trophy on her back like a baby. Her muttering at the end shows a complete reversal of belief—she now accepts that thin legs can run and be useful. Nana’s transformation highlights how lived experience can challenge deep-rooted prejudices more effectively than argument.

5. The narrator is a symbol of change and empowerment. Discuss.
Ans. The narrator symbolises the changing position of women in a traditional society. Though young and seemingly powerless, she challenges gender stereotypes through her achievements. Society views her thin legs as a weakness, but she transforms this perceived flaw into strength through sports. She does not challenge elders verbally, knowing the social consequences, but lets her success speak for her. Her victory proves that a girl’s body has value beyond motherhood and domestic expectations. Through education and talent, she opens new possibilities for herself and others. Her journey symbolises empowerment through action, self-belief, and quiet perseverance. The narrator stands for a future where girls can define their own worth.

6. Compare and contrast Nana and the narrator’s mother as characters.
Ans. Nana and the mother represent two contrasting worldviews. Nana embodies tradition, believing that a woman’s role is limited to domestic duties and childbearing. She dismisses education and judges worth through physical appearance. The mother, on the other hand, represents progress and awareness. Having suffered due to illiteracy, she values education as a path to freedom and self-respect. While Nana is vocal and mocking, the mother is calm, reflective, and restrained. Interestingly, both women love the child deeply, but express it differently. The story ultimately bridges their divide through the girl’s success, proving that change can harmonise tradition and progress rather than destroy either.