Who is the ‘lady’ in the title? The ‘lady’ is the author’s grandmother, a deeply religious, kind, and simple woman who played a major role in his upbringing and emotional development.
How is the grandmother described physically? She is described as old, short, slightly bent, with a wrinkled face. Always wearing white, she seemed timeless and spiritual to the author.
What was the grandmother’s daily routine? She prayed early, counted her rosary, fed sparrows, and helped the author get ready for school. Her life revolved around spirituality and service.
What type of education did the author receive in the village? He went to a school attached to a temple, where priests taught scriptures and religious lessons, which his grandmother supported and understood.
Why was the grandmother unhappy when they moved to the city? She could no longer help the author with his studies, which now included subjects like science and English, far from her traditional values.
What was the turning point in their relationship? When the author began going to an English-medium school, and the grandmother could no longer assist or understand his academic subjects.
Why did the grandmother dislike music? She believed music was not meant for gentlefolk and had associations with beggars and low-class entertainment. She considered it inappropriate for education.
How did the grandmother react to the author’s return from abroad? She welcomed him with prayers and celebration, singing devotional songs and beating a drum, displaying joy and spiritual fervor.
What did the grandmother do before her death? She prayed continuously, told the family not to disturb her, and peacefully passed away in silence after finishing her rosary.
How did the sparrows mourn her death? Thousands of sparrows gathered silently around her dead body. They didn’t chirp or eat, showing their grief before flying away the next morning.
What is the theme of the chapter? The theme is love, spirituality, simplicity, and the emotional bond between the narrator and his grandmother, set against generational and cultural change.
How does the author remember his grandmother? With deep affection and respect. Her image is eternal in his mind—draped in white, praying, feeding birds, and radiating calmness.
What was the grandmother’s attitude toward modern education? She disapproved of science and music. She couldn’t understand the relevance of subjects like the law of gravity or English literature.
How did the grandmother support the author’s early education? She accompanied him to school, carried his slate and inkpot, helped him get ready, and waited to bring him back every day.
How does the story reflect Indian culture? It shows traditional values, the role of elders in upbringing, spiritual lifestyle, and the emotional strength of family relationships in Indian society.
What does the grandmother feeding sparrows symbolize? It shows her deep connection with nature, kindness, and the respect she received even from animals. It symbolizes peace and compassion.
What kind of bond did the narrator share with his grandmother? A strong emotional and spiritual bond. Though life changed, their connection remained rooted in mutual love, respect, and shared childhood memories.
How did the grandmother react to the narrator going abroad? She showed no emotions. She accepted it with calmness and faith, perhaps trusting destiny, and continued her spiritual routine.
Why did the grandmother stop talking in her final moments? She felt her time had come and chose silence and prayer, surrendering peacefully to death, just as she had lived—spiritually.
What values did the grandmother represent? She represented simplicity, discipline, love, prayer, tradition, sacrifice, and strong moral principles—typical of an ideal Indian elder.
Why is the story titled ‘The Portrait of a Lady’? It focuses on the author’s emotional portrait of his grandmother—not physical alone, but through memories, values, and influence in his life.
What was her daily habit after lunch? She would sit on the verandah, feed sparrows with breadcrumbs, and pray silently. The birds loved and respected her deeply.
What was the narrator’s early childhood like? He lived with his grandmother, who cared for him, accompanied him to school, and filled his world with stories, love, and routine.
What shows her inner strength? Her calm acceptance of change, resilience, devotion, and her peaceful acceptance of death show immense emotional and spiritual strength.
What does the story teach about relationships? True relationships are built on love, respect, and shared time. Even silence or distance cannot break deep emotional connections.
How did the grandmother’s death affect the narrator? He felt deep loss. Her peaceful death and the silent mourning of sparrows left a lasting impression on his heart.
How did the grandmother spend her last day? She prayed continuously, refused to eat, and withdrew from the world. Her day was spiritual and silent, ending in peaceful death.
What is the role of silence in the story? Silence reflects emotional depth—between the narrator and grandmother, and also during her death when sparrows mourned quietly without making a sound.
How does the story contrast tradition vs. modernity? The grandmother represents tradition, spirituality, and simplicity. The author’s education and life choices reflect modernity, science, and Western influence.
What is the emotional impact of the story? It evokes nostalgia, warmth, and respect for grandparents. It shows how pure love and spiritual values leave a permanent mark on life.
