Question 1 - Chapter 4 - The Enemy - Vistas - Chapters (Literature) - English Class 12

Read the extract and answer the following questions.

Extract:

Dr Sadao Hoki’s house was built on a spot of the Japanese coast where as a little boy he had often played. The low, square stone house was set upon rocks well above a narrow beach that was outlined with bent pines. As a boy Sadao had climbed the pines, supporting himself on his bare feet, as he had seen men do in the South Seas when they climbed for coconuts. His father had taken him often to the islands of those seas, and never had he failed to say to the little brave boy at his side, ‘‘Those islands yonder, they are the stepping stones to the future for Japan.’’

(The Enemy)

Question (i)

How does the location of Sadao's house reflect his childhood memories and his father's influence?

1. The location of Sadao's house reflects his childhood memories and his father's influence because it is built on a spot where he used to play and climb the pines, and it overlooks the South Seas where he visited with his father and learned about Japan's ambitions.
2. The location of Sadao's house reflects his childhood memories and his father's influence because it is built on a spot where he used to study and learn about medicine, and it faces the America where he went with his father and learned about surgery and science.
3. The location of Sadao's house reflects his childhood memories and his father's influence because it is built on a spot where he used to fish and swim in the ocean, and it is close to China where he travelled with his father and learned about culture and history.
4. The location of Sadao's house reflects his childhood memories and his father's influence because it is built on a spot where he used to pray and meditate in the temple, and it is near the Emperor's palace where he met with his father and learned about loyalty and honor.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(a) The location of Sadao's house reflects his childhood memories and his father's influence because it is built on a spot where he used to play and climb the pines, and it overlooks the South Seas where he visited with his father and learned about Japan's ambitions.

Step-by-step explanation: 🧐

• The location of Sadao's house reflects his childhood memories and his father's influence because it is connected to both his personal and national identity.
• The house is built on a spot where he used to play and climb the pines as a boy, which shows his adventurous and confident nature that was encouraged by his father.
• The house also overlooks the South Seas where he visited with his father often , which shows his exposure and awareness of Japan's expansionist goals that were instilled by his father.
• The house therefore represents both Sadao's individuality and patriotism, which are influenced by his childhood memories and his father's vision.

Question (ii)

What is the contrast between the low, square stone house and the bent pines in the extract?

1. The contrast between the low, square stone house and the bent pines in the extract is that the house is a symbol of stability and security, while the pines are a symbol of flexibility and adaptability.
2. The contrast between the low, square stone house and the bent pines in the extract is that the house is a symbol of modernity and progress, while the pines are a symbol of tradition and nature.
3. The contrast between the low, square stone house and the bent pines in the extract is that the house is a symbol of isolation and detachment, while the pines are a symbol of connection and belonging.
4. The contrast between the low, square stone house and the bent pines in the extract is that the house is a symbol of simplicity and modesty, while the pines are a symbol of complexity and beauty.

Answer: