Birth Questions and Answers for Class 11 English NCERT provides clear and simple solutions to all chapter-based questions. This guide helps students understand the story, key events, and character emotions effectively. Ideal for Class 11 NCERT English learners preparing for exams and improving comprehension skills.
About the Author:
A.J. Cronin (1896–1981) was a Scottish novelist and physician. Trained as a doctor, he worked in hospitals in Wales and England, which inspired much of his writing. Cronin became famous for his novels highlighting social issues, medical ethics, and human compassion. His notable works include The Citadel and Hatter’s Castle. Through his stories, he combined medical knowledge with strong storytelling, emphasizing morality, duty, and the human struggle against adversity.
Summary:
Andrew Manson, a young doctor fresh out of medical school, begins his career as an assistant to Dr. Edward Page in the Welsh mining town of Blaenelly. One night, after a disappointing evening with Christine, the girl he loves, Andrew is met by Joe Morgan. Joe and his wife, who have been married for nearly twenty years, are expecting their first child. Joe anxiously leads Andrew to his home, where Mrs. Morgan’s mother and a midwife are waiting.
Inside the modest house, Andrew senses the tension. He reassures the old woman and decides to stay through the night. Though restless and troubled by unhappy examples of marriage he has seen, he continues to wait and watch. At around 3:30 a.m., Mrs. Morgan goes into labor. After a long and difficult struggle, a baby boy is delivered, but he is lifeless. At the same time, Mrs. Morgan herself is in grave danger.
Andrew works frantically, injecting medicine and reviving the mother first. When she stabilizes, he turns back to the child. Finding him pale and limp, Andrew recalls a medical case from his training. With desperate determination, he alternates plunging the baby into hot and cold water, and tirelessly rubs and presses the chest. For half an hour, he struggles without success. Finally, miraculously, the infant breathes, cries, and turns pink with life.
Exhausted but triumphant, Andrew leaves the Morgans’ house at dawn. As he walks home alongside the miners, he feels a deep sense of fulfillment. For the first time, he believes he has done something truly worthwhile.
Hornbill & Snaoshot Class 11 English Solutions NCERT
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| A Photograph Class 11 NCERT (Hornbill) |
| We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together Class 11 NCERT (Hornbill) |
| Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues Class 11 NCERT (Hornbill) |
| The Laburnum Top Class 11 NCERT (Hornbill) |
| The Voice of the Rain Class 11 NCERT (Hornbill) |
| The Adventure Class 11 NCERT (Hornbill) |
| Silk Road Class 11 NCERT (Hornbill) |
| Father to Son Class 11 NCERT (Hornbill) |
| The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Class 11 NCERT (Snapshot) |
| The Address Class 11 NCERT (Snapshot) |
| Mother’s Day Class 11 NCERT (Snapshot) |
| Birth Class 11 NCERT (Snapshot) |
| The Tale of Melon City Class 11 NCERT (Snapshot) |
Word Notes:
Redoubled: intensified
Feverishly: frantically
Gasping: struggling to breathe
Irresistible: impossible to resist
Boneless: limp, weak
Blanched: pale, whitened
Exquisitely: perfectly, delicately
Perceptive: observant, insightful
Listless: lethargic, weary
Premonition: forewarning, intuition
Burly: strong, muscular
Strain: tension, stress
Stout: strong, heavy-set
Fret: worry, be anxious
Overwrought: emotionally stressed, agitated
Lethargy: tiredness, inactivity
Obsessed: preoccupied, fixated
Sordidly: miserably, dishonorably
Idyllic: perfect, peaceful
Resentful: bitter, indignant
Broodingly, pensively, thoughtfully
Anaesthetic: pain-relieving agent, sedative
Perceived: noticed, observed
Harsh: severe, difficult
Lifeless: dead, motionless
Exertions: efforts, labours
Desperate: urgent, critical
Flaccid: weak, limp
Unsparingly: relentlessly, thoroughly
Convulsive: spasmodic, jerky
Dazed: confused, stunned
Shuddering: trembling, quivering
Soiled: dirty, stained
Oblivious: unaware, inattentive
Tense: anxious, strained
Expectant: hopeful, awaiting
Exquisit: delicate, beautiful
Abruptly: suddenly, unexpectedly
Contemplation: reflection, deep thought
Dull: sluggish, lifeless
Mystery: enigma, unknown
Strain: tension, pressure
Haggard: worn-out, exhausted
Sodden: soaked, drenched
Wrung: twisted, squeezed
Impaled: pierced, stuck
Scullery: small kitchen, washroom
Obligation: duty, responsibility
Instinctively: naturally, automatically
Despairing: hopeless, anguished
Frantically: wildly, uncontrollably
Pallid: pale, colorless
Flimsy: weak, fragile
Drenched: soaked, saturated
Giddy: dizzy, lightheaded
Exhilarating: thrilling, exciting
Praying: beseeching, hoping
Central Idea:
The central idea of the text is the dedication and humanity of a true doctor. Andrew Manson, though young and inexperienced, shows extraordinary courage, skill, and determination during a difficult childbirth. He not only saves the life of Mrs. Morgan, who was on the verge of collapse, but also miraculously revives her stillborn child after half an hour of relentless effort. The episode highlights that medical practice is not just about knowledge, but about compassion, persistence, and service to humanity. For Andrew, this night becomes a turning point—he feels that, at last, he has done something truly meaningful as a doctor.
Character Analysis:
1. Andrew Manson
- A young doctor, recently graduated from medical school, beginning his practice in Blaenelly.
- He is sensitive, determined, and deeply committed to his duty as a physician.
- Through his struggle to save both mother and child, he proves his skill, courage, and humanity.
2. Joe Morgan
- A strong, burly driller who has been married for nearly twenty years.
- Anxious and restless as he waits for the birth of his first child.
- His trust in Andrew reflects his desperation and hope as a father.
3. Mrs. Susan Morgan
- Joe’s wife, who is giving birth to her first child after twenty years of marriage.
- Her condition during delivery becomes critical, leaving her almost pulseless.
- Saved by Andrew’s timely intervention, she symbolizes hope and endurance.
4. Mrs. Morgan’s Mother
- An elderly, grey-haired woman, nearly seventy, wise with experience.
- She anxiously watches Andrew and prays silently for her daughter and grandchild.
- Her strong desire for a grandchild mirrors her daughter’s longing for motherhood.
5. The Midwife
- An elderly, stout woman assisting with the delivery.
- She grows fearful and hopeless when the baby seems stillborn.
- Though doubtful, she supports Andrew and witnesses the miracle of new life.
NCERT Snapshots Textual Questions Answers Class 11 [Page No 38]
“Birth” NCERT Snapshots Textual Questions Answers for Class 11 CBSE are written in a clear and easy-to-understand way. These answers help students learn about the story’s main ideas, characters, and writing style. They are great for quick revision, exam preparation, and building a strong understanding of the lesson.
1. “I have done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.” Why does Andrew say this? What does it mean?
Ans: Andrew says this after successfully saving both Mrs. Morgan and her newborn child. The night had been long and exhausting. The baby was stillborn, and the mother was in a critical condition. Andrew worked tirelessly, using all his medical knowledge and instinct. He injected medicine, revived the mother, and then applied a special method to the baby, alternating hot and cold water and rubbing its chest. After half an hour of relentless effort, the baby began to breathe and cry, and the mother was safe. At that moment, Andrew felt a deep sense of fulfillment. By saying “I’ve done something real at last,” he means that he has performed a truly meaningful and life-saving act, one that goes beyond routine work or theory, proving his dedication, skill, and the human impact of being a physician. This was the first time he realized the true value of his profession.
2. There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practising physician. Discuss.
Ans: Textbook medicine teaches theories, treatments, and procedures in a controlled environment. However, the real world of a practising physician is unpredictable, demanding, and often urgent. In Andrew Manson’s experience, he faced the life-or-death situation of Mrs. Morgan and her stillborn child. Textbooks cannot prepare a doctor for the physical strain, emotional tension, or moral dilemmas of such moments. Decisions must be made instantly, balancing the mother’s life with the baby’s survival. The physician’s instinct, patience, and courage play a key role alongside medical knowledge. Unlike classroom learning, real practice tests resilience, observation, and improvisation. Andrew had to use his past training creatively—alternating hot and cold baths, applying chest pressure, and monitoring both patients simultaneously. This demonstrates that while textbooks provide a foundation, true medical expertise is proven in practice, where life depends on quick thinking, skill, and empathy, rather than only theory.
3. Do you know of any incident when someone has been brought back to life from the brink of death through medical help? Discuss medical procedures such as organ transplant and organ regeneration that are used to save human life.
Ans: Medical science has numerous cases where patients have been revived from near-death. For example, people who suffered heart attacks, severe accidents, or organ failure have survived due to rapid medical intervention. Techniques like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, and emergency surgery can restore vital functions. Organ transplants, such as heart, kidney, or liver transplants, replace failing organs with healthy ones, giving patients a new lease of life. Similarly, advances in organ regeneration and stem cell therapy allow damaged tissues to heal or grow anew. These procedures, like Andrew Manson’s revival of the stillborn baby, show the remarkable power of medical knowledge and skill. They save lives where natural recovery would be impossible. Such interventions require training, precision, and determination, highlighting the combination of science and human compassion in modern medicine.
Exam Pattern-Based Questions and Answers
Exam Pattern-Based Question Answers are made as per the latest CBSE rules to help students score higher. They include MCQs, short and long answers, and competency-based questions. These help students practice well and understand the exam format clearly.
Extract-Based Questions: Birth Questions and Answers
One prose extract out of two, from the book Snapshots, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, and appreciation. 4×1=4 Marks
Birth Questions and Answers Set 1
1. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“Though it was nearly midnight when Andrew reached Bryngower, he found Joe Morgan waiting for him, walking up and down with short steps between the closed surgery and the entrance to the house. At the sight of him the burly driller’s face expressed relief.
‘Eh, Doctor, I’m glad to see you. I been back and forward here this last hour. The missus wants ye—before time, too.’
Andrew, abruptly recalled from the contemplation of his own affairs, told Morgan to wait. He went into the house for his bag, then together they set out for Number 12 Blaina Terrace. The night air was cool and deep with quiet mystery. Usually so perceptive, Andrew now felt dull and listless. He had no premonition that this night call would prove unusual, still less that it would influence his whole future in Blaenelly.”
Questions:
(i) Explain: “The missus wants ye—before time, too.”
(ii) What does “walking up and down with short steps” indicate about Joe Morgan’s feelings?
(a) He was stressed out
(b) He was more calm
(c) He was impatient
(d) He was angry
(iii) ‘Despite feeling dull, Dr. Andrew decides to take the case.’ What does this highlight about him?
(iv) What did the contemplation refer to in the extract?
Answers:
(i) The statement means that Mrs. Morgan needed Andrew’s assistance before labor began.
(ii) (a) He was stressed out
(iii) It highlights that Dr. Andrew is dedicated and responsible towards his patients.
(iv) The contemplation refers to Andrew thinking about his personal affairs, especially his relationship with Christine.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 2
2. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“Andrew, abruptly recalled from the contemplation of his own affairs, told Morgan to wait. He went into the house for his bag, then together they set out for Number 12 Blaina Terrace. The night air was cool and deep with quiet mystery. Usually, so perceptive, Andrew now felt dull and listless.”
Questions:
(i) Complete the sentence: Although Andrew was generally very perceptive, that night he felt ________.
(ii) Why were they going to 12 Blaina Terrace?
(a) To deliver a baby
(b) For a random health checkup
(c) As Mrs. Morgan was unwell
(d) As Morgan’s mother was unwell
(iii) What does ‘his own affairs’ refer to here?
(iv) Assess Andrew’s need for contemplation of his own affairs.
Answers:
(i) dull and listless
(ii) (a) To deliver a baby
(iii) ‘His own affairs’ refers to his career and his relationship with Christine.
(iv) Andrew’s contemplation shows his personal struggles and worries about his career and love life.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 3
3. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“Inside, a narrow stair led up to a small bedroom, clean but poorly furnished and lit only by an oil lamp. Here Mrs. Morgan’s mother, a tall, grey-haired woman of nearly seventy, and the stout, elderly midwife waited beside the patient, watching Andrew’s expression as he moved about the room.
‘Let me make you a cup of tea, Doctor, bach,’ said the former quickly, after a few moments. Andrew smiled faintly. He saw that the old woman, wise in experience, realised there must be a period of waiting that, she was afraid he would leave the case, saying he would return later.
‘Don’t fret, mother, I’ll not run away.'”
Questions:
(i) Complete the sentence: Dr. Andrew was offered tea by ________.
(ii) Why does Dr. Andrew focus on the room more than the pregnant Susan Morgan?
(iii) What are the old woman’s fears in the passage?
(a) That her daughter would not be healthy
(b) That her grandchild would die
(c) That the doctor was not interested in the case
(d) That the doctor would leave
(iv) Why did Andrew say, “Don’t fret, mother, I’ll not run away”?
Answers:
(i) Mrs. Morgan’s mother
(ii) He focuses on the room to quickly assess the situation and ensure the mother is stable before attending the baby.
(iii) (d) That the doctor would leave
(iv) To reassure Mrs. Morgan’s mother that he would stay and handle the case responsibly.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 4
4. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“It was a conclusion which, in his present state, made him wince. He wished to consider marriage as an idyllic state; yes, he could not otherwise consider it with the image of Christine before him. Her eyes, shining towards him, admitted no other conclusion. It was the conflict between his level, doubting mind and his overflowing heart which left him resentful and confused. He let his chin sink upon his chest, stretched out his legs, stared broodingly into the fire.”
Questions:
(i) What dilemma did Dr. Andrew face?
(ii) Complete the sentence: The conclusion that made Andrew wince was ________.
(iii) What does “…stretched out his legs, stared broodingly into the fire” mean?
(a) He was angry about his broken relationship with Christine
(b) He was deep in thought
(c) He was considering marrying Christine again
(d) Christine’s eyes were doubting him and making him nervous
(iv) What instances make Andrew doubt his relationship?
Answers:
(i) Andrew faced the dilemma of whether he should marry Christine, given the examples of unhappy marriages he had seen.
(ii) Failure of marriage
(iii) (b) He was deep in thought
(iv) He had seen men hurt by betrayal or separation and feared experiencing the same, making him uncertain about his relationship with Christine.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 5
5. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“Here the nurse’s voice was heard calling from the top landing. Andrew glanced at the clock, which now showed half-past three. He rose and went up to the bedroom. He perceived that he might now begin his work.
An hour elapsed. It was a long, harsh struggle. Then, as the first streaks of dawn strayed past the broken edges of the blind, the child was born, lifeless.”
Questions:
(i) At what time did Andrew begin attending the mother?
(ii) What does “a long, harsh struggle” refer to?
(iii) How did Andrew feel when the child was born lifeless?
(iv) Why was the nurse calling from the top landing?
Answers:
(i) Around 3:30 a.m.
(ii) It refers to the difficult and exhausting labor and delivery process.
(iii) Andrew felt horror and shock because the baby was born lifeless.
(iv) The nurse was calling to alert Andrew that the mother was in labor and needed immediate attention.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 6
6. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“Blindly, instinctively, he gave the child to the nurse and turned his attention to Susan Morgan who now lay collapsed, almost pulseless, and not yet out of the ether, upon her side. His haste was desperate, a frantic race against her ebbing strength.”
Questions:
(i) What does “almost pulseless” indicate about Susan Morgan?
(ii) Why did Andrew hand the child to the nurse?
(iii) What does “frantic race against her ebbing strength” mean?
(iv) What does this extract reveal about Andrew’s character?
Answers:
(i) Susan Morgan was in a critical and near-death condition.
(ii) He handed the child to the nurse to focus on saving the mother first.
(iii) It means he was working urgently to restore her life before it was too late.
(iv) It shows Andrew’s quick thinking, bravery, and dedication to his patients.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 7
7. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“Snatching a blanket, he laid the child upon it and began the special method of respiration. The basins arrived, the ewer, the big iron kettle. Frantically he splashed cold water into one basin; into the other he mixed water as hot as his hand could bear.”
Questions:
(i) What method was Andrew using to revive the baby?
(ii) Why did he use both hot and cold water?
(iii) What does “frantically” reveal about Andrew’s state of mind?
(iv) What does this incident show about medical procedures at that time?
Answers:
(i) He was using a special method of artificial respiration and thermal stimulation.
(ii) Alternating hot and cold water stimulated the baby’s body to breathe.
(iii) It shows his urgency, anxiety, and determination to save the child.
(iv) It shows that doctors often used immediate practical methods and instinct to save lives before advanced equipment was available.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 8
8. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“Fifteen minutes passed. Sweat was now running into Andrew’s eyes, blinding him. One of his sleeves hung down, dripping. His breath came pantingly. But no breath came from the lax body of the child. A desperate sense of defeat pressed on him… And then, as by a miracle, the pigmy chest, which his hands enclosed, gave a short, convulsive heave… The limbs were no longer boneless. The head no longer lay back spinelessly. The blanched skin was slowly turning pink. Then, exquisitely, came the child’s cry.”
Questions:
(i) How long did Andrew struggle to revive the baby?
(ii) What does “desperate sense of defeat” mean?
(iii) How did Andrew feel when the baby finally cried?
(iv) What does this extract highlight about the role of a doctor?
Answers:
(i) Around fifteen minutes of intense effort.
(ii) It means Andrew felt hopeless and thought his efforts might fail.
(iii) He felt immense relief, joy, and triumph at saving the baby’s life.
(iv) It highlights a doctor’s courage, persistence, skill, and the emotional intensity involved in life-saving work.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 9
9. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“Exhausted but triumphant, Andrew leaves the Morgans’ house at dawn. As he walks home alongside the miners, he feels deeply fulfilled. For the first time, he believes he has done something truly worthwhile.”
Questions:
(i) How did Andrew feel as he left the Morgans’ house?
(ii) Why did he feel “deeply fulfilled”?
(iii) What does “something truly worthwhile” refer to?
(iv) What does this incident reveal about Andrew’s growth as a doctor?
Answers:
(i) He felt exhausted but triumphant and satisfied.
(ii) He felt fulfilled because he had successfully saved both mother and child.
(iii) “Something truly worthwhile” refers to performing a life-saving act that had real meaning and impact.
(iv) It shows Andrew’s dedication, skill, and realization of the importance of compassion and responsibility in medical practice.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 10
10. Read the extract below and answer the following questions:
“It was quite light. Nearly five o’clock. A few miners were already in the streets: the first of the night shift moving out. As Andrew walked with them, spent and slow, his footfalls echoing with the others under the morning sky, he kept thinking blindly, oblivious to all other work he had done in Blaenelly, ‘I’ve done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.'”
Questions:
(i) What time was it when Andrew walked home?
(ii) What does “spent and slow” indicate about him?
(iii) Why was Andrew “oblivious to all other work he had done”?
(iv) How does this extract summarize the theme of the text?
Answers:
(i) It was nearly five o’clock in the morning.
(ii) “Spent and slow” indicates that he was physically exhausted after the night’s efforts.
(iii) He was deeply absorbed in the satisfaction of saving lives, making other achievements seem less important.
(iv) It highlights the central theme: the fulfillment and meaning a doctor derives from saving human lives through dedication, skill, and compassion.
Short Answer Type Questions: Birth Questions and Answers
One Short answer type question, from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 40- 50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. One out of two questions to be done. 3×1=3 Marks
Birth Questions and Answers Set 1
1. How does Andrew Manson feel when he arrives at the Morgans’ house for the birth?
Ans: Andrew feels dull, listless, and mentally preoccupied with thoughts about Christine. Though tired and absorbed in his personal concerns, he decides to stay and help. He does not expect the night to be unusual, yet he senses the tension and prepares himself to attend the delivery professionally.
2. Identify the quality displayed by the doctor as he accompanied Joe Morgan.
Ans: Andrew shows professionalism, dedication, and responsibility. Despite being tired and emotionally preoccupied, he accompanies Joe Morgan without hesitation. He puts duty above personal concerns and acts responsibly, demonstrating that a true doctor prioritizes patient needs and commitment over his own comfort or mental state.
3. Dr. Andrew had no idea that this particular night would influence his future career in Blaenelly. How did it do so?
Ans: That night, Andrew faced a challenging delivery, saved Susan Morgan’s life, and revived her lifeless baby. His successful intervention showcased his skill, dedication, and courage. The experience brought him personal satisfaction and established his reputation, shaping his future career in Blaenelly as a committed and capable physician.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 2
4. Write a short note on the old lady.
Ans: The old lady, Mrs. Morgan’s mother, is tall, grey-haired, and nearly seventy. Wise with experience, she anticipates the waiting period before the birth. She is anxious that the doctor might leave and return later. Her calm presence and concern reflect her emotional involvement and understanding of the delivery process.
5. What is the significance of the old woman’s presence in the room during the birth?
Ans: Mrs. Morgan’s mother represents wisdom, care, and tradition. She silently observes Andrew, showing concern for her daughter and grandchild. Her presence provides emotional support, reassures the young doctor, and emphasizes the continuity of care during childbirth, making the moment more grounded and human despite tension and uncertainty.
6. Dr. Andrew said, “Don’t fret mother, I will not run away.” Give reasons.
Ans: Andrew reassures Mrs. Morgan’s mother because she is anxious that he might leave before the delivery. Sensing her worry, he promises to stay. This shows his empathy, professionalism, and understanding of human emotions, ensuring her confidence in his ability to handle the birth without abandoning the case.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 3
7. How does Andrew respond to the situation when the baby is born lifeless?
Ans: Andrew feels horror and uncertainty. Torn between reviving the baby and saving Susan Morgan, he acts quickly. He hands the lifeless baby to the nurse and focuses on restoring the mother’s health first, showing his prioritization of critical cases and his skill in handling life-threatening situations under pressure.
8. Analyse Dr. Andrew’s state of conflict when the child was born.
Ans: Andrew faces a dilemma: whether to save the mother first or the baby. The situation is urgent, and he cannot consciously decide. His conflict highlights the emotional and ethical challenges doctors face, balancing instinct, responsibility, and the immediate needs of multiple patients during critical emergencies.
9. Explain the elderly midwife’s thoughts about the young doctor in the beginning.
Ans: The midwife doubts Andrew’s abilities and fears the child may not survive. By placing the baby under the bed, she indicates her skepticism about his skills. Her caution reflects her experience, and she expects the worst, showing the tension between traditional expectations and the capabilities of a young, inexperienced doctor.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 4
10. What efforts did Dr. Andrew make to save the lifeless-looking boy at birth?
Ans: Andrew uses a special method for asphyxia pallida, alternating hot and cold water baths for the baby. He rubs and compresses the chest repeatedly. After persistent effort, the baby shows signs of life: chest movements, mucus discharge, pinking skin, and finally cries. His methodical and desperate actions revive the child successfully.
11. How does Andrew’s interaction with the mother differ from his work with the child?
Ans: With Susan, Andrew focuses on medical treatment, stabilizing her fragile state. With the baby, his approach is urgent, emotional, and hands-on to restore life. He shifts attention between them according to need, showing adaptability and clinical judgment in dealing with patients of different conditions.
12. How does Andrew’s experience with the stillborn child affect his view of his medical career?
Ans: Reviving the child gives Andrew a sense of purpose and achievement. He realizes the real impact of his work, seeing medicine as meaningful and rewarding. The experience deepens his dedication and transforms his perspective, highlighting that the true value of being a doctor lies in saving lives.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 5
13. What does Andrew’s physical exhaustion symbolise at the end of the story?
Ans: His exhaustion symbolizes the physical, mental, and emotional toll of critical medical care. It reflects the intensity of his efforts, the stress of life-saving responsibilities, and the ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction that come from successfully performing a vital, compassionate duty.
14. How does the story’s setting (time and place) influence Andrew’s experience during the birth?
Ans: The small Welsh mining town and the late-night setting create tension, isolation, and urgency. The quiet, dark environment adds to Andrew’s exhaustion and focus, emphasizing his commitment. The modest house and night-time context highlight the challenges doctors face in remote or under-resourced settings, making his success more significant.
15. What role does Joe Morgan play in the events of the night?
Ans: Joe acts as a concerned and supportive husband. His anxious presence outside, reassurance to Andrew, and quiet emotional support underscore the gravity of the situation. Joe’s role emphasizes human relationships and dependence on medical skill during crises.
16. Describe the condition of the room after Dr. Andrew had saved both the mother and the child.
Ans: The room is messy, with soiled newspapers, towels, blankets, basins of water, knocked-over kettle, and a hypodermic syringe stuck in the floor. It reflects the frantic, hands-on medical effort Andrew put in to save both mother and child, showing the intensity and realism of emergency care.
Birth Questions and Answers Set 6
17. Why does Andrew feel a strange lethargy while waiting during the birth?
Ans: Andrew feels a queer lethargy because he is mentally exhausted and emotionally preoccupied with thoughts about Christine and unhappy marriages he has witnessed. The tension and quiet of the night, combined with uncertainty about the delivery, leave him listless, yet he resolves to remain fully attentive until the birth and the mother’s condition are stable.
18. How does Andrew handle the mother, Susan Morgan, when she nearly collapses?
Ans: When Susan Morgan collapses, Andrew acts swiftly and decisively. He injects medicine using a hypodermic syringe, working feverishly to stabilize her heartbeat. His actions are urgent and precise, prioritizing her life, demonstrating skill, composure under pressure, and dedication, ensuring that she recovers sufficiently before turning attention back to the lifeless baby.
19. What does the special method of resuscitation applied to the baby involve?
Ans: Andrew uses alternating hot and cold water baths for the lifeless baby, a method to stimulate respiration. He also rubs and compresses the baby’s chest repeatedly to revive breathing. This hands-on, desperate effort combines instinct, training, and determination, eventually restoring the infant’s life, color, and cry after more than half an hour of continuous effort.
20. How do the reactions of the old woman and midwife reflect the significance of the birth?
Ans: The old woman watches silently, praying, reflecting emotional investment and hope for her grandchild. The midwife initially fears the baby is stillborn but observes Andrew’s actions with concern. Their reactions emphasize the tension, importance, and emotional weight of childbirth, highlighting the human stakes and the value of skilled, compassionate medical care in life-and-death situations.
Long Answer Type Questions: Birth Questions and Answers
One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text. Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses, using incidents, events, themes, as reference points. Any one out of two questions to be done. 1×6=6 Marks
Birth Questions and Answers Set 1
1. “For doctors, the duty towards the patients is foremost, irrespective of their own personal affairs.” Discuss with reference to the chapter ‘Birth’.
Ans: In the chapter Birth, Andrew Manson demonstrates that a doctor’s duty is above personal concerns. Despite being mentally distracted by his love for Christine and tired after the day, he immediately attends to Joe Morgan’s urgent call. He uses all his medical knowledge and intuition to save both Mrs. Morgan and her lifeless child. Andrew’s personal affairs, worries, or future plans do not deter him. He works tirelessly through the night, showing patience, determination, and professional commitment. Even when the baby appears lifeless, he continues desperate efforts to revive it. His dedication emphasizes that a doctor prioritizes patient welfare above everything, highlighting moral and professional responsibility. Andrew’s actions show that true medical practice demands selflessness and devotion, which not only saves lives but also builds the doctor’s confidence and sense of purpose.
2. No matter what your profession is, moral values always play an important role in making you a complete human being. Explain with reference to the chapter.
Ans: Moral values guide professional and personal behavior. In Birth, Andrew Manson’s moral integrity motivates him to assist the Morgans despite exhaustion and emotional distraction. He considers it his duty to save both mother and child, demonstrating empathy, responsibility, and humaneness. Using his medical knowledge and intuition, he revives the lifeless infant, going beyond personal comfort. His actions are driven not by reward but by ethical commitment. The old woman’s prayers and the midwife’s concern emphasize the moral stakes of his profession. Andrew’s persistence transforms him into a more complete human being, as he experiences the satisfaction of doing something truly good. His sense of duty, compassion, and moral courage highlight that ethical values define professionalism and human character. This reinforces that moral decisions, whether in medicine or other fields, shape both outcomes and the individual’s sense of fulfillment.
3. How does the author use physical descriptions of the child to create a sense of tension and urgency?
Ans: The author vividly describes the newborn to create suspense and urgency. When Andrew first sees the child, it is pale, limp, and seemingly lifeless, with skin “white and soft as tallow.” The head droops, limbs appear boneless, and the body looks fragile, emphasizing the baby’s vulnerability. These details alert the reader to the critical danger, mirroring Andrew’s panic and urgency. As Andrew applies resuscitation, the meticulous description of alternating hot and cold water baths, chest compressions, and the baby’s gradual color change heightens the tension. Each action is detailed to reflect both the fragility of life and the high stakes of Andrew’s efforts. By focusing on the baby’s physical state, Cronin immerses readers in the life-and-death struggle, making them empathize with Andrew’s anxiety. The detailed imagery transforms the scene into a gripping, high-pressure moment, emphasizing the dedication, skill, and desperation needed to save a human life.
4. How does Cronin use the interactions between the characters to highlight the themes of life, death, and hope?
Ans: Cronin uses interactions to reflect life, death, and hope. Joe Morgan’s anxious pacing and trust in Andrew demonstrate human hope during crisis. Mrs. Morgan’s mother silently watches and prays, reflecting familial concern and belief in life. The midwife’s initial doubt emphasizes the gravity of the situation. When the baby is born lifeless, Andrew faces a moral dilemma—save the mother first or revive the child. His intense efforts to restore life show the doctor’s reverence for life. Finally, the baby cries, the nurse sobs with joy, and the grandmother continues praying—symbolizing hope triumphing over death. These interactions reveal human vulnerability, ethical responsibility, and the emotional power of childbirth. Through relationships and reactions, Cronin underscores that life is precious, death is imminent, and hope is sustained by care, expertise, and moral courage, highlighting the emotional and ethical dimensions of medical practice.
5. How does Andrew Manson handle the dilemma of saving the mother versus the child?
Ans: In Birth, Andrew faces a critical dilemma: the baby is lifeless, and Mrs. Morgan is in grave danger. He instinctively prioritizes the mother first, injecting medicine and reviving her, knowing her condition is fragile. Once her heart strengthens, he turns to the child with urgency. The baby’s pallid, limp body signals asphyxia, and Andrew recalls his medical training to apply a special method of resuscitation—alternating hot and cold water baths and chest compressions. His struggle lasts over half an hour, reflecting both desperation and determination. Andrew’s careful balance between the mother’s safety and the child’s revival highlights his skill, quick decision-making, and moral responsibility. By handling both lives simultaneously, he exemplifies a doctor’s ethical duty, emotional resilience, and technical competence. His actions show that professional dedication often requires immediate prioritization, careful judgment, and relentless effort under pressure, ensuring the survival of both patients despite extreme adversity.
6. Explain the role of Mrs. Morgan’s mother and the midwife in creating tension and support in the story.
Ans: Mrs. Morgan’s mother and the midwife play crucial roles in Birth. The old woman, tall and grey-haired, watches Andrew closely, her prayers and silent vigilance reflecting her hope for the baby and concern for her daughter. Her presence adds emotional weight, highlighting family stakes and amplifying tension. The midwife, though experienced, initially doubts Andrew’s ability to save the child, hiding the baby beneath the bed. This skepticism increases suspense, as readers wonder whether Andrew can succeed. Both characters represent contrasting responses—faith versus doubt—but together they heighten the urgency of the medical crisis. The grandmother’s silent support and the midwife’s anxious observation motivate Andrew, emphasizing his moral and professional responsibility. Their reactions illustrate the human side of childbirth: fear, hope, and care, while also driving the narrative tension. Through them, Cronin shows how community and family shape the emotional intensity of life-and-death moments.
7. Character Sketch of Andrew Manson
Ans: Andrew Manson is the young protagonist of AJ Cronin’s story Birth. Fresh from medical school, he begins his career in a small Welsh town, showing both enthusiasm and inexperience. His first major case tests his skills, perseverance, and emotional strength. Despite being preoccupied with personal thoughts about Christine, he remains compassionate and professional, giving his full attention to Mrs. Morgan and her mother. He reassures the elderly woman, calming her fears and showing empathy. When the baby is born lifeless, Andrew acts decisively, applying his medical knowledge and intuition to revive the infant. His dedication, resourcefulness, and ability to remain calm under pressure reflect his strong sense of duty. The experience transforms him, boosting his confidence and shaping his understanding of his role as a doctor. Through Andrew, Cronin portrays the blend of skill, compassion, and moral responsibility essential in medical practice.
8. Article on Marriages in India (Inspired by the Story Birth)
Ans: In the chapter Birth, the author shows Dr. Andrew observing failed marriages, leaving him doubtful about the ideal of marital happiness. Some relationships in the story suffer due to betrayal, deception, or incompatibility. Marriage, the author suggests, requires mutual effort, honesty, and understanding to succeed. In India, cultural and moral values play a strong role in maintaining marital stability. People generally respect the institution of marriage and work to preserve relationships despite challenges. Patience, empathy, and communication help couples overcome differences. While problems may arise from individual differences, most Indian couples strive to solve them and maintain harmony. The chapter inspires readers to value commitment, responsibility, and moral integrity in relationships. It also reminds us that marriage is not only an emotional bond but also a partnership built on care, effort, and mutual respect.
MOCK TEST SAMPLE PAPER – SET 1
Subject: English Core – Class 11
Text: Birth by A.J. Cronin
Total Marks: 50
Time: 90 Minutes
SECTION A –(10 Marks)
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“He redoubled his efforts feverishly. The child was gasping now, deeper and deeper. A bubble of mucus came from one nostril, a joyful iridescent bubble. The limbs were no longer boneless. The head no longer lay back spinelessly. The blanched skin was slowly turning pink. Then, exquisitely, came the child’s cry.”
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The efforts were redoubled by ……………………………………………………………………….
(ii) What is the significance of the above extract?
(iii) The word ‘feverishly’ as used in the extract can be replaced by:
(a) madly (b) easily (c) rapidly (d) courageously
(iv) Why has the baby’s bubble of mucus been described as ‘a joyful iridescent bubble’?
SECTION B – Short Answer Type Questions (12 Marks)
- Dr. Andrew was tired, yet he decided to wait at the Morgan’s house. Why?
- What was Dr. Andrew’s concept about women? What made him think that way?
- “Sometimes instincts play a vital role along with one’s bookish knowledge.” Is this statement true in the context of this chapter Birth? Why?
- What was Susan Morgan’s suggestion to Andrew, which was informed through her mother, and why did she give the suggestion?
- “Saving the stillborn child was nothing less than a miracle.” Discuss.
- How does Andrew react to the old woman’s concern about the chloroform?
SECTION C – Long Answer Type Questions (18 Marks)
- Justify the title Birth.
- The story Birth brings out how Dr. Andrew managed to perform his duties as a doctor very well even though he was undergoing an emotional crisis. Imagine you are a doctor who has to address students at a medical university. Write this speech in 120-150 words, elaborating on the fact that emotional instability should never be a hurdle in one’s profession.
You may begin like this:
“Good morning, Students! Just like Dr. Andrew, all of us go through emotional crises from time to time. However, it is important to…” - How does Cronin create a sense of urgency and tension in the birth scene?
MOCK TEST SAMPLE PAPER – SET 2
Subject: English Core – Class 11
Text: Birth by A.J. Cronin
Total Marks: 50
Time: 90 Minutes
SECTION A – Extract-Based Questions (10 Marks)
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“When night comes I bury my face in my arms and dream that my paper boats float on and on under the midnight stars. The fairies of sleep are sailing in them, and the lading is their baskets full of dreams.”
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The speaker describes ………………………………………………………
(ii) What mood is created in this extract?
(iii) The word ‘lading’ in the extract means:
(a) loading (b) cargo (c) freight (d) burden
(iv) How does the use of ‘fairies of sleep’ contribute to the imagery?
SECTION B – Short Answer Type Questions (12 Marks)
- Why did Andrew feel hesitant and torn when the child was first born lifeless?
- What does the presence of Mrs. Morgan’s mother signify during the childbirth?
- Explain why Andrew chose to use both hot and cold water while trying to revive the baby.
- How does the story highlight the difference between bookish knowledge and practical skills in medicine?
- Describe Joe Morgan’s role in the events of the night.
- How does Andrew feel after successfully reviving the child, and what does this reveal about him?
SECTION C – Long Answer Type Questions (18 Marks)
- Discuss the theme of duty in the story Birth with reference to Andrew Manson’s actions.
- Imagine you are Andrew Manson. Write a diary entry of 120-150 words describing the events of that night, your feelings, and your reflections on your first successful attempt to save a life.
- How does Cronin create a sense of suspense and intensity during the childbirth scene? Mention the literary techniques he uses.
