CBSE Class 11 English Chapter 9 Childhood NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 English, Chapter 9, 'Childhood' NCERT Solutions explore the poignant journey from the uninhibited world of childhood to the complex realities of adulthood. The solutions delve into the poem's central themes: the inevitable loss of innocence, the dawning of reason and the ability to discern, the often-uncomfortable realization of adult hypocrisy, and the gradual emergence of self-awareness and individuality. We examine how the poet reflects on the transition, where the imaginative and magical realm of youth gradually yields to a more analytical, self-conscious, and independent state of being. These explanations aim to provide students with a deep understanding of the poem's nuances and underlying messages, offering clear insights to aid in their comprehension and exam preparation.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter9. Childhood

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 11 English, Chapter 9, "Childhood," focuses on the poem's exploration of the transition from childhood to adulthood. It covers the loss of innocence, the development of rational thought, the recognition of adult hypocrisy, and the attainment of individuality. The solutions break down the poem's themes, helping students understand the process of growing up and the changes in perspective that accompany it. This chapter's exercises are designed to enhance comprehension of poetic expression and thematic depth.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the themes of loss of innocence and the gain of reason in the poem 'Childhood'.
  • Identify the poet's perspective on the process of growing up.
  • Analyze the development of individuality and rationalism as one matures.
  • Recognize and interpret the concept of adult hypocrisy as depicted in the poem.
  • Explain the significance of childhood as a stage in human development.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The transition from childhood to adulthood
  • Loss of innocence
  • Development of rationalism
  • Emergence of individuality
  • Hypocrisy of adults
  • Poet's perspective on growing up
  • Self-awareness and independent thought
  • Figurative language in poetry

Important topics

  • The contrast between childhood innocence and adult rationality
  • The realization of adult hypocrisy
  • The development of self-confidence and individuality
  • The poet's emotional response to losing childhood
  • Understanding the poem's central message on maturation

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Questions and Solutions

A. Think it Out

Question 1

Identify the stanza that talks of each of the following: Individuality, Rationalism, Hypocrisy.
Solution: The poem discusses different aspects of growing up in various stanzas. Based on the poem's progression:

The first stanza primarily deals with rationalism, as the speaker questions the existence of Heaven and Hell based on logic and reason.

The second stanza addresses hypocrisy, highlighting the discrepancy between adults' words and their actions.

The third stanza focuses on individuality, where the speaker asserts his independence and control over his own mind and thoughts.

Question 2

What, according to the poem, is involved in the process of growing up?
Solution: According to the poem, the process of growing up involves the inevitable loss of childhood innocence and wonder. However, this loss is accompanied by significant gains. As a person matures, they develop a greater capacity for understanding, the ability to rationalize and discriminate between truth and falsehood, and a growing sense of individuality and self-confidence. It's a transition from a state of make-believe to one of reasoned thought and self-awareness.

Question 3

What are the poet's feelings towards childhood?
Solution: The poet views childhood as a crucial and essential stage in the journey of human development. He acknowledges it as a period characterized by innocence and a readiness to accept things as told by elders. Importantly, the poet does not express regret or sadness over the loss of his childhood. Instead, he seems to accept this transition as a natural progression, focusing on the new understanding and capabilities gained with maturity.

Question 4

Which, do you think are the most poetic lines? Why?
Solution: The lines considered most poetic are:

"It went to some forgotten place

That's hidden in an infant's face,

That's all I know."

These lines are particularly poetic because they beautifully encapsulate the mysterious and often inexplicable disappearance of childhood. They suggest that the essence of childhood doesn't vanish entirely but perhaps retreats into a hidden, subconscious realm, symbolized by the innocent, unknowing expression on an infant's face. The lines carry a deep metaphorical meaning about the continuity of life and the hidden depths within human consciousness, making them evocative and thought-provoking.

A. Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1

What did the speaker learn about the existence of Heaven and Hell?
Solution: As the speaker matured and developed his reasoning abilities, he began to critically examine concepts like Heaven and Hell. He looked for them in geography books and atlases but found no physical location for them on any map. This empirical approach led him to conclude that if they could not be found or proven to exist in the physical world, then they likely did not exist in the literal sense he had once believed.

Question 2

How did the speaker realise the hypocrisy of the adults?
Solution: The speaker realized the hypocrisy of adults by observing a stark contrast between their stated beliefs and their actual behavior. He noticed that while adults often preached about love, understanding, and positive actions, their own conduct frequently contradicted these teachings. This gap between their words and deeds made him aware of their insincerity and the inconsistency in their moral guidance.

Question 3

How did the realization of being the master of his own mind help him?
Solution: The realization that he was the master of his own mind was empowering for the speaker. It instilled in him a strong sense of self-confidence and independence. He understood that he had the capacity for original thought and did not need to blindly repeat what others said. This newfound autonomy allowed him to think critically and form his own opinions, marking a significant step in his intellectual and personal growth.

B. Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1

'Childhood is an essential state in the process of growing up, but it can't go on forever.' Discuss.
Solution: Childhood is indeed a fundamental and essential phase in the overall development of an individual. During this period, a person is dependent and learns basic life skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. As a child grows, their physical, mental, and emotional faculties develop significantly, laying the groundwork for future stages of life. However, as the poem emphasizes, childhood cannot be a permanent state. It must naturally give way to adolescence and early adulthood.

This transition brings about profound changes. The developing individual gains the power of reasoning and rationalism, enabling them to analyze situations, distinguish fact from fiction, and make informed decisions. They develop a sophisticated capability for analysis and discrimination, allowing them to perceive the world and people with greater clarity. This maturity often leads to the recognition of adult hypocrisy – the inconsistencies between what adults say and do. Furthermore, the individual gains confidence and becomes an independent thinker, capable of forming their own perspectives and beliefs, thus moving beyond the limitations of childhood innocence into a more complex, self-aware existence.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the literal and metaphorical meanings of childhood's disappearance.
  • Overlooking the positive aspects gained during the transition from childhood.
  • Failing to connect the loss of innocence with the gain of rationalism.
  • Misinterpreting the poet's feelings towards the loss of childhood.

Revision tips

  • Reread the poem carefully, paying attention to the imagery used to describe childhood and adulthood.
  • Summarize the main themes of the poem in your own words before referring to the solutions.
  • Focus on understanding the poet's emotional journey and evolving perspective.
  • Practice identifying the specific stanzas that correspond to concepts like individuality, rationalism, and hypocrisy.
  • Discuss the poem's central message about growing up with classmates to solidify understanding.

Practice MCQs

Q1. According to the poem, which quality is associated with the third stanza?

Q2. What does the speaker realize about Heaven and Hell as he grows up?

Q3. The poem suggests that growing up involves the loss of childhood, compensated by:

Q4. What is the primary reason the speaker identifies for adult hypocrisy?

Q5. The realization of being the 'master of his own mind' leads to:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'Childhood' in Class 11 English?

The main theme of the poem 'Childhood' is the transition from the innocence and imagination of childhood to the rational, self-aware, and sometimes hypocritical world of adulthood.

How does the poem describe the process of growing up?

The poem describes growing up as a process involving the loss of childhood innocence, the gain of reasoning power, the realization of adult hypocrisy, and the development of individuality and self-confidence.

What does the speaker learn about Heaven and Hell?

As the speaker matures, he learns that Heaven and Hell cannot be found in geography books or on maps, leading him to question their literal existence and believe only in what is tangible.

What does the poem suggest about adult behavior?

The poem suggests that adults often exhibit hypocrisy, meaning their words and actions do not align. They preach love and kindness but may not always practice them.

How can these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question, helping students understand the poem's themes, literary devices, and the poet's perspective, thereby aiding in exam preparation.

What does the poet feel about losing his childhood?

The poet does not express regret or a sense of loss for losing his childhood. Instead, he views it as a natural and necessary part of growing up, leading to intellectual and personal development.

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