NCERT Class 11 English Snapshots Suppl.Reader English: Chapter 4 — Birth
This chapter, an excerpt from A.J. Cronin's 'The Citadel,' introduces Andrew Manson, a young doctor beginning his practice in a Welsh mining town. Returning from a disappointing evening, he is summoned by Joe Morgan to attend his wife, who is in premature labor after nearly twenty years of marriage. Andrew arrives late at night and finds the atmosphere tense. He is met by Joe's mother-in-law, who offers him tea and expresses concern about the baby's well-being, particularly regarding the use of chloroform. Andrew reassures her that both mother and baby will be fine. The chapter delves into Andrew's internal conflict as he contemplates marriage, influenced by his own feelings for Christine and the perceived failures of other marriages around him. This night's experience proves to be significant, influencing his future in Blaenelly.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Snapshots Suppl.Reader English |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Birth |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 740 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the challenges faced by a young doctor in a rural setting.
- Analyze the protagonist's internal conflicts regarding love and marriage.
- Appreciate the narrative style and character development in the excerpt.
- Identify themes of hope, anxiety, and the significance of new life.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| burly | large and strongly built |
| driller | a person who drills holes, especially in mining |
| premonition | a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant |
| listless | lacking energy or enthusiasm |
| perceptive | having or showing sensitive insight |
| strain | physical or mental tension |
| furnished | provided with furniture |
| midwife | a woman skilled in aiding women in childbirth |
| overwrought | in a state of excessive agitation or excitement |
| lethargy | a lack of energy and enthusiasm |
| obsessed | preoccupied or filled with something in an unhealthy way |
| idyllic | extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque |
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Practice questions
- Who is Andrew Manson and where does he work? Answer: Andrew Manson is a newly qualified doctor assisting Dr. Edward Page in the small Welsh mining town of Blaenelly.
- Why is Andrew called to Number 12 Blaina Terrace? Answer: He is called to attend to Mrs. Morgan, who is in premature labor, expecting her first child after nearly twenty years of marriage.
- What internal conflict is Andrew experiencing? Answer: Andrew is conflicted between his logical doubts about marriage, based on observations of failed marriages, and his idealistic feelings for Christine.
- What is the significance of the night call for Andrew? Answer: The night call proves to be unusual and influences his whole future in Blaenelly.
- What concern does Mrs. Morgan's mother express? Answer: She expresses concern about giving Mrs. Morgan chloroform if it might harm the baby.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of the excerpt 'Birth'?
The excerpt 'Birth' is by A.J. Cronin.
What book is 'Birth' an excerpt from?
'Birth' is an excerpt from A.J. Cronin's novel, 'The Citadel'.
What is the main event described in the chapter?
The chapter describes a night call Andrew Manson receives to attend a difficult childbirth.
Who are the main characters involved in the childbirth scene?
The main characters are Andrew Manson (the doctor), Joe Morgan (the husband), Mrs. Morgan (the patient), and Mrs. Morgan's mother and a midwife.
What is Andrew's emotional state during the night call?
Andrew is feeling dull, listless, and confused due to his own personal affairs and his conflicting thoughts about marriage.
What does 'bach' mean in the context of the story?
'Bach' is a Welsh term of endearment, similar to 'dear' or 'child'.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 English — Snapshots Suppl.Reader English — Chapter 4 — Birth. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.