NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words: Chapter 7 — Glory at Twilight 85
This chapter, "Glory at Twilight" by Bhabani Bhattacharya, introduces Satyajit, a man who has experienced a dramatic fall from grace. Once a successful Managing Director who rose from a clerkship through his own grit and initiative, his bank has suddenly collapsed, wiping out his assets. He is now traveling on a slow, unreliable train, contemplating his ruin and the loss of his former glory. The narrative highlights his internal struggle as he faces harsh realities, rationing even simple luxuries like cigarettes. He reflects on his past success, his humble beginnings, and the irony of his current situation, especially with the recent birth of his first child. The chapter sets a tone of introspection and the stark contrast between past prosperity and present failure, exploring themes of fortune, ambition, and the weight of shame.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Woven Words |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Glory at Twilight 85 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 656 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of fortune's wheel and its unpredictable nature.
- Analyze the character's internal conflict and emotional state.
- Identify themes of ambition, success, and failure.
- Appreciate the narrative style and descriptive language used by the author.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| brusquely | in a short, abrupt manner |
| attuned | made receptive or aware |
| queer | strange or unusual |
| frenzy | a state of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior |
| wrenching | pulling or twisting suddenly and violently |
| flush of prosperity | a sudden period of great wealth or success |
| daze of bewilderment | a state of confusion and surprise |
| homage | special honor or respect shown publicly |
| tremulous | shaking or quivering slightly |
| deliberation | long and careful consideration |
| perpetual feud | a long-standing and ongoing conflict or disagreement |
| languid | displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed |
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Practice questions
- What is the main reason Satyajit is traveling on the train? Answer: Satyajit is traveling away from the city where he must look for work, as his bank has collapsed and he has lost all his assets.
- Describe the train journey as depicted in the chapter. Answer: The train is a slow, narrow-gauge Indian train that makes unauthorized stops, sometimes for passengers to pluck produce or buy goods, leading to grumbling from some but opportunities for others to enjoy the scenery.
- What does Satyajit tell himself about his smoking habit? Answer: He tells himself that his smoke is rationed and he cannot afford the luxury of chain smoking, as he has had to adjust to many denials due to his changed circumstances.
- How did Satyajit achieve his position as Managing Director? Answer: He started as a mere clerk and rose through his own mind, initiative, grit, and energy, with luck also playing a part.
- What personal loss has Satyajit recently experienced, besides his financial ruin? Answer: His wife has given birth to their first child, and he had to sell his diamond ring to send money for the naming ceremony.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the name of the protagonist in the chapter?
Explanation: The protagonist's name is explicitly mentioned as Satyajit in the text.
Q2. What caused Satyajit's sudden financial ruin?
Explanation: The text states that 'With the sudden collapse of his bank, all his private assets were gone overnight'.
Q3. Where was Satyajit's wife at the time of his ruin?
Explanation: The text mentions, 'A mercy that she was away from the scene, with her parents at Delhi, and unaware of the full extent of the ruin'.
Q4. What luxury did Satyajit have to ration due to his financial crisis?
Explanation: Satyajit withdraws his hand from reaching for cigarettes, telling himself, 'His smoke was rationed'.
Q5. What did Satyajit sell to send money for his wife's remittance?
Explanation: He had 'sold off his diamond ring to send his young wife a remittance for the name-giving rites'.
Q6. What was Satyajit's initial job before becoming Managing Director?
Explanation: The text states, 'Starting as a mere clerk he had become Managing Director'.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'Glory at Twilight'?
The author of 'Glory at Twilight' is Bhabani Bhattacharya.
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Glory at Twilight'?
The main theme revolves around the sudden fall from prosperity and glory, and the protagonist's internal struggle with his changed circumstances.
What does Satyajit's train journey symbolize?
The slow, unreliable train journey symbolizes Satyajit's own stalled progress and the arduous, uncertain path he now faces after his financial collapse.
Why does Satyajit feel ashamed despite his past success?
He feels ashamed because his current failure has overshadowed his past achievements, making his former glory seem like a distant, lost dream.
What recent happy event in Satyajit's life is contrasted with his ruin?
The recent birth of his first child, his son and heir, is a happy event that stands in stark contrast to his financial and professional ruin.
What does Satyajit's rationing of cigarettes signify?
It signifies his need to adapt to a life of denial and scarcity, a stark departure from the unrestricted luxury he once enjoyed.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Woven Words — Chapter 7 — Glory at Twilight 85. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.