NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words: Chapter 14 — 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 clerk, his bank has collapsed, leaving him with nothing. He is on a slow train, contemplating his ruin and the loss of his former glory. The narrative highlights his internal struggle as he faces harsh realities, having to ration even his cigarettes. He reflects on his past achievements, his ambition, and the suddenness of his downfall. The chapter sets a tone of introspection and the stark contrast between past success and present failure, emphasizing the fragility of fortune and the weight of shame.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Woven Words |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — Glory at Twilight 85 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 656 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the themes of success, failure, and the capriciousness of fortune.
- Analyze the character of Satyajit and his internal conflict.
- Identify and interpret literary devices used to depict Satyajit's emotional state.
- Appreciate the narrative style and its impact on conveying the story's mood.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| brusquely | in an abrupt or ungracious manner |
| attuned | made receptive or aware |
| queer | strange; unusual |
| frenzy | a state of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior |
| wrenching | pulling or twisting suddenly and violently |
| flush of prosperity | a sudden increase in wealth or success |
| daze of bewilderment | a state of confusion and surprise |
| homage | special honor or respect shown publicly |
| tremulous | shaking or quivering slightly |
| feud | a prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute |
| languid | displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed |
| remittance | a sum of money sent, typically by mail or electronic transfer |
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Practice questions
- What is the significance of the slow, narrow-gauge Indian train in the story's opening? Answer: The train's unauthorized stops and leisurely pace mirror Satyajit's own stalled life and the unexpected halts in his fortune.
- Why does Satyajit withdraw his hand when reaching for cigarettes? Answer: He withdraws his hand brusquely because his smoking is rationed, reflecting the drastic reduction in his lifestyle and luxuries due to his financial ruin.
- What does Satyajit mean when he says, 'Life lay sharpening to realities that still had the semblance of an undreamable dream'? Answer: He means that the harsh realities of his current situation felt unreal and difficult to accept, like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from.
- How did Satyajit rise to become Managing Director? Answer: He started as a mere clerk and, through his mind, initiative, grit, and energy, managed to climb the ladder to become the Managing Director of a banking establishment.
- What personal sacrifices has Satyajit made recently? Answer: He has sold his diamond ring to send money to his wife for their child's naming ceremony, symbolizing his loss of wealth and his commitment to his family.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the name of the protagonist in "Glory at Twilight"?
Explanation: The protagonist, whose internal thoughts and situation are described, is named Satyajit.
Q2. What event led to Satyajit's current predicament?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly states that the sudden collapse of his bank caused the loss of all his private assets and his current hardship.
Q3. Where was Satyajit's wife at the time of his ruin?
Explanation: The text mentions that his wife was away from the scene, with her parents in Delhi, and unaware of the full extent of the ruin.
Q4. What did Satyajit sell to send money for the naming rites?
Explanation: He had sold off his diamond ring to send his young wife a remittance for the name-giving rites of their first-born child.
Q5. What phrase becomes Satyajit's obsession?
Explanation: The words 'What now?' had become his obsession, reflecting his uncertainty about his future after the collapse of his bank.
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 success to ruin, the contrast between past glory and present failure, and the protagonist's introspection.
What happened to Satyajit's bank?
Satyajit's bank experienced a sudden collapse, leading to the loss of all his private assets.
What does Satyajit's rationing of cigarettes symbolize?
It symbolizes the drastic change in his lifestyle and the loss of luxuries due to his financial ruin.
Why is Satyajit traveling on a slow train away from the city?
He is traveling away from the city because he has lost his bank and all his assets, and must now look for work and the means of living.
What personal sacrifice did Satyajit make for his family?
He sold his diamond ring to send money to his wife for their newborn son's naming ceremony.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Woven Words — Chapter 14 — Glory at Twilight 85. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.