NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words: Chapter 24 — 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 through his own grit and initiative, his bank has suddenly collapsed, wiping out his assets. He is now travelling 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 his luxuries like smoking. He reflects on his past success, his humble beginnings, and the suddenness of his downfall, which has left him with the obsessive question, 'What now?' The chapter sets a tone of introspection and the stark contrast between past prosperity and present despair, emphasizing the fragility of fortune and the weight of failure.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Woven Words |
| Chapter | Chapter 24 — 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 unpredictability of fortune.
- Analyze the character of Satyajit and his internal conflict.
- Appreciate the narrative style and descriptive language used by the author.
- Identify and understand the meaning of new vocabulary in context.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| brusquely | in a short, abrupt, or gruff 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 or great increase in wealth or success |
| daze of bewilderment | a state of confusion and astonishment |
| homage | special honor or respect shown publicly |
| tremulous | shaking or quivering slightly |
| perpetual feud | a long-standing and bitter quarrel or state of hostility |
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Practice questions
- What is the main reason Satyajit is travelling on the train? Answer: Satyajit is travelling 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 frequent, unauthorized stops for passengers to buy produce or simply enjoy the scenery. Some passengers grumble, while others enjoy the break.
- What does Satyajit tell himself about his smoking? Answer: He tells himself that his smoke is rationed and he cannot afford the luxury of chain smoking, as life has become a series of denials.
- What was Satyajit's profession before his bank collapsed? Answer: Satyajit had risen from a clerk to become the Managing Director of a banking establishment.
- How has the collapse of his bank affected Satyajit's personal life? Answer: He has lost all his private assets, including equities, his house, and cars. He even sold his diamond ring to send money for his wife's child-naming ceremony.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the name of the author of "Glory at Twilight"?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly mentions Bhabani Bhattacharya as the author of "Glory at Twilight".
Q2. What is Satyajit's current obsession?
Explanation: Satyajit repeatedly asks himself 'What now?' as he grapples with the sudden collapse of his fortune and career.
Q3. How did Satyajit rise in his career?
Explanation: The text states that Satyajit started as a mere clerk and became Managing Director through his mind, initiative, grit, and energy.
Q4. What luxury does Satyajit have to ration?
Explanation: Satyajit withdraws his hand from reaching for cigarettes, telling himself his smoke is rationed.
Q5. 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 at Delhi, unaware of the full extent of the ruin.
Q6. What did Satyajit sell to send a remittance for the name-giving 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.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of the chapter "Glory at Twilight"?
The author of the chapter "Glory at Twilight" is Bhabani Bhattacharya.
What is the central theme of the chapter "Glory at Twilight"?
The central theme revolves around the sudden fall from prosperity to ruin, the introspection it causes, and the loss of past glory.
Who is the main character in the chapter?
The main character is Satyajit, a man who has recently lost his fortune due to the collapse of his bank.
What does Satyajit's obsessive question, 'What now?', signify?
It signifies his deep confusion, despair, and uncertainty about his future after losing everything.
How is the train journey described in the chapter?
The train journey is depicted as slow and unreliable, with the train making unauthorized stops, reflecting a sense of disarray or unpredictability.
What personal sacrifices has Satyajit made recently?
He has had to ration his luxuries and sold his diamond ring to fund his wife's child-naming ceremony.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Woven Words — Chapter 24 — Glory at Twilight 85. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.