NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words: Chapter 1 — Woven Words
This chapter introduces Anton Chekhov's short story, 'The Lament,' from the NCERT Class 11 English book, Woven Words. The introduction defines a short story as a brief work of prose fiction with a plot, point of view, and mode (fantasy, realism, naturalism). It distinguishes between 'story of incident' and 'story of character,' highlighting Chekhov's 'The Lament' as a story focused on form and revelation of deep sorrow, where little outwardly happens. The text emphasizes the difference in magnitude between a short story and a novel, noting the economy of length imposes literary effects. The chapter begins the story with Iona Potapov, a cabdriver, waiting in a snow-covered town, his horse motionless, both appearing like a 'gingerbread horse.' The narrative sets a somber mood, reflecting Iona's long wait for a fare and his isolation in the bustling, indifferent city, preparing the reader for the emotional depth explored in the story.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Woven Words |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — Woven Words |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 466 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and characteristics of a short story.
- Differentiate between 'story of incident' and 'story of character'.
- Analyze the mood and setting established in the opening of 'The Lament'.
- Identify literary devices used to portray character and atmosphere.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| prose fiction | Written stories that are not poetry, often dealing with imaginary events and people. |
| plot | The main events of a play, novel, movie, or similar work, devised and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence. |
| comic | Amusing, especially in a way that provokes laughter. |
| tragic | Causing great suffering, distress, or sadness. |
| satiric | Using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices. |
| point of view | The perspective from which a story is told. |
| fantasy | A genre of speculative fiction set in a fictional universe, even when that universe resembles the real world. |
| realism | The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly. |
| naturalism | A literary movement seeking to depict subjects truthfully, often focusing on lower classes or the harsh realities of life. |
| protagonist | The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text. |
| magnitude | The great size or extent of something. |
| economy | The careful use of resources to avoid waste. |
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Practice questions
- What are the main components of a short story as described in the introduction? Answer: A short story has a plot, a point of view, and can be written in the mode of fantasy, realism, or naturalism.
- What is the difference between a 'story of incident' and a 'story of character'? Answer: A 'story of incident' focuses on the course and outcome of events, while a 'story of character' focuses on the protagonist's state of mind, motivation, or psychological qualities.
- How does Chekhov's 'The Lament' differ from a typical 'story of incident'? Answer: 'The Lament' focuses on form and revelation of deep sorrow, where outwardly little seems to happen, unlike a story driven by events.
- Describe the initial setting and atmosphere of 'The Lament'. Answer: It is twilight with thick, wet snow falling. The street lamps are newly lit, and the snow lies softly on everything. The atmosphere is quiet, cold, and somber.
- What is Iona Potapov's situation at the beginning of the story? Answer: Iona Potapov, a cabdriver, is sitting motionless on his box in the snow, waiting for a fare since before dinner, with his horse also still.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NCERT Class 11 English book for this chapter?
The book is 'Woven Words'.
Who is the author of 'The Lament'?
The author is Anton Chekhov.
What is a short story?
A short story is a brief work of prose fiction with a plot, point of view, and mode (fantasy, realism, or naturalism).
What is the main focus of 'The Lament' as described in the introduction?
It focuses on form and becomes a revelation of deep sorrow, rather than a story of incident.
Describe the visual appearance of Iona Potapov and his horse at the start of the story.
Both are covered in white snow, appearing motionless and phantom-like, with the horse resembling a 'gingerbread horse'.
What does the introduction say about the difference between a short story and a novel?
A short story differs from a novel in magnitude; its limited length imposes economy in management and literary effects.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Woven Words — Chapter 1 — Woven Words. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.