NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words: Chapter 22 — Woven Words
This chapter from NCERT's Woven Words for Class 11 English, titled "Pappachi's Moth," introduces the complex family dynamics following Pappachi's retirement. Mammachi finds success in commercial pickle and jam making, which Pappachi, struggling with his diminished status, resents. Despite his jealousy and abusive behavior, including beating Mammachi and destroying her violin, the situation escalates until their son Chacko intervenes. Following this, Pappachi stops physically abusing Mammachi but ceases speaking to her, using intermediaries for communication. He also attempts to tarnish her reputation by creating the impression of neglect. The chapter highlights themes of marital discord, societal expectations of women, and the psychological impact of retirement and perceived loss of status. It sets the stage for further exploration of family relationships and individual struggles within the narrative.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Woven Words |
| Chapter | Chapter 22 — Woven Words |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 594 |
Learning outcomes
- Analyze the impact of retirement on an individual's identity and behavior.
- Understand the complexities of marital relationships and domestic conflict.
- Identify themes of jealousy, resentment, and control within a family.
- Recognize societal pressures on women regarding work and domestic roles.
- Analyze character motivations and their consequences.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ignominy | public shame or disgrace |
| conical corneas | a condition affecting the shape of the cornea, potentially causing vision impairment |
| slouch around | to stand, walk, or sit in a slumped way |
| sullen | bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy |
| entomologist | a scientist who studies insects |
| taxonomic | relating to the classification of organisms |
| lepidopterists | people who study butterflies and moths |
| pernicious | having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way |
| commercial | concerned with or engaged in commerce |
| resented | felt bitterness or indignation at (a circumstance, action, or person) |
| supervise | observe and direct the execution of (a task or activity) |
| intermediaries | a person who acts as a link between people in order to try and bring about an agreement or understanding |
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Practice questions
- Why did Pappachi resent Mammachi's success with pickles and jam? Answer: Pappachi resented Mammachi's success because he was struggling with the ignominy of retirement and felt jealous of the attention his wife was receiving, considering pickle-making an unsuitable job for a high-ranking ex-government official.
- What action did Chacko take when he found Pappachi beating Mammachi? Answer: Chacko intervened by twisting Pappachi's vase-hand and telling him never to beat Mammachi again.
- How did Pappachi's behavior towards Mammachi change after Chacko's intervention? Answer: Pappachi stopped physically abusing Mammachi but never spoke to her again, using intermediaries for communication.
- What was Pappachi's motivation for sewing buttons onto his shirts when visitors were expected? Answer: He did this to create the impression that Mammachi neglected him, thereby further corroding Ayemenem's view of working wives.
- What was the significance of the skyblue Plymouth to Pappachi? Answer: The Plymouth was Pappachi's revenge and a symbol of his status, which he refused to let anyone else use.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What was Pappachi's profession before retirement?
Explanation: The text states that Pappachi had been an Imperial Entomologist at the Pusa Institute.
Q2. What did Mammachi start making commercially after Pappachi's retirement?
Explanation: Mammachi found success making banana jam and tender mango pickle commercially.
Q3. Which item did Pappachi break and throw into the river one night?
Explanation: One night, Pappachi broke the bow of Mammachi's violin and threw it in the river.
Q4. Where did Chacko study during his vacation?
Explanation: Chacko came home for a summer vacation from Oxford, where he had been rowing for Balliol.
Q5. What did Pappachi do to his favorite rocking chair after Chacko's intervention?
Explanation: Pappachi put his favorite mahogany rocking chair in the middle of the driveway and smashed it into little bits.
Q6. What was Pappachi's reason for sewing buttons onto his shirts when visitors were expected?
Explanation: He did this to create the impression that Mammachi neglected him, affecting perceptions of working wives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main conflict presented in the chapter 'Pappachi's Moth'?
The main conflict is between Pappachi, who struggles with retirement and jealousy, and Mammachi, who finds success in business, leading to domestic tension and abuse.
Who is Pappachi?
Pappachi is the husband of Mammachi and the father of Chacko. He was a retired government official and an Imperial Entomologist who struggles with his post-retirement identity and jealousy towards his wife's success.
What role does Chacko play in the chapter?
Chacko, the son, plays a crucial role by intervening and stopping Pappachi's physical abuse of Mammachi, setting a boundary for future behavior.
How does Pappachi react after Chacko's intervention?
After Chacko's intervention, Pappachi stops physically abusing Mammachi but ceases all communication with her, using intermediaries instead.
What does the chapter suggest about working wives in Ayemenem?
The chapter suggests that working wives faced societal disapproval, as Pappachi attempts to create an impression of neglect to further this negative perception.
What was Pappachi's former job?
Pappachi was an Imperial Entomologist at the Pusa Institute before retirement.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Woven Words — Chapter 22 — Woven Words. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.