NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo: Chapter 8 — Going Places
This chapter from NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo, titled 'Going Places', introduces the theme of adolescent fantasizing and hero worship through the character of Sophie. Sophie, a young girl, dreams of owning a boutique and becoming a fashion designer or actress, contrasting with her friend Jansie's more practical outlook. Sophie's father and brother, Geoff, are also depicted. Geoff, an apprentice mechanic, represents a world Sophie longs to explore. The narrative highlights Sophie's escapism and her desire for a life beyond their current circumstances, exploring the "incongruity" between her aspirations and reality. The chapter sets the stage for exploring themes of ambition, dreams, and the realities of life for young people.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Flamingo |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — Going Places |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 589 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the theme of adolescent fantasizing and hero worship.
- Analyze the contrast between Sophie's dreams and Jansie's practicality.
- Identify and infer the meaning of new vocabulary from context.
- Appreciate the narrative's exploration of aspirations versus reality.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| incongruity | lack of harmony or appropriateness |
| arcade | a row of arches or vaults; a covered walkway |
| prodigy | a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities |
| amber glow | a warm, yellowish-orange light |
| chuffed | pleased; delighted |
| wharf | a structure built along or out into a harbor or river so that ships may be moored alongside to load or unload |
| solitary elm | a single elm tree, standing alone |
| pangs of doubt | sudden feelings of uncertainty or hesitation |
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Practice questions
- What is Sophie's ultimate dream? Answer: Sophie dreams of owning a boutique and becoming a fashion designer or actress.
- How does Jansie react to Sophie's dreams? Answer: Jansie is doubtful and considers Sophie's dreams unrealistic, pointing out the need for money and the unlikelihood of immediate success.
- What does Sophie's father do for a living? Answer: Sophie's father is a factory worker, as suggested by the mention of his "plump face still grimy and sweat — marked from the day."
- What is Geoff's profession? Answer: Geoff is an apprentice mechanic.
- What does Sophie notice about her mother's appearance? Answer: Sophie notices the "incongruity of the delicate bow which fastened her apron strings" against her mother's "crooked back."
Practice MCQs
Q1. What does Sophie want to be when she grows up?
Explanation: Sophie explicitly states her ambition to own a boutique and become a manager or actress.
Q2. Who is Jansie?
Explanation: Jansie is described as linking arms with Sophie along the street, indicating a close friendship and shared school experience.
Q3. What is Sophie's father doing when she returns home?
Explanation: The text states, "Sophie's father was scooping shepherd's pie into his mouth as hard as he could go."
Q4. What does Sophie's brother Geoff do?
Explanation: The text mentions Geoff is "three years out of school, an apprentice mechanic."
Q5. The word 'incongruity' is used to describe:
Explanation: The text specifically points out the 'incongruity of the delicate bow which fastened her apron strings. The delicate-seeming bow and the crooked back.'
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Going Places'?
The main theme is adolescent fantasizing and hero worship, exploring the gap between dreams and reality.
Who are the main characters introduced in the beginning of the chapter?
The main characters introduced are Sophie and her friend Jansie, along with brief mentions of Sophie's father, mother, and brother Geoff.
What does Sophie aspire to be?
Sophie aspires to own a boutique, become a manager, an actress, or a fashion designer.
What is Jansie's perspective on Sophie's dreams?
Jansie is more practical and doubtful, believing Sophie's dreams require money and time that are unlikely to be acquired.
What is Geoff's occupation?
Geoff is an apprentice mechanic who travels to the far side of the city for work.
What does the word 'incongruity' refer to in the chapter?
It refers to the contrast between the delicate bow on Sophie's mother's apron and her stooped, crooked back.
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NCERT Class 12 English — Flamingo — Chapter 8 — Going Places. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.