NCERT Class 12 English Kaliedoscope: Chapter 4 — 1924
This chapter, 'Tomorrow,' from NCERT's Kaleidoscope textbook for Class 12 English, introduces the life and works of Joseph Conrad, a renowned author born in 1857. The narrative then delves into the character of Captain Hagberd, a reclusive figure in the small seaport of Colebrook. Described as a man of unusual habits, clad in sailcloth and possessing a striking appearance with a long white beard, Hagberd lives in one of two yellow brick cottages. He shares a fence with his tenant, Josiah Carvil, a retired boat-builder known for his domestic tyranny, and Josiah's daughter, Bessie. The chapter highlights Hagberd's peculiar interactions, particularly his mild admonishments to Bessie about drying clothes over the fence, revealing his meticulous nature and the underlying atmosphere of isolation and expectation that surrounds him. The text explores Conrad's skill in evoking mood through detail and his characteristic theme of characters suffering from a sense of isolation, providing a glimpse into the complex inner lives of his creations and the shifting nature of the human mind.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — 1924 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 660 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the biographical details and literary style of Joseph Conrad.
- Analyze the character of Captain Hagberd and his peculiar habits.
- Identify themes of isolation and atmosphere in the narrative.
- Appreciate Conrad's use of 'story within a story' technique.
- Develop comprehension skills for complex literary texts.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| seafaring | related to the work or life of sailors. |
| evoke | to bring or recall to the conscious mind. |
| inexplicable | unable to be explained or accounted for. |
| morbid | characterized by or appealing to an unusual interest in disturbing subjects, especially death and disease. |
| unreasonable | not guided by or based on good sense. |
| occupy | to live in or use a space. |
| repute | the opinion generally held of someone or something. |
| tyrant | a cruel and oppressive ruler. |
| privilege | a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. |
| admonishment | a firm warning or reprimand. |
| uncouth | lacking good manners, refinement, or grace. |
| exotic | originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country. |
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Practice questions
- When did Joseph Conrad learn English? Answer: Joseph Conrad learned English at the age of 21.
- What was Captain Hagberd's profession? Answer: Captain Hagberd's profession is not explicitly stated, but he is referred to as 'Captain' and lives in a seaport, suggesting a connection to the sea.
- Who was Josiah Carvil? Answer: Josiah Carvil was a retired boat-builder, known as 'blind Carvil,' who rented one of Captain Hagberd's cottages and was considered a domestic tyrant.
- What was Captain Hagberd's remark about Bessie Carvil drying clothes? Answer: Captain Hagberd mildly remarked, 'It rots the wood, Bessie my girl,' each time he saw her drying clothes over the fence.
- What is mentioned as Captain Hagberd's greatest skill? Answer: Captain Hagberd's greatest skill lies in his capacity to evoke an atmosphere through careful attention to detail.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Joseph Conrad was born of Polish parents in which region?
Explanation: Joseph Conrad was born of Polish parents in the Russian Ukraine.
Q2. In what year did Joseph Conrad become a British citizen?
Explanation: Joseph Conrad became a British citizen in 1886.
Q3. What is a characteristic of Captain Hagberd's appearance?
Explanation: Captain Hagberd was described as being clad in No.1 sailcloth from head to foot, with a great white beard flowing to his waist.
Q4. Who was Miss Bessie Carvil's father?
Explanation: Miss Bessie Carvil was the daughter of Josiah Carvil, the retired boat-builder.
Q5. What method does Conrad use to convey his sense of life's inexplicable character?
Explanation: Conrad uses the method of story within a story to convey his sense of the inexplicable inner character of life.
Q6. What was the reputation of Josiah Carvil?
Explanation: Josiah Carvil was known for his evil repute as a domestic tyrant.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of the chapter 'Tomorrow'?
The chapter 'Tomorrow' is an excerpt related to the works of Joseph Conrad.
What is the significance of the year 1857 mentioned in the chapter title?
The year 1857 refers to the birth year of the author Joseph Conrad.
What is Captain Hagberd's profession?
While referred to as 'Captain,' his specific profession isn't detailed, but he lives in a seaport and has a seafaring background.
What is a key characteristic of Conrad's writing style mentioned in the text?
Conrad's greatest skill lies in his capacity to evoke an atmosphere through careful attention to detail and his use of the 'story within a story' method.
What is a common theme in Joseph Conrad's characters?
All of Conrad's characters suffer from a sense of isolation.
Where does the story take place?
The story is set in the little seaport of Colebrook.
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NCERT Class 12 English — Kaliedoscope — Chapter 4 — 1924. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.