NCERT Class 12 English Kaliedoscope: Chapter 8 — 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 an outsider, Hagberd lives in one of two yellow brick cottages, the other occupied by the retired boat-builder, Josiah Carvil, and his daughter Bessie. The chapter highlights Hagberd's peculiar habits, his unusual attire, and his detached interactions, particularly with Bessie. It sets a scene of quiet isolation and hints at an underlying mystery surrounding the captain's past and his presence in Colebrook, preparing students for a deeper exploration of themes like isolation and the inexplicable nature of life within Conrad's literary style.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — 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 significance of Joseph Conrad.
- Analyze the characterization of Captain Hagberd and his social isolation.
- Identify narrative techniques such as 'story within a story' used by Conrad.
- Recognize themes of isolation and the inexplicable nature of life presented in the chapter.
- Develop comprehension skills for complex literary texts.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| seafaring | relating to or involving the sea or sea travel |
| evoke | bring or recall to the conscious mind |
| inexplicable | unable to be explained or accounted for |
| morbid | characterized by or appealing to an abnormal interest in the disturbing or gruesome |
| unreasonable | not guided by or based on good sense |
| occupy | live in or be in (a place) as a tenant or owner |
| repute | the opinion generally held of someone or something; the state of being generally so regarded |
| domestic | relating to the running of a home or to family relations |
| tyrant | a cruel and oppressive ruler |
| privilege | a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group |
| forearms | the part of the human arm between the elbow and the wrist |
| exotic | originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country |
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Practice questions
- When and where was Joseph Conrad born? Answer: Joseph Conrad was born in 1857 in the Russian Ukraine.
- What was Captain Hagberd's profession? Answer: Captain Hagberd was a captain, implied by his title and seafaring background.
- Who was Josiah Carvil? Answer: Josiah Carvil was a retired boat-builder, known as 'blind Carvil', who rented a cottage from Captain Hagberd.
- What was Captain Hagberd's attitude towards Bessie Carvil drying clothes over the fence? Answer: Captain Hagberd mildly remarked that it rots the wood, calling it an unthrifty, careless habit.
- Describe Captain Hagberd's appearance. Answer: He was an upright, hale person, clad in sailcloth, appearing like a man roughened out of granite, with a red handsome face, a blue wandering eye, and a great white beard flowing to his waist.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Joseph Conrad learned English at what age?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Joseph Conrad learned English at the age of 21.
Q2. Which of these is NOT listed as one of Joseph Conrad's famous works?
Explanation: While 'Heart of Darkness' is a famous work by Conrad, it is not mentioned in the provided text excerpt.
Q3. Captain Hagberd settled in Colebrook under circumstances described as:
Explanation: The text states that Captain Hagberd came to settle there under circumstances 'extremely morbid and unreasonable'.
Q4. Josiah Carvil was a retired:
Explanation: Josiah Carvil is identified as a 'retired boat-builder' in the text.
Q5. What material did Captain Hagberd wear from head to foot?
Explanation: The text mentions Captain Hagberd's 'upright, hale person, clad in No.1 sailcloth from head to foot'.
Q6. Captain Hagberd's beard is described as:
Explanation: The description states he had 'a great white beard flowing to his waist and never trimmed'.
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 Joseph Conrad's birth year mentioned?
Joseph Conrad was born in 1857, as indicated in the text, providing context for his life and era.
What is the main focus of the narrative in this excerpt?
The excerpt focuses on introducing Joseph Conrad and then details the character of Captain Hagberd and his peculiar life in Colebrook.
What are some key characteristics of Captain Hagberd?
Captain Hagberd is portrayed as an isolated figure, dressed unusually in sailcloth, with a distinctive appearance and reserved interactions.
What literary skill of Joseph Conrad is highlighted?
His capacity to evoke atmosphere through careful attention to detail and his use of 'story within a story' are highlighted.
What is the relationship between Captain Hagberd and Josiah Carvil?
Captain Hagberd is the landlord of Josiah Carvil, who lives in one of the two cottages owned by Hagberd.
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NCERT Class 12 English — Kaliedoscope — Chapter 8 — 1924. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.