NCERT Class 12 English Kaliedoscope: Chapter 15 — 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 interactions with Bessie, hinting at a deeper, perhaps melancholic, inner life. Conrad's signature style of evoking atmosphere through detail and exploring themes of isolation and the human psyche is evident. This chapter serves as an introduction to Conrad's literary world and his exploration of complex characters within the CBSE English curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Chapter 15 — 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 peculiar traits.
- Identify Conrad's narrative techniques, such as 'story within a story' and atmospheric descriptions.
- Explore themes of isolation and the human psyche as presented in the chapter.
- Enhance reading comprehension and analytical skills for English literature.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| seafaring | relating to or characteristic of the sea or sailors |
| 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 about someone or something |
| 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 |
| uncouth | lacking good manners, refinement, or grace |
| 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.
- Describe Captain Hagberd's appearance. Answer: Captain Hagberd was described as a heavy, stone-like figure with a red handsome face, a blue wandering eye, and a great white beard flowing to his waist.
- What was Captain Hagberd's opinion on Bessie Carvil's habit? Answer: Captain Hagberd mildly remarked that Bessie's habit of throwing teacloths over the fence to dry 'rots the wood' and called it her only unthrifty, careless habit.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Joseph Conrad learned English at the age of:
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Joseph Conrad learnt English at the age of 21.
Q2. Captain Hagberd settled in Colebrook under circumstances described as:
Explanation: The text mentions that Captain Hagberd came to settle there under circumstances 'extremely morbid and unreasonable'.
Q3. Who was the retired boat-builder living next to Captain Hagberd?
Explanation: The text identifies the retired boat-builder as Josiah Carvil, also known as 'blind Carvil'.
Q4. Captain Hagberd's cottages were made of:
Explanation: The text states that Captain Hagberd had 'a pair of ugly yellow brick cottages run up very cheaply'.
Q5. What was Captain Hagberd's comment about Bessie Carvil's habit?
Explanation: Captain Hagberd mildly remarked, 'It rots the wood, Bessie my girl,' regarding her habit of throwing teacloths over the fence.
Q6. Conrad's greatest skill lies in his capacity to:
Explanation: The text states, 'His greatest skill lies in his capacity to evoke an atmosphere through careful attention to detail.'
Frequently asked questions
Who is Joseph Conrad and what is his significance?
Joseph Conrad was a Polish-born author who became a British citizen. He is known for his literary works like 'The Nigger of the Narcissus' and is celebrated for his skill in evoking atmosphere and exploring the human psyche.
What is the setting of the story excerpt?
The story excerpt is set in the little seaport of Colebrook.
What do we learn about Captain Hagberd's living situation?
Captain Hagberd lives in one of two yellow brick cottages he had built. He occupies one himself and rents the other to Josiah Carvil.
What is unusual about Captain Hagberd's attire?
Captain Hagberd is described as wearing 'No.1 sailcloth from head to foot', which is an unusual material for clothing.
What is the relationship between Captain Hagberd and Bessie Carvil?
Captain Hagberd is Bessie Carvil's father's landlord. They have brief, somewhat formal interactions, particularly regarding Bessie's habit of drying clothes over the fence.
What literary techniques does Joseph Conrad employ?
Joseph Conrad is known for his capacity to evoke atmosphere through careful attention to detail and often uses the 'story within a story' method to explore the complexities of life and the mind.
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NCERT Class 12 English — Kaliedoscope — Chapter 15 — 1924. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.