NCERT Class 12 English Kaliedoscope: Chapter 20 — 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 isolation and unspoken expectations, characteristic of Conrad's exploration of the human psyche and the inexplicable nature of life. The text explores themes of isolation, eccentricity, and the subtle dynamics between characters, offering a glimpse into Conrad's masterful storytelling.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Chapter 20 — 1924 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 660 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the biographical details of Joseph Conrad.
- Analyze the character of Captain Hagberd and his social isolation.
- Identify Conrad's narrative techniques, such as 'story within a story'.
- Explore themes of isolation, eccentricity, and unspoken expectations.
- Appreciate the descriptive language used to create atmosphere.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| seafaring | travelling by sea |
| 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 unpleasant |
| 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 |
| domestic | relating to running a home or to family relations |
| privilege | a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group |
| unthrifty | not economical; wasteful |
| exotic | originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country |
| uncouth | lacking good manners, refinement, or grace |
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Practice questions
- When did Joseph Conrad learn English? Answer: Joseph Conrad learned English at the age of 21.
- Where did Captain Hagberd settle? Answer: Captain Hagberd settled in the little seaport of Colebrook.
- Who was Josiah Carvil? Answer: Josiah Carvil was a retired boat-builder, known as 'blind Carvil', who was a domestic tyrant and rented one of Captain Hagberd's cottages.
- What was Captain Hagberd's remark about Bessie Carvil's habit? Answer: Captain Hagberd remarked mildly, 'It rots the wood, Bessie my girl,' about her habit of throwing teacloths over the fence to dry.
- Describe Captain Hagberd's appearance. Answer: Captain Hagberd was described as an upright, hale person, clad in No.1 sailcloth, appearing like a man roughened out of granite, with a heavy figure, a red handsome face, a blue wandering eye, and a great white beard flowing to his waist.
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 notable skill of Joseph Conrad mentioned in the text?
Explanation: The text states his greatest skill lies in his capacity to evoke an atmosphere through careful attention to detail.
Q4. Captain Hagberd settled in which place?
Explanation: Captain Hagberd came to settle in the little seaport of Colebrook.
Q5. Who was Captain Hagberd's tenant in the other cottage?
Explanation: Captain Hagberd let the other cottage to Josiah Carvil.
Q6. What did Bessie Carvil do that Captain Hagberd commented on?
Explanation: Bessie Carvil was allowed to throw teacloths, blue rags, or an apron over the fence to dry, which Captain Hagberd commented on.
Q7. How did Captain Hagberd pay for his tobacco?
Explanation: Captain Hagberd paid for his purchase with three half-pence extracted from the corner of a handkerchief.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of the chapter 'Tomorrow'?
The chapter 'Tomorrow' is an excerpt from the works of Joseph Conrad.
What is the significance of the year 1857 mentioned in the chapter title?
The year 1857 is the birth year of the author Joseph Conrad, as indicated in the text.
What kind of life did Joseph Conrad lead before becoming a writer?
Before becoming a writer, Joseph Conrad led a seafaring life, starting in 1874.
What is Captain Hagberd's reputation in Colebrook?
What was known of Captain Hagberd in Colebrook was not exactly in his favour; he was considered an outsider who settled there under morbid and unreasonable circumstances.
What is one of Joseph Conrad's famous works mentioned?
One of Joseph Conrad's famous works mentioned is 'The Nigger of the Narcissus' (1898).
What narrative method does Conrad use to convey his sense of life?
Conrad uses the method of 'story within a story' to convey his sense of the inexplicable inner character of life.
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NCERT Class 12 English — Kaliedoscope — Chapter 20 — 1924. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.