CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Short Stories: The Third and Final Continent NCERT Solutions

The narrator's financial discomfort in London is evident through several details mentioned in the story. Firstly, he traveled in a third-class cabin on the ship, which is typically the most economical option. Secondly, upon arriving in London, he shared a room with three or more Bengali friends, indicating a need to split living costs. The description of their dining arrangements, with curry pots and a dining table covered with newspaper, suggests a lack of proper furniture or resources. Furthermore, his descriptions of weekend activities, such as walking barefoot and simply strolling while drinking tea, point towards frugal or limited recreational spending, all underscoring his constrained financial situation during that period.

The narrator's adjustment to life in London and later in Cambridge, USA, involved distinct strategies shaped by his circumstances.

In London: As a bachelor working in a library, the narrator focused on meeting his bare minimum expenses. He attended lectures at the LSE after work to continue his education. His living conditions were modest; he shared a room with several friends, and their meals often consisted of repetitive dishes like egg curry. He managed his limited resources by using newspapers as a tablecloth and even soaking dirty curry pots in the bathtub to save on cleaning. His weekends were spent in simple, low-cost activities like walking barefoot and drinking tea, reflecting a lifestyle of necessity rather than choice.

In Cambridge, U.S.A.: After securing a permanent university job, the narrator moved to the USA with his wife. Initially, he stayed in a YMCA apartment, which he found to be noisy and poorly ventilated. A significant adjustment was the no-cooking rule in the apartment, forcing him to subsist mainly on cornflakes and milk. Despite having a better job, he continued to live frugally, suggesting that financial comfort was still a goal rather than a reality, and he remained in student-like accommodation to manage expenses.

Mrs. Croft is portrayed as a complex character whose demeanor evolves throughout the story. Initially, she comes across as strict, authoritative, and somewhat demanding. Her immediate questions to the narrator about his academic background (Tech or Harvard) suggest a critical and perhaps judgmental nature. She emphasizes the importance of paying rent on time, showing a practical and business-like approach to her tenants. Her instructions about closing the door and her dislike for female guests, even when the narrator is married, highlight her adherence to rules and perhaps a degree of stubbornness or lack of immediate empathy.

However, as time progresses and the narrator gets to know her better, particularly as he becomes aware of her age, her character appears to become subtler. The narrator develops a sense of affection for her, indicating that her initial sternness might have masked a more complex personality or that the relationship deepened beyond the transactional landlord-tenant dynamic. Her initial strictness can be seen as a way of maintaining order and control, which later softens into a more nuanced interaction.

The relationship between Mrs. Croft and her daughter Helen appears to be more practical and results-oriented rather than being primarily driven by overt emotional expression or affection, which is typical in many mother-daughter relationships. Mrs. Croft fulfilled her responsibilities as a mother by providing for Helen and ensuring her well-being, but the narrative suggests this was done through a lens of logic and necessity.

While the provided text is incomplete regarding the full description of their relationship, the implication is that Mrs. Croft's approach was grounded in practicality. This might mean that their interactions focused on duties, expectations, and the functional aspects of their lives together, rather than deep emotional intimacy. It suggests a relationship where actions and responsibilities took precedence over sentimental displays.