Who finally helped the old woman cross the street?

A boy from a group of schoolchildren

What did the boy whisper to the old woman?

I'll help you cross if you wish to go

How does the boy feel after helping the old woman?

Proud that his own feet were firm and strong and his heart was happy

He is uncertain if he did the right thing

What did the boy say to his friends after helping the woman?

He said nothing and walked quietly

She's somebody's mother boys you know

He asked his friends to laugh at him

What prayer did the old woman say that night?

She prayed for God to be kind to the noble boy who is somebody's son

She prayed for the weather to improve

She prayed for more kind strangers

Why were the children at first described as passing by the woman like "a flock of sheep"?

The simile suggests they moved in a group without individual thought or empathy — driven by crowd behaviour

What does the phrase "amid the throng of human beings who passed her by" suggest about society?

A crowd can be deeply indifferent to the suffering of an individual even in plain sight

People are always busy with work

What made the one boy different from the rest of his group?

He paused beside her and offered to help while others rushed past

He was told by a teacher to help

He knew the old woman personally

What does the boy's reasoning — "I hope some fellow will lend a hand to help my mother" — show about him?

He has empathy and can imagine the old woman as someone's mother just as his own mother might someday need help

He is showing off to his friends

What does the boy's action teach his peers?

That old people are not important

Through his example and words he shows that compassion and empathy are the right response to someone in need

That they should hurry home from school

That helping strangers is dangerous

What is the meaning of the phrase "so meek so timid afraid to stir"?

The woman was too fearful and frail to move without help due to the dangerous street conditions

The woman was waiting for someone specific

What emotion does the poem primarily try to evoke in the reader?

Empathy for the neglected old woman and admiration for the compassionate boy

Why are the children described as "glad in the freedom of school let out"?

It contrasts their youthful energy and thoughtlessness with the old woman's stillness and vulnerability

They are celebrating a festival

What does "her aged hand on his strong young arm" symbolise?

A disagreement between generations

A touching contrast between youth and age and the bridge of compassion connecting them

The woman mistaking the boy for her son

What is the central theme of the poem?

The importance of school education

Compassion for the elderly and the social responsibility of individuals to help those in need

The dangers of busy city streets

How does the poet use contrast to build the emotional impact of the poem?

There is no contrast in the poem

The contrast between the noisy joyful schoolchildren and the silent vulnerable old woman creates the emotional tension that makes the boy's kindness stand out

The contrast is between summer and winter

The contrast is between rich and poor

What does the poem suggest about the behaviour of crowds versus individuals?

Crowds tend toward indifference while individual moral choice — as shown by the boy — can break this pattern

Individuals are always more harmful than crowds

How does the structure of the poem — moving from the old woman's plight to the children's energy and then to the one boy's action — build a narrative arc?

It creates a movement from vulnerability to indifference to empathy building toward a hopeful moral resolution

What is the significance of the title "Somebody's Mother"?

It is just a description of the woman

The title reminds both the boy and the reader that the anonymous old woman has an identity and deserves respect because she is someone's mother

It refers to the boy's own mother

How does the boy's reasoning reflect a developed moral imagination?

He can project himself into the future imagining his own mother needing help showing empathy and foresight beyond his years

He follows his friends' behaviour

He acts out of fear of punishment

What does the old woman's prayer at the end suggest about the impact of small acts of kindness?

Small acts have no lasting effect

A single small act of kindness can fill a lonely person's heart with enough gratitude to inspire a heartfelt prayer — suggesting that kindness ripples outward

The prayer shows the woman is religious

The prayer shows she wants revenge on those who ignored her

What literary technique does the poet use in "Came the boys like a flock of sheep"?

Simile — comparing the boys to a flock of sheep to suggest mindless group behaviour

Which words and phrases in the poem highlight the old woman's vulnerability and isolation?

Old and ragged and grey / aged and slow / alone uncared for / afraid to stir / meek and timid

Which qualities does the boy demonstrate through his actions and words in the poem?

Compassion and empathy / Moral courage to act differently from the group / Foresight in imagining his own mother's future vulnerability / Humility in simply helping without seeking praise

What larger social message does the poem convey about how communities should treat the elderly?

The elderly should fend for themselves

Society has a collective responsibility to care for its vulnerable members and individual acts of kindness can demonstrate what that responsibility looks like in practice

The elderly are a burden on society

Only family members should help the elderly

How does the poem use religious imagery — specifically the old woman's prayer — to reinforce its moral message?

The prayer elevates the boy's action beyond a chance event — it becomes a divine blessing showing that true compassion has a sacred quality and eternal ripple

The prayer is a criticism of religion

The prayer shows the woman is superstitious

What does the poem suggest about the relationship between youthful energy and moral responsibility?

Youth are naturally compassionate

Youthful energy when combined with moral consciousness becomes a powerful force for good — but when unguided it can lead to indifference

Youth should not be expected to help the elderly

How does the poem's narrative perspective — third person — affect how the reader receives the story?

The third-person perspective allows the reader to observe the contrast between the indifferent crowd and the compassionate boy objectively making the moral lesson feel universal rather than preachy

It hides the moral of the story

Which elements make this poem an effective piece for teaching moral values?

Clear portrayal of indifference contrasted with compassion / A relatable setting of a busy street / A child protagonist making the lesson accessible / An emotional ending with the old woman's prayer

What can be inferred about the society depicted in the poem based on the crowd's behaviour?

The society is largely indifferent to individual suffering — people are absorbed in their own lives making genuine acts of kindness rare and therefore remarkable

The society actively mistreats the elderly

NCERT Solutions Class 8 English - Poorvi Chapter 2.2 – Somebody’s Mother

Name: Somebody’s Mother – Class 8 English - Poorvi
Uploaded: 2026-09-10T03:24:19+00:00
Description: A kind-hearted boy helps an elderly woman cross a snowy street, showing compassion and respect for the aged. His thoughtful act inspires gratitude and reminds us to care for others.

Class 8 English - Poorvi

Last Updated: 10 September 2026

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Chapter Introduction

A kind-hearted boy helps an elderly woman cross a snowy street, showing compassion and respect for the aged. His thoughtful act inspires gratitude and reminds us to care for others.

हिंदी में (Hindi)

एक दयालु लड़का बर्फीली सड़क पर एक वृद्ध महिला को पार कराने में मदद करता है, उनके प्रति सम्मान और सहानुभूति दिखाता है। उसका यह कर्म हमें दूसरों की मदद करने की प्रेरणा देता है।

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Important Points

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Practice MCQ Questions (36 questions)

Q1. Who wrote the poem "Somebody's Mother"?

Q2. How is the woman described at the beginning of the poem?

Q3. What season is it in the poem?

Q4. Where is the old woman standing and waiting?

Q5. What did the crowd of people passing by do?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Tough Words (Glossary)

ragged

Meaning: Worn out and torn

अर्थ: फटा-पुराना

"The beggar wore a ragged coat."

bent

Meaning: Curved, not straight

अर्थ: मुड़ा हुआ

"The old man walked with a bent back."

chill

Meaning: Coldness

अर्थ: सर्दी

"The chill in the air made her shiver."

throng

Meaning: A large crowd

अर्थ: भीड़

"A throng of people gathered at the festival."

uncared

Meaning: Not cared for

अर्थ: अदेखा

"The plants looked uncared and dry."

anxious

Meaning: Worried and uneasy

अर्थ: चिंतित

"She was anxious about her exams."

heed

Meaning: To pay attention

अर्थ: ध्यान देना

"You must heed the teacher’s advice."

glance

Meaning: A quick look

अर्थ: झलक

"He gave a quick glance at the clock."

flock

Meaning: Group of animals or birds

अर्थ: झुंड

"A flock of birds flew across the sky."

hailing

Meaning: Calling out or greeting

अर्थ: आवाज़ देना

"They were hailing the winner loudly."

meek

Meaning: Quiet and gentle

अर्थ: विनम्र

"She gave a meek smile."

timid

Meaning: Shy and nervous

अर्थ: डरपोक

"The timid child hid behind his mother."

stir

Meaning: To move slightly

अर्थ: हिलना-डुलना

"Don’t stir the soup too much."

slippery

Meaning: Hard to walk on because it is smooth or wet

अर्थ: फिसलन भरा

"The road was slippery after rain."

carriage

Meaning: A horse-drawn vehicle

अर्थ: घोड़ा गाड़ी

"The prince arrived in a golden carriage."

merry

Meaning: Cheerful and happy

अर्थ: खुश

"The children sang in a merry tone."

troop

Meaning: A group of people or soldiers

अर्थ: दल

"A troop of scouts marched in the parade."

gayest

Meaning: Most cheerful or lively

अर्थ: सबसे प्रसन्न

"She was the gayest person at the party."

laddie

Meaning: A young boy (informal)

अर्थ: लड़का

"The laddie helped the old woman."

trembling

Meaning: Shaking due to fear or weakness

अर्थ: कंपना

"The dog was trembling in the cold."

content

Meaning: Satisfied, happy

अर्थ: संतुष्ट

"He was content with his life."

fellow

Meaning: A person or companion

अर्थ: साथी

"He is a kind fellow."

bowed

Meaning: Bent forward as a sign of respect

अर्थ: झुका

"The student bowed before the teacher."

noble

Meaning: Good, honorable

अर्थ: उत्तम/महान

"Helping the poor is a noble act."

pride

Meaning: Feeling of honor or self-respect

अर्थ: गौरव

"She felt pride in her achievements."

joy

Meaning: Great happiness

अर्थ: खुशी

"The festival was full of joy."

aged

Meaning: Very old

अर्थ: वृद्ध

"The aged woman needed help."

harm

Meaning: Injury or damage

अर्थ: हानि

"Smoking can cause harm to health."

uncared-for

Meaning: Not looked after

अर्थ: उपेक्षित

"The uncared-for garden was full of weeds."

resolute

Meaning: Determined and firm

अर्थ: दृढ़ निश्चयी

"He was resolute in his decision."

NCERT Solutions Class 8 English - Poorvi Chapter 2.2 – Somebody’s Mother

Chapter Introduction

Watch Video Lecture

Important Points

Practice MCQ Questions (36 questions)

Q1. Who wrote the poem "Somebody's Mother"?

Q2. How is the woman described at the beginning of the poem?

Q3. What season is it in the poem?

Q4. Where is the old woman standing and waiting?

Q5. What did the crowd of people passing by do?

Q6. Who finally helped the old woman cross the street?

Q7. What did the boy whisper to the old woman?

Q8. How does the boy feel after helping the old woman?

Q9. What did the boy say to his friends after helping the woman?

Q10. What prayer did the old woman say that night?

Q11. Why were the children at first described as passing by the woman like "a flock of sheep"?

Q12. What does the phrase "amid the throng of human beings who passed her by" suggest about society?

Q13. What made the one boy different from the rest of his group?

Q14. What does the boy's reasoning — "I hope some fellow will lend a hand to help my mother" — show about him?

Q15. What does the boy's action teach his peers?

Q16. What is the meaning of the phrase "so meek so timid afraid to stir"?

Q17. What does the word "throng" mean in the poem?

Q18. What emotion does the poem primarily try to evoke in the reader?

Q19. Why are the children described as "glad in the freedom of school let out"?

Q20. What does "her aged hand on his strong young arm" symbolise?

Q21. What is the central theme of the poem?

Q22. How does the poet use contrast to build the emotional impact of the poem?

Q23. What does the poem suggest about the behaviour of crowds versus individuals?

Q24. How does the structure of the poem — moving from the old woman's plight to the children's energy and then to the one boy's action — build a narrative arc?

Q25. What is the significance of the title "Somebody's Mother"?

Q26. How does the boy's reasoning reflect a developed moral imagination?

Q27. What does the old woman's prayer at the end suggest about the impact of small acts of kindness?

Q28. What literary technique does the poet use in "Came the boys like a flock of sheep"?

Q29. Which words and phrases in the poem highlight the old woman's vulnerability and isolation?

Q30. Which qualities does the boy demonstrate through his actions and words in the poem?

Q31. What larger social message does the poem convey about how communities should treat the elderly?

Q32. How does the poem use religious imagery — specifically the old woman's prayer — to reinforce its moral message?

Q33. What does the poem suggest about the relationship between youthful energy and moral responsibility?

Q34. How does the poem's narrative perspective — third person — affect how the reader receives the story?

Q35. Which elements make this poem an effective piece for teaching moral values?

Q36. What can be inferred about the society depicted in the poem based on the crowd's behaviour?